Thursday 2 May 2019

National Day of Prayer 🙏

Did you know?

National Day of Prayer History

National Day of Prayer is an annual holiday that serves to encourage Americans to pray, meditate and repent. It is also used to draw awareness to prayer and religious beliefs.
The origins of National Day of Prayer date back to 1787, when Benjamin Franklin asked President George Washington to open each day with prayer, and to realize that prayer is deeply intertwined in the fabric of the United States. However, it was not until February 1952, during the Korean War that Reverend Billy Graham petitioned support of Representative Percy Priest to observe a national day of prayer. On April 17, 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill proclaiming National Day of Prayer, to encourage Americans to turn to God in prayer and meditation. National Prayer Day is celebrated every year on the first Thursday of May.



So in honour of National Prayer Day, I thought I would show you my Mom's beloved Chapel.
Here's Tenny making sure the deer don't bother with it!


In 2004, when they were still snowbirds in Lake Havasu, AZ, Dad decided to have a chapel built for Mom since it was getting harder for her to get out and about and feared getting sick whenever she did.
Here it goes...


And here it is today, or rather, last week.


Eglwys-fach-y-Ulrike, translated from Welsh is Ulrike's small church. I guess Dad didn't like the German version?!


Welcome, come on in.


Mom didn't want her chapel cluttered decorated like the house, but Dad said that because it was an angel, or a religious figurine, it wasn't for her but for God!


She even has a propane heater for chilly mornings or winter cold.


This is her view when she's in there, Tenny normally joins her.


The back of the chapel.


And here they are, it's always nice when she can get to her chapel.
She doesn't get to go every day, it depends on how she feels and the weather. Most days it's too hard for her to walk, so Dad takes her from the house to the chapel in her wheelchair. As long as she gets there!


My Mom has a old friend she grew up with, Manfred, who's wife, Elfie, painted this. They moved to Australia in '61 and had planned to visit my parents when sadly, Manfred died in his mid 60's from a massive heart attack. Recently, 82 year old Elfie, who dabbles now and then with the paint brush, painted Mom's chapel from a photo. Amazing!


And here's the Mill Hill I made for her since it reminded me so much of her chapel. It's in her bedroom so she can see it when she's in there.


My prayers for today include praying for these special people who have very recently passed -
Mrs. Murphy, a family friend since I was a little girl. Praying for her family, 7 children and their spouses, 16 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Mr. Beschner, father to friends from high school and youth group, praying for his family.
Beth, an old friend from elementary school, she was my age, praying for her family.
Just yesterday, Mickie, an old co-worker, praying for her family.
And continued prayers for old friend, even though we had parted ways, Angie was only 47, praying for her husband and parents.

8 comments:

Rachel said...

What a beautiful, thoughtful and very special gesture for your mum. Even for those who don't 'pray' such a day as today could be used for reflection. :)

Vickie said...

I enjoyed this visit to your mom's chapel very much. I am praying today for many things. I am thanking God you and your mom and dad are back together again.❤️

Julie said...

Elfie is very talented, that's a wonderful picture she painted.
I enjoyed a lovely meditation this afternoon, my sister-in-law was in my thoughts and when I had finished there was a message on my phone from her. The power of prayer is very strong.
I've been praying for a friend who has a loved one very sick.
love and blessings x

Barb said...

Your Mom's chapel is a beautiful little place. What an act of love from your Dad when he built it for her and more love taking her out there in her wheel chair. Your parents show what a great marriage should look like. Our Church has been open all day for drop in people who want to say a prayer. Thanks for the reminder of the importance of the day!

RJ said...

Astrid, I enjoyed this post very much. Your Mom's chapel is so lovely. I'm amazed at it's beauty. What a wonderful job your Dad did and it truly shows the love in your family. The drawing and your cross stitch are wonderful too. I have very special intentions too that I pray for every day. RJ





















Cathy said...

Thank you for the tour of the chapel; it's beautiful! I'd seen a couple of pictures of it earlier this year, but you went into a lot more detail. I also love the painting done by her friend. It's a perfectly peaceful piece.

Bethan said...

Thank you for sharing - I didn't know there was a National Day of Prayer. The little chapel is amazing; how wonderful of your dad. I, of course, totally approve of the Welsh name x

Katie said...

Thanks for sharing. Your mom's chapel is just perfect and priceless. How sweet of your father.