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Grandson Grandfather Outing

Posted by eph21920 on June 16, 2020 in Answer, Family, Generosity, Grateful, Life, Love

The last time my dad got a haircut was shortly after he came home from rehab recovering from the stroke. It was super long by that time and he was so happy to have it done. Now, since the pandemic, we have all had to wait again. His hair grew long once more and we have been waiting for an opportune time to have it cut. I was thrilled that my son offered to take my dad to the barber. I called yesterday and they reported that things had slowed down since the initial surge right after re-opening. That sounded promising. My dad and son decided today would be a good day to go. Everyone donned their face-mask as my son came to get him in his over-sized pick-up truck. Things went very well and very quick. My dad came home clean cut and even had his eyebrows trimmed. He said he enjoyed his time with my son. I was happy about the outing on so many levels.

I Found God today in my caring son and happy father.

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Finally Photo Album

Posted by eph21920 on June 15, 2020 in Birthday, Family, Grateful, Life, Love, Marriage

We had quite the festivities here during the months of April and May. I had been promising my siblings that I would share photos of the all the events. Although they weren’t here physically to celebrate, they sent flowers and gifts and we all participated in some pretty creative Zoom sessions. We kicked off the season with my parents’ 68th wedding anniversary. From there we celebrated my dad’s 90th birthday, my mom’s birthday, Mother’s Day, and some additional holidays as well. The end of May brought my nephew’s wedding, which was a perfect way to conclude the time period. It brought me a lot of joy to go through the pictures and create the album. I realized again how much we have to be grateful for.

I Found God today being grateful for the many ways He has blessed my family.

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Zoom Cupcakes

Posted by eph21920 on June 14, 2020 in Birthday, Family, Food, Fun, Grateful

Today was my nephew’s birthday. My daughter-in-law has a cake and cookie business and her most recent creation is a “decorate your own cupcake” kits. She provides the baked cupcakes, frosting, and sprinkles. She sent kits to everyone in the family. After we sang happy birthday, we decorated the cupcakes all together during our weekly family Zoom session and then ate them. It was fun and delicious! I am so grateful for our get togethers and always look forward to them.

I Found God today celebrating my nephew’s birthday with family fun.

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More Meals

Posted by eph21920 on June 13, 2020 in Family, Food, Generosity, Grateful

My sister came over today with freezer bags of prepared meals. She said she was trying to think of some way she could help out. It was great just to see her and visit for a bit. The fact that she brought food was an added bonus. I was very grateful for her thoughtfulness.

I saw God today in my thoughtful sister.

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Dream a Dream

Posted by eph21920 on June 12, 2020 in Children, Connected, Hope, Love, Music, Peace

Tonight my parents’ and I watched a virtual concert by the local Children’s Chorale. The ensemble consisted of several individual choirs of different ages and even an all guys group. The concert showcased recordings from Christmas and other events as well as the youth singing together virtually. It was delightful watching the energy, enthusiasm, and talent of the children as they sang, danced, and just plain enjoyed themselves. The sound of the older youth was beautiful and peaceful. Each director spoke and gave out awards. Even the mayor had a few words to say. Ironically, the theme chosen for the 2019-2020 year was, “Building a Better World Through Song.” Having no idea what the year would bring, it was perfect. Since the Chorale started, they have been closing with the song, “Dream a Dream”. One of the founders described it as having a message of hope, empathy, love, and peace. They, of course, ended this virtual concert with the song. I was teary eyed by the end. The show was just what we wanted and needed, especially now. It was a blessing.

I Found God today in children singing and sharing a beautiful message.

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Emulating Workcamp

Posted by eph21920 on June 11, 2020 in Connected, Faith, Friends, Generosity, Grateful, Past, Youth

A neighbor came over this afternoon to do some work on the outside of the porch. It has a stucco covering that has been deteriorating, and the Board of Directors of the complex has been slow in responding to the repair request. So, the neighbor who is our “roofmate” decided to just take matters into his own hands. He refurbished his own porch and wanted to do ours as well. I chatted with him as he layed down his tarp, held it in place with rocks so it wouldn’t blow away, and started scraping off the loose stucco. It brought me right back to my days at Workcamp when I was a youth minister. I remembered doing the same preparation to the many homes that were repaired during that time. I thought about all the youth and adults who participated in the camps. They were some of the most amazing faith-filled events that I have ever been a part of and I thank God for them often. Then I realized that our neighbor emulated the same selfless, faithful qualities that were the foundation of Workcamp.

I Found God today in a selfless neighbor who brought back memories of amazing Workcamps.

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Trinitarian Encounter

Posted by eph21920 on June 10, 2020 in Answer, Faith, Friends, Healing, Peace, Sick

A friend of mine was diagnosed with cancer over a year ago and, though the cancer is gone, he has still been struggling with his health. When I spoke to he and his wife last week, things were not going well. I spoke to them again tonight, and he told me of a spiritual encounter he had over the weekend. Saturday night he awoke and went into his study. He sat in the chair there and said he felt as if he went into a trance of some kind. He could not explain exactly what it was, but he was in total peace. He had no thoughts other than occasional reminders of blessings that he had received. He said he felt God, but in the Holy Trinity – he was aware of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Again, he didn’t have words for exactly what that felt like. He said he had never felt anything like it before. Sunday morning he realized it was Trinity Sunday as celebrated in the Catholic Church. He started feeling physically better that day and has been on an upward trend since then. It was a story of a beautiful encounter with God in the still, quiet of the night. I am grateful he is feeling better.

I Found God today as a friend experienced Him in the Trinity.

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Love to Laugh

Posted by eph21920 on June 9, 2020 in Answer, Family, Fun, Happiness, Movie, Music

For the past several days, we have heard songs from the movie “Mary Poppins”. I think it started last week when my mom started singing, “I Love to Laugh” followed by Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha . . . Then when my dad stepped outside, he would sing, “Have you ever seen the grass so green, or a bluer sky . . .” So, we got out the movie and watched it tonight. I didn’t realize how long it was, and we probably stayed up too late, but everyone really enjoyed it. We laughed and sang along, just as anticipated.

I Found God today fulfilling my parents desires to watch an uplifting movie.

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Beatitudes Now

Posted by eph21920 on June 8, 2020 in Answer, Bible, Hope, Jesus, Life, Mercy, Peace, Poor, Present, Problem

Today’s Gospel reading is the infamous Sermon on the Mount. As I read the words, I couldn’t help but notice how relevant they are in light of the recent protests. Now, I am not talking about the riots, vandalism, or looting, but of those standing up for what is true, good, right, just, and humane. Jesus gives clear direction as to how we should live our life:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.
Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

I Found God today in His relevant words of justice and peace.

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Lighting the Night

Posted by eph21920 on June 7, 2020 in Angel, Answer, Faith

For some reason, just a few weeks ago I realized that a statue I have of Our Lady of Lourdes glows in the dark. I have had it for a number of years and it is on the dresser located parallel to my head when I lay down. When I first became aware of it, I had turned off my light and was just laying there looking into the dark. Then I spotted something illuminated out of the corner of my eye. It was one of those things that when I looked directly at it, I couldn’t see exactly what it was, so I had to look next to or around it. Then I picked it up and realized it was my statue. Now, when I turn my light off, I look for it, thank Mary, my guardian angel, and God for watching over me with their light. And so it was tonight.

I Found God today reminding myself that He is watching over me always.

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