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She Will Walk Again

Posted by eph21920 on November 19, 2015 in Answer, Family, Healing

It has been a long three months for my sister. None of us ever anticipated that she would break her leg, go through surgery, rehab, therapists, walkers, and wheelchairs. She has done a great job of taking care of herself – doing her exercises, trying to stay strong, have a good attitude and stay safe. There have certainly been times when she has been frustrated and tired of hopping around with a therapeutic boot on. Three months of not putting any weight in the leg has been quite an experience. She had an appointment with the orthopedist today who said the magic words – the leg is healed and she can begin to walk again! I am so happy for her.

I Found God today in the healing and progress of my sister.

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Laughing the Night Away

Posted by eph21920 on November 18, 2015 in Friends, Healing, Laughter

Tonight one of my closest friends came over. We had not seen each other for quite some time. We had dinner along with my parents and brother. We caught up on recent events and reminisced on some in the past. I showed off pictures of my kids and their kids. But, as usual, we spent most of the time laughing. We laughed about an iceberg in the parking lot, nibbling pets, and the effects of getting older. She always brings a sense of joyful energy into a place and you never know where the conversation will lead. My dad joined in by telling one of his recent stories. It was truly wonderful to spend the night with everyone laughing and catching up with a good friend. Also today, my dad had his pacemaker checked. It has been 7 weeks since it was implanted. He had a difficult time for the first couple of weeks and couldn’t seem to get sufficient answers to his concerns. The nurse he saw today clearly explained everything and made an adjustment. At the end, she suggested he go dancing. Having this appointment helped my dad to feel pretty good about the whole thing.

I Found God today in laughter, a good friend, and great news for my dad.

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Prepare to be at Peace

Posted by eph21920 on November 17, 2015 in Answer, Faith, Peace, Saint

At one point today I could feel myself losing my inner peace. There is so much turmoil in the world, on the news, on social media, and it is too easy to get sucked up into it. It breeds fear and despair. I feel that there is not much I can do to make a difference in the big problems that we face. Then little things started to bother me – for no reason. Luckily, I realized it was happening and knew I needed to do something about it. I reached for my phone to put on my “Jesus Jams” but came across a quote by St. Frances de Sales that was shared by a friend of mine. It read, “In the morning, prepare your soul to be at peace. Take care throughout the day to remember that resolution and to reaffirm it. Should you become disturbed, do not lose heart and do not be pained by it, but, having recognized the situation, calmly humble yourself before God and attempt to restore your mind to peace. Say to your soul: “Now, friend, we have made a misstep, let us proceed more carefully.”And each time you fall, do the same thing. When you are at peace, make good use of the time, making as many acts of humility as you can, however insignificant they may be. For, as our Lord says, he who is faithful in little things will have great ones entrusted to him (Luke 16:10; Matt. 25:21-23). Above all, do not lose your courage, but be patient, watchful, and ready with a spirit of compassion. God will hold you in his hand, and if he lets you stumble, it will be only so that you realize that you would collapse entirely if he did not hold you, and thus to make you tighten your grip upon his hand.” These words truly spoke to my soul.

I Found God today in beautiful words at the perfect time.

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Helpful Neighbors

Posted by eph21920 on November 16, 2015 in Answer, Friends, Problem

My brother bought a camping trailer a while ago as he wanted to head south for the winter. Unfortunately, he has been hanging around here longer than expected for various reasons. A few days ago, he towed the camper up to my parent’s cabin in the mountains to try things out and pack it for the trip. Again unfortunately, it snowed while he was there. When it came time for him to take off, my brother found himself unable to drive his truck out of the steep, slippery gravel driveway. After another day the snow did melt down some, but he was still leery of trying to pull the camper up the winding snow packed dirt road. He and my dad called one of the neighbors who lives there all year and has a lot of experience in winter travelling. The neighbor gathered up some others and they met my brother at the cabin. After some discussion, they decided that the truck and camper probably could in fact make it out. My brother was able to get up out of the driveway and hitch up the camper. The neighbors then drove before and after him as he made his way carefully to a main road. He was very happy that he had the suggestions and support from people who have been in similar situations. He is now at my parents with his camper safely close by. It stared snowing – a lot – today. We were all very grateful that my brother was able to get out of the mountains before he got completely snowed in.
I Found God today in very helpful neighbors.

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Faith Stronger Than Fear

Posted by eph21920 on November 15, 2015 in Angel, Eternity, Faith, Jesus

During the past few days, the events around the world – particularly in France – have left many again in fear, wondering where and when the next terrorist attack is going to be. Today at church, the scripture readings were very relevant for what we – the world – are experiencing. The readings from Daniel 12:1-3 and Mark 13:24-32 both talk about signs pointing to the “end times”. It is easy to look around and think that we are all headed for a fall – that things can’t get much worse than they are. It is easy to lose hope. The pastor explained that when both scriptures were written, many groups of people were persecuted and oppressed. The readings were meant to bring hope and reassurance that the life we live right now is temporary. Jesus Christ Himself said to be watchful of terrible things happening, but that the angels will gather up those who follow Him. The pastor mentioned the attacks in Paris, but also the other that happen in Syria, Baghdad, etc. Some people face fear every day in very close proximity. He also talked about the fear we have in our lives here with illnesses or other struggles. He ended with the line, “Let your faith be bigger than your fear.”

I Found God today in a reminder to continue to trust in God, grow in faith, and not be afraid.

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Meaningful Song

Posted by eph21920 on November 14, 2015 in Connected, Music

Today my sisters came for a visit and we went out to lunch. I have a habit of praying before a meal, even at a restaurant. My sister told us a story about a time when she went out to eat several years ago. A large family was there and before the meal, they all held hands and prayed. After a bit, one of the little girls started to loudly sing, “God Bless America”. Other patrons spontaneously joined in. Then some of the waitstaff lined up in front of the large fireplace and sang along too, some of them with their hand over their heart. My sister’s voice broke and she was very emotional as she told the story. It made such a huge impact on her that she is still moved by recounting the event. My other sister and I had tears in our eyes as well. Later I thought about one of the video snips I saw from the terrible events in Paris last night. As people were exiting the soccer stadium, they were singing their national anthem. It is amazing how a meaningful song can bring large groups of people together. It affects them and those around them and can unite people in a unique way.

I Found God today in the realization of the meaningfulness of songs.

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Many Well Wishers

Posted by eph21920 on November 13, 2015 in Birthday, Connected, Family, Friends, Happiness

So, I turned another year older today. The well wishes started last night when my son, who is in a time zone 2 hours ahead, called at 12:01 his time as it was officially my birthday. That was clever.  The morning my mom and dad sang “Happy Birthday” to me. I thanked them for making me and told them they were pretty smart in doing so. As the day progressed, I received phone calls, cards, texts, and messages. It made me very happy that others would take the time to connect. Later in the day, my parents and I watched the movie, “The Way” with Martin Sheen. I had seen it before, but bought it recently and wanted to see it again. The movie is about a man who traveled the The “Camino” – the Way of St. James. It is a route from France through Spain ending at the Cathedral of St. James. I was glad my parents enjoyed it, even though it is pretty emotional. All in all, it was a pretty great day.

I Found God today in celebrating the way many people reached out to wish me a happy birthday.

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Support and Encouragement

Posted by eph21920 on November 12, 2015 in Answer, Connected, Friends, Grateful

I was happy to talk to 2 good friends today. I really should make a better effort to connect with them more often.

Today was a friend’s birthday, so we got on the phone and talked up a storm. She lives quite far away, but I saw her briefly over the summer when she was attending a conference in a city nearby. We haven’t talked since then, so we had a lot of catching up to do. I told her about the adventures with my parents and how happy we are that they both are doing well at this time. Her mother was treated for cancer a few months ago and was recently told that the cancer is gone, so they are celebrating as well. We talked about siblings, mutual friends, work, struggles, and spiritual awareness. Somehow she is always able to help me think of things in a different light.

I also talked to another friend who moved away about the same time as I did. I was pleased to hear that she is doing well and is very happy where she is. She is able to spend time with old friends and family. She is even helping to take care of 2 young children who bring her tons of joy. Recently, she volunteered to be a lector at her church. I am grateful to talk with her about helping to take care of my parents, as she did the same for many years. She always has encouraging words for me.

I Found God today in supportive and encouraging friends.

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Veteran’s Day

Posted by eph21920 on November 11, 2015 in Family, Friends, Grateful, Service

Today is Veteran’s Day, of course. I looked at all the tributes people shared recognizing their loved ones. I read a couple of prayers that were shared to honor all those who served and still serve our country in the Armed Forces. There were pictures of friends and family in uniform, sentiments from some who visited memorials, experiences of those who participated in reunions. One quote that stood out for me was, “Real heroes don’t wear capes, they wear dog tags.”  As I thought about all the people I know who serve or served in the military, I realized that they are a group of the most selfless, caring people I know. The majority are still humble servants who continue to do what they can to help their fellow human being. Coming from a military family, it was part of the lifestyle to move often and not always know where my dad was. But we experienced a broader sense of the world and community. My dad put his life plans on hold to serve in the Air Force. My mom certainly did not anticipate all that is expected from being a military wife. But through that, I learned the meaning of discipline, commitment, and perseverance. I am grateful for all I received and continue to be blessed with due to the contribution of my dad and all who serve to keep the rest of us safe.

I Found God today in remembering, honoring, and praying for those who sacrifice for the greater good.

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Birthday Box

Posted by eph21920 on November 10, 2015 in Baby, Birthday, Children, Connected

Yesterday I received a birthday package in the mail from my son and his family. I wanted to open it with them, so I waited and we were all able to video chat tonight. My grandsons each made me a birthday card with their cute unique little touches. But they both made sure to include my age – that was important. I opened the gifts – framed school pictures of the very handsome two boys and an adorable picture of my baby granddaughter. As always, it was great to be able to interact with them all via video chat. The baby was even genuinely interested. We got to see all the shenanigans from the boys, talk football, and see and hear the baby “talking” to her mommy. They got to see my parents  – my son’s grandparents and the kids’ great-grandparents. It brought joy to us all.

I Found God today in connecting with far away family.

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