Once in a Blue Moon

In case you haven't heard, tonight is New Years Eve. It's also a Blue Moon. Its sure to be a beautiful night provided that clouds keep their distance. 
Its also a great time to do something you've been putting off. Oh, I know that many hope to make changes, start over and implement "resolutions" as 2010 begins. After all, we aren't just entering a new year, we are beginning a fresh decade.
Resolutions so often are inwardly focused. They cause us to examine ourselves, habits and maybe attitudes. While those are all good things to consider, my hope is that you will consider others.
Is there someone who will be blessed by your generosity, prayers, thoughtfulness, kindness or forgiveness? If you knit, can you make one extra scarf or warm socks to drop off at a homeless center? Do you have some good books you could leave at a hospital library? Can you sew a fleece blanket for a parent who has to sit in a cold hospital room caring for a sick child? How about finding the blog of a parent who has a child with chronic illness, one with very few comments or hits, and leave a word of encouragement. Offer to pray even just one day for their child.
What will you do to start the new year? Do you plan on making a difference in the life of someone? What resolution will you make that will improve your life through blessing others?

Always,

Hope

Parenting Your Parents

Mom called it "the Sandwich Generation". Parenting your children at the same time you are taking care of your parents. In reality, I don't have to take care of my Dad. He is still very capable of taking care of himself. I guess I am just protective.
Today he is traveling back to his home. His flight has already been delayed over an hour causing him to miss his connection. I found myself speaking to the airlines, calling siblings near his home who will be picking him up and keeping constant contact with my husband who has to wait away from the gate to make sure Dad gets out of town okay. All of this and when I texted Dad, he assured me that he was taking care of it and that he would be ok. He already had gate agents working on a solution to keep him from waiting five plus hours at the connecting airport.
What I need to remind myself is that it was only last year that he was still taking care of my Mom. Sure, she was living in an assisted facility but anyone who has a family member with special needs of any sort knows, there is still constant care involved. There are always calls to make, supplies to purchase, appointments to keep and decisions to make.
So just like we need to do while parenting our children, pause, pray and release. Hold on to only what is necessary, step in only when truly needed and trust that the Lord is in control especially when I am not. Most of all, I need to continue to let him be the parent. Nobody really wants to be hovered over especially after 60 years of independence.
So when would you step in? Just what cue would you look for in this case?

Always,

Hope

Milestones

This has been a year of milestones for our family. In August, the Coffee Guy turned 50, in September the Princess celebrated her 10th birthday, October was our 20th wedding anniversary and today, my Ray of Sunshyn turns 18.
It seems completely unbelievable how fast the time has sped by.
Considering all of the things I had hoped to teach her, wondering if I missed anything and being thankful that God closes those gaps.
She is a beautiful young woman whose compassion runs deep. She is still figuring out where she fits in a church family but desires to be part of one that has solid teaching. She cooked a good portion of our Christmas meals and helped in all of the other preparations.
We are blessed.

Always,

Hope

The Ornament I Could Have Waited For

We have a growing collection of special ornaments. It started back when my brother passed away suddenly in the midst of my wedding preparations. One of the beautiful arrangements that came held a bird in a nest. My Mom's dearest friend, (we call her Auntie Fran) made a beautiful ornament to display every year. Ever since, when someone close passes away, we honor them with an ornament that reflects or depicts them in some way.
For several weeks, I have known that we were going to get one to to remember Mom but what? How do you depict a person that touch so many people's lives in different ways. She was a mentor to many young moms, a friend to other women, a gentle grandmother, forgiving mother and devoted wife. One option was a Hallmark® frame that spoke of "remembering" those not with us. I couldn't bring myself to do it. It just wasn't right. I don't have to be reminded that Mom isn't here. It is painfully obvious.
Today, on Christmas Eve, while running a last minute errand, I found one. One that speaks of family as the people we love and cherish. A tribute that keeps her love in the present. The legacy that she has passed on that will warm our Christmas this year. So although I would have rather waited, event hough I wanted her to still be here, we will remember why she is missed, not just that she is missed.

Always,

Hope

Warm Stories From Times Gone By

My Dad is visiting and I am thoroughly enjoying it. Today we took a short shopping trip and he repeated a story I have only recently heard. I love when he tells about his childhood. I have no issues with hearing stories more than once because chances are I'll catch new details. Today, was one of those times.
As we passed a Salvation Army bell ringer with the signature red bucket, he told me about the time  he crossed the country in a pickup with his father and brothers, picking cotton to earn money along the way. His mother had passed away four years prior. This was in the middle of the depression along the southern United States.
During the trip they would spend the night on the side of the road. One particular night they found a Salvation Army and opted to stay there. Dad said he remembers clean beds and warm blankets. In the morning, they had oatmeal that was over salted but as my grandfather told his boys "Don't complain, its free".
Now whenever he passes a bucket, he fishes his pockets for money to toss in. Easily 70 years later and he remembers this kindness with his generosity. I wonder how many people have been blessed by the benevolence he shows.
As you remember the giver of all gifts this beautiful season are you looking forward? Did you even think that what you give today may touch the life of someone 70 years from now? Today I am thinking of giving in a completely different way.
Always,

Always,

Hope 

This Is Very Cool and My Next Post Will Make a Connect

Always,

Hope

I'm the Mom of an Angel

We have always referred to her as "The Princess". More and more I hear people referring to their daughters in the same way. A princess is royalty and that describes her well. She is a daughter of the King.
I know when many people see her for the first time, they see her chair, crooked smile or even her drooly chin. I don't see that any more. I see her bright eyes (when she is feeling well), her mischievous grin and I listen for her giggle. She lights up when she sees familiar faces and claps when really happy.
Last week she was in her first Christmas program. She has never been included before and it was way past time. No one was worried that she may distract anyone. She didn't make loud inappropriate noises when things were quite. She just sang in her own way, played with her noise maker (while giggling uncontrollably) and although she did steal a little girl's halo during prayer, she was just exceptionally cute.
All of this brings me to my thought for today. I know that some folks are afraid to approach a child with special needs because they don't know what to say. Here is a hint, smile and compliment them on something you noticed about them. "He has beautiful eyes" or "Where does she get those great shoes?" and even "What a great laugh!". Find something special to start the conversation.
Personally, I would avoid asking what condition they have or how they got in a wheelchair. If the friendship blooms, someday those questions will be answered. Until then, enjoy those things that are things they may have in common to discuss. Differences can wait until later.

Always,

Hope

Praying For Who?

You might know that I also write a prayer blog. It brings attention children with serious illness and their families so they can have prayer and support. I know from experience how comforting it is to know that my child is being prayed for when her health is precarious.
Its not a surprise to most folks that Christ's followers are asked to pray for those in need. In fact it comes natural to many. What doesn't come natural is praying for those who could be seen as our "enemies". Jesus said it Himself, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." Matthew 5:44 (NKJV) 
Its difficult but like I tell my students, hard is not impossible, some things just take practice.
The above Scripture goes further than merely praying for our enemies, it tells us to love them. Even harder than just taking their needs before the Lord. We actually are called to apply the principles of 1 Corinthinians 13:4-7. Especially, verse 5 where it says "...it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs...".
So how do I keep from recording wrongs? We take our thoughts captive. We don't allow them to take residence. We get rid of the thoughts that are destroying our peace and our relationships.
One of my Mom's favorite verses was Philippians 4:8. She would use that as a test to decide if something was worth pondering on. I remember her asking me, "Is it true, noble, lovely or right?". Those are the things we are to meditate on. Those are the things that will bring our minds to the right place. Light and dark cannot take up residence in the same place. If you dwell on those things that bring light, the darkness will be banished.
In this season where we are dazzled by lights and the beauty it can bring into a dark world, allow light to shine in those places that would seek to darken your heart. Pray for someone today that you consider an "enemy" or those who have wronged you in some way. Oh, it may not change them but I am certain it will change how you see them.

Always,

Hope

Sitting Quietly

In the past few weeks I have been finding a renewed sense of calm and peace. I have been enjoying the early, quiet hours of the morning. Its no longer a "have to" but a sincere "want to".
As a teen, the church we attended used a youth program that had a deep foundation in the Bible. There was a major emphasis on "quiet time". They even created a "Quiet Time Diary" and taught us how to have a daily "quiet time". There was a journal you were required to fill out and certain Scripture to read. It was very regimented. The problem was, I am not regimented. It was hard to get the hang of a scheduled 15 minutes per day, breaking up the prayer and Bible reading daily.
Fast forward to last month. All these years of trying to force a quiet time here and there while trying to find the right program, right passage, right time, right everything to make this thing work may have come to fruition. I honestly believe I have found what I have wanted to most of my life. I can truly call it "quiet".
You see, I think the point of having this time every day is to hear from the Lord. That might not always be from three chapters and a Psalm. Sometimes its just sitting quietly and reflecting on what He is trying to teach me. Its allowing the whisper of the Holy Spirit to make Himself known in my heart. It involves listening, waiting and a willingness to still my heart and know that He is God. Sometimes its just basking in His love and getting strength to serve Him for that day.
I have a Life Journal that I truly enjoy and believe its a great plan to soak in the Word everyday. Its a perfect way to get our marching orders for the day. I am not advocating skipping God's Word as much as I am suggesting that we leave condemnation behind. Take what we can and let it soak into our hearts to prepare us for our day.
Have you been struggling to find calm and peace? Are you like me and if you couldn't do the whole thing you would skip it altogether? Let me encourage you today to get what you can. If its just a couple of verses to ponder on throughout your day, find them and let them soak in you soul. Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
I hope you have a peaceful and quiet day.

Always,

Hope

When Life Seems So Unfair

Someone very dear to me is facing a very difficult trial in her life. Its one of those situations where you just shake your head and wonder what God has planned. We don't know but we know the following:




1. He loves us unconditionally. Romans 5:8


2. He will never leave us or forsake us. Deuteronomy 31:6


3. He has a plan. Jeremiah 29:11


4. Did I mention He loves us? Jeremiah 31:3


My hope is that you are finding peace and rest in Him no matter what you are facing today.

Always,

Hope

We Have A Winner...Or Do We?

I have never had this happen before! The Coffee Guy and I finally did the wishbone and the top popped straight up in the air leaving us both holding on to the bottoms. Does this mean both of us get our "wish" or neither of us gets it? :-)

Always,

Hope

Seeing The Season Through Grief's Filter

I have amazing memories of the Christmas season. My feelings of anticipation are colored by the warmth it pours into my soul every year. The giving, the celebration, traditions and making memories are always things I look forward to when Christmas rolls around. Adding to the joy, I became engaged to the Coffee Guy (at that time the FedEx® Man) on Christmas Eve and three years later gave birth to my Ray of Sunshine the day after Christmas not to mention the Princess was brought home from her birth state in December as well.
Those things will still bring joy this year though at times it is muted by the pain of this being the first Christmas without my mother. Even when she lived far away, there was the trip to Macy's to see Marsha (the sweet sales clerk with years of experience) to pick out the right outfit. There will be no phone call or anticipated pictures from my Dad. Instead, this year, we will pick out a special ornament that represents her. We will think of some of the great gifts she made or found for each of us. Gladness will fill our hearts when we picture her first Christmas in Heaven and sadness will spill in tears down our cheeks when we face the empty void in our hearts.
I am aware that I am not the first person to lose their Mom, nor do I believe it was the most tragic of losses. She lived a good long life and left a beautiful legacy. What I do know that it is our lives will never be the same. Christmas this year won't be quite as vibrant and I need to keep reminding myself that little things will seem bigger. My emotions may seem unstable but its from a heart that is still healing.
To my fellow bloggers who have experienced loss this year, I pray for God's comfort to envelope us and for His peace to heal our wounded hearts.

Always,

Hope

Trying Not To Miss The Point

I realize that while I have a cold, I have a great opportunity to just sit and rest. I have been catching up on some surfing and listening to Christmas music. Online sermons are great to catch up on the Sundays we have missed as well. One particular site I have been perusing and trying to make a decision (never an easy task for me) about a child or family to bless this season.

Wish Upon A Hero is a beautiful idea that brings kind hearted individuals to the rescue of individuals caught in a hard time. Little or large, there is a vast array of wishes from cards to large sums of money to help with car repairs, medical treatments, etc. I am finding it hard to listen with my heart and not my jaded view from working in the ER. I want to find someone who wants a few simple things for their children. I thought I had found one until I clicked on their wish list. It had no less than 45 items, two were $178 ride on toys and one was a digital TV. It truly saddened me. This person has very little chance of finding joy in things. Like many pleas on the site, she wants her child to have a nice Christmas.

A "nice Christmas" includes those you love around you as healthy as possible. Harmony, warmth and joy should be the goal, not things that rust and fall apart. Now it isn't that I would mind sending this little girl a little something, I was looking for someone who is truly in need, not "want". Then again, it isn't the little girl's fault that mommy doesn't get it.

My wish for this family and many like hers is to find the real meaning in gifts of life and the enormous blessing of things we take for granted like good health! I also know that sometimes not getting what you want clears the way to getting what we need.

This photo of the Princess was taken at home after several hours of trying to coordinate a studio session. Its a reminder to me to appreciate the simple and beautiful things that last.

Always,

Hope

The Dreaded Chest Cold

I don't "do sick" very well at all. I don't like to ask to be waited on and I don't like to go without. Thankfully, the Coffee Guy is really good about asking me what I need and convincing me to lay down and rest. So I have spent the past two days trying to be okay with it all. Tonight I'm feeling better, my voice is back (much to the disappointment of my family) and I am hoping to enter the land of the living again tomorrow. The sad part has been having to stay away of the Princess who is recovering slowly from surgery. This is one of those times I can be thankful that the Coffee Guy does not have any work at this time (and he is happy to make me tea). There is always something to be thankful for if you look for it!


Keep Looking,

Hope

Successful Surgery and a Bright Day!

The Princess had ear surgery this morning. She had a tube placed to relieve pressure on the left ear and she had her pre-auricular pits removed. The Coffee Guy took her while I fulfilled a prior speaking obligation. It was his first solo flight in the medical world and he did an amazing job. Although it was not a difficult surgery, it was a more involved sedation so my stress level was a bit higher than normal. Add to all of this, I woke up with no voice, its been quite the day. Of course, I can't help looking for more bright spots!

Today at my meeting someone mentioned Wish Upon A Hero and how fun it is to grant the wishes of people who have different needs and desires. I checked it out and decided to ask for a special gift for Allison that I haven't been able to get my hands on. In less than a half and hour, her wish was granted. Not only that, it was a granted by a mom whose heart is like mine! She has adopted children with special needs. I was excited to visit her blog about her children and life. I have added her to the Prayers of Hope list of reading materials. I love her idea of 12 Days of Giving.

 

I will have to ponder that one. Stress or no stress, its been a very good day.


Keep Giving,

Hope