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Soothing Weekend

Posted by eph21920 on September 5, 2022 in Creation, Family, Happiness, Joy, Struggles

My mom, sister, and I were happy that we were able to spend the 3-day weekend at the cabin. It had been almost 2 years since we had spent an overnight there. When we used to go on a regular basis, typically the first night was difficult perhaps due to the travel, the higher altitude, using a different bed, or all of the above. But the 2nd night things calmed down and everyone was able to sleep better. That is what I anticipated. As expected, the first night my mother barely slept at all. I was with her to make sure she was ok, so I didn’t sleep either. I was looking forward to night 2. Unfortunately, my mom still didn’t sleep well. However, we were all still able to enjoy being there and get some much needed cleaning done. When we planned on making the trip, I wasn’t at all sure how it would go. Even with the difficulties mom had, she still said she loved being there and that it was “soothing”. That made it all worthwhile.

I Found God today knowing that my mom found the weekend at the cabin “soothing”.

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Reality Check

Posted by eph21920 on September 4, 2022 in Answer, Bible, Faith, Life, Present, Priest

One of the Mass readings today was from the book of Wisdom. The priest that we listened to said that, “Unless we have the Wisdom of God, we cannot know reality.” All of us can look at any event and have multiple opinions on what is happening or what the meaning is, causing chaos and division. But if we look to God, we are able to look through all of that and see what the reality is. I loved the priest’s message – especially now as some people seem to be determined to cause division.

I Found God today in a reality check.

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Back to the Cabin

Posted by eph21920 on September 3, 2022 in Family, Grief, Home, Life, Past, Peace

My mom, sister, and I decided to make a trip to the cabin today. We knew it would be a bittersweet adventure. My mom and I went up briefly for a couple of hours a couple weeks ago. Other than that, the last time we went was over a year ago with my dad. He was in such a bad way at that time that he couldn’t remember the place. That was heartbreaking. We talked about wanting to see dad again, but whole and well. And we agreed that when we think of him now, that is how we envision him. When the 3 of us arrived today at the cabin, we were greeted by a long time friend. He visited for quite some time and made sure we were all set. He has been such a good friend. Things were different for sure, but the peace of the place remained. I was happy about that.

I Found God today in the peace of the cabin.

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Padre Pio and Mom

Posted by eph21920 on September 2, 2022 in Connected, Family, Saint

Today my mom was looking through all her little prayer booklets. She has many. She came across one that was based on Padre Pio and included a biography of him. Mom discovered that he was beatified on her birthday in 1999, which she never knew before. She felt a stronger connection with him then and has kept the book out to refer back to.

I Found God today in my mom’s connection with Padre Pio.

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Ice Cream Visit

Posted by eph21920 on September 1, 2022 in Family, Food, Friends, Generosity

One of our neighbors came over for a little while today while I ran to the grocery store. Before she came, my mom was talking about what to offer her out of hospitality. Just at that time, I got a text from the neighbor saying that she was going to bring over some ice cream. She knows it’s mom’s favorite. That was so thoughtful. So while I was gone, they had a really nice visit while eating their ice cream. I’m not sure who enjoyed it the most. I was very glad for our thoughtful and caring neighbors.

I Found God today in a generous and caring neighbor.

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Step Closer or Further

Posted by eph21920 on August 31, 2022 in Faith, Family, Life, Opportunity, Struggles

My mom and I started praying a Novena today in preparation for the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is on September 8. Today’s intentions were for marriages and families. I thought specifically about the recent blessings, struggles, illnesses, and causes for celebration. I remembered that God is in them all. Each occasion involves movement like a beautiful dance bringing people and places in and out of our lives. When you look at these events through the eyes of faith, you can see God more clearly. And we are given the opportunity to grow closer to God through them, or further away. My prayer especially for my family is to allow life’s situations to be a step closer to God.

I Found God today realizing God’s presence in every situation in our family.

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Discipleship

Posted by eph21920 on August 30, 2022 in Answer, Faith, Humility, Life, Relationship, Sacrifice, Struggles

Tonight my mom read from her “the WORD among us” magazine. Part of it followed nicely with what I meditated upon last night. That’s when I know God is speaking to me. It said in part, “Even without persecution or martyrdom, every disciple of Jesus will go through some type of suffering as we follow the Lord. Jesus himself warned us, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23). Discipleship involves putting others ahead of ourselves. It involves obedience to the Lord’s will, day in and day out. In short, discipleship involves dying to self. No doubt that’s a struggle at times, but it’s what helps us to grow in holiness.”

I Found God today in another reminder of the importance of dying to self.

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Dying To Self

Posted by eph21920 on August 29, 2022 in Death, Faith, Grace, Life, Mercy, Opportunity, Sacrifice, Struggles

Today I listened to a meditation that focused on dying to self. The message was about our need to allow parts of ourselves to “die”. Perhaps bad habits, thoughts, ways we treat others, burdens we carry,..etc. We need to let go of the things that are not of God – not blessing us or others. And it is important not to put our focus on ourselves all the time, wondering or worrying what is in it for me. Once those traits “die”, Jesus can bring new life to those empty spaces, new Resurrection. I gave that a lot of contemplation as I realized things that I need to let go of. It is scary, yet freeing.

I Found God today realizing the need to allow certain things about me to “die” to be raised to new life.

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Shia LaBeouf and Padre Pio

Posted by eph21920 on August 28, 2022 in Faith, Grace, Healing, Hope, Life, Miracle, Movie, Saint, Struggles, Trust

This evening I watched an amazing discussion with Shia LaBeouf and Bishop Robert Barron. Shia had admittedly hit rock bottom and experienced an incredible conversion when he was offered an acting roll to play St. Padre Pio. It was a very powerful video and I highly recommend it. https://youtu.be/hjxKG4mR3U4.

I Found God today in an incredible conversion story.

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Making an Entrance

Posted by eph21920 on August 27, 2022 in Connected, Family, Friends, Fun, Home, Life, Relationship

When my sister arrived this morning, we all said hello and how are you and such. However, my brother’s dog was super excited and ran to her and wagged her tail and tried her best not to jump up. My sister petted her and told her what a good girl she was. It reminded me that when I was working in Youth Ministry, we were challenged with the question, “What if we were as excited to see people come in to an event as our dog’s are when we come in the door?” It was a good image to keep in mind. Only a few minutes later, I saw a Peanuts cartoon that portrayed the scenario. Charlie Brown got home and Snoopy was so excited to see him. That was quite a funny irony. Later I helped my mom with her shower. When she was all finished, we came out to the living room where my sister and brother were. I played the song, “Isn’t She Lovely” and we all danced. I thought we should all pay more attention when people enter a room or house. We should be enthusiastic and excited to greet one another, reveling in our relationships. How good we would feel and make others feel as well. And perhaps we could all have an entrance song and dance.

I Found God today remembering how important it is when we greet one another.

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