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Do Not Worry

Posted by eph21920 on August 30, 2016 in Answer, Bible, Faith

I have been reading scripture every day and today’s really spoke to my heart. I hope it will encourage you too.

Luke 12:22-32   He said to [his] disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what you will wear. For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. Notice the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you than birds! Can any of you by worrying add a moment to your life-span? If even the smallest things are beyond your control, why are you anxious about the rest? Notice how the flowers grow. They do not toil or spin. But I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass in the field that grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? As for you, do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not worry anymore. All the nations of the world seek for these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides. Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. 

I Found God today in peace in His Word.

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Rain Poncho

Posted by eph21920 on August 29, 2016 in Connected, Friends, Grateful, Sick, Struggles, Trust

The other day I was happy to get a call from one of the neighbor ladies asking if I wanted to go for a walk with her and her friend. I met them in the park today and despite the thunder and threatening clouds, we started on our way. They didn’t know the details of my mom’s condition. As we walked I told them about everything that has happened in the past few weeks. Both the women are a bit older than me and talked about their own experiences in making decisions and caring for their aging parents. I realized that every individual journey is personally unique. But also, the struggle of aging and caring for elderly loved ones is very much the same. It is very complex. In some ways, I wonder if we as a society have made it more complex than it should be. It was good to hear their stories and know that they understood my challenges and feelings. One of the ladies said the same words as the one I met a few days ago – “you won’t regret being here for them”. We had almost made it back to the car when the skies opened up. I pulled out my rain poncho and as I covered myself up, I thought that this is really what I really want – a cover for my mom to keep her safe, warm, and protected. I am still praying and trusting that God is my mom’s poncho.

I Found God today in understanding women and another way to think of God.

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Finding Rings

Posted by eph21920 on August 28, 2016 in Answer, Family, Grateful, Problem

When my mom was in the hospital, I noticed she wasn’t wearing her wedding rings. I remembered that at one of the previous visits, the nurse gave me her rings immediately to hold on to. I figured my sister or dad had them. A few days ago, my dad asked if I had her rings. I said I did not and that I thought he had them or knew where they were. I asked my sister and she did not know anything about them. My dad and I both checked through my mom’s purse, the bathroom sink, assorted jewelry boxes, and I even went through the pockets in her clothing. Nothing. I envisioned going through the hospital trying to track them down. I said a prayer to St. Anthony to help us find the rings. This was one stresser that we did not need. The other day, I asked my mom if she knew where they were. She said that she had taken them off before she went to the hospital. She put them on the ring holder on the right side of her bathroom counter. I told her I thought I was going to have to search the hospital. She laughed and said no, she knew right where they were. I went home and found them exactly as she described. We were all very grateful.

I Found God today finding my mom’s rings and realizing the memory she still has.

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Spiritual Encounter

Posted by eph21920 on August 27, 2016 in Answer, Connected, Faith

Today I took some time at home while my dad, sister and others visited my mom. I thought it would do me some good to take a little break, but I just kept thinking about her. I went out and took a little walk which always helps to clear my head. When I got back, one of the ladies from the housing complex was driving by and she stopped to ask a question about another neighbor. I didn’t know who she was referring to, so I couldn’t be much help. When she realized who I was, she talked about when she was helping her parents and at times, she didn’t know if she was going to be able to make it through. As she held my hand she said I would never regret this time. She quoted Luke 6:38, “Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”  She said that’s a pretty good promise. She told me that she understands how difficult things can be as her husband passed away a few months ago after a long battle with cancer. Words of spiritual wisdom just kept coming. I hadn’t told her much about my mom’s situation – just that she is currently in rehab. Her words spoke to my heart and I doubt if she knows how much that little encounter lifted my spirit. I know God sent her to me – 30 seconds earlier or later and our paths would not have crossed.

I Found God today in a perfectly timed spiritual encounter.

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Push the Button

Posted by eph21920 on August 26, 2016 in Family, Humor, Laughter

When my sister and my mom get together, they always laugh so hard it brings my sister to tears. Today did not disappoint. My sister came to town and we went to visit my mom in the rehab facility. My mom said she needed to go to the bathroom. The call button was next to her and I reminded her to “push the button”. She looked around like she was confused and I was starting to get concerned. Then she found her controller and pushed the button. She said she thought I said, “push your butt in” and was trying to figure out how that was going to be helpful. We all laughed and laughed. My sister’s eyes started welling up as usual. It was so wonderful to see and hear my mom make a joke and laugh out loud. I think it was one of the best therapy sessions she had all day.

I Found God today laughing with my mom and sister.

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Dinner and a Show

Posted by eph21920 on August 25, 2016 in Family, Food, Joy, Music

The rehab facility where my mom is staying has different activities going on every day. My dad and I saw that there was harp music this evening, so we hoped that my mom would be able to go down to the dining room for dinner and to enjoy the music. She has been having difficulty in the evenings with involuntary movements and I wasn’t sure how she would be. I talked to her about it in the morning and she said that sounded nice. I spoke to those caring for her in the morning and they got it all set up. I ordered dinner for my dad and I as well. When we arrived for the evening, my dad spoke to the people in the dining room and got our table all set. We went up to my mom’s room and the CNA had her sitting up in the chair all ready to go. My mom said she told her all afternoon that she was going to take her down to hear the music. She came in after a few minutes and got my mom settled into the wheelchair and took her down to the dining room with my dad and I in tote. There were 2 harpists – teenage sisters. It was mesmerizing to watch them and soothing to listen to. They played songs that appealed to the elderly and I could hear my mom humming along a little bit. Later she said she wanted to sing and I told her that she should have. Even though she was restless and was moving around some, she really enjoyed the music. My dad and I were very happy that she was able to participate and that we could spend this nice time together.

I Found God today in beautiful soothing music and enjoying a nice evening with my mom.

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Surprise Garden

Posted by eph21920 on August 24, 2016 in Answer, Creation, Joy

There is an elementary school close to the house that is sometimes on my walking route. In between the school building and the playground is a dirt area that has been slowly progressing into a garden. I took a walk this evening after dinner to get some exercise and clear my head a little. I decided to go through the school and came upon the garden. There had been a lot of work done to it since the last time I was there and it was beautiful. A vegetable garden was fully enclosed with a cute little gate. Inside there were raised beds with summer squash, tomatoes, pumpkins, carrots, and herbs. Surrounding the enclosure was a flower garden with a small stone walkway. In among the flowers were large rocks painted with ladybugs, birds, and flowers. There were also many colorful rocks with words on them such as Perseverance, Courage, Kindness, Hope, Joy, and several others. As I walked through and read the words, enjoyed the artwork, and smelled the flowers, it felt like a little piece of heaven.

I Found God today in the surprise of a beautiful garden with encouraging messages.

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Stand Firm and Hold Fast

Posted by eph21920 on August 23, 2016 in Answer, Faith, Peace, Trust

Today I read the scripture readings of the daily Mass to my mom and dad when we were all together. There was a reflection based on the words, “stand firm and hold fast”. It talked about how we are to respond when we feel anxious about current events, speculation about the end time, or thoughts of our own last days. We should stand firm living the life God has given us and not worry about the future. And we should hold fast to all we have learned and know about Christ. It ended with a prayer, “Father, I believe you want me to walk in your peace. Help me to stand firm in the life you’ve given me and hold fast to your truth.” That brought me comfort.

I Found God today in comforting words from scripture.

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Way Beyond Me

Posted by eph21920 on August 22, 2016 in Faith, Music, Trust

I got in the car early this morning to see my mom and turned on the radio. It was on the Christian station and the song, “Beyond Me” by Toby Mac came on. It was perfect for the day and I kept it in the front of my mind. You can see the video HERE. Here are some of the lyrics that touched my heart.

You gave me the stars, put them out of my reach
Called me to waters a little too deep
Oh, I’ve never been so aware of my need
You keep on making me see
It’s way beyond me. . . . .
Anything that I got the strength to do
In over my head keeps me countin’ on You…

I Found God today in a message in music.

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Mom’s New Place

Posted by eph21920 on August 21, 2016 in Answer, Faith, Family, Friends, Grateful, Hope, New, Prayer, Problem, Sick, Trust

It was very stressful as my dad and I were learning about options for my mom and trying to decide where would be the best place for her to go after being released from the hospital. With help from doctors, nurses, therapists, and home care providers, my mom, dad, and I felt that a rehabilitation facility would provide what she needed. They would focus on helping her regain her strength while monitoring her medical condition. We chose a facility with an outstanding reputation. It took a while to hear if they would accept her or not. As her discharge drew near, my anxiety kicked in – What if they didn’t accept her? What if her condition was too bad? What if…..? I finally stopped and put it on God’s hands. I prayed that if it was God’s will for my mom to recover there, to please let us know soon. Within a few hours we got the answer that the facility had accepted her. My dad and I drove over to the place to take a look. The woman greeted us and knew all about my mom already. She took us on a tour which left us feeling very comfortable with the choice. We told my mom all about it. My mom was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon. I wish I could say it was a smooth transition. The girl from the transport company came early but did not have the right wheelchair. We waited close to an hour as she got that coordinated. We all tried to remain calm. That put us late getting to the rehab center – just at dinner time. The CNA met us in the room, quickly made meal arrangements, and gave us a packet of information. Then there was a shift change. We waited longer for the nurse to come. I kept wondering if we would be capable of taking care of her at home. Then I remembered my prayer and wisdom from good friends – you can’t second guess the decisions you make. The very caring nurse finally arrived with all of my mom’s info. Once we went through all of that and I got my questions answered, I felt better. Honestly it was very difficult to leave her, but I knew I had to trust that she was in good hands. When we visited today, my mom said she had a restless night and was exhausted. I talked to the nurse a bit who knew all about her. As the day went on and we chatted with more of the people, we all grew more comfortable. When my mom was awake, she was walking, moving around, and conversing more than she has in at least 10 days. It was encouraging to say the least. Exhale…

I Found God today being more encouraged and hopeful for my mom’s recovery.

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