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One For All

Posted by eph21920 on August 16, 2020 in Answer, Connected, Creation, Faith, Hope, Life, Love, Sick

The priest we listened to today started out by talking about the pandemic. He pointed out that virus does not discriminate. It will attack people of all ages, nationalities, races, colors, gender, financial state, social status, etc. We are all taking certain precautions such as wearing face masks, keeping distance, etc. to care for ourselves and to care for one another. In spite of “social distancing”, we are still connected and we need each other to thrive. We are all vulnerable. We should have empathy and care about those who are affected and are suffering. Today’s scripture readings were all about God being available to all people. Jesus made it clear that His love, His salvation is available to everyone – not just a certain group of people. Not only that, if we have faith, it is our responsibility to help others know that God is accessible. He is, after all, the One who created each and every one of us.

I Found God today in a reminder that God is the One for all.

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Yummy Delivery

Posted by eph21920 on August 15, 2020 in Family, Food, Happiness

We spent a few days at the cabin. While we were gone, my sister came by and delivered some fresh veggies and eggs. When we got home today, I opened the refrigerator to put away some food and saw the new food. It was a wonderful sight and made me smile.

I Found God today seeing a yummy delivery while we were gone.

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Life for a Life

Posted by eph21920 on August 14, 2020 in Death, Family, Life, Love, Priest, Saint, Sick

Today was the feast day for St. Maximilian Kolbe. I thought about how this priest sacrificed his life to spare that of another. That led me to think about those who are doing the same thing right now. Doctors and nurses are taking the necessary precautions as they treat people with coronavirus. There are thousands others who are also ministering to the sick and dying. Many priests and sisters have died as they do so. To act with that kind of selfless love for another human being is amazing and inspiring to me.

I Found God today pondering selfless acts of love.

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Ocean of God’s Love

Posted by eph21920 on August 13, 2020 in Faith, Forgiveness, Hope, Life, Love, Mercy, Prayer, Saint

Yesterday, the church celebrated the feast day of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, but I read about her today from the Diocese of Manchester site: She believed the secret of happiness was in “losing,” that we should “throw ourselves into God as a little drop of water into the sea, and lose ourselves indeed in the Ocean of the divine goodness.” She advised a man who wrote to her about all the afflictions he suffered “to lose all these things in God. These words produced such an effect in the soul that he wrote me that he was wholly astonished, and ravished with joy.” Today, when any thoughts or worries come to mind, send them out into the ocean of God’s love that surrounds you and lose them there. If any feelings come into your heart — grief, fear, even joy or longing, send those out into the ocean of God’s love. Finally, send your whole self, like a drop, into God. There is no past, no future, here or there. There is only the infinite ocean of God. Saint Jane, you forgave the man who killed your husband. Help me learn to forgive a particular person in my life who has caused me harm. You know how difficult it is to forgive. Help me to take the steps you took to welcome this person back into my life. Amen

I Found God today getting a new perspective of the Ocean of God’s Love.

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Meteors After Midnight

Posted by eph21920 on August 12, 2020 in Creation, Family, Peace

Before going to bed last night, we talked about the meteor shower that was to take place. We guessed where we may be able to see it in the sky, but knowing that it would be most visible after midnight, I wasn’t counting on getting up. However, about 12:30, I heard some movement and footsteps upstairs. I went up and saw my dad in his robe and slippers ready to open the garage door and step outside to see what he could see. I went out with him and we stood for a while, careening our necks toward the North. We found the spot where the meteor shower should be taking place and thought we might see it from the more comfortable front porch, so we moved there. We were able to position the chairs to block most of the light from the neighborhood and got comfortable. We were excited when we saw our first bright meteor streak through the sky. We spent almost an hour in the calm, warm night air just gazing at the stars. In all, we saw maybe 6-8 meteors – some bright, some dim. Mission accomplished. We are hoping to try again tonight and perhaps have a better view.

I Found God today spending time with my dad and being in awe of the vast space in which we live.

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Humor Me

Posted by eph21920 on August 11, 2020 in Friends, Fun, Happiness, Humor

My mom’s friend came over today and brought along a couple pages of funny puns. There were several eye-rollers, but all of them made us laugh. Here is one of my favorites, “I changed my iPad’s name to Titanic. It’s syncing now.” Laughter really does feel good.

I Found God today in laughter.

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Perfectly Timed Encouragement

Posted by eph21920 on August 10, 2020 in Answer, Hope, Life

Today I received some much needed encouragement at just the right time from a couple different people and places. I’m sure they weren’t even aware as the comments were not made directly to me. But to me, it was God speaking to my heart.

I Found God today in much needed, perfectly time encouragement.

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Not Scary

Posted by eph21920 on August 9, 2020 in Answer, Connected, Creation, Faith, Hope, Life

One of the scripture readings at Mass today was one of my favorites. It was that of Elijah hiding in a cave in fear of those who were seeking to kill him. God encouraged the prophet to come out of the cave and said that He would meet him. There was a strong wind, an earthquake, and a fire – all extremely powerful events. But God was not in any of those. When everything calmed down, there was a tiny whispering sound. Then Elijah went to the entrance of the cave to meet God. This was a stark reminder to me that, while God exists through all the chaotic events of life, I can be truly connected to Him in the quiet. When things around me seem crazy and out of control, I need to find a peaceful place and time where I can pray. God is not a big, scary, threatening being. Though He is the most powerful source I know of, He offers us peace and calm. The more I experience His peace, the more I trust Him and the less fearful I am.

I Found God today in a reminder of the peace He offers.

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Contact Made

Posted by eph21920 on August 8, 2020 in Answer, Connected, Family, Friends, Grateful, Life, Relationship

Today I was feeling particularly isolated. So I reached out to a couple of people I had not talked to in a long time, texted a bit, and called and talked to my sister for a bit. I was grateful for the interaction. It just felt good to connect.

I Found God today connecting with others.

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Champion for Life

Posted by eph21920 on August 6, 2020 in Baby, Death, Faith, Generosity, Hope, Life, Love

Today I learned of the death of a woman who was the head of a pregnancy center in the town I used to live. I had met her a couple of times, particularly in working with the high school youth group. She made quite an impression on me as she was an incredible presence even though she was small in stature. Reading through some of the comments, I realized how much her life impacted probably thousands of others. She not only provided resources, but lovingly prayed for and with those struggling with the choice of abortion, before, during, and after whatever decision they made. She was a champion for unborn babies and their parents. It was clear that her strength and mission came from God and she relied on Him to do her work and live her life. It was inspiring to read some of the messages and stories people shared of her influence.

I Found God today in a beautiful example of a life well lived.

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