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Selfless Young Man

Posted by eph21920 on November 11, 2018 in Faith, Generosity, Love, Prayer, Youth

I helped at an event today that included the Fostering Hope group of youth who are high school and college age. The organizer has been in the position for less than a year and I am so impressed with him. He has a beautiful rapport with the young people while maintaining boundaries and they show him such respect. He has had some great ideas that he has been able to implement and we learned today of a financial grant he was able to obtain. At the end of each event, we have a short meeting to discuss important information and upcoming events. When we finish, he leads us in prayer, blessing each of the youth. His love, trust, patience, courage, and faith are inspiring.

I Found God today in a generous, faithful young man.

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Friends There

Posted by eph21920 on November 10, 2018 in Family, Friends, Joy

My mom and I haven’t been to the Parkinson’s support group for a couple of months now for one reason or the other. We decided to go today as we wanted to hear the talk on nutrition and enjoy the potluck Thanksgiving lunch. As we were getting ready to go, my mom said that she didn’t really know anyone who would go to the meeting. I reminded her of all the people she has met in her exercise class and that some of them might be there. When we arrived, we saw some people she knew right away. We sat at a table with a couple from the exercise class and were later joined by another woman. During lunch, another friend of my mom’s from years ago stopped over for a chat. All in all, my mom did a lot of visiting and enjoyed the event.

I Found God today as my mom realized she had friends to visit with.

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Mom’s Faith

Posted by eph21920 on November 9, 2018 in Answer, Family, Healing, Prayer

My mom has been suffering with sciatica for 2 weeks now. She’s been taking pain medication and going to physical therapy. Tonight before she went to bed, she told me she had just felt the pulling of the pinched nerve going down her leg, but that was the first time today. She got teary eyed when she told me she has been praying that God take the pain away if He would want it that way. But if not, to help her deal with it. She has a beautiful faith.

I Found God today in my mom’s faith.

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Overly Helpful

Posted by eph21920 on November 8, 2018 in Grateful, Problem, Stranger

Today my mom and I spent some time in a little shop. Suddenly she had to go to the bathroom. She asked the woman behind the counter if there was a restroom she could use. The woman said they didn’t really let people back there, but she knew it was an emergency. She took a few quick seconds and cleared a pathway so my mom could make it safely with her walker. She was super nice and helpful, which we really appreciated.

I Found God today in an overly helpful woman.

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Understanding

Posted by eph21920 on November 7, 2018 in Answer, Connected, Friends, Job, Life

I was talking with a friend today about jobs. She said she goes to her office, does her work, and then goes home. She said that I am not able to do that in the job I have in caring for my parents. She went on to completely relate to my situation. It was an amazing thing and it felt good that she very much understood.

I Found God today in a friend who understands.

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Act Locally

Posted by eph21920 on November 6, 2018 in Answer, Connected, Life

The reflection of today from Dynamic Catholic seemed especially fitting for election day. It read, “Act locally. Whatever change you desire for the world, create that change in your own life.” No matter what the results of the election are, there are so many issues that people collectively agree on. There is a lot of talk about division, but if each person decided to make a positive difference right where they are and live, we would all be much better off.

I Found God today in a reminder to be a person of positive action.

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Blessing of Family

Posted by eph21920 on November 5, 2018 in Faith, Family, Friends, Grateful

Tonight I went to a Bible class. We just started reading the book of Exodus. One statement that really stood out to me was that God blesses people with family. In Chapter 1 of Exodus, it describes how the Pharaoh wanted to dwindle the numbers of the Israelites. He commanded the midwives to kill all the male babies that were born. But the midwives were faithful to God and they did not follow through. Because of this, God blessed them with family. I immediately became aware of my own family and how much of a blessing they are and thanked God for them. Then I also thought about groups of friends who I also consider to be family. I would say that while immediate, biological family is certainly a gift, having other close relationships that you can count on is also a huge blessing. I am grateful for both.

I Found God today realizing the blessing of biological family and those I consider family.

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Helping Nana

Posted by eph21920 on November 4, 2018 in Family, Life, Love

Today my son, his wife and kids, and his wife’s sisters and families made their way to my daughter in laws’ mothers’ house. They all went to help “Nana”. They shared pictures of everyone raking and cleaning up the yard. I just thought it was so nice how they all pitched in to help her out and had a fun time doing it.

I Found God today seeing my son and his family being loving.

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Palm Tree

Posted by eph21920 on November 3, 2018 in Answer, Death

Sadly, a friend of my sister passed away a few days ago. She said he was an amazing man who touched many lives and will be very missed. She went to the memorial service last night and told me about it today. Near the end of his life, the man told his sister that he just wanted to go and sit under a palm tree. His sister spoke at the service and reflected on that statement. In a storm, the palm tree is made to bend and bow in the powerful winds. As it does, it grows stronger. When the tree withstands a storm, it becomes more capable of holding firm when the next storm comes around. While the man may have not realized this about the palm tree he was envisioning, his sister said it was a good illustration of her brother. He was flexible in difficult situations and stayed strong to the end. This story really touched me. I thought it was a beautiful example for living life to the fullest.

I Found God today in a reflection of a loved ones life.

 

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Four Years

Posted by eph21920 on November 2, 2018 in Answer, Children, Family, Grateful, Home, Life, Love, Sick, Struggles

Today a picture popped up that I shared 4 years ago. It was of me, my parents, my friend who drove here with me, and my dog. It is hard to believe it has been 4 years since I moved here. I still miss my dog who lived only a few months after we arrived. I am still so grateful for faraway friendships, those I have reconnected with, and new ones I have made. I have learned far more about the human body, diseases, the health care system, and medicine than I ever anticipated. It is great to be close to sisters and I was so excited when younger son moved here. I miss my older son, his wife, and my grandchildren tremendously, but am very grateful for the visits I have been able to make. I am incredibly thankful that my parents are better than they were when I arrived and that I’m able to help them live this chapter. I am continuously working on patience, coping with stress, and unconditional love. Mostly, I am still learning to let go of the illusion of control, to take one day at a time, to live joyfully in the moment, and to rely on the love, strength, and peace that is God.

I Found God today contemplating the last 4 years.

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