Leave a comment

Simply Different Christmas

Posted by eph21920 on December 25, 2020 in Connected, Family, Food, Happiness, Jesus, Joy, Life, Music, Tradition

When I came up the stairs this Christmas morning, the sunlight was shining directly on the manger of the nativity set. Both my parents were able to see it before it moved away. We felt like it was God’s gift to us and reminder that He is truly with us. We started the morning like most Christmases for the past decades – with my mom’s Christmas bread. It wasn’t exactly like she makes it, but I did my best with her directing, and it was still a delicious treat. What we did after that was very different. After breakfast, we headed downstairs, started up the big computer, logged into the family Zoom session, and brought down gifts from under the tree. The whole family draws names for gift giving and we saved them for our get together. We started the unwrapping with the 4th generation – my grandchildren – and worked our way up to my dad. After that, my mom found her Christmas music and played the piano. Later in the day, my son and one sister came over for dinner. The weather was just gorgeous, so we were able to spend almost the entire time outside. We did end with another tradition. My mom’s friend shared a chocolate peppermint roll as she has done for years. So, I guess food and music can be a pretty stable part of life when everything else seems uncertain. We had a somewhat quieter, low-key Christmas day, but it was just the right amount of activity, laughter, and interaction for my parents to enjoy the holiday.

I Found God today in a simpler Christmas Day.

Permalink
2 Comments

Low Key Christmas Eve

Posted by eph21920 on December 24, 2020 in Advent, Faith, Family, Friends, Joy, Prayer, Present

This Christmas Eve was very low-key, which I expect will continue into tomorrow. Our neighbors came by with treats and sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” from across the porch. Another friend had her son deliver a gift to the porch. We went for a little walk and enjoyed the sunshine. After dinner we “went to church” downstairs using the big TV and YouTube. As usual, the priest gave a beautiful sermon. I appreciated his emphasis on how God is just as present in our home worship as He is in the church, that God uses the priest’s words and prayers no matter where we are. After Mass, we wrapped a couple presents, ate our goodies, and wished each other a Merry Christmas. We are finding that keeping things simple makes for an overall relaxing, enjoyable experience.

I Found God today enjoying Christmas Eve.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Music By Memory

Posted by eph21920 on December 23, 2020 in Advent, Family, Happiness, Music

My parents had their favorite classical radio station on for a while this evening. But after a while my mom was done listening. Music doesn’t sound the same to her through her hearing aides and she was disappointed that they weren’t playing any Christmas songs. So, she turned it off and decided to play the piano. My dad and I always appreciate that. Her Christmas piano music was not easily accessible, so she decided to play by memory starting with “Silent Night”. It was perfect. She went on to “Jingle Bells”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, and a couple others. She enjoyed playing and we loved listening.

I Found God today in my mom’s Christmas music by memory.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Delivering Goodies

Posted by eph21920 on December 22, 2020 in Connected, Family, Friends, Grateful, Happiness, Joy

It was a mild day today, so I was able to get my parents out and about. It has been a couple months since we have seen our family friend/respite provider, so we made up a Christmas goodie bag and headed out to deliver. My parents stayed comfortable in the car with the windows rolled down while our friends stood outside to visit. We have known both she and her husband for about 35 years through my sister. But, her husband was friends with my younger brother in high school, which I forgot about. He told a funny story about coming over to have a jam session with my younger brother and packing things up quickly when my parents got home. Later, I met with other friends to deliver treats. I met family members of a friend who was celebrating Christmas dinner socially distanced in the garage. It was so nice to get out and talk with people that we know and it did our hearts well.

I Found God today getting my parents out to visit friends.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Spiritual and Astronomical Connection

Posted by eph21920 on December 21, 2020 in Connected, Creation, Faith, Family, Friends, Grateful, Joy, Relationship

Today a far away friend called unexpectedly. I grinned when I saw her name pop up on my phone. It has been quite a long time since we have talked. She has always been somewhat of a spiritual mentor to me as she shares her strong faith unapologetically. As we spoke, my heart was filled with joy and I got teary eyed. Just then she said she was welling up with tears and that’s how you know when your connecting with someone on a spiritual level. I was grateful that God reminded me that I have this kind of a friendship.

TWO-FER!
This evening, I offered to take my parents out to see the “Christmas Star” as I didn’t think we would be able to see it from our house. I thought my dad would really enjoy it based on his sky watching background, but he was too tired to go out anywhere. So after dinner I went out on the porch, looked to the Southwest as instructed, and there it was. I got out the binoculars and we all stood on the porch for a while observing the phenomenon. My dad thought that my brother would likely be viewing it with his fancy telescope set up. He was. And he made the time to facetime to show us all about it. His viewing screen displayed Saturn and Jupiter at their nearest point. We didn’t even leave the house and got more viewing and information that we had anticipated. I was so glad my brother made the time for us.

I Found God today in a spiritual and astronomical connection.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Sharing Joy

Posted by eph21920 on December 20, 2020 in Family, Happiness, Joy, Life

Today I brought my parents over to my son’s new house. They took the tour in 2 segments, resting between staircases. My son explained all the technicalities to my dad while my mom commented on some of the extra niceties she noticed. It warmed my heart to see my son so happy and proudly sharing his accomplishment with his grandparents.

I Found God today in my son’s and parents’ joy.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Comfort of Christmas

Posted by eph21920 on December 19, 2020 in Advent, Family, Fun, Peace

We have been preparing for Christmas a little at a time for the past couple weeks. Got the outside lights up earlier, Christmas cards in the mail, gifts purchased, packages shipped, and nativity set on the piano. Whew! My sister came over today and helped us put up the Christmas tree. We sang a little to the Christmas music that was playing. I even baked some cookies while it was being decorated. We had fun and it is so nice to have the tree up. Looking at it tonight with the twinkling lights, my dad described it as comforting. He is right. There is just a certain feeling at Christmas time unlike any other time of the year.

I Found God today in the comfort of Christmas.

Permalink
Leave a comment

TSO Livestream

Posted by eph21920 on December 18, 2020 in Advent, Family, Joy, Music

For several years I have tried to make the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas program part of my annual celebration. This year they cancelled their tour due to the coronavirus. However, they offered a live streaming event. When I found out about it, I made the purchase. I figured it was a small price to pay and I enjoy supporting the group. The concert was tonight. I explained to my parents that it would be a rock concert using some traditional Christmas songs, centered around an uplifting story. I was able to get the event on the big TV, so we all got comfortable and watched the show. I was elated as I heard the familiar songs and liked being able to see the performers up close. Although it was a very different experience for my parents, they enjoyed it too. The concert was definitely a highlight of my Christmas preparation.

I Found God today enjoying an uplifting Christmas concert.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Embrace the Broccoli

Posted by eph21920 on December 17, 2020 in Answer, Faith, Food, Grateful, Prayer

I talked with a friend today about how I shop for groceries now using the order ahead and pick up at the store process. I don’t even have to get out of the car – they just put the food right in the trunk. It is not a perfect system, as sometimes I don’t get exactly what I want. Laughingly, I used the example of the fresh broccoli. Sometimes I unpack it and wonder who in the world picked out broccoli that looks like that? I would never have chosen that one. But, then I talk myself off the ledge and remember that it is still broccoli. It tastes like broccoli and has the same nutrients and health properties as another one I may have purchased. I am grateful for the service and for the food provided for me and my parents. When I thought about it, I realized it is the same with my prayers. When I pray, I tend to have a specific outcome in mind. But, sometimes God has another plan. He may not do exactly as I think He should. But in the end, His answer to my prayer is still an answer, likely with an even better result than I can even imagine. I need to let go of my desire for control and remember that God has my best interest in His heart – as well as that of those around me. I should be grateful and embrace the fact that He is God.

I Found God today remembering to embrace His perfect plan.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Still Riding

Posted by eph21920 on December 16, 2020 in Creation, Life, Love, Marriage

Today, a woman told a story that exemplifies the meaning of true love. She is in her late 70’s and cares for her ailing husband. They live on a ranch and have had horses forever. It is getting too much for her to do now on her own as her husband can no long help. She realized it was best to sell the horses and move to a manageable location. However, she decided to keep one horse that her husband can ride. She tacks up the horse and helps him get on. She said once he is on the horse, all his anxiety leaves as holds the reins and directs the animal. Even though it would be easier for her to be completely freed of the responsibilities and work of the horse and the land, she will continue on for a while as it makes her husband happy when he still rides. That, to me, is an example of selfless love.

I Found God today in an example of selfless love.

Permalink