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Now We Wait

Posted by eph21920 on May 13, 2022 in Family, Home, Problem, Trust

When my mom and I went for our walk this afternoon, we could see black smoke billowing over the mountain. We knew what was on the other side of that mountain – our cabin. My brother got up there just a few days ago and told us yesterday that he could see smoke. I kept abreast of the situation and saw that the fire was 0% contained, the road leading up to the cabin was closed, and some communities were being evacuated. This evening, my brother received word that the area was under pre- or voluntary evacuation. He decided that was close enough and packed it up and headed out. My mom and I said some prayers to Our Lady of Fatima. I was happy to see him arrive safely tonight. There are still tons of people that will be affected and lots of ranchers. Not to mention the firefighters who are working desperately to keep the fire away from homes. Now we wait, hope, trust, and keep praying.

I Found God today in safety for my brother.

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Day at the DMV

Posted by eph21920 on May 12, 2022 in Answer, Car, Family, Grateful

Since my dad passed away, my mom and I have been doing paperwork to get everything in order. It seems that none of it is correct the first time. I send in what I think is required, only to receive something back saying it’s incorrect or incomplete. It is a test of patience and perseverance for sure. I had been to the DMV to get the car titles updated and received further paperwork and instructions that my mom had to be present. We got the paperwork completed and notarized and decided that today was the day. We headed to the DMV this morning. After a short wait, it was our turn. The woman who helped us was so nice. She took care of updating the car information, then helped us get mom an ID card and a new handicap placard. She was super nice and super helpful. We got all our business taken care of. Best part is mom will never have to go to the DMV again!

I Found God today in a super nice and helpful woman.

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Together Again

Posted by eph21920 on May 11, 2022 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Death, Life

About 2 1/2 years ago, my prayer group decided to start meeting via Zoom out of precaution due to COVID. It worked out well, especially as one of the members moved to another state. But, recently we have talked about meeting together again in person. Tonight was the first time we did. We actually went to someone’s home and hugged and prayed and talked and snacked together. We got our friend who moved away on Zoom and put the computer on a chair so she would be included in the group. It really felt different to be all together like this, but in a wonderful way.

I Found God today meeting with my prayer group in person.

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Sister’s Conversing

Posted by eph21920 on May 10, 2022 in Answer, Connected, Family, Grateful, Happiness

My mom called her sister tonight. They both have a very hard time hearing one another, so tonight we decided to use my cell phone. Right from the beginning, they held a good conversation. My mom was talking especially loud and my aunt was also loud and clear. I was so happy it went well. They got caught up on the important stuff. After a while, my aunt said that she hears much better in the morning, certain that the brain is functioning better at that time too. She said that as the day goes on she finds herself having to turn up the TV and such. I think there is truth in that. When my mom is tired or having a rough day, she seems to have more difficulty hearing. As their conversation went on, my mom’s voice got quieter and she was not able to hear her sister any more. They agreed to call again earlier in the day. It was joyful, though, listening them chatting and laughing for a good long time.

I Found God today as my mom had a good conversation with her sister.

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The Victor

Posted by eph21920 on May 9, 2022 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Faith, Humility, Life

I am finishing my 4 year Bible course fittingly with the book of Revelation. Tonight we discussed the various interpretations. Could this have been fulfilled in the past with the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem? According to my instructor, likely not. The book contains warnings of how what has happened will affect what is to come. Yes – the end days of the earth. It describes the basic struggle between good and evil, how it will play out, and how it does currently play out in our lives every day. The good news is that God will come out victorious. Furthermore, He has given us the ability to choose to follow His way of love and peace. Revelation is a challenging book, but one that humbles me and helps me to re-commit to God.

I Found God today reading the warnings of the end times.

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To Be A Mother

Posted by eph21920 on May 8, 2022 in Baby, Children, Connected, Creation, Family, Grateful, Home, Joy, Life, Love

As we celebrated Mother’s Day today, I felt very blessed to have my children, 2 of my grandchildren, my sisters and a brother here together. I am particularly grateful to be able to celebrate another Mother’s Day with my mother. I have many friends whose mother’s have passed away and they are missing them particularly today. I thought about the friends I have who are not mothers in the biological sense, but are very much so as they care for their loved ones. I also thought about those struggling and hurting today for various reasons – single mothers, those missing children who have passed away or lost due to miscarriage or abortion, people who don’t have a good relationship with their mothers and so on. I realize it can be a difficult day for many and my heart and prayers went out to all. In a perfect world, infants and their mom’s would be protected, loved, and nurtured from the moment of conception. In my opinion, there is no greater gift than my children and I cannot imagine my life without them. I came across an article with a dozen quotes about mothers from prominent Catholics. Here is my favorite:
József Cardinal Mindszenty: “The Most Important Person on earth is a mother. She cannot claim the honour of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral—a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby’s body….The angels have not been blessed with such a grace. They cannot share in God’s creative miracle to bring new saints to Heaven. Only a human mother can. Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any other creature; God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation….What on God’s good earth is more glorious than this; to be a mother?”

I Found God today in the blessing of being a mother.

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Unbelievable Race

Posted by eph21920 on May 7, 2022 in Creation, Happiness, Life, Opportunity, Struggles

Today my mom, sister, and I watched the Kentucky Derby. It is one of my mom’s favorite annual events. We discussed how each horse looked as they were getting ready and which one we thought would win. The result was unbelievable as the horse that wasn’t even scheduled to be in the race until yesterday made an amazing comeback and won with the highest odds. The trainer had tragically lost many horses in a fire a few years ago, but persevered. The owner was ready to leave the racing scene, but meeting the trainer helped him have a better outlook. The horse was sold at a low price by a stable that had several derby wins. It seemed it truly was a longshot for this horse to win. It was an exciting race for sure. But the more I learned the back story, I realized that you never really know what is ahead. Tragedy and doubts will happen, but perseverance certainly paid off.

I Found God today realizing how important it is to persevere.

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God Sees You

Posted by eph21920 on May 6, 2022 in Faith, Grace, Life, Love, Struggles

I belong to an online Catholic Caregivers group that is helpful and encouraging. Today’s post by the administrator Heidi Hess Saxton was particularly fitting. It read, “This weekend, as you know, is Mother’s Day. And as I steel myself for the inevitable protest from women who HATE the day, for any number of reasons, I want to take a moment to THANK you, for using your motherly gifts to help those who truly need mothering: our elderly and infirm.
They may not know it’s Mother’s Day, they may not even know your name (or theirs), but I promise you … God sees you. He knows how hard you are trying. And he is proud of you. Yes, even when you get short-tempered. Even when you make a mistake. Even when you could do more.
The love you are sharing through your caregiving is a touch of heaven. Even if it is forgotten in that next moment — it will never be forgotten where it matters most, in eternity.” I wanted to pass the sentiment along. There are so many caring for others in one way or another. They may or may not even be mothers, but still need to hear that God sees them and loves them.

I Found God today reminded that God sees all of me all the time.

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Hometown Flowers

Posted by eph21920 on May 5, 2022 in Answer, Connected, Death, Family, Home, Life

At the beginning of the week, we received sad news that my aunt passed away. Her birthday was near my parents and every year they would talk on the phone to exchange birthday greetings. She died the day after my dad’s birthday at 92 years old. She had still lived in the same town where she and my parents grew up. I got online and tried to order a flower delivery, but I kept running into problems. So I decided to look for a florist that was local. I got online with my mom and she recognized the first one that she saw. Her wedding bouquet actually came from the business 70 years ago. I called them and was able to order the flowers. I think it is interesting how much we are all connected.

I Found God today in connections.

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Radical Conversion

Posted by eph21920 on May 4, 2022 in Faith, Healing, Hope, Jesus, Life, Mercy, Struggles, Tragedy

Last night I watched a video of an amazing conversion. The young woman at the center of the story was abused from a very young age. She told the story of how she was able to escape from her situation and how God saved her life. He did this through Christian women who were committed to walking the rough road with her. One evening they decided to watch the first episode of The Chosen. The depiction of Mary Magdalen resonated with the young woman and led her to give her life to Jesus Christ. The photos of her in her darkest times compared to her most joyful were astonishing. Unfortunately, she later found that she had a terminal illness. She remains prayerfully surrounded by her new community as she struggles. The entire video and story was full of beauty, inspiration, tragedy, mercy, healing, and hope.

I Found God today in a story of an amazing conversion.

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