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Interconnected

Posted by eph21920 on February 24, 2026 in Answer, Connected, Creation, Life, Love, Peace, Stranger

For the past couple of days, I have heard different stories and reflections about how each one of us is connected to one another. Every decision we make has a ripple affect. Our actions, both good and bad, influence those around us. They may then act in a certain way due to their interaction with us, and they have an effect on those around them – and so on. We are not an island unto ourselves. There is no such thing as a private sin. Furthermore, we are responsible for one another. We should see each other as a son or daughter of God, we are all brothers and sisters of a Father who loves each person intimately. Whether we are in contact with only a few people during our day, or see hundreds of faces in a crowd, we should try to remember that every single person has a purpose and a reason for living here and now – just like us. It is a challenge for sure, but so important for bringing peace in a world so desperate for it.

I Found God today reminded how interconnected each person is.

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That’s Perseverance

Posted by eph21920 on February 23, 2026 in Faith, Friends, Generosity, Home, Life, Opportunity, Sacrifice, Teacher, Travel

My neighbors just returned from another mission trip. They had gone every year, but recently the wife had health issues and they thought perhaps their travelling days were over. However, upon her recovery, they discerned that God was still calling them to the work, even though they are well into their 70’s. This time they travelled for 4 weeks in India and Thailand. Their basic role is leading an English camp. During that time, they introduce Jesus and the Christian faith to the children, witnessing to adults in the community as well. There were many people praying for them, including many of our neighbors. This is what they had to say when they returned:

The trip was successful with many opportunities to share the Gospel to students & others and give counsel and pray with believers in both places. I guess God has chosen to still use our mission work at our ages to inspire the younger generations. We heard that comment from them quite often in both India & Thailand.   Praise the Lord. It was also great to spend quality time with our missionary friends and to see first-hand the volunteer work they do for the Thai people.

It is a brief summary of the time they spent away. The wife came home with a sinus infection. I figure when we both are feeling better, I will be able to hear more inspirational details from their adventure.

I Found God today in the dedication and perseverance of my friends.

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Four Birthdays

Posted by eph21920 on February 22, 2026 in Connected, Creation, Death, Eternity, Faith, Family, Grateful, Life

Today I watched an interview with Mother Olga, a woman who started the order of “Daughters of Mary of Nazareth” in Massachusetts. I was intrigued as she told her story about coming to America from the Middle East as a young woman and having to learn the language and culture. She brought a sense of peace with her soft voice and calm demeanor. She told stories of the order’s ministries such as visiting people in nursing homes and in hospitals, accompanying elderly who are dying and children who are suffering. The nuns will pray with and for those they visit. She said that we all have 4 birthdays – the first is the one in which God breathed life into us at conception in our mother’s womb. The second is when we are born into the world. The third is when we are Baptized into the family of the church. And our fourth birthday is the day we become a child of Heaven and return back to God. I loved this concept. To me, there is plenty of reason to celebrate these birthdays  and puts death in a different perspective – more positive and something to look forward to.

I Found God today in the idea of four birthdays.

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A Rough Start

Posted by eph21920 on February 21, 2026 in Begin, Faith, Family, Grateful, Lent, Sick

I have had a pretty rough start to Lent. On Wednesday, I started getting a cough. It was the dry, irritating kind that would come and go. I didn’t think much of it as it has been so dry here. I spent the afternoon at the Newman Center as usual and was planning on attending Ash Wednesday Mass there in the evening. When it came time for Mass, I got another coughing fit and spent most of the time just outside the main doors. Disappointing, but I offered up the inconvenience for my intentions. Thursday morning I started sneezing and getting a stuffy nose. I went to work and made sure to drink all my fluids and vitamins and such. On the way home I stopped and got cold medicine. At home on Thursday evening, I got a fever. I took the cold medicine and went to bed, but didn’t sleep, spending much of the night coughing and blowing. I didn’t make it work on Friday. My sister had already planned on coming for the weekend as she had some appointments in town. Between appointments, she came and made me soup and picked up some groceries for me. I was so grateful she was here. She also got me some nighttime cold medicine. After sleeping a long time in a drug induced coma, I felt better this morning. I still slept and coughed and blew, but definitely better than I was. I am grateful for even a little improvement. On the upside, it wasn’t hard for me to decide what to do for Lent. So far I have been offering my little sickness for those who are much worse than me, who may not be recovering, and for my personal intentions. It has been a rough start to Lent for me and I wonder what God has planned.

I Found God today in my sister’s care and feeling better.

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Not Always Fine

Posted by eph21920 on February 17, 2026 in Faith, Friends, Grateful, Life, Struggles

Today I received a Valentine from a good friend that included photos of her and her lovely family. She also shared some of the struggles she is having. This woman has been a mentor to me for many years. Her faith and love for people is inspiring. When she shares the difficult moments, I pray for her of course, but it also reminds me that everyone goes through challenging times. Even people with great faith and a solid relationship with God is not immune to the human condition. Life is hard, and life is wonderful. It is a mix of sorrows and joys, tears and laughter. As I prayed for her, I realized how important it is to maintain my friendships, not to take them for granted, and keep in mind that everyone is not “fine” all the time.

I Found God today hearing from a friend.

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Newman Center Pilgrimage

Posted by eph21920 on February 16, 2026 in Faith, Grateful, Love, Travel, Youth

At the beginning of this year, a group of young adults from the Newman Center where I volunteer attended a pilgrimage to the Vatican. My friend who is a priest accompanied them. Today I read an article in the diocese magazine that was written by the Campus Minister. She detailed the trip and the sights. There were quotes by some of the young adults who shared their experiences. Here are a couple:

“The air has this weight to it, as if all the art and light and space was worship itself.”

“I felt a peace that I had not known in a long while – I knew I was safe.”

There are few things more profound than kneeling on the steps that Our Lord and Savior walked on. Reflecting on the beauty of his love was transformative in the depth of my faith.”

And it went on. Each person had their own personal encounter with Jesus in their own personal way. Their words, emotions, and faith touched my heart.

I Found God today reading about a faith filled pilgrimage for young adults.

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Choose

Posted by eph21920 on February 15, 2026 in Answer, Bible, Faith, Knowledge, Life

I think a lot of time I can feel like I am the victim of circumstances – or just a victim in general. Sometimes it seems like I have no control over what is happening in my life, or in the lives of my loved ones. Truth be told – I really don’t have much control. Today I heard the Old Testament scripture from Sirach 15:15-20, which really spoke to me:

If you choose, you can keep the commandments, they will save you;
if you trust in God, you too shall live;
he has set before you fire and water
to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand.
Before man are life and death, good and evil,
whichever he chooses shall be given him.
Immense is the wisdom of the Lord;
he is mighty in power, and all-seeing.
The eyes of God are on those who fear him;
he understands man’s every deed.
No one does he command to act unjustly,
to none does he give license to sin.

So, there it is. Everyone has a choice to follow God’s Commandments and to trust in Him, or not. Reach out your hand and choose. Now, this doesn’t mean I will choose perfectly all the time, but it does mean that I have choices every day. And so does everyone else. If only we would all choose life over death, good over evil all the time, we wouldn’t get in such a mess. But that would be Heaven and that is not here and now. So, I will do the best I can to make the good choices each day and trust in God.

I Found God today in a reminder that I must make good choices.

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Grateful For the Relationship

Posted by eph21920 on February 14, 2026 in Family, Grateful, Healing, Relationship

I talked to my aunt today who said that she had been in the hospital last week. She explained how she fell at home one day and called her son to come help her. She laughed as she said she was making her own commercial, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” Luckily he lives very close by. Then she fell again the next day and again called her son to help her, which of course he did. But then he called her doctor who sent them to the Emergency Room. She ended up staying in the hospital for a couple days while they poked and prodded and tested everything. The result was a UTI. Once she was stronger and got the antibiotics, she was able to go home again. She said her granddaughter is coming over to show her the watch she wears, which will detect if you fall. She thought that was a very good idea, especially since at age 90 she is living alone in her own home. We had such a good conversation. She is still pretty self aware and has a great sense of humor. She can make any situation seem funny, even if it really is somewhat serious. I was glad that she was back home from the hospital and continuing to feel better. I am grateful for our relationship.

I Found God today in the relationship with my aunt.

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Placed in My Heart

Posted by eph21920 on February 13, 2026 in Grief, Life, Opportunity, Struggles

I watched some of the Olympics tonight. Of course, the athletes are amazing and do things that used to be impossible. And some of the personal stories are heartwarming and heartbreaking. That was the case for Maxim Naumov, an American figure skater whose parents died in the terrible airplane crash last year. He has continued their legacy by teaching children to skate at the school that his parents started. He dedicated his Olympic debut to his parents. As I watched him skate, I wondered if he felt alone out there on that giant stage. He struggled some during his performance, but the audience encouraged him on. I appreciated the commentators remaining quiet as I could really feel the emotion coming through. At the end of his program, while he was awaiting his score, he shared the photo he had of him as a child with his parents, the first time he went out on the ice. He showed the picture, then kissed it and talked to his parents through it. There were some of his students in the audience cheering. By this time I was full on crying and it was hard to see through the tears. While he didn’t place for a medal, he definitely placed in the hearts of those who saw him.

I Found God today in an emotional story and performance.

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Kindness and Patience

Posted by eph21920 on February 12, 2026 in Grateful, Life, Patience, Struggles

It has been busy with people bringing in their tax information at my new job. Many people take advantage of the online portal, but many do not. Several times today we were visited by older ladies who were recently widowed. They were doing their best to take care of the paperwork. The CPA who I work for came out of his office and talked to each of them. He took a quick look at their information and assured them he would let them know if he needed anything else. Then he listened to their stories and woes. He was so kind and patient. I was very impressed and happy that I am working for a young man with such character.

I Found God today in a kind and patient man.

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