Gwen's Thoughts

For the past two years and two months, I have been working as a nurse's aide with a dear lady who had a severe lung condition. She needed oxygen 24 hours per day, as well as medications to keep her lungs working.

Right away, I knew I would like her. Despite being short of breath after walking short distances, with a walker; the first day I came, she showed me what needed to be done in her home. I especially liked to cook meals for her, often sharing the meal with her. She appreciated good food, and we both had similar tastes, which led to many delicious meals together.

We had many interesting, enlightening, and humorous conversations. I learned how to manage my time better working for her, and to put her wishes first, even when I didn't agree with something she wanted. No matter how much pain or discomfort she was in, she never failed to ask about my day and my family's well-being. We enjoyed simple pleasures like doing puzzles and playing Scrabble.

My dear friend passed away today, February 22, 2008. I wasn't present at the time of her death, but spoke to the caregiver that was with her then. Her last hours were peaceful and devoid of physical anguish. For that, I am thankful.

I will truly miss this wonderful patient, who was also a companion, and like a dear aunt to me.
My prayers go out to the many friends who were in her life; calling, visiting, bringing treats and flowers. I enjoyed getting to know these special people as well.

Blessings,
Gwen

I was thinking recently about how certain songs, pledges and sayings at one time were commonplace; and we could sing or say them without much thought. Some of these have now become a sort of "battle cry" for faith in God and in His Son, Jesus Christ; or for our defense of our country.

For example, the words "Merry Christmas" have certainly been under attack or replaced in recent years. It's now "Happy Holidays", "Family tree" rather than "Christmas Tree", and replacing words in the traditional Christmas hymns to be less offensive. I really do want the reminder that I was there in part, when "long lay the world, in sin and error pining"! In fact, that has been one of my favorite hymns, not only because of the beautiful melody, but because of the words that put us in our proper place, and Christ in His glory. "Fall on your knees, o hear the angel voices. O night divine..." How often do I fall on my knees in reverence? I need that image to be replenished in me time after time!

I remember going to the amusement park many years ago, and there was a laser show set to music after the rides shut down for the night. The final song was "God bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood (I think I've got the title right). Well, I remember thinking it was nice and all, but it never really moved me (and perhaps many others) as much as it did when it gained popularity just following September 11, 2001. It became a real statement and reminder of what is and should be precious to us as American citizens. I don't believe I've pondered and been so thankful to live in this free country as I have in these years following that dramatic day in our nation's history.

I am thankful for reminders of what is important, no matter how long I live, how often I've heard it before, or how experienced I become. It is the same for God's Word, the Bible. We stumble, and get comfortable in our ways, and we need the instruction and the prodding to heed God's words to us.

May God bless you this Christmas!

Gwen

I was thinking the other day of how I really like the thought of bridges. I'm not speaking of the quaint covered bridges in the country that make beautiful calendar photos, although I'm often drawn to the quiet and peacefulness that those images bring; but the way bridges bring together things that were once separate.

We can think of the popular illustration of the cross of Christ bridging the great divide which exists between God and sinful man. Another positive thought is that of a person who brings together two people or groups of people who otherwise are at odds with each other; have enmity between them. I'm thankful for those who act as the mediator, a type of bridge.

It's not a profound thought, but one that got me thinking. In many cases in life and in theory, we might have much difficulty, perhaps even wouldn't survive, without bridges.

Blessings,
Gwen

I thought I would pop in and say hello, even though there is really nothing new going on. Hope all is going well with my family and friends out there!

This new school year is going to prove to be one of thoughtfulness and planning. Daughter number two, Jennifer, will likely be attending the community college for the spring semester, which begins in January. She has honed down her interest to photography, which her older sister has been involved in for some time now as well. There seems to be a need for photographers, despite the number of people already serving their communities in that way. Word of mouth is powerful in helping to drum up business, as we have seen already. I do hope that Jennifer will have opportunity to use her Spanish speaking skills in her life, as I feel she has a natural affinity to and enjoyment of that language. Son Bryan is possibly thinking of going into the medical field. I hope to be speaking to some folks in the various medical professions to see which of the many fields he could succeed in. I myself plan to continue my education in the medical field, and my thoughts continue to be to work with infants. I have loved babies since I was a little girl, and it has really stuck with me. Ask any of my friends with babies if I have any interest at all in their littlest ones!

We have been in the process of transferring our membership to a church community that is a little closer to home. It really hasn't been a quick decision, which I am thankful for. Much thought and communication should be put into such an action. As usual, my husband is concerned, wherever we go,about any lack of desire from people to read and study Scripture; and I know that if any lack of passion exists, he is a great motivator. He is a strong believer that God's Word is not boring, and shouldn't always be approached at as work. There is a time for work in studying doctrine, but there is also great drama and lessons to be learned in the Word of God. I have seen this in my own reading. Some portions actually play out better than a modern-day soap opera! Many portions speak of problems that are universal - which is very telling. We are all in this together; we all sin, we all have weakness, and we all need Christ as our Savior. And we can be encouraged that these truths about people have been happening since the first humans lived.

I have to say that I spent a good portion of my summer doing leisurely reading. I hope to read some more educational things now that school is under way. I am reading a book right now by Beverly and David Lewis called "Sanctuary". It is full of mystery so far. I'm on the fourteenth chapter. My Sunday reading is a biography of Eric Liddell, the runner in the Olympics who refused to run on Sundays. I also have read, from time to time, a compilation of three books by Barbara Johnson. She has been through great adversity in her family life, and has encouragement about how to be honest about your sufferings, yet move on in life as a Christian.

So there is a little glimpse into my life right now. Have a great day, and I'll catch up with you again soon

I think it's so important to enjoy the little things in life! For instance, when I'm on the go from place to place some days, it is so nice to stop for a minute or two and sit on my porch swing (one of our best investments!) and just soak in the summer sun and the quiet.

I recently went to look for a new night light for my bathroom. It's nice not to have to walk into a pitch-dark room at night. After looking at many decorative designs, I settled on a pretty plain one. I didn't think much of it, but after bringing it home, and as it got dark enough (it goes off and on automatically, with an LED sensor), it looked so cool! I chose one with a blue light, and the plastic outer casing is textured like a prism, so it leaves a scattering of blue light all over the room. I love it! Such a small thing, yet I find that it is good not to forget to delight in the tiny, often overlooked things in life.

It has been the same thing with my Bible reading. I will often read something that has gone overlooked before, being just a word or phrase. Sometimes, I will stop and think about the unique way the writer stated his thoughts. Today, in Psalm 84, I read that, "Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young - a place near your altar." I love that! The birds, plentiful in God's creation, and made to live instinctively (rather than being reasoning creatures), choose a nest in the "loveliness of God's dwelling place." (Verses 1 and 3).


Finding joy in the little things,
Gwen