Leave a comment

Finished Work

Posted by eph21920 on April 15, 2026 in Answer, Grateful, Job, Knowledge, Life, New, Opportunity

Today was the last day at my job working for the CPA. I enjoyed what I did, though it was more than I anticipated with longer days and a huge learning curve. But when all was said and done, I did learn the computer system, the filing system, and how to best work with my boss. I enjoyed talking with the people who came in and my heart went out to the elderly who are getting left behind in the technology. And there were several widows who were just trying to figure out what they were supposed to be doing. I realized that everyone needs a person to come along side them and help them through. Some of the elderly people had children or grandchildren that they would ask for help. Some did not. During the length of the job, I thought about ideas that might help those who are really struggling. I ran some of them past my boss, and we may explore some of them next year. In all, I was grateful for the job, for the needed income, for the ability to go out and learn and do something completely new.

I Found God today in a job opportunity.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Tad Off Perfect

Posted by eph21920 on April 13, 2026 in Answer, Connected, Faith, Life

I listened to the reflection on Hallow today by Jeff Cavins. He told a story about a conversation he had with a gentleman comparing the sound of today’s music with that of the 1970’s. The music now has so much technological influence, it can be created with no flaws. The description that he used for the older music was a “tad off perfect”. It was more real. Jeff Cavins used the term to correspond with his faith life. I loved the comparison and the phrase. Some of us are a little further than just a tad off perfect, speaking for myself, and that’s why I need the One who is Perfection. I know that when I listen to God, I am not going to be led astray. I need His guidance constantly to keep me from going a tad further and further, lest I get so far away from God that I find myself in a big mess. Perhaps I can become a tad more loving, a tad more patient, a tad more forgiving, and a tad less anxious. I am grateful that God is the Almighty Perfect One who will always point me in the right direction.

I Found God today being a tad off perfect.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Musical Children

Posted by eph21920 on April 12, 2026 in Children, Connected, Family, Hope, Music

I spent some time this afternoon with my son, his wife, and her mother. We went to tea at one of the local landmarks. The venue also hosts a period feast at Christmas with a king and queen and madrigals. My daughter in law’s mom talked about how much she enjoyed being in that choir in high school. I was also in the madrigal choir in junior high and loved it. I asked her more about her music major in college. She said it was in voice and theory. She also played different instruments in the school’s band. I remembered that we counted over 20 instruments that my mother played for her high school band. When they needed a particular instrument, the director would ask my mom to learn how to play it, which she did. We all talked about with such a musical family background, my son and his wife should have some talented children. They said they were hoping so.

I Found God today in family shared love for music.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Enthusiastic About Outdoors

Posted by eph21920 on April 11, 2026 in Creation, Faith, Friends, Joy

I went for a hike with a friend today and enjoyed being outdoors in the beauty of nature. At one point we were up pretty high and overlooked a large portion of the foothills. It has been very dry here, but also very warm and many of the trees and bushes have already started to bud and bloom. On the other hand, most of the grass is still brown. From our view, there was a beautiful array of colors: tans from the dry areas, light greens from the new budding trees, dark greens from the evergreens, reds and oranges from the rocky outcrops. Then there was the mountain which hasn’t received enough moisture this year, so instead of a snowcapped peak it was laced with white contours in areas that didn’t get much direct sunlight. My friend lived in flatlands for most of her life and just loves being outdoors. As we looked over our view, she said she wondered how anyone can see such beauty and not believe in God. It was a blessing and a joy to be with someone who was so enthusiastic and appreciative of the world around us.

I Found God today in nature and an appreciative friend.

Permalink
Leave a comment

The Little Apple Tree

Posted by eph21920 on April 10, 2026 in Creation, Death, Grief, Healing, Life

Tonight I am sharing a beautiful post from my daughter in law’s sister that really touched my heart:

This little apple tree started from a single seed. One I found inside the last apple my Mom had in her fridge after she passed.

At the time, I didn’t know if anything would come from planting it. But I tried anyway. Back then, it felt like holding onto a small piece of something that still belonged to her.

Now, watching it grow has become something so much bigger than I ever expected. It’s a reminder that even after loss, life continues in quiet, beautiful ways. That something new can take root from something thats gone.

I find myself looking at it often and thinking of Mom. Tonight is no different.

I Found God today in a beautiful story of new life.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Even in a License Plate

Posted by eph21920 on April 9, 2026 in Car, Faith, Humor

My son calls me to chat sometimes when he’s driving. I always enjoy that because we do just talk about all kinds of different things. This afternoon we were talking about going to church for Good Friday and the Easter Vigil. We talked about how beautiful it is for people entering into the Catholic faith. As we were discussing, my son saw a car with the license plate that read, Awesome God. Indeed. I love that God uses all different ways to give us a little nod.

I Found God today in His little way of showing up.

Permalink
2 Comments

Sweet Support

Posted by eph21920 on April 8, 2026 in Hope, Life, Present, Struggles

Today I witnessed 3 specific incidents of people supporting others. Yesterday, I received a text from the group chat of the people I used to work with. A couple is expecting a baby. The mama had to have surgery due to problems with her cervix. Everyone in the group sent prayers and encouragement. Today we found out that all went well. Everyone sent more grateful and thoughtful words. I spent some time at the Newman Center in the afternoon. One of the girls was really stressing about a project she was trying to work on. She talked with one of the guys who gave her his time and good advice as he closed his laptop and focused his attention on her. She thanked him and went back to her study spot. After a bit, 2 other students spent some time encouraging her. It was sweet. On the way home I stopped at the gas station after waiting as long as I possibly could. At the gas pumps behind me, I heard the sounds of a frustrated man. A man on the other side of his pump asked if he needed some help. The frustrated man said thank you, but he just got it working. The other man made small talk with him and he seemed to calm down. It was heartwarming to see people encouraging and supporting one another.

I Found God today in supportive people.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Free Yardwork

Posted by eph21920 on April 6, 2026 in Answer, Faith, Generosity, Grateful, Healing, Home, Life, Service

I do occasionally waste time scrolling through Facebook videos and such. One set of videos that I have enjoyed is of a young man who has his own lawn care company and does work for free for people who are in need. He takes on yards that are extremely overgrown for one reason or another. Watching the videos in fast motion of the clean up is amazing and satisfying. He usually uncovers sidewalks, driveways, porches, and the like.  The people who live in the houses are usually skeptical at first, then grateful when everything is finished. One particular resident was a thin, frail, elderly woman who basically stole his heart. The young man has 3 million people who subscribe to his channel, and much of his fan base was asking about the woman. He started a fundraising effort for her to help fix dangerous things around her house. In the midst of it, she had a stroke and fell and broke her hip. She was in the hospital, then rehab for several months. While she was away, a friend of hers coordinated contractors, and got a lot of work done at the house. The video of her coming home after rehab showed her sitting in her little sunroom. She talked about how grateful she was to everyone, how much she loved them, and Jesus loved them, and God loved them, which was, according to her, the most important thing. Because of the funds that have been raised for her, she was able to go back to her house and have 24/7 caregivers tending to her. The young man’s generosity led to other people wanting to help the elderly woman and it seemed to me that it all came together at just the right time.

I Found God today in a generous young man who inspired generosity in others and the grateful heart of an elderly woman.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Lit Candles

Posted by eph21920 on April 5, 2026 in Connected, Faith, Prayer, Youth

Last night I went to the Easter Vigil – my favorite Mass of the year. The celebration started outside in the dark by the fire. The new annual Easter Candle was lit by the fire. Then, as we went back into the church, a few people lit their individual candles from the large

Easter Candle and shared their flames with others. From there, those candles lit other candles until all of us were back in our seats with lit candles. Gradually, more lights were turned on and the church glowing church got lighter. I love the symbolism of going from the dark into the light as Jesus was in the dark tomb, then full of Resurrected light. Later in the celebration, one of the young people from the Newman Center got Baptized, Confirmed, and received his first Holy Communion. It was so moving to me to see him be so serious, reverent, and emotional. There were about 10 others who received their Sacraments as well. After they were Baptized, they received their Baptismal Candle, lit from the Easter Candle. They held their candles while they were Confirmed. After everyone was Confirmed, they went out into the congregation as we got out our candles again. Everyone got their candles lit from one of the newly Baptized, or symbolically as people again shared the flames. This time, the action showed how we are supposed to go out into the world and share our faith. From there, it spreads. I love the rich symbolism and each action celebrated in the Mass.

I Found God today in rich symbolism in the Mass.

Permalink
Leave a comment

The True Cross

Posted by eph21920 on April 3, 2026 in Faith, Family, Friends, Grateful, Humility, Jesus, Prayer

It is tradition to generate a crucifix at the Good Friday celebration. Tonight at church, they had 1 large cross for the congregation to touch, kiss, or respect in some way as we remembered that Jesus Christ died on that cross for us. It took a long time. As I was praying before and after my turn, I thought about what it would have been like to be at the foot of the real cross in real time when Jesus was crucified. I pictured him hanging high above me and not knowing if I would even be able to look up into his face. I would be sad, guilty, humbled, and not wanting to see his suffering. I remembered a show that I watched about the church that held relics of the “True Cross” that actually held the body of Jesus. I thought about how amazing it would be to be in the presence of such a thing. Then, at the end of the celebration, the priest brought out a relic of the True Cross. I was amazed. As I stood in line to venerate it, I saw people touching rosaries and scapulars to it. I took off my necklace of many religious medals and got the rosary out of my purse. When I knelt at the foot of the True Cross, and looked at the encased relic, it was so tiny I could barely see it. I thought that must be how big my cross is compared to what Jesus had to bear. I touched my things to the relic and prayed for everyone in my life – everyone. I was grateful for the beautiful, holy experience. As a bonus, when I walked out of church and looked up at the sky, there was Orion. I felt my dad giving me a little nod.

I Found God today in a holy night.

Permalink