Chaplain Jeanne

It was a very busy day at the hospital. I went in to pray with a surgery patient, sat in on a video conference, went to the Retirement Center, and visited around 50 patients. That is one busy day. My feet were ever so tired after all that. I also shared some ideas with my boss regarding patient improvement.

It is enjoyable to provide a service for the Retirement Home for the elderly. I preached a sermon on "God's Provision". I needed an umbrella for my object lesson and had forgot mine in the car. The lady in charge went and kindly supplied one for me. We sang several hymns with one of the residents playing the organ for me. She is pretty good to play by ear in whatever key I tell her. Kind of cool for an elderly lady!

I visited with so many patients today. One lady asked for a Bible. I searched the room for one to no avail. I asked her if it would be ok to have one for her the next day. I left out a Bible and an assortment of literature for her for the next Chaplain to take her. I hope this was followed up on.

My piano lessons were cancelled, so I went home, ate dinner and went to church. The teaching was on Solomon's Choices. It was interesting to join in a be a part of what I would call a small group session.

Note form Chaplain Jeanne2/21/2010

A patient whom I visited recently told me they had lost their faith. They asked me to read the Bible to them. Not having a Bible, I asked if I could quote them Scripture. They agreed. I decided to follow up on this patient the following week or so. I reminded them of what they had told me regarding losing their faith. They said it was better, than added “much better”. Their countenance looked peaceful. I gave them a Guide Post and had prayer. Such an encouraging outcome.


Ash Wednesday is a celebration used for many people. I had the opportunity to share about the meaning of Ash Wednesday at the Retirement Center on Wednesday. We had a wonderful service and meaningful time of worship in song and them I preached message on “Light”. The Lord helped me!


Since it was Ash Wednesday, patients were given the opportunity to participate in this tradition. I was greeted by one patient when I walked into their room with, “I got my ashes”. I asked the patient what that meant to them. They stopped for a moment in thought and said, I don’t know” They then added, “it’s is a tradition”. I was thinking they should be told what the meaning of the ashes represented. I decided that I was not going to get involved with this. After another pause they said, “it is where I came from or either where I am, and where I am going”. I asked them if they gave anything up for Lent. They said they used to drink and smote cigarettes. They gave up cigarettes and hardly ever drank anymore – maybe once every other month. They said they did not see that as a sacrifice to give up now. I asked the patient what they liked really well. The patient said, “Salad”. I told them how much I loved chocolate and that I was giving it up for Lent. He asked me what was the best piece – the first or the fifth. I told him it depended on what the first piece was – if it was pink. He said they used to squeeze the pieces. A staff member came in bringing a large tray with three different salads on it. I guess the patient was sincere in saying they liked salad. The patient went on to tell me that I would actually enjoy chocolate if I ate only one piece a day. They are probably right. As I was leaving, I said, “God bless you”. The patient said they were already blessed; they had three sons.

A Note From Chaplain Jeanne 2/10/1010

Some busy day today - I managed to make most of the new patient visits, and had a service (preaching and singing) at the Retirement Center. My legs were tired from the day of much standing.

It was an interesting visit with a patient and their family who attend the Church of God Anderson in Middletown. You can see this off I75. The patient said it was a rather large church and they believed in salvation and sanctification. His young daughter was present (school dismissed today due to weather) and she reads her bible every day. The Patient said he believes it is a daily relationship with God.

Another family was visiting their son (23) who was in for a sugar problem, I think. The mother expressed concern and wanted the Chaplain to talk with her son. She suggested that they all leave in hopes that her son would open up with the chaplain. It was like pulling teeth to get him to talk with me. I had to initiate the conversation as he just sat there not speaking. He felt hurt toward his family that they would get mad at him over his sugar problem. He has difficulty sleeping, and someone had thrown away his sleeping medication. He did not seem to have a grip on how to manage menus with his medical condition. I asked him if he thought it would be helpful to share with his family his feelings and maybe he could share with the doctor about the medication for sleeping. It is sad that parents cannot see themselves in times like these. Young people will be young people. Maybe one day, they grow up we hope.

A while back I visited a patient who was at the hospital again today. When I went into the room I thought she looked familiar. She told me she had met me before. His daughter was present and they remember the city that I lived in. We shared about our pets, and some of the same people that I have taught piano lesson to, that the daughter of the patient who had attended school with. She told me when her husband was in the hospital she gave him a boiled egg. He peeled it and let the shell drop on the floor. I don't know if he was thinking or what. Anyhow, she added they were divorced and that he had deceased. This patient said she used to be in the RED HATAS and got mad at them due to paying for a $17.00 meal and someone else eating the meal , and not reimbursing her for what she had paid.

There were 11 that attended the Retirement center for the worship service. I spoke from Psalm 121, and sang several hymns. One individual said they liked the sermon. An elderly lady played the organ and did a good job at it. She played by ear mostly and asked me how many sharps or flats the songs were in and away she went.

After work, I went around the corner and gave three piano lessons at the home of a friend of mine. It was an interesting day!

Notes from Chaplain Jeanne 2/7/10

This evening seemed to be toward encouragement for the Chaplain. I met one lady who was so positive. She said my smile lit up the whole room. She was so energetic and was ready to go home waiting for a ride. She said the Chaplain was young and pretty. (Maybe she was somewhat overly positive).

Another patient who was in critical care, told me to mind God no matter what people say. She said He would open the door for me and nothing would stop it. She said she had the gift of discernment and she seemed to me to have the gift of healing. She attended a nondenominational church, but was unable to go like she used to due to her health at this time. She shared various stories (of which I choose not to repeat) of things that had come her way that seemed providential and most unusual. Different events that led certain people to her whom how God used her to help them. She felt she had entertained an angel once. Her plan was to write a book and she wanted my name, address, and phone number to send me her book when she completed it. She did not think she would publish it. Unusual visit!

One patient whom I visited said he would speak in tongues when I offered to pray with him. I then suggested "The Lord's Prayer". I didn't hear any tongues with the prayer.

I am taking time to study, pray, and rest during this time here on call. It has not been too busy. I have had a couple codes (where the heart stops beating). Sometimes, it depends on the family and patient on how this type of situation is treated.

I also just put on a big pot of homemade potato soup to simmer now that I am home.

Note form Chaplain Jeanne 2/6/2010

Hello again!
It is amazing how God puts you where he needs you most. He knows the exact timing and is never late for any appointments. I visited a special lady this week who when I walked in to the room asked me if I would pray the “Sinner’s Prayer”. Of course, I did. She was facing a serious surgery and said she would go to hell if she did not make it through the surgery. I led her through this prayer. She said she felt better. God knows the heart!


Another patient who had no legs told me he had lost his faith and asked me if I would read the Bible to him about something encouraging. Since I did not have a Bible with me, I asked if it would be ok if I quoted some Scripture. I quoted Psalms 23 and Psalms 121 along with a verse in Isaiah. I shared with him, how God used Psalms 121 to help me in times of turmoil. Later, I returned and placed some literature along with a Bible near his head (he was asleep). Thank God for those precious moments.


A patient and her family were in great distress recently due to losing their daughter in a car accident. They had stopped by an accident while out driving, and heard a call for help. The dad got out pulling a victim from a burning car and it was his daughter. He had no idea. His memory has been plagued with this scenario replayed in his mind. He could not understand why God would allow her to go this way. I shared some thought and had prayer which he seemed more relaxed. May God continue to be a comfort to this family.


One patient was watching “Fox” news and said it was the only one that gave the correct news. He said he was a democrat and that he did not think we were in good hands at this time. May God have mercy on our country and bless us although we do not deserve it.


Received a call for a patient who had just heard she had cancer and was very distressed. She asked if she could hold my hand. She conveyed to me she had been married 6 months and felt so sorry for her husband. He had lost his first wife to childbirth and second to drugs. She was so sad that she had not time to spend with her new husband like she wanted to. I sang her a couple songs. She thought it was beautiful and said God gave you a gift for others. What a special compliment!