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Promising Words

Posted by eph21920 on May 8, 2018 in Answer, Baby, Children, Youth

This evening I went to a training session for people who are working with kids who are in foster care. I have been part of a group of adults who get together with the high school youth to be another source of support to them. The training session was on brain development. The presenter talked about how our brains develop from the womb until young adulthood. When we are deprived of our basic needs as a baby through childhood; or worse are in an abusive situation at a young age; we can become “stuck” in the fight or flight mode. Of course, there was much more to it and it helped to explain certain behaviors in kids raised in foster homes. What stood out to me was that when we see a child “acting out”, or not engaging in a conversation, we should not ask, “What is wrong with them?” but rather, “What happened to them?” And studies have shown that a brain that was not ordered properly as an infant can be retrained. And it can be healed with unconditional love. I thought it was a very powerful presentation.

I Found God today in promising words for kids.

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Mini Support Session

Posted by eph21920 on May 7, 2018 in Connected, Friends, Grateful, Life

While my mom was in her exercise class today, I went for a short hike with one of the ladies whose husband is in the class. It was a beautiful day to walk and talk. We talked about all kinds of things and about caregiving. I was once again reminded that I am not on this journey alone and that other people in the same role have very similar struggles as well as blessings. We had our own little support session. I am very grateful for the people I am meeting and getting to know along the way.

I Found God today sharing time with another caregiver.

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Exercise Like a Beast

Posted by eph21920 on May 5, 2018 in Family, Grateful, Opportunity, Teacher

Today the Parkinson’s support group that we attend held a Symposium. They had a vast number of speakers, demonstrations, and exhibits. A few weeks ago, we learned that the teacher of my mom’s exercise class would be giving a presentation. Last week, she asked my mom if she would help her out by demonstrating one of the class exercises. My mom was nervous about her balance, so the teacher promised she wouldn’t make her do something too hard. My mom agreed. She was up bright and early this morning and did some warm-ups. Before the presentation, the teacher told my mom that she brought the ropes with her and wanted my mom to show how she could whip them up and down. My mom is really good at that and it is one of her favorite exercises. A couple other participants and my mom went up on the stage with the teacher and some of the interns who help in the class. The teacher explained the exercise, got my mom into position standing on one of the cushion mats to challenge her balance just a little, and had her go at it. The teacher counted down as my mom whipped the ropes up and down while holding a squat standing on a cushion. The audience cheered her on as she got close to the end, then gave her a big round of applause. The teacher then told everyone that my mom just turned 86 years old and that when she first came to the class, she was happy that could ride 2 minutes on the exercise bike. Now, she exercises like a beast. For the rest of the day, everyone told her what a great job she did. I am just in awe of the hard work my mom puts in every single day so that she can function the best she can. And, I am so grateful for all the people who help and encourage her.

I Found God today as my mom shared her progress to encourage others, and the encouragement she received.

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Active Spring Wildlife

Posted by eph21920 on May 4, 2018 in Creation, Family, Joy

Since it was supposed to be a gorgeous day today, my parents and I made a trip to the cabin in mountains. When we were only about 15 minutes away, my mom commented on the fact that we had not seen any wildlife at all, which was unusual. That was about to change. We came to the spot where we have seen the bighorn sheep before and were disappointed that there were none in sight. As we rounded the next corner, I saw a truck stopped on the opposite side of the road. I slowed down and we spotted the sheep, so I stopped also. There were about 7 adults relaxing in the meadow below and 3 babies up on the edge of the road. One of them was just getting his horns. I was so enthralled with watching them, I never even thought about taking a picture. When a car came up behind me, we moved on. We went around a couple more turns and saw something moving in the marshy area. It was a large coyote who was stalking rodents. When we got to the cabin, we put the bird feeders out on the deck. It took a while for the birds to find them, and the junco showed up first. They are floor feeders and there were no seeds on the floor yet. So, my dad put some seeds out for him. He came back and was so happy to have his own little stash. Suddenly, he ducked underneath the water dish that was also on the deck. Just then, a red-tailed hawk swooped down. Had that junco not seen him, he would have been lunch. After a while, all the “regulars” showed up at the feeders – even the hummingbirds, although we didn’t have their feeders out. The chipmunks and squirrels also came out of hiding to make sure they got their fair share. On the way home, we saw a herd of about 30 deer. Many of them were just starting to get their antlers. Towards the end of the mountain road, we saw some large dark birds gathered together. They were “lumbering” – moving different from other birds I recognized. Then I saw the red head. It was a group of turkey vultures. It was surprising and joyful to see such different wildlife than we usually see on a beautiful Spring day in the mountains.

I Found God today in the active and diverse wildlife.

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Grateful Intern

Posted by eph21920 on May 3, 2018 in Answer, Grateful, Joy

I took my mom to physical therapy today. She has been to this particular place a couple of times before and she always improves. The therapists are upbeat and enjoy their work, but today there seemed to be an overabundance of positive energy. The head therapist usually has an intern with her as she does now. The young man learns by experience and has been working more with my mom to help her get over her recent dizziness bout. Last time we were there, the intern had taken his big final test, but did not yet know how he did. We asked him today if he knew the results. He said he passed with a big grin on his face. Then he said “Praise God”. Sincerely. It was beautiful to here and we reveled in his joy.

I Found God today in a young man who was elated and thanking God.

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Many Well Wishers

Posted by eph21920 on May 2, 2018 in Birthday, Connected, Family, Life

Today is my mom’s 86th birthday. I took her to her exercise class this morning, and when she got there, everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to her. I brought a plate of cookies to celebrate. She took it easy the rest of the day and just did what she wanted. Starting at dinner time, she spent the next couple of hours talking with every family member who called – sons, daughters, sister, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all sending well wishes. At one point, we had 3 calls going on at the same time from all different states. She felt pretty special getting so much attention.

I Found God today in all my mom’s well wishers.

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Perfect Morning Prayer

Posted by eph21920 on May 1, 2018 in Answer, Begin, Faith, Family, Prayer

This morning I got on my phone to see what was happening in the world. The EWTN post popped up, which I seem to get sporadically. When I do see them, it is a little video encouraging prayer for a specific intercession. Today’s prayer was for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. I clicked on the video and said the prayer. It was a great way to begin the day.

I Found God today in a meaningful prayer to start my day.

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Faith in Mission

Posted by eph21920 on April 30, 2018 in Faith, Friends, Generosity, Homeless, Sacrifice, Stranger

A couple I know are on a mission trip in Greece serving the many refugees who have landed there. They have done many such trips and sometimes take another family member with them. Last year, the wife took one of her granddaughters to Africa. I received an email from them describing how they are contributing. The husband helps prepare and serve meals and uses his experience in media by helping to make a video. The wife has an education background, so she is teaching English. They show the people God’s love by providing their immediate needs. There are times when people seek to hear God’s message and have a conversion. My friends were able to attend a Christian service in which a refugee was baptized. They said it is difficult to witness the conditions that the refugees are living in, and there are times when it is very challenging. But, they know God is giving them the strength to persevere.

I Found God today in the faith witness of a couple on a mission trip.

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Power of Forgiveness

Posted by eph21920 on April 29, 2018 in Answer, Forgiveness, Friends, Grateful, Sick

My friend whose mother is dying has been writing every day. They have received so many miracles, I could just copy her posts. They are so powerful. Today I read about forgiveness. My friend’s mother and father have been divorced for 30 years. Her dad called her mom to make amends and he thanked her for being such a good mother. They forgave one another. My friend spoke of how grateful she is and how this dying process has offered many blessings and healing. What a beautiful gift for the whole family.

I Found God today in the power of forgiveness.

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Another Year of Life and Love

Posted by eph21920 on April 28, 2018 in Birthday, Family, Joy, Laughter, Life, Love

Today was my dad’s birthday. My sisters, brother in law, and son came over to celebrate. It was an all inclusive party as my parents’ anniversary and birthdays all occur within a couple of weeks. Everyone pitched in to make a delicious German dinner. We had fun cooking together and enjoying the fruits of our labors. As always, we laughed a lot. Most of all, it was joyful to celebrate another year of life and love with my parents.

I Found God today celebrating another year of life and love.

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