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Morning Walk

Posted by eph21920 on July 27, 2016 in Grateful, Healing

It has been months since I have been out for a walk in the early morning air. I was happy to have time and energy this morning to get outside before the heat of the day. It was warm, beautiful, peaceful, and energizing. The bunnies were out, the sprinklers were going, the birds were singing, the sky was clear, and the mountain view was gorgeous. I could feel that my hip still wasn’t quite up to par from the injury at the beginning of the year, so I was careful how I walked and only went half the distance from what I was doing at my best. I stretched like crazy when I returned and so glad that I could still function for the rest of the day. It felt good to get out and walk like I used to enjoy.

I Found God today in the ability to enjoy a morning walk.

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Bringing Peace

Posted by eph21920 on July 26, 2016 in Answer, Death, Family, Grateful, Peace, Prayer, Priest

When my mom was in the hospital, a priest from the church offered to come and give her the Anointing of the Sick. It was so hectic there and my mom was so exhausted that she didn’t want him to come. Even when she came home, it has been busy with doctor and home care appointments. But, she was beginning to feel somewhat better and did want the priest to come so we made the appointment. He was supposed to come yesterday, but there was some confusion, so we rescheduled for today. Ironically – or God’s plan – it was the perfect day for him to come over. We got a call very early this morning that my mom’s brother was not doing very well and they were beginning palliative care. My uncle had been in poor health for several years now and has been in and out of the hospital. He has suffered a lot. But it is still difficult to know that his death is inevitable. Their family lives across the country and unfortunately, my mom is just not able to make that kind of a trip. I was so thankful that my aunt called and gave my mom an opportunity to talk with her brother. My dad and I stood by as she used the speaker phone. Although we couldn’t understand most of what he was saying, we did make out, “I’ll see you there later.” When my mom said good-bye and hung up, we knew that was the last time we would hear his voice. It was heart wrenching. The priest came over this afternoon not knowing anything of the day we had. We prayed and talked for about an hour. He brought the oil and anointed my mom. He also brought a tremendous amount of peace, of which we are all grateful.

I Found God today with peace in a difficult day.

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New Ears

Posted by eph21920 on July 25, 2016 in Answer, Family

Both of my parents had an appointment to get new hearing aids a few weeks ago. Then my mom ended up in the hospital. During that time, my dad realized how much he was struggling with his ability to hear and my sister took him to get his new devices. Since then, he has been trying to get used to them, but there has been such a huge improvement in his hearing. Today my mom was able to get her new hearing aids. I did the same thing with her as with my dad – “Did you hear that? Can your hear this?” In the car, she heard a clicking sound that she didn’t recognize – it was the blinker. I thought about how difficult it must be for both my parents as they navigate through unable to hear what I take for granted. I am so happy that they have these new devices to help bring some of the missing world back to them.

I Found God today in the capability of my parents to be able to hear better and enjoy more of the world around them.

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Where Baby’s Come From

Posted by eph21920 on July 24, 2016 in Baby, Doctor, Family, Humor

Of course things are much different now from the time my parents were growing up in the 1930’s and 40’s. And they never tire of talking about the comparisons. My mom told me this funny story today. She was remembering when her younger brother was born. She was almost 7 years old. My mom and her siblings got ready in the morning to go to school and the doctor was at the house. Her father told them that the doctor had their new baby in his little black bag and that the baby would be there when they came home for lunch. When they arrived home for lunch, sure enough, there was the new baby. We all had a good laugh.

I Found God today in a funny story that revealed the ever changing world we live in.

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Old Prayer List

Posted by eph21920 on July 23, 2016 in Answer, Connected, Faith, Friends, Prayer

Today I went through a box that had yet to be unpacked. I pulled out some pictures, statues, and other nick-knacks. Then I came across a small tote bag that had some books and prayer cards in it. Included in the bag was a journal. I seem to start journals here and there, so I am never sure what I have written in one. This particular journal held my prayer list. I remember starting it when I promised people I would pray for them. I wanted to make sure I was keeping my word, so I started writing them down. As I went through the list, I realized that some issues that I prayed for were resolved and now distant memories. Many were simply names of people. I am going to try to keep this one going. It helps me to be more connected to the people I care for and more connected to God as when I look back, I can see how His gentle hand has been at work.

I Found God today in answered prayers and resolving to continue praying for those I care for.

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Almost There

Posted by eph21920 on July 22, 2016 in Connected, Faith, Family, Music

For several years, my son and I would spend a few days each summer at a Christian music festival. It was held outdoors on the side of a mountain and was such a gorgeous setting. There were several stages with several bands. We had fun planning our time so we could see our favorite artists. It was wonderful to be in such an uplifting environment with people, both on stage and off, who were connecting with God and doing their best to live accordingly. I would come away from the festival having a little more understanding of God and feeling rejuvenated. This was one of our favorite events and we looked forward to it every year. Sadly, we live very far from each other now. This year, my son found a similar festival close to where he lives. He and his girlfriend have been going for the past 3 days. Each day he has been sending me pictures of some of our favorite musicians. I have been very happy that he thought to do this and happy to live vicariously through him. I almost felt as if I was there.

I Found God today feeling connected to my son as he enjoys a Christian music festival.

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Be the Best Me

Posted by eph21920 on July 21, 2016 in Faith, Hope, Life, Saint

I am inspired by learning about the lives of those people we call “saints”. They seemed to have such a strong and beautiful connection with God. The majority of them also suffered a lot during their lives. I tend to put a lot of expectations on myself. As I read more about the saints, I realize how imperfect I am wonder if God is asking me to do more than I am. I can put even more pressure on myself. I was so grateful to talk to my spiritual director who opened a book to these words by Thomas Merton, “For me to be a saint means to be myself.” He reminded me that there is only 1 of me. Like every other person, we each have unique relationships and will make a unique contribution to life. That sounds a lot easier than trying to be who I am not.

I Found God today in a reminder to be the best me I can be.

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Loving Grandson

Posted by eph21920 on July 20, 2016 in Answer, Birthday, Children, Family, Grateful, Joy

Yesterday, my son surprised me with a video chat. It was so wonderful to hear and see him, his wife, and my grandchildren. My almost 1 year old granddaughter caught on after a bit and started waving and saying, “HI!” My parents and I were able to tell my grandson happy birthday as his birthday is today. I have seen many pictures and videos of him with his little sister. Of course, it was even more enjoyable to see it in real time. He just loves her. He seems to be at her beckoned call as he got what she wanted and tried to help her do her “baby tricks”. It was adorable. My joy of seeing them overflowed into today. Even though I am not there physically, the thought of the family celebrating a birthday together made me happy instead of sad. I am so grateful for that.

I Found God today in my grandson and in joy thinking about the family celebration instead of sadness.

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Future Policeman

Posted by eph21920 on July 19, 2016 in Stranger

My dad has been trying to get the garage door serviced for weeks now. The first time it was scheduled, the serviceman had to cancel as he had a sick child. So we rescheduled. My mom was in the hospital on the date of the second appointment, so we cancelled and rescheduled. The third time, the company called us back again apologizing that the serviceman had a sick child at home. Finally today, a young man showed up on time and completed the work. When he was finished, my dad and I tested everything out and my dad invited him in while he went to get his checkbook. I asked the young man if he was the one with the sick child. He said no, but his co-worker with the sick child was a single dad with 3 kids and going through a very hard time of it. He said the company was trying very hard to work with him as they did not want to let him go. He said he was going to visit him after work to see how he was doing. Then the young man noticed some of the beer steins that my parents collected. He asked if we had been in Germany. I told him we were there as my dad was in the military and stationed there. He was also in the military and stationed in Germany. My dad came into the room and they chatted a little about the military. The young man was so respectful and polite with his, “Yes, sir’s”. He was in the army and would go into the field and search for IED’s. He said he was hit 4 times – the first 2 times were not bad, the 3rd time he was unconscious for 20 minutes, the 4th time he was out for 2 hours. He decided he better stop after that before he was out for good. He said he wanted to be a police officer. My dad tried to deter him saying what a difficult and dangerous way to make a living. But the young man persisted. He said our country was in need of policemen especially now. Before he left, I thanked him for his service and encouraged him to pursue his passion and be one of the good cops. I suppose it is appropriate at this time to note that I am white and he was black. I intend to keep him and his single dad co-worker in my prayers.

I Found God today in an incredibly respectful, caring, and compassionate young man.

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Not A System – A Marriage

Posted by eph21920 on July 18, 2016 in Answer, Family, Healing, Life, Marriage, Struggles

Today the occupational therapist visited the house. She talked to my mom about helping her get back to doing the regular things she does around the house. One concern that was brought up last week was the height of the bed. My parents have an old 4-poster bed that has been their possession since early on in their 64 year marriage. Some work was done to the frame so it would hold a very large, comfortable mattress. At this point, it was difficult – if not impossible – for my mom to get in and out of it by herself. My dad is a sentimental man and did not want to have to remove the bed. But, a few days ago, we took the frame apart and set the box springs and mattress on the floor. This put it at just the right height for my mom to get in and out with no problem. We were able to keep the headboard in place, so part of their old bed is still there. This was a big sacrifice for my dad. My mom showed the new style bed to the occupational therapist who was glad that it was a safer option. The two of them went through some chores that my mom usually does. My dad was right there to demonstrate how he does his part as well. At the end of the visit, the therapist said that they have a good system in place. My dad responded with, “I don’t call it a system, I call it a marriage.”  Beautiful.

I Found God today in a wonderful witness to the beauty of marriage.

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