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Many Mistakes

Posted by eph21920 on November 9, 2026 in Answer, Connected, Faith, Friends, Generosity, Life, Service, Trust

There have been many times when I feel like I make mistake after mistake, or that I don’t know what I’m doing. Sometimes I get overwhelmed over a new task that I need to accomplish and don’t really know how to do it, so I just put it off. Sometimes I dive right in and find that it was easier than I thought. Or, on the other hand, if I don’t allow myself the time to learn how to do new things, it just becomes a lesson in futility. A simple example is putting shims under my bookcase by myself as it was tilting forward. I figured it out and it turned out fine. Today my sister and I got out in the garden to separate the irises that have taken over more than their share. I watched a couple videos and read a couple articles before I grabbed the shovel. I worked at it for a while, then handed the shovel to my sister. It was a chore, and we only did a small part, but I think we were doing it the way we should. We’ll see what happens to them after this winter. But no matter – it needed to be done and we are attacking the task. This afternoon, my prayer group and I read the Gospel for next Sunday about the master who gave his servants a different amount of “talents”. Two of the servants multiplied the gift to return to the master. But one servant did nothing out of fear. As we discussed this, we acknowledged how easily we can do the same thing. We want to serve God and enter into His Presence, but we can be nervous about using the gifts He has given us. Instead of boldly going forward and trusting that God will lead and guide us, we can do our best to hide away. We agreed that it can be difficult to know exactly what God is asking us to do. One woman said her grandson gave her a coloring page that he did that is displayed prominently on her refrigerator. It reads, “Mistakes are proof that you are trying.” We talked about how it is better to try and make mistakes, rather than do nothing or try to hide away from the gifts God have given us. They are, after all, paths for us and others to grow closer to God.

I Found God today in a reminder that it is better to try to do things that I feel I should do, rather than do nothing.

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A Little Hike

Posted by eph21920 on November 8, 2026 in Creation, Family, Grateful, Happiness, Weather

My sister and I enjoyed a beautiful day taking a short hike in the mountains. The sky was clear and blue, the air was crisp and smelled like forest. There were actually quite a few people and dogs and bikes, also getting the most out of a warm, Fall day. Neither my sister nor I are in great shape, so we meandered more than anything, taking care to keep track of the time so we would have enough energy for the round trip. When we started off, we were in the warm sunshine. As we went further, the trail took us into the deep shadows of the tall hills surrounding us. The temperature dropped significantly. We came across a stream and followed it for a while. We watched as some people crossed on the wet rocks. A brave young girl walked across the log that bridged the 2 banks, using her walking poles to help balance. She did great. When we turned around to head back, we were looking forward to getting back into the warm sunshine. We figured it was at least 10° colder in the shade of the mountain. We had 2 different experiences – one with warmth and amazing colors, and the other in the darker cool along the stream. Both were beautiful. The long shadows did make for some stunning views as we descended. The fresh air, warm sunshine, sound of the brook, smell of the trees was just what we needed. I was grateful that my sister had the idea.

I Found God today enjoying a hike in the mountains.

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Last Mission

Posted by eph21920 on November 7, 2026 in Faith, Friends, Generosity, Grateful, Life, Opportunity, Service

The couple who live next door to me are very faithful, generous people. They have gone to different countries and done mission work for years. The wife was a teacher before she retired. When they visit other countries, they provide an English camp, where children can learn the English language. As they do so, they witness their faith to the school and the students, which is one of the main reasons for having them come. I chatted with them tonight. She recently had surgery, and is doing very well. They told me about their plans for what will likely be their last mission trip. As they get older, the travel and work gets more and more difficult. During their upcoming 6 week excursion, they will be visiting some of the places they have been before to kind of wrap things up and say goodbye. They were a little melancholy as they talked about this being their last trip. I know they will be an incredible blessing and I am grateful that I get to hear about their faith and adventures.

I Found God today hearing of my neighbor’s upcoming mission trip.

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Political Power

Posted by eph21920 on November 6, 2026 in Answer, Connected, Eternity, Faith, Hope, Life, Struggles

This morning, when I got up, my sister and I put the news on and heard more about the election results. Then I listened to a reflection that encouraged people who were disappointed by the recent election. I thought Jeff Cavins was very relevant in his assessment of the situation. Then I read more encouraging posts and a couple of statements from Fulton Sheen. All of these different reflections confirmed what I was thinking. Our hope doesn’t lie in politics or world leaders. Our hope is in God who is the same now as He always has been and always will be. He knows our struggles and our weaknesses. He sent His son Jesus into a world of hostility, prejudice, oppression, and violence. And yet, from there, He saved us from ourselves, our sins,  and gave us the real reward, the offer of eternal life. He is the one we can follow, the one we can put our trust in. If so, it doesn’t matter what political leaders are in power, or what laws are made. Jesus gives us much needed peace, love, and the capability to spread those attributes. We have been given the unbelievable ability to connect – not only with one another – but with Our God who created us. Christ is the true King over the whole world now and forever.

I Found God today in a reminder that He is the One in Power.

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Happy Haircut

Posted by eph21920 on November 5, 2026 in Birthday, Connected, Friends, Life

A friend of mine celebrated her 85th birthday today. I went to her house, picked her up, and brought her to a haircut appointment. I was glad my hairdresser was able to get her in. This was the 2nd time she cut her hair. The first time was fine, but this time she did an exceptional job. I told the hairdresser that it was my friend’s birthday, so she gave her some extra pampering. After the shampoo and cut, she styled her hair by blowdrying and curling it. It was really beautiful. My friend was so happy, she was just beaming. When I took her home, she couldn’t wait to show her husband who complimented her profusely. A little while later, their afternoon caregiver came and also noticed how gorgeous my friend looked on her birthday. This evening, they were supposed to get together with family to celebrate. I told my friend that she couldn’t lay down as it would mess up the back of her hair. She was so energized by the experience, I doubt if she needed to lay down before dinner. When I called to make the hair appointment, this was the only day that the hairdresser had available for a while. The fact that is was my friend’s birthday worked out perfectly.

I Found God today in my very happy friend on her birthday.

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Retirement Day

Posted by eph21920 on November 4, 2026 in Begin, Family, Grateful, Happiness, Joy, Life, New, Opportunity

Today was my sister’s last official day of work. She has been wrapping things up and passing along all her tasks and information to her co-workers. Today she gathered up all the equipment she had from the law firm and delivered it all to the CEO. She said they chatted over a cup of coffee and had an amicable parting of ways. The lawyers sent her a beautiful flower bouquet wishing her well on her retirement. She bought a small bottle of champagne and we toasted to the beginning of a new adventure. She has been looking forward to this day for quite a while and dreaming of having time to do more things that she would like to do. I am glad the time has come and am very happy for her.

I Found God today in my sister’s joy on her last day of work.

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Better Surgery

Posted by eph21920 on November 3, 2026 in Answer, Doctor, Friends, Grateful, Healing

My neighbor has had some medical issues and without getting into details – mostly because I won’t be able to explain it properly – she has been putting off surgery. Her doctor here explained that it would be major surgery in which they would hope for a good outcome. It didn’t sound promising to her. Not too long ago, her daughter who lives in another state was talking with a friend who had the same kind of surgery. However, she had it done in that state by a group who are experts in the field. It wasn’t as invasive and she had wonderful results. My friend got in touch with the doctors who met with her virtually and walked her through the whole process. She and her husband flew out last week. She had the half an hour surgery, had lunch, and went back to the hotel. They stayed and visited family there, then flew back home a couple of days later. The surgery was short, not as extensive, and was successful. I talked to the husband today and he was just elated. He was sure it was God taking care of things. I agreed.

I Found God today in a friend’s successful surgery.

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Apologies

Posted by eph21920 on November 2, 2026 in Answer, Forgiveness, Friends, Grace, Intimacy, Life, Love, Marriage

I was spending time with some friends today when suddenly the wife told her husband that she needed to apologize to him. I just grew silent and tried to fade into the background. She told him that she had said some things to the physical therapist who came over that may have made her husband uncomfortable and she was sorry if that happened. He said he forgave her. They told each other they loved one another and sealed it with a kiss. They have been married for over 60 years now. It was a beautiful thing to see how much they still truly loved each other and to see their consideration for one another. I felt again like I was witnessing an intimate part of someone’s life. While it was meaningful to them, it was very meaningful to me too.

I Found God today in an apology.

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Día de Muertos

Posted by eph21920 on November 1, 2026 in Connected, Death, Faith, Family, Grief, Peace, Prayer, Stranger

Today my sister and I went to a Día de Muertos celebration at the local Fine Arts Center. It was a free event with family activities, food, vendors, music, and a traditional Hispanic altar. The event was very well attended with lost of kids and families. You could make a sugar skull mask, tissue paper flowers, papel picado (banners), or get your face painted with typical Day of the Dead decoration. The vendors sold religious and Mexican items. My sister and I enjoyed meandering and looking at the different art in the museum as well. Then we came to the large community ofrenda. Everyone was invited to leave photos or items that were special to their loved ones on the huge decorated altar. My sister and I brought some prayer cards from my parents’ funerals and some origami roses made from pages of my mother’s music books. Even though the museum was packed, the atmosphere changed when we walked into the room with the large altar. It was more quiet, somber, peaceful. There were chairs set up on the sides for people to sit and reflect or pray. We found a nice little niche and placed the cards and roses. We took a few moments in silence, then sat down for a bit. I watched as people came in and found spaces for the trinkets they brought. Some people knelt down, embraced each other, and most were in tears. I somehow felt like I was invading a person’s intimate space. But everyone seemed to understand and feel the same things. It was a very moving experience and I was glad that my sister and I went to the event.

I Found God today in the Día de Muertos celebration.

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Run To Jesus

Posted by eph21920 on October 31, 2026 in Answer, Death, Faith, Jesus, Love

Last year I was visiting an elderly home bound woman and bringing her Holy Communion. I was happy that I got to know her family during that time as she lived in their home. Several months ago, it appeared that she was not going to be on this earth much longer. The family contacted me so I could spend some time with her. The next day they took her to the neighboring state where the rest of the family lived. They found a place where the woman would be well cared for. She lived longer than anyone anticipated. The other day the family contacted me to let me know she was in the process of dying. I started praying for her. I learned that she passed away yesterday. The family told me that her granddaughter was with her in her final minutes. Her breathing was labored. The granddaughter said to her, “Grandma, take two deep breaths and run into the arms of Jesus.” And she did. It was a beautiful testament of faith and love. I felt incredibly blessed that they shared these intimate moments with me.

I Found God today in the death of a faithful woman.

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