A day with the family

After we went to Suzanne and Tim's party at noon, we brought food home for lunch. Nick and Jaklin stopped by to join us which was fun. While Ruth took a nap, Amy and I tried to solve various ED problems. She devised a few options for a five physician shift day while I finished reading, "If Disney Ran Your Hospital: 9 1/2 Things You Would Do Differently." I went and played outside with Ruth before Ben and Naomi brought home dinner from Cafe Express. We watched some of the NCAA Baseball tournament and saw Orlando beat the Cavs to advance to the NBA finals. I reread some of the Press Ganey Solutions Starter feeling some discouragement realizing that improving our scores will be a tough task. I had seen progress this week with my new project implemented and have been excited with a vision of success from the various effects made possible by the project. Still, there is a long ways to go for this project and my possible career in administration and management so I need to stay positive and enjoy what I am doing. This is the same philosophy I need for each shift.
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Hebrews 1:9-12 "You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy." 10He also says, "In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 11They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. 12You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end."
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These verses are a reminder of God's presence at the beginning of time and the fact that he will remain forever. I have found my life to be dissatisfied when there is no purpose, no goal to strive for. I have created new and lofty goals, but I am excited to have a passion for a goal now. I am most thankful for the highest goal in my life, to glorify Him. I want to remember that every day. Whether I am succeeding at home and/or work or if I feel discouraged, I want to make Christ my most prized goal.

all day with family

After 7 days of going to the hospital, it was nice to spend the entire day with Amy and Ruth. Sally came with us to the Ob appointment. Dwight brought their armoire. Balmore brought his friend, Javier, to help move the armoire into our house. It was great to see Balmore again. I hope to keep in contact with him more. Ben and Naomi arrived before Ruth went to bed.
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Philemon 1:4 "I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers"
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kinda late entry: Thurs, May 28

I got up with ideas in my head so I worked on them in addition to my ABC course homework and project. I went to work early to help since a provider was ill. I implemented by incentive program for the staff to help the project flourish. I am getting really excited about the implementation and development of the process. I spoke to Dwight the whole drive home about what was going on in my life and my project. It was great to hear him finish by saying it was nice to hear me excited about my current plans. I came home to a big hug by Ruth. I got caught up from the last week of not reading the Bible and here I am on the blog.
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Titus 3:4 "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy."
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I have enjoyed having a new sense of direction and goals in my life. I love working hard for my project so that I affect change and gain favor. I am glad God does not require this type of work and credibility from exacting change, getting an MBA, and showing proven leadership skills through process improvement. Instead, we just have to accept his mercy and believe.

late entry: Weds, May 28: day off at work, Kennedys come over

I got up to work on my project and call in to remind everyone of the forms. It was nice to see Ruth and Amy since I had been at work so much. We had breakfast on the kitchen porch. I went to the hospital to chat with Sue about improving processes with the nurses and she showed me what was going on in their meetings. I had lunch with Steve and got to hear him talk about various experiences. We did our study of triage flow. After he left, I met with Felicia and Judy to talk about other issues. At home, the Kennedys brought over dinner. I got to chat a lot with Nick about my plans, aspirations, and goals. We discussed business and medicine.
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Titus 2:6-8 "Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."
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I want to be a leader who leads by example. I want to show integrity and be fundamentally sound in various skills and also show that I am a follower of the most fundamentally sound doctrine, His word.

late entry: Tues, May 27: meeting with lab dept

I went to work again. Today, it was to talk to the lab about helping us with processes in the ED. I am learning to be a better communicator and representative for our ED. Afterwards, I discussed various things with Arze before working my RME shift. I absolutely loved today's shift. Those formed made me slow down and really connect with patients. It felt really good. I tried to go above and beyond... and further in terms of patient satisfaction. I stopped to chat with Patsy and had a good talk/listen. She is very passionate about Baylor and our ED. She really cares about patients and their emotional well being so I gained a lot of insight into where I need to be.
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Titus 1:2 "a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time"
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I want to focus more on the hope of eternal life instead of the struggle of this temporary world.

late entry for Mon, 5-26: D-day for my project

I mailed my application for the physician MBA program at UTD and spoke to the program director by phone. He was nice, and I continue to be excited of my new goals. I drove by the Kennedys to work and noticed their street was barricaded for their yearly Memorial Day Block Party. I got to work early to see how implimentation of my new project was going. I went and spoke to all staff related to the ED to see what they would like to see improved from their point of view.
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2 Timothy 4:2 "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."
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I need to witness more, with words and actions. I could use a little patience also.

very late entry: Sun, May 25

I missed out on church since I was between shifts.
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2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
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This verse is a good reminder of the utility of His word.

very late entry: Sat, May 24

It was nice to have some time at home before going into work.
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2 Timothy 2:5 "Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules."
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A nice verse to encourage competition with morals.

late entry: Fri, May 23 (Lebron's historic shot)

I went to work and had a good shift. Not a bad way a to start a 5 day stretch. I brought home KFC/Taco Bell for Dad, D.J., Sally, Amy, and Ruth. We sat outside until the mosquitos took over. It was great to have D.J. and Dad in town. We watched game two of the Eastern Conference Finals. I scared Ruthie when I shouted after Lebron's game winning three after a timeout with 1 second left in the game. I remember watching Bird's steal and winning assist to Dennis Johnson against Detroit and Magic's winning baby hook also in the Boston Garden. I remember watching several Jordan moments. This one will go down in the memory banks. I continue to get excited about looking into physician executive MBA programs. I have found a some that seem to fit with my goals. I am starting to get books in the mail that I purchased in regards to health care administration and management. My prayer is that God gives me guidance and wisdom in decisions for my family's future. I pray that I do something great for the Kingdom and not just for myself.
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2 Timothy 1: 8 "So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God"
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I usually am proud to talk about my faith, but there are times I am weak and may feel ashamed so I definitely pray for a strength and confidence in witnessing. The suffering that goes along with being a Believer is difficult, but something I will proudly do. Doing what Jesus wants many times leads to situations that are not what I want. It may hurt. It may be less profitable or win fewer friends. I pray for boldness and the desire to follow Him despite any consequences this world may have.

late entry: Thurs, May 28

I got up early for b-ball and had a good time. We had a visit from Angela and Sam. Mom left for the lakehouse. It was great having her for the week. I went and picked up Sally at the airport.
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1 Timothy 6:6-10 "But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
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I want the contentment mentioned above. I take so much for granted and expect so much, but forget that I am owed nothing. I need be thankful for all that I have. I want to avoid the love of money. My prayer is to trust and desire God and not money.

late entry: Weds, May 27

I went to get supplies for my ABC Baylor project at Sam's in the morning with Ruth and Mom. We had lunch in the front yard. We went to the Harvey's for a small group social in the late afternoon. Mom got to meet everyone. We came home and Ben joined us for dinner.-
1 Timothy 5:24 "The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them."
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I am not sure which sins of mine are obvious versus trailing behind me. I hope to overcome various sins in my life, but I am also proud of those that had been a problem in the past.

Tues, May 19

I took Mom and Ruth to a new Thai restaurant just off of Skillman. The owner was nice and stopped to chat with us. I got to the hospital a couple of hours early to get my new project set up.
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1 Timothy 4:4 "For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer."
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I must remember that God created everything. I need to be thankful for all the good and the bad that I encounter. I definitely do not thank Him enough for what I have.

late entry: Mon, May 18

I got some sleep. Then I went with Mom and Ruth to run some errands. We brought food back to eat in the front yard which was great with the nice weather. I had a nice long nap in the afternoon. We had leftovers for dinner. I chatted with Dwight about the future and business/real estate while sitting in the front yard. The night ended with Mom being upset so I pray for better communication between me and her. We want her to feel respected and loved. I want her to love Amy.
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I don't have much to comment on 1 Timothy 3.

late entry: Sun, May 17

While Amy stayed at home, we all went to get food from Einstein Bagel to bring back for brunch. Nick and Jaklin joined us in the front yard to hang out. Mom took Dad to the airport. I found out while I was at work that Sam had a fever so Nick and Angela took him to Children's after discussing with their pediatrician. They were in the waiting room all night due to lots of traumas. When I finished my shift, I went to Children's to visit them. I also said hello to the nurses and attendings at Parkland. I left for home when the Kennedys got back into the ED. I set off the alarm at the house and woke Ruth up who kept saying, "Daddy set off alarm." It was wonderful to chat and hug Ruth while she was awake even if it was 5am.
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1 Timothy 2:8 "I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing."
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I need to pray more. I need to address the problems of everyday life with prayer and avoid anger and arguing. I definitely feel a difference when I am closer to God, but I have a long ways to go.

late entry: Sat, 5-16-09

It was a rainy day. Mom, Dad, Ruth, and I went to eat lunch at Asian Mint in Uptown. Ben came over and brought Campisi's.
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1 Timothy 1:17 "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."
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The song King Eternal is uses this verse. It reminds me of when I was at the Southcrest Univeristy Ministry in Lubbock. I am hoping to meet up with Justin who led worship there. This verse talks about our invisible God. I wish I would remember Him through my days, but because I cannot physically see Him, I tend to forget about Him. I pray for focus on Him throughout every day.

Nana goes home, visit to the doctor, Papa and Yaya arrive

We took Sally to the airport. It was been such a blessing to have her here. I am glad she will be coming back soon. We ate burgers from Chip's and went to the Ob. The ultrasound was great. The twins are growing so we are thankful God is watching over this pregnancy (and her cervix is great also).
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2 Thessalonians 3:3 "But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one."
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I cannot do anything on my own. I need His help. Fortunately, He is faithful. I am relieved to know that he is strong and will protect us all. I have concerns here and there, but I must remember that He not only is in control, but He will take care of us with His great plans.

late entry for Thu, 5-14-09: work

I went to work. I came home from work.
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2 Thessalonians 2:15 "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter."
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Standing firm is not so easy. The pressures of this world seem so important. I was to be free. I want to feel free. I want to rely only on Christ. I really want to put Him first. I will try to stand firm.

ABC Baylor day 2; leadership meeting in the living room

Another day of very useful information at the ABC course. I am very hopeful this project that I am working on will incur positive and lasting changes. Afterwards, Arze and Lisa came over to chat about various departmental issues. A few things looked to be improved. Others look to be unsolvable. It was a great feeling to close another leadership meeting in prayer, especially in my home. I will continue to pray for wisdom and his guidance in leadership for me and those around me. During dinner, Ruth was being disobedient, spitting out her food, and making a mess so I felt the need to discipline her. I am still not sure if I want to incorporate spanking, but it may become necessary. For now, telling her that she was in trouble and placing her in the pack and play worked. She did not like it. When I walked out of the bedroom, she cried, "Daddy!" It broke my heart. I was glad to tell her that I love her before and after the disciplining. It is going to be tough, but I hope to get better at my fatherly duties.
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Romans 12:6-8 "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."
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This was my daily email from thedailybibleverse.org that I read this morning. I sent it to those that I felt needed encouragement during tough times of leadership. I am glad God is here when things get difficult. He is always here, and I take him for granted when times are good. My prayer is that I lean on him always, through good times and bad.

late entry for Tue, 5-12-09: ABC Baylor Course; dinner with Ben

I went to the ABC (Accelerating Best Care) Baylor course today which was from 8am-5pm. I met leaders from various Baylor institutions including directors and associate directors for 3 other EDs in DFW. It was nice chatting about what was going on in their EDs and comparing it to mine. This course has some very useful information that I hope to integrate into my role as associate director and any future roles I may have. When I came home, Amy and Sally were getting ready for girls' night at our house. I took Ruth out to eat at Dream Cafe with Ar Ben while the small group women were at our house. Ben and I had great conversations about recent American history (Space Race, 9-11-01, Bay of Pigs) and other random topics. We drove to get bubble tea, and Ruth really enjoyed hers (without bubbles, of course).
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2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 "God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels."
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I need to recite those three words, "God is just." I need to remember this when I am mad at God or when I don't understand why life is unfair. I want to think daily of my need to glorify Him and to understand his righteousness will prevail. All the other things of this world are insignificant and cannot and should not ruin my day.

Home life

I got home around 2:50am from work, but woke up at 6am thirsty (probably from my 3am pizza). I decided to read our new Dobson book "The New Dare to Discipline" since I was up. I ended up reading half of it today, and it has some good tips. Angela brought over lunch. After naps, we hung out in the front yard. I was able to get the PlusOne seat back out and put Ruth's car seat on it. We opened up the boxes for the twin's car seats. Ben came over for some barbeque. I am now watching the Mavs avoid a sweep in a close game.
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1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 "And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
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These verses are full of great points. Instructions to witness, be compassionate, and remain patient are ones I need daily. I am finding that not paying back "wrong for wrong" is difficult but what God wants from me. The last part are passages that would be good to commit to memory.

late entry for Sun, 5-10-09; Church, Harvey's house, work

I took Ruth to church. She had not worn a hat in awhile. We got there a little late so I took her in with me so that we didn't miss Matthew's baby dedication. Ruth was quiet for most of the service as we sat in the back. She made it through the whole service. Afterwards we went to the Harvey's house for Ethan's birthday party. I took a nap at home before going to work. After work, Amy and I chatted for awhile.
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1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words."
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This is a reminder of the Second Coming and the encouragement we should give to our fellow Christians. It is also a warning to me that I should pray harder for those I care about who are not yet believers.

late entry for Sat, 5-9-09: gift shopping, Brookshires, Catings

Ruth and I went to get Mother's Day gifts at Logos and the Apple Store. She fell asleep on the way home. I stopped by the Kennedys to use their wrapping paper. The Brookshires and Catings came over to watch the Mavs lose on a last second three by Carmelo (after a foul that wasn't called when the Mavs had a foul to give).
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1 Thessalonians 3:8 "For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord."
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I want to really live. I have been reminded more often through the day to stand firm in the Lord, but I long to live this way continuously throughout each day.

late entry for Fri, 5-8-09

Nick Upatham brought lunch. We chatted for awhile about several deep topics. I went to work.
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1 Thessalonians 2:4 "On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. "
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My daily battle to try to live for Christ and not this world continues.
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1 Thessalonians 2:9 "Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you."
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This is a good reminder that God may ask me to work for him day or night.

exercise, resolution, Blaisdells

I woke up early to play b-ball. I was a little out of shape having not played in over a week or two. It was great to get back out there. I took Ruth to the park. We had a good "chat" on the walk up and back. She didn't really want to slide but enjoyed going up and down the stairs. Ruth did not want to nap but fell asleep on top of me (after I fell asleep). Amy and I read a chapter out of Piper's "Pierced by the Word." It focused on giving God all our worries. He quoted 1 Peter 2:23 "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." I will use that to as guidance on how to handle the damaged TV situation. I feel we could fight for the repair company to pay for the damage that was caused by them. I will have to put my ego aside and fight for the right reasons instead of trying to retaliate. I went to the gym while Keri, Eliot, Tina, and Jack came over. I went to return a dish across the street and ran into Nick who was bicycling home. During our chat, one of the RaiderPower message board members drove by and recognized me. He stopped to introduce himself. We had the Blaisdells over for dinner and learned a few things about twin girls.
. Tonight, I had a great talk with Amy's mom. It probably paralleled the enormity of our discussions in July of 2002 about whether I should pursue a career in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery. We discussed the twins and other things, but the main part of the talk was on my job and happiness. I made a comment that the point of a job is to make money. She disagreed. I was challenged and came to realize that as with everything, the point is to glorify God. It is not so that I can make money or be happy. It is to help people, show compassion, and be Christ to others. We get wrapped up in moving the ED, improving flow, improving billing and documentation, and wanting to be good at what we do from a worldly standard. However, we will never be happy when trying to achieve goals set forth by mere mortals. The ultimate goal is to further the Kingdom. I know I will enjoy work and life more if I do it for His purpose. I am glad I asked her to chat tonight.
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1 Peter 2:23 "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."
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"Turn the other cheek" is very popular but this one refers specifically to the cross which yields a strong message.

meetings

I was sad to leave Ruth for ED meeting which went well. I came home to see the family and the Kennedys who were visiting. I rode with them to Bible study at the Brookshires.
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Ephesians 6:19-20 "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.)
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The point of the lesson was on the armor of God, but I like these verses that are on my email signature because I want to be able to witness in a manner that is fearless. It has been a great study through Ephesians with the small group. I feel blessed to know and study with each family. I am sure our next set of lessons will also be great.

late entry for Tues, 5-5-09: the TV fiasco

So Amy and I were headed to the hospital for her Ob appointment when Sally calls to say that the TV repair people had brought back our TV with damage to the screen. They claimed it was there already. It was definitely not there before. I pray that we respond appropriately in a Christ-like matter. The Ob visit went well. I worked my second RME shift in a row. I saw Enrique at the McDonalds drive through. Amy mentioned some great thoughts. Perhaps our purpose in life is not to be happy or comfortable... maybe it is to glorify God. In our quest to glorify God, hopefully we find joy in that.
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1 Thessalonians 1:4 "For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you"
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It feels great to be chosen. It feels great to be picked for a team on the playground or for a promotion at work. Being elected by God is amazing.

late entry for Mon, 5-4-09

We said goodbye to Dwight since he had to get back to Lubbock. Ruth had a tough day with her runny nose. We played outside some but she finally took a nap after not feeling well. I went to work. On the way home, I got to chat some with the McDonalds manager who always works nights.
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Colossians 4:5 "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity."
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I am very deficient in my witnessing. I must make the most of the opportunities that God provides for me.
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Colossians 4:18 "I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
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I am reminded of a song by Shane Barnard where his sings, "Remember my chains." I have been complaining about things, but compared to Paul, I have it pretty good.

late entry for Sun, 5-3-09; church, home

I went to church with Dwight. The pastor from North Dallas Family Church was a guest speaker and gave a great sermon. We ate at Macaroni Grill and brought food home to everyone. Ruth ran around the front yard some. Ben brought Bubba's chicken over for dinner.
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Mark 6:1-6
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The sermon was about Jesus' return to his hometown and the lack of respect there. The message was about expecting great things from ordinary people.

Children's Museum, nap, Duke

I had a few hours of sleep and then it was time to get ready for the dads/daughters day out since the wives were having a sip-and-see for the new babies in the small group. Ryan and Millie came over. We all drove to the Children's Museum in Fair Park since we didn't know if it would rain on our original plans to go to the zoo. We met Michael and Eliot, Ben and Anna, and Paul and Kimberly there. It was a fun place for the kids to run around and check out the various exhibits. We ate at Chick-Fil-A afterwards. At home, we all took a nap. It was a rainy afternoon. Dwight (the Duke, himself) arrived. Ruth was very happy to see him. We watched the Celtics beat the Bulls in game 7 of a very interesting 1st round series.
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Colossians 3:12"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
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I want to discard the sinful characteristics that hold me back. I want to be full of the positive traits that this verse mentions. I definitely need patience because that is a major weakness of mine. I will trust the Lord daily and know that these attributes will follow.

late entry for Fri, 5-1-09

I slept in and got caught up on rest. I went to work and came home.
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Colossians 2:6-7 "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
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I want to continually be strengthened in the faith. I also want to be overflowing with thankfulness. I have been asking a lot from God. It seems during prayer requests, I focus on that and do not have enough praises for God. I have a lot to be thankful for. I want to remember that and not dwell on the things that I want.