Good morning everyone! I visited my favorite endocrinologist yesterday, Dr. Jonathan Leffert. Got a good report! Considering the issues I’m working against, He was super pleased with my overall blood glucose average and A1C test results. My thyroid numbers were perfect and the liver enzymes ALT and AST had both dropped a few points (which is very good news). Dr. Leffert is recognized as one of the top ten endocrinologists in the Dallas area and is very busy. I like him very much. Yesterday, when I got to his office there were several people in the waiting room. I didn’t think much about it because there are four doctors who use that same waiting area. Anyway, I’ve learned when I go see Dr. Leffert to not be in a hurry. He’s almost always running behind schedule, but I don’t complain. He doesn’t get in a hurry with his patients. He takes time to talk to you and let you ask questions. Yesterday, He only stayed in the room with me for maybe 15-20 minutes which is about normal now. But when I first started seeing him, sometimes he would talk with me for 45 minutes to an hour. He stayed with me until he had a good understanding of what I was experiencing, how the meds were working, and always made sure I understood what changes I needed to make and what to expect. This is what makes him a great doctor. In all the times I’ve seen him, he’s never made me feel like he was rushing through me to get to the next person; even though I knew the time he was taking with me was probably causing someone else to wait. When I arrived yesterday, there was an elderly lady standing at the check-in desk so I took a seat to wait for her to finish. Before she finished, a middle aged couple, obviously husband and wife, came in. The gentleman took a seat. The woman came over to the check-in window. Instead of taking her place behind the woman standing at the window, she rudely elbowed her away from the window and emphatically announced her presence to the girl behind the desk. I had an incredible urge to jump up and shout, “Wait, I was next!” But I was victorious in overcoming the temptation and just watched and listened in silence. The girl at the desk seemed to ignore her completely and I was thinking, “Way to go, sweetie – kudos to you!” The first lady finally finished and took a seat. This is when it got really interesting! The desk clerk pulled up the patient information on the computer about the woman’s husband. Turns out, his appointment was actually the day before! You should have heard this woman’s drama. It wasn’t HER fault. The office FAILED to call her and remind her. It was THEIR fault. Seriously? I was amazed. I just sat there with this “you’ve got to be kidding me” look on my face, wondering how this lady could justify blaming someone else for what was obviously HER mistake! The desk-clerk handled the situation so professionally. She told the woman, even though Dr. Leffert was running about an hour behind schedule, if she would take a seat and wait, he would work her husband in after he finished his other morning appointments (which would be me) otherwise she would have to schedule another appointment. Finally she sits down and I get to check-in and begin the anticipated hour or so wait time. You can’t begin to imagine the griping, complaining, and belly-aching this woman did for the next hour! If she was going to have to wait, she would just find another doctor! And, it would certainly be one who would be more responsible and give her a reminder call. She didn’t have time for this. She looked over at me and said, “I guess you’re waiting to see Dr. Leffert, too?” I nodded in agreement. Didn’t dare say anything or I would have said too much. Another woman was called back to the exam room. After the door closed, this couple ridiculed her for her inability to walk well, the fact she used an oxygen machine, and was overweight. I’m not even going to put in print what I was thinking or wanting to say to these people. I had to repent just for thinking it! In reality my heart hurt for this couple. There was no outward evidence of love, joy, or peace. I don’t know if this woman knows Jesus or not. Can’t be the judge, and I wasn’t prompted by the Holy Spirit to ask. But one thing is sure, He was obviously giving her a situational test to grow into His likeness. She had a choice. She could exhibit Christ-like patience or she could let the enemy rule and give her a sour spirit and a grumbling attitude that would do nothing but ruin her day. Sadly, she chose the latter which the enemy also tried to use as a blemish on the day for the rest of us. You see, this was a wonderful opportunity for her to develop and display the fruit of the Spirit of patience; one of the attributes of Christ-like behavior and a sign of spiritual maturity. But, I’m thinking she will get another chance to take this test again. There’s no doubt she blew this one! Just saying. But, you know what? We get to take these kinds of tests over and over until we get it right. All the while, Jesus is always patient with us. Remember, He works with you at the pace YOU choose. And regardless of whether you pass the tests or not, “Jesus Loves YOU!”
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February 01, 2015
Hi Facebook friends and family! This afternoon was a special kind of day for me. No, it wasn’t because it was Super Bowl Sunday. Not coming against all you football fans, but football games are just not my thing. I spent the afternoon at The Magnolia. In case you don’t know, The Magnolia is an assisted-living facility which specializes in the care of dementia and Alzheimer patients. It’s where my friend Marejohn and her husband, John live. I’ve been going in and out of there on a regular basis for about a year and a half. It only takes a few visits to get to know most of the staff and the residents. I worked almost all day Friday putting together a playlist of music I hoped the residents would be able to relate to. I cut and pasted, and reworked recordings until I had put together a continual medley that would take 27 minutes to sing. I picked songs like “Standing on the Promises”, “When We All Get to Heaven”, “How Great Thou Art”, and “Because He Lives”. Even though many of them can’t remember whether or not they eat breakfast or where they are, it was my prayer the words and music of these songs would somehow be familiar to them. Over the course of the past few months, I’ve watched many of them sitting in silence; some obviously unable to communicate, while others are reluctantly accepting the solitude forced upon them by this horrible disease. I’ve read quite a bit about how dementia and Alzheimer patients often respond very positively to music. On the way, I wondered if these precious one’s I’ve become acquainted with would show any sign of interest or response today. Would the music of the old hymns stir something within their hearts and minds? Let me tell you what God did today! There is one little lady who I’ve never seen smile. Not even once in all the visits I’ve made. She stays completely to herself and is sometimes a little negative toward anyone who wanders into her space. Today, I saw her smile. She sat on the couch and sang almost every word. She clapped her little hands and then she stood up and I gave her a hug. She took hold of my hand and as the music played, hand in hand she waved my arm in time with the music; all the while with this huge grin on her face. As we sang I could by the expressions on their faces, God was touching their memories and their hearts. After we sang I read a short scripture and shared about five minutes about how much Jesus loves them and how He is always with them. Finishing up, I went around the room thanking each of them, telling them Jesus loves them, and giving out hugs. One little lady said, “Honey, this just made my day! I was really down but now my heart is happy!” Each one who had participated shared an appreciation that I knew was coming from their heart. I began to put away my things. The Charge Nurse came in and ask me to continue the singing. She said, “I saw how they responded to you and this is what they need!” So, I set it up and we sang through the 27 minute playlist again! By then, we were all tired and ready to take a break. I made another round of hugs. Packed up to leave. And, called it a day! God had proven Himself faithful one more time. Where there had been only seclusion and isolation, His love had flowed like a river; filling empty, despairing hearts with hope and faithful peace. It doesn’t matter that by tomorrow they may have completely forgotten about singing today. What does matter is that for 54+ minutes today there was a special group of people who experienced God’s love directed personally toward them in a very distinctive individual way. I believe He wants each of us to encounter such a personal intimacy with Him. As you go through your day, remember “Jesus Loves YOU!” |
Thanks for checking out my website and coming to my blog page. I pray you will be blessed and encouraged by the things I share. Have a great day! Deb Archives
March 2020
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