Author: Carrie Dameron

NCFI Cares: Celebrate Unity-a NCFI Values

Leave a comment

ncfi-values-wordcloudOne of the coolest things about NCFI is the unified voice of Christian nursing. I am not saying everyone is in agreement, nor that there is never conflict. Disagreements are to be expected with any family, group or organization, especially considering the diversity of cultures, experience, education, and personalities NCFI represent.

What I am speaking more about is the unity of Christ manifested by the lack of individual denominations. In other words, the question “What denomination do you belong to?” or “Where do you go to church?” has never come up. I have attended 2 NCFI Congresses, International Board meetings, and various international conference calls and our focus has been on Christ-centered nursing.

We are all disciples, unique members of the body of Christ and unified for the same goal—equipping and encouraging Christian nurses to integrate Biblical principles and Christ centered values. Which, by the way, is our mission!

Ephesians 4:1-6 is a passage to anchor us to our purpose in NCFI:

“….I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Let’s take the unity of Christ beyond NCFI and into our daily nursing practice–committed to focusing on commonalities instead of areas of dispute while preserving our unified faith through the dwelling Spirit.

77ba6-ncficares_3bloglogo

NCFI Cares: Giving As Much as You Have Received

Leave a comment

This life is about giving and receiving; and it is God that taught us how to give by giving us His one and only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to be our saviour and redeemer John 3:16.

The scripture explicitly tell us that; “It is more blessed to give than to receive” Acts 20:35b. And also that the more we give the more God make all grace abound in us 2 Cor. 9:8; so that we will always be rich in good works for which we were created in Christ Jesus Eph. 2:10.

Glory is to God for calling us to serve as Board members in NCFI and as Nurses; so the Lord want us to give as much as we have received from Him. God is not a task master, asking what He has not given us, He is only demanding as much as He has given us. The Bible said in 2 Pet. 1:3 “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness”. How much are you giving to your family? How much are you giving to your patients? How much are you giving to the church? How much are you giving to NCFI? Do you think you have given enough, or you are giving too much? Remember He says, “Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do to me” Matt. 25:45

May we all be faithful to the Lord by giving back to Him through our service to one another what He has graciously given to us for the edification of the church which is His body.

God bless you all.

Pastor Ishaku Izang, Nigeria NCFI International Board Member

Pray for NCFI Next Generation http://ncfi.org/about-ncfi/next-generation/

77ba6-ncficares_3bloglogo

NCFI Cares: Integrity–A NCFI Value

Leave a comment

77ba6-ncficares_3bloglogo

One of NCFI values is integrity. In the Old Testament the word conveys the meaning of simplicity, or sincerity of heart and intention, truthfulness, and uprightness  (Internationalstandardbible.com). An example is found in God’s edict to Solomon: “You must serve me with integrity and sincerity, just as your father David did” (1 Kings 9:4).

In the New Testament there is no exact Greek word for integrity. Instead translators use “pure of heart” and “sincerity” to imply integrity. In apostle Paul’s instructions to Titus “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned…”(Titus 2:6-8). These two verses provide biblical teachings on integrity.

A nursing philosopher described integrity as: “a whole undivided, fully integrated and complete individual in whom there is consistency of views and actions; what they say and what do are one.”  Nursing uses professional practice and nursing ethics to guide and measure a nurse with integrity. As Christians we are encouraged to not only upheld integrity as a member of profession, we are to model our actions and words after the son of God. Jesus Christ lived an exemplary life replicating the virtues of God the Father.

We live out Christian integrity, when our actions are congruent with what we say and believe. Some thoughts to reflect on when exploring integrity in your professional nursing are: Do you act, speak, and think in accordance with biblical teachings? How does your nursing replicate the teachings of Christ?

An excellent verse to guide our thoughts, actions and words is Philippians 4:8,  “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.

Take time to reflect on integrity in nursing, praying for Holy Spirit to guide you in truth and righteousness (John 16:12).

 

NCFI Cares: When Nursing Becomes the Olympiad of Our Life

Leave a comment


77ba6-ncficares_3bloglogo

Every day in our lives we, Nurses, are running a race that is often beyond the 400 meters. We feel we are rowing and rowing in a boat that leaks at the sides, or we’re cycling a bike that makes us exercise, but it is fixed and does not lead us anywhere. Not to say or think about the hurdles or difficulties that comes into our way.

“… That competes as an athlete; he is not crowned unless he strives lawfully” 2 Timothy 2: 5.

     Many times when we throw the ball, it bounces back into our lives, giving the enemy a temporary victory. Nursing is a kind of Olympic Games, which can burn you out or give you a lot of satisfaction and joy. What side of the court are you? ”Be strong and of good courage, fear not… because the Lord is going with you, will not leave, or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31: 6.

     Those who believe in God know who has real control of the game is and His  Word says, “let us run with patience the race that is set before us , looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith …” Hebrews 12: 1 -2

     As a Christian nurse, I’m running the same race as you are, working out every day, “in piety, for the bodily exercise little is profitable, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life and of the coming. 1 Timothy 4: 7-8.

Guest Contributor: Martha Fernandez Moyano, Argentina, NCFI International Board Member

Video

Book Launch: CARES

Leave a comment

In July, CARES: Reflections for Nurses was launched in the United States during a Christian Nursing Brunch. I had the wonderful privilege of being interviewed by a New York Times best selling author, Susy Flory. Not only did I share how CARES came to be, I also shared why the book is bilingual with English and Spanish.

Stay tuned….I will be posting a reading from the Book Launch party!

 

 

NCFI Cares: Nurse Values

Leave a comment

77ba6-ncficares_3bloglogo

Values is defined a “a person’s principles or standards of behavior; one’s judgment of what is important in life.” Values are characteristics or attributes that we live by or guide our life. Everyone has values that were taught by our parents, like honesty, respect, and love. Our Christian values come from the life of Jesus Christ and teachings found in scripture. Here we see concepts like hope, forgiveness, loyalty and compassion.

Our profession of nursing also has values. They are usually based on ethic statements, professional ideals, and standards. Some values in nursing are caring, professionalism, integrity, diversity, respect, and excellence.

What are your professional values? Are they similar to your institution’s values? National professional nursing values? And/or Jesus Christ teachings? Spend some time reflecting on the values that guide your work as a nurse. Feel free to share your reflections on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visit.ncfi/ Twitter: @CarrieDameron #ncficares or below as a comment.

Stay tuned to upcoming issues of NCFI Cares where we will discuss integrity, a NCFI values.

Blessings, Carrie

Prayer for our new NCFI President, Tove Giske, Norway.

NCFI Cares: Wait, Wait, and Wait, BUT

Leave a comment

77ba6-ncficares_3bloglogoDear all,

I am going to share an interesting things here today for all of us. When we go outside for meeting people, we have to take an appointment and have to wait for that time and sometimes need more time even we have given a specific time.

We have to; Wait, Wait and Wait BUT

Interestingly, the Creator of the Universe, the Eternal God, has made Himself available for me or us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. Yet I am often preoccupied with lesser activities instead of availing myself to His offer – His presence, His attentive ear, and His guidance. How sad that I/we would ignore so great an opportunity.

Repeatedly, Jesus said to those who would follow Him, “…come…”.  (Mark 1:17) 

He has made Himself available. Will we join today and this week in availing ourselves to the wonder of God’s Presence? We don’t need to make an appointment. Just take some time and talk to him, tell him our problem and come more close to HIM.

In Bangladesh last few weeks we prayed a lot, many people in many places for LAMB, for our staff safety, for our Bangladesh but that week is not enough for us. As a Christian leader and a Christian person, we have to pray to him all the time even when we are walking on the path, even we meeting with the people, whether we are happy or even sad, can just tell our God, please God blessed us through this meeting and help us to talk nicely, protect us from any evil spirit, keep us healthy, give us your wisdom and peace in our mind, give us whatever we need.

Guest Contributor:  Bulbuli Mollick, Bangladesh, NCFI International Board Member

Prayer Point:  Every issue of NCFI Cares will come with a prayer point to encourage your prayerful support of nurses around the world.

This month take time to pray for the leaders in your national fellowship. If you are unfamiliar with them, then click on NCFI Website. Look across the top menu and find Regions. Here you will find links and contact information for your national fellowship.

NCFI Cares: Jesus as our Role Model by Tove Giske, NCFI President

Leave a comment

77ba6-ncficares_3bloglogo

As Christian nurses, we have Jesus as our source of strength and our role model. In this NCFI Cares I want to share with you how Jesus sees all of us from the God’s Kingdoms perspective. This perspective teaches us how to see and think about people and thus how to care for patients and their family and collaborate with our co-workers.

We read about Jesus who met the Samaritan women at the well in John 4:1-26. Jesus sees the woman and knows who she is; still he decides to spend time with her. As we read the text, we can sense the gentleness and the intensity of their conversation, and how Jesus touches her deep in her spirit. She becomes convinced that she has met the long waited Messiah. This makes her a witness for Christ

In Luke 19:1-10 we read about Zacchaeus up in the tree. Again, Jesus acts beyond the rules and norms and sees to the heart and longing of this man. He greets Zacchaeus up in the tree and invites himself to dinner with him. This transforms Zacchaeus. Jesus acknowledges this sinner to be a saved son of Abraham, and Zacchaeus’ transformed heart shows in action.

Jesus often asks questions when he teaches and meets with people, have you noticed that? He is interested in understanding people, who they are and how they think. Having Jesus as our role model challenges us to consider – am I interested in understanding people? Do I take the time to stop and listen to the one on my way that needs me? One of the stories I like the best from the gospels is the one about the blind beggar outside Jericho (Luke 18:35-43). Try to imagine the crowd of people and all the noise. In the middle of this, Jesus recognizes the one that needs him. He stops and askes this wonderful question: “What do you want me to do for you?”

Will you join me in following Jesus’ example and practice this question: “What do you want me to do for you?” It would be interesting to hear from your experience from using this question. Feel free to send Tove an email response at president@ncfi.org

 

God bless you,

Tove Giske

NCFI President

 

NCFI Cares: My Work Christ’s Home

Leave a comment
Christ at hearts-door

Christ at Heart’s Door by Warner Sallman

 Jesus said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come into him, and make our abode with him.” (John 14:23)

When I was a brand new baby Christian more than 24 years ago, a fellow believer gave me a novella entitled “My Heart Christ’s Home” written by Robert Boyd Munger (1951). The story is about a new Christian with Christ in his heart, inviting the Lord into all areas of his life through the metaphor of a home. For example, when the new believer shows Christ the library and the recreational room, Christ points out the importance of inviting Christ into our reading and into leisurely activities. We as believers can compartmentalize our Christianity. Meaning we keep Christ on Sunday and our family, but we may be tempted to leave our faith out of our non-Christian relationships, television or movie choices, or our work environment,

As I reflected on the simple, yet powerful truths found in the novella, I thought of nursing. As Christian nurses we seek to live out Christ’s life and teachings in our clinics, schools, and/or hospitals. Christ doesn’t want to just come into the comfortable areas of our work and reside as a guest. Christ wants to dwell in every work relationship, every patient encounter, every project, class and meeting.

I encourage you to take time to allow Christ to walk through each area of nursing. Even though, many of us are mature believers, I am sure each of us will find a locked closet, a dusty cabinet, or even a hidden room that we have kept from his Spirit. The good news is we can always repent.  “I saw it in a minute and dropping to my knees, I said, “Lord, You have been a guest and I have been the host. From now on I am going to be the servant. You are going to be the owner and Master and Lord.” (Munger)

Click on the link for free pdf of My Heart Christ Home.

NCFI Cares: Big Shoes of Leadership

Leave a comment

77ba6-ncficares_3bloglogo

I am sharing with you the NCFI Cares I gave at the NCFI Pre-Congress on Saturday, June 4 in Tagaytay, Philippines.
You can experience the devotion in 2 ways via video or slide show:
Either way, I hope you will be challenged to step into the Big Shoes of Leadership by following Joshua’s example.

OR

  • View the pictures of my Powerpoint Presentation w/ my notes

This slideshow requires JavaScript.