Leave a comment

Birthday Celebration 1

Posted by eph21920 on May 2, 2024 in Birthday, Family, Friends, Grateful, Love

Today was my mom’s 92nd birthday. It started out rough as she didn’t sleep much last night. She’s been battling several bouts of UTIs and several different antibiotics. All of it has been taking a toll on her. So, it was a late, slow morning. All during the day we gave her cards and presents. When she was asked how old she was, her answers were anywhere from 37 to 200. It was pretty funny. There were a couple times during the day when she seemed to feel a little better. All week when asked what kind of cake she wanted, she had the same answer – angel food. So, I made her an angel food cake. When asked what she would like for dinner, however, we never got a clear answer. She always liked the Chinese place up the road, so we ordered from there. She enjoyed it just fine. Our neighbors came over for cake after dinner. By the time she was getting ready for bed, she was a little overwhelmed. In all, it was a nice beginning to what will be several days of celebrating. I feel blessed that she is here to celebrate and for the love that is being showered upon her.

I Found God today celebrating my mom’s birthday.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Brothers Arrived

Posted by eph21920 on May 1, 2024 in Birthday, Family, Grateful

In anticipation of my mother’s birthday, both my brothers have arrived in town. One came to the house this evening. It was good to see him. My mom was a little surprised. Then she didn’t think she should go to bed because he was here. We assured her she would see him tomorrow. We are all looking forward to celebrating the next few days.

I Found God today in my brothers.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Future Love

Posted by eph21920 on April 30, 2024 in Answer, Hope, Life, Love, Present

As I was listening to the radio today, I heard a beautiful statement, “God doesn’t love your future self more than your current self.” In other words, God loves us individually, perfectly, at all times, in all circumstances of life. That gave me comfort and hope.

I Found God today reminded that He loves me perfectly right now.

Permalink
Leave a comment

God Picked Reading

Posted by eph21920 on April 29, 2024 in Answer, Connected, Family, Love

This afternoon as my mom and I were sitting at the table, I picked up the friendship book that was there. I told her I would just open it and read whatever page I landed upon. Our caregiver noted that she loved to do that and let God choose what she should read. I opened the book and read this to my mother,

“You, my friend, are the rainbow of my life; the pastel, the bright; the pot of gold; the promise after the storm; the reminder that God loves me.” Conover

“It is right for me to feel this way about…you, since I have you in my heart.” Phillipians 1:7

These were beautiful, relevant, heartfelt messages from me to my mom. God made a good pick – as always.

I Found God today in a beautiful reading to my mother.

Permalink
Leave a comment

She Did Remember

Posted by eph21920 on April 28, 2024 in Birthday, Connected, Family, Life, Present

This is typically celebration season in our household. During about a 2 week period is my parents’ anniversary and both of their birthdays. My mom’s is coming up in a couple of days and everyone has been making a big deal about it. This morning when she got up, she thought we were going to celebrate it today. After lunch prayer, she made sure to include “Happy Birthday!” The interesting thing is that today is actually my dad’s birthday. I had been wondering how and/or if my mom would react these couple of weeks. We didn’t say anything to her about their anniversary or Dad’s birthday because we didn’t want to upset her. At the same time, it felt unnatural and sad not to. According to her, he is always around. She asks where he went since he was “just here”, or she figures he’s downstairs, or out running errands. I sense him here as well and, of course, he was on my mind all day. Later in the evening, she saw the date on the TV and said, “It’s dad’s birthday!” My sister and I said she was right, it was, and held our breath. I could see her pondering, but she didn’t say anything else and we just moved on. I was glad that she remembered and that she didn’t get upset. It was good to be able to acknowledge the day with her.

I Found God today remembering my dad’s birthday with my mom.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Shopping Online

Posted by eph21920 on April 27, 2024 in Answer, Grateful, Shopping

There are several things that I have been wanting/needing to get to help make things a little easier for my mom. I shopped several stores here in the city with no luck. Finally, I gave in and shopped online. It was a long, tedious process, but I hopefully found what I was looking for. Even though I would really rather see and feel a product before I buy it, I am grateful for the option to shop online. And I am happy to be done.

I Found God today being able to order things that we need.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Like a Ballerina

Posted by eph21920 on April 26, 2024 in Answer, Faith, Life

Today we read yesterday’s reflection in “Jesus Calling”. It described a beautiful image of a ballerina spinning around and around. In order to keep her balanced, she must have a focal point. I suppose the same is true for other dancers and ice skaters as well. This concept tied in with our faith life. In a world where we can find ourselves sometimes spinning out of control, we need to have God as our focal point. If we continue to look to Him, we can remain balanced. It was very relevant especially as just before we read this, my mom said that she felt her head was spinning. After listening to the reflection and putting on our Holy Water, we all felt better.

I Found God today reminded to keep focused on Him.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Steadfast in Faith

Posted by eph21920 on April 25, 2024 in Answer, Faith, Life, Struggles

I listened to a podcast today that talked about how to resist the devil. First and foremost was to remain steadfast in faith. 1Peter 1:6-7 was quoted, “In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” In other words, we will all suffer. The important thing is to remain steadfast in faith, offering your suffering to God, trusting that He is with you and will see you through to the other side. I found this to be comforting and somehow energizing at the same time.

I Found God today encouraged to remain steadfast in faith.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Wait or Abide

Posted by eph21920 on April 24, 2024 in Answer, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Life, Prayer

I was happy to meet with my prayer group tonight. We talk about scripture and life and prayer for each other’s needs and intercessions. I always leave appreciating the wisdom, faith, and friendship of the group. Tonight one of the ladies talked about the difference between waiting and abiding. Waiting gives the visual image of constantly checking the time and nervously tapping your feet or pacing. Certainly we can’t wait “for” the Lord. God is always present. He doesn’t go somewhere else and then we have to wait for Him to come back again. We could wait “on” the Lord as we want something to happen or need an answer to a decision we’re trying to make. On the other hand, abiding “with” the Lord is more peaceful and productive. When we abide with Him, we acknowledge that He is always present and in control of our lives. We are freed to go about our day without worry. Abiding with God is being attentive to His promptings in the moment and trusting that you are doing your part and He is doing His.

I Found God today gaining a new perspective.

Permalink
Leave a comment

New Haircut

Posted by eph21920 on April 23, 2024 in Family, Generosity, Grateful, Home, Service

It was already time for my mom to get a haircut. Her hairstylist said she was busy the next couple weeks and not sure when she would be able to make it over. She called this afternoon and said she was available. My mom was just finishing her nap, but didn’t want to get up. I felt bad, but eventually, she did get up and ready. The hairdresser arrived with a friend. We also had a caregiver over. We all chatted while Mom was being cared for. The friend was a nurse, so all the women were attentive to my mom and aware of how to make sure she was comfortable. My mom was overwhelmed from the beginning, but relaxed as she sat longer. In the end her hair was beautiful. I very much appreciated the generosity of the hairstylist, the attentiveness of all the ladies, and the conversation.

I Found God today in caring women.

Permalink