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Is God Lying

Posted by eph21920 on August 8, 2023 in Answer, Faith, Life, Trust

I was listening to my favorite Christian radio station today and the DJ shared something that made me really think. She said that when she became a Christian she trusted God and loved her relationship with Him. Then as life went along and things happened as they do, she would worry and try hard to take control of the situation. When she realized what she was doing, she questioned her actions. If she wasn’t trusting God and standing firm on His Word and promises of love, she was basically calling Him a liar. Even as she said those words, they got a little stuck in her throat. I pondered that and thought how true it was. It was a different and stark way of thinking of the effects of not putting my trust in God.

I Found God today thinking about His trustworthiness.

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Scruples

Posted by eph21920 on August 7, 2023 in Answer, Connected, Faith, Grateful, Hope, Jesus, Life, Saint, Struggles

Today I was thinking of the past. I can be haunted by mistakes I have made and things that I wish were different. I decided to continue listening to a podcast of the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This particular chapter described how Ignatius suffered from “Scruples” defined as a condition of self-criticism and worry over past mistakes. Despite his intense fasting and praying, he struggled for a long time. However, he faithfully stayed on course. Eventually they subsided and God blessed Ignatius tremendously with an incredible vision and direction. Listening to the story brought me comfort and peace. I felt God was speaking directly to me. Perhaps I won’t see a vision, but I trust that God will help me.

I Found God today in a reminder of God’s healing presence.

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Receiving Communion

Posted by eph21920 on August 6, 2023 in Answer, Connected, Eucharist, Family, Grateful, Jesus, Life

During my mom’s recent hospital stay, a Eucharist Minister came to her room. Before she was able to start, a care coordinator arrived. She said it was fine to start and she stayed in the room. As the Eucharist Minister went through the prayers, mom and I joined in. I was a little surprised when the care coordinator did too. The minister gave Communion to my mom and me and offered it to the care coordinator who declined. I was so happy that we were able to receive Jesus on the hospital this way, and I would like to think He was present in our following conversation and decisions.

Unfortunately, my mom wasn’t up to going to church today. But I went and was able to bring Holy Communion home for her. When I got home, my mom and sister had just finished participating in Mass online. It was perfect timing. I set up a little altar on the table and gave my mom Communion. I feel so blessed that I am able to do this for her.

I Found God today receiving and giving Holy Communion.

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More German Food

Posted by eph21920 on August 5, 2023 in Birthday, Family, Fun, Struggles

We were blessed to celebrate my brother’s and brother in law’s birthdays today. We bought a big meal from our favorite German restaurant, including a cake. The woman at the restaurant said it was such a good idea so that no one has to cook. I told her we were just too tired. She said that even if that wasn’t the case, it was still a good idea for no one to have to cook. I agreed. It was an amazing meal and good to celebrate with everyone. Mom did great during the party, but was exhausted by the evening and couldn’t move. It was a struggle, but we all enjoyed getting together.

I Found God today celebrating with the family.

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Receiving More Care

Posted by eph21920 on August 4, 2023 in Answer, Begin, Doctor, Family, Grateful, Home, Life, New

It’s been a challenging week. Thank you to those who have reached out. I do very much appreciate it!

A couple weeks ago mom was feeling awful and we went to the Emergency room. They said she had a UTI and off we went. Last weekend she again was feeling terrible. Her blood pressure spiked, she was having trouble standing, and she was in a panic. Back to the ER we went. This time, she was hospitalized for 3 days and 2 sleepless nights. They did all the tests which didn’t reveal anything too concerning. They monitored her blood pressure and gave her a tiny dose of medication. All the while mom was getting more and more confused. Her doctor was frank but kind when he said the hospital was likely the worst place for her to be and encouraged us to talk with the Palliative/Hospice Care representative. We took his advice and listened to the differences in both options. When mom was released from the hospital, we met with the Home Hospice Care Team and got mom set up. We have already met 2 nurses and have appointments set up for next week. It has been a lot for us all to take in. At the same time, I am incredibly grateful. As it becomes more and more difficult to manage my mom’s Parkinson’s symptoms along with her declining cognition, I am so thankful that we are getting people in the house to help.

I Found God today receiving more care in the house for my mom.

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Hope For the Future

Posted by eph21920 on July 28, 2023 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Creation, Faith, Hope, Life

I met with a friend at a park tonight. It was warm, but there were dark clouds all around. We talked about plans and hope, which seems to be my theme for the week. A friend of mine shared a quote the other day,
“Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht”, an old Yiddish adage meaning, “Man Plans, and God Laughs.” I find this to be very true, although I know people whose lives go according to their own plans. As we talked and the sun slowly made its way down to the horizon of the foothills, a rainbow appeared. It stayed for a long time and became more and more vibrant. It reminded us of God’s promise of hope for the future. I was also reminded of the scripture Jeremiah 29;11, ” For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I think I should keep this scripture in front of my mind at all times.

I Found God today in His Hope for our future.

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New Smile

Posted by eph21920 on July 27, 2023 in Answer, Doctor, Grateful, New, Opportunity

About a year ago, I decided to do something drastic for myself. I have never had straight teeth. Even after undergoing torturous treatments as a child. I have always been self-conscious of my smile, but refused to go through that again. But, as I got older, my teeth continued to move. I was chewing on the wrong spots and began clenching at night. All this caused a lot of pain. When I went to the dentist last year, he told me about the current treatment using plastic trays like Invisalign. The price seemed reasonable to me if I could get things corrected, so I signed up. He glued some bumps on some of my teeth to help them grip the trays. Over the past year, I have been pretty vigilant wearing them, taking them out only to eat my 3 meals. And it paid off. Today the dentist polished off the bumps and I now only have to wear the retainer trays at night. Although not perfect, the difference in feel and look is amazing to me. I am super grateful for this kind of treatment and that I was able to successfully complete it. I look forward to smiling more.

I Found God today in a new smile.

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Making Plans

Posted by eph21920 on July 26, 2023 in Answer, Faith, Family, Life, Plan

Today’s reflection from Jesus Always was a reminder of the stress and futility that can come from trying to plan out the details of life. I have learned this over and over again. And when I make plans and they fall through, it causes anxiety as I try to regroup and get back on track. However, there is the part of me that still would like to have everything laid out and then have things work out that way. But, my idea of how I think things should go is not necessarily the best – for me or those around me. Part of the reflection said to look to God who will guide you in what you should do next. My mom and I practiced that today and there was certainly a sense of freedom in it.

I Found God today remembering to follow His plan for my day and life.

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God’s Way

Posted by eph21920 on July 25, 2023 in Faith, Grateful, Life, Plan

I saw a quote today from TobyMac that resonated with me.

One day you’re going to look back and be grateful that life played out God’s way and not yours.

I Found God today in words to ponder.

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Right Person

Posted by eph21920 on July 24, 2023 in Answer, Connected, Doctor, Friends, Healing, Struggles

My mom’s friend’s son in law has been struggling with Leukemia and the effects of treatments for several years now. For quite some time he has had double vision. He had seen 3 different doctors who were unable to help him. His wife – our friends’ daughter – coordinates conventions for different groups all over the world. A few months ago, she was organizing an event with a group of women who work in ophthalmology. She had a lot of communication with the president of the association and they became friends. She mentioned her husband’s dilemma to the woman who immediately responded with a recommendation for a particular doctor. The doctor just happened to work near their home town. It took several weeks to get the appointment, but they were able to see him. After only one visit, the son in law experienced immediate positive results and is continuing to improve. The doctor said it was the worst case he had ever seen in his 40 years of practice. He said he was sure God intervened to be able to see and treat and help him. It was quite a story of talking to the right person at the right time to get to the right place and receive the right help.

I Found God today as he orchestrated help for our friends’ son in law.

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