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Secret Snowplower

Posted by eph21920 on November 7, 2024 in Car, Generosity, Life, Weather

We are on day 2 of a 3 day snowstorm, which is very unusual for the area and for the month of November. I have been watching more TV than usual and heard a great story. A man has been plowing neighbors’ driveways for years without compensation. For a long time, the people didn’t even know who their secret snowplower was as he would work early in the morning. When they discovered who he was, they had to share the story. The man was on camera saying that he just liked to do it. He enjoyed driving around and thought he could help people at the same time. The neighbors started paying him once they found out his identity. He used the money for gas and went back out to clear other snowy driveways. It was a great story of ordinary people assisting and appreciating one another.

I Found God today in a generous man.

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Give to Caesar

Posted by eph21920 on November 6, 2024 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Grateful, Jesus

When I woke up this morning, I checked my phone to see the results of the election. As I prayed and decided who to vote for, I felt very comfortable with my decision. That is because I came to the place where I knew God was in charge. God already knew who the winner was and already knows the implications of that vote. I still felt that way when I heard the news. I turned on my Hallow app for my morning prayers. There is currently a series of prayers for our election and our country. I loved what was said this morning. Bottom line – God comes first. The reflection was based on the story of the Pharisees asking Jesus if it is ok to pay the Roman tax. Jesus infamously answers, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s.” If we are faithful people, we of course do our part regarding the government such as voting and being lawful. But more than that, we belong to God. So, giving to God what is His means we give all we are to Him. We follow His way as was taught by Jesus. Then no matter what happens we can move forward knowing that He is always and ultimately in charge.

I Found God today remembering that no matter what happens in politics, I belong to God who guides me.

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Taking the Stairs

Posted by eph21920 on November 5, 2024 in Answer, Family, Grateful, Happiness, Healing, Life

I took my daughter in law to her first physical therapy appointment since her ankle surgery 4 weeks ago. The therapist showed her some ways to help the swelling go down in her foot and gave her some exercises to get more strength and mobility. He also recommended that she now use a rolling walker instead of the one she has been using as a crutch and to walk as much and as normally as possible. And he instructed her on how to go up and down the stairs. When we got back to the house, she couldn’t wait to try the different walker and the stairs. She remembered what the therapist told her – up with the good foot and down with the bad. There was 1 little bobble as she figured it out, but then did great. She went up and down the stairs several times to show each child and her husband when he came home. She told the physical therapist that she wanted to be able to walk on her own by Thanksgiving. He made her pretty happy when he said that was very possible.

I Found God today seeing my daughter in law walk.

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Election Eve

Posted by eph21920 on November 4, 2024 in Answer, Faith, Life, Trust

When I went to stay with my daughter in law today, I brought along my ballot and “Blue Book” which gives a pretty thorough description of everything to be voted on. In the afternoon as I was working on it, my grandson came home from school and spotted the information. He said that they went through the Blue Book in his Civics class and did a mock election. We talked about some of the ballot measures and he had some good pros and cons. We also talked about my personal struggle in voting for a presidential candidate that aligns with my values. He suggested that not voting for one of the two major parties would be throwing away a vote. His mom said that the benefit we have living in this country is that we – each individual – can vote for the people who we believe would do the best job. This seemed like quite a profound, yet true, statement. I didn’t quite finish the ballot yet and will pray about it more tonight. I trust God will give me some insight in the morning.

I Found God today exercising my right and responsibility to vote.

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Happy in the Mountains

Posted by eph21920 on November 3, 2024 in Creation, Family, Fun, Happiness, Life, Past

My sister and I spent some time this morning doing things that needed to be done at the cabin before we took off. As we reminisced, my sister realized that she hadn’t been up there in about 3 years. It was bittersweet for her. At the same time, we had a fun weekend and resolved to try to go up more often. The morning air was crisp and clear. The turkeys stopped by for a visit. And when we left it had just started to snow. It snowed until I got out of the mountains. The sun was shining in the city until the evening when it started snowing as well. I was happy for the time I spent at the cabin, for the fun day at the craft fair, and for the safe drive.

I Found God today being happy in the mountains.

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The Craft Fair

Posted by eph21920 on November 2, 2024 in Family, Fun, Life, Past

Today was the big day for the craft fair. My sister and I loaded up the assortment of 48 photos I had prepared for the event. The fair was held at the small community clubhouse where the cabin is located. All the vendors were residents. Most of the customers were too. I really enjoyed talking with everyone there, reminiscing about my father, and the cabin. The people were all very friendly. Some looked familiar and I’m sure I had met them at some point. Some people recognized my dad’s style and thought they had seen his work when it was shown in the local artist gallery. Most people appreciated the compilation of local history that was depicted in the photos. We sold 2 pictures and were happy with that. As a bonus, my son was in the area for his work. He came over to the show and we had dinner with him afterwards. It was really a great day.

I Found God today talking with people and reminiscing about my dad.

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Cabin Company

Posted by eph21920 on November 1, 2024 in Family, Home, Joy

This afternoon I packed up some of my dad’s photos that I’ve been working on and headed to the cabin in anticipation of the craft fair tomorrow. My son’s fiancee decided to come up for a while as well. I put her to work helping me take care of some things like changing batteries in the beeping smoke detector and other tasks. I didn’t bring up too much food as I’m only going to be here a couple days. But we shared a baked sweet potato and cashews for dinner. It was funny and fine at the same time. We watched the beautiful sunset and visited a long while. She said she wanted to keep me company until my sister came later on in the night. We had a good time together and I felt blessed that she was so thoughtful.

I Found God today in my thoughtful future daughter in law.

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Up and Out

Posted by eph21920 on October 31, 2024 in Family, Healing

My daughter in law has been feeling sad about not being as involved in her kids activities since her ankle surgery. Today her daughter had a Halloween costume parade at her school so all the families could come see them. My daughter in law wanted to go. She packed up the pouch on the walker and we headed out. It took only a little trial and error to figure out the best techniques to get around outside. At the school she stepped up the curb and stood to watch the parade. Then back down the curb and into the car. She was tired when we got back home, but was so happy to be out. And her daughter was so happy she went. It is good to see her get a little more energy and improve a little more each day.

I Found God today helping my daughter in law.

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Save The Date

Posted by eph21920 on October 30, 2024 in Family, Grateful, Life, Love, Marriage

I got together with my son’s fiancée for a little while this afternoon with my daughter in law. She brought the “Save the Date” cards for her and my son’s wedding. It included a sweet photo of the 2 of them looking over the balcony of the cabin. The familiar big hill in the distance was the focus of their gaze. We talked about dresses and past bridesmaids experiences. September of next year seems like a long way off now, but I’m sure it will come quickly. I felt so blessed and grateful to have these 2 ladies part of my life and family.

I Found God today in my daughter in law and future daughter in law.

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Up On Her Feet

Posted by eph21920 on October 29, 2024 in Doctor, Family, Healing, Joy, New

My daughter in law had a follow up appointment yesterday with the doctor who did her ankle surgery. He unwrapped the bandages, took the stitches out, wrapped her ankle back up, and put on a removable boot. The doctor told my daughter in law that she could start putting some pressure on the foot and try walking with the walker. I went to her house today and watched her take some steps. She used the walker as she put one foot down, then the other, then moved the walker. It was an effective technique and it was so good to see her moving right along. The stairs were still very challenging and will take more time to be able to use both feet on them. But, each new improvement is exciting and encouraging.

I Found God today seeing my daughter in law up on her feet.

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