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Dance of Difficulties

Posted by eph21920 on May 16, 2018 in Healing, Life, New, Sick, Trust

I had dinner with some friends tonight. One woman told us about a dance recital that she attended that her granddaughter was in. There was a dance portraying the life (so far) of a young woman. He family faced many challenges during the past few years. One of the biggest was when she received the diagnosis of cancer in her throat. Even though she did not have friends in high school, she fought hard and successfully beat the disease. She is 21 years old now and performed a danced that represented her trials and triumphs. my friend said it was so moving and powerful. She was sitting in the front row and when the dance ended, she jumped to her feet to applaud.

I Found God today in the story of a young woman overcoming difficulties and sharing it with others.

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Mother Not Alone

Posted by eph21920 on May 15, 2018 in Connected, Generosity, Life, Relationship, Stranger

I heard a beautiful story on the radio today. A woman who had gone through some very difficult times in her life, was estranged from her son and grandchildren. She hadn’t heard from him at all on Mother’s Day, so she decided to go out on her own. At the restaurant, the waitress realized that she was a mother all alone and felt sad for her. She and some of the other waitresses got together and bought her a small gift and treated her like a queen – even buying her meal. Even though they didn’t know her full story, they just knew that she shouldn’t be alone. That meant so much to the mom and she was overwhelmed. Later that night, she called her son who she hadn’t spoken to in a very long time. She shared her joy with him and they vowed to get together. The woman then invited the waitresses to a girl’s night to thank them. I don’t know the details of the woman’s difficulties, or the reason for her not speaking to her son. Neither did the waitresses, and it made no difference to them. They knew she was sad, they empathized with her, and did what they could to help. Their actions put a whole different set of actions into motion with the mom and her son that may not have happened otherwise. To me, the story is a beautiful example of how an act of kindness can seriously change lives.

I Found God today in a beautiful act of kindness that made a difference.

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Going Into the World

Posted by eph21920 on May 14, 2018 in Answer, Bible, Faith, Life, Sacrifice, Service, Trust

I met a woman at a prayer group a couple of months ago and we have stayed in touch every now and again. She was on my mind today, so I sent her a message and told her I was praying for her. She said that she and her husband made the decision to move to Serbia in the Fall. They are in the process of putting their house on the market, and then will be selling the majority of their possessions. They will be working with the small number of Christians there to spread the Gospel and the message of God’s love to those living in the area. This past Sunday, we read the last chapter of Mark when Jesus commissions His apostles to, ““Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” This woman and her husband are literally doing exactly that. I am amazed at their courage, sacrifice, and faith and will definitely keep them in my prayers.

I Found God today in a couple who are going into the world to proclaim the Gospel.

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Mom’s Choice

Posted by eph21920 on May 13, 2018 in Answer, Children, Family, Music

Today was my mom’s choice to celebrate Mother’s Day. After church, my son and I made her meal of choice – sloppy joes, coleslaw, baked beans, and fruit salad. To be honest, I have not made sloppy joes in years as I am pretty much obsessed with cooking healthy. I have to say, it was delicious. I guess sometimes you just need a change. My mom really wanted to see the opera Aida, so we got tickets for her, my dad, me, and my son and attended this afternoon. Honestly, I have never been to a live opera, and none of us were quite sure how much we would enjoy it. We planned on reading the plot before hand so we would know what was going on. We got the basic story line, but no details, so when the singing started and the English captions showed up on a screen, we were pretty happy. The orchestra and choir were beautiful and my mom still knew some of them from her piano teaching days. The hero was previously an NFL player who got hurt and was unable to play, so now he’s singing opera. That piqued the attention of my son. The lead soprano’s voice was enthralling. It was so smooth and she had such control between the loud and quiet dynamics. Her emotion really drew me in so that I found myself holding my breath. It was easy to follow the story with the captions and I was glad we didn’t actually know all the details, so we didn’t know how it would end. Afterwards, we all talked about how much we enjoyed it, even though we were uncertain at first. Once we got home, my brothers, sisters, and other son called to wish Happy Mother’s Day. For the past 3 years, I have not had a son around to celebrate with, so I was very happy to have one here this year. It was a great day, and my mom made some wonderful choices.

I Found God today celebrating my mom and her choices.

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Theresa’s Toffee Takes Off

Posted by eph21920 on May 12, 2018 in Begin, Family, Food, Happiness, Hope, Struggles

My sister has been struggling trying to find a new job and getting very discouraged. Many people have been encouraging her to start her own business selling her amazing coffee toffee. She finally decided to pursue the idea and has been working day and night for weeks to prepare for her first big event. She, my sister, and a friend spent 2 days at the event. We followed her via text and some pictures. Not only did she sell over 150 pounds of toffee – almost selling out her entire stock – she won the award for the best toffee. When we heard she won, my mom was so proud and happy for her, she was crying. We all knew it was the most amazing toffee, and now thousands of others also know. This was the accomplishment that my sister has deserved and has been waiting for, giving her much needed hope. I’m sure this was the first in a series of successful events to come.

I Found God today in my sister’s success.

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Mesmerizing Bird Song

Posted by eph21920 on May 11, 2018 in Creation, Happiness, Joy, Music

We spent the day at the cabin today. It was pretty windy during the day making it difficult to fully enjoy the beauty, but it calmed down later on, so I went out for a walk just before dusk. It was so quiet. I didn’t do a power walk, just kind of a meander. I would stop every now and again to take a good look around and listen for any wildlife. There is a large rock about halfway down the large hill by the cabin, so I headed there to just hang out. As I was enjoying the scenery, I heard a bird call. It wasn’t one that I was familiar with. There was a single tone, then a long series of trills. It would start on one note, then the next series would start about a fifth above the first. The trills echoed in the otherwise quieted hillside. I was mesmerized. I don’t know how long I stood there listening. I never did see the bird that sung the beautiful melody. But I certainly did appreciate it’s song.

I Found God today in a beautiful, mesmerizing bird song.

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Week of Good-byes

Posted by eph21920 on May 10, 2018 in Grateful, Hope, Youth

This week, my mom and I have said good-bye to several young adults – both in her exercise class and in her physical therapy. They are college students who have been interns in both places. Although we have only known them for a short time, we have been so impressed with their capabilities and aspirations. One young woman jumped in and taught the exercises classes completely after the teacher suddenly passed away. She taught for many months until they hired and trained a full-time replacement. Two of the young ladies completed studies in the group of Parkinson’s participants and gave presentations at different support groups. The results of their findings is giving direction to the class. One young man’s desire is to open his own assisted living facility to care for the elderly. They all brought energy, enthusiasm, and zeal to the sessions.  We have been so grateful for their support and it was a little sad to say good-bye to them. At the same time, it was encouraging to know that they are going out in the world and pursuing careers that will make such a positive impact on people.

I Found God today in hopeful, positive young adults.

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Life, Death, Love, Faith

Posted by eph21920 on May 10, 2018 in Death, Faith, Friends, Life, Love

I have had a friend and her family in the forefront of my thoughts and prayers. My friend has had her mother home with her as she has been receiving hospice during the final weeks of her life. My friend has been sharing this intimate time of life, love, and faith. The other day, we learned that her mother surrendered her spirit. The post was heart wrenching and beautiful. With her permission, I am sharing it.

“This morning I put on her watch, her matching infinity bracelet (she took both off a couple days ago) & my Fearless & Faith Over Fear bracelets to face the day.

Two weeks ago, as I sat on the side of her bed, we prayed the Rosary she told me that she prayed the Rosary at 3:00 each day, the hour Christ died. The Spirit put upon me the thought that He would come for her at 3:00 one day, which I shared and she responded “I think so too.” One of many tender moments we shared these last 3 weeks.

My mom always wanted to look pretty, especially for guests these last weeks. Today I felt called to put a little make up on her for the special visit I knew she’d have today. I painted her nails too. She looked pretty.

At 2:55 today her breathing sped up. I knew it was the last symptom to come. Jon, Lori & I were at her side as she finally surrendered at 3:24, the hour Jesus died, just as she planned.

Yesterday, her nurse, with whom we have become very close, shared that she was pregnant and spotting and at risk of miscarriage again. Suddenly everything made sense to me. I shared with mom the news, and offered all her suffering to God for the baby. While mom could no longer respond, she heard me. Today, another miracle, the baby is safe, with all numbers quadrupled! Our nurse arrived today for her daily visit at 3:10, as mom was passing, being birthed into new life.

Thank you all for your prayers…..

Please turn your prayers to this baby. That is what mom would want.”

I Found God today in the beautiful, intimate sharing of life, death, love, and faith.

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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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