Carols for Nurses

I received this from a nursing ezine this morning and thought I'd throw it up here. It gives a glimpse inside the minds of those altruistic caregivers who administer potent medications, start IVs and dole out empathy to those with suboptimal health--especially at Christmastime.

“The Twelfth Day of Christmas”

On the 12th day of Christmas, my Charge Nurse gave to me

Twelve brand new orders

Eleven linen changes

Ten meds at seven

Nine bags of tube feed

Eight… new… I.V.s

Seven complete bed baths

Six different pressors

Five over-due lines

Four irate families

Three wet-to-dry dressings

Two guys with c-diff,

And I didn’t get my lunch until 3!

I followed a Mini Cooper going up Academy Street.

Appearance of godliness

2 Timothy 3:1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men. (emphasis mine)

Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.

As of late, this phrase haunts me. What does that mean really? Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. There is no doubt in my mind that vv. 2-6 describe the people of this time; but to what form of godliness does the passage refer?

Chronicles of Narnia

Still haven't seen it.

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Sitting at my keyboard and taking survey of the room: artificial tree lit up in the corner and pieces of a stand waiting to be assembled next to my right foot.

Small group ramblings:
Homework review: We identified our passions. snowboarding, painting, singing, clowns, Psychology, writing, Jesus, etc.
We identified that our number one passion is Jesus. Meaning: we want Jesus to be our first, foremost and only passion. He needs to be #1 on a list of 1.

Homework: Formulate a plan for passion.

Meeting next Tuesday and, as an aside, we'll be having an annual celebration of the human mind (thanks Rosalyn and Lydia). Colors are pink and white-- please act, dress and bring snacks accordingly. (not really sure what that means but thought it sounded good)

1000 Hits

My counter now reads 1000!

Light Parade--Varsity event

This Saturday, December 3rd:

Whitakers at 6:45 PM. Walk to the Light Parade.
Back to the Whitakers after the parade for hot chocolate and cookies (Yum!)

Due to my work schedule, I'm leaning toward having no More this Friday.
Thoughts? Comments?

Youth Choir Auction

Don't forget this Friday.

Viewing at 5 (I think). Auction starts at 6 (again, I think--please fill in the details if I'm wrong)

Friday night More

Yes, there will be a More event this Friday.
Same time,
Same place.

Sorry, I'll be out of town. Shopping. Yes, shopping.

Snow simile

Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

I wonder if snow was created for no other purpose than for this imagery.

Update on newest post

Well, here's what I know. (please feel free to comment and correct)

It's my understanding that people will meet at State Road Church at 4 (might be 4:30 or 1630 for those of you militarily minded) for basketball and pizza. Then we'll assemble to take a group to see Cinderella. I don't think there is a plan to get tickets as the group, so bring a ticket if you plan on seeing the play.

I do not plan on being available to stay at the church for a More alternative, so please make arrangements accordingly (wedding rehearsal).

Thanks,
Holly

Brand New Post!

Yep. That it is.

For those of you accustomed to attending More on Friday nights; there will be a Varsity-type even on Friday--with a plan to attend the PIHS play Cinderella.

Please adjust your calendars, palm pilots, drivers, chauffeurs, etc. accordingly.

I'm not sure the details, but when I do, I'll post them!!

Homework

I was supposed to post this last Sunday, but had some dial-up troubles and then had some no-time-to-be-near-the-computer troubles.

1. I can't remember what the verse to learn is/was. Phil 1 something. When I remember I'll update. In the meantime, if someone else (not just Katrina) remembers, please comment to this post.

2. There are great cash, well, not cash, (and not that great) but prizes this week for those who memorize the aforepoorlymentioned verse.

3. There was homework. Cannot remember what that was either; but it was there.


OK, without going up and fixing my above post:
1. Learn (or relearn if you've already done it Phil 1:21. very easy)
2. STICKERS
3. Homework relates to Phil 1:27. At every occasion this week that you remember to live a life worthy of the gospel, tell us on Sunday. This is not just that you "do good deeds" but that you are consciously aware of intentionally living a life that glorifies God.

There will be a great new selection of soda to choose from this Sunday and I can hardly wait. Although there is no Orangette, there will be another ette to tempt you.

Check out the moon!

Check out the sun!

I'm singing in a wedding.....

Yep. November 12. Here are the words. Anyone know the song?
It's Kelly Clarkson; it's not easy.


"Before Your Love"

I wonder how I ever make it through a day
How did I settle for the world in shades of gray
When you go in circles all the scenery looks the same
And you don't know why
And I looked into your eyes
Where the road stretched out in front of me
And I realized

I'd never live
Before your love
I'd never felt
Before your touch
And I'd never needed anyone
To make me feel alive
But then again,
I wasn't really livin'

I'd never lived...
Before your love

I wanted more than just an ordinary life
All of my dreams, seemed like castles in the sky
I stand before you and my heart is in your hands
And I dont know how
I'd survive without your kiss
Cuz you've given me
A reason to exist

I'd never lived
Before your love
I'd never felt
Before your touch
I'd never needed anyone
To make me feel alive
But then again,
I wasn't really livin'

I'd never lived... before your love
I'd never lived... Before your love

And I don't know why
Why the sun decides to shine
But you've breathed your love into me just in time
I'd never lived
Before your love
I'd never felt
Before your touch
I'd never needed anyone
To make me feel alive
But then again
I wasn't really livin'

I'd never lived
I'd never lived
Before!...
Your!!...
Love!!!...

(Apparently it's all powerful and emotional at the end. The hollysuedobson version might not be so powerful or emotional--it'll just end.)

I am sad

I missed most of this match because of my small group. Apparently, it's just as well.

Small Group Stuff

I am just getting done another small group bible study for tonight and we had really interesting conversation. Not sure how we got so off track, but I'm pretty sure it started with the plate of potatoes analogy which I still don't fully understand.


Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

That's the homework for the week, although we didn't really get to it tonight.

homework

Tonight was the second small group bible study meeting at my place. Since there was a baby present, I'm not sure how much exactly on task we stayed, but we did manage to read from Philippians and get some homework for next week.

Phil 1:6 "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Also remember to make your love abound more and more.....to the glory and praise of God [and report back next week]

what did you do today?

I spent some quality time in the Emergency Room with my mom and her husband, Steve (also my uncle--UncleDad as we now call him). Steve had surgery for a deviated septum on Thursday and has been having near hypertensive crises since being discharged to home yesterday. His blood pressure is a little too high. So, Mom called me today and we went to the ER of the hospital where I used to work. Steve is doing well: got another script for meds that will adequately treat the post-op pain and was released to home again (with a private duty nurse). While there at the hospital, I touched base with several people from my past. I am very blessed that people think well of me; I had several job offers and well wishes of "it's nice to see you".

Why do people like me? I have no idea. I suspect it is because I am generally nice. (that and I bring candy and coffee to people whenever feasible) But, honestly, at times this is difficult for me. To this day, I still have difficulty receiving a heart-felt compliment. And although I realize it's not about me (all evidence of this blog points to the contrary), I am continually challenged that He must increase and I must decrease. (Jn 3:30)

BLAM

I've recently been the recipient of blog spam (BLAM as I'm going to call it) and would like some insight as to how to prevent this from happening in the future. I've added that word verification thing in order to verify that it's a real person posting a comment. If that is too much of an annoyance let me know and I'll try something else.

Check out the moon

it's already tomorrow

time is such a weird thing. In many ways I cannot fathom what eternity is like because I am so bound by my concept of time that eternity seems--well, like forever. It's late...it's early....I'm getting old...I have to get to work.....I'll have to check my calendar and get back to you.........it'll be ready in an hour..........it takes 45 minutes to run a stat BMP--why so long? Sometimes I think of God as the elephant in the Dr. Seuss story "Horton Hears a Who" [?spelling on Who v Hoo] looking at us as if we are a marble spinning in amongst other galaxy marbles. Or I think of lives as line segments (think back to whatever math class that is). When we are accepted into salvation we become a ray--a fixed point with a straight direction that continues without end. Those without salvation are still segments: fixed point of beginning, fixed point of ending. I guess God in this weak scenario is a plane--3 separate points continuing on to infinity incorporating all the line segments and rays. I know this is a weak analogy, but it's really the best I can do at this time of the night (morning) especially considering I'm falling asleep at this keyboard.

Phil 2, continued

Onto the next part of the chapter:


12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Missed More

I missed More on Friday. So much for near-perfect attendance.

Can anyone post a brief synopsis of what Luke talked about?
I, of course, am posting this for two purposes (well, maybe three)
1. To actually find out what Luke said [I got the gist of it from Luke already; I just want another version of the details. For example, I read on Luke's blog a reference to a bible verse--what did he talk about?]
2. To see if anyone paid attention to what Luke said [of course you paid attention, but are you retaining any of it?]
3. To see if anyone really reads this blog of mine and will respond. [I have some serious doubts]

Looking forward to Friday. I think some family members of mine and Allison Bulls (two separate groups of people referenced here, not one blending of Dobson-Bulls) will be coming.

He's Here!

Who? Wesley Thomas Dobson. Son of my brother Jay and his wife Renee. (they also have a 2 year old girl, Jessica Brooke and a baby who died last year, Thomas George)

What? 7 lbs, 4 oz; 19.25" long; lots of hair and just beautiful!

When? August 10, 2005 at 12:19 PM

Where? Eastern Maine Medical Center

Why? He was scheduled to arrive on August 24th but decided that he should break his water today and be born ahead of schedule. He is estimated to be 37 weeks gestation.

How? Ummmm.

stuff and double stuff

I think I have too much stuff. And I don't possess typical stuff that "people my age" have (house, mortgage, 2.5 kids, dog, doctor bills, summer camp--you get the picture). But, alas, I still have too much stuff. Smiley face stickers, Pampered Chef ware, 3-ring binders, clothes, shoes, Americana dust collectors, magazines, Disney movies, blahblahblahblah. Yet, despite my collection, I am pleased to report that have a light grip on my stuff. (It's all gonna burn Matt)

Despite the future landfill additions, however, one of the aforementioned things I own that I am most grateful for is a (mostly) functioning car that I take pleasure in sharing (when I'm not using it, of course) when the occasion arises. I even recently did some light detailing to the insides and it's never smelled better (well, I think it did when it was new, if you like that new car scent) in the hopes that it will be more comfortable while being driven on the open road. I'm not quite ready to sell all of my possessions and distribute to all who have need like the Acts church. But I think I could if I felt that was God's leading for my life.

But until then, does anyone have need for a Bob&Larry pencil box or a Laura the Carrot eraser?

memory verse

Philippians 2: 1-11


1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

I used to have this passage memorized and I'm gonna work on it this week. (and the next, I suspect) If you read this post, I'm gonna challenge you to quiz me when you next see me.

Reconcile

pronunciation: rek'-un-sihl'

v.tr.
1. To reestablish a close relationship between.
2. To settle or resolve.
3. To bring (oneself) to accept: He finally reconciled himself to the change in management.
4. To make compatible or consistent:reconcile my way of thinking with yours. See Synonyms at adapt.
v.intr.
1. To reestablish a close relationship, as in marriage: The estranged couple reconciled after a year.
2. To become compatible or consistent: The figures would not reconcile.

Dobson Family Praise

My brother has been divorced for two years and has been dealing with a pretty difficult custody battle with his ex-wife over their 4 children (Nick 11, Taylor10, Chandler 9, Casey 7). It has been more intense lately as Shelby (my sister-in-law) had petitioned the court for permission to move to another state since she to remarry. Several court dates and guardian ad litem meetings later, my brother received a letter the other day that the original recommendation was reversed and the ad litem recommends that the kids stay here, with their dad, if Shelby plans to move.

Shawshank Redemption

"Get busy living, or get busy dying."

---Andy Dufresne (played by Tim Robbins, Shawshank Redemption)

Troy & Paula at Tim Horton's

This is my brother Troy and his wife, Paula. They are making cheesy-grin faces at my cellphone camera, not knowing that they would appear on my blog (although they do know what a blog is...) His shirt says HD; it stands for Harley Davidson (not Holly Dobson as I'm sure some of you were wondering) because he is a wannabehogowner.

Senior Camp (half of my cabin)

Presque Isle weather

Academy Street 4:45pm

Light 'N Fluffy

I was humbled the other day (it might have been yesterday, it might have been last week; I can't keep track of time....) by Katrina and the circle of people around me at that time. I think it was Lydia and ChelsieSp (her real name). I commented on Katrina's blog in person and she told me that she thought it strange that the one posting of hers that received the most comments was one where she discussed Disney movies.
This raises and interesting question. Why do we feel comfortable talking about trivial things (with no eternal value) yet find it difficult to discuss things of more eternal worth? I would much rather discuss with someone the benefits of the color orange than I would share my deepest struggles and concerns--how God is changing me, and, conversely, how I am working through several Jacob/Israel events in my life.
Thank you Katrina for being a 1 Timothy 4:12 example to me.

Thursday, July 7th

Nomacca speaker Mark

Mark and Deb Carter.

Nomacca

Junior Camp Worship Service

My nephew Zach

Seth & Matt P

Nomacca Retreat men (Seth & Matt P) also Sarah Gonzo and Robert's half-body

Staff Training Girls

ChelsieSp, Kayla & Hayley

This pic was taken from my cellphone during the Camp Nomacca staff training weekend. Of course they were riveted to Pastor Luke's instructions.

Pizza Hut girls

Cheryl (L) and Pam (R)

These are two young women that I met last night after attending an Exalt worship service at the PI Wesleyan Church. Although they knew I was taking their picture (with my phone), they had no idea that it would displayed here. Sorry Pam and Cheryl. (It is Cheryl, isn't it?)

War of the Worlds

You might think that this is a pic from the movie; but if you look really close you still won't see Tom Cruise (or aliens, either).

This is a photo from a real funnel cloud taken in Alberta, Canada earlier this month. It almost looks CGI, don't you think?

The real movie was good; I saw it tonight with a group of people, including my sister Lisa. You'll want to read pastor Luke's blog--I'm sure he'll be posting a review.

Posting #1--the still unfinished, but updated version

This is my first (aptly named, I believe) posting to a blog.

This started out as my first posting to a blog. I will continue to update and strikethrough the outdated information as it is updated. (That sounds a bit redundant, doesn't it?)

What follows is a series of questions that have been pulled from the Camp Nomacca staff application and appear on this webpage for two reasons:

1. A homework assignment given last two weeks ago Friday at More--to begin a blog and post my testimony (which, you'll discover, is conveniently mostly missing from this posting due to the interest of time and sleep...it'll come later)
2. A completed Camp Nomacca application. I don't believe I have one on file since the 20th century.

So, here goes........(please note that this is not completed, and if you think I'm being sarcastic with some of my answers, I probably am)

1. Are you a Christian, and if so, briefly explain how you became one.
   Yes, I am. It's difficult to be brief--but I'll try. I remember growing up in a family that always attended church. My Dad used to go to Bible studies and would usually take one of us kids with him so he wouldn't have to go alone (I'm from a multiple-child Catholic family). I have vague memories of reading the Bible at home, but always wearing dresses and going to church (we called it Mass) every Sunday; going in late and sitting near the front row. My Mom sent us to Bible Camp (Camp Nomacca) every summer as soon as we got old enough. I realize now that sending us kids to camp was to get us out of the house for a week so she'd get some peace and quiet with less kids afoot. It was during one of these weeks of camp that I remember being introduced to someone named Jesus--a name I'd heard all growing up because on His birthday, I got presents. But that Jesus wanted to be my best friend. I remember one particular night they invited the campers to come forward and to "ask Jesus into our hearts". I really didn't know what that meant, but people around me were going up and I thought I'd do the same. I do not consider that this event had any meaning on my life as I do not remember being changed or even having any sort of conviction that I should do something except what other kids were doing. Fast-forward a few years to a pre-teen, teenager and I was following an older sister to be involved in a local church youth group and the Northern Lights Youth Choir. Here, I was introduced to teenagers who were living normal teenager lives while also following the truths of the Bible. I was also taking "classes" once a week to become a member of the church in which I was raised. These "classes" taught us the history of the Catholic church and all of the things that we believe about the church and the things we believe as members of this church. After one such class, a friend of mine turned to the group in teh room and asked the question, "do you believe any of this stuff?" It was this question, combined with real-bodied examples, that were pivotal in setting me to live a life as a follower of Christ. I cannot point to a specific moment, or day in which I remember making a decision that, yes, I am a sinner and desperately need to be made right. But I know it happened. I do not remember even a moment when I decided that whatever life I lead, I will do it in a way that [hopefully] pleases God; but I know that those moments occurred. I remember speaking to the Youth Pastor (Jim Gilroy<--greatest man on earth) who commented that I had changed--I used to be very cynical (not just the sassy sarcastic brat that I still am) but had changed to be more positive and, daresay, happy.
2. What are your reasons for wanting to work at camp?
   Money. Mosquitoes. Men. Memories.
   
3. Please describe your current involvement in the local church.
   Pretty involved. Refer to #4 for some of the details.
4. What ministries are you currently invested in and how?
   I sing on the worship team. The commitment level is typically practice once a week for two hours and arriving to church an hour before, plus assist in leading worship from the front of the sanctuary on vocals. I also assist with the youth ministry (for lack of better term). The time commitment is once a week meeting with the other members of the team (i.e. youth pastor and his wife) and attending/supporting weekly service and monthly "outreach-type" events. Northern Lights Youth Choir advisor--currently in hiatus for the season. Various positions for Camp Nomacca-- counselor, cookwannabe, nurse.
   Time commitments do not really accurately qualify my investment level. I consider myself almost defined by these activities and can easily find my identity spent here.
5. What are your strengths/skills/talents/abilities/spiritual gifts (i.e. what do you do well that you love doing for the Lord?)?
   This, believe it or not, is a difficult question for me--requiring more pondering. I believe I have the gift of entertainment. I'm not especially talented singing, or tell great stories but I have some surprisingly ridiculous elements about me that keep people occupied for some time. More so if it's raining outside.
6. What are your weaknesses?
   Well, they are many. The older I get, the more I fight becoming withdrawn and selfish. According to Meyers-Briggs, I am part introvert and part extrovert. Many would attest that I am very extroverted, outgoing and find more and more energy in front of a crowd. More and more I find myself becoming withdrawn and not wishing to engage. Not for solely personality-type reasons, but for self-preservation reasons. It's my life--MY LIFE. It's nobody else's business...... (holly talking; not GOD). Other weaknesses include being too impulsive at times. I am often too sarcastic--looking for the razor sharp comeback, that is often not gentle or kind.
7. Do you currently use tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs, or are you currently having premarital sex?(Please indicate which)
   No (to all). Once, in the 5th or 6th grade I walked home from school and found a cigar box with at least one salvageable cigar in it. I was given permission from my mom to smoke it, and did just that. There will never be a need to try it again! Alcohol is always a controversial subject. I am of the legal age to consume alcohol. I cannot say that I have never consumed alcohol and I will never in the future; and to say that I do not drink alcohol would be an untrue statement. But to say that I drink alcohol would misconstrue the meaning of this question. When I was in college, I was invited to someone's house who makes their own wine. They are very proud of this achievement and consider it a pasttime which is enjoyable and fulfilling. I, of course, sampled some when I was at their house. This past Christmas, I attending a dinner at King's Landing with members of my family and had some hot apple cider with some rum in it. I am certain I have sampled champagne and have perhaps had part of a daiquiri. As a general rule, I don't like the taste--or smell. So, although it is true that I don't not drink alcohol, I also cannot say that it is true that I don't drink alcohol. I do not plan on having sex until I get married.
8. You will be in a position of influence over young people. Do you feel that you are currently living a life above reproach – one that younger people could imitate to be more like Christ? (see 1 Corinthians 11:1) This is a scary and sobering question. I recognize that my position (and age) lend itself to this happening, whether I like it or not. I remember before my first local niece (Elizabeth) was born that it would be important for me to continue living above reproach for--if nothing else--her sake. I recognize (although I don't always like it) that "no man is an island" and that we are all branches from the same Vine.
9. Please write a short summary of your spiritual growth (what God has done in you) over the last twelve months. The past twelve months have found me really questioning my purpose--why am I here, really GOD? Why would you do this to me? Why am I like this? Is this all that there is for me? And then feeling the rebukes of "I have learned what it means to be content in every circumstance". There is more to follow.......

My grammy

Mom in the front seat

My car

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