See What Happens When You Ask For Prayer!

So... what happens when a 47-year-old-grey-haired-hott-mama-of-four asks her book club to pray for Parkinson's for April's "Parkinson's Awareness Month"?  Well, sit back and just let me tell you a thing... or two!

To begin with, I have to admit that proposing this question in front of even a small number of mom friends really, and I mean really made me nervous.  So nervous, in fact, that I almost chickened out.  That's right!  My knees felt a little strange, and my stomach began to churn just before I looked in my bag where the green rubber bracelets were that I had intended to give to each to pray for PD. I thought to myself:  "Nah... this is really a dumb idea!  I'll sound stupid!  Everyone will think I'm a whiner... or, they'll see how weak I really am if I ask them to help pray for PD.  No.  I'm not doing this.  What.was.I.thinking?"  I considered a quick trip to the bathroom to throw up.

Isn't it crazy how that ole Satan can get in the way?!  And he nearly did.  In fact, if it weren't for Gretchen sharing how she almost gave up on going to a Good Friday service at her office for what sounded like peer pressure, I really think that I would have given up too.

But I sucked it up and with theses "chickenhands" of mine, spoke up, and asked my mom friends to "pray for Parkinson's".  And, guess what happened?

They did!  And so did YOU!  And, wow did things start to happen!  The.very.next.day I saw a super oooober important press release about funding for brain research with the National Institute of Health on The Michael J. Fox Foundation.  Later, at the grocery store, I met a mom that is making grey ribbons for April 13th "wear grey" day.  (Thanks Susan!)  Go God!

There 'ya go Satan!  Take that!  Can these moms pray or what!

I can't thank you all enough at book club as well as those of you here online that have been "praying for Parkinson's!"  It really does make a difference!  Guess ya just gotta ask.

"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."  Matthew 21:22

Dear Mom:

In the fall of 1984, I walked in to the dark sorority room of Holloway Hall on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College.  I was barely 19 years old and I was about to pledge the sisterhood of a group of girls:  Zeta Tau Alpha.  In a dimly lit ceremony, I joined a group of young women for what turned out to be too short a time.

Little did I know then, that nearly 28 years later I would be standing in the exact same room, once again lit only by candles, preparing for yet another sorority ceremony.  This time, our baby girl - just barely 21 years old and only moments after receiving her hood, MBA, and BS degrees (magma cum laude), would present me with the Zeta Mother's Pin and...  the following letter:

"Mom,

People always ask me, "Is that your mom?!" 

I have come to get used to this question.  Whether you are dressed in a crazy costume for the kids at church, e-mailing your blog to all my friends, or telling the President (of Wesleyan College) my life story -- your energy and positive attitude always bring people together -- and leave them wondering who you belong to!

I don't mean to make it sound so terrible!  I am always proud to say, "That's my mom."  When you amaze all those who know you with your strength and grace when faced with life's hardest struggles.  I would like to tell you that I am proud to be your daughter; I am proud you are my mom.

Graduation has made me think about what I want to do and who I want to be in this new life.  I want to be just like my mom.  I admire so much your approach to adversity with a strong trust in God and confidence; I admire how your writing is an inspiration and blessing to everyone.  I have always looked up to you, and today - like any other day, I am proud to be your daughter!"

You know what...  I realize that I am not the most organized mom around; I normally carry a 100 lb bag full of snacks, books, DS games, toys, crayons, etc; I probably should have had my hair cut months ago (at least colored, right?); if given a choice, I would eat chocolate all day; I tend to laugh a jokes a little late... and loud; and my clothes are mostly Caity's hand-me-downs. 

But hey...  this day, Caity's college graduation AND Mother's Day, well... (sniffle, sniffle)...  well, you know what I mean,... right?

".....28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."  Proverbs 31

HOTT FLASHES!!!

It's official!!!...  I'm a COLUMNIST!!

Today, my first article posted on Moms of Faith as an official columnist!  The name of my column is "Hott Flashes!"  Like it???  I hope so, we had some fun on facebook coming up with a name and many seemed to like Hott Flashes!  I was glad that the editor also agreed!   And thank you Bob Goodman from Chicago!  You had the best suggestion and there it is!  Now, when one clicks the "columns" button on the online magazine, "Hott Flashes" comes up.  And it's me!  How cool, or "hott" is that????

So, please check it out and leave comments.  My first story as a columnist is called "Chocolates ARE Medicinal!"  Although I am not allowed to post it on my blog, I can direct you to its' link:

http://momsoffaith.com/category/columns/hott-flashes/

LOL!  "Chocolates ARE Medicinal" is an testament to God's awesome response to my last blog post here on Excuse me, Can I Tell You Something?  The article is called "Standing Tall"!  Over 400 people have read "Standing Tall" thanks to all of you!  I don't know if I even know that many people.  But guess what happened, people prayed across the country for my HottHubby Dan and he is improving.  Parkinson's Disease still sucks (sorry Andrew); but the prayers are being heard -- praise God!

For an update, Dan is scheduled for physical therapy through the Veteran's Administration this week.  Also, he has an upcoming appointment with a neurologist at the Baltimore VA, Dr. Paul Fishman, whom we hear is involved with neurological movement issues.

 “I call on the Lord in my distress, and He answers me!” Psalms 120:1