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Sunshine For Us

Posted by eph21920 on May 17, 2021 in Creation, Family, Grateful, Happiness, Weather

It was a cloudy, cool day today and thunderstorms were expected this afternoon, but I really wanted to get my parents out for a walk. When my mom awoke from her afternoon nap, it looked like the sun was poking through the clouds. We all got our shoes and jackets on and headed out. The sun did shine upon us just long enough for us to take the walk and we could feel the warmth. We sat on the porch for a little while when we returned and watched the clouds get darker and heavier. We felt like God made the sun to shine just for us.

I Found God today being able to enjoy a bit of sunshine in His perfect timing.

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Post COVID Ballgame

Posted by eph21920 on May 16, 2021 in Answer, Family, Fun, Grateful, Happiness, Joy, Life

Today my son took me to a baseball game for my mother’s day gift. The stadium was not filled to capacity due to COVID and it was a little strange not to be crowded, but to me it was a good transition – especially since it was outside. It felt amazing to be out enjoying an event with my son. I realized that there really is life out there beyond these 4 walls. At the same time, I gained a new perspective as I continue my commitment to care for my parents. I can get so caught up with the trials and tribulations of my own current situation, that I can forget that there is more to life. I had a wonderful day and was grateful to my son for setting it up and my sister for staying with my parents.

I Found God today enjoying a ball game with my son.

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Blessed Deacon

Posted by eph21920 on May 15, 2021 in Bible, Connected, Faith, Friends, Happiness

My sister was here today so I was delighted to be able to go to Mass again. I wanted to bring Communion home for my parents, so I stopped by the sacristy on my way in. Getting things ready for the celebration was a deacon that I was happy to see. In my first 2 years of Bible class, he was in my small group. He was studying for the deaconate at that time and was ordained a year ago. I had been impressed with his knowledge, empathy, and humility. Of course, I had not seen him since before his ordination, so it was nice to chat with him a bit. It was beautiful thing to see him on the altar. And while I didn’t have such a strong experience as last week, it was wonderful to celebrate and praise God with real people. All the different voices blended into one.

I Found God today in a blessed deacon.

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The Dementia Struggle

Posted by eph21920 on May 14, 2021 in Connected, Faith, Friends, Grace, Grateful, Hope, Life, Love, Sacrifice, Struggles

I read a friend’s post today and could empathize in my own situation. This is what she wrote:

“My husband was diagnosed with Temporal frontal lobe dementia in in 2014. His progression has been gradual until this past year and now it is increasingly progressing. It is the saddest thing I have had to watch in my entire life. To see a strong larger than life man slowly become less. The only thing I can be thankful for is that he doesn’t realize it. I am blessed with wonderful kids who help me as much as they can but unfortunately there are only some things they can help with because he needs to have consistency as much as possible and that’s me. As frustrated as I sometimes get I wouldn’t trade a moment that I can spend with him. I will treasure whatever time good or difficult that we have together. Please cherish your time with your loved ones because we never know what is ahead.”

I got in touch with her and we chatted a bit about the struggle and God’s grace in the midst of it all. It was great to read her words of encouragement and inspiration. She is an amazing caregiver, wife, mother, and faithful servant of God.

I Found God today in faithful, unconditional love.

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Spring Again

Posted by eph21920 on May 13, 2021 in Creation, Joy, Life

After a couple days of cold and snow, it felt wonderful to get outside today. I was able to take a walk and enjoyed seeing the blooms and green popping up everywhere. And the air smelled amazing. It was very nice to just take a few moments and revel in the Spring environment.

I Found God today enjoying Spring.

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Simple Loving Gesture

Posted by eph21920 on May 12, 2021 in Connected, Intimacy, Love, Marriage, Relationship

I met with my prayer group on Zoom this evening. One of the ladies had her hair done today and it looked lovely. At one point during our discussion, her husband gently pulled back a piece of hair from her face. She looked at him and as their eyes met, they smiled. They have been married for about 60 years. I thought that small gesture was one of the most loving things I have seen.

I Found God today in a simple, loving gesture.

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Funny Baby Photo

Posted by eph21920 on May 11, 2021 in Baby, Family, Fun, Laughter

My mom is still very committed to attending her online exercise classes twice a week. They are in real time with some of the people she used to exercise with in person before the pandemic. The group is connected to the college and includes interns who are furthering their education in the medical field. After the hour long exercise session, they have a social time, usually led by one of the interns. Many of them are getting ready to graduate, so this week is the last time we will see them. One of the young women thought it would be a fun activity to have each person send in a baby picture and everyone could guess who they were. My mom didn’t have any pictures of her as a baby. But, many years ago, she and my dad were invited to a party with the same kind of theme. At that time, my dad took a picture of my mom and himself, cut out the head and pasted it onto a generic baby picture, then took a picture of that. My mom thought it would be funny to use that for her class. When the photo came up, everyone in the class was confused and laughing as they saw an adult head on a baby’s body. It didn’t take too long to recognize my mom, though, and she told the story. It was great fun.

I Found God today in laughter.

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Ever Available Presence

Posted by eph21920 on May 10, 2021 in Answer, Faith, Grace, Grateful, Intimacy, Life, Love, Peace, Present, Relationship

As I have been continuing to reflect on my experience at Mass yesterday, it struck me that I was blessed to encounter just a little bit of God’s overwhelming love. While I felt like I received an incredible gift – which I did – I am not extraordinary. God loves each person this intensely – those who are holy and ordinary, rich and poor, faithful and unbelieving, joyful and sorrowful, grateful and struggling. His love is limitless and everywhere and He offers it to everyone. We only need to respond by turning toward Him, crying out to Him in whatever our situation. He is overwhelming, and just a small dose of His Presence gives me the strength, courage, and peace to move forward. And that is available to every individual.

I Found God today reflecting on His ever available Presence.

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Reunited at Mass

Posted by eph21920 on May 9, 2021 in Connected, Eucharist, Faith, Family, Grace, Grateful, Jesus, Love

What a beautiful Mother’s Day. I received well wishes and a surprise call from my grandson wishing me a happy mother’s day because I am “indirectly responsible for him being here.” My sister and I made a lovely brunch for us and our parents. We Zoomed with the family as usual. But the most amazing event of the day was going to Mass this morning with my son. I had not been to Mass in a church with live people for almost a year and a half. I knew it would be wonderful, but it was much more than I anticipated. As soon as I heard – and felt – the organ I got teary eyed. That continued throughout the Mass and escalated at the consecration. As I got in line for Communion, I could feel the tears starting to well. When it was my turn to receive the Eucharist, I could barely whisper an “Amen”. Back at my seat I was in a full blown sob with tears streaming down my face. I was glad I was wearing my mask to catch some of them as I had pretty much saturated the only tissue I had. I was overwhelmed with the intimate love of Jesus and incredibly grateful for being in that place. It was like being reunited with a loved one after a long period of time – but so much more than I can explain. As my son and I walked to the car after Mass, I told him that is how I know there is a God. I was glad I was there with him who understands. I had looked forward to going back to church, but in no way did I imagine it would have that affect on me. God’s mercy, love, and peace is truly present in the Mass as it is in no other situation.

I Found God today reuniting with Him at Mass.

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Adventure Among Flowers

Posted by eph21920 on May 8, 2021 in Creation, Family, Joy, Weather

Usually on Mother’s Day weekend, my mom and I go to our favorite local garden shop to buy our summer flowers. Today my dad thought he would like to go as well. Luckily my sister was here, so we loaded up 2 parents and 2 walkers and headed out for another adventure. It was a little awkward as we made our way over the pea gravel in the greenhouse, but my mom picked out her geranium and we found some pansies, petunias, and daisies for the pots. While we were choosing, my dad admired all the colors and assortment. When we got back home, I put the plants outside on the porch. but will bring them in tomorrow before the snow flies and plant them later. Yes, snow. That will be another adventure.

I Found God today visiting and enjoying the garden shop.

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