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They’re Back

Posted by eph21920 on March 9, 2023 in Creation, Happiness, Home, Joy, Life

Ever since our hawks – I call them “ours” because they made a nest in our tree – left last Fall, we have been wondering if they would return to the nest for mating season. I have been keeping a close eye out because this was about the time we saw them last year, but had not spotted them. This morning I heard some bird commotion and thought that was interesting. Then, before I made it upstairs, I got a message from our neighbor. He said he looked out the window and saw a hawk. I ran upstairs and went out on the porch. Sure enough, there was a hawk in the tree. I think there are two of them. We saw them several times bringing sticks and branches into the nest. When our friend came over today, she excitedly reported that a hawk was on our roof. She and my mom sat outside for a while today and saw them a couple of times. And so begins Hawk Watch 2023. We are looking forward to the activity and entertainment.

I Found God today in the return of the hawks.

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Most Energetic

Posted by eph21920 on March 8, 2023 in Connected, Family, Grateful, Happiness, Life

I hated waking my mom up this morning, she was sleeping so soundly. But she has a haircut appt. When she got up, she said she had really slept well. We only had time for her to get ready and eat breakfast before getting in the car for her appointment. Having her hair washed, cut and styled usually takes it out of my mom. When we got in the car to leave, I half jokingly asked if there was anything else she wanted to do while we were out. I was surprised when she answered, “Sure!” Every time we go for her haircut, we pass the mining museum. She always says she wants to go there as it has been years since the last time she went. So we stopped by there on our way home. We arrived just in time for one of the guides to demonstrate the huge old steam engines. They were loud, powerful, and had very interesting stories. Then we walked through the museum. There was even a part that was like being inside a mine. We had fun navigating mom’s walker through that, but took it as good exercise. She really enjoyed the museum. When we got home, we had lunch and mom had a good nap. Later when she played the piano, it was a good long session and she said she could follow the music more clearly. It’s amazing how much sleep can make a difference in cognition and energy. It was wonderful to see mom have such a great day.

I Found God today in my mom’s positive energy level.

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The Afterlife

Posted by eph21920 on March 7, 2023 in Answer, Death, Eternity, Faith, Friends, Grief, Hope

Unfortunately, my mom’s friend who I mentioned yesterday died this morning. I had a “feeling” about that this morning as I prayed a Divine Mercy Chaplet for her. Of course my mom was sad and we talked about our own mortality. She remembered that at one time, her brother died for a couple of minutes when his heart stopped. Then he was resuscitated. He said during that time he saw his family down below him. After that, he was not afraid of death. My mom wasn’t sure if that was really a true thing that happened or not. But there are many accounts of the same thing happening to others. If you believe in Jesus Christ, there is hope and the promise of everlasting life in joy and peace. Not only that, He can and does make Himself known while we’re still here, alive, so we can realize we can trust Him and His promises. That’s what I’m working for. I pray you are too.

I Found God today reminded of His eternal promise.

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Loving Relationships

Posted by eph21920 on March 6, 2023 in Friends, Grateful, Life, Love, Present, Relationship, Sick, Struggles

My mom’s friend came over today as usual. She told us about their mutual friend who she has been visiting in a nursing home. She described how their friend has been declining and is in a bad way. Her husband died a few years ago. She is estranged from her daughter and her son who is in charge of her care is there occasionally. It was a sad story indeed. At the same time, it made me appreciate the value of loving friendships – hers in particular. It also made me more grateful that I have been able to be present to care for my mom and for my dad as best as I could. As difficult as it has been, I can’t imagine not being here for them.

I Found God today in loving relationships.

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Power of Water

Posted by eph21920 on March 5, 2023 in Bible, Faith, Grace, Jesus, Life, Prayer, Struggles

My sister and I have been watching “The Chosen” and today were able to watch the final episode of season 3. This series is based on scripture, but focuses on the individual potential stories of the Apostles. It is wonderful plausible story telling along with gospel faith truths that have changed hearts. I, personally, cry at some point during almost every episode. Spoiler alert: this episode brings to conclusion the struggle between Simon, his wife, and Jesus. First, I did a little research, and the Catholic traditions and opinions aren’t unified as to if/when Simon Peter was married. In any case, the story was beautiful, realistic, and emotional. One of the last scenes was Simon walking to Jesus on the stormy sea. As long as he kept his eyes fixed on Jesus, he walked on top of the water. But as soon as he focused on the torrential waves about him, he started to sink. Jesus grabbed him and pulled him up. Simon broke down with cries of, “Don’t ever let me go.” At the same time, his wife was undergoing her own ritual in a calmer setting of stillness and peaceful water. After she was immersed, she had the same prayer, “Don’t ever let him go.” Not only was it a powerful story and scene, it reached the depths of my own soul as I found myself reciting the same prayer with them, “Don’t ever let me go.” It was a good reminder to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.

I Found God today reminded to keep my eyes on Christ.

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Mission Details

Posted by eph21920 on March 4, 2023 in Children, Connected, Faith, Friends, Generosity, Grace, Jesus, Life, Opportunity, Prayer

Our neighbors who were on the mission trip shared more details of their experience. Here are some that most touched my heart.

“The school gave us the most amazing send-off I’ve ever experienced in all of my overseas teaching opportunities… Students from several grade levels performed traditional dances while other students and several teachers sang traditional songs and spoke about the effect our time over the past month has had on them. There were tears of both joy and sadness from them as well as the teachers and of us as well. It was overwhelming. We felt very undeserving of the honor they were giving us. After all, we came to serve them and yet they were always trying to serve us by their respect, their joy of being with us, and by always wanting to help us in any way….

Our final morning was just as emotional as the performance the day before. As we started walking to the car in front of the school, all 500 students as well as teaching and office staff came out to stand in the courtyard and on the sidewalks and balconies with shouts of cheering and then 45 minutes of photo taking! We were late taking off but still made it to the airport in time.
As our car drove off over 100 students came running alongside the car waving and crying and saying “goodbye Madam…goodbye Sir!” Again, tears flowed from them and from us. It was heart wrenching, but we promised them we would be back next year…

God also provided opportunities for individual encouragement and counsel as teachers and office staff would meet with us after school or on the weekends for advice and prayer about issues or decisions they were dealing with. We had times of sharing Scripture from God’s Word, sharing our own experiences we’ve been through in which we’ve had to rely on God, and praying with them. What a blessing to us that God would use our own past struggles to help others who are struggling and needing guidance.”

I Found God today in a beautiful witness of faith.

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Back From Mission

Posted by eph21920 on March 3, 2023 in Children, Connected, Faith, Friends, Jesus, Joy, Laughter, Life

Our neighbors have been away on a mission trip for 6 weeks. They arrived back home today and the husband came over to collect their mail. He talked about their amazing experience for 45 minutes and could have gone on much longer. While they were there, they taught English, introduced the students and adults to Jesus Christ, and served in whatever way was needed. They were in a tiny, poor village, but even still I was surprised to hear that 95% of the people they were with had never seen a white person. They were wary of course, but when it came time for our friends to leave, there were lots of tears. The people there said they had not laughed until our friends came. They were truly immersed into the community and made a huge, joyful impact on the people, as did the people impact them. I look forward to getting together with them to hear more stories.

I Found God today in an impactful mission trip.

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Buying Groceries

Posted by eph21920 on March 2, 2023 in Food, Grateful, Hope, Sick

Since I got sick with COVID before Christmas, I have been ordering groceries as I didn’t have the energy to do the shopping in the store. Today I decided to give it a try. I went with a short list which was mostly produce. I actually enjoyed looking over the fresh fruits and veggies and picking out what would be best. I was in and out in about half an hour. I wasn’t any more tired than any other day, so I called it a win. I was grateful for the energy and it gave me hope that there will be full recovery somewhere down the road.

I Found God today having a little more energy.

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Old Neighbor

Posted by eph21920 on March 1, 2023 in Connected, Home, Humor, Life, Past, Stranger

We met a woman today and talked about family and past homes. As it turned out, she lived a few houses away from my parents before they moved into their current home. They were neighbors for about 7 years but never met each other at that time. We laughed about what a small world it is and how people’s lives are so intertwined. My mother in particular thought that coincidence was pretty funny.

I Found God today meeting an old neighbor.

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Faithful Service

Posted by eph21920 on February 28, 2023 in Faith, Forgiveness, Grace, Hope, Life, Service, Struggles

This morning I listened to a reflection from Immaculee Ilibagiza. She is a survivor of the Rwanda genocide and is a speaker on faith, hope, and forgiveness. She is an author of many books including Left to Tell. She talked about how she and a dozen others were hidden in a tiny room in a pastor’s house. Every day they heard the horrors going on just outside as they prayed and remained silent. I could not even imagine being in that situation. Even my most difficult and stressful moments cannot compare to her burden. And yet, she didn’t loose her faith. Even moreso, she now spends her life helping others to know God. What an amazing demonstration of faithful service.

I Found God today in faithful service.

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