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250 Years

Posted by eph21920 on July 4, 2026 in Birthday, Connected, Family, Grateful, Life, Past, Prayer

As our country celebrated it’s 250 years of freedom today, my brother and I enjoyed spending the afternoon with my son, his wife, and her family. It was sad that our area is in a burn ban and no fireworks were allowed. I did watch some on TV that were pretty amazing, though. I heard stories about our founding fathers and about patriots from the past and present. Reflecting on the history of our country made me feel even more grateful to live here. A friend said she prayed a Patriotic Rosary today for every state. Another friend shared this prayer:


Prayer to Mary Immaculate, Patroness of the United States:

Most Holy Trinity, we put the United States of America into the hands of Mary Immaculate in order that she may present the country to you.

Through her, we wish to thank you for the great resources of this land and for the freedom which has been its heritage.

Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on our President, all officers of our government, and all citizens. Help us to act always according to your will, building a nation of justice, charity, and peace.

Protect our family life, guide our communities, and guard the precious gift of every human person.

Mary, Immaculate Virgin, our Mother and Patroness of our land, we praise you and honor you and give ourselves to you. Pray for us, that we may live and die pleasing to God. Amen.

Happy 250th Birthday, America!! 🇺🇸 🎇🥳🎉

I Found God today in many ways of celebrating patriotism.

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Strength

Posted by eph21920 on July 3, 2026 in Answer, Faith, Healing, Life, Struggles

Today I was talking with my brother about a friend’s mother who has been through a lot of medical issues and is still going strong, just turning 91 years old. I told him that if I were to get very ill, I don’t know if I would have the ability to make it to the other side, as I feel that I am pretty weak. He replied that I am probably stronger than I think I am as I have already been through a lot of turmoil and have pushed through. I guess I had never thought of it like that before. Later, I saw a quote that said, “Looking back, I realize it was never my strength that kept me going, it was His. Through every uncertainty, His love never left. Even when my faith wavered, His faithfulness remained.” I think that describes my feelings as well. There have certainly been times when I thought I couldn’t go forward any more, or couldn’t recover from a particular circumstance. Yet I did. I’m sure it wasn’t due to my own strength. Trying to stay close to God and allowing Him to put things in place has always been the best answer.

I Found God today realizing His strength that has pulled me through difficult situations.

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Focus on the Good

Posted by eph21920 on July 2, 2026 in Faith, Grateful, Hope, Life, Prayer

My sister shared a quote today that I really loved:

“Teach your mind to focus on the good, even during hard times. Life will not always go the way you planned, but there are still blessings all around you. Open your heart, notice them, and choose gratitude every day.”

Then a friend posted another quote:

“We must never forget the importance of gratitude. Say thank you when your heart is full. And when it breaks. And when you are alone and sad. And when you dance with joy. And when things are lost. And found again. Day and night give thanks for this incredibly beautiful, tragic, gift called life.”

Both of these really helped me to remember to stay positive and calm today, knowing that God is good and watching over me.

I Found God today in a reminder to be grateful.

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Dental Work

Posted by eph21920 on July 1, 2026 in Doctor, Food, Grateful, Healing, Struggles

Last week I had a crown replaced on one of my back teeth. It is always torture to me to have any dental work done as I can’t open my mouth wide enough. Sometimes I even have bruises on my face. This past time, my jaw hurt, but thankfully there was no bruising. Although, because of the numbing, I bit both sides of my cheeks. My mouth felt sore and inflamed, making it hard to chew. I usually don’t eat quickly, but I have been very slow for several days. Yesterday I noticed my mouth and jaw didn’t hurt as much. Today when my brother and I had meals together, I actually finished before him every time. It was at dinner that I realized the accomplishment and was grateful that my mouth seems to be healing.

I Found God today in healing.

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So Thoughtful

Posted by eph21920 on June 30, 2026 in Baby, Children, Creation, Generosity, Grateful

My brother and I have been continuing to work on clearing out the houses. He has been such a big help, which is part of who he is. He is very helpful, thoughtful, and generous. We decided to take a break this afternoon and went to one of the family favorites – the zoo. It was a fun time as usual and we enjoyed watching the elephants go through some of their training and seeing the antics of the baby gorilla. There were many families there and children and strollers. We came to the giraffe enclosure, which was actually down a big hill. We could take the ramp, the stairs, or the elevator. We chose the stairs. There was a long line of strollers waiting for the elevator. When we had gone down just a couple stairs, I heard a woman talking with her young child about being impatient. When I looked behind me, I saw her carrying the stroller with the baby in it down the flight of stairs. The older child was walking behind, keeping the baby engaged. When we got to the first landing, my brother helped her. He didn’t actually offer, he just said “I’ll take one end” and did it. When we all made it down safely, the woman thanked him profusely. I had a fun day with my brother and am grateful for his thoughtfulness and generosity.

I Found God today in my brother’s thoughtfulness and generosity

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Gates of Hell

Posted by eph21920 on June 29, 2026 in Answer, Connected, Eternity, Jesus, Pope

Yesterday my brother and I watched an episode of Expedition Unknown. It was about the search for the true location of Bethsaida. During the program, they stopped at an archaeological site at Caesarea Philippi where there was a large grotto with a stone in the middle. The archaeologists found evidence that it was a pagan place to worship Pan from Greek mythology. They also found evidence that it was a sacred place visited by Christian pilgrims. The program pointed out that the Bible described a way to reconcile these 2 opposing views. In Matthew 16:13-19, Jesus took His Apostles to Caesarea Phillipi. It is that place that He declared Simon should now be called Peter, putting him as head of the Church, and stated that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. Jesus was making a point in that place. It was known as Hell’s gate and Jesus’ Church would replace it. Peter would be the first leader – the Pope. I had heard this explanation before and shared it with my brother. This morning, I listened to the Gospel reading of the day and it was in fact Matthew 16:13-19. The reflection described the exact same theories we had just heard the night before. It was amazing. I couldn’t wait to share it with my brother. We were both in awe of the ways God gets our attention.

I Found God today in many descriptions of how the Gates of Hell won’t prevail against His people.

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Big Hug

Posted by eph21920 on June 28, 2026 in Faith, Joy, New, Prayer

During Mass, there is a time when we are encouraged to exchange the “Sign of Peace”. It used to be typical to shake hands with the people around you and say to them, “Peace be with you.” or just “Peace!” During COVID, the churches were closed down for a period of time. As they slowly reopened, we were encouraged to nod, make eye contact, and wish peace to the people around us, but not to touch each other, so as not to spread germs. Now, years later, many people seem unsure as to what the proper protocol is. Many people flash the peace sign to others, some wave, others nod their heads with their hands fully clasped in front of them. Some extend their hands for a handshake. At the Sign of Peace during Mass today, I turned to the gentleman next to me who I had seen in church before and extended my hand. He unexpectedly extended both of his arms with a big smile on his face. I went ahead and accepted his full on hug. It definitely made me chuckle then, and now when I am thinking about it. It was certainly an unanticipated gesture that brought me joy.

I Found God today in an unexpected big hug.

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Family Time

Posted by eph21920 on June 27, 2026 in Family, Food, Fun, Grateful, Relationship, Tradition

My 2 brothers and 1 sister were all together here today. We were missing our other sister to make up our “Fab Five”. We did go to our favorite German restaurant for lunch and my son and his wife joined us. The food was amazing as always and we enjoyed being all together. While we were reminiscing, my brother said he wanted to try to make the anise cookies that my German grandfather used to make. He was a baker and made some amazing anise cookies among other goodies. We never got the official recipe, as he kept the recipes in his head and the measurements were in huge batches. The one tip that we got was to “start with a brown cookie” and we knew that he would cut them and let them set out overnight. My sister had found a recipe that she thought might work. So, this evening, my brother and sister and I gave it a try. My brother wrote down all the details of what we did as we went along. With all of our input and cooperation, we put together a batch that tasted pretty good. They’re sitting out overnight and we will bake them in the morning. It would be so great if we could figure out this unique recipe that we all loved so much. Then my son and his wife stopped over unexpectedly to visit a bit and we showed them our creation. I am grateful for the time I spend with family.

I Found God today reminiscing and spending time with family.

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Wrote the Letter

Posted by eph21920 on June 26, 2026 in Friends, Grateful, Happiness, Life, Struggles

A friend of mine is a retired teacher. After her retirement, she voluntarily taught adults with special needs. I was at her house today, when one of those students called. They have been staying in touch for years. She occasionally calls and tells my friend the new word that she learned to spell. Today the woman reached a milestone and had to share her accomplishment. She said she wrote her first letter. It was written to a serviceman that she got connected with through the Wounded Warrior project. In the letter, the woman thanked him for his service. My friend told her how proud she was of her and what a great job she was doing. The woman replied that she wouldn’t give up. Abraham Lincoln didn’t give up and neither would she. I felt pretty blessed to be able to listen in on that conversation.

I Found God today in a woman who was so happy for her accomplishment.

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Medjugorje 45 Years

Posted by eph21920 on June 25, 2026 in Answer, Faith, Grace, Life, Mary, Miracle

Today marked the 45th Anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Medjugorje. It is hard to believe that the Virgin Mary has been appearing to the visionaries for such a long time. They were only children in 1981. Now, Our Lady appears to 3 of them daily, and the other 3 once a year. She is revealing 10 secrets to each of them and when they have all received the secrets, she will stop appearing and leave a permanent, indestructible sign on the mountain where she was first seen. When she speaks to them, she gives them personal messages, and messages to share with the world. I have been fascinated by these supernatural appearances and how the “kids” at the time were able to remain steadfast even while being mocked and persecuted. A friend of mine visited the place while he was discerning priesthood. When he returned home, he knew that’s what his future should be. I looked up the website this evening, wondering if there would be something radical or profound that might happen. Our Lady appeared to the visionaries as usual. This is what she had to say to all of us:

June 25, 2026 Message to Marija

“Dear children. Rejoice with me because the Most High permits me to be with you, to lead you to Him Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Rejoice, little children, and be joyful also in difficulties and you will have the strength, because you will be aware that you are transient and you will know to offer everything to God. That is why, do not forget: I am your Mother and I love you. Thank you for having responded to my call.” 

June 25, 2026 Message to Ivanka

The apparition, which lasted 4 minutes (18:35h – 18:39h), took place at Ivanka’s family home. Only Ivanka’s family was present at the apparition. After the apparition, Ivanka said: Our Lady gave the following message: “Dear children, carry the peace and the love of my Son into every heart. Pray for peace, peace, peace.” 

I Found God today in messages from His Mother.

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