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Incredible Inspiration

Posted by eph21920 on June 30, 2020 in Connected, Knowledge, Life, Past, Sick

My mom participated in her online Parkinson’s exercise class this morning. After the hour long workout, they had a time for socialization. Each person had an opportunity to tell about their careers and places they have lived. It was amazing to hear the robust lives that they had. I know it is unfair to meet people as they are right now and think that you know who they are without giving consideration to their past. I see it happen with my parents. In the Parkinson’s group, each person discussed what they “used to do” and how they have had to make radical changes in their lifestyle due to the disease. Yet, here they were – my mom included – exercising, supporting one another, laughing, and doing the best they can to keep themselves moving and motivated. It was incredibly inspirational.

I Found God today in inspiring people.

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Blessing of Communion

Posted by eph21920 on June 29, 2020 in Connected, Eucharist, Faith, Family, Grateful, Home, Intimacy, Jesus, Prayer, Present

It has been now 4 months since my parents and I have received Holy Communion and even longer since we have been to Mass. After my dad came home from rehab and before the corona virus hit, we were blessed to have an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion come to the house a couple of times. I have been talking with the deacon in our parish and he said I would be able to become an EMHC to bring Communion to my parents. I completed the training and met with the deacon to go through the details. Today I was able to go to the church, receive some consecrated hosts from the deacon, and bring them home to my parents. I followed the outline in the book that was provided for the prayers and scripture readings. Then, after months of waiting – fasting – we received Our Lord in Holy Communion. We were indeed the domestic church. It was an incredibly intimate and personal moment that connected us in a real way to the larger Church. I know that there are so many elderly in places that won’t let anyone in to visit – much less pray with them and bring them Communion. I was just so grateful again that I am able to help my parents in unanticipated ways.

I Found God today being able to bring Him to my parents in a real way.

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Collective Family Wisdom

Posted by eph21920 on June 28, 2020 in Uncategorized

My dad has been pondering a situation that needs some kind of resolution. This afternoon we had our weekly Zoom session with the family. Almost everyone was present. My dad brought up the issue and we had a really great conversation. There was collective wisdom in the family and a potential settlement that wasn’t thought of before. Now my dad has a new direction that seems to be a good answer.

I Found God today in collective family wisdom.

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Friends in Need

Posted by eph21920 on June 27, 2020 in Friends, Grateful, Happiness, Life, Struggles

I had some time to myself today, so I got in touch with a friend. She is a very faithful woman and always upbeat. When we get together, we usually take a walk, talk, and laugh a lot. However, she had a very stressful week and just wasn’t up to doing anything. So, I picked up coffee and we visited on her deck for a while. She vented for a while and got some of her pent up anxiety out. And we were still able to laugh. We both felt better when we parted ways.

I Found God today being able to help a friend feel better.

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Renewed Energy

Posted by eph21920 on June 26, 2020 in Family, Grateful, Happiness, Healing, Life

My dad found some renewed energy at the cabin yesterday. He was very busy while we were there doing the things he would normally do. He said that he felt good going up and down the stairs and sorting through tools until suddenly he realized that perhaps he should be taking it a little slower and easier. There were no reprucusions yesterday or today from his work, so he continued right at it today. It was good to see him happily active.

I Found God today witnessing my dad’s renewed energy.

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Enjoying Serenity

Posted by eph21920 on June 25, 2020 in Creation, Family, Grateful, Joy, Peace, Rest

It has been a very long time since we have been to the cabin. As the weather gets warmer and our schedule lightens, we have been wanting to get back up there. We did have one attempt earlier this week, however my mom just wasn’t feeling up to it. This morning everyone was enthusiastic, so we made the trip. We did a little cleaning, checked things over, went for a walk, enjoyed the serenity, experienced nature, had lunch, took a nap, and went back home. As we viewed the scenery during lunch, I commented that being there just made me exhale a long sigh and relax. It is such a wonderful retreat. My mom and dad said that is the reason they built the house in the first place.

I Found God today in a wonderfully serene get away.

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Action Not Opinion

Posted by eph21920 on June 24, 2020 in Connected, Life, Saint

I received a wonderful reflection the other day and kept it in my inbox. It was a quote from St. Mother Teresa who always had meaningful and simple insights. I read it again today and was amazed and moved by the continued relevance of her words:
“The world is changed by your example, not your opinion.”

I Found God today in a poignant, yet challenging reflection.

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Appreciated Support

Posted by eph21920 on June 23, 2020 in Answer, Connected, Grateful, Sick, Struggles

It has been a couple weeks since my mom’s procedure to replace her pacemaker and she has been doing her best to remain active without being too strenuous. Today she felt like trying out her Parkinson’s exercise class that is held live online. She moved best as she could. After the class, the group had some social time. The topic for discussion was, “What is one thing that you struggle most with Parkinson’s?” My mom’s answer was anxiety. Several other participants agreed. One gentleman in particular talked about how difficult it is for him to talk on the phone or even visit in person at times. It was hard to believe, as he always seems very chatty. It shows that you never really know what is going on inside another person. The instructor pointed out the value of talking with each another about these things so you don’t feel all alone. My mother completely agreed with that.

I Found God today in caring support for my mom.

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Insight As a Child

Posted by eph21920 on June 22, 2020 in Answer, Children, Connected, Faith, Family, Life, Past, Prayer

My dad was going through some things today and came across a prayer of sorts that was written by my nephew when he was a child. It is a beautiful attempt to put his own spiritual insights at a very young age into words. I was amazed at how his message from years ago is relevant and encouraging in our current world. But, that is how God is.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I am one of his flock.
I like that we are all different.
Not on the outside, but on the inside.
It isn’t your looks that matter.
It depends on the way your soul acts.
With the Lord as my shepherd,
moving from field to field is going forward.
To reach a destination is your actions.
However it turns out, we are all equal.
Not on the outside but on the inside.
The Lord is my father – not on the outside, but on the inside.”

I Found God today in words of wisdom and truth from a child’s view.


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Doting on Dad

Posted by eph21920 on June 21, 2020 in Family, Fun, Happiness, Love

I made blueberry pancakes for my dad for Father’s Day this morning – one of his favorites. Then my sister came over with coffee and treats for him as we showered him with gifts. Later in the afternoon, we had our family Zoom session and my other sister gave us a tour of her garden. The vegetables and fruits are growing beautifully under her constant, tender care. It was also fun watching close up chicken antics. After that, my brother’s each made their own personal video call. My dad was pretty weary, but had a very nice Father’s Day. I think everyone enjoyed their efforts as much as he did.

I Found God today as the family loved my dad on this Father’s Day.

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