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Being Family

Posted by eph21920 on August 21, 2020 in Children, Connected, Family, Fun, Happiness

The other day, my granddaughter celebrated her 5th birthday. Today she received the package we sent, so we set up a video chat to watch her open it. We sent a sun hat that looked just adorable on her. And we sent a cloth book of prayers. While we were talking with her mom, we saw her looking at it in the background. It was nice to see her enjoying the gifts right away. After chatting a bit, we just watched what was happening at the house. They were “pretend camping”. It was raining, so my granddaughter had to make sure her older brother was wearing a hat too. First out of paper, then, the shipping box seemed to give more coverage. My grandson was a very good sport, especially considering he’s going to be a senior in high school. The puppy that they got a few months ago had to be in the middle of the action. When my granddaughter laughed loudly, he joined in. It was very nice to just be family with them for a while.

I Found God today being part of my son’s family life.

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Named Second Chance

Posted by eph21920 on August 19, 2020 in Answer, Begin, Bible, Friends, Hope, Humor, Life, Past, Sick

One of the men in my prayer group has been battling cancer and the effects of treatments for over a year now. He was hospitalized recently once again. We had our prayer group tonight and it was a pleasant surprise to see him participate. We looked at the upcoming Gospel for this Sunday. It tells of how Jesus named Peter “the Rock” after he identified Jesus as the Son of the Living God. In our group, we discussed what Jesus might change our name to. My friend said he would be called “Second Chance”. There have been several times now when he has made tremendous recoveries. His wife laughingly said it was like living with a cat – having 9 lives. It was great to see him, hear him, and laugh with him and the rest of the group.

I Found God today seeing my recovered friend.

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God’s Faithfulness

Posted by eph21920 on August 18, 2020 in Answer, Faith, Friends, Generosity, Grace, Grateful, Life

Today my mom’s friend came over for a visit and to play piano. While we were chatting, I remembered how people in the city I used to live took care of me and my son. As I told some of the stories such as those who helped with my son’s school tuition, those who replaced my roof, people who offered vacations, and even my house purchase, I was reminding myself that God has always been with me. There were several times when I simply stepped out in faith – knowing where God wanted me to be, but not knowing exactly how that would be possible. He always came through. People who were prompted by God came through. It helps build my faith when I remember where I have been and how things turned out.

I Found God today remembering His faithfulness.

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God’s Interruption

Posted by eph21920 on August 17, 2020 in Answer, Car, Family, Grateful, Home, Life, Problem

When we went to the cabin recently, we had planned on staying until Sunday. However, my mom had a very hard time sleeping, which meant that none of us got very good sleep for a couple of days. By the time Saturday afternoon came around, we decided it would be best to just head back to the city and sleep on our “regular” beds. It was a quick decision and somewhat disappointing. However, today I read that there was a terrible fatal accident involving 5 vehicles on the road we travel. The horrible incident closed the 2-lane highway. What’s more, the accident happened at about the same time that we would have been in the area. Did God interrupt our plans to spare us from being a part of the traffic, or even worse – part of the accident? I do believe that God does try to thwart our plans for our own good. We don’t always know why and we don’t always cooperate. But when we do, we can be made keenly aware of His protection.

I Found God today being grateful for His Divine interruption.

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One For All

Posted by eph21920 on August 16, 2020 in Answer, Connected, Creation, Faith, Hope, Life, Love, Sick

The priest we listened to today started out by talking about the pandemic. He pointed out that virus does not discriminate. It will attack people of all ages, nationalities, races, colors, gender, financial state, social status, etc. We are all taking certain precautions such as wearing face masks, keeping distance, etc. to care for ourselves and to care for one another. In spite of “social distancing”, we are still connected and we need each other to thrive. We are all vulnerable. We should have empathy and care about those who are affected and are suffering. Today’s scripture readings were all about God being available to all people. Jesus made it clear that His love, His salvation is available to everyone – not just a certain group of people. Not only that, if we have faith, it is our responsibility to help others know that God is accessible. He is, after all, the One who created each and every one of us.

I Found God today in a reminder that God is the One for all.

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Yummy Delivery

Posted by eph21920 on August 15, 2020 in Family, Food, Happiness

We spent a few days at the cabin. While we were gone, my sister came by and delivered some fresh veggies and eggs. When we got home today, I opened the refrigerator to put away some food and saw the new food. It was a wonderful sight and made me smile.

I Found God today seeing a yummy delivery while we were gone.

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Life for a Life

Posted by eph21920 on August 14, 2020 in Death, Family, Life, Love, Priest, Saint, Sick

Today was the feast day for St. Maximilian Kolbe. I thought about how this priest sacrificed his life to spare that of another. That led me to think about those who are doing the same thing right now. Doctors and nurses are taking the necessary precautions as they treat people with coronavirus. There are thousands others who are also ministering to the sick and dying. Many priests and sisters have died as they do so. To act with that kind of selfless love for another human being is amazing and inspiring to me.

I Found God today pondering selfless acts of love.

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Ocean of God’s Love

Posted by eph21920 on August 13, 2020 in Faith, Forgiveness, Hope, Life, Love, Mercy, Prayer, Saint

Yesterday, the church celebrated the feast day of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, but I read about her today from the Diocese of Manchester site: She believed the secret of happiness was in “losing,” that we should “throw ourselves into God as a little drop of water into the sea, and lose ourselves indeed in the Ocean of the divine goodness.” She advised a man who wrote to her about all the afflictions he suffered “to lose all these things in God. These words produced such an effect in the soul that he wrote me that he was wholly astonished, and ravished with joy.” Today, when any thoughts or worries come to mind, send them out into the ocean of God’s love that surrounds you and lose them there. If any feelings come into your heart — grief, fear, even joy or longing, send those out into the ocean of God’s love. Finally, send your whole self, like a drop, into God. There is no past, no future, here or there. There is only the infinite ocean of God. Saint Jane, you forgave the man who killed your husband. Help me learn to forgive a particular person in my life who has caused me harm. You know how difficult it is to forgive. Help me to take the steps you took to welcome this person back into my life. Amen

I Found God today getting a new perspective of the Ocean of God’s Love.

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Meteors After Midnight

Posted by eph21920 on August 12, 2020 in Creation, Family, Peace

Before going to bed last night, we talked about the meteor shower that was to take place. We guessed where we may be able to see it in the sky, but knowing that it would be most visible after midnight, I wasn’t counting on getting up. However, about 12:30, I heard some movement and footsteps upstairs. I went up and saw my dad in his robe and slippers ready to open the garage door and step outside to see what he could see. I went out with him and we stood for a while, careening our necks toward the North. We found the spot where the meteor shower should be taking place and thought we might see it from the more comfortable front porch, so we moved there. We were able to position the chairs to block most of the light from the neighborhood and got comfortable. We were excited when we saw our first bright meteor streak through the sky. We spent almost an hour in the calm, warm night air just gazing at the stars. In all, we saw maybe 6-8 meteors – some bright, some dim. Mission accomplished. We are hoping to try again tonight and perhaps have a better view.

I Found God today spending time with my dad and being in awe of the vast space in which we live.

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Humor Me

Posted by eph21920 on August 11, 2020 in Friends, Fun, Happiness, Humor

My mom’s friend came over today and brought along a couple pages of funny puns. There were several eye-rollers, but all of them made us laugh. Here is one of my favorites, “I changed my iPad’s name to Titanic. It’s syncing now.” Laughter really does feel good.

I Found God today in laughter.

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