Category Archives: Relationships

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Impromptu Thanks when It Matters

Life is becoming a varied, challenging, deep, and complex mystery. The more I live, the more the world seems to morph and change. Yet, the things that matter the most seem to remain the same. Take health for instance. We were all very involved with health as the mystery of the Covid made it’s rounds. To take the shot or not meant a great deal to some of us. You were either on one side of the issue or the other. A lot of division happened as a result. In my family and other families, we didn’t see the Covid issue the same…and we still don’t. Some deep hurt was caused around the world, no matter which way the virus was seen. It was a problem, a bothersome and complex problem.

Some issues are that way. There isn’t a clear understanding in regard to the task. Those of us who are Christians speak fluidly but differently regarding the way we react to the problem or mandate. We take different views, of course, when the government implicitly tells us to do the required test or mantra. The real problem is that we don’t like to be told what to do when we are unsure of the consequences. Christians have to learn all they can to be able to make educated decisions. But sometimes, we remain confused, concerned, indifferent, or unhappy.

My family means so much to me

Sometimes you don’t realize just how much your family means to you. I was ill this year and my siblings came to help me out. They call me. They encourage me. They have helped me. They’ve been so good to me. I do what I can but they help me where I am weak. It is kind of neat that God gives us different gifts. We use the gifts according to where they are usable. I saw this so clearly when my parents health was in decline. Everyone rose to the occasion. Yes, there were differences. Yes, we looked beyond the differences to help them. Yes, at times it was awkward or difficult. But, yes, we managed to deal with it despite the awkwardness. You only have one family.

My children mean the world to me

Lately, more than in the past, my own family has come to my aid. Why? Because I needed it. They stepped up to the plate. They helped me organize my walk. Which means, they knew I needed help. My daughters, one in my hometown and one in Florida, helped me when and where things were difficult. They charged ahead, kindly and fully, They were there for me. They still are. My sons also came along side and helped me where I needed it. It was remarkable. I’m very grateful that God has given me such wonderful grown children.

My friends make the days better for me

You know, my friends make a difference. I go to church with some of my friends. It’s a joy like no other. My book dinner ladies got together a couple of weeks ago. We quit reading books a year ago but it was a complete, beautiful blessing to be together once again. Friends matter. We need our friends. Friends help us. We laugh, cry, share, give, help and so forth. I love my friends. They mean the world to me. I’m anxious to see them again. It is good for our soul when a friend lifts us up.

My prayer requests keep me focused appropriately

One of the strange things about being sick was I couldn’t pray nearly as much as I was used to doing. The problem was that I couldn’t concentrate worth a darn. My mind would wander. I couldn’t keep in focus. Thankfully, this is changing now. I tried to improve, but it was quite difficult. I love praying. I love focusing. I love the richness of ever-deepening faith. There are different types of prayers. Some are fairly light and others are exceedingly deep. Some prayers are complicated and take much sternness to complete. But all are beneficial. All Prayers Are Beneficial!!! Today I came across a prayer I prayed back in 2020. It went like this: “I praise you for this day. When I speak praise, pray praise, think praise, truly, it feels like praise releases something in me that I’ve not experienced before.” Try it, you may like it!

My difficulties make me appreciate living

Difficulties are a part of life. You can’t get away from them. However, there are many ways God helps us through the difficulties. Long ago, when I had three kids, not five, I had a nervous breakdown. It was terrible. I had to quit my job as I slumped into a depression. My nerves were so messed up that I couldn’t even drive a car or shop for the family. I had been through a lot with my husband and it was just too much. It took me four years to bring myself back. I couldn’t go to a counselor. We didn’t have money for it. As I traveled that journey, the Lord became exceedingly close and precious to me. God used it though it was hard. I’m glad for the things God taught me during that time period. God gave me a precious gift despite the pain of the moment.

My positive thinking helps me understand the problems

While I was making my way through the desert, God started to teach me many things. During a time many years later, He awakened my spirit. I learned by asking God to teach me. He taught me many wonderful truths. I started writing a journal. It was amazing the things God was teaching me. I learned that He is more interested in our devotion to Him than of our doing many things for Him. God is interested in us; He really, truly and abundantly is. God is making us into the person He created us to be. That is an amazing reality. Sometimes we just have to crawl through the difficulty, but God knows what He is trying to teach us. Turn to Him. He awaits your turning. He holds our hand.

My troubles transform into blessings as God manipulates them

So often our troubles are a pain that we can’t get rid of. We try and try but they don’t seem to give. Why is it this way? I can give you guesses but I really don’t know. It does seem as though He strips what we depend on until He has our full attention. He wants us to listen. He desires our love. He keeps us from stumbling. He helps us. Now I’m not quite seventy but I’ve learned quite a bit that I want to share with you. It’s really all about God. God is a gentleman. He won’t push His way in. We invite Him in. He makes His Way easy to understand, but He waits until we are ready to listen to Him. Aren’t you thankful He is this way? Don’t despair if you are discouraged. He understands. He will keep you. You are the apple of His eye.

I want to leave you with this thought. For three years during the worst of my journey, when my life was a wreck and I had been left, God told me one, and only one word. “Trust.” I had to learn to trust. My marriage was over. Trust. My kids were hurt. “Trust.” The job had ended. “Trust.” How were we going to make it? “Trust.” Would we have enough money? “Trust.” I learned to trust Him for my going and coming. I’m so glad I did.

You can too.

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I.B. Ray Brumbaugh

My father: I.B. Ray Brumbaugh.

A Year Ago

My father, Ray Brumbaugh, passed away a year ago. He was 93. Later today my siblings and I are going to talk via telephone. We remember my father for what he was, how he lived, the gifts that he gave, his kindnesses and helpfulness. His tender heart. I’ve thought a lot about his life. He was a farmer with a high school education, but he was a man who lived his life well.

Of course, Dad didn’t see it that way. He did the job, and he did it well. He picked a good wife, who also did it well. He gave, and she gave. They both gave of themselves to make the marriage work. She was eighteen and he was twenty-one when they married. Soon after, he entered the Naval Reserves. Us kids came along at about the same time. All five of us kids made a full and busy life. We were all loved and cherished.

Work Comes First

Dad taught us to work hard, and we did. He expected us to do our best, and we learned to do a job well. I think we worked hard, at least it seemed that way to me. But I didn’t question it. He kept a log of our work, which we were paid at the end of the season…into the bank account. When Dad complimented our work or something we did, we knew we had earned it. He was a man of few words back in the day, but those words mattered. He was growing more than crops and trees, he was growing us to be careful, cautious, gracious, and capable adults.

You don’t give your parents a lot of thought when you are growing up. But later on, you realize what they gave you. I remember talking to my dad near the end of his life. He sat there thinking over his life. He said, “We had hard times and good times, and many hills to climb, but it’s been a good life.” Then he got serious and quiet. His voice hushed, and he went on say, “except for Lois.” He shook his head and his grief was still live. He looked at me. We both were quiet, saying nothing. He could never mention Lois after she left us (Check my posts in Sept./or with her name).

Here’s Where His Wisdom Took Root

Dad was a great man for telling stories with meanings. He caught the interesting things that people don’t notice. That is something I share from my dad. He paid attention to the reason for the why you did the thing, not just doing the thing. He was a teacher, besides being a father I learned a lot from. I learned to give something, whatever it was, my best effort. I learned to not give up even when it’s hard. I learned to try my best, and then some. I learned to listen before speaking (and this wasn’t easy for me), and to consider my words before speaking.

I’ve thought a lot about my dad. There are many words I could use to describe him (kind, helpful, hard working, giving, careful in speech, truthful, loving, handsome, brave, and so forth). But there is one word I think says it best. Honor. My did lived his life with honor. He was an honorable man. He just was honorable. He didn’t try to be that way, he just was that way. When he said something, he meant it. He wouldn’t say something unless it was worth saying. I have been glad that my father was this way. He stood by his words.

I Hope I’m Like My Dad

Now that I’m writing about my dad and saying a few of the many things I could say about him, I am reminded that he would rather I didn’t say anything. My folks were that way. They didn’t want much said about the way they lived or the things they did. I get it. I think it is wise to be like they were. Let your actions speak louder than your words. Let your words and actions speak the thoughts of your heart and mind. Keep your word. Speak the truth. Honor your parents. Do your best. Be kind. Be thoughtful. Be careful. Help others. Think before you speak. Keep confidences. Try your hardest and best. There are so many…

If you knew my dad, I hope this blog post brings him close for a minute. He was a good man. I was lucky to have such a wonderful father. It’s been nice to think of him again.

Thanks for reading what I have written.