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Exhaustion

Posted by eph21920 on September 28, 2022 in Connected, Faith, Grace, Life, Prayer, Trust

Tonight I met with my prayer group. We read and contemplated the Gospel reading for this upcoming Sunday. In the second part of the reading, Jesus is basically telling His followers not to expect accolades for doing the work that God has called them to do. We are to act on faith, love, and obedience. Our “reward” is eternal life. One of the guys made a statement that cut to my heart. He said it is our duty to do carry out the purpose that God has created us for. And if you’re exhausted, too bad! Just keep on going. That really resonated with me. I usually come to the end of my day exhausted, like so many people. I was telling my friends yesterday that I get up in the morning, ask God for the grace to do my best through that day, to do what He would have me to do, and go to bed thanking Him for all He has done. The next day I get up and do it over again.

I Found God today remembering it is not always easy to do His work.

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Friends

Posted by eph21920 on September 27, 2022 in Friends, Fun, Generosity, Life, Struggles

I had dinner with friends tonight, which was wonderful. As I thought about our conversations, I realized how many people are struggling in different ways. It is true that we never really know what people are going through unless we take the time to ask and listen. At the same time, I found that people are being very generous. That to me was heartwarming.

I Found God today in my friends,

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Art Spirituality

Posted by eph21920 on September 26, 2022 in Fun, Happiness, Life, Teacher

My artistic sister signed up for some online art courses. She put one on tonight as she sat down to unwind after a full day of working on the computer. I listened and watched a bit. Before the instructor started teaching how to watercolor the “Butterfly Queen”, she introduced herself. She explained that her hands were very twisted and crooked because she had rheumatoid arthritis. But it didn’t bother her, or stop her from doing what she loved. She just found ways to work with her hands. I could very much identify with her. I have always had to find different ways to do things because my hands in particular don’t move the way other’s do. The teacher said it was actually therapeutic for her to draw and paint, not only physically, but spiritually. She said her goal was to help everyone enjoy creating. She stressed the importance of the process and encouraged the students to take some time in meditation before starting the project. The instructor was truly a beautiful soul and I was glad I got to listen to her.

I Found God today in a spiritual and encouraging art teacher.

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Sight Without Pupils

Posted by eph21920 on September 25, 2022 in Healing, Miracle, Saint

I have been listening to the story of Saint Padre Pio over the past couple of days. He was attributed to many miracles and healings. One such healing was Gemma Di Giorgi. She was born blind – she actually had no pupils, which from a medical standpoint made it impossible to see. Through a series of events, she was able to make a trip to St Padre Pio. During that trip she started seeing. Here is a video that tells of her incredible story. https://youtu.be/rrTdSHc0Swc

I Found God today in an incredible story of healing.

Ok

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Unplanned Enjoyment

Posted by eph21920 on September 24, 2022 in Family, Fun

The only plan I had for today was to bring some boxes of paperwork to the bank to be shredded. Both my sisters were at the house, so one came with me. We thought maybe we would find something fun to do while we were out and about. I saw a car show advertised that was not far from the bank, so after we dropped off the shredding we decided to go check it out. I always like looking at fancy cars and the Lamborghini made it all worthwhile. The car show was in the lot of a big sporting goods store, so we perused the shop for a bit. Then we were hungry and remembered we saw a sign for an Oktoberfest a couple blocks away, so we headed over there. It was being held on the site of the mining museum and we had arrived just as they were opening. We spent some time looking through the museum and were amazed at how different the area was during the big gold rush over 100 years ago. Then we went out to the giant tent. There was a long line for the food. We were thrilled that the music for the chicken dance was playing so we danced in line. Had we known we were going to go there, one of us could have worn my mom’s authentic dirndl and been more festive. Since we were so early, we happily got a front row seat to enjoy our brats and pretzel as we listened to the music. The dancers were entertaining as well. On our way home, we stopped at the hardware store and picked up some flower pots so my sister could re-pot my mom’s orchids. It was a surprisingly full, fun morning.

I Found God today in an unplanned, fun morning.

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Reminder to Breathe

Posted by eph21920 on September 23, 2022 in Answer, Grateful, Life, Present

Today as I was doing all the things that need to be done, I started getting in my head about all the other things that also need to be done. Luckily, I had on my Christian Pandora channel. The song, “Breathe” by Jonny Diaz came on. The lyrics spoke to me, “Breathe, Just breathe. Come and rest at my feet. and Be, just be. Chaos calls, but all you really need is to just Breathe.” I stopped what I was doing and thanked God for the reminder. I dropped my shoulders and breathed. After a few moments I could continue without the tension rising up the back of my neck.

I Found God today in a reminder to breathe.

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Perfect Trifecta

Posted by eph21920 on September 22, 2022 in Answer, Eucharist, Faith, Forgiveness, Grace, Grateful, Jesus, Life, Opportunity

Today I was happy to have a few hours to myself. I scheduled the day so I would be able to spend some time in the church. I arrived just a few minutes early for the time for Confession and was actually the first one there. It was nice to have a different priest from the pastor as I received a new perspective. I always enjoy hearing what the priest has to say because I know they are inspired by the Holy Spirit. They speak to my heart. After Confession, I sat with Our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration. It seems like time stands still when I am in that space. I cleared my head and just sat. I remembered a quote from St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta when asked what she did during Eucharistic Adoration. The answer was, “I look at God and He looks at me.” After a while I headed to Mass. The people there were reciting the Rosary, so I got in on the last Luminous Mystery – the Institution of the Eucharist. I reflected on this amazing gift that I was going to be given in a few short minutes, and how incredible it was that Jesus has made Himself so readily available. After receiving Holy Communion, I thought about the way the time all fell into place and how I was blessed by God’s grace through Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and Mass. It truly was the Perfect Trifecta. I felt very much at peace the whole rest of the day and pray it would continue. I know I will sin again, but the beauty is that the Sacraments are always available to offer peace, mercy, and forgiveness. They give me a boost to get me through.

I Found God today in His Perfect Trifecta.

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Another New Doc

Posted by eph21920 on September 21, 2022 in Answer, Begin, Doctor, Family, Hope, Struggles

It is very hard to a good neurologist who has good knowledge of Parkinson’s disease. We were blessed to have one of the best in the city for a few years after changing doctors several times. Unfortunately, he retired. But he recommended one of his colleagues. We saw her for the first time today. She was young and bubbly, and I wasn’t quite sure what to think at first. She told us that Wednesday is her day to see Parkinson’s patients and that she spoke to my mom’s previous doctor today. That gave us both a little more confidence in her. She asked all the normal questions and seemed to have a good understanding of the disease. Then we focused on my mom’s current challenges. It seems that my mom’s medication is either ineffective or overly effective. And there doesn’t seem to be any consistent reason for the changes. The new doctor recommended adding another medication that should help smooth out those fluxuations. After some discussion, we decided to go ahead and give it a try. Mom took the first one tonight and we are hoping for a good result. It was encouraging to at least have an option to try.

I Found God today in my mom’s new doctor.

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Sister’s Gift

Posted by eph21920 on September 21, 2022 in Answer, Begin, Family, Generosity, Happiness, Life, New, Opportunity, Struggles

My sister has been struggling – especially since my father’s death. She felt like she was unable to continue with the job and routine that she had, so she quit her job in hopes to start anew. Mom and I invited her to move in here to get back on track. Some weeks back, she found that a lawyer she worked with had recommended her for another job with a friend of his. They offered her some projects to work on part time, no commitment. After a few weeks, the firm offered her a full time, paralegal position which she of course accepted. This is the kind of job she has been yearning for. My sister finished up at her apartment and officially moved in here yesterday. As we were talking, she said how happy she was. I am looking forward to sharing time and space with her, as is my mom. My sister always makes her laugh. I feel like we have all been blessed with these gifts God has handed to her.

I Found God today in the gifts he has given my sister.

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Surrendering Trees

Posted by eph21920 on September 19, 2022 in Answer, Creation, Grateful, Life, Trust

A friend of mine writes every day about the things she is grateful for. Her attitude of gratitude is refreshing and I look forward to reading her posts as I know I’m going to receive a beautiful outlook. The other day, she wrote a reflection on Fall: “I am grateful for the lessons the trees teach this time of year! The lesson of letting go. They know not to hold on and they surrender to the season of rest and rejuvenation that is before them.” Pam Thivierge. God does indeed place many lessons right at our fingertips if only we have the eyes and heart to acknowledge them. I loved that image and prayed that I could surrender to the seasons that come upon me. Perhaps it is time to begin another round of the Surrender Novena. I am grateful for my friend – for the gratitude she chooses and for sharing her thoughts.

I Found God today in a beautiful image of surrender.

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