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Sunday, December 26, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas 2010
This Christmas is different is several ways from others. The first is that I will turn the official old age of 65 soon and my view of life is certainly changing in respect to that fact. It is exciting and different and a tremendous challenge. I have lived my entire life with hopes and dreams and not I need to consider what I chose a little differently.
I am not suggesting in any way that age requires giving up living, it does require more thought, because time is running out in regards to what I can do physically and soon what I will be able to afford. I can't chose to climb Mount Everest but I would have never done that anyway, but skiing the Alps is out, but going on a tour is not. The list that some call a bucket list has existed in my world for many years and when something changes I take things off but always replace with something new or a different variation. I cannot safely go skydiving but I could do a line thing., so we shall see.
The Christmas program last night was such a wonder, the little children so full of wonder and hope, our heritage and the next generations. It is so rewarding to watch them and realize that even at my age I have wonder in my beliefs any hope for the future for all. The children are free to really believe and just be.
There is such a radiance in their faces that we seem to lose as adults. We need to believe in magic of good and reliability of the human race. We are good people and I believe we all do want good things for each other. This is based on my belief in God and the understanding that he did create all of us, I do believe in the magic of the season, we chose to believe and have faith and the reward is hope.
I am spending the Christmas alone, this was a choice and I am glad that Stan is with his family. I have had a wonderful weekend.. I have watched a bunch of sappy Christmas movies full of hope, love and peace, gone to church twice and just chilled. The dogs and I are quite content and yes, I would have preferred to not be alone there is a peace here that I have not experience in a long time. I have been able to pray, meditate, and just read whatever.
Being alone is fun for me at times and I also understand that this does not work for everyone. I am good with this and I was disappointed when I missed a few calls today because I was napping. That was good too.
2010 will end still in turmoil with the job but in peace of mind for me knowing that I have worked hard this year and truly tired to live my faith.
God gives us the ability to chose and I have chosen to believe and be happy with the Blessings that I have.
I am not suggesting in any way that age requires giving up living, it does require more thought, because time is running out in regards to what I can do physically and soon what I will be able to afford. I can't chose to climb Mount Everest but I would have never done that anyway, but skiing the Alps is out, but going on a tour is not. The list that some call a bucket list has existed in my world for many years and when something changes I take things off but always replace with something new or a different variation. I cannot safely go skydiving but I could do a line thing., so we shall see.
The Christmas program last night was such a wonder, the little children so full of wonder and hope, our heritage and the next generations. It is so rewarding to watch them and realize that even at my age I have wonder in my beliefs any hope for the future for all. The children are free to really believe and just be.
There is such a radiance in their faces that we seem to lose as adults. We need to believe in magic of good and reliability of the human race. We are good people and I believe we all do want good things for each other. This is based on my belief in God and the understanding that he did create all of us, I do believe in the magic of the season, we chose to believe and have faith and the reward is hope.
I am spending the Christmas alone, this was a choice and I am glad that Stan is with his family. I have had a wonderful weekend.. I have watched a bunch of sappy Christmas movies full of hope, love and peace, gone to church twice and just chilled. The dogs and I are quite content and yes, I would have preferred to not be alone there is a peace here that I have not experience in a long time. I have been able to pray, meditate, and just read whatever.
Being alone is fun for me at times and I also understand that this does not work for everyone. I am good with this and I was disappointed when I missed a few calls today because I was napping. That was good too.
2010 will end still in turmoil with the job but in peace of mind for me knowing that I have worked hard this year and truly tired to live my faith.
God gives us the ability to chose and I have chosen to believe and be happy with the Blessings that I have.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
A few days away mmmm
i have been telling people for years to take care of themselves, however I am not good about doing it myself. Work has been at best difficult for the past few months but it is making progress, but not without taking a toll on me. Tension, feeling out of sorts etc., are all signs you need a rest. The signs are neon and about three or four stories tall, so I am taking off for a few days.
I am on a plane to Philly. Never been there, am going to sightsee, etc. Or maybe just sleep. THe trip started off along the vein of the past few months. The person on the first leg of the flight was a big and I DO mean big, seat hog. He sat will into my space with his back to me, allowing me minimal room. He did not speak English, so I assume my request for him to lean over were not understood. Deplaning was a continuation of this, I was wapped in the head by an oversize bag that had been crammed into the overhead and got stuck coming out, thence loss of control and wap. Next comes the getting your gate checked bag, the first people off the plane just stop to wait, much like the elevator raptors that are standing in front of the door to get on, without realizing that there needs to be a path for exit. It is an interesting phenomenon.
Now we come to the wait for the second leg of the trip, it was somewhat uneventful, with the exception of having my foot mangled by a large woman in 5 inch heels. Cool shoes, painful getting up close and personal to actually see them.
The seating companion on the second leg is farther away, I managed an exit row (no extra charge) and there are 3 seats and tow of us. He is not particularly agreeable but he is not breathing on me either. and there is free wifi on this flight. This is good
The noise level on both planes rivals a Stones concert from the 60's, except the noises are annoying. The woman behing is rattling paper to the extent that it tempting not to turn around and offer a shredder. The kid in front is loud and enjoys banging on the seat, or maybe I do need a rest
I arrived at my hotel and there was a problem--overbooked. I am in a different town now--but my rental Pyrius, is awesome and the location is near a lot of interesting stuff, including a huge outlet mall. Life is getting better all the time.
Now that I have my feet up no phone turned on and am just watching football life if looking pretty good. I have a good book to read, am going to the bar and get drink to bring back up here.
I may do a good job of resting. In fact there is already a great deal of humor in my trip today,
ah ah mmmmmm
I am on a plane to Philly. Never been there, am going to sightsee, etc. Or maybe just sleep. THe trip started off along the vein of the past few months. The person on the first leg of the flight was a big and I DO mean big, seat hog. He sat will into my space with his back to me, allowing me minimal room. He did not speak English, so I assume my request for him to lean over were not understood. Deplaning was a continuation of this, I was wapped in the head by an oversize bag that had been crammed into the overhead and got stuck coming out, thence loss of control and wap. Next comes the getting your gate checked bag, the first people off the plane just stop to wait, much like the elevator raptors that are standing in front of the door to get on, without realizing that there needs to be a path for exit. It is an interesting phenomenon.
Now we come to the wait for the second leg of the trip, it was somewhat uneventful, with the exception of having my foot mangled by a large woman in 5 inch heels. Cool shoes, painful getting up close and personal to actually see them.
The seating companion on the second leg is farther away, I managed an exit row (no extra charge) and there are 3 seats and tow of us. He is not particularly agreeable but he is not breathing on me either. and there is free wifi on this flight. This is good
The noise level on both planes rivals a Stones concert from the 60's, except the noises are annoying. The woman behing is rattling paper to the extent that it tempting not to turn around and offer a shredder. The kid in front is loud and enjoys banging on the seat, or maybe I do need a rest
I arrived at my hotel and there was a problem--overbooked. I am in a different town now--but my rental Pyrius, is awesome and the location is near a lot of interesting stuff, including a huge outlet mall. Life is getting better all the time.
Now that I have my feet up no phone turned on and am just watching football life if looking pretty good. I have a good book to read, am going to the bar and get drink to bring back up here.
I may do a good job of resting. In fact there is already a great deal of humor in my trip today,
ah ah mmmmmm
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Connection? OR RN Director and Clergy Person or Law Enforcement Person
This comparison is very simple, and quite unsophisticated it simple represents my own thoughts and please understand the similarities that I see are my own perceptions. They could be inaccurate , however they eem real to me.
In our daily lives we sometimes feel that we are running a solo race and few if any others can understand the demands of our chosen professions. I surmised that perhaps we need to look, and here is what I found.
How are these vastly different professions even remotely alike? Not an easy comparision to most people. I had this thought while kyaking with my friend Ben. Ben is an Episicopal priest and I work as the director of a Surgical Services department. additionally my friend Bill is in law enforcement as is my old friend Skip. Some of the comparisons are somewhat simple, we work to fix things with people, try to save lives in some instances, and are dedicated to serving those that need us. These can be lofty goals and there are many roadblocks to acheiving our purpose.
I have conclude that while we are appreciated perhaps the clergy are more frequently exposed to praise. Great sermon is uttered with sincerity while thtnks for arresting me probably is not,.and I seem to be enforcing rules very often.
In the OR work place fixing people is relatively straight forward, we cut, take out, replace, patch and then sew it up. We have a high success rate with our work, or we would no longer be doing it. It is a highly competitive business and certainly patients can always be repaired at many other facilities. We have to treat our patients with care, compassion and be attentive to their additonal need as well as fixing thier repair problem. Our work in the OR is definitely appreciated but the surgeon is the one priased and we nurturee our selves just knowing that we are doing the right thing and doing it
In the church world the clergy face similiar challenges with their parishioners. They must be attentive to what needs to be fixed,provide attentive compassionate listening and provide assistance to repair what is not right. This is a major difference because it is not cut and dried. The intangible things that we as people need fixed by pur clergy are not black and white like the surgical interventions, provided in my line of work.
In law enforcement lives are proected, people are educated on safety and the hundreds of other tasks that fall to our portectors. We only see a smallportion of what any of these professions do on a daily basis.
we fix the tangible bodily problems, protect people for each other and unwise decisions, while the third deals with the soul and all contribute to the quality of life here on earth.
The objectives are never exactly clear but the purpose is to provide comfort and offer tools to improve the gifts of life possessed by the people we serve.
I would never want to truly be a clergy person because I would dislike having so many people trying to "help" and or tell me how to do my job. Parishioners all have a vested interest in thier clergy person, clearly they employ him or her. Therefore they should be allowed to offer suggestions on how to perform the duties related to the church they support. Right? They offer suggestions on sermon topics, how to organized the business side to running a church, and the list is endless. Serving the needs of those in need and those who offer help is a full time and difficult task. The job is rewarding, but not without some stress and what I could be deemed strangulations. I wish I could help save souls, but that is truly a job for a clergy professional.
Perhaps if I cam back as a much younger person I woudl choose the law, in fact when I was a teenager I dreamed of being a lawyer. Girls were seldom police officers when I was growing up. Today the possibilities are endless.
Oops, now this becomes more clear. My job as the director in a hospital has some distinct similiarities. The staff, patients, physicians and other departments within the hospital system are all able to offer suggestions on how to perform the duties releated to the operation of the surgical suite. This profession also has many people interested in the outcomes and concerned that it is done correctly. My job as I view it, is to listen carefully, use the good suggestions, consider the others and thoughtfully disect them before I either use or disgard them.
these professions serve many, both customers and bosses. Our professions are truly a calling, or the individuals involved would not be effective. this is of course my personal opinion but while serving many masters here in our earthly jobs we still are held to the higher power that has placed us where we are on this earth.
These particular thought were prompted by first a feeling that no one could understand my job, (poor me) and secondly a reality check that there are many others in this world that have the same stresses and challenges on a daily basis. There is strength in knowing that and peace in the thoughts that I have support not only in my own professional world but with others in very different appreaing professions. It is up to me to make the connections and draw on the strengths and support I can use and provide to others.
I certainly welcome comments and suggestions
In our daily lives we sometimes feel that we are running a solo race and few if any others can understand the demands of our chosen professions. I surmised that perhaps we need to look, and here is what I found.
How are these vastly different professions even remotely alike? Not an easy comparision to most people. I had this thought while kyaking with my friend Ben. Ben is an Episicopal priest and I work as the director of a Surgical Services department. additionally my friend Bill is in law enforcement as is my old friend Skip. Some of the comparisons are somewhat simple, we work to fix things with people, try to save lives in some instances, and are dedicated to serving those that need us. These can be lofty goals and there are many roadblocks to acheiving our purpose.
I have conclude that while we are appreciated perhaps the clergy are more frequently exposed to praise. Great sermon is uttered with sincerity while thtnks for arresting me probably is not,.and I seem to be enforcing rules very often.
In the OR work place fixing people is relatively straight forward, we cut, take out, replace, patch and then sew it up. We have a high success rate with our work, or we would no longer be doing it. It is a highly competitive business and certainly patients can always be repaired at many other facilities. We have to treat our patients with care, compassion and be attentive to their additonal need as well as fixing thier repair problem. Our work in the OR is definitely appreciated but the surgeon is the one priased and we nurturee our selves just knowing that we are doing the right thing and doing it
In the church world the clergy face similiar challenges with their parishioners. They must be attentive to what needs to be fixed,provide attentive compassionate listening and provide assistance to repair what is not right. This is a major difference because it is not cut and dried. The intangible things that we as people need fixed by pur clergy are not black and white like the surgical interventions, provided in my line of work.
In law enforcement lives are proected, people are educated on safety and the hundreds of other tasks that fall to our portectors. We only see a smallportion of what any of these professions do on a daily basis.
we fix the tangible bodily problems, protect people for each other and unwise decisions, while the third deals with the soul and all contribute to the quality of life here on earth.
The objectives are never exactly clear but the purpose is to provide comfort and offer tools to improve the gifts of life possessed by the people we serve.
I would never want to truly be a clergy person because I would dislike having so many people trying to "help" and or tell me how to do my job. Parishioners all have a vested interest in thier clergy person, clearly they employ him or her. Therefore they should be allowed to offer suggestions on how to perform the duties related to the church they support. Right? They offer suggestions on sermon topics, how to organized the business side to running a church, and the list is endless. Serving the needs of those in need and those who offer help is a full time and difficult task. The job is rewarding, but not without some stress and what I could be deemed strangulations. I wish I could help save souls, but that is truly a job for a clergy professional.
Perhaps if I cam back as a much younger person I woudl choose the law, in fact when I was a teenager I dreamed of being a lawyer. Girls were seldom police officers when I was growing up. Today the possibilities are endless.
Oops, now this becomes more clear. My job as the director in a hospital has some distinct similiarities. The staff, patients, physicians and other departments within the hospital system are all able to offer suggestions on how to perform the duties releated to the operation of the surgical suite. This profession also has many people interested in the outcomes and concerned that it is done correctly. My job as I view it, is to listen carefully, use the good suggestions, consider the others and thoughtfully disect them before I either use or disgard them.
these professions serve many, both customers and bosses. Our professions are truly a calling, or the individuals involved would not be effective. this is of course my personal opinion but while serving many masters here in our earthly jobs we still are held to the higher power that has placed us where we are on this earth.
These particular thought were prompted by first a feeling that no one could understand my job, (poor me) and secondly a reality check that there are many others in this world that have the same stresses and challenges on a daily basis. There is strength in knowing that and peace in the thoughts that I have support not only in my own professional world but with others in very different appreaing professions. It is up to me to make the connections and draw on the strengths and support I can use and provide to others.
I certainly welcome comments and suggestions
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Reality TV or Ozzie and Harriet Illusionary TV
Getting older brings many things beyond aches and pains. It gives us years of memories, learning and growing and all the things that contribute to those activities. Love, joy, anger, pain, health disease and so forth are all included.
What were we taught about our world when I was younger.?
I grew up in a small town and although My family always expected me to go on to college, I was the first in my entire family to complete college and even then did not finish until after I had children. It was an expectation that I would go to school and do something, yet the time and place where I grew up did little if anything to prepare me for real life. In my Home Economics class, we learned to to the basic cooking, sewing etc. And also were encouraged to maintain our appearance at all times. Looking our best for our "husbands" was part of our life expectations learned in that class. This assumed that we would marry, and be wives first in deference to our husbands. I can remember watching Leave it to Beaver, Ozzie and Harriet, and other programs, where the wife was always dressed up and waiting for her husband to come home, at which time she greeted him and then waited on him. The family always ate dinner together, generally harmoniously. The went to church on Sundays, I never saw the siblings do more than tease each other mildly.
What great training for married life! I loved my husband deeply, and when we decided we wanted to have children to share our love even more it was something we truly did want. We had Gregg and Jason and then a reality show would have been good. Real kids fight, scream and then there was what today is called Post Partum Depression. Thenyis was it is OK honey, you will be fine, just keep busy. Well life did not work that way. The training acquired from our world did not teach us to communicate nor did it prepare us to deal with real life issues. We did not know that marriage was hard work. No one told us about that. I was told to just keep my husband happy, but when you are crying all day that is hard. Life fell apart and we hurt each other, hurt our children. I know I can't change what happened then, I will have guilt lingering in the wings forever over it, but I feel I need to move on and improve how we teach our young.
It isn't anyone persons fault and it happened years ago, so why talk about it today? Well it is because we still aren't teaching our children and young people as well as we should. This is evidenced by the increasing number of senseless crimes committed due to bullying, hate and rage. We still are not teaching the young how to solve real life problems. We still avoid the issues, and many parents are trying so hard to just survive they do not even have the strength to really teach their children. We need to help each other. At least in todays reality TV people fight, discuss and attack problems in an effort to solve them. Their motivations are not love and harmony but they do work at resolution.
Reality TV is an exaggeration of contrived lives and illusionary TV was just as contrived.
God teaches us to listen, hear and see our world. We need to teach each other how to do this to have transparent communications, real conversations about difficult topics and offer ways to discuss these topics. Resolution can be found.
I remarried, and nearly failed again because I did not still know how to have those crucial conversations, turn to God and the professionals he has given us and above all realize that life does not just happen, we make choices each and every day that shapes it.
now my question how do we make a difference in the lives of your Grandchildren, our neighbors the young people we work with? I know that one way is to live accountable lives, talk honestly and truly speak, hear, and act with love. We need to be present in our interactions with others and ask God to help and help and help. I believe we can make a difference one person at a time and I pray I will find a way to make this a bigger thing. I am open to suggestions
Like other posts this will have additions as the thoughts come. for now Please God, teach me to be present and have the conversations when I need to and hear and act in a way that will do your will.
Getting older brings many things beyond aches and pains. It gives us years of memories, learning and growing and all the things that contribute to those activities. Love, joy, anger, pain, health disease and so forth are all included.
What were we taught about our world when I was younger.?
I grew up in a small town and although My family always expected me to go on to college, I was the first in my entire family to complete college and even then did not finish until after I had children. It was an expectation that I would go to school and do something, yet the time and place where I grew up did little if anything to prepare me for real life. In my Home Economics class, we learned to to the basic cooking, sewing etc. And also were encouraged to maintain our appearance at all times. Looking our best for our "husbands" was part of our life expectations learned in that class. This assumed that we would marry, and be wives first in deference to our husbands. I can remember watching Leave it to Beaver, Ozzie and Harriet, and other programs, where the wife was always dressed up and waiting for her husband to come home, at which time she greeted him and then waited on him. The family always ate dinner together, generally harmoniously. The went to church on Sundays, I never saw the siblings do more than tease each other mildly.
What great training for married life! I loved my husband deeply, and when we decided we wanted to have children to share our love even more it was something we truly did want. We had Gregg and Jason and then a reality show would have been good. Real kids fight, scream and then there was what today is called Post Partum Depression. Thenyis was it is OK honey, you will be fine, just keep busy. Well life did not work that way. The training acquired from our world did not teach us to communicate nor did it prepare us to deal with real life issues. We did not know that marriage was hard work. No one told us about that. I was told to just keep my husband happy, but when you are crying all day that is hard. Life fell apart and we hurt each other, hurt our children. I know I can't change what happened then, I will have guilt lingering in the wings forever over it, but I feel I need to move on and improve how we teach our young.
It isn't anyone persons fault and it happened years ago, so why talk about it today? Well it is because we still aren't teaching our children and young people as well as we should. This is evidenced by the increasing number of senseless crimes committed due to bullying, hate and rage. We still are not teaching the young how to solve real life problems. We still avoid the issues, and many parents are trying so hard to just survive they do not even have the strength to really teach their children. We need to help each other. At least in todays reality TV people fight, discuss and attack problems in an effort to solve them. Their motivations are not love and harmony but they do work at resolution.
Reality TV is an exaggeration of contrived lives and illusionary TV was just as contrived.
God teaches us to listen, hear and see our world. We need to teach each other how to do this to have transparent communications, real conversations about difficult topics and offer ways to discuss these topics. Resolution can be found.
I remarried, and nearly failed again because I did not still know how to have those crucial conversations, turn to God and the professionals he has given us and above all realize that life does not just happen, we make choices each and every day that shapes it.
now my question how do we make a difference in the lives of your Grandchildren, our neighbors the young people we work with? I know that one way is to live accountable lives, talk honestly and truly speak, hear, and act with love. We need to be present in our interactions with others and ask God to help and help and help. I believe we can make a difference one person at a time and I pray I will find a way to make this a bigger thing. I am open to suggestions
Like other posts this will have additions as the thoughts come. for now Please God, teach me to be present and have the conversations when I need to and hear and act in a way that will do your will.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Living Faithfully: Greatful Living
Living Faithfully: Greatful Living: "I have been thinking a lot about being thankful lately. Especially since the “cold front” came through on Sunday, preceded by the wonderful ..."
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Keep Breathing
This truly is the secret to living a long life, You must keep breathing.
I think I will continue to add to this for a few days and see where it takes me. I understand that when people give up and quit trying they die. This may not be a an actual physical death but it certainly is a death of sorts. When people no longer have a reason to get up in the morning is when they start to wither. I have watched many people over the years retire with no hobbies, realy activites or interests and then there they are--stagnent. They literally were what the jobs were, and without them the purpose in life wains.
Tomorrow If only Closed Minds came with Closed mouths and other things we think and never say. Or at least out loud
I think I will continue to add to this for a few days and see where it takes me. I understand that when people give up and quit trying they die. This may not be a an actual physical death but it certainly is a death of sorts. When people no longer have a reason to get up in the morning is when they start to wither. I have watched many people over the years retire with no hobbies, realy activites or interests and then there they are--stagnent. They literally were what the jobs were, and without them the purpose in life wains.
Tomorrow If only Closed Minds came with Closed mouths and other things we think and never say. Or at least out loud
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Golf OUting
Today we palyed in a gold fouting that was organized by two staff persons from the OR hat watnted to improve morale. This gold outing was a success for all who attended. It was fun, the weather cooperated and we collected money for education for OR staff. We will allow the Shared governace group to help define how the $4 are dispensed.
My husband and I played with a great golfer who is younger than any of our children. He was a great partner, Cheerleader and I could not figure out how I could clone him. HE was a great team player, cheered some questionalble shots and we all had fun.I truly enjoyed his company, he is a very mature person but fun. It is something that people that are aging need to pay attention to. I know many people that are int he retirement group that have becone stuff, not open to life and are missing many things. I am not being judgemental, I am reminding those of us that are aging that life doe sgo in and we cannot quit learning. I dread the idea of becoming stagnent. I hope my younder friends will kick me forward, Deb you have done that for years and I know the Gregg and Jason will not let up.
Today was fun, we did someting for others and had had good fellowship. LIfe remains goodl
My husband and I played with a great golfer who is younger than any of our children. He was a great partner, Cheerleader and I could not figure out how I could clone him. HE was a great team player, cheered some questionalble shots and we all had fun.I truly enjoyed his company, he is a very mature person but fun. It is something that people that are aging need to pay attention to. I know many people that are int he retirement group that have becone stuff, not open to life and are missing many things. I am not being judgemental, I am reminding those of us that are aging that life doe sgo in and we cannot quit learning. I dread the idea of becoming stagnent. I hope my younder friends will kick me forward, Deb you have done that for years and I know the Gregg and Jason will not let up.
Today was fun, we did someting for others and had had good fellowship. LIfe remains goodl
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Righteousness, Judgement and Other Hazzards of Aging
One of the things that amazes me about growing a little older is that there is a tendency to assume that we know more just because we have experience. I am not certain that, this is even close to truth. In fact my personal experience tells me that the older I get the more I realize how much more I have to learn.
Life is certainly about growth and change. I read and listened to several discussions this past week about judgement. In fact one was originated in a roundabout way over the Koran burning planned by the Florida preacher. We circled around the topic and concluded that we did not feel that this was a good thing to do, but there was acknowledgement that the person involved did have a right to his opinion.
I heard many indignant people discussing this as a disgrace to Christians everywhere, and perhaps there is truth in this statement. I do not even want to go there today because this discussion sparked another issue.
As Christians we all feel that we know right from wrong, and in fact we do probably classify things according to severity in our own minds. For example murder and adultery could be classified as major transgressions. Then where does gossip and littering rank in severity?
It is very easy to condemn, criticize people that commit what we consider major transgressions but why do we feel the need to rank things? I think because it allows us to feel better about themselves, I know for example I have not committed any felonious crimes but I have gossiped, and while I do not ordinarily hold grudges I have harbored ill will toward others that have either harmed me or that I have perceived to have harmed me. I have committed the sin of feeling righteous when in fact I should not judge anyone, No matter what the ranking of my transgressions, I am far from being in a place to pass judgement on anyone.
I couldn't find a good Scripture to go with this post because I simply am not a great Biblical scholar, perhaps someone will suggest one.
For today my thought are clear I have much to learn and much to do before I can comment on someones life choices. I do commit to trying to avoid gossip, not being truthful, and being kind to others. This is just a small step, but it is one I am taking seriously.
Life is certainly about growth and change. I read and listened to several discussions this past week about judgement. In fact one was originated in a roundabout way over the Koran burning planned by the Florida preacher. We circled around the topic and concluded that we did not feel that this was a good thing to do, but there was acknowledgement that the person involved did have a right to his opinion.
I heard many indignant people discussing this as a disgrace to Christians everywhere, and perhaps there is truth in this statement. I do not even want to go there today because this discussion sparked another issue.
As Christians we all feel that we know right from wrong, and in fact we do probably classify things according to severity in our own minds. For example murder and adultery could be classified as major transgressions. Then where does gossip and littering rank in severity?
It is very easy to condemn, criticize people that commit what we consider major transgressions but why do we feel the need to rank things? I think because it allows us to feel better about themselves, I know for example I have not committed any felonious crimes but I have gossiped, and while I do not ordinarily hold grudges I have harbored ill will toward others that have either harmed me or that I have perceived to have harmed me. I have committed the sin of feeling righteous when in fact I should not judge anyone, No matter what the ranking of my transgressions, I am far from being in a place to pass judgement on anyone.
I couldn't find a good Scripture to go with this post because I simply am not a great Biblical scholar, perhaps someone will suggest one.
For today my thought are clear I have much to learn and much to do before I can comment on someones life choices. I do commit to trying to avoid gossip, not being truthful, and being kind to others. This is just a small step, but it is one I am taking seriously.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Shaping our World, Molding ourselves,
There are many ways to look at life and certainly none of them comes close to being perfect. I felt a little reluctant to go to church today, in fact I actually put off getting ready until I was nearly late.
This is one of the concerns I have had about myself over the years, when things are tough sometimes I do absolutely try to rely on myself and generally learn too late that God and the friends he has provided are there to help, I only need to be open to their presence.
The sermon today could have been customized for me, the story hit home squarely, dead center. The reference versed are found in Jeremiah 18 and this is posted at the end of the blog.
This covered the topic of a potter and how the potter shapes the clay into a product that can have many issues.
I have been involved in multiple conversations about how God affects our lives and what part we play in the outcomes.
When we put something in {God's Hands} does it mean that we are then free to do nothing? I think not, we were created with free will and given the ability to think. There is a purpose in that and we do play a critical part in how we move forward or not in life.
As I get closer to being able to retire I realize that my life is in many ways just beginning. I have spent years pursuing a career that I remain passionate about even 30 plus years later. I have had trials and tribulations in my work, family life and most of all my Faith. Each of the tribulations had produced growth, learning and a better person for the most part. My children and I have a good relationship today and this is a huge part of my motivation for anything ai do. God in my first priority because I believe that my faith has allowed him to work with me, molding me along the way,as I struggle to participate in my changes.
My faith has continued to grow and develop a strength I did not know existed and it is through this that I believe that there is still much for me to learn and do. I have been working with a coach at to improve my leadership skills, and I have been quite humbled at what I did not know or in some instances just did not see. This becomes a matter of "We don't know, what we don't know". God has given us ears to hear, eyes to see and a heart to feel. My problem is that my mouth often prevents me from seeing or hearing. Or am I just not really present? This is what I am learning. I am learning to really listen and be present in the world where I walk. This has made an amazing difference, I am seeing things I missed, hearing things I have not heard and actually see myself in a very different light. It also helps when people actually speak the truth to help, rather than remain apathetic. I am Blessed with people that can and do talk.
This is the part of the potters molding, when the clay is appropriate and moist, and the potters hand steady a piece of work evolves that is able to serve a purpose, the potter chooses the purpose, or just discard the work. We discard the gifts from God when we do not try to continue to grow, develop and learn.
I know that when I retire from my current career, there will be more for me to do, I feel like I did many years ago when I graduated from high school, filled with possibilities.
I will have more on this topic and hope to hear from some of you
Jeremiah 18:1-11
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord:
2.“Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.”
3.So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel.
4.The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. 5.Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6.Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the Lord. Just like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
7.At one moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it,
8.but if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it.
9.And at another moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it,
10.but if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will change my mind about the good that I had intended to do to it.
11.Now, therefore, say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the Lord: Look, I am a potter shaping evil against you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, all of you from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings
Romans 9:21
Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
What will you be molded into today and tomorrow?
This is one of the concerns I have had about myself over the years, when things are tough sometimes I do absolutely try to rely on myself and generally learn too late that God and the friends he has provided are there to help, I only need to be open to their presence.
The sermon today could have been customized for me, the story hit home squarely, dead center. The reference versed are found in Jeremiah 18 and this is posted at the end of the blog.
This covered the topic of a potter and how the potter shapes the clay into a product that can have many issues.
I have been involved in multiple conversations about how God affects our lives and what part we play in the outcomes.
When we put something in {God's Hands} does it mean that we are then free to do nothing? I think not, we were created with free will and given the ability to think. There is a purpose in that and we do play a critical part in how we move forward or not in life.
As I get closer to being able to retire I realize that my life is in many ways just beginning. I have spent years pursuing a career that I remain passionate about even 30 plus years later. I have had trials and tribulations in my work, family life and most of all my Faith. Each of the tribulations had produced growth, learning and a better person for the most part. My children and I have a good relationship today and this is a huge part of my motivation for anything ai do. God in my first priority because I believe that my faith has allowed him to work with me, molding me along the way,as I struggle to participate in my changes.
My faith has continued to grow and develop a strength I did not know existed and it is through this that I believe that there is still much for me to learn and do. I have been working with a coach at to improve my leadership skills, and I have been quite humbled at what I did not know or in some instances just did not see. This becomes a matter of "We don't know, what we don't know". God has given us ears to hear, eyes to see and a heart to feel. My problem is that my mouth often prevents me from seeing or hearing. Or am I just not really present? This is what I am learning. I am learning to really listen and be present in the world where I walk. This has made an amazing difference, I am seeing things I missed, hearing things I have not heard and actually see myself in a very different light. It also helps when people actually speak the truth to help, rather than remain apathetic. I am Blessed with people that can and do talk.
This is the part of the potters molding, when the clay is appropriate and moist, and the potters hand steady a piece of work evolves that is able to serve a purpose, the potter chooses the purpose, or just discard the work. We discard the gifts from God when we do not try to continue to grow, develop and learn.
I know that when I retire from my current career, there will be more for me to do, I feel like I did many years ago when I graduated from high school, filled with possibilities.
I will have more on this topic and hope to hear from some of you
Jeremiah 18:1-11
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord:
2.“Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.”
3.So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel.
4.The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. 5.Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6.Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the Lord. Just like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
7.At one moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it,
8.but if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it.
9.And at another moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it,
10.but if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will change my mind about the good that I had intended to do to it.
11.Now, therefore, say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the Lord: Look, I am a potter shaping evil against you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, all of you from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings
Romans 9:21
Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
What will you be molded into today and tomorrow?
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Is Apathy a killer without a cure?
Science may have found a cure for most evils, but it has not found a cure for the worst of them all, the apathy of human beings. Helen Keller
How many times do you say "I don't care"?
I hear myself saying it when asked what do you want to eat? Where do you want to go? and on and on, the thing is I really do care. I do have opinions and thoughts on even the most mundane questions, however over time I have developed the art of being agreeable. Or is it learned apathy.
We can cure horrendous diseased but do we have a cure for apathy? The human mind can do many things but I really believe that we train ourselves into states of apathy. We don't want to rock the boat, or is my case I was brought up in a culture where being too assertive was called "bossy", thence comes the "I don't care". I am learning to try to express my opinions without sounding "bossy" or too assertive. It is a battle that I struggle with to keep peace with myself.
Given these mundane little apathy's , what is the larger picture? Do we compromise ourselves in more important areas. Do we keep our valid opinions to ourselves in the interest of keeping the peace. Do we avoid controversy and then later wonder why we did?
These questions haunt me from when I am guilty of keeping silence. It serves no useful purpose for me to retrospectively review what I should have said or done. In fact that is a genuine waste of time. It is no more useful than reliving the past. The past is over and done and cannot be changed. The same applies to the words not spoken. We cannot bring back the time, nor can we change what we have not said or done.
I do not want to spend the remainder of my life regretting things I could have changed, made better or enjoyed more because I did not speak up or act on the opportunity.
My prayer is
Lord bring me into the present
Grant me the gift to live here and now
To see and hear life
To be able to respond to those in need
To share my gifts in a manner that benefits others and pleases you
Promote my dreams and give me the courage to
Risk stepping up and out and live in this world for you
Now and always
Amen
How many times do you say "I don't care"?
I hear myself saying it when asked what do you want to eat? Where do you want to go? and on and on, the thing is I really do care. I do have opinions and thoughts on even the most mundane questions, however over time I have developed the art of being agreeable. Or is it learned apathy.
We can cure horrendous diseased but do we have a cure for apathy? The human mind can do many things but I really believe that we train ourselves into states of apathy. We don't want to rock the boat, or is my case I was brought up in a culture where being too assertive was called "bossy", thence comes the "I don't care". I am learning to try to express my opinions without sounding "bossy" or too assertive. It is a battle that I struggle with to keep peace with myself.
Given these mundane little apathy's , what is the larger picture? Do we compromise ourselves in more important areas. Do we keep our valid opinions to ourselves in the interest of keeping the peace. Do we avoid controversy and then later wonder why we did?
These questions haunt me from when I am guilty of keeping silence. It serves no useful purpose for me to retrospectively review what I should have said or done. In fact that is a genuine waste of time. It is no more useful than reliving the past. The past is over and done and cannot be changed. The same applies to the words not spoken. We cannot bring back the time, nor can we change what we have not said or done.
I do not want to spend the remainder of my life regretting things I could have changed, made better or enjoyed more because I did not speak up or act on the opportunity.
My prayer is
Lord bring me into the present
Grant me the gift to live here and now
To see and hear life
To be able to respond to those in need
To share my gifts in a manner that benefits others and pleases you
Promote my dreams and give me the courage to
Risk stepping up and out and live in this world for you
Now and always
Amen
Friday, September 3, 2010
The Senior Version of Jesue Loves ME
a friend passed this on to me tonight and I really liked it. I am shamelessly copying this for todays edition on aging.
SENIOR VERSION: JESUS LOVES ME
92 YEAR OLD PREACHERWhile watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.
After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak....]
"When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50-odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials.. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me...the only thing that would comfort was this verse........ .......
"Jesus loves me this I know.For the Bible tells me so.Little ones to Him belong,we are weak but He is strong.....Yes, Jesus loves me....
The Bible tells me so."The old pastor stated, "
I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best.""
Here for you now is a Senior version of Jesus Loves Me":
JESUS LOVES MEJesus loves me, this I know,Though my hair is white as snowThough my sight is growing dim,Still He bids me trust in Him.(CHORUS)YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
Though my steps are oh, so slow,With my hand in His I'll goOn through life, let come what may,He'll be there to lead the way.(CHORUS)
When the nights are dark and long,In my heart He puts a song..Telling me in words so clear,"Have no fear, for I am near."
(CHORUS)When my work on earth is done,And life's victories have been won.He will take me home above,Then I'll understand His love.(CHORUS)
I love Jesus, does He know?Have I ever told Him so?Jesus loves to hear me say,That I love Him every day.(CHORUS)
this does say it all, and again I say aging is not for Sissy's or cowards, we live and learn and Jesus is here with us every step of the way.
Amen
Chris
SENIOR VERSION: JESUS LOVES ME
92 YEAR OLD PREACHERWhile watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.
After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak....]
"When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50-odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials.. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me...the only thing that would comfort was this verse........ .......
"Jesus loves me this I know.For the Bible tells me so.Little ones to Him belong,we are weak but He is strong.....Yes, Jesus loves me....
The Bible tells me so."The old pastor stated, "
I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best.""
Here for you now is a Senior version of Jesus Loves Me":
JESUS LOVES MEJesus loves me, this I know,Though my hair is white as snowThough my sight is growing dim,Still He bids me trust in Him.(CHORUS)YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
Though my steps are oh, so slow,With my hand in His I'll goOn through life, let come what may,He'll be there to lead the way.(CHORUS)
When the nights are dark and long,In my heart He puts a song..Telling me in words so clear,"Have no fear, for I am near."
(CHORUS)When my work on earth is done,And life's victories have been won.He will take me home above,Then I'll understand His love.(CHORUS)
I love Jesus, does He know?Have I ever told Him so?Jesus loves to hear me say,That I love Him every day.(CHORUS)
this does say it all, and again I say aging is not for Sissy's or cowards, we live and learn and Jesus is here with us every step of the way.
Amen
Chris
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
All the better to see you
i have worn glasses for decades, what a scary sound that has. Decades, when I generally feel like I am still a young person. I do not actually know when I realized that people looked at me and saw an old person. I still see the young woman I was actually decades ago. I feel like her, I am hopeful like she was and remains. The mirror image I see tells me I am young inside, where it counts.
Tomorrow I am having my second cataract surgery and I am really looking forward to this, not the surgery but the result. I could not believe the difference in the first eye, white is white and bright, night time I can see better (out of the right eye for now) tommorrow the left will be done and I will no longer have to wear glasses. This is absolutely amazing, I will have young eyes again. The information that follows is only as accurate as the source, but it seems complete.
Cataract
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
For other uses, see Cataract (disambiguation).
Cataract
Classification and external resources
Magnified view of cataract in human eye, seen on examination with a slit lamp using diffuse illumination
ICD-10
H25.-H26., H28., Q12.0
ICD-9
366
DiseasesDB
2179
MedlinePlus
001001
Human eye cross-sectional view, showing position of human lens. Courtesy NIH National Eye Institute
A cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope, varying in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructing the passage of light. Early in the development of age-related cataract the power of the lens may be increased, causing near-sightedness (myopia), and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colours. Cataracts typically progress slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding if untreated. The condition usually affects both the eyes, but almost always one eye is affected earlier than the other.[1]
A senile cataract, occurring in the elderly, is characterized by an initial opacity in the lens, subsequent swelling of the lens and final shrinkage with complete loss of transparency.[2] Moreover, with time the cataract cortex liquefies to form a milky white fluid in a Morgagnian cataract, which can cause severe inflammation if the lens capsule ruptures and leaks. Untreated, the cataract can cause phacomorphic glaucoma. Very advanced cataracts with weak zonules are liable to dislocation anteriorly or posteriorly. Such spontaneous posterior dislocations (akin to the historical surgical procedure of couching) in ancient times were regarded as a blessing from the heavens, because some perception of light was restored in the cataractous patients.
Cataract derives from the Latin cataracta meaning "waterfall" and the Greek kataraktes and katarrhaktes, from katarassein meaning "to dash down" (kata-, "down"; arassein, "to strike, dash").[3] As rapidly running water turns white, the term may later have been used metaphorically to describe the similar appearance of mature ocular opacities. In Latin, cataracta had the alternate meaning "portcullis",[4] so it is also possible that the name came about through the sense of "obstruction". Early Persian physicians called the term nazul-i-ah, or "descent of the water"—vulgarised into waterfall disease or cataract—believing such blindness to be caused by an outpouring of corrupt humour into the eye.[5] In dialect English a cataract is called a pearl, as in "pearl eye" and "pearl-eyed".[6]
Contents[hide]
1 Epidemiology
2 History
3 Classification
4 Signs and symptoms
5 Causes
5.1 Associations with systemic conditions
6 Prevention
7 Treatment
8 Research
8.1 Investigational Treatments
8.2 Investigational preventives
9 See also
10 References and notes
11 External links
//
[edit] Epidemiology
Disability-adjusted life year for cataracts per 100,000 inhabitants in 2004.[7]
no data less than 90 90-180 180-270 270-360 360-450 450-540 540-630 630-720 720-810 810-900 900-990 more than 990
Age-related cataract is responsible for 48% of world blindness, which represents about 18 million people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).[8] In many countries surgical services are inadequate, and cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness. As populations age, the number of people with cataracts is growing. Cataracts are also an important cause of low vision in both developed and developing countries. Even where surgical services are available, low vision associated with cataracts may still be prevalent, as a result of long waits for operations and barriers to surgical uptake, such as cost, lack of information and transportation problems.
In the United States, age-related lenticular changes have been reported in 42% of those between the ages of 52 to 64,[9] 60% of those between the ages 65 and 74,[10] and 91% of those between the ages of 75 and 85.[9]
The increase in ultraviolet radiation resulting from depletion of the ozone layer is expected to increase the incidence of cataracts.[11]
[edit] History
The earliest records are from the Bible as well as early Hindu records.[12] Early cataract surgery was developed by the Indian surgeon, Sushruta (6th century BCE).[13] The Indian tradition of cataract surgery was performed with a special tool called the Jabamukhi Salaka, a curved needle used to loosen the lens and push the cataract out of the field of vision.[13] The eye would later be soaked with warm butter and then bandaged.[13] Though this method was successful, Sushruta cautioned that it should only be used when necessary.[13] Greek physicians and philosophers traveled to India where these surgeries were performed by physicians.[13] The removal of cataract by surgery was also introduced into China from India.[14]
The first references to cataract and its treatment in Ancient Rome are found in 29 CE in De Medicinae, the work of the Latin encyclopedist Aulus Cornelius Celsus.[15] The Romans were pioneers in the health arena—particularly in the area of eye care.[16]
The Muslim ophthalmologist Ammar ibn Ali of Mosul performed the first extraction of cataracts through suction. He invented a hollow metallic syringe hypodermic needle, which he applied through the sclerotic and extracted the cataracts using suction.[17] In his Choice of Eye Diseases, written circa 1000 CE, he wrote of his invention of the hypodermic needle and how he discovered the technique of cataract extraction while experimenting with it on a patient.[18]
[edit]
Tomorrow I am having my second cataract surgery and I am really looking forward to this, not the surgery but the result. I could not believe the difference in the first eye, white is white and bright, night time I can see better (out of the right eye for now) tommorrow the left will be done and I will no longer have to wear glasses. This is absolutely amazing, I will have young eyes again. The information that follows is only as accurate as the source, but it seems complete.
Cataract
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
For other uses, see Cataract (disambiguation).
Cataract
Classification and external resources
Magnified view of cataract in human eye, seen on examination with a slit lamp using diffuse illumination
ICD-10
H25.-H26., H28., Q12.0
ICD-9
366
DiseasesDB
2179
MedlinePlus
001001
Human eye cross-sectional view, showing position of human lens. Courtesy NIH National Eye Institute
A cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope, varying in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructing the passage of light. Early in the development of age-related cataract the power of the lens may be increased, causing near-sightedness (myopia), and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colours. Cataracts typically progress slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding if untreated. The condition usually affects both the eyes, but almost always one eye is affected earlier than the other.[1]
A senile cataract, occurring in the elderly, is characterized by an initial opacity in the lens, subsequent swelling of the lens and final shrinkage with complete loss of transparency.[2] Moreover, with time the cataract cortex liquefies to form a milky white fluid in a Morgagnian cataract, which can cause severe inflammation if the lens capsule ruptures and leaks. Untreated, the cataract can cause phacomorphic glaucoma. Very advanced cataracts with weak zonules are liable to dislocation anteriorly or posteriorly. Such spontaneous posterior dislocations (akin to the historical surgical procedure of couching) in ancient times were regarded as a blessing from the heavens, because some perception of light was restored in the cataractous patients.
Cataract derives from the Latin cataracta meaning "waterfall" and the Greek kataraktes and katarrhaktes, from katarassein meaning "to dash down" (kata-, "down"; arassein, "to strike, dash").[3] As rapidly running water turns white, the term may later have been used metaphorically to describe the similar appearance of mature ocular opacities. In Latin, cataracta had the alternate meaning "portcullis",[4] so it is also possible that the name came about through the sense of "obstruction". Early Persian physicians called the term nazul-i-ah, or "descent of the water"—vulgarised into waterfall disease or cataract—believing such blindness to be caused by an outpouring of corrupt humour into the eye.[5] In dialect English a cataract is called a pearl, as in "pearl eye" and "pearl-eyed".[6]
Contents[hide]
1 Epidemiology
2 History
3 Classification
4 Signs and symptoms
5 Causes
5.1 Associations with systemic conditions
6 Prevention
7 Treatment
8 Research
8.1 Investigational Treatments
8.2 Investigational preventives
9 See also
10 References and notes
11 External links
//
[edit] Epidemiology
Disability-adjusted life year for cataracts per 100,000 inhabitants in 2004.[7]
no data less than 90 90-180 180-270 270-360 360-450 450-540 540-630 630-720 720-810 810-900 900-990 more than 990
Age-related cataract is responsible for 48% of world blindness, which represents about 18 million people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).[8] In many countries surgical services are inadequate, and cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness. As populations age, the number of people with cataracts is growing. Cataracts are also an important cause of low vision in both developed and developing countries. Even where surgical services are available, low vision associated with cataracts may still be prevalent, as a result of long waits for operations and barriers to surgical uptake, such as cost, lack of information and transportation problems.
In the United States, age-related lenticular changes have been reported in 42% of those between the ages of 52 to 64,[9] 60% of those between the ages 65 and 74,[10] and 91% of those between the ages of 75 and 85.[9]
The increase in ultraviolet radiation resulting from depletion of the ozone layer is expected to increase the incidence of cataracts.[11]
[edit] History
The earliest records are from the Bible as well as early Hindu records.[12] Early cataract surgery was developed by the Indian surgeon, Sushruta (6th century BCE).[13] The Indian tradition of cataract surgery was performed with a special tool called the Jabamukhi Salaka, a curved needle used to loosen the lens and push the cataract out of the field of vision.[13] The eye would later be soaked with warm butter and then bandaged.[13] Though this method was successful, Sushruta cautioned that it should only be used when necessary.[13] Greek physicians and philosophers traveled to India where these surgeries were performed by physicians.[13] The removal of cataract by surgery was also introduced into China from India.[14]
The first references to cataract and its treatment in Ancient Rome are found in 29 CE in De Medicinae, the work of the Latin encyclopedist Aulus Cornelius Celsus.[15] The Romans were pioneers in the health arena—particularly in the area of eye care.[16]
The Muslim ophthalmologist Ammar ibn Ali of Mosul performed the first extraction of cataracts through suction. He invented a hollow metallic syringe hypodermic needle, which he applied through the sclerotic and extracted the cataracts using suction.[17] In his Choice of Eye Diseases, written circa 1000 CE, he wrote of his invention of the hypodermic needle and how he discovered the technique of cataract extraction while experimenting with it on a patient.[18]
[edit]
I Still have a Dream
"A true champion is someone who wants to make a difference, who never gives up, and who gives everything she has no matter what the circumstances are. A true champion works hard and never loses sight of her dreams."~Dot Richardson
Something that I see every day are people that have lost the adventure of life. They are encumbered with the everyday tasks and living and do not have the desire, ability or awareness to seek more.
I learned at a very early age that there is something new to be learned each day and I have never lost sight of that. I am innately curious which is one reason I have started writing this because the aging process and how it is experienced is a fascinating topic for me. I hope to continue with this for some time.
I have recently started a new learning and living experience based on work experience. It has involved taking a very serious look at myself and how I communicate, this has been an eye opening experience. I have some work to do with how I do some things. This is a good thing, because when we fail to use opportunities to grow and change we are wasting our gifts from God.
Talents given to us need to be developed and learned and people who take them for granted seem to lose opportunities to raise their personal bars. My bar is sometimes too high for my own good, this is where feedback, prayer and listening to others helps develop our talents. No one is free from the obligation to work to be their best (this is of course my personal opinion) When you quit trying to improve , learn or change you are definitely on the downside of the winter of life, no matter what your chronological age.
How does any of that relate to Dreams? In order to reach for a dream you must risk moving out of your comfort zone and stretch and change a bit and definitely learn. I have always dreamed of flying, I have taken the controls of a plane for brief time, I still want to at least take a lesson in order to meet the goal of actually flying.
I have always wanted to ski the Alps, well with age and bad knees that will not happen, however a trip to Switzerland and a cable car are still not out of the realm of possibility. This represents a modification of a dream, not an abandonment.
Keeping faith and finding the modifications is how we continue to live, love and grow as people and Children of God. Incorporation of prayers, meditations and honest reflections are the routes to maintain dreams.
I continue to live, learn, love and grow and certainly feel my Blessings are increasing, or is it my awareness of what I have been given?
Pray often, love much and tell others they matter.
Walk with God
Chris
Something that I see every day are people that have lost the adventure of life. They are encumbered with the everyday tasks and living and do not have the desire, ability or awareness to seek more.
I learned at a very early age that there is something new to be learned each day and I have never lost sight of that. I am innately curious which is one reason I have started writing this because the aging process and how it is experienced is a fascinating topic for me. I hope to continue with this for some time.
I have recently started a new learning and living experience based on work experience. It has involved taking a very serious look at myself and how I communicate, this has been an eye opening experience. I have some work to do with how I do some things. This is a good thing, because when we fail to use opportunities to grow and change we are wasting our gifts from God.
Talents given to us need to be developed and learned and people who take them for granted seem to lose opportunities to raise their personal bars. My bar is sometimes too high for my own good, this is where feedback, prayer and listening to others helps develop our talents. No one is free from the obligation to work to be their best (this is of course my personal opinion) When you quit trying to improve , learn or change you are definitely on the downside of the winter of life, no matter what your chronological age.
How does any of that relate to Dreams? In order to reach for a dream you must risk moving out of your comfort zone and stretch and change a bit and definitely learn. I have always dreamed of flying, I have taken the controls of a plane for brief time, I still want to at least take a lesson in order to meet the goal of actually flying.
I have always wanted to ski the Alps, well with age and bad knees that will not happen, however a trip to Switzerland and a cable car are still not out of the realm of possibility. This represents a modification of a dream, not an abandonment.
Keeping faith and finding the modifications is how we continue to live, love and grow as people and Children of God. Incorporation of prayers, meditations and honest reflections are the routes to maintain dreams.
I continue to live, learn, love and grow and certainly feel my Blessings are increasing, or is it my awareness of what I have been given?
Pray often, love much and tell others they matter.
Walk with God
Chris
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The Seasons of Life
We have all learned the seasons of Life.
Spring is the beginning, being born, learning to walk, talk and navigate the world. These are called the formative years. These are the years that can shape our lives forever if we are not vigilant and aware of what influenced us as we grew.
These years we learn about life, love and the world.
Summer in my world was the time when I first married, had my children and began a life as what some would call an adult. Growth, learning continues during these years and our families mature along with us, we hope.
Autumn comes next and can also be described a later middle age or something like that. during these years we have settled, our children are grown and we may become grandparents.
Winter comes last in the series, or does it? I prefer to think of each season as a staging for the next and I do blieve that there is more to come. However I am learning that there are many who feel each season is defined in terms of years. I do not believe that because in each and every decade of my life I have continued to learn to walk and talk with some difference.
Winter offers the ability to really grow, if we are open to hearing and seeing what is there to embrace. We have lost some of the timidity of youth, we have laready made mistakes so bad we thought not one person would ever love us again and we continue to be surpirsed by the
love
compassion
giving
of other people and for many of us by the absolute and unconditional love of God.
I had a dream as a child, it has been replaced by new dreams, and new possibilities and perhaps someone will read this and share my optomism about what life continues to offer.
I believe in the good, I can see the bad and the ugly but I also believe that the Love prevails.
More to come
Spring is the beginning, being born, learning to walk, talk and navigate the world. These are called the formative years. These are the years that can shape our lives forever if we are not vigilant and aware of what influenced us as we grew.
These years we learn about life, love and the world.
Summer in my world was the time when I first married, had my children and began a life as what some would call an adult. Growth, learning continues during these years and our families mature along with us, we hope.
Autumn comes next and can also be described a later middle age or something like that. during these years we have settled, our children are grown and we may become grandparents.
Winter comes last in the series, or does it? I prefer to think of each season as a staging for the next and I do blieve that there is more to come. However I am learning that there are many who feel each season is defined in terms of years. I do not believe that because in each and every decade of my life I have continued to learn to walk and talk with some difference.
Winter offers the ability to really grow, if we are open to hearing and seeing what is there to embrace. We have lost some of the timidity of youth, we have laready made mistakes so bad we thought not one person would ever love us again and we continue to be surpirsed by the
love
compassion
giving
of other people and for many of us by the absolute and unconditional love of God.
I had a dream as a child, it has been replaced by new dreams, and new possibilities and perhaps someone will read this and share my optomism about what life continues to offer.
I believe in the good, I can see the bad and the ugly but I also believe that the Love prevails.
More to come
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