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Sweet Surprise

Posted by eph21920 on February 7, 2023 in Food, Friends, Generosity, Grateful, Happiness

When the doorbell rang this afternoon, I figured it was a delivery of some kind. But, as I walked to the door, I didn’t see a delivery person running away. I opened the door and there was, in fact, a real person there. It was one of our neighbors. She had in her hands a loaf of her famous Irish Soda Bread. She was just bringing us some – unsolicited, unrequested, but very welcomed. Mom and I were grateful for her generosity. There was a delivery, but not the kind I was thinking. It was a sweet surprise.

I Found God today in my neighbor’s delicious generosity.

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The Greenhouse Effect

Posted by eph21920 on February 6, 2023 in Creation, Family, Grateful, Happiness

Last week, we received several flower and plant deliveries as people remembered the 1 year anniversary of my dad’s death. Also, one of our friends is away, so we are caring for their plants. We have happily found ourselves in a greenhouse. We counted 25 potted plants and 4 vases of fresh cut flowers. Luckily, my mom has taught me all her secrets so the cut flowers will last as long as possible, such as changing the water at least every 2 days while cutting the stems back each time and taking off any leaves that are below the water line. We have had them for a week now, and the lillies get even more beautiful every day. The orchids typically bloom at the beginning of February, and sure enough, the first one bloomed February 1st. Aside from all the health benefits, they are just beautiful to look at and make us happy. It is a blessing.

I Found God today in His creation of plants and flowers.

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Grasping

Posted by eph21920 on February 5, 2023 in Answer, Faith, Life, Trust

I thought today’s reflection from “Jesus Calling” was profound. One line really struck me as though Jesus was speaking directly to me, “The only thing that you can grasp without damaging your soul is my hand.” Just Wow.

I Found God today reminded that He is the only one and only thing to hang on to.

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Calmed The Wind

Posted by eph21920 on February 4, 2023 in Answer, Creation, Faith, Family, Grace, Grateful, Love

Yesterday my mom and I bought some artificial flowers to put on my dad’s gravesite as they can stay there for another month. She picked out beautiful pink and white tulips since Valentine’s day is coming up. It was a warm afternoon today and mom felt alright, so we decided to go to the cemetery. As we left the house, the wind was blowing a bit. We remembered that it is always very windy at the cemetery because of it’s location. I prayed all the way there that God would calm the wind for our visit and remembered the scripture that states how God takes care of the widow. It is already so hard on my mother to go – physically and emotionally. When we arrived, sure enough, the wind was whipping. I watched a man get out of his car and bundle up. I made sure mom had on her hat and gloves. I told her I prayed that God would calm the wind for her and that we know He can. She waited in the seat while I got the flowers prepared and the wheelchair out of the car. The wind was blowing the flags straight out the whole time. I told God that now was the time. I got my mom out of the car and we started walking. In just a few moments, I realized the wind had in fact died down. We got to my dad’s site, arranged the flowers, and said some prayers. The sun was warm and the wind was calm the whole time. We thanked God that He would show his love in this small, but big way. We were truly blessed.

I Found God today as he calmed the wind.

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Free Doughnut

Posted by eph21920 on February 3, 2023 in Family, Food, Generosity, Joy

I took mom out and about today. That in itself seemed miraculous. As we were leaving a store, I spotted a Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shop directly across the busy intersection. I asked my mom if she had ever tried one and she had not. I asked if she wanted to and she answered with a resounding yes. I wasn’t sure if we would be able to get across the intersection, but when it came our turn, it was clear. So, off we went to the drive thru. Mom wanted a chocolate glazed doughnut, so that’s what I ordered. Just one. One doughnut for my mom. When we got to the window, the young man handed me the bag with the doughnut and said we could just have it. I was surprised and asked why. He said because you can have it. I thanked him profusely and told him how much my mother was going to enjoy it. She saved it for when we got home. Once there, I made her a cup of tea and she did very much enjoy her free chocolate glazed doughnut. We talked about why that might have happened. She suggested that if they were really nice to us, we may go back. I thought that could be it. Maybe we’ll try again tomorrow.

I Found God today in generosity and joy.

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Visiting

Posted by eph21920 on February 2, 2023 in Connected, Faith, Friends, Grace, Grateful, Healing, Life, Sick

It was a warmish sunny day today and I was happy to be able to get out. A friend of mine was suffering with shingles at the same time I had COVID. We both were feeling better, so I went to her house for lunch. It was wonderful to catch up. We shared our struggles missing Christmas and trying to recover. We shared our recent caregiving stories. We talked about God’s grace and we prayed together. It was a blessing on so many levels.

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Not By Sight

Posted by eph21920 on February 1, 2023 in Answer, Bible, Birthday, Connected, Faith, Family, Grateful, Plan

I talked to the people at the church today and asked about the Mass for my dad that was cancelled. The man who I spoke to said it would be rescheduled to another day and asked if there was a specific date I wanted. I thought it would be nice to have it on his birthday, but also wanted it to be sooner rather than later. I asked when the next available was. He replied that it was April 28. My jaw dropped. That is my dad’s birthday. I happily accepted that date. I admit I had to contain my disappointment when we weren’t able to go to church on Monday as my mom didn’t feel well. But then it ended up being cancelled anyways as the church was closed. And then God gave us the blessing of having my dad especially remembered on his birthday. My mom was thrilled when she heard the news. A reflection that my mom read later was based on the scripture, Walk by Faith and Not by Sight. This particular passage showed up today many times. It was all a very good reminder that if I keep my eyes and thoughts fixed on God, no matter what the circumstances may look like to me, God has it all worked out.

I Found God today reminded to walk by faith and not by sight.

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Hospital Blessings

Posted by eph21920 on January 31, 2023 in Faith, Friends, Hope, Prayer, Priest, Sick

A friend’s mother is in the hospital awaiting a biopsy on a mass the doctors found. Today a woman prayed over her mom. And when my friend arrived to see her today, a priest came in for a visit. He anointed her mom and they were both able to receive Holy Communion. It gave them a bigger sense of hope and peace. They received a special blessing for sure.

I Found God today in blessings received at a hospital.

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One Year Anniversary

Posted by eph21920 on January 30, 2023 in Connected, Death, Faith, Family, Love, Past, Prayer, Struggles, Trust

I can’t believe it has been one year since my dad died. In some ways it feels like forever – at other times it’s like yesterday. My mom and I have been anticipating this anniversary. I had scheduled the Mass to have him remembered today. We planned on going to church, then to lunch with a friend. It was frigid cold, and my mom didn’t feel well this morning, so we decided not to go. Some of the people in my prayer group were going to join us for Mass, but they let me know that the church was actually closed and there was no Mass. I was glad we didn’t venture out. We read the heartfelt memory notes that were written by the family, cried a little, and ate chocolate. We unexpectedly received flowers and notes. We toasted to my dad with ice cream – his favorite next to chocolate. It was a tough day, but it was so nice to know that others were thinking of us and remembering my dad. I still pray for my dad and feel him. And I trust that God has him.

I Found God today remembering my dad and trusting God.

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Abundance

Posted by eph21920 on January 29, 2023 in Connected, Family, Generosity

I got my hair cut the other day and my mom commented on how nice it looked. I replied that the curls came back in abundance. She laughed and said she has heard the word “abundance” everywhere lately. She read a morning reflection and it said that God wants to give us good things in abundance. Tonight we did a meditation before going to bed. One of the statements was to imagine yourself with so much abundance that there is enough for you and for others. Perhaps God is trying to tell us something.

I Found God today pondering His abundance.

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