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Sharing Caring Heart

Posted by eph21920 on April 21, 2022 in Bible, Death, Faith, Friends, Peace, Prayer, Struggles

A friend and I planned on meeting for a hike this morning. I texted her and got no response. I called and got no answer. This was not like her at all, so I got a little worried and decided to just go over to her house. She called while I was on my way and explained. Every morning she walks with her dogs to a nearby park and meets a group of people and other dogs. The people visit while the dogs play. This morning, she went out as usual. On her way home, one of the ladies accompanied her and was pretty distraught. She asked if she could talk with my friend. Of course she said yes and invited her in. The woman said her mother was dying and her father was declining. They lived in another state and the woman didn’t know when she should go to see them. She was asking my friend about her faith and heaven and what happens when you die. My friend answered what she could, best she could. Before they departed ways, my friend prayed with her. It was a beautiful witness to someone who was in desperate need of some kind of peace.

I Found God today in my caring friend.

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Mutual Support

Posted by eph21920 on April 20, 2022 in Answer, Connected, Grateful, Life, Struggles

It has been a long time since I went to a caregivers group. Too long. Today I made sure I virtually attended the monthly group I belong to. It was wonderful to voice my concerns and struggles and to listen to those of the others. Mostly, it was great to be in an environment of mutual understanding and support.

I Found God today in mutual care and support.

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70 Years

Posted by eph21920 on April 19, 2022 in Death, Faith, Family, Life, Love, Marriage

Today was my parent’s 70th wedding anniversary. When my mother gets up in the morning, it usually takes her some time to figure out what day it is. This morning she knew. Of course she was sad that my dad wasn’t here to celebrate with her. I asked if there was anything in particular she wanted to do. She didn’t have any ideas. Our friend came over for a while and I picked up a nice bouquet of flowers when I ran some errands. That brought a smile to mom’s face. Tonight she said that she had said some prayers during the day. I asked if there were any specific prayers. She said no, just prayers. I asked if she talked to my dad today and told her that I talk to him every day. She said yes, probably several times. She told him she was sorry he didn’t make it to celebrate, but that they had 70 wonderful years together.

I Found God today helping my mom be ok on this difficult day.

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Jesus Christ is Risen Today

Posted by eph21920 on April 17, 2022 in Children, Faith, Family, Grateful, Joy

Easter Sunday brought a lot of joy. My sister was here yesterday, so we spent much of the day cleaning and preparing food. I was glad about that, because it helped reduce the work load for today. This morning, my son and his girlfriend came over for breakfast. It was a wonderful way to start the day. When we got to church, our “normal” seats were filled, so my sister found us another spot. I loved singing the traditional, “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” and look forward to it every year. It made me smile and my heart happy. I could feel the joyful mood of the whole congregation and the priest was equally as enthusiastic as he proclaimed that the fact that Jesus has risen from the dead has changed everything. There is hope, purpose, and meaning to every life. On the way home, my mom said she could hear everything that was said for the first time in a year. I think my sister found us some new “normal” seats. When we arrived back home, the house was full of the rest of the family who were finishing the meal. Everyone did their part and the food came out perfect. I was again grateful for the activity of children and grandchildren. Mom and I relaxed this evening after everyone left before getting to bed. It was truly a blessed day.

I Found God today in a blessed Easter.

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The Headstone

Posted by eph21920 on April 16, 2022 in Death, Faith, Family, Mercy, Trust

My dad was buried in a National Cemetery. This afternoon my sister, mom, and I went out to put some flowers at his site for Easter. It was nice to see the headstone that was put in place last week. But at the same time, it made his death more real, more permanent. I thought about this day being the one Jesus laid in His grave, to be Resurrected tomorrow (in celebration). We said a prayer that my dad and others would be now celebrating their own eternity with God.

Eternal Rest grant into them O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed and all souls in Pergatory through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen

I Found God today trusting in His eternal life.

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Washing Jesus’ Feet

Posted by eph21920 on April 15, 2022 in Connected, Faith, Jesus, Lent

After I shared my story about cleaning the Last Supper wall hanging, I heard from a friend today. She said she thought it was awesome that I was washing Jesus’ and His Apostles’ feet at this time. Honestly, I hadn’t even thought of it like that! The comment did send a little Holy Spirit chill through me.

I Found God today thinking about washing Jesus’ feet.

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So Shiny

Posted by eph21920 on April 14, 2022 in Answer, Family, Friends, Grateful, Job

We are excited that there will be a lot of family here for Easter. So we have started to prepare. My mom wanted to make sure her wall hanging of the Last Supper was cleaned up, so I took it off the wall yesterday. It is a metal relief. My mom had used silver polish on it for years. We got out the polish, but it was hard as a rock. Luckily I had some new cleaning clothes and put them to use. We got the picture so clean and shiny, it is beautiful. My mom has the view of it from her place at the dining room table and loves looking at it. This morning our friend came over. We talked about mom wanting to shine the silverware. Our friend used a method of putting them in water with aluminum foil, salt, and water softener. I researched a little and found a similar method using boiling water, aluminum foil, and baking soda, which was what I had in the house. I went to run some errands and left them to the experiment. When I got home and opened the silverware drawer, I was almost blinded by the shiny forks, knives, and spoons. It was wonderful that we found methods of cleaning these items so easily so we didn’t have to meticulously scrub. My mom was very happy about that fact and that we got her items all cleaned up and ready.

I Found God in easy, gentle cleaning.

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Heirloom Blessing

Posted by eph21920 on April 13, 2022 in Answer, Connected, Faith, Family, Generosity, Grateful, Past

My mother had a beautiful rosary that was given to her as a wedding gift. She had been wanting to pass it along to her niece as it came from her grandmother. We sent the rosary to her a little while ago. Today we got the most thoughtful thank you note. My mom read it aloud to me even though it made her cry. My cousin said that she received the rosary and was so thankful. She said it was certainly a special heirloom that would be passed down through the generations. It was on my mom’s heart to send the rosary and she was persistent in making it happen. It was and will be a blessing to the family and that made my mom very happy.

I Found God today in the blessing of a family heirloom.

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It’s Been Years

Posted by eph21920 on April 12, 2022 in Friends, Grateful, Happiness

I had dinner with a group of friends tonight who I haven’t seen since before the COVID lockdowns. I couldn’t believe that 2 years had passed. But just like always, there was a lot of laughter and a lot of caring. I really missed seeing them all. It was such a blessing to get back together.

I Found God today in my friends.

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St. Gerard

Posted by eph21920 on April 11, 2022 in Baby, Begin, Children, Faith, Family, Life, Prayer, Saint

My mom and I started watching a DVD about holy relics from saints and holy objects. This reminded me of a conversation I had with my mom the other day. As we were filling out more paperwork, I wrote both my brothers’ full names. They both have the middle name Gerard. Obviously I have known that for a long time, but not sure I knew why. So I asked. My mom said he was the patron saint of expectant mothers. After my mom and dad were married, they anticipated having children right away. However, 4 years later, they were still childless. My mother started praying to St. Gerard asking his intercession to bear children. It wasn’t long after that my mom became pregnant. She gave birth to 6 children, 1 of whom only lived for 2 days. His middle name was also Gerard.

I Found God today in the blessing of children he gave to my parents through the intercession of a saint.

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