Leave a comment

Went With the Lord

Posted by eph21920 on August 31, 2020 in Death, Grace, Home, Prayer

Today my parents were remembering their beloved music teacher when they were young. They attended a Catholic school and the teacher was a nun. She was basically responsible for nurturing, encouraging, and improving my mother’s natural musical talent, as well as many others who crossed her path. My mom said when the woman passed away, she heard from the Mother who was the head of the convent. She said that my mom’s teacher would visit the chapel every day at a certain time and just sit with the Lord. One day when she was sitting there, the Lord took her home. We all got teary eyed. But what a beautiful image.

I Found God today in a beautiful image of death for a faithful woman.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Six Words

Posted by eph21920 on August 30, 2020 in Answer, Faith, Healing, Jesus, Life, Love

During the Mass that we watched today, we heard a woman talk about her experience when she participated in “Alpha”, which is a way of bringing people together to talk about their Christian faith. She had an amazing story of how the group was exactly what she needed at that exact time. She was happy that she cooperated with the nudge that God put on her heart to join. Towards the end of her witness, she asked people to think about six words that have made a tremendous difference in her life: Perseverance, Trust, Clarity, Intention, Forgiveness, and Love. It is so good to hear how God can make such a positive difference in people’s lives.

I Found God today in a beautiful witness of His Love.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Better Back

Posted by eph21920 on August 29, 2020 in Answer, Family, Healing, Hurt

My mom had a tremendously painful back this past week. We thought it was from over-stretching and/or exercising. But, it got so bad she could barely move or sleep. So I took her to the doctor yesterday. He ordered some x-rays to make sure there was nothing else going on and gave her a prescription for a stronger pain medication. That seemed to do the trick. She was in a lot less pain today and could move much better. We were all very happy to see that.

I Found God today as my mom’s back was feeling better.

Permalink
Leave a comment

All Are Suffering

Posted by eph21920 on August 28, 2020 in Answer, Connected, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Life

We all suffer. It’s something we can’t get away from. Right now, people are suffering with an illness, maybe with the COVID-19 virus. People are mourning the death of a loved one. Others have lost their job or had their hours drastically reduced and trying to figure out how to pay rent and keep food on the table. Parents with younger children are struggling with making decision to send their kids into a classroom or keep them home on a computer. People have lost their homes in terrible storms. The list goes on and on. And if you watch any news, they are quick to remind of the suffering going on in the world and perhaps why you should be suffering as well. However, a friend sent me some words of encouragement today that were very meaningful to her, “Let us understand that God is a physician, and that suffering is a medicine for salvation, not a punishment for damnation.” It was a quote from St. Augustine who we remember today. Too often, when I’m feeling particularly sorry for myself, I wonder where God is and why He doesn’t stop my suffering. However, if I don’t turn my back on Him, I come to realize that these times have the potential of bringing me closer to Him. That is what I need to remember.

I Found God today in a great quote about suffering.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Evening Walk

Posted by eph21920 on August 27, 2020 in Creation, Grateful, Weather

As the sun set tonight, I realized the mail had not been picked up. It is 1/2 mile to where the mailboxes are posted and back, so I decided to go for a little walk. The dry, summer air had cooled and it was a very pleasant temperature. The smoke that has been lingering and blocking our view of the mountains had dissipated some and the “air alert” no longer applied. I noticed that the watery, itchy eyes and sore throat I have had are feeling much better. I noticed the moon trying to shine through a patch of clouds. When it did appear, I could see all the details in the crisp night air. I appreciated and enjoyed the night walk.

I Found God today in an evening walk.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Double Good News

Posted by eph21920 on August 26, 2020 in Answer, Doctor, Family, Healing

Today my dad had a virtual appointment with his cancer doctor to review the CT scan he had last week. She said that small mass that was found on his pancreas has not changed at all since the last scan – or even since it was discovered a year and a half ago. She suggested it would be fine to have it checked again in a year, but to let her know if he started having any symptoms. That was great news. Just a couple of minutes after we ended the appointment, my son sent me a message. He has been sick for a few days and received a COVID-19 test. He was just informed that the test came back negative. More great news. The whole family was grateful and uplifted.

I Found God today in double good news.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Playground Joy

Posted by eph21920 on August 25, 2020 in Children, Friends, Fun, Happiness, Joy

As I was out running an errand today, I drove by the elementary school near the house. There were lots of children playing outside in the big playground they use for a ball field. Many of them had the large round playground balls that they were throwing around. It has been months since I have seen that kind of activity on the school grounds. I can’t say if it is right or wrong to have the children back in school, but it was joyful to see them out there playing as if they didn’t have a care in the world. I would bet it was joyful for them as well.

I Found God today seeing children enjoying playing together.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Selfless Care Provider

Posted by eph21920 on August 24, 2020 in Answer, Friends, Life, Opportunity

A family friend who worked in home health care has offered many times to help our family if needed. We met with her today to talk about giving me a couple days respite. I knew most of her background, but she went into more detail today outlining her qualifications and experience. She and her family currently have 2 people living in their home who were in need of care. She saw the situation they were in and knew she could help, so they were invited to live in the family home. As she described the care she has provided for them, I was amazed at how selfless and giving she and her family have been. She has cared for her own children and family, 2 additional people, and now offering to help provide respite for me as well.

I Found God today in a caring, giving woman.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Don’t Crowd

Posted by eph21920 on August 23, 2020 in Faith, Life, Prayer

I saw a quote today from Matthew Kelly that I really liked, “We crowd God out of our lives by filling our lives with things that don’t matter. Remove the things that don’t matter to make space for God in your life- in your heart, mind, and soul.” I thought it was particularly relevant right now since there is less busyness, it seems to be easier to waste time with meaningless activity.

I Found God today in a reminder to make and maintain space for God.

Permalink
Leave a comment

A Smell

Posted by eph21920 on August 22, 2020 in Family, Happiness, Laughter, Life

“I smell something!” The words were loud and excited coming from my mother’s mouth. Followed by, “I haven’t smelled anything for 20 years!” Losing her sense of smell was one of the first symptoms she experienced as Parkinson’s started rearing it’s ugly head. I asked if it was a good smell or a bad one. She couldn’t make it out exactly, but said it was “warm”. She may have been smelling the smoke from fires that have been burning in the area. It was a sensation that came and went immediately. She said that was the most exciting thing that has happened to her in years. She wasn’t trying to smell anything and it came as a complete surprise. After that, she was just elated and kept trying to smell again with no luck. We have no idea what caused the sense to suddenly kick in or if it will ever happen again, but it was quite an exciting moment.

I Found God today in my mom’s sudden ability to smell.

Permalink