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Influential People

Posted by eph21920 on October 1, 2016 in Connected, Faith, Family, Grateful, Life, Relationship

Last night as part of my prayer, I made a list of those who have helped me along in my faith life. My mother was at the top and I went from there writing down friends, family, priests, and mentors. I could remember a few specific conversations I had with people that spoke to my heart. Some people I only had a brief contact with, others I still speak with regularly. As I thought about this, I recognized how many people have made an impact on my faith – many probably don’t even realize it. Some really challenged me, others showed me patience and love when I needed it the most. I prayed for each one I thought of and am so grateful for these people that have been placed in my life.

I Found God today remembering all those who have helped my grow in faith.

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Resolving Another Frustration

Posted by eph21920 on September 30, 2016 in Answer, Doctor, Faith, Family, Problem

As usual after a hospital stay, my mom received some new medications to take. When we visited her primary care doctor, he said to keep taking them and sent out an order. I checked on it yesterday and it was to be shipped out. Unfortunately, she was on her last dose. I started making phone calls to see if we could get enough to hold her over. After not hearing anything yesterday, I got on the phone again early this morning. There was a problem finding the specific drug at all in the city, but our normal pharmacy tracked some down at another location. After a few hours, I called them and learned that there was an issue with the insurance that needed to be resolved. I was told to call back in the afternoon. When I called back, I was on hold for almost an hour before I actually spoke to someone. The pharmacist said the problem was not yet corrected and that they would look into it and call me back. Figuring it would be a while, I went ahead and made dinner. By the end of the meal and not hearing back, I was getting frustrated once again. I decided to just take the trip down to the pharmacy and plant myself there until I got some medication for my mom. I was just getting my shoes on when the phone rang. It was the pharmacy. They spoke to the insurance company, got what they needed, and the prescription was ready to be picked up. I sang and danced and thanked God profusely.

I Found God today in a resolved problem and avoiding more frustration.

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Calmed by Creation

Posted by eph21920 on September 29, 2016 in Answer, Creation, Doctor, Faith, Grateful, Life

Today I took my mom to another doctor’s appointment. This one was very frustrating as the communication with this doctor is always lacking and we never get help or answers or information when we need it the most, such as when my mom was having a difficult time in rehab. When I talked to the doctor about my frustration, she basically told me the problem was in those who answer the phones and I needed to talk with their manager. No apology, no follow up. My mom and I waited for the manager until we could wait no more. This afternoon, I received a call from the manager who did apologize and told me about more miscommunication between her, the doctor, and us. I could feel my blood pressure rising. When I hung up, I went out for a brisk walk. As I walked, I kept thinking about the situation and getting angry all over again. Not wanting to go down that road, I shook my head and looked at the mountains. I remembered some scripture I have been reading that focus on God’s creation. I decided that was a better way to occupy my mind. I looked all around to acknowledge the awesome living world. There were the birds, bees, butterflies, and squirrels. There were countless plants blowing in the wind and trees with multicolored leaves – some of which were swirling along the ground. I came to the park and watched a young woman playing with a toddler who was full of enthusiasm. School had just ended, so I shared the sidewalk with some high school youth laden with overloaded backpacks. A school bus stopped to let more energetic kids out who were crowing like roosters. The sidewalks were full of children and parents making their way home. When I returned to the house, I stopped for a moment and admired the mums that I planted in some pots last year that are now returning to life. I thanked God for all the creation that I witnessed and noticed that I was considerably more calm.

I Found God today by finding peace in pondering His creation.

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Assigned Doors

Posted by eph21920 on September 28, 2016 in Answer, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Healing, Sick, Trust

Recently, a friend’s husband had emergency open heart surgery. She set up a website where she has been posting updates for the past couple of weeks. He has been improving, but it has not been a smooth road. There was a trip back to the emergency room after going home and now he has to give himself shots. Even though he still has a long road and quite a bit of recovery to go, she writes about the positive things the day has brought. She writes about how grateful she is for friends and family. And she praises God through it all. Here is a bit of what she wrote today:

Again, we praise the Lord for His continual protection over Ron and are reminded of the words of David in the Psalms:  “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty, I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ ” Psalm 91.  As we learn to be at rest under the mighty power and infinite wisdom of God, we find that we can acquire a greater peace with the ups and downs of life knowing that, ultimately, God is the One – not us – Who is truly in control. The various “doors” that we need to go through in our lives as humans are not always doors we choose. Sometimes they are assigned, and when they are, we can feel more confident to approach them when we’re reminded that God Himself holds the keys.

I Found God today through an inspiring, trusting, faithful woman.

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Encouraging Support Group

Posted by eph21920 on September 27, 2016 in Answer, Connected, Grateful, Hope

Today I went to the caregivers support group that I have been going to for a couple of weeks now. It has already been such a help from resources to every day ideas to thinking about things in a different way. This afternoon one of the ladies talked about how much she was struggling in caring for her mother. She had some difficult decisions to make in order to bring peace to her, her family, and her mother. Once she started talking, everything came out. It was clear that she was holding in a lot of emotion and needed to release it. The group listened and made suggestions, but mostly they supported her. People said things like, “you are not a bad person”, “you are a loving daughter”, “you can get out of your comfort zone and it will be OK”. I felt so blessed to be part of group that truly understands one another even though the situations are different. The encouragement that flowed from the afternoon was uplifting for everyone there.

I Found God today in the blessing of an encouraging group of people.

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Reassuring Doctor

Posted by eph21920 on September 26, 2016 in Answer, Doctor, Family, Healing, Sick

I took both my mom and dad to an appointment with their heart doctor today. My parents always look forward to seeing him as they know they will get many questions answered. Today’s visit did not disappoint. The cardiologist is always funny and encouraging while being honest. He told my mom that she should think of her illness (mostly Parkinsons) as an “old friend” that will be sitting with her every day. Each day she can acknowledge the “old friend” and see what kind of help or trouble it will bring. He told me things to watch for in my mother that may or may not be considered worthy of a trip to the ER. He said above all, she needs to stay out of the hospital. We all agreed. As for my dad, he reassured him that he is doing well and not to let worry get in the way of that. He reminded them both that getting old isn’t for wimps. He helped us all to feel at ease with the current medical state of both my mom and dad. We left with a positive attitude and renewed vigor to move forward.

I Found God today in an encouraging, caring, honest doctor.

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Commotion and Peace

Posted by eph21920 on September 25, 2016 in Children, Faith, Family, Home, Intimacy, Peace

My brother stayed with my mom this morning while my dad and I went to church. We went to an earlier Mass than we usually go to, known as the “kid’s Mass”. The church was full to the brim with young families. There was a lot of action and chatter and SHH’s and a few cries here and there, but it was all good noise in my opinion. Mom’s and dad’s were making it a priority to bring their kids to church and that is a beautiful thing. The children’s choir sang for the whole celebration. They included songs from the summer’s vacation bible school, so much of the congregation was not only singing along, but clapping and doing the movements that they learned. I was part of a vibrant, exciting celebration and could really feel the Holy Spirit move. A couple of days ago, I spoke to one of the deacons about bringing Holy Communion to my mom as she is not able to go to church yet. He said I was able to take a consecrated host home with me after Mass after I went through the proper protocol, which I did. Once at home, my mom, dad, and I had a short prayer service and my mom received Communion. It was quiet and serene, and I could feel God’s presence in that moment. It was beautiful to experience God in a large, exuberant crowd and then a few minutes later to experience Him in a peaceful intimate way.

I Found God today in a large celebration and a more private setting.

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History to Life

Posted by eph21920 on September 24, 2016 in Children, Family, Knowledge

My grandson is hoping to make a trip at the end of the school year. He is doing some fundraising and now has a “Gofundme” page as well. His aunt – my daughter in law’s sister – wrote a beautiful paragraph toady as she helps him with his venture. I loved hearing her perspective about how relevant this trip will be for my grandson. It clearly is meaningful to her too as she passes down important stories from her family, keeping her father’s memory alive. And she took the time to help my grandson learn more about the history of our country. This is what she said:

“My nephew is raising funds to participate in his 8th grade Washington DC trip. This trip is a bit costly, so he is asking for some help to offset part of the expense. For nearly all his 14 years, he’s heard the stories of his Papa’s (my father) times protecting national monuments, while in the Honor Guard. And just this summer, my nephew met my challenge to research and recite the Gettysburg Address (as part of understanding my love for Lincoln). This trip will put a lot of stories and historical chatter into perspective for him.”

I Found God today in the involvement my grandson’s aunt has in his life to help him learn and grow as a person.

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Man Time

Posted by eph21920 on September 23, 2016 in Family, Happiness, Relationship

Yesterday, my brother drove all day and arrived late last night for a visit. It was so good to see him. We talk via Facetime, but of course it isn’t the same as being in person. Today he and my dad took a drive up to the cabin in the mountains. I didn’t realize he had not been up there for several years. He and my dad said the Fall colors were just gorgeous. I asked them if they enjoyed their “man time” together and talked about “man things”. They both just chuckled. I took that as a yes. I am sure that sometimes my dad gets tired of having 2 women around all the time and I am happy for him when he has an opportunity to be with other men and do “man things”.

I Found God today as my brother and dad enjoyed a day together.

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No More Headache

Posted by eph21920 on September 22, 2016 in Faith, Grateful, Healing, Hurt, Prayer

After a few days of eating too much food I shouldn’t be eating – especially sugar – I found myself fighting off a migraine yesterday. I thought I was doing pretty good until I woke up about 3:30 this morning with a pounding head. I tried to re-position a couple of times to no avail. Finally, I got up and did everything I could think of that might help. I took an extra strength tylenol, drank a full glass of water, stacked my pillows so I would be sitting up, and put a cold washcloth on my head. I heard the old wall clock strike every 15 minutes until about 4:30. Then I started praying. I prayed for all the people in my family – past, present, and future. Then I started going through my friends – as many as I could think of. Finally I drifted off to sleep. I woke up again a few hours later and lo and behold, the headache was gone. I was incredibly grateful. I have been praising and thanking God all day long.

I Found God today in healing my migraine.

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