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God is Outside

Posted by eph21920 on September 29, 2020 in Answer, Creation, Family, Happiness, Healing, Joy, Life

I am so blessed to be living in such a gorgeous place. We can count on there being sunshine almost every day of the year. My dad in particular loves sitting on the porch and was outside much of the day today. A friend started reading the diary of Anne Frank and shared a couple quotes. I thought this captures the heart of of what my dad feels.

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature, and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”

I Found God today reflecting on Him in nature.

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Shuv

Posted by eph21920 on September 28, 2020 in Answer, Bible, Faith, Forgiveness, Intimacy, Love, Mercy

I often go to bed with a song in my head that I think about if I wake up in the middle of the night. Tonight I had my Bible class. As we continue reading the prophets, we see that they are always calling the people to turn back to God or “shuv” in Hebrew. As I was pondering this, the song “Turn To Me” popped into my head and it stuck. It’s a good message to remember, especially in the middle of the night:

“Turn to me, O turn, and be saved,
says the Lord, for I am God
there is no other, none beside me.
I call your name.”

Seems so easy, and yet for some reason it can be so hard. It is also very comforting to remember that God loves me as an individual, just as He knows and loves you. He calls me by name, always offering mercy, forgiveness, and peace.

I Found God being comforted that He calls me by name to remain close to Him.

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Priests and Chaplains

Posted by eph21920 on September 27, 2020 in Faith, Family, Grateful, Life, Priest

My parents and I had several intentions this evening for our prayer time. Then I remembered hearing that today is Priesthood Sunday, a day to especially pray for our priests. So in our prayers we included all the priests who have made such a loving and lasting impression on our lives. We also lifted up those priests who are struggling in their vocation right now. Then my dad remembered all the chaplains who ministered to them for so many years as they lived the military life. I feel we have been blessed to have known such wonderful men.

I Found God today remembering wonderful priests.

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Joyful Friend

Posted by eph21920 on September 26, 2020 in Friends, Grateful, Joy, Relationship

I was glad to hear from a far away friend today. We had not talked in quite a while. I knew she was struggling with some issues with her kids and I have kept them in prayer. Today she said many of those concerns have been rectified. She didn’t realize what a burden she had been carrying and felt as if a weight had been lifted from her. She was so grateful as she too had been praying for a resolution for a long time. I could hear the joy in her voice and in our conversation. It was so good to hear from her and even better to hear her full of joy.

I Found God today in a joyful friend.

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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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