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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.

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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.

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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.

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Christmas Candle

Posted by eph21920 on December 15, 2020 in Advent, Angel, Faith, Family, Hope, Miracle

My parents and I were looking for something to watch on TV tonight. We have watched a couple of those sappy Christmas movies where you can accurately predict the plot in the first 5 minutes. You know the main characters will fall in love with each other by the end of the drama. We wanted something different and came across the movie, “The Christmas Candle”. The story was written by Max Lucado. It was an uplifting show about Christmas miracles, faith, and hope. It didn’t play out exactly as I had anticipated and took a couple of unexpected twists. Yes, all was well in the end, but it included a good message. We all enjoyed it.

I Found God today in an uplifting story.

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Why Does God Allow Evil

Posted by eph21920 on December 14, 2020 in Answer, Bible, Faith, Hope, Life, Prayer

In my Bible class tonight, we read through the book of the prophet Habakkuk. He raises the question to God one that we have all wrestled with since the beginning of time – Why does God allow evil? Habakkuk cried out to God since from his perspective, evil was flourishing and good was dwindling. He asked God why did it seem that the people who disregard Him live comfortably, while those who try to remain faithful struggle and even suffer. We could ask the same thing in our time right now. God answered Habakkuk that He was in fact doing His work, His will in ways that were unknown to Habakkuk, and that even if He told him, he wouldn’t believe or understand it. God encouraged Habakkuk to be patient and to remain faithful. He said that the righteous would suffer in his time, but those who persecuted them would be persecuted themselves. In the end, Habakkuk makes the conscience decision to continue to follow and rely on God. History tells us that in Habakkuk’s time, just when it seemed that the wicked would prevail, they were destroyed themselves. The take away for me was that God’s ways are higher than mine and I cannot understand them; I must patiently endure and trust in God and pray for those who do not; and that God always keeps His promises. I can either rely on God, or rely on myself. And I know that trying to do things on my own in my way doesn’t always work out so good.

I Found God today in a reminder to rely on Him.

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Pray Without Ceasing

Posted by eph21920 on December 13, 2020 in Advent, Faith, Joy, Knowledge, Love, Prayer

I went outside to shovel this morning and met my neighbor out there. She had already “been to church”. The message that she heard was that we can have joy in any circumstance. We may not always be “happy”, but our hearts can remain joyful if we know, love, and trust God. Of course, we must be in relationship with Him through prayer. One of the scripture readings for Mass today was spot on for me:

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks,
1 Thessalonians 5:16

I Found God today in a reminder to pray without ceasing.

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Craft Day

Posted by eph21920 on December 12, 2020 in Family, Fun

It was cold and snowy outside today, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to do some crafts. I put on a big pot of chicken soup that could cook all day so dinner would be taken care of. Then I got out a bunch of things from my Christmas box such as jingle bells, pipe cleaners, and ribbons I have been putting away for just such an occasion. My mom and I spent a couple hours this afternoon putting together some very cute decorations. It was a lot of fun.

I Found God today tapping into my creative side.

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Gone Too Long

Posted by eph21920 on December 11, 2020 in Family, Happiness, Home, Relationship

It has been a very long time since my sister has come for a visit for various reasons – most of them due to covid concerns. She came today for a couple of hours. Even though it was difficult for my parents to hear and understand her some of the time due to masking and social distancing, they really enjoyed her company. We even got oriental take-out for lunch, which they love and I do not. As she left, my dad said he wished she would come more often. As her circumstances are changing, perhaps she can.

I Found God today in my sister’s visit.

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Christmas Cards

Posted by eph21920 on December 10, 2020 in Connected, Family, Friends, Grateful

For the past few days, my parents have been working hard on getting their Christmas cards ready. Before they started, they reviewed last year’s cards with joy. Then they wrote a letter, went through their addresses, and printed labels. Each year it gets a little more challenging. Today they finished putting them all together and they are ready to mail out. My mom said she loves sending the cards and touching base with friends and she was glad she got them done.

I Found God today seeing my parents finish their big project.

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Old Man and Old Dog

Posted by eph21920 on December 9, 2020 in Connected, Creation, Love, Relationship, Trust

I have been taking advantage of the pick up option at the grocery store. It is easy to make the list online and schedule the time to pick up the order. I don’t even have to get out of the car – they wheel out the groceries and put them right into the trunk. I went this morning to pick up the order I placed last night. As I waited for them to come out with my food, I just took in the scenery. I spotted an old man walking with his pup. The man had quite a limp and was constantly fiddling with the long leash attached to the small mangy old dog who had a unique gait as well. They stopped to cross the busy street and it seemed that the man wasn’t quite sure where he was going. Then my groceries arrived and my focus shifted. After the order was loaded in the car, I went over to the pharmacy drive through to pick up a prescription. As I waited there, here came the man and the dog back the other direction and right in front of me. As the little dog went across the sidewalk, it became evident that he was blind. I thought about the relationship between this pair. I thought they must have been together for many years. The old dog was clearly dependent and fully trusting in the old man to lead him where he should go. The old man was continually fidgeting with the leash and checking to make sure the old dog was by his side. It seemed to me that he was just as dependent on the dog, but in a different way. To me, it was a beautiful display of mutual care and trust.

I Found God today in the care and trust of an old man and his old dog.

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