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Seeing Light

Posted by eph21920 on March 9, 2022 in Answer, Connected, Faith, Friends, Jesus

When I woke this morning, I was still thinking about the awesome day I had with my friend. Then I prayed the Divine Office, which was full of references to the light. I thought of the glowing stained glass window. I felt I had truly seen the light. Here are some of the phrases:

No follower of mine wanders in the dark; he shall have the light of life. (John 8:12).

In you is the source of life and in your light we see light.

Lord, you are the source of unfailing light. Give us true knowledge of your mercy so that we may renounce our pride and be filled with the riches of your house.

O Lord, in your light we see light itself.

I Found God today in a light connection.

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God’s Greatest Gift

Posted by eph21920 on March 8, 2022 in Connected, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Intimacy, Jesus, Life, Prayer, Relationship, Struggles

A friend from out of town was here visiting family, so we made plans to get together. When I asked her what she wanted to do, she suggested we pray the Stations of the Cross, then go for coffee. We met up this afternoon at a local church and cried as soon as we saw each and hugged. Praying the Stations of the Cross with her was beautiful and I remembered how much I missed seeing her and sharing faith with her. When we finished praying, she noticed that the sunlight was shining directly through the main stained glass window depicting the crucified Christ. The steam of light was illuminating the red wound in His side. It was breathtaking and felt like God’s gift to us, reminding me that Jesus’ death has taken away my sins, pains, and sorrows. Then we went to a local cafe and got caught up. There were a lot of tears as I talked about my dad’s death and she talked about some of her struggles. I think most of our tears were generated from the hearts of 2 faithful women sharing their life stories with one another. God’s greatest gift to me is heartfelt friendships.

I Found God today in a beautiful friendship.

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Cyclical Faith

Posted by eph21920 on March 7, 2022 in Answer, Bible, Faith, Grace, Knowledge, Prayer

My Bible class tonight was packed with spiritual truths to contemplate as we slowly read the Gospel of John. Chapter 6 contains the “Bread of Life Discourse” in which Jesus teaches that He is the bread of life that has come down from heaven and that we must eat of Him to have eternal life = the Eucharist. That is more than our minds can understand now as it was when Jesus spoke the words here on earth. It is enough to leave us pondering forever. Out teacher shared a great image though of faith and understanding that is cyclical. We first must take the leap of faith and choose to believe. When we do this and keep open our communication with God, He gives us more knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. That increases our faith, which then increases our knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. While I am not a scholar by any means, I have certainly found that cycle to be true. And I have realized how important it is to keep open that line of communication with God.

I Found God today with much to ponder.

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Why Mass

Posted by eph21920 on March 6, 2022 in Answer, Connected, Creation, Eucharist, Faith, Jesus, Miracle, Sacrifice

Since it was snowing outside today, we participated in Mass online with one of my favorite priests. The topic for his homily was why should we go to Mass. He had several good points and examples that were uplifting instead of berating, which is part of the reason why he is one of my favorites. He talked about how participating in Mass is the highest form of worship there is. When we celebrate Mass, we are being caught up into the eternity of God – reminding me that to God one day is like a thousand years. I liked his analogy of Star Trek – or Star Wars – when the spaceships go into warp speed or hyperdrive. They are moving along and then all of a sudden they are caught up into something more vast. So it is with Mass. We just go on with our normal lives. But when we attend Mass, we are caught up into the spiritual reality of God’s sacrifice of His Son for us. We celebrate the reality of God’s presence in the Eucharist. It’s a lot to wrap your head around and more than we can truly understand. But still, God is present in the Mass and we – his small and lowly creatures – are invited to meet Him there. How generous and loving He is.

I Found God today in a beautiful explanation of the Mass.

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Productive Shopping

Posted by eph21920 on March 5, 2022 in Grateful, Happiness, Life

I usually dread going shopping on Saturday as there is typically a lot of people and supplies are low – especially now. However, today I went to 3 different places and had a good experience at each of them. I found what I needed right away at the first one and was in and out. At the second stop, I wasn’t sure exactly what I needed and a super friendly young woman helped me figure it out and gave me coupons. I also found other things that we use regularly on sale and in stock. Last stop was the grocery store. Again I found exactly what I wanted and had no wait at the checkout. I considered it a win. Perhaps this seems silly, but I was very happy that my errands went smoothly.

I Found God today in a productive morning of shopping.

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Lunch Bunch

Posted by eph21920 on March 4, 2022 in Connected, Friends, Happiness, Joy, Life

I took my mom to lunch with her friends today. The 4 ladies had not all been together for a year. They all met through the local music teacher’s association when they started their lunch bunch years ago. There were about a dozen ladies in the group at that time and their husbands started joining in as well. Even though it was a little more difficult to hear and communicate, I was glad my mom went. It was wonderful to see them together, enjoying one another’s company.

I Found God today in long lasting friendships.

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Generosity

Posted by eph21920 on March 3, 2022 in Answer, Children, Friends, Generosity, Life, Relationship, Struggles

There is always something new to learn about people. I had the joy of talking with a friend for a long time today. I knew she had a rough time when she was a child, but she told me about some specific moments that were pretty traumatic. And yet, she is one of the most generous people I know. While she has ever reason to be angry and bitter, she has a heart for helping others instead. I continue to be amazed by her.

I Found God today in amazing generosity.

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Wind Chimes

Posted by eph21920 on March 2, 2022 in Connected, Death, Friends, Generosity, Grateful, Grief, Love

My mom and I stopped and checked the mail on our way home from Mass tonight. It included a package from some friends. They sent a beautiful card and my mom and I wept as we read the beautiful sentiments. The card was attached to a box that contained a beautiful set of wind chimes. The piece hanging at the bottom was in the shape of a leaf. It read, “Always loved & forever missed” on one side and, “Listen to the wind and think of me. In your heart, I’ll always be.” We wept again as we opened the box. I’m sure we will cry again when we hang it and hear the chimes. But, for me, they are mostly tears of love – for the love sent across the country from my friends and back to them, for the loving memories I have of my dad, for the love God has for my dad as I picture him whole and enveloped in God’s mercy, and for the love God continues to show us.

I Found God today in a beautiful gift from loving friends.

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Girl Time

Posted by eph21920 on March 1, 2022 in Children, Family, Fun, Grateful, Happiness, Joy, Love

Thankfully we have had a couple days of beautiful weather. Yesterday we brought a little birthday cake to my mom’s friend who has been sick and not able to come over. We sang Happy Birthday from the front steps. Then we decided we should take a walk somewhere. We remembered that my son and family live right across from a pond with a paved walking trail. There are lots of geese and ducks in resident. So, we headed over there and went for a walk around with my daughter in law and granddaughter. There we were- the 4 generations. That still amazes me. It was fun watching the geese and ducks and my granddaughter who wanted to be part of the flock until they got too close. Today my daughter in law and granddaughter stopped by for a few minutes after school. Whether we see them for a nice walk or a quick visit, it is always very uplifting and such a blessing.

I Found God today spending time with my girls.

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Words From Our Heart

Posted by eph21920 on February 27, 2022 in Answer, Connected, Faith, Hope, Intimacy, Life, Love, Present, Relationship

At Mass this morning, the homily focused on the words, “for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.” The priest talked about how our words show what is truly in our heart. He verified our human condition and our need for real relationships. This can only happen when people speak truth to one another and allow themselves to be vulnerable. When that doesn’t happen, relationships break down. He said “intimacy” is when “in you I see”, when we are able to be fully present to another person. It is a tall order, but thank God He is willing and able to help us when we ask as He is the ultimate truth and love.

I Found God today being reminded that I need His truth and love in my heart.

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