Counseling Sheet

Agatha M. Thrash, M.D.
Preventive Medicine

The standard of personal decorum must be "adapted for those who desire to devote their lives, not to commercial pursuits, but to unselfish service for the Master." MM 75

"Those connected with medical missionary work are connected with God's service, and they must try to reach His standard. He will give them wisdom and understanding. We are to show superiority in intellect, in understanding, in skill, and knowledge, because we believe in God and in His power to work upon human hearts." MM 200

"Carelessness in regard to the laws of health is inexcusable in those set apart to teach others how to live." CH 353

Piety and Daily Devotionals

"It is important that every one who is to act as a medical missionary be skilled in ministering to the soul as well as to the body." MMis December 1, 1892, par 9. "The Lord wants you to be cheerful, and to have cheerful words for the sick. Let the Sun of Righteousness shine forth in your features. Be very decided in your religious service. Make the Lord Jesus your confidant." MM 34

"The sick need to have wise words spoken to them. Nurses should study the Bible daily, that they may be able to speak words that will enlighten and help the suffering." MH 23

"If a sanitarium connected with this closing message fails to lift up Christ and the principles of the gospel as developed in the third angel's message, it fails in its most important feature, and contradicts the very object of its existence." MM 28

Positive Christian Influences

The medical missionary must maintain a high standard at all times: at work, church, home, on and off campus, and especially when no authority figure is watching.

"Men of principle need not the restriction of locks and keys; they do not need to be watched and guarded. They will deal truly and honorably at all times,—alone, with no eye upon them, as well as in public. They will not bring a stain upon their souls for any amount of gain or selfish advantage. They scorn a mean act. Although no one else might know it, they would know it themselves, and this would destroy their self-respect. Those who are not conscientious and faithful in little things would not be reformed, were there laws and restrictions and penalties upon the point." CH 410

"While the humble worker for God is following his employment, angels of God stand by his side, listening to his words, noting the manner in which his work is done, to see if larger responsibilities may be entrusted to his hands." MH 477

Conversational Guidelines

Conversation among medical missionaries is without gossip and inappropriate levity; rather, it is cheerful and truthful.

"When students sit at the table, if Christ is abiding in the soul there will come forth from the treasure house of the heart words which are pure and uplifting; if Christ is not abiding there, a satisfaction will be found in frivolity, in jesting and joking, which is a hindrance to spiritual growth and a cause of grief to the angels of God." 6T 173

"Helpers who follow this course are to be labored with and reproved. And if they refuse to change their course, let them be dismissed. If they are allowed to continue in the institution, they will bring about a condition of things that will separate the Lord from the institution. It is far better to send away the rebel workers than to shut the Lord out of the institution." MM 212

"As the condition of the sanitarium was presented before me in vision, an angel of God seemed to conduct me from room to room in the different departments. The conversation I was made to hear in the rooms of the helpers was not of a character to elevate and strengthen mind or morals. The frivolous talk, the foolish jesting, the meaningless laugh, fell painfully upon the ear....

"I was astonished as I saw the jealousy indulged and listened to the words of envy, the reckless talk, which made angels of God ashamed. Words and actions and motives were recorded. And how little did these light, superficial heads and hard hearts realize that an angel of God stood at the door, writing down the manner in which these precious moments were employed. God will bring to light every word and every action. He is in every place. These messengers, although unseen, are visitors in the bedchamber. The hidden works of darkness will be brought to light. The thoughts, the intents and purposes of the heart, will stand revealed. All things are naked and open to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

"I was conducted to a few rooms from which came the voice of prayer. How welcome was the sound! A bright light shone upon the face of my guide as his hand traced every word of the petition." CH 412

"By the atmosphere surrounding us, every person with whom we come in contact is consciously or unconsciously affected. This is a responsibility from which we cannot free ourselves. Our words, our acts, our dress, our deportment, even the expression of the countenance, has an influence." MYP 417

"No man who does not utter the real sentiment of his heart can be called a truthful man. Falsehood virtually consists in an intention to deceive; and this may be shown by a look or a word. Even facts may be so arranged and stated as to constitute falsehoods. Some are adept at this business, and they will seek to justify themselves for departing from strict veracity. The record of words and deeds in the books of heaven will tell the sad story of falsehoods spoken and acted." 4T 335

Sacred Principles

The medical missionary will not use other people to excuse his actions or compare himself with them and is never critical of others; rather he or she is patient with the mistakes of others.

"If one makes a mistake, there are some who make it their business to talk about it until it grows to large proportions. Instead of this, there should be in all engaged in our institutions a sacred principle to guard the interest and reputation of everyone with whom they are associated, even as they would wish their own reputation guarded." CH 298

"It is not wise for us to compare ourselves with other workers, speaking of their failings, and raising objections to their methods of labor. It would be no surprise if those who are laboring under grave responsibilities, and who have many trials to meet, should sometimes make mistakes.... Let us become familiar with the good that is being done by our brethren, and talk of that." EV 633

The medical missionary must be willing to cheerfully do a task without having to be cajoled or pushed, or to be reminded over and over again.

"Those who enter the service of the institution with a spirit of unwillingness to help, who do their allotted tasks with a feeling of compulsion, in sullen submission, who act as if they would gladly escape from the drudgery of the necessary daily duties which someone must do, are very little help to the institution." MM 177

The medical missionary must be adaptable and will not require perfect conditions to do a good work.

"Those who... wish to prove an exact fit without the trouble of adaptation or training, are not the ones whom God calls to work in His cause." MH 499

‍The medical missionary will not be too sensitive.

"We should not allow our feelings to be easily wounded. We are to live, not to guard our feelings or our reputation, but to save souls. As we become interested in the salvation of souls we cease to mind the little differences that so often arise in our association with one another." MH 485

‍The medical missionary respects and supports those in leadership positions and is willing to take counsel and advice from them.

"Let no one think that he knows so much that he no longer needs to learn. Unless we are constantly learning of Christ, and unless we are willing to take counsel and advice from our brethren, we shall fail in our work; for we shall become self-sufficient, and with those who are self-sufficient God cannot work." MM 166

‍The medical missionary is willing to abide by the rules of the school.

"Each student entering one of our schools should place himself under discipline. Those who refuse to obey the regulations should return to their homes." CT 265

‍The medical missionary is at once dignified, devoted, calm, and courteous.

"You may be dignified without vain self-confidence; you may be condescending and yielding without sacrificing self-respect or individual independence, and your life may be of great influence with those in the higher as well as the lower walks of life." 3T 506

"The lack of true dignity and Christian refinement in the ranks of Sabbath-keepers is against us as a people, and makes the truth which we profess unsavory." MYP 422

"Nurses, and all who have to do with the sick-room, should be cheerful, calm and self-possessed." MH 221

"Do not allow levity to come into your experience, but cultivate cheerfulness: for this is an excellent grace." MM 214

"It is of utmost importance that harmony exist in our institutions. Better for the work to go crippled than for workers who are not fully devoted to be employed." MM 207

All coarseness and roughness must be put away from us. Guard against being abrupt and blunt. Do not regard such peculiarities as virtues; for God does not so regard them." Ev 637

‍The medical missionary will guard against unwise sympathy.‍

"Those who sympathize with the one who is causing great perplexity by his lack of determination to remedy the defects of his training are in need of being labored with. Show them that it is their duty to help those who have so much to overcome. Those in a position of responsibility in an institution can spoil young men and young women for a lifetime by unduly sympathizing with them, petting them, and listening to their complaints." MM 179

‍The medical missionary will prove tactful and cheerful and faithful, and their work will bear the inspection of God.

"All things are naked and open to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. The workers should take Jesus with them in every department of their labor. Whatever is done should be done with an exactness and thoroughness that will bear inspection. The heart should be in the work. Faithfulness is as essential in life's common duties as in those involving greater responsibility." CH 417

"Tact and good judgment increase the usefulness of the laborer a hundredfold. If he will speak the right words at the right time, and show the right spirit, this will exert a melting power on the heart of the one he is trying to help." GW 119

"There will ever be things arising to annoy, perplex, and try the patience of physicians and helpers. They must be prepared for this and not become excited or unbalanced. They must be calm and kind, whatever may occur." 3T 182

"Our Saviour was indeed a Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief, for He opened His heart to all the woes of men. But though His life was self-denying and shadowed with pain and care, His spirit was not crushed. His countenance did not wear an expression of grief and repining, but ever one of peaceful serenity. His heart was a wellspring of life, and wherever He went He carried rest and peace, joy and gladness." SC 125

"If you do not feel lighthearted and joyous, do not talk of your feelings. Cast no shadow upon the lives of others. A cold, sunless religion never draws souls to Christ. It drives them away from Him." MH 488

‍The medical missionary practices economy in time and material.

"Regularity in all things is essential. Never be late to an appointment." Ev 649

Efficient in quantity and quality of work, the medical missionary is not too slow but not too rash, is able to work without too much supervision and yet, knows when to ask for help. Their work does not have to be checked to make sure it is finished or done correctly.

Business hours should be faithfully employed. To be wasteful of time or material is dishonesty before God. A few moments are squandered here, and a few moments there, which amount in the course of a week to nearly or quite a day, sometimes even exceeding this... All should be awake to see what needs to be done, and apt and quick to execute, working as though under the direct supervision of the great Master, Jesus Christ." 4T 451

"Every hour's work passes in review before God and is registered for faithfulness or unfaithfulness. The record of wasted moments and unimproved opportunities must be met when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened and everyone shall be judged according to the things written in the books." 4T 453

"If every moment were valued and rightfully employed, we should have time for everything that we need to do for ourselves or for the world. In the use of time let every Christian look to God for guidance." MH 208

"Persons who have not acquired habits of close industry and economy of time, should have set rules to prompt them to regularity and dispatch." Ev 650

"We must turn away from a thousand topics that invite attention. There are matters that consume time and arouse inquiry, but end in nothing." MH 456

"Let brother say to brother and sister to sister, 'Come my fellow laborer, let us put all earnestness into our work; for the night is at hand, wherein no man can work.' Let no one lose minutes by talking when he should be working." Ev 653

"Let the talkative man remember that there are times when he has no right to talk. There are those who take time to stand still. Let the voice of the faithful sentinel be heard, 'Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.' Have you work to do for the Master? Is it building a house in which His work may be carried forward? Close your lips. Make not others idle by tempting them to listen to your talk. The time of many is lost when a man uses his tongue instead of his tools." Ev 653

"Much time is wasted in unnecessary conversation, in visiting away the precious hours, while the work is suffered to lag. In several departments, loss is occasioned the office because of persons engaging in the work who have not exercised care and economy. Were these persons engaged in doing work for themselves, some would accomplish a third more work in a day than they now do." 4T 450

"There is no excuse for slow bungling at work of any character. When one is always at work, and the work is never done, it is because mind and heart are not put into the labor. The one who is slow, and who works at a disadvantage, should realize that these are faults to be corrected." COL 344

"They are to be taught to make their motions as quick as possible as they work. Slowness should be treated as a disease that must be cured." MM 175

"The Lord gave you your work, not to be done in a rush, but in a calm, considerate manner. The Lord never compels hurried, complicated movements. But you have gathered to yourself responsibilities that the Lord, the merciful Father, does not place upon you. Duties He never ordained that you should perform chase one another wildly. Never are His servants to leave one duty marred or incomplete in order to seize hold of another. He who labors in the calmness of the fear of God will not work in a haphazard manner, for fear that something will hinder an anticipated plan." 8T 189

"There are some young men and women who have no method in doing their work. Though they are always busy, they can present but little results. They have erroneous ideas of work, and think that they are working hard, when if they had practiced method in their work, and applied themselves intelligently to what they had to do, they would have accomplished much more in a shorter time. By dallying over the less important matters, they find themselves hurried, perplexed, and confused when they are called upon to do those duties that are more essential. They are always doing, and, they think, working very hard; and yet there is little to show for their efforts." Ev 649

"As far as possible, it is well to consider what is to be accomplished through the day. Make a memorandum of the different duties that await your attention, and set apart a certain time for the doing of each duty." YI Sept. 7, 1893

"Every one should study strict economy in the outlay of means; and he should exercise even greater faithfulness in handling that which belongs to another than in managing his own affairs.

"To waste in a sanitarium is a grave matter. There are so many who have to do with the different lines of work, and it is most essential that they understand the need of economy. Economy is a very valuable science. Many waste much by failing to save the odds and ends. In many a family as much is wasted as would support a small family. All these things are included in the education to be given in our sanitariums." MM 176

‍The medical missionary must exhibit integrity in all circumstances.

"Employees have no right to help themselves to crackers, nuts, raisins, dates, sugar, oranges or fruit of any kind... One and another thoughtlessly indulge the habit of tasting and helping themselves, until they fancy that there is no real sin in the practice."

"All should beware of cherishing this view of the matter, for conscience is thus losing its sensitiveness. One may reason, "The little I have taken does not amount to much;' but the question comes home, Did the smallness of the amount lessen the sin of the act?... God looks upon all these things as theft, and so the record is carried up to heaven." CH 408, 409

‍Influence on Guests‍

Everything connected with a sanitarium should be neat and orderly. Neatness and order will often have more influence than mere words. In the bathroom everything should be so arranged as to make a favorable impression upon those who visit the institution." MM 212

The medical missionary knows well the standard of Christian association and can apply the principles in daily life, keeps the strictest guard over themselves by the right words, thoughts, acts, gestures, looks and dress. Not even a hand should be laid on the other person.

‍A Reformation Needed‍

"Our probation is short at best; we have no time to spend in erratic movements. The familiarity of married men with married women and with young girls, is disgusting in the sight of God and holy angels. The forwardness of young girls in placing themselves in the company of young men, hanging around where they are at work, entering into conversation with them, talking common, idle talk, is belittling to womanhood. It lowers them, even in the estimation of those who indulge in such things. There is a positive necessity for reform. All frivolity, all undue attention of men to women, or women to men, must be condemned and discontinued. These things have produced great evil in the world.

The first appearance of irregularity in conduct should be receive attention; the young should be taught to be frank, yet modest in all their associations. They should be taught to respect just rules of authority. If they refuse to do this, after the right kind of labor has been bestowed upon them, let them be dismissed, whatever position they occupy, for they will demoralize others." Special Testimony to Managers and Workers in Our Institutions, 10:3; 11:1. Pacific Press, Oakland, California, April 18, 1898.

‍Keep Strict Guard over Yourself‍

"Young ladies connected with our institutions should keep a strict guard over themselves. In word and action, they should be reserved. Never when speaking to a married man should they show the slightest freedom. To my sisters who are connected with our sanitariums, I would say, gird on the armor. When talking to men, be kind and courteous, but never free. Observant eyes are upon you, watching your conduct, judging by it whether you are indeed children of God. Be modest. Abstain from every appearance of evil. Keep on the heavenly armor, or else for Christ's sake sever your connection with the sanitarium, the place where poor shipwrecked souls are to find a haven. Those connected with these institutions are to take heed to themselves. Never, by word or action, are they to give the least occasion for wicked men to speak evil of the truth." CH 591

‍Affable and Congenial but Strictest Propriety of Conduct‍

"While men and women in an institution for health should be kind and courteous, while they are required to be affable and congenial toward all, they should shun even the appearance of undue familiarity. And not only should they themselves observe the strictest propriety of conduct, but by precept and example they should educate others to be modest and to shun looseness, jesting and flattery and nonsensical speeches." MM 145

‍Rules and Regulations Highly Essential‍

"The sanitarium, unless hedged about with vigilant rules and regulations, would soon. . .become a hotbed of iniquity. . . . There seems to be no restraint; but passion and impulse have controlling power, and youth seem to be bewitched with lovesick sentimentalism. For this reason rules and regulations are highly essential to guard those connected with the sanitarium... and anyone who regards these restrictions as unnecessary has not spiritual discernment, and will prove a hindrance rather than a help." MM 142

‍Purity and Propriety‍

"The subject of purity and propriety of deportment is one to which we must give heed. We must guard against the sins of this degenerate age. Let not Christ's ambassadors descend to trifling conversation, to familiarity with women, married or single. Let them keep their proper place with becoming dignity; yet at the same time they may be sociable, kind, and courteous to all." GW 125

Health Necessary to Fulfill Obligations

"The efficiency of the nurse depends, to a great degree, upon physical vigor. The better the health, the better will she be able to endure the strain of attendance upon the sick, and the more successfully can she perform her duties." GH 407

"Without health, no one can as distinctly understand or as completely fulfill his obligations to himself, to his fellow-beings, or to his Creator. Therefore the health should be as faithfully guarded as the character." Ed 195

"I have been instructed that in view of the trying nature of medical missionary work, those who desire to take up this line should first be thoroughly examined by competent physicians, to ascertain whether or not they have the strength necessary to endure the course of study through which they must pass in the training school." MM 83

Medical missionaries should be able to take on the responsibility of several patients every day, occasionally having to work on Sabbaths and at night in addition to the regular schedule.

He or she should not have an illness that will affect his work periodically such as dysmenorrhea, hypoglycemia (this should be regulated first).

The medical missionary practices health reform in all areas: diet, exercise, rest, work, etc.

• ‍‍Get in some exercise daily
• Maintain a small personal garden
• Do not eat between meals, late at night, articles of food that are found to be harmful
• Practice temperance

‍Those in charge are to see to it "...that those who are taking the nurses' course should be given a thorough education in the principles of health reform; that they should be taught to be strictly temperate in all things, because carelessness in regard to the laws of health is inexcusable in those set apart to teach others how to live." CH 353

"Intemperance in eating and drinking, intemperance in labor, intemperance in almost everything, exists on every hand. Those who make great exertions to accomplish just so much work in a given time, and continue to labor when their judgment tells them they should rest, are never gainers. They are living on borrowed capital. They are expending the vital force which they will need at a future time. And when the energy they have so recklessly used is demanded, they fail for want of it. The physical strength is gone, the mental powers fail. They realize that they have met with a loss, but do not know what it is. Their time of need has come, but their physical resources are exhausted. Every one who violates the laws of health must some time be a sufferer to a greater or less degree. God has provided us with constitutional force, which will be needed at different periods of our lives. If we recklessly exhaust this force by continual overtaxation, we shall sometime be losers. Our usefulness will be lessened, if not our life itself destroyed.

As a rule the labor of the day should not be prolonged into the evening. If all the hours of the day are well improved, the work extended into the evening is so much extra, and the overtaxed system will suffer from the burden imposed upon it. I have been shown that those who do this, often lose much more than they gain, for their energies are exhausted, and they labor on nervous excitement. They may not realize any immediate injury, but they are surely undermining their constitutions." FE 153

Good Posture‍

"Among the first things to be aimed at should be a correct position, both in sitting and in standing. God made man upright, and He desires him to possess not only the physical but the mental and moral benefit, the grace and dignity and self possession, the courage and self-reliance, which an erect bearing so greatly tends to promote." Ed 198. All this by correct position.

Correct Use of Voice

"Whatever his calling, every person should learn to control the voice, so that when something goes wrong, he will not speak in tones that stir the worst passions of the heart. Too often the speaker and the one addressed speak sharply and harshly. Sharp, dictatorial words, uttered in hard, rasping tones, have separated friends and resulted in the loss of souls." 6T 381

"Some have a thick, indistinct utterance, others speak in a high key, in sharp, shrill tones, that are painful to the hearers." COL 335

"Many speak in a rapid way and in a high, unnatural key. Such a practice will injure the throat and lungs. As a result of continual abuse, the weak, inflamed organs will become diseased, and consumption may result.... They should learn to speak, not in a nervous, hurried manner, but with a slow, distinct, clear utterance, preserving the music of the voice." CT 239, 240

"Do not leave one defective habit of speech uncorrected. Pray about the matter, and cooperate with the Holy Spirit that is working for your perfection." FE 215

"We should accustom ourselves to speak in pleasant tones, to use pure and correct language, and words that are kind and courteous. Sweet, kind words are as dew and gentle showers to the soul." COL 336

Appearance recommends health reform

‍Normal weight or close to it and losing consistently

• Rule of thumb: 100 lbs. for the first 5 feet height
• MEN add 6 lbs. for every inch above 5'
• WOMEN add 5 lbs. for every inch above 5'

Hair should be styled and neatly arranged, not only at work, but also at worship and on or off campus

No body odors, no garlic eaten when working around others, if giving a number of heating treatments the worker might need to take a shower and change clothes more than once, a deodorant should be worn.

Fingernails should be short and neat.

Dress: The medical missionary in dress and in every other way should preach.

Remember that people judge dress reform by you--not only at the conditioning center--but at church, home, or in the community. This does not apply only to the conditioning center, but at worship and any time you are in public.

This is speaking particularly of the minister, but I believe it applies equally to the missionary nurse:

"The loss of some souls at last will be traced to the untidiness of the minister. The first appearance affected the people unfavorably, because they could not in any way link his appearance with the truths he presented. His dress was against him; and the impression given was that the people whom he represented were a careless set who cared nothing about their dress, and his hearers did not want anything to do with such a class of people." Ev 671

‍‍Conservative colors--no bright colors, no large plaids or prints, or borders, not a lot of embroidery to attract attention to the dress.

Black or dark material is more becoming to a minister in the desk, and will make a better impression upon the people, than would be made by a combination of two or three different colors in his apparel.—Testimonies For The Church 2:610 (1871).

Simple, durable, modest--good quality material, not too many ruffles, lace, types of material, layers, well-fitting but not too tight--avoid patterns that emphasize the feminine figure; sleeves should cover biceps.

Neat work shoes--no tennis or jogging shoes, no flip flops in the summer---only sandals with low heels, no high heels (including those on boots), while in the workplace.

Matching accessories - such as socks, sweater, scarf, skirts and slacks should be of the same color.

Men's Clothes

• ‍‍No jeans or t-shirts to work or class (except if the work is on the farm or maintenance department, etc.)
• A suit should be worn on the Sabbath.
• Hair should be neat and well-cut, beards must be short and well-trimmed.‍

Simplicity of Dress Impactful

"Simplicity of dress will make a sensible woman appear to the best advantage. How charming, how interesting, is simplicity in dress, which in comeliness can be compared with the flowers of the field." MYP 353

"The outside appearance is frequently an index to the mind, and we should be careful what signs we hang out for the world to judge of our faith." MYP 346

"A person's character is judged by his style of dress. A refined taste, a cultivated mind, will be revealed in the choice of simple and appropriate attire." Ev 672

"The true child of God will be neat and clean. [W]e are in no case to be careless and indifferent in regard to outward appearance. All about our persons and our homes is to be neat and attractive. The youth are to be taught the importance of presenting an appearance above criticism, an appearance that honors God and the truth." CH 102

"When we lose taste for order and neatness in dress we virtually leave the truth." MYP 353

"Our words, our actions, our deportment, our dress, everything, should preach. Not only with our words should we speak to the people, but everything pertaining to our person should be a sermon to them." Ev 671