Leave a comment

So Grateful

Posted by eph21920 on July 23, 2023 in Uncategorized

Today we planned on celebrating my grandson’s birthday. My mom felt good this morning, so she made it to church. She even came into the party store to pick up the balloons and look around a bit. However, about an hour before everyone was to arrive, my sister was in a car accident. She said she was ok, but her car was undrivable. My other sister went to pick her up and assess the situation. We waited until we heard the news that the police were on the scene, the tow truck was on the way, and my sister was feeling alright. We started the party a little late, but were so glad that everything was ok. My grandson turned 16 and was happy to be celebrated. He played along with all the banter and was a good sport. I think everyone was in an especially jovial mood. I am so grateful they live close by. I am grateful the local family gets together often to celebrate. I am grateful that my mom was feeling good today. I am most grateful that my sister wasn’t injured in the car accident. Feeling quite blessed this evening.

I Found God today being most grateful and recognizing His blessings.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Blessed Time

Posted by eph21920 on July 22, 2023 in Connected, Faith, Friends, Fun, Grateful, Home, Life, Past, Youth

Today I was running errands and perusing outdoor games. I came across a water balloon slingshot and was reminded of my Youth Ministry days. I particularly thought of the Workcamp trips that we would take each year. We spent one week serving the community and fixing up houses for those who were unable to do so themselves. One of the men would come to Workcamp every summer with the group and would bring his tote of toys. It included a water balloon slingshot, frisbees, ladderball, and bocce among other things. During our week of Workcamp, we would always get a half day off. Typically we would enjoy a local park and play games. As I thought about those special times, I was reminded of and grateful for all the people who gave up summer vacations and family time to help me and the youth have a great and safe experience. I was keenly aware of how good God was during those mission trips. The memories left me humbled and grateful.

I Found God today remembering amazing Workcamp experiences.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Picking Up Groceries

Posted by eph21920 on July 21, 2023 in Answer, Car, Family, Food, Grateful, Plan, Shopping

I found myself at the end of the week without having made a trip to the grocery store. For several different reasons, each time I planned on going, it didn’t work out. So, early this morning I made my shopping list and ordered it online. This afternoon, my mom and I went to go pick them up. It was so handy and I could bring my mom with me. I was grateful for this convenience.

I Found God today in a convenient way to get groceries.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Racing Birthday

Posted by eph21920 on July 20, 2023 in Birthday, Car, Family, Fun

Today was my grandson’s 16th birthday. It seemed appropriate that he would choose to do go-cart racing to celebrate. One of his friends was here for a visit with his family. I felt honored that I was invited to go with them and blessed that I was able to. My daughter-in-law, granddaughter, the friend’s mom and little sister found other fun things to do at the track, but I went racing with the guys. It was quite the therapeutic release for a few minutes which resulted in an adrenaline rush. Just what I needed. I came in last, but only by a little, and that was OK with me. The guys went a second time, but I was content to take a few pictures. After racing, we went to lunch and visited. It was wonderful to get out, have some fun with my family, and celebrate my grandson.

I Found God today celebrating my grandson.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Little Free Library Plus

Posted by eph21920 on July 19, 2023 in Children, Connected, Grateful, Happiness, Joy

I was happy to take a walk tonight in the cool air. I went down a street that I normally avoid because there are barking dogs there. I came to the house with the dogs, which was surprisingly quiet. On the corner of the front yard was a Little Free Library. It was painted red with the instructions to “Take a book, Share a book.” The shelves included books for adults and children. And there was more. Underneath the house shaped bookcase were bins. Most were empty, but one bin had some glow sticks in it – I’m assuming they were freebies for whoever wanted one. At the base of the structure were stepping stones and painted rocks. The whole thing was just so joyful and I was glad I went down that street.

I Found God today in a joyful way for people to share.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Young Love

Posted by eph21920 on July 18, 2023 in Family, Love, Mail, Marriage

My mom and I have been going through photos and memorabilia. Today I came across some old greeting cards and postcards they had sent to their families. I also found some letters that my dad wrote to my mom while he was doing some work in England. They had been married for 3 years. The letters were put together on fold-up postage paid paper that when folded was also the envelope. They were super sweet as they started with “Dear honey wife”. My dad talked about his adventures and how much he wished my mom was there with him and how much he missed her. My heart swelled as I read the words of my twenty something year old father totally in love with his bride.

I Found God today in the love my dad had for my mom.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Encouraging Call

Posted by eph21920 on July 17, 2023 in Friends, Grateful

I thought of a friend today who I haven’t spoken to for a long time, so I sent her a quick text. She wasn’t busy at the time and neither was I, so we talked on the phone for a while. She said she was just thinking about me as well. Her son just happens to be in the city for a couple of weeks. Yesterday he was in the same area that I took her and her husband for a hike when they visited several years ago. Such a small world. We caught up on family news, joys and struggles. She was encouraging as always, which made me even more grateful for our friendship. It was wonderful to hear her voice and her husband’s too.

I Found God today in an encouraging conversation with a friend.

Permalink
2 Comments

Singing in Church

Posted by eph21920 on July 16, 2023 in Answer, Faith, Family, Happiness, Music

My mom had a lot of energy this morning, so we both made it to Mass. Early during the service, my mom said that she could hear and understand the words that were being said. That was wonderful, because she really struggles with it. A little later I heard her singing, which she doesn’t do very often any more – let alone at Mass. On the way home she said it felt good to sing even though she knew it didn’t sound very good. She decided to do some practicing. So, when we got home, she pulled out her 75 year old piece of music, “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”. She played the piano and sang along. She said it sounded terrible, but that the Good Lord would bless her for her efforts. I said that I thought her music was beautiful to God’s ears and I’m sure He is blessing her.

I Found God today listening to my mom sing.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Lavender Festival

Posted by eph21920 on July 15, 2023 in Creation, Family, Fun, Grateful, Happiness, Uncategorized

I was so happy to spend a few hours this morning with my sister and her husband. We went to the lavender festival at the local botanical garden. We were glad we got there early enough to beat too much of a crowd and too much heat. The first thing we did was visit the butterfly house before it got too crowded. There were lots of different species of butterflies and we had to be very careful how we moved and where we stepped. A couple landed on me and my brother in law. That was fun. One of the other visitors said we were the “chosen ones.” There was a large section of lavender. Unfortunately, most of it was already past it’s peak with the unusually wet weather we have had. But we did find some that had the wonderful scent. My sister is such a good gardener and was able to tell me all about the different flowers and plants throughout the gardens. There were other fun things going on like wreath making, kids activities, and food trucks. I thoroughly enjoyed a corn dog and ice cream. It felt good to be outside for a couple of hours enjoying the sunshine, the beauty of nature, and the company of family.

I Found God today in a good day at the gardens.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Phoning Friend

Posted by eph21920 on July 14, 2023 in Connected, Friends, Happiness, Humor, Joy, Life

Today I was looking through my social media comments and saw a friend’s name. At that same time, my phone rang and her name popped up. She was calling me. That was quite a surprise. I told her about the funny coincidence and we laughed. It had been a while since we talked and got caught up on friend and family news. It was wonderful talking with her.

I Found God today in a funny coincidence that led to talking with a friend.

Permalink