Birthbabe

tantrums

2005-10-22T21:45:00.000+10:00

Well this week has seen a marked increase in tantrums in my household. It appears we have lost ground with our 7 year old who is apt to throw a spaz at the drop of a hat. Her portfolio includes the "huff and drop" manouver which is closely related to the "spin, whine and drop" routine. The latter including a little more arm flapping and zig zagging before she hits the deck.

It is quite a routine to witness; and noone is more shocked or surprised than I, her mother. Looking on helplessly as my sweet child of grace is transformed into something ....else!

I can only hope that these transformations are short -lived and that she will learn more effective ways of expressing herself. Although thus far they have been very effective.... Hmm...

I can only hope that these episodes are short - lived and that I can find more effective ways of communicating with her that don't include the "holding of the breath and barking whilst swinging arms wildly" manouver, or the "shaking the head and eye rolling routine"

Lord Give me the strength to change the things I can and let you deal with everything else.

What Next

2005-10-17T17:44:00.000+10:00

I am soon to be retrenched without severance pay as my place of work is closing. After 25 years of maternity care for Gold Coast families, the unit is to be traded for orthopaedics and cardiac services, which are more profitable.

19 Midwives with a combined service record of over 300 years will be in the same situation, some of who are a few years off retirement. It a great travesty against new mothers and their families who will have no choice in the short term but travel to Brisbane or NSW to have their baby.

The atmosphere at work was initially one of shock and disbelief, then anger and now numbness. The Midwives are suddenly faced with how hard they have strived over the years to build something good and worthwhile.

Their strength is gone as the hopelessness of their situation becomes apparent. They express great weariness and now they have nothing left to fight with or for.

This whole process reminds me of my own personal struggle before I was saved.
How hard I worked striving to be good; to create a life of meaning. Then one day it became meaning less. I could no longer keep the pretence of “having it all together’ my stamina and strength were failing and there seemed to be no point; no hope for a future, no depth to my life or the things I was creating. I had nothing left and then Jesus found me. He gave me hope, depth substance and restored my life.

If he did it then he can do it again!

Heavenly Father as the doors close on this chapter of my life I wait in eager anticipation of your provision. I will not submit to fear, I will not submit to worry for they are tools of the enemy and he is defeated. You are my protector, my provider my rock and my salvation in you I trust in Jesus’ name AMEN.

A quiet moment

2005-10-15T01:50:00.000+10:00

Ah! A quiet moment. Sitting on my bed reading psalm 23, breathing in the nourishing promise of God.
"Can I read too asks Bethany”(7) suddenly appearing;
“You read one verse and I’ll read the next” she instructs.
So we begin but we keep losing our place.
“ I’ll go and get my bible” she chirps as she heads out the door.
She comes back with not one but two bibles and a childs daily prayer book.
We turn to psalm 23 and we take turns.
“ Yours is different to mine" she says. "Lets see what this bible says” as she cross references with bible number two.
We discuss the different versions of the same psalm and see if the gospels are different too.
At this point Ari ( 13) flops on the bed and watches us with interest, he mumbles as he gets up to leave and moments later is back with his teen magazine bible. He joins us reading verses and comparing text.
Suddenly I have “ a moment” you know that moment in time where you suddenly see yourself from the outside looking on.
It was neat; here I was doing bible study with my kids , they saught me out and joined me in my sanctuary with God. God is good!

HOW IT SHOULD BE VERSUS HOW IT IS

2005-10-12T14:43:00.000+10:00

To wake up in the early hours before the light breaks, feeling refreshed and full of joy. Another day unfolds and I hear Gods’ small still voice calling me to prayer and reflection. I reach for my bible that is still open on the bedside; my husband and I having read together and prayed before we slept. I ask God for direction and he speaks to my heart in gentle encouraging words.. “Mummy I’m hungry, can you make me breakfast?”

I open my eyes, I am still in bed and it is early. I feel tired, in spite of falling asleep with the children. I brace myself for the day, there is so much to do, I feel anxious and overwhelmed. At least the kids are back at school and I’ll make time after they’ve gone to sit and read my bible.
My son repeats his request as I pull myself out of bed. I look for my bible it is under a pile of washing that has to be put away, I’ll do it later!

As we reach the stairwell my daughter tells me she is sick and needs to stay home. My day off is being redefined, lost to piles of washing, and other chores. I have a headache and I am very tired. I ask God for direction.

“Will you drive me to school today it’s raining?” says a voice from above.

My teenage son calls from his room above the sound of the Gorillaz the fav music band.

Lord God I don’t have time for you today, please find me in the midst of all this chaos. Help me to prioritise and delegate, to be patient and organized. Help me to be still, to sit with you in the “still point” the “eye of the storm” where there is calm and peace. Find me Lord! seek me out! rescue me from self destruction and worldly concerns for I am weary; unworthy but for your grace.
In Jesus name AMEN.

CAN LIFE GET ANY BETTER?

2005-08-28T22:22:00.000+10:00

Can life get any better? I am stoked with my work; I am a midwife and it’s a cool job. One of the few areas of nursing where you get to take care of healthy people!

I work with three great Obstetricians, one especially, who strives to get it right and has so far a “zero mortality rate!” I love the buzz of being part of bringing a new life into the world and nurturing the fragile family unit.

I belong to a neat Church, of about 7 families. I feel valued and part of something really special. We have experienced real miracles of healing from cancer and other illnesses, provision of resources and people being blessed through relationships and finance. For a small Church we are giving in big ways to our community, through prayer, ministry and teaching. We have a big vision for a vibrant youth theatre, a boys group, kids dance club and a young womens’ ministry.
We already have a great band and weekly puppet theatre and a heart to share with our community and lead our young to Jesus! Keep us in your prayers.

Family life is bubbling, we have three teens, one primary and one preschooler. When you add friends into the mix it’s not uncommon to have eight or ten kids at any one time. The best thing is watching them play and create. This weekend we had the juniors x 2 painting posters while the teens x3 made a movie and the toddlers x4 played adventures in the garden. The movie was a hit with all the kids, and the teens learnt a lot about using a camera, scripting, lighting, and sound as well as team work and having fun.

Well I spent this afternoon having a well deserved nap listening to the humming of activity and squeals of joy from the kids.

My husband is relaxing for a while now (we take turns) after his excellent puppet performance in church with our revamped Pastor Jock puppet, a caricature of our real Pastor, Pastor John Brown who are both on fire for Christ!

So yes life is Good and God is Good ….ALL THE TIME AMEN !!!!!!

music for every occasion.

2005-06-13T12:00:00.000+10:00

“That’s it I’m telling Mum! Mummy Bethany hurt my feelings!”
And so my day starts, as I reach out with open arms to console my four year old who between stilted sobs explains the exact offence that bruised his feelings.

It turns out that Bethany wanted to play a music CD and Ethan wanted to listen to some “Cool” music. Bethany’s choice was
‘Shrek’.
Ethan did not consider that cool.
“So what’s cool, baby? “ I prompted.
After a moments contemplation he replied ”Elvis”.

How very contemporary.

So Shrek is playing upstairs to Bethany’s self choreographed dance routine, while Ethan mimes to Elvis in the lounge!

Fortunately Ari is away on camp otherwise Black Sabbath would be reverberating through his room, while he strums out the base rhythm on his guitar, again self taught.

I wonder where they get their performance orientation from?

I remember as strains of Sinatra waft from the kitchen. My husband Grant is crooning as he makes stir fry “come fly with me” or is that an invitation? “ come fry with me”

Thank you Father God for my talented family thank you for music that is diverse for all tastes. And thank you for my husband who by the way is an excellent cook.

In Jesus name Amen.

THINK GLOBALLY ACT LOCALLY

2005-06-07T20:40:00.000+10:00

I have been very inspired by a friend who goes ‘above and beyond’ to help those around her to feel loved. I began to evaluate my own efforts in this area of hospitality and caring.
I realized that I was thinking locally and acting globally.

In other words I was overlooking the people in my immediate sphere of influence and reaching out to strangers; always looking for opportunities to “connect” with new people and find ways to bless them.~ A recipe for feeling thinly spread and ineffective as there were rarely any relationships established. One can’t grow or maintain a relationship that hasn’t been established, or nurture several relationships at once that are built on token interest.

So watch out you may be the next person on my list to be encouraged!

Take care of each other

2005-05-29T21:16:00.000+10:00

How important it is to take care of each other, to carry each others burdens. I resolved last week to turn a new leaf to spend time every day looking for ways to encourage and bless others. It was little surprise then to turn up for church and have our Pastor preach on caring for each other.
I have been encouraged by my recent contact with my family in England. I realise I have so many people close to me ( family and friends ) that I could be encouraging and blessing. Why search for strangers when there a loved ones who need help? I have sent out letters, cards, beanies, made phone calls and e-mailed.
It feels good to focus on doing good stuff.
It is exciting to plan random acts of kindness as well as the spontaneous responses to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
When I think of my immediate aquaintences, people I know quite wwell, there is probably 2-3 hundred names. If I were to concentrate on encouraging them It would be a lifetimes work. Quite daunting, but one at a time person by person who knows what ripples of love and change and salvations could result.

Father thank you for opportunities to love others and help one another. Help me to be strong and persistant and see others through your eyes. Help me to see their burdens and with your blessing and provision reach out and bless them. In Jesus name Amen

signature of Christ

2005-05-28T19:27:00.000+10:00

It is quite an extrordinary priviledge to be present for the moment of birth and the beginnings of a brand new life and the incredible satisfaction of coaching and mentoring families in their new roles. This proccess of positively impacting others, I was told, is like being given an opportunity to write ones signature into anothers life.
As a Christian I am less concerned with "inscribing myself "into the psyche and spirit of others,and more concerned with reflecting the presence of the Holy Spirit;
the signature I want for my life and others is Christs'.

Signatures are a funny thing; Financial institutions and businesses verify who you are by your signature, this is because it is guaranteed to be consistent.
Although if yours is anything like mine it depends on my mood, if I'm stressed, in a hurry, if I've had too much coffee or not enough. In fact when Grant and I got married I hadn't signed my married name before and so I signed in my maiden name, it took a long time for me to adopt my new signature because it was habitual.

When we walk in Christ people verify who we are ( in Christ) by His signature in our lives. Is this signature consistent, or are there incongruencies in our actions, thoughts and behaviors. Are we in the habit of inscribing our pre- Christian signature ? Do we make excuses for our behaviors our addictions and our sin?

Christ came to earth to demonstrate a Godly life, one we could embrace and strive for. It focused on a healthy relationship with God and a compassionate concern for others.We can be reassured that He understands human frailty, temptation and suffering. Everything we feel, He has experienced before us. He wrote His signature on creation.
"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was tempted as we are
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in times of need" (Hebrews 4: 15-16)

Heavenly Father thank you for the gift of Jesus. I pray that His name and His alone verifies who I am to the world and in heaven. And that through faith in Him I can be assured a place in your house. That you will say well done good and faithful servant.
In Jesus name Amen.

BACK TO BASICS

2005-05-27T09:00:00.000+10:00

Get back to basics!

Easy to say but what does it mean exactly?

It means “Handing things over to God!”

Everything?

“Yes everything”
How?
Well, when faced with daily issues; you know “Real Life” it is making “Godly choices” rather than what you really want to say or do. For example

1.Not abusing the ute driver for cutting in front of me (on my little 50cc scooter) with an inch to spare! No cover on his load!
I smile sweetly through the mouthfuls of dirt that are blowing my way; “You have a nice day now.”

2.Refraining from telling the counter clerk at the RTA what my position is on her competence “AS A HUMAN BEING” after a two hour wait and discovering as I leave the building that I have been given someone elses Rego- papers!

3.Stating clearly and compassionately to the casual employee at work that fitting her workload between personal phone calls is not actually in her job description.

4.Putting away the image of tucking the children neatly into the dresser drawers at bed time- instead of the usual bath, stories, supper, prayers, goodnight blessing, cuddle, story on tape, up for another drink
and oh yes!
“mummy my toe,leg, back, nose” and various other appendages are sore and need a bandaid, ice pack, prayer, bandage and/or splint! GO TO SLEEP ALREADY!

Well none of us are perfect and fortunately we have God’s grace for when we slip up.
Handing over to God is also about letting Him guide our decisions and actions and getting His help to deal with the “curly ones” that seems beyond us.

Father God thank you that we have choices and that your Holy Spirit guides us in your ways and that you gave us your Son, Jesus so we could be forgiven when we do fall. In Jesus’ name AMEN.

sowing seeds

2005-05-24T21:16:00.000+10:00

I learned today that my Aunt died of liver metastases from an earlier episode of breast cancer. She was 53. Her funeral will be on Thursday. At Christmas an uncle died of a heart attack, whilst tending the garden.
Those family members left behind, continue to ask if there is a God. They are mourning and struggling with the meaning of their lives.

My own experience tells me that this is a powerful time, a time of seeking and asking; a time where the Holy Spirit can move in miraculous and powerful ways.

I prayed this morning for an opportunity to encourage someone today, not knowing when or where the opportunity would arise. After tea I rang my Nan in England to find out about my Aunt’s funeral. My Nan was in despair, confused and feeling alone. I was able to listen to her fears about her future. “Is there really a God? How do we know?”
She had strong faith as a girl but now she is old she is beginning to doubt and be afraid. I encouraged my Nan to look to Jesus for her strength and to sow seeds of faith into those around her who did not know Jesus. I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit as I prayed with her for a refreshing. How awesome is the God we serve!

Heavenly Father thank you that we can continue to come to you for our strength and nourishment and that you provide for us. I pray for my family’s salvation that they can rely on you and claim the promise of eternal life. Grant them peace and comfort at this time and open doors for them so that they can find you in Jesus Name
Amen.

God directed

2005-05-21T10:28:00.000+10:00

I am so grateful that God guides my path, when I think of the places I would otherwise end up and the burdens I would carry if not for His protection.

My interview went well and the outcome was that my skills and passion for people and problem solving were recognized. I did not get the job I applied for mainly because it required a significant amount of protocol writing, research and reports.

I was asked ifI might consider a promotion to patient liason in the future or supporting students if the hospital expanded into education of midwives and Doctors.

Thankyou Lord that you use all things and all circumstances for the good of those that love you. Thank you for your protection and for opening doors. I believe that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens me.
Amen.

2005-05-05T19:43:00.000+10:00

I would like to thank everyone for their encouragement today I feel so nurtured and very blessed. The interview went quite well, I was able to answer all the questions and I was in there for over an hour and half.

After the interview, I was approached by the acting manager who had also applied for the job. We both “compared notes” and agreed that the interview was a little daunting but I emphasised that I had learnt a lot by completing the application. I encouraged her by explaining that, if She was successful, I could support her better because now I had a better idea of what was required of leadership, having researched the role for the interview.

She was totally taken by surprise, I’m sure because in most instances a job promotion brings out the competitive in people or worse. So I should know by Tuesday. God bless.

Thank you Lord for your blessings and the comfort you bring In my life.
Thankyou for the opportunities to grow and to make a difference
and for all the loving people in my Christian family.
Thankyou for the rainbow everyday this week
what a beautiful reminder of your awesome presence and ability.
In Jesus name Amen

encouraging words

2005-05-03T19:05:00.000+10:00

I had a phone call for an interview on Thursday for the manager position at work. I am nervous but I know God has everything under control. I was very encouraged on Sunday to receive a letter from my thirteen year old son it reads;

To mum I know you are having trouble with people at work so here are some suggestions;
Show up early for work
don’t be negative
be helpful to customers
take care of tasks before you are asked
put in extra time if there’s a deadline
give 110%
make friends with co workers
compliment them
send them encouraging cards
help them with their load
never gossip
offer to pick up lunch if they don’t have any
show hospitality by inviting them home

Remember to pray
Don’t overwhelm yourself
Because they can’t afford to lose the best midwife they have, Love Ari

How cool is that!

OPENING DOORS

2005-05-01T16:50:00.000+10:00

Here I am reconciling myself to the fact that God’s ways are infinitely better than mine but nothing is changing. How is this situation at work going to improve?

Then I am asked by senior administrators to consider applying for the recently vacated management position at work. I am concerned about morale, and I have a few ideas about changes I’d like to see happen at work. I could do the job.

I run the idea past a friend at work and a Christian friend. They are very supportive and encouraging. Maybe I can be a vehicle for change!

Through the night I toss and turn, the chatter in my brain is incessant;
“ but who am I to think about being in charge? I have no experience and not enough qualifications. Yes I love my work, and I’m passionate about what I do, I want to see changes and help people grow - but who am I? Who will listen to me?”

I am reminded of the many people in the bible who did not think they were ready or able to take a leadership role; Moses, Jeremiah and the apostle Paul. But I’m not convinced, after all that was a long time ago. I resolved not to apply for the job.

“Don’t you dare give up” bellowed my friend as I shared my various reasons for not applying for the position. “Don’t you lose courage! You’ve got God on your side, if He is for you who can be against you?”

I continued to validate my position “but someone more qualified than me is sure to be chosen, so there is no point even trying for the position”.

My friend continued with more momentum than a steamroller “so what your saying is you only go for things in life that you know you are going to win?”

“Basically yes” I replied sheepishly…(How did she know that?)

“Well God opened this door and if it’s going to be shut don’t you think that should be His decision not yours?” she continued.

Back home in my prayer room I ask God to give me courage and a sign that I should go for the job. Sure enough, the next day another executive approached me and asked me to apply. Well somebody thinks I’m capable (it would be easier if it were me!)

So the dead line is reached. The application is in with an hour to go and I am in God’s hands.

Father God, thankyou for your wisdom and the opportunities you give me to make a difference in the world. Give me discernment and courage to follow your path. Your word promises that in all things you work for the good of those who love you and that with you, Father-God, all things are possible. In Jesus name Amen.

CARNALITY AT WORK

2005-04-28T11:11:00.000+10:00

I found that writing the blog led me to pray about my work situation and for a couple of days I felt like I had a handle on things. I was able to encourage others, focus on my patient care and felt God’s strength. That was until the negativity and back- biting began in earnest. I felt helpless, what could I do except withdraw from my peers? That led to me feeling isolated and alone. I just wanted peace and a sense of harmony at work instead I was feeling edgy, ostracized and a hypocrite for keeping quiet.

I resolved to get help, maybe some advise or techniques to cope with the disharmony I felt or some empathy at least. I spoke to a kind and attentive lady in Human Resources, but instead of feeling heard and relieved I came away feeling worse. Now I was a “hypocrite” and a “snitch”. Instead of getting answers I felt burdened.

What had happened?

Carnality is what happened! I dealt with my problems with natural thinking, not spiritual thinking! Did I resolve anything? Was there peace or grace or forgiveness involved? Was I living by the power of God’s Spirit? No!

What does the bible say?

Romans 8:12 warns us that we are not to be led by our own sinful nature and desires ( natural -thinking) and that only those who are led by the Spirit are the children of God.

If I am not led by the Spirit I cannot claim to be a child of God, a Christian or saved. God gave us His Spirit to guide us and comfort us and keep us on track to heaven. It’s like going into a hostile foreign land with an expert tour guide at ones disposal and saying “OH! I think I’ll go off on my own today and do my own thing”. When one's survival depends on staying close to the guide, one does not go off and do one's own thing, you’re likely to fall into the hands of the enemy!

Lord, thank you that I can call myself a child of God and that I can be led by the Holy Spirit in all things. Give me the discernment to know your truth and seek your answers to the issues I face in this world. I know, Lord, that my concerns are your concerns. Help me to put away the carnality of natural thinking and resolve to see this world through your eyes, with the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name; AMEN.

PMD: Present Midwife Depression.

2005-04-11T19:10:00.000+10:00

My name is Julie, I’m working as a midwife in the private sector since last May.
Even though I love my work, and am grateful to be employed after a 7-year hiatus having my own family, I am feeling isolated in my workplace and somewhat oppressed by the beaurocracy and in-house politics. How can midwives, who are the gatekeepers and witnesses to new life and the unfolding family, be so embittered.
How can I, as a new comer trying to find my way, keep my eyes fixed on the bigger picture and not be discouraged by the lack of encouragement or support.

As a Christian I am learning to ask God to help me, because he knows everything and can figure things out that seem too hard for me. I know He loves me and wants the best for me. Part of me reaching that best is being able to stay firm in my faith through life’s storms.

I am reminded of a story about a lifesaver in- training who was told that it is impossible to rescue a drowning person who is panicking and struggling. A successful rescue involves the victim surrendering to the life- guard in order for him to do his work. So here we are God and I, if only I could remember to stop struggling, trust in Him, feel His presence and allow Him to help me as only he can.

Father God thank you for never giving up on me,
For always providing me with the way out, the solution and the strength to endure.
Thank you Lord that your way is the right way, that you provide solutions in the most impossible situations, for those who love you.
Help me to stop struggling and start trusting.
Remind me of your plan for my life which is to bless and not harm me.
Help me to be a light of hope to my peers who are themselves struggling, discouraged and lost.
Thank you that You are the Father and creator of families and that your purpose is being served by my presence in this place. Increase my heart Lord, for my work mates.
May the work of my hands and the words of my mouth be for your glory.
In Jesus name. Amen.