Strength and Inspiration from Scripture

Grandma lived with me for about two months give or take, after her stroke in 2012. We made a lot of good memories. Mostly I just enjoyed her company. I tried to read with her just about every day from a Max Lucado book. Sometimes Grandma would get discouraged in her recovery process. It was completely reasonable. Who wouldn't? On one particular evening, she became very down, my husband and I prayed with her. We tried to encourage her as she had always been an encourager. I figured this time it was my turn. A verse that came to mind that night was, Romans 8:28.

"And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

We talked about that verse and how God was going to bring something good out of this difficult time. He already was. We were so lucky to have that time together. My kids got to know her a little better. They have some pretty funny memories from that time. The next day when Grandma and I sat down to read from our Max Lucado book, that was the verse for the message of that chapter.

I told you yesterday I would share verses from her index card spiral with you.Here are a few verses that Grandma and I chose for it. The purpose of the spiral was to help encourage her and strengthen her, when she felt down. Yes, we also included Romans 8:28.

The Lord said..."Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; Do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:1,9

"They cried out to the LORD in their troubles, and He save them out of their distress."  Psalm 107:9

"You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with Songs of deliverance."  Psalm 32:7

"I know whom I have believed, and am convinced, He is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day."  2Timothy 1:12

"You are the apple of His eye." Zechariah 2:8

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5-6

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like Eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:31

Things That Are Difficult

Getting a phone call that not just one, but two of your loved ones have died, is shocking. It is a difficult thing to hear and soak in. Honestly it is traumatizing. I think it was one of the hardest things to bare, the initial moment of they are gone.

The other difficult moments for me, were being in their homes, knowing they never will be again. No one really plans to not come home. Walking through my Grandma’s house was tough, however what I was really nervous about, was walking into her room. I could still catch her scent. I surveyed the room and next to her bed were a couple of books she borrowed from me. On top of the books was a ring of index cards. The index cards we had sat down together with and wrote out Bible verses to help her through her days. On the end of her bed was the Christmas quilt I had made her for her last birthday. I picked it up and it really had caught her scent. That made the tears run down my cheeks.

Going to Uncle Brian’s house was equally as difficult. Seeing his dog Coco, made me sad for her, because her owner wasn’t coming home. Uncle B’s dogs were always like his children. Walking through his house was difficult, I thought of some of the memories our family has created there. Grandma’s last birthday was spent there. We made homemade pizzas and visited with one another. We went to the dollar store and brought home Elvis glasses. Walking into his bedroom was difficult, I looked at some of his cross necklaces with the rope or leather bands. I picked them up and smelled them. Uncle B’s scent. He always wore cologne. That’s when I couldn’t hold the tears back anymore. On his bedroom wall there was a picture of Jesus embracing someone as they entered Heaven.I thought that was really neat. Next to his bed was a book about people who had encountered Heaven or witnessed loved ones moving on. I have been reading it over the past year.  On his fridge were lots of pictures of family members. My brothers, My family, nieces and nephews, Brian loved us all and kept us where he could see us.

There are many difficult times in life. Some will entail saying goodbye to those we hold so very dear at heart. Jesus said that in the world we would have tribulation, but to know that He has overcome it. We will have difficult and heart breaking moments, but we too can overcome them. One day we will be in a place where there is no more pain. One day we will be at peace. One day we will truly be home. Until then, keep the faith, and persevere, even if it is baby steps.

Tomorrow I will post the verses, from the index cards, that were next to Grandmas bed.

Peace, love, and Jesus,

Helmschick-- out

Small Victories That Are Huge

I have officially made it through week one of my 30 minutes for 30 days. It feels awesome!! I've done some walking, yoga, and used my exercise bike. Most importantly I have been moving more.

This week I've been watching a lot less TV. I think Netflix might be missing me. I've been writing more, too.

I've also been exhausted, in a good way. I mean I've been exhausted before, but it was emotional that caused physical exhaustion. The tired I feel now is much better. This tired says, I have accomplished things. (Stuff and Things, haha ) It also says, I'm finding my happy, trying to rediscover my joys.

Baby steps, but big feelings. Small victories that are huge. I'm grateful and excited for this new chapter.

Helmschick

An Exercise in Discipline

The past year has been a tough one. Loosing a family member is never easy. Loosing two at the same time and on the same day is overwhelming. Grief is an interesting, annoying, vast, and necessary character builder. Lets just say, I hurt, I cried, I prayed, I watched Netflix, and I ate some of my feelings. Now it is time to exercise those feelings/pounds. The Bible says, there is a time for everything. I tell my kids the same. Now is the time to rediscover some joy and get up and move more.

I am determined to be more disciplined. I have challenged myself to 30 minutes for 30 days. I have to do some form of exercise for 30 minutes, each day, for 30 days. I started last Friday, April 3rd. Some days it is cardio and some it is yoga. You may think, that is no challenge. Well for me it is. I have TMJ and somedays is flares up. I can work too hard and do too much during the day, and make it mad. Other times I might just be stressed or have clenched my teeth  in my sleep, and that makes it mad. Days like these, I do not want to do anything. For 30 days I am going to push through it. On those days I will do a lighter 30 minutes, but I will still do it. Discipline, baby. Discipline!

-Helmschick

Good Friday

 Last year on Good Friday, I woke up with a complete absolute Peace. You see the Thursday night before, my Grandmother and Uncle were killed in a head on collision. Thursday night was a torpedo of chaotic emotions and shock. But, Friday morning was complete absolute Peace. I woke up knowing that no matter the circumstances or details surrounding their deaths, they were in God's hands. They always had been and it was no different now. Easter will always be associated with loosing them. However Easter has always been a time of thankfulness. Loosing them has not changed this. I am so thankful for Jesus sacrifice. I am so thankful for a personal relationship with him. I am so thankful that my Uncle and Grandma also know Jesus. I am thankful for the time I had with them, the beautiful, crazy, hilarious, joy filled, tear stained memories. I am So thankful that not only in life did they follow God, but also in death. God was with them through it all. He has been with me through it all. I am a thankful chick.