A Perfect Day

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Everything started yesterday when my co-worker asked me to switch weekend days.  Instead of working today, she'll work for me and I'll work her shift next Sunday.  Hurray!!!

My first thought was that I'd use this extra time for sleep; however, when I got home, Noel reminded me that he was gonna go paintballing.  *drool*  Sleep?  What extra sleep?!?  I'm going paintballing!!!  =D  *so excited*

Arriving at SCP (Santa Clara Paintball), we were told that there was not enough advanced paintballers.  Joining the intermediate players provided me with the perfect opportunity to retrain myself.  Due to the low quantities of red blood cells, I haven't been able to play paintball all out.  Prior to today, carrying a full load of paintball gear and just _walking_ left me out of breath.  Then adding the run, dodge, slide, run-some-more portions of a paintball game... nope, couldn't do it!  I'd try to push my body, but ended up huffing and puffing in a corner gasping for oxygen.  *tsk tsk*  So embarrassing!

Today... a totally a different story!  After a long _long_ rest break... I ran into the paintball field with all the other waiting players.  Thirsting for blood, I double-check my gear.  Mask set in the correct place on my face?  Check.  Paintballs?  Check.   Barrel cover off and in my left pocket?  Check.  Hopper on?  Check.  Gun on?  It shoots!  Okay, I'm as ready as I'll ever be...

Silent count... three, two, one... GO!  Sprinting to the first dorito (a triangular shaped inflatable bunker), I dodge a flying paintball... almost hits me on my hand... slide into position... Oops... a little too much, I actually rock the dorito, giving away my position.  *shrug*  Maybe I'm being a little too excited?  Raising my new (for me) purple/black Ego 11 paintball gun, I try shooting everything I see move.  *smirk*  Why's my gun hissing and I feel air seeping through?  A little distracted, I finally notice that my surroundings are a little quieter than expected.  Ummmmm... where are my teammates?  Before I can really take a close look around, a paintball flies from my left and hits my bunker... next, a different paintball flies from my right.  Ahhhhh.... I'm getting pinned from both sides!  Tucking in tighter and tighter, I desperately look around for an escape or a way to shoot back.  Nope... I'm kinda stuck in a really small tight space.  Smaller and smaller I curl up... and then... splat... I'm out.  *wide grin*

You'd think being out was a bad thing right?  Well, getting killed is all part of the game and there are many more games to play!  Instead, today's main focus for me, personally, was my successful execution in being able to carry all my paintball gear and run!  Out of two consecutive games, I can at least last one full game participating at about 75% of my prior-to-chemo physical abilities.  Hurray!!!  *celebration*

To end this perfect day... I wanna get into the hot tub!!!

Peaking outside, I notice the trees swaying rather briskly in the wind.  We can do this!  I want that hot tub soak!  A quick rinse in the luke-warm shower, a fast trot to the hot tub... I nearly dive into the waiting warmth.  Sooooo comfy!  My cramping muscles and tender bruises melt away.  The jet streams bubbles in a caressing massage.  Even better yet, Noel shows me a stream of hot water jetting out from the base of the hot tub steps.  *deep sigh*  This is awesome!

Time ticks by.  The water's getting really hot!  Ummmm, but I don't wanna get out yet!  Ah, I know what I wanna do.  I sling my legs outside the hot tub on the ledge, fold my arms behind my neck for support and then float.  Roaring rumbles fill my ear.  Slowly, as I settle down and relax, I notice the tiny bubble skating across my skin.  Looking up, I see billowing clouds of steam obscure my vision... floating, drifting, spinning, soaring up into the unknown sky.  Suddenly, a cool breeze shoos away the steam exposing trees, heavy with blossoms, swaying and dancing to unseen forces.  Up above, I see a star or two sitting quietly in a vast dark sky.  Did that star just wink at me?  Staring harder, I start to see an extra star here, an extra star there... the more I look, the more stars I see, quietly gleaming in a cloudless night sky.  Turning to my right, I see tiny pink blossoms swirling in the calm waters between jets of bubbles.  Suddenly, the jets turn off... out half hour is done.  Quietly, gently, the splashing waters settle... bubbles looking like seed pearls coat my arm... deeper and deeper I look, finding delicate pink blossoms gliding through the depths of water now crystal clear.  A deep sigh... peace... comfort... and a cool breeze to guide me home.

Father in heaven, thank you for this perfect day.  Thank you for providing a day of paintball where the balls flew fast and hard.  Thank you for the ability to run and slide, to shoot and kill.  *wide grin*  Thank you, Lord Father for the beauty of the hot tub and my husband by my side.  I'm tired, but so happy!  The two cats are off playing by themselves, the paintball wash is complete and hanging to dry downstairs, and now it'll be time for bed.

Thank you, God of all creation, for this day of unplanned exciting fun and fulfilling rest.  In Jesus' name I give thanks for the abundant blessings of this day, amen.

For Noel's amusement... I'm including my new post hot tub hairstyle:

Why so happy?

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Leaving work today, a guy walking in the opposite direction asks: "Why are you so happy?"

Automatically, I answer saying "it's because I'm getting off work."

However... that's not quite true.  Walking away, I think over my answer... leaving work isn't really the reason is it?  I had a lot of fun at work... super busy, non-stop catering to patients... but I had some great conversations, unique challenges with wound dressing combiations, a fun time picking at scabs and calluses with a knife... Hmmmmm... so it's not really leaving work that causes me to smile.  I've been told by people that they like my smile as I enter work too.  *wide grin*

So why do I smile?  Why am I happy?

When I say "work" the first things that come to mind are difficult times, stress, things I have to do and mental grumblings... but in all honestly, I love my work!  Work is something I look forward to.  I do enjoy the occasional breaks and yes, there are times when things at my job are out of control and stressful... but all-in-all, I wouldn't exchange my job for any money in the world!  But my job as a physical therapist isn't what keeps me going.  Having great staff, clients, and a fun working environment help... however, there are times that I smile even when times are tough (or so I'd like to think).  *wink*

Why?  After digging around for the source of my joy... I realize that I'm so happy because God's blessed me so much and also given me the opportunity to bless others.  I thrive on the many blessings God's placed into my life... how can I not smile?

What about my cancer or family financial issues or my crazy unknown future?  *shrug*  Honestly, in the face of all the blessings I've experienced.... troubles and hardships don't leave the fear or scars in my heart that they used to.  Instead... I'm learning to count my blessings: in my life, at work, home, whereever I am... God is good.

Lord Father... thanks for such a fun life!  Yesterday and today, I received the opportunity to rest in the sun... cool breeze, lapping pool water, drifting flower petals... peace I haven't enjoyed in a long long time... rest.  Lord, I haven't felt this physically well in a long time.  Thank you for the opportunity to learn that my body no longer absorbs iron well through food or pills, but thank you for the chance to get iron injected into my bloodstream (looks like I'm being injected with rootbeer!).

Father God, in you I place my everything... my dreams, my wants, my heart.  In you, Lord, I know that I find my peace and my rest.  Father in heaven... thank you for the joy in my heart and the smile on my face so that I can serve others out of the excess of your blessings and not in my own limited strength.  God, let me continue to experience this life with new eyes and a heart that seeks after you first.  Help me to know you more... to love you more... to show others how awesome my Lord God really is... that you truly are King of kings and Lord of lords.  =D

In Jesus' holy name I pray, amen.

Quick update...

Monday, Aug 20, 2012

No blog post coming in the next couple days... super busy!!! 

Wow... somehow I've got the feeling that now I'm not a youth counselor anymore... life's gonna get REALLY busy.  Wonder what God's got up his sleeve?  =D

Father God... thought I would get to rest more once I finished being a youth counselor.  Ummmm, how come it seems like I've got even more stuff lined up?  *puzzled look*  I already miss spending time with my youth kids.  *sniffle*  Got the opportunity to play with some of them during our annual paintball event Saturday... but I had to work this Sunday so didn't get to hear their cool follow-up stories.  Lord, I ask that in all the craziness of this life, please give me and teach me how to just rest in you.  There's so much I want to and need to do... and I feel so tired.  Life's not over yet!  So Father God, give me strength to keep running forward with joy and hope in you.

In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Ready, Set, Fail...

Monday, August 13, 2012

*alarm music* 

Fumbling for my cellphone, aka daily alarm clock, I turn the alarm off.  I'm surprisingly awake and feel very well rested.  Hurray!!!  I glance at the time... okay, it's 7:30am.  Roll out of bed, brush my teeth, grab my food... and I should be out the door in 20 minutes (30 minutes max if I go play with the cats).  Nice!  I'll get to work early... start giving my best effort and best foot forward.  Today's the day I want to start serving above and beyond!  I'm going to use the things I learned in the leadership course and figure out how to apply it.  Inside, I'm totally excited!  *wide grin*

As I roll around in bed, mentally preparing myself for the day to come.... ummmmm, something feels off.  What is it?  Hmmmm... it's middle of the hour so I've still got time.  What's wrong?  *shrug*  I can't quite put my finger on it.  Ah well, it'll come to me.  *grimace*  I don't need to get to work until 7:30am anyways. 

Frozen for a moment, I hastily grab my cell phone to check the time... it's 7:37am.  Shoot!  I'm supposed to be _at_ work by 7:30!!!  There goes my goal to get to work on time.  *deep sigh*  Fingers trembling, I dial work.  "I'll be late today... probably get to work by 8:30am... Sorry."

At work, I arrive and swipe in at 8:15am.  *tsk tsk*  Sure I got to work "early."  Sure I'm going to be better than I usually am... *wry grin*  On the day I want to start my new personal transformation project is the day I screw up even _more_ than usual.  The impact of my tardy arrival to work led to another therapist having to start work early to cover for me.  The effects of my lateness is more pronounced than my usual getting to work 5-7 minutes late.  *grimace*

Lord God, I totally messed up today!  I forgot to change the alarm I set for the leadership conference back to my work schedule and got to work super late!  Even though I started work frazzled, thank you, Father, for refocusing me on work.  Thank you for helping me perform my patient treatments with efficiency, giving me a steady hand and guiding me through my still unfinished stack of paperwork.  *sheepish grin*  And Lord, even more than this... I thank you so much for friends at work who are willing and able to assist me when I screw up, to take my patients when I'm not there and when I run behind.  Thank you, Father God, that work is a place I thoroughly enjoy! 

Lord, I ask that in the face of failure, you provide me the strength and focus to not give up, to not let disappointment weigh me down or immobilize me.  That if I keep screwing up, Lord, help me to reorganize my life in a way that honors you as I struggle to change myself and my bad habits.  Thank you, Lord, that even as I fail over and over again, you'll walk beside me.  Someday, as I keep forging forward with you by my side, I know that I can create new good habits.

In Jesus' name I thank you and pray, amen.


Tomorrow is going to be a new day with new challenges.  =D

Leadership, changing lives

Sunday, Aug 12, 2012

This past Thursday and Friday, I participated in a Christian leadership conference call "The Global Leadership Summit."  This is a leadership conference I've now attended for maybe the 5th time, each time just as awesome a learning experience as the times before.  At this conference, world-renown political, Christian, and business speakers present leadership techniques, their personal stories of growth and failure, and key leadership characteristics/concepts.

My brain's still overloaded with information!  Here's a quick overview of some speakers (I cut out over half of what I originally typed!)  =O

Bill Hybels:
*Leader's job is to get the organization from "here" to "there," meaning make people realize how unproductive/unpopular/unacceptable reality "here" is and give them a vision of "there" to go to.  Hardest part is during the transition... everyone's loosing momentum, the goal isn't in sight... it's the leader's responsibility to re-energize his staff and keep them moving... gotta make it "there!"
*Work above and beyond my stated job description.
*Leadership is a privileged position... purpose to MOVE the organization, not just to respond to emergencies.  The power to build teams and to make dreams reality, to make changes.

Condoleezz Rice:
*Leaders don't accept the world as it is, but see the world as it should be.
*Rejoice in suffering, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, leading to hope through God's love.  (Romans 5:3-5)
*Leadership requires humility, put aside my own ego/pride.

Craig Groeschel:
*Bridge generational gap.  Older generation: be authentic, delegate authority, invest in younger generation... not done until your dead.  Younger generation: give honor, be humble, serve faithfully.  Both generations need to work together... intentionally create opportunities to learn together.

Patrick Lencioni:
*Core values in an organization must be unbreakable, even in hard times.... improved efficiency, improved profit, improved processes and customer satisfaction.

William Ury:
*Single largest obstacle in negotiations is myself.
*Focus on the interests of both parties, not the position... conflict can be constructive.

Pranitha Timothy:
*We are called to serve where God is ALREADY at work.
*God restores people.

Geoffrey Canada:
*Need to contaminate positive values into a negative community (past tipping point).
*Watered down vision by people offering money/support can destroy the business.
*Leader's moral compass must not waver.

Bill Hybels:
*Death rate = 100%, what legacy do I leave behind when I die?
*Only God can radically change people.

Lord Father God, out of this super information-packed conference... what do I take away?  What legacy do I leave behind when I die? 

Father, I believe that you've called me to lead where I am.  This doesn't mean to take over a situation or that I have the power or place to make decisions... instead, I ask that you help me lead by serving in areas that have need... to actively look for situations around me that can be improved in order to facilitate processes... and to encourage friends in order to build a stronger community/team.  Lord, I desire to lead with humility and clarity consistent with your values.  I know that there are many areas in which I lack... however, Lord God, I put myself in your care, knowing that anything is possible!  I want to, without stepping on toes, be of service to those around me.

In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Being a Cheerleader =D

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

I'm actually just done with work (still at work).  =D  Since home and chores are piling up so quickly, I thought I'd try typing this blog at a work (but after hours)... ummmm, maybe this'll help me get my thoughts and posts out quicker?  *wide grin*  Then again... maybe not.  *wink*

Good news: Noel got a job!!!!  Hurray for Hubby!  =D

This contract job Noel got requires long hours of over-time (he gets home even later than I did yesterday after I hug out with my friends from work!), very minimal pay, and isn't one that'll last for years to come (temporary).  However, both of us feel that this is the job he should accept.  Financially, not making anymore than when he was on unemployment... but, well, when God calls so clearly, we've both learned to listen.  *wide grin*  I don't know where this job of Noel's will lead, but I also know that so far, every single job Noel has had... we've both grown and learned from it.  God is good... I don't expect that Noel's current job situation will be any different than his past jobs.  *smile* 

It's hard to see Noel come home from his first full day at work... tired and drained... and then to come home to more chores lined up.  Poor Hubby!!!  During this time, all I can do is cheer for him and get off my lazy butt and help more with the household chores.  =D  I've totally been slacking!  *smirk*

Go Noel!  I know you're tired and laying a lot on yourself... but I also know that with God by your side, this job and it's long hours will never be more than you can handle.  So Hubby... go for it!  I'll support you and walk alongside you as best as I can... but more importantly, I'll always be praying for you.  What I can't do, God can!

Father God, in my husband's new job... even though it's only a temporary job involving long hours, hard work, and little pay... Lord, I ask that you give Noel a heart and attitude to do his best at work... to serve you first, to do his best.  I ask that you continue to provide for Noel so that he can see your provision for him in all aspects of his work.  Give my husband joy and peace exactly where you have placed him, in this exact time and situation.  Please give Noel hope in the knowledge that you will provide a future job that can support our household, one in which he will learn, thrive, take joy in.  For now, Father God, I ask that you give Noel the wisdom, concentration, energy and focus to work quickly, efficiently and accurately at the tasks assigned to him without resulting in any injuries or fatigue as his body is required to perform the same repetitive motions... over and over again... while sitting at a computer.

And Father... for myself... I ask that you also help me with my work. 

Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

Ephesians 6:7 (NIV)
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people