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Eyes Wide Open

Posted by eph21920 on September 25, 2020 in Answer, Doctor, Family

My sister came down today for an eye doctor appointment. She received some startling news from her eye doctor and wanted to get another opinion. She was happy to be able to get in to see my dad’s ophthalmologist who we have been very happy with. The diagnosis was basically the same, but she had a much better experience and conversation about the problem. Her previous doctor didn’t give her all the information and made her pretty afraid of what the future might hold. After discussing with the new doctor, my sister really understood the situation. She felt much better and a lot less worried. It was a very good decision on her part, and I got to enjoy an evening with my sister.

I Found God today spending time with my sister and knowing that she is feeling better.

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Change or No Change

Posted by eph21920 on September 24, 2020 in Answer, Faith, Grateful, Hope, Life

I talked to my sister and my son today and in both conversations we noted what a crazy year this is. Nothing is the way we imagined it would be. And it continues. If I think something will turn out a certain way, it can be assumed that it will not. But I came across a quote from Matthew Kelly that was comforting. “The environment changes, the culture changes, people change, but the truth does not change; faith, hope, and love do not change; and God does not change.”

I Found God today grateful that He remains the same.

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Wedding Bears

Posted by eph21920 on September 23, 2020 in Family, Home, Life, Love, Marriage

My nephew and his wife are in a nearby city making arrangements for his next military assignment. We had planned on meeting them and other family this evening at a park. Unfortunately, my mother is still not feeling well from her recently diagnosed diverticulitis – again. However, we were very happy that my nephew made the time and the drive to come over to the house. It was so nice to see him, especially since it’s unsure when we will see him next. He and my dad discussed the adventure of military moves among other things. My mom and dad have kept a pair of wedding teddy bears in their room for 18 years now. My nephew and my son made them for their 50th wedding anniversary. My mom thought it was a good idea to now pass them on to my nephew and his wife who were married just a few months ago. My nephew remembered making the bears when he was only 5 at the time. My mom said she hopes they might have them for their 50th anniversary.

I Found God today passing down loving wishes for a long marriage.

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Everything Stays the Same

Posted by eph21920 on September 22, 2020 in Bible, Faith, Life, Mercy, Past, Present

My mom’s friend came over today and we usually get all riled up talking about politics and the state of the world. I was reminded of the Bible class I had last studying the prophet Amos. He is known as the “social justice” prophet. He warned the people that their immoral behavior and the their disdain for the poor would lead to terrible consequences. Instead of listening to the prophet, some countries even threw him out. The countries were in fact annihilated. At the same time, God had mercy on the “remnant” who continued to follow Him. That all happened about 3000 years ago. Yet, here in our current times, there is civil unrest. The gap between the rich and the poor widens. Groups of people protest due to unfair treatment. At the same time, Christian groups who try to get involved with leadership are seen as “pushing their beliefs on others”. It’s as if nothing has changed. Societies rise and fall. And through it all there are still the faithful just trying to do the right thing. I pray for conversion for all and that God has mercy on His “remnant”.

I Found God today realizing He remains faithful.

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Inspiring Faith and Strength

Posted by eph21920 on September 21, 2020 in Answer, Doctor, Faith, Friends, Struggles

I visited a good friend today whose husband has Parkinson’s. She has been really struggling recently as he falls often and has difficulty with his daily activities. She has not wanted to move him into a nursing home, but has been very aware that his care is becoming more than she can provide on her own. Last week, his doctors said that based on what is happening at this point, it was time to start hospice care. This took my friend back and she naturally had a few days of sadness and lamenting. Since then, they have met with the team who will be coming in to the house to take care of specific needs. My friend said that her husband is very accepting of the whirlwind of people, the paperwork, and the help he will be receiving. This alone has helped her to trust that this is the right course of action and she is grateful for the help. Mostly, she depends on God to guide them through the struggles of life, this illness, and whatever the future holds. Her faith and strength are inspiring.

I Found God today visiting an inspiring friend.

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On Task

Posted by eph21920 on September 20, 2020 in Bible, Faith, Grateful, Happiness, Knowledge, Mercy

I had a difficult time during my last semester of Bible class. When my dad had the stroke, I fell way behind. It was a marathon to get the reading and homework completed. But, with the encouragement of my teacher, I got it done. The new school year started last week. I was able to complete all the reading and the homework that I emailed to my instructor tonight. I enjoyed the lesson about the prophets Jonah and Nahum, as I reflected on God’s mercy. And it felt great to be right on task. So far, so good.

I Found God today enjoying and completing a Bible lesson.

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Fun Afar

Posted by eph21920 on September 19, 2020 in Children, Connected, Family, Fun, Grateful, Happiness, Life, Relationship

My son came over for a visit today. It is always good to see him, to talk and laugh. He told me about some games that he plays online with his brother and nephews. I thought about the effort it took to stay in touch with my brothers, sisters, and my parents when we all lived in different states. I am so glad that my sons and grandchildren are able to not only stay in touch so easily, but also be able to play games and have fun together from afar.

I Found God today knowing the excellent relationships my children and grandchildren have.

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The Best Medicine

Posted by eph21920 on September 18, 2020 in Family, Healing, Laughter, Life

I found a couple of shows on TV tonight that were just plain fun entertainment. One was “Masters of Illusion”. We watched the amazing acts including a hilarious pick-pocket. My mom and dad recounted how my grandfather who was a magician also had a pick-pocket routine. They laughed as they explained how his “patter” – constant talking and distraction – got the person so confused they didn’t even know what they had or what they were missing. He was quite a character. After that show, we watched funny animal videos. We were again amused and laughed quite a bit. Ironically, after that my mom felt stronger than she had all day as she mastered going up the stairs. It did feel very therapeutic.

I Found God today in a therapeutic evening of laughter.

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Dinner for Dessert

Posted by eph21920 on September 17, 2020 in Family, Food, Fun

My brother provides a fruit of the month subscription from Harry&David for my mom’s birthday. The other day, my mom received a beautiful box of large plums. She always made an amazing pflaumenkuchen, so I made my version of the recipe today. It turned out amazing. For dinner, I made a turkey tenderloin and stuffing. It took way longer than I anticipated. As it got later and later, I was afraid it was going to get too late to enjoy our dessert. So, I asked my mom and dad if they wanted to start our meal with dessert while we were waiting. The answer was a resounding YES! So, we had the plum cake with vanilla ice cream for dinner. By the time we finished, the turkey was finally done. We each had a small portion of turkey dinner for dessert. Having dessert for our first course made things interesting and it was well worth it.

I Found God today enjoying good food in a different way.

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Courage Defined

Posted by eph21920 on September 16, 2020 in Bible, Connected, Faith, Hope, Life, New

Today I received a newsletter from the monastery that I visit on occasion. It was full of articles and reflections from the sisters that touched my heart. One was about courage. It stated that the definition of courage is “the ability to do something that frightens you.” That grabbed my attention right there. I feel there have been many times that I have been afraid of what is going to happen, but I somehow push through. The article written by Sister Mary Colleen Schwarz, OSB, Vocations Director continued:

God says to “fear not,” “to be of good cheer,” and to “have courage” in our lives. Living in this pandemic takes COURAGE! We make daily decisions that influence our levels of anxiety, stress, danger, pain, anger, depression, doubts, loneliness, and fear. Employing courage helps us face these decisions and the consequences. In our Christian faith, do we open our hearts to seek God amid this pandemic?

To me, the sisters are very down to earth, relevant, and hope-filled. Thinking about this word, courage, I realized that I have been courageous in many circumstances and thanked God for the ability to do so. It was a good reminder that I am not walking through this life alone.

I Found God today reflecting on how courageous I have been.

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