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Environmental Entertainment

Posted by eph21920 on July 16, 2020 in Creation, Family, Humor, Joy, Rest, Weather

We returned home today after spending a few days in the beauty and serenity of the mountains. We never even turned on the TV. Instead, there was plenty to view just outside. The birds at the feeders were not as plentiful as usual, but we enjoyed identifying those who came for a visit. On the other hand, the hummingbirds flitted about almost constantly, including in our faces from time to time. There were 3 curious little chipmunks that ran all over the deck collecting seeds and exploring everything that we put out there. They even came tapping on the door and climbed on the screen. Also scurrying around the ground were squirrels, a rabbit, and a couple of wild turkeys. One time as I stood quietly on the deck, I saw a small buck running down the hill. Above all the activity soared 2 golden eagles looking for an opportunity. We watched the storm clouds and the fog roll in and out. And in the evening we had the most glorious view of the sunset as it changed the clouds from white and grey to yellow, orange, pink, and a fiery red. I did not at all miss the sensational news reports and never had a real desire to know what was going on “out there”. We were surrounded with beauty, peace, and occasional comic relief all presented by Our Creator Himself.

I Found God today in the beauty and entertainment of nature.

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Highest Honors

Posted by eph21920 on July 15, 2020 in Answer, Family, Home, Humility, Life, Love, Service

I read a meme today that cut to my heart. It said, “To care for those who once cared for us is one of life’s highest honors.” Enough said.

I Found God today in an inspiring quote.

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Helping Chippy

Posted by eph21920 on July 14, 2020 in Creation, Family, Grateful, Laughter

We were up at the cabin today. We put the bird feeders out on the deck as usual. Once the birds started feasting, the chipmunks arrived to clean up the floor. My dad then realized there was no water for them. The water dish he usually used had been moved to below the deck while work was being done. He retrieved the dish, filled it with water, and placed it on the stand. It didn’t take long for the chipmunks to find it. But it seemed to high for them to reach. Then my dad remembered that there was a piece of wood or something for them to climb on previously. He fashioned two options for them to use and sprinkled seeds on them to entice the chippies. After a bit, one chipmunk showed up and started stuffing his cheeks. Then another, smaller one joined in. They followed the seed trail up the ramp to the edge of the water dish. They seemed so grateful to us, that they climbed on the screen door trying to get in to thank us properly. We had a lot of fun watching their antics.

I Found God today interacting with and being entertained by chipmunks.

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Peaceful Twilight

Posted by eph21920 on July 13, 2020 in Creation, Family, Peace

It was a very calm, peaceful evening tonight. My mom and I spent time just sitting on the deck, listening to the sounds of nature quieting down, and watching the sunlight fade. It was indeed very peaceful.

I Found God today in a peaceful twilight.

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New Deacon

Posted by eph21920 on July 12, 2020 in Humility, Knowledge, New, Patience, Prayer, Priest

I have had the privilege of getting to know a gentleman who was in my biblical class small group for 2 years. I wasn’t too surprised when he told me he was also studying to become a deacon. He is a very kind, gentle, patient and humble person. He was ordained a deacon a couple of months ago. Last week I found out that he was assigned to our home parish along with another new deacon and 2 priests who are also new to the parish. Although we haven’t been attending Mass in the church at this time, we still watch online and do our best to keep up with what is going on. Today we watched the Installation Mass of our new pastor. The bishop was there, both priests, the 2 new deacons along with the 3 who were already serving the parish, and several altar servers. While I did cringe a little at the lack of “social distancing”, the celebration was beautiful. It was particularly special to see my friend on the altar and reading the Gospel. I know he will be a particular blessing in the Church.

I Found God today seeing and praying for my friend who recently became a deacon.

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Surprise Package

Posted by eph21920 on July 11, 2020 in Family, Joy, Love

Today I received a package in the mail from my son. It was a super cute purse. He said it was just a little something he saw and thought of me, so he sent it. His thoughtfulness and the surprise brought me a lot of joy. And I will think about it every time I use the purse.

I Found God today in a joyful surprise.

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It’s Time

Posted by eph21920 on July 10, 2020 in Connected, Family, Friends, Life, Love, Music, Relationship

This morning I listened to the radio for a bit and heard a special session with Sidewalk Prophets. They introduced one of their songs by saying that they felt one of the biggest things that robs us from love is the screens we put in front of our face. Instead of spending time with the people we love and cultivating that relationship, we are busy watching the lives of other people. They wrote a song about it titled, “Don’t You Think It’s Time”. Some of the lyrics are:

Love deep and daydream
Go make some memories
Look each other in the eye
Let’s turn off the TV
We’ve got the real thing
We were made to live this life
Don’t you think it’s time?

I thought it was a true and timely message.

I Found God today in a song encouraging human interaction and love.

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Interviewing Intern

Posted by eph21920 on July 9, 2020 in Grateful, Hope, Joy, Life, Youth

My mom’s Parkinson’s exercise class includes a partnership with the local college. Each semester, they get new interns who help with the class. They also have projects that they work on during that time. The other day, one of the interns contacted us to interview my mom. She is gathering information and learning more about Parkinson’s. My mom talked to her today. It was a short interview, and the young woman was polite and tried to be engaging. When I see these young people interacting with the participants, it always gives me hope for the future of not only the disease, but in general.

I Found God today in a caring intern.

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Staying Focused

Posted by eph21920 on July 8, 2020 in Answer, Faith, Friends, Knowledge, Life, Struggles

Tonight I talked with a friend who always comes up with great advice that I like to try to remember. Tonight she said, “When things become difficult, it is important to have a focus. What better focus than to do what God is calling you to do right now?” In other words, when I become distracted, in despair or depressed by the negative reports or images that can seem to be everywhere, I must remember that my focus is right in front of me in caring for my parents. That’s what God has called me to do right here and right now.

I Found God today in a reminder to remain focused.

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Not a Reader

Posted by eph21920 on July 7, 2020 in Friends, Life

I talked to a far away friend today who I haven’t spoken to in a long time. She asked what was new and I asked if she was reading my blog. She said no, so that gave me plenty to talk about. It was kind of nice having a conversation with someone who didn’t know most of what was going on in my life. Of course she had much to share as well. Talking with her was the highlight of my day.

I Found God today catching up with a friend.

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