A Time to Celebrate

The year 2020 has been an eye-opening year so far with the world pandemic and civil unrest all around us. It is easy to become disheartened, which is where I have been occasionally in the recent months. It’s times like these that we need to remember the good things that God has done in our lives, because as His children, He is ever-present in our lives. This time has caused me to look deeper into God’s Word and to have a more meaningful time of prayer in my personal time with the Lord each morning. It has also helped me see, with fresh eyes, how God is working in my life each day. It causes me to have a more joyful heart and to want to celebrate!

I want to share the great blessing that I am celebrating today, June 8th: my mother! My mother turned 84 years old today! This lady has been a huge influence for me in so many ways that have helped me become the person that I am today. Growing up, I was painfully shy. She made sure that I was involved in activities to help bring me out of my shyness: Bluebirds, grade-school and high-school band, 4-H, Tae kwon do, acting in plays, participating in parades, and modeling. Being a highly intelligent woman, she taught me that the only thing that could hold me back from pursuing my dreams is me. She taught me to set my mind on my goal and go for it. My mother was also my best friend as I grew up; we shared many interests and did everything together. She was my biggest fan, and I am hers.

Sadly, my mother has Alzheimer’s, and there are days when she does not remember that I am her daughter. I am grateful, though, that she is still in my life and that I get to be with her. There are days that she is very aware of who I am and we get to enjoy that relationship. Other days, I just get to love on her.

This is the Bible verse that stood out to me today:
How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. Psalm 31:19.
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In His Name, Stephanie

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Stephanie Rogge