Just-Right Mom

This week would have been my mom’s 92nd birthday. Funny the things I remembered. Last night as we ate tomato soup for supper, I thought of one special meal of homemade tomato soup as a kid. When we grew up, a lot of moms took advantage of shortcuts to cooking. It was the all the rage then. Cake mixes. Canned spaghetti sauce. One night, Mom served a delicious meal with whole tomatoes broken up in a rich broth of whole milk.

There’s the night my boyfriend broke up with me – over the phone!! Mom found me crying, sat next to me on the stairs and put her arm around my shoulder. Pure comfort at a time I needed it most. With seven siblings, moments alone with Mom were rare and sweet.

As young parents, we moved across the country, and life was tough out west those first few years. Our car broke down again, and this time the mechanic we were getting to know very well told us it wouldn’t be worth fixing again. I called Mom, and she loaned me the money to buy a newer car. I’m not sure I ever paid her back. Forgive me, Mom.

I’m thankful for many blessings being Pauline’s daughter. Was life perfect? Hardly. Did she never make a mistake? Silly question, since none of us is perfect. She was the just-right Mom to me.

Hard Fought Hallelujah©

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Processing heartache and change have left me emotionally drained. Our son’s long hospitalization and subsequent new living situation challenged me right along with him. Though I’ve held it together, hearing “Hard Fought Hallelujah” on the radio caused me to cry my eyes out.

The song describes times when you feel compelled to praise God through your tears.  Ray’s health problems brought challenges, yet there have been many answers to prayer. I can’t help but be profoundly thankful.  

Gratitude doesn’t take away the pain, the sting, the tears. It softens them. Psalm 23 reminds me that the Lord is my shepherd. Present tense. He is leading, and He is never going to steer me wrong if I’m following.  Dear Lord, I believe that You are right beside me, comforting me, though Your rod and staff are firmly protective right now. Your promise of life in Your house forever keeps me from quitting.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take a few minutes and enjoy listening to Brandon Lake’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” especially if you’re facing a testing time.

Thanks for Praying and Caring!

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It’s official–our son, Ray moved into a great new place. Just a month ago, he was in the hospital and now he feels well and has his own room in a wonderful place that meets all of his needs.

I can’t begin to tell you how many folks have prayed for Ray through a health crisis that began on Thanksgiving Day. Since then, he’s had four surgeries, moved all his stuff from his apartment to storage (well, Steve and I did that with the help of Michael, our friend from church), and spent three weeks in a medical care center. People called and visited, sent cards, texts, and emails reminding him they were praying. One friend told me more than once that their church included Ray in their weekly prayers. So did ours. God’s answers have been amazing examples of His love and power. Thank you for praying! You’ve encouraged Ray so much. The prayers of godly people have great power and produce wonderful results – from James 5:16.

One highlight that stands out is the peaceful way Ray responded to the life-changing events he’s faced. Nearly every day he laughed and smiled and rarely complained even though he faced major surgery and the resulting new way of life, the pain of recovery, and the loss of his apartment. His new home is just right, and it’s in the same town where he’s lived for fourteen years.

Thank you, family and friends, for your support by prayers, cards, and thoughtful gifts. Thank You, Lord for giving Ray strength for each day and meeting all his needs. God will supply all our needs from His glorious riches which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Glory to God! from Philippans 4:19-20