Leave a comment

Housing More Children

Posted by eph21920 on August 15, 2025 in Children, Generosity, Life, Love, Struggles

I was visiting with my neighbor tonight when she received a call from her daughter in law. She was asking if she could borrow the small mattress that her son uses when he spends the night at “Mimi’s”. My neighbor explained that her son and his wife are involved in an organization that is similar to the fostering program, but different. This organization does it’s best to help families before they get into a situation where the children are taken into the foster care system. They offer classes and training to help the mom and dad be good parents. And they offer respite, which is why they needed the additional mattress. My neighbor’s son and his wife will be housing 4 children from a household in which the mother really needs a break. The children will be with them for the weekend, along with the 2 young boys of their own. I was in awe of the love, generosity and courage of this family to host 4 additional children in this way. They are truly doing God’s work.

I Found God today in a generous and loving family.

Permalink
Leave a comment

So Blessed

Posted by eph21920 on August 14, 2025 in Doctor, Faith, Grateful, Healing, Struggles

I had my annual appointment with my primary care physician today. There are always many forms to complete and today was no different. As I went through each questionnaire, I became increasingly grateful. First there was the mental health assessment. I remembered when I went through it last year and realizing there was cause for concern. I was grateful that I had access to the help I needed and was feeling much better at this point in time. I completed the alcohol/drug addiction evaluation and was grateful that has not been a problem. The last form was a new one asking about home life. I was grateful that I live in a safe environment and that I am not lacking for care, food or shelter. I thanked God for His blessings, particularly during this past year. As I became more grateful, I also became more concerned and empathetic for those who are struggling with such things and prayed for them as I waited. Perhaps it isn’t a physical solution for someone, but I believe that my prayers can help in some way.

I Found God today grateful for His blessings.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Animals At Dusk

Posted by eph21920 on August 13, 2025 in Creation, Fun, Grateful, Happiness

A few weeks ago, I decided to purchase a membership to our zoo. I love going there and the cost of the membership would pay for itself in only a few visits. This evening the zoo was open after hours for members, so I decided to go. It was a very popular event, but even so, there were not as many people as on a regular day. I decided to go all the way to the end first and make my way back. It was a good decision as it was very quiet and I was rewarded with seeing the wolf pretty close up. Many of the animals were more active than I have seen in a while. One of the elephants was swimming. Actually playing in the water. It would roll around and get some water in it’s trunk and spray it everywhere. Everyone had a great time watching it. I had never seen anything like that before. There were docents stationed along the way with helpful information. As dusk set in, the multi-colored lights turned on and set a serene mood. It was a beautiful night to be out and I was grateful as I really loved watching all the animals.

I Found God today in his creation of so many unique animals.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Church Beginnings

Posted by eph21920 on August 12, 2025 in Begin, Faith, Family, Grateful, Music, Past, Priest

I been trying to finish sorting out the different kinds of media here in the house, including the VHS tapes. There are so many that my dad recorded – particularly Star Trek and Sherlock Holmes. There are also some family movies, recordings of events, and some that are undefined. I had a stack that I started watching to see exactly what they were. In doing so, I put on a recording of a church dedication from 1987. It was our family church when we moved here in the late 1970’s and was housed in a temporary location. It took many years, but the parish came up with the plan and the funds to build a huge new permanent church. The recording of the dedication was not bad, for 1987 VHS quality. I was very interested in seeing the choir. My mother played the organ and her friend was the director. The camera did capture them both several times. Then, as they panned across the choir, I recognized my 1980’s hair. I didn’t remember singing in the choir for that event, but there I was. I also recognized many of the singers, most of whom have passed away. The Mass itself was very casual and contemporary. I remembered the church going through that time, but it was kind of a shock to see. There were no altar servers, but many other people who had assorted jobs during the celebration. A Methodist pastor said a blessing over the “baptismal pool”. The altar was set to the side, and the priest’s and bishop’s chairs were front and center. There was no altar cloth, but one small patten. The Eucharist was held in glass containers instead of the traditional gold. During Communion, many people dunked the host into the cup before placing it in their mouth. It was very different from what I am used to now and interesting to see how the pendulum swings. At the same time, the church was then and is now a place to worship God, to receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit, to come together as a community to pray, learn, and support one another. As the pastor pointed out, the people are the church. I am grateful and blessed to have been part of the parish then, and to have my son get married there in just a few weeks.

I Found God remembering the beginnings of a beloved church.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Mom’s Words

Posted by eph21920 on August 11, 2025 in Connected, Family, Friends, Past

I made my usual Monday visit and brought Communion to an elderly woman today. She sat in her favorite chair in the sun and I sat facing her. I was also partially in the sun. She got talking about all kinds of things, such as school times and riding the bus. At one point she looked intently at me and said, “You’re hair is so pretty.” The comment nearly took my breathe away as that was one of the last things my mother said to me as I bent over her bed. It was all I could do to hold back the tears. I thanked her and said that I got my mother’s curly hair. Then I pointed out the grays and we laughed about getting old. It is such a joy to visit her. I never know what she’s going to come up with. And every now and again, I think she is delivering messages from my parents.

I Found God today remembering words from my mother.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Similar Experience

Posted by eph21920 on August 10, 2025 in Children, Connected, Faith, Grateful, Healing

Tonight I watched a program about an organization that leads service trips to Lourdes. There was an interview with a young woman who had been on the pilgrimage several times. The first time that she went, she was 12 years old. I was close to that age when I went. She said she wasn’t in a good frame of mind when she went, but when she arrived, she felt the overwhelming presence of God’s love. She had no idea what to expect and was surprised at the grace she felt flowing over her. I remember feeling the exact same way. Listening to the woman recount her experience once again confirmed the reality of the amazing experience that I had at Lourdes.

I Found God today remembering my grace filled experience in Lourdes.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Brownies at Home

Posted by eph21920 on August 9, 2025 in Answer, Children, Family, Food, Happiness, Joy, Life

My granddaughter, daughter in law, and I made plans to go out and do something fun each week for the last 3 weeks before school starts. However, when we tried to go to the zoo, my granddaughter became very car sick and we were unable to enjoy the day. Another day we did go to the library and out for ice cream. So, instead of trying to go out on another adventure, we decided to have a baking day. My granddaughter had a Harry Potter recipe book and picked out a brownie recipe. I gathered up all the ingredients and went over there today. The 3 of us spent a couple hours in the kitchen making the treats. There was some time spent trying to understand the recipe and having to make adjustments. We talked about that and we how it was all an experiment, especially when we do something new. In the end, the brownies turned out really good and delicious. Even though I enjoy going out and about, we agreed that we can have a really good time all together at home.

I Found God today enjoying good time with my granddaughter and daughter in law.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Looking Ahead

Posted by eph21920 on August 8, 2025 in Uncategorized

This morning I had breakfast with my son’s fiancee. We talked all about upcoming wedding things. She is so carefree and not stressed about anything. She said that the day will be what it should. And while something unexpected may come up, it won’t change the purpose and celebration of the day. She has such a beautiful outlook. In the afternoon I went to my granddaughter’s school with her and her mom. They had an open house to meet her new teacher for this year. She will be going into 5th grade, which is at the top of this school. Many friends came into the classroom and they were all excited to see one another. When we left, her teacher said he would see her next week for the first day of school. She jumped up and down and told him how excited she was to begin. I was so grateful to spend time today with the wonderful girls in the family, getting excited for upcoming happy events.

I Found God today looking forward to upcoming happy events.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Little Man

Posted by eph21920 on August 7, 2025 in Birthday, Children, Friends, Generosity

Yesterday was my neighbor’s birthday. She picked up her 6 year old grandson bright and early this morning to spend the day with him. His mother left him some money so he could take his Mimi out for coffee. So before they came to her house, they stopped at a coffee shop. The boy was quite a gentleman and very proud of himself as he bought the coffee.

I Found God today in the joy of a child and his Mimi.

Permalink
Leave a comment

His Rosary

Posted by eph21920 on August 6, 2025 in Faith, Life, Prayer, Stranger

I decided to go to church today when I realized the Gospel reading was of the Transfiguration. For whatever reason, that is one of my favorite stories. I try to imagine what it must have been like for the apostles to experience a little foretaste of Heaven. I arrived a little early to find the people in the church praying the rosary. After I chose a seat, I joined in the prayers. The gentleman leading the rosary had a beautiful voice, like a radio announcer or documentary speaker. After Mass, I just happened to walk out with him. I told him that he had a great voice. He said that he was away from the church for too long. He remembered praying the rosary with his grandmother and that is what brought him back to the church. Now he gives the rosary back in prayer as often as possible. I thanked him for sharing his story and for helping us all to have a prayerful experience.

I Found God today in a man’s faith story.

Permalink