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Last Bible Class

Posted by eph21920 on May 23, 2022 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Creation, Death, Faith, Hope, Jesus, Life, Love, Opportunity

I signed up for my Biblical School class 4 years ago, not really knowing if I would even be able to complete the first year. After 4 years, tonight was my last class. I learned so much and my faith grew as I feel closer to God than when I started. Honestly, part of the reason I took the course is because I wanted to understand the book of Revelation. It was the final book of study and we finished it tonight. The entirety of scripture culminates with this book. It can be a confusing, strange, and scary read for sure. I think it is so because it talks about the end of the earth as we know it. God will claim His people for Himself. In reality, we are all heading toward the end of our own life as we know it. We don’t like to think about that and we don’t want to think about facing God. But the good news is that we have the opportunity right now to choose good, to turn away from the things that weigh us down in this world, and to live the life of peace and joy that God offers to us. And the most exciting thing God wants to give us is eternal life with Him. We will each go through our own personal apocalypse. In the end, Jesus promises that He is coming “soon”. We will either see Him as the world fades away, or when our own lives do. The choices we make now determines how scary that encounter will be.

I Found God today reflecting on Revelation.

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Visions of Children

Posted by eph21920 on May 22, 2022 in Angel, Answer, Children, Connected, Faith, Jesus, Life

Today was First Communion at Mass. The priest spoke of the innocence of children. He said the children at their age are still open and connected to the spiritual realm. He suggested that when babies and infants smile in their sleep, they are seeing angels. He also said that when the children want to tell us stories of what they see or think, we should listen. As we get older, we tend to dismiss the truth of God, angels, and our souls. Children can help us connect with the spiritual side of life. I thought about my granddaughter and some of the “stories” she tells that are spiritual in nature. It definitely makes me take a step back and ponder what she might be experiencing. The priest also encouraged the parents to take the protection of their childrens’ souls very seriously. Parents are responsible for continuing to bring their children to God – to receive Jesus in Holy Communion past this day. When it came time for the Our Father prayer, I could hear the children above the rest of the congregation. How wonderful it would be if it were like that every week.

I Found God today in innocent children receiving their first Holy Communion.

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How To Walk

Posted by eph21920 on May 21, 2022 in Answer, Connected, Creation, Life

I read a quote today that touched my heart: “When we walk like we are rushing, we print anxiety and sorrow on the earth. We have to walk in a way that we only print peace and serenity on the earth. Be aware of the contact between your feet and the earth. Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.” Thich Nhat Hanh. I can definitely rush around full of anxiety. And I can see how my actions affect those around me. I have never thought about how they affect more than that. But, everything we do has a ripple effect. As I walk this path of life for such a short period of time on this earth, it is important to do what I can and should to care for others and the earth God has given us to reside in. I want to be able to spread His peace and serenity.

I Found God today realizing the importance of spreading peace instead of anxiety.

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Vastness of Prayer

Posted by eph21920 on May 20, 2022 in Angel, Answer, Connected, Faith, Prayer, Present, Saint, Stranger

Before I go to bed, I try to do an examination of conscience. Tonight I prayed the Penitential Act or Confiteor:

I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and
in what I have failed to do;
through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.

I said the prayer alone, so the words of asking my “brothers and sisters” to pray for me seemed odd. But then it occurred to me that there were probably millions of people around the world praying at the same. Furthermore, there are the angels and saints who are present and praying in a real but different way. When I thought about that, I didn’t feel alone at all.

I Found God today recognizing the vastness of prayer.

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Back at the Cabin

Posted by eph21920 on May 19, 2022 in Answer, Creation, Family, Grateful, Home, Weather

We have been closely watching the information about the fire near the cabin. Yesterday it was over 60% contained and it seemed that they were making good progress. Today the fire was over 80% contained and the threat to the cabin was now minimal. The evacuations were lifted and they were allowing people to go back to their properties. That was very good news. So my brother headed back up there today and found everything in order. We were so grateful to the firefighters and all who were involved in putting out the fire. It’s funny – now we have a winter storm warning for the potential of over a foot of snow!

I Found God today keeping the cabin and the people safe.

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Common Moms

Posted by eph21920 on May 18, 2022 in Connected, Family, Humor

I took my mom to her primary care physician today for a basic check. There was a new nurse there who got us all ready for the doctor. For some reason, whenever anyone addresses my mom, they put the title “Miss” in front of her name. I guess it just flows well. The people who checked her in and the nurse did the same thing. The nurse was very chatty and personable. Before he left the room, he told us that his mother had the same name and proceeded to show us her name tattooed on his upper arm. I asked if everyone called her “Miss” as well. He said they still did. It was a fun connection.

I Found God today in common Moms.

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Fire Season

Posted by eph21920 on May 17, 2022 in Answer, Creation, Family, Friends, Grateful, Weather

It’s fire season here, unfortunately. Last week four fires started on the same day. One of them was near our cabin – close enough that the community was in pre-evacuation. My brother was staying there, but he packed up some important things and came here. I got together with some friends tonight and everyone was affected by one of the fires in some way. The good news is that there were no tragic losses and no one was hurt. We found out later tonight that the fire near the cabin is now 67% contained, so that is also good news. I was grateful that this round everything and everyone is safe.

I Found God today in safety for friends and family.

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Unexpected Support

Posted by eph21920 on May 16, 2022 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Family, Grateful, Hope, Life, Relationship, Sacrifice

In my bible class tonight, we broke into small groups as we do each week to discuss the homework questions. One of the questions was, What deeds of yours would you hope to be remembered for? My answer was that as difficult as it is to care for my parents and as much as I fail, I would hope that I am bringing a better quality of life for them. That started quite a discussion. Of the six people in my group, all but one had experience in caring for a parent. The support, prayers, and encouragement that came from the group was unexpected and somewhat overwhelming. One of the members said she was praying for a friend in who asked her advice on moving in with his parents to care for them. It was a very similar situation to mine. There were tears and gratitude and prayers and blessings all around. You just never know what God will do when you speak from your heart.

I Found God today in unexpected support.

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God’s Dwelling Is With Us

Posted by eph21920 on May 15, 2022 in Answer, Bible, Eternity, Grace, Hope, Life, Relationship

Today in Mass, we read part of the book of Revelation. It touched my heart and brought me hope and comfort. I wished everyone could hear these words not only in their ears, but in their hearts. It is such a challenging time right now for so many people and I feel we all need encouragement and truth;

Rev 21:1-5a
Then I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth.
The former heaven and the former earth had passed away,
and the sea was no more.
I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race.
He will dwell with them and they will be his people
and God himself will always be with them as their God.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes,
and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain,
for the old order has passed away.”
The One who sat on the throne said,
“Behold, I make all things new.”

I Found God today in His promise to dwell with us always.

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Tea and a Game

Posted by eph21920 on May 14, 2022 in Children, Family, Fun, Generosity, Grateful, Happiness, Life

We wrapped up our month long celebration with a busy day. This afternoon the 4 generations of girls – my mom, me and my 2 sisters, my daughter in law, and my granddaughter – all went to a fancy tea. It was held in a castle that used to belong to the founder of the city. Later, the castle and the grounds were purchased by a Christian organization. Our neighbors volunteer there and generously helped to get it all set up with a substantial discounted rate. After our fancy and delicious dining experience, she gave us a tour of the building. It was fun and interesting and my granddaughter in particular really enjoyed it. It was such a great girl’s day. As an added bonus, I went to a baseball game with my son’s for Mother’s Day. That was a fun time too in a very different way.

I Found God today enjoying family time.

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