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Still Celebrating

Posted by eph21920 on November 13, 2016 in Birthday, Connected, Food, Friends

This morning I got a phone call from my son in college. When I answered, I heard many voices singing happy birthday to me, since it is my birthday. I said thank you to everyone there and asked who exactly was there? My son directs one of the groups that leads music for church and it was the whole group that was singing. That was really nice and unexpected! We talked for a while and after we hung up, I saw a text from my other son. He texted the words to the song happy birthday and sent it at the same time. That was pretty funny. My sister was here and cooked again pretty much all day. A friend took my mom to the symphony this afternoon. When they returned, she stayed for dinner and we had cake – again! Later we called my aunt who I share my birthday with. She always puts a smile on my face. All in all, it was a great birthday weekend.

I Found God today celebrating another birthday.

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A Party

Posted by eph21920 on November 12, 2016 in Family, Food, Fun, Grateful, Life

My sisters came over today and threw me a little birthday party. They brought balloons and decorations and cards and a beautiful large plant. One sister made my favorite cake -homemade chocolate with buttercream frosting. The other made dinner – taco salad, another favorite. I actually sat down and doodled while she was cooking. It felt strange, but I made myself relax a bit. We always laugh a lot when we get together, which is one of the best things about it. Laughter relieves some of the anxieties of daily life and boosts the spirit. I had such a great day. And I am so grateful for my sisters and that they live close.

I Found God today enjoying a party from my family.

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Housing a Veteran

Posted by eph21920 on November 11, 2016 in Answer, Grateful

Today on Veterans Day, there were many ways that our military were honored. I had the Steve Harvey show on as the whole show was dedicated to those in the military and veterans. I have heard for too many years how difficult it is for those previously in the military to find jobs and make a living. Steve Harvey had on a woman with just that problem. She had been out of the military for 2 years, had a little girl, and was homeless. She was just struggling and unable to make ends meet. Of course, Steve Harvey had the means and ways to change her life. She was offered a job which she graciously accepted. She was offered an apartment that was paid for 1 year and the owners said that after the year, they would negotiate a price that she would be able to afford. They fully decorated the place so she wouldn’t have to try to to furnish the home. Needless to say, she was incredibly grateful and cried at every turn. So did I. I remember when they cleared out a homeless camp here in the city, they interviewed some of those who were displaced. Several were veterans. It is heartbreaking to think of the service they have done in helping to keep us safe and how difficult their lives have been. Yet so many continue to struggle. Surely if others who had the means would help out just one veteran, it would make a big impact on them and help get people off the streets. For my part, I can donate to the DAV, vote in a way that is helpful to them, respect and be gracious to those in the military, and pray for them.

I Found God today in a national desire to assist and take care of those in the military.

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Christmas Cactus Bloom

Posted by eph21920 on November 10, 2016 in Family, Happiness, Life

My sister has a beautiful gigantic Christmas cactus. She grew it from cuttings off a plant my mom had about 40 years ago. My mom read in a magazine about a cactus that had been passed down through family members for a couple hundred years. We thought that was amazing. A few months ago, my sister cut hers back and had dozens of leaves to start new plants with. We sent some to my daughter-in-law and to my mom’s friend. Then my mom and I planted some ourselves. I had a few cuttings in tiny pots in my window. Evidently it was the right thing to do. Each little plant now has buds on it and one has a beautiful pink flower hanging on the end. My mom and sisters raved at what a green thumb I have. I am not really that good with plants – typically I am lucky if they survive at all. I took a close up picture of the flower and sent it to my dad who made a couple of large prints. They turned out just beautiful. So – I managed to grow a gorgeous flowering plant and took an amazing photo that was print-worthy. That made me happy.

I Found God today in a flowering plant that I grew.

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Come Together

Posted by eph21920 on November 9, 2016 in Answer, Connected, Love

Well, the election is over. The vote was so close and the nation was just about split in half. There were a lot of people very upset over the outcome. But, there was an overriding tone of the day that was about unity – bringing people together. President Elect Trump talked about just that when he gave his acceptance speech. Secretary Clinton did too when she gave her concession speech. It was the focus of President Obama’s remarks. As I was flipping through channels, I came across the Ellen DeGeneres show (which had been recorded yesterday) and something she said stuck with me, “I believe we can all come together because if you take away the labels, you realize we’re far more alike than we are different.” I thought about how true this is and I think a big part of the problems we have is because of the language we use to identify others. I thought of a quote from Saint Mother Teresa, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” So many friends on social media were talking about how it really is up to each one of us to be the change we want to see. Each of us individually must treat every person with the love and respect they deserve. One last thought from my mom – if everyone was just nice to each other, everyone would be happy.

I Found God today in hopeful words in a tumultuous day.

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Bigger Than Myself

Posted by eph21920 on November 8, 2016 in Answer, Connected, Prayer

As I contemplated how I was going to vote, it felt like such a heavy burden. Talking over the issues with family and friends, I felt a little better as I am likely not casting “the deciding vote”. Yes, I must vote my conscience and vote responsibly, but it is not all up to me. When I went to drop my ballot yesterday, I encountered several others doing the same thing. My view got a little bigger. Of course, there are polls and statistics, but when I am in contact with real people, it is quite different. There is more a sense of camaraderie. My parents and I have been praying a novena for this election along with many others – I know several. And I have been saying little prayers all during the day. There are many groups of people who have been praying in a organized manner today and tons more praying individually. I have been seeing inspiring messages on social media all day. I am but one of probably millions who have been inundating Heaven with pleas for the outcome of this election. The bottom line is that whoever wins this election, God is not surprised, He is still in charge and He holds us in the palm of His hand.

I Found God today trusting in His plan for our world, which us much bigger than anything I can imagine.

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I Voted

Posted by eph21920 on November 7, 2016 in Uncategorized

I received my ballot in the mail a few weeks ago.My parents and sisters and I have been pouring over the information regarding the way too many things we have the opportunity to vote for. I filled out my ballot except for the choice for president. I left it blank for a couple of days as I continued to fight with my inner struggle. Today was the day. I made my choice and sealed the ballot in the envelope before I changed my mind. My parents had completed theirs too, so I decided to take a nice walk to the drop off site which is not far from the house. As I walked through the complex, I came upon an older gentleman in his motorized wheelchair with his companion dog. I announced I was going to drop off my ballot and he said he had done so a couple of days ago. He laughingly suggested I vote for his dog. When I got to crosswalk at the busy intersection, I was joined by a man also holding ballots. I told him it was a painful process for me, but I knew I had to vote. He agreed and said how much better it was, though, then having to stand in line at a school. He spoke with an amazing British accent. I wanted to ask if he was an American citizen, but couldn’t come up with a polite way of doing so. As we approached the ballot drop box, a young man took a selfie of him dropping off his ballot. I dropped mine in and told the man I was walking with to have a great day. “Cheers!” he said in his awesome accent. I was just about home when I was met by a neighbor. I told him I had just voted. He lived outside the country for several years and this was the first time he was able to vote again. We talked about the candidates and how difficult it was to decide this year. It will be interesting to see just how the whole thing plays out. He said he isn’t going to turn on his TV now until the weekend as he doesn’t want to watch whatever ridiculous thing will happen. Might not be a bad idea. My parents and I have been praying a novena for this election. Now that my civic duty is done, I can rest assured that no matter who wins, or what happens, Jesus Christ is the true King and God’s will be done.

I Found God today being able to let go of my vote.

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Praying For All Souls

Posted by eph21920 on November 6, 2016 in Death, Faith, Family, Prayer

On Wednesday, the Catholic church celebrated All Souls Day – a day when people remember and pray for their loved ones who have died. Today the cathedral had a memorial prayer service and choir concert that I took my mom to. Each family was invited to light a candle representing those who have passed away. As I lit the candle, I thought particularly about my mom’s brother who died a few months ago and my dad’s sister who passed away last year. The scripture readings were full of hope and faith and included the classic Psalm 23. Several people were able to sign up ahead of time and had the names of their loved ones read out loud. The music was just beautiful. The voice of the first solo woman reminded me of my mother’s and I could picture her singing. Later, my mom said she had both sung and played the piano to that particular piece. Several times during the music I would close my eyes, listen, and pray for family and friends who have died. I also thought about those who perhaps had no one to pray for them and prayed for them as well. At the end of the service, the director thanked everyone for coming and said she hoped it helped people to pray for those who have died. I know it did for me.

I Found God today in a beautiful prayer service that helped me pray for those who have died.

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Getting Around Craft Fairs

Posted by eph21920 on November 5, 2016 in Connected, Family, Fun, Life, Shopping

You know it’s November when the craft fairs begin. I saw a sign at one of the local churches the other day and told my mom about it. Last year we went to a fair that was held in the town community center. My mom doesn’t have the stamina to walk through an entire fair, so we brought along a small, transport wheelchair. It was challenging right off the bat as the parking lot was rubble. When we got inside, the place was jammed packed with barely enough room for one person to get through the lined up tables that were too close together – let alone a wheelchair. But, we managed through. This year after I saw the sign, I looked up information about the different craft fairs that were being held today. My mom wanted to go, but neither of us wanted to have the same experience as last year. We chose 2 that looked promising and headed out the door this morning with the wheelchair in the trunk. We had time to visit both the fairs and had a very pleasant experience at both. There was plenty of room and it was not overcrowded, so it was not overwhelming. We had ample room for the wheelchair and time to look over the different items. We found several gifts and even some things for ourselves. At lunch we were joined by another older woman and her daughter who she was living with. We had a great conversation and I was able to invite the daughter to the caregiver’s group that I have been going to. All in all we had a great time together and a very enjoyable day.

I Found God today enjoying an outing day with my mom.

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Just to Chat

Posted by eph21920 on November 4, 2016 in Family, Happiness, Love, Relationship, Youth

I love my nephew. He and his mom lived with us for a couple of years when he was a toddler. When they moved away, he would come and spend some time during the summer. We have always had a great relationship. Now that we live closer, I do see him from time to time, but not as much as I would like. Today I got an unexpected phone call from him. He told me about a new job he was working and what he plans to do for the next few months before he heads off to the Navy. It was great to just chat with him and it made my day.

I Found God today with an unexpected call from my nephew.

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