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Playing Kickball Together

Posted by eph21920 on March 31, 2022 in Family, Fun, Life, New, Past, Present, Relationship

My two sons are 12 years apart in age. Today, my younger son called and said that he had his first kickball game this evening and that his brother was going to be on the team too. We joked about how they are finally playing kickball together after all these years. I got thinking about that and having that large of an age gap, it’s true that they didn’t really “play” together. When we would get together for holidays and such the guys would all go outside and throw around the football, but that was about it. So it is fun to see their relationship flourish at this stage in life.

I Found God today seeing my sons’ flourishing relationship.

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Video Fun

Posted by eph21920 on March 30, 2022 in Children, Family, Fun, Happiness, Joy

My granddaughter came over today after school. Several times when I have seen her, she is holding up her arm as she pretends she is holding a phone and making a video. Today, we actually made a little video together. It was fun to do and fun to watch back. She is so clever and enthusiastic and joyful. She just brings so much happiness during her visits. I continue to feel very blessed.

I Found God today having fun with my granddaughter.

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Food with Family and Friends

Posted by eph21920 on March 29, 2022 in Family, Food, Friends, Fun, Grateful

Things were pretty hectic around here at the time of both my sisters’ birthdays. So we decided that we needed to have a sister outing. Today we met up for lunch at a fancy fondue restaurant. We had fun dipping in the cheese and cooking pieces of meat in the broth. It was nice to just chat and take our time. Tonight I got together with some friends – a couple I had not seen in years. It was funny that I don’t get out much and had 2 meal dates in one day. I love my mom, but it felt good to get away and spend the day with sisters and friends. I was grateful for a friend and daughter in law who kept mom safe, engaged and entertained.

I Found God today spending time with sisters and friends.

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Just a Walk

Posted by eph21920 on March 28, 2022 in Children, Creation, Family, Joy, Weather

This afternoon my daughter in law called and said she was going to walk to the school to pick up her daughter at the end of the school day. She asked if we wanted to join her. So after my mom’s nap, we got out in the warm Spring air and walked to the school. We got to visit with my daughter in law and granddaughter and enjoy the beautiful day. It may seem like a small gesture, but it meant the world to me.

I Found God today enjoying family and fresh air.

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Excited to Exhausted

Posted by eph21920 on March 27, 2022 in Children, Family, Fun, Happiness, Joy, Life, Rest

Yesterday evening my son’s and families came over for pizza and games. Some of the guys played chess. Some of us girls played Candy Land because that’s my granddaughter’s favorite. A fun time was had by all. My mom in particular really enjoys being with the kids. She was pretty tired going to bed and slept long and hard. But, she woke up still feeling tired and drained. So we just relaxed around the house, got a little fresh air, and she took a couple of naps. I was happy to see that by this evening she was feeling better. One day at a time.

I Found God today in joy and rest.

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Consecration of Russia and Ukraine

Posted by eph21920 on March 25, 2022 in Answer, Connected, Faith, Family, Peace, Pope, Prayer

Today was the Solemnity of the Annunciation. It was also the day Pope Francis chose to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. When Mary appeared to the children at Fatima, this was one of her requests, but it was to be done a certain way. I’m not exactly sure of the details, as I have read several articles that seem to conflict. In any case, I understand that today’s consecration would be in accordance with her request. My mom and I watched the event on EWTN. It was announced that there were about 3500 people in the Basilica and another 2000 outside. The celebration started with a penance service. After the scripture readings, Pope Francis gave his homily about the incredible forgiveness that God offers to us. He said that just as the angel told Mary, ‘Be not afraid.” we shouldn’t be afraid to go to God in Confession. God knows our weaknesses and is greater than our mistakes. The pope noted the words written above the confessional that address our relationship with God, “To turn away from you is to fall. To turn back to you is to rise. To abide in you is to have life.” After the homily, Pope Francis led by example by going to Confession himself before hearing the confession of others. Once the time for Confession had ended, Pope Francis made his way over to the statue of Our Lady of Fatima and said the prayer of consecration. I was happy that the words were available online for my mother and I to follow. The entire celebration was solemn and moving. Here with just my mom in our little house in the city thousands of miles from the Vatican, I felt like I was able to unite with perhaps millions of others around the world who were also praying for peace today. I have hope for the effects.

I Found God today joining with others around the world to pray for peace.

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Ageless Entertainment

Posted by eph21920 on March 24, 2022 in Children, Family, Fun, Happiness

My grandchildren were on school break this week and I wanted to get together with them for some fun. The big question was, where can you bring a 6-year old girl, a 14-year old boy, their mom, me, and an 89-year old woman in a wheelchair? To the sporting goods store – of course! I had heard of a new place that wasn’t too far but had never been there. It was quite something. Outside there were some giant statues of people participating in different sports as well as some life sized ones. There was a statue of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. They even had a military tribute with the seals of all the military branches. Then we went inside where we were greeted by a giant salt water aquarium. It included three pillars and archways that you could walk under and see the fish above you. We went in a little further and saw the main attraction; a ferris wheel. My granddaughter was excited to go on – until she got closer. So my grandson and his mom took a ride. My mom, granddaughter and I went to the top floor to watch them. Then we checked out the museum type wildlife scene and found all the hidden animals. My mom and I perused the home decor while the kids played a couple video games. Then we all had lunch at the cafe and even bought some fudge. I was so happy that this diverse group with an 83 year age gap all had such a fun time together.

I Found God today having fun with family.

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This and That

Posted by eph21920 on March 23, 2022 in Answer, Home, Life, New, Peace

My mom and I had no plans for the day and nowhere we needed to be. So we stayed at home and did this and that. I just kind of went from one thing to another, taking care of whatever needed taking care of. Usually I have a plan for what I want to accomplish during the day. It helps me to focus. There is always more to do than time to do them in and I can easily feel overwhelmed and scattered. But, for some reason, today just going from one thing to another didn’t bother me at all. I didn’t get distracted or stressed. I just noticed what needed attention, completed that task, and found another. It was an interesting experience and I was grateful for the calm and peace.

I Found God today in the peace.

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World Down Syndrome Day

Posted by eph21920 on March 22, 2022 in Baby, Children, Creation, Family, Joy, Life

I’m a day late, but realized that yesterday was World Down Syndrome Day. According to their website, it is celebrated on March 21—a date chosen to represent the chromosomal arrangement found in Down Syndrome the twenty-first day of the third month. I saw many posts in particular from a friend whose daughter has Down Syndrome and lives life to the fullest. My mom and I talked about it as she remembered her brother who also had Down Syndrome. Most memories I have of him were as a child when we would visit my grandparents. He was always lighthearted and joyful. My grandparents cared for him until they could no longer. He then lived a full life in a shared apartment, held a job, and had many friends. He outlived the expectations of the doctors at that time. It is good to see so much support and opportunities for young people now. One other thing that my mom and I talked about is the push to abort babies if they show that they have Down Syndrome. It is such a crime against the child, the parents, society, and of course God who created each individual perfectly. We decided we need to pray more rosaries. It was a blessing to see the joyful photos and read the inspirational stories.

I Found God today in joy and inspiration.

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Russia’s Consecration

Posted by eph21920 on March 21, 2022 in Uncategorized

During my Bible class tonight, the teacher told us that Pope Francis will be consecrating Russia and the Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of May on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Pope Francis is imploring the faithful to pray fervently, particularly leading up to the consecration. I was glad to hear that he is taking action to make a difference in the situation. When I hear about the horrible war and the politics involved, I get frustrated and wish there was more I could do. This is a perfect opportunity to join together with millions as one voice, begging God’s mercy upon our world. It increases my hope, my faith, and my prayer life.

I Found God today in more hope for an end to the violence.

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