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Summer Camp Memories

Posted by eph21920 on February 26, 2022 in Faith, Grateful, Life, Opportunity, Past, Prayer, Youth

My mom receives “the Word among us” magazine that includes daily Mass readings and reflections. Tonight I read one of the articles that she pointed out to me. It was written by a young man who was deeply impacted by his experience at a Catholic summer camp. He eventually became involved in the organization as an adult. Included in the story, he talked about praying with the students. It reminded me of the powerful Workcamp experiences I was blessed to be a part of. What most of the youth probably never realized is the spiritual impact I felt as I prayed with them. The week of camp each summer was the highlight for most of the youth who participated. But, while it was a lot of work, I received a tremendous uplifting of my spirit as we shared faith together.

I Found God today remembering the impact of praying with youth.

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Sam’s Club Outing

Posted by eph21920 on February 25, 2022 in Answer, Family, Happiness, Life, Weather

Since this crazy below zero cold snap, my mom and I have been stuck in the house alone for 4 days. Even though it was still below freezing today, we decided we needed to get out. I just recently joined Sam’s Club and had been wanting to do some product and price comparisons, so that’s where we went. Mom road in the wheelchair and told me what caught her eye, though she did walk some using the wheelchair as a walker. It wasn’t the most exciting outing, but it was just what we needed.

I Found God today getting out of the house.

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So Blessed

Posted by eph21920 on February 24, 2022 in Connected, Death, Friends, Grateful, Grief

Today I talked with a friend whose father passed away a year ago. We shared stories, experiences, and emotions. As I thought about our conversation, I realized how many friends I have that have lost a parent just in the last year. It’s a lot. I mean there seems to be a lot of people who are dealing with a lot. I feel so blessed for the friends that I have who I talk to, text with, receive mail from, and am able to connect with. I don’t feel alone in my grief and emotions that are all over the place, and neither do they. At the same time I wonder what people do who are not so blessed to have this kind of support. As I keep friends, family, and specific requests in mind, I will try to remember to also pray for those who lack personal support.

I Found God today in the blessing of friends.

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Many Voices

Posted by eph21920 on February 23, 2022 in Connected, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Life, Relationship

Today I was blessed to speak with several friends and text with others. I even joined up with my prayer group who I had not seen for months. It did my soul well to touch base with people, to talk, to be heard, to listen, to pray, to connect. I am very grateful.

I Found God today connecting with many friends.

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Taking It Easy

Posted by eph21920 on February 22, 2022 in Happiness, Life, Rest, Struggles

I had a very hard time getting up this morning, even though I went to bed on time and think I slept ok. It was below freezing outside all day long, so we didn’t have anywhere to go and that was fine with me. I barely got dressed and did a little exercising with my mom. I still didn’t really feel like doing anything but lay around. So I gave in to the energy level and did some paperwork and stuff on the computer. I read some and prayed some. I felt productive even though I wasn’t physically active. At the end of the day, I was happy about what I did accomplish instead of getting on myself for not doing enough. I considered that a blessing.

I Found God today feeling good about taking it easy.

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Setting My Mind Aright

Posted by eph21920 on February 21, 2022 in Answer, Death, Faith, Grief, Jesus, Life, Struggles

I have been replaying the events of the last few weeks over and over in my head. I wonder if I could have and/or should have done something different to affect the outcome. I try to remember that I did the best I could and that God is God and I am not. Today I read a reflection by Allen Hunt that seemed most fitting. “Set your mind on the Spirit and the things of God, and soon your heart finds peace and life itself.”

I Found God today in a reminder to set my mind aright.

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Getting Out

Posted by eph21920 on February 20, 2022 in Answer, Family, Friends, Fun

There was a get together for the residents in the housing complex today and I was pleasantly surprised that my mom wanted to go. It was a good walk to the other end where the party was being held. We had not met the people who were hosting the party and the husband was very inquisitive. He asked a lot of questions to get to know all about us. My mom did a great job of listening, chatting, and remembering details. Some of the other people we knew were surprised at some of her answers that they didn’t know either. I was very proud of my mom for going out of her comfort zone. She had great interaction and great exercise as well.

I Found God getting my mom to a party.

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Stress Relief

Posted by eph21920 on February 19, 2022 in Answer, Grief, Healing, Peace, Rest

My sister came for the weekend, so I made an appointment to get a massage at the prompting of the family. I talked to the guy a little bit and told him I felt like my whole body was a big ball of tension. After only a few minutes, the massage felt so good I was literally in tears. I guess I needed that kind of relief more than I realized.

I Found God today receiving some stress relief.

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Jesus Help Me

Posted by eph21920 on February 18, 2022 in Answer, Faith, Family, Prayer

My mom and I came across a prayer card that seemed to be just what we needed, so we decided to make it out evening prayer:

Jesus help me, your servant whom you have redeemed by your
Precious Blood.
In every need let me come to you with humble trust saying
Jesus help me
In all my doubts, perplexities and temptations
Jesus help me
In hours of loneliness, weariness and trial
Jesus help me
In the failure of my plans and hopes
Jesus help me
In disappointments, troubles and sorrows
Jesus help me
When I throw myself on your tender love as a Father and a Saviour
Jesus help me
When I feel impatient and my cross is heavy
Jesus help me
When I am ill, and my head and hands cannot do their work
Jesus help me
Always, always, in joys or sorrows, in falls and short-comings
Jesus help me and never forsake me. Amen.

I Found God today in a particularly meaningful prayer.

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The Great Exodus

Posted by eph21920 on February 17, 2022 in Begin, Faith, Family, Grief, Life, Struggles

The day after my dad’s funeral was the great exodus. I was grateful that my out of town family had stayed for 3 weeks, but it was time for everyone to make their way back home – except for one. I asked my brother if he would stay a few more days so we wouldn’t go from all to nothing in one day. Thankfully he agreed. He has been a tremendous help getting started on making contacts and filling out needed paperwork for my dad’s estate. He will leave tomorrow. I have always hated the term, “new normal”. I have been told that after every event with my parents for over 7 years now. I decided long ago that there really is no “normal”. There is only now. I pray for the strength and energy to tackle the day – the now – in whatever it brings. If I start getting too comfortable, I know things are about to change. After all, the only sure thing is that nothing will stay the same. So, my mom and I will continue to do our best to live each day as it comes. Though, I know it will require extra prayer to do so with peace and joy.

I Found God today remaining steadfast in Him.

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