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Near Normalcy

Posted by eph21920 on June 20, 2020 in Family, Friends, Grateful, Happiness, Life, Opportunity, Relationship, Struggles

My sister came over today. I mean actually came over and in the house for a real visit. We each gave her a big hug and cried. While she stayed at the house for a long visit with my parents, I met a friend who I haven’t seen in months. We didn’t hug, bit still cried. She is the caregiver for her husband who has Parkinson’s. We felt so blessed to enjoy the gorgeous day and take a hike. We talked about how we have been holding up over the past 3 months. Later I ran a couple of errands. Even though I continued to take precautions, the day felt like some kind of normalcy. We have been doing our best to stay safe at home and not to have close contact with others over the last 3 months. However, as the world seems to be “opening up”, we recently decided that we need to be in closer contact with our people for the sake of our own well being. The day was more wonderful than I even have words to describe.

I Found God today being in meaningful contact with loved ones.

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Virtual Peace

Posted by eph21920 on June 19, 2020 in Eternity, Eucharist, Faith, Jesus, Peace

Today was the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is a celebration to once again remind us of the tremendous love Jesus has for us and how He holds us close in His heart. This afternoon I thought it would be good to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. I came across the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy website. On there I found a video of the prayers along with Eucharist Adoration that was held earlier in the day. I participated best I could in my bedroom and wondered if it “counted”. Then it occurred to me that God is beyond all space and time. Even though I was in my room, looking at a computer monitor, and watching a video of something that had already happened, God was present there. I put the concern out of my head and was able to spend some quality time in prayer. I left that space with a much needed new sense of peace.

I Found God today receiving His peace in a virtual setting.

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Trust for the Good

Posted by eph21920 on June 18, 2020 in Answer, Faith, Trust

Today I was talking with a friend about yesterday’s theme of harmful fear. We talked about how trusting in God’s love and goodness is the antidote to fear. That, of course, is easier said than done. But she said something else that to me was profound and that I would like to try to remember. Trust is not thinking that everything will be “fine”, but knowing that going through potential pain or difficulties will still bring about God’s plan, which is always for the good. One example that we talk about often here is the timing of my dad’s stroke. It was a horrible thing for him and all of us to go through. But, we are grateful it happened when it did instead of just a few short weeks later. As it was, my dad was able to complete his physical therapy and was well on his way to recovery before the COVID-19 virus changed everything. I cannot even imagine him going through that ordeal without being in contact with anyone in the family.

I Found God today in a reminder to trust.

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Harmful Fear

Posted by eph21920 on June 17, 2020 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Faith, Family, Grateful, Life, Trust

A family friend used to come over once a week and play piano with my mom. Then we would go to lunch. We haven’t seen her in 3 months. But everyone felt comfortable enough to invite her over today. We all started with our masks on. However, it wasn’t long before it became frustrating for my dad to understand what was being said. My mom had a difficult time speaking loudly enough through the mask and kept pulling it up over her nose. We finally just gave up and all took off our masks so we could visit freely. In our conversation, my parents and friend talked about the difficulties they all have survived thus far – polio, german measles, world wars, tuberculosis, etc. I talked about my fears in regards to the corona virus and trying to keep my parents safe and sound – always. In some ways that can cause more stress than is necessary. My dad said that he’s not particularly afraid. He said he’s 90 years old and has lived a good life and that something will take him at some point. My mother agreed, though she is more fearful than my dad. In the afternoon I joined in a virtual caregiver group. We also talked about fear. One person responded that fear in itself is harmful and can cause major health issues. Then tonight I met with my prayer group. When I opened the scripture, there were the words from Jesus, “Do Not Be Afraid . . .” I got the message and was grateful for the reminder how much God loves me and my parents.

I Found God today in a reminder not to be afraid.

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Grandson Grandfather Outing

Posted by eph21920 on June 16, 2020 in Answer, Family, Generosity, Grateful, Life, Love

The last time my dad got a haircut was shortly after he came home from rehab recovering from the stroke. It was super long by that time and he was so happy to have it done. Now, since the pandemic, we have all had to wait again. His hair grew long once more and we have been waiting for an opportune time to have it cut. I was thrilled that my son offered to take my dad to the barber. I called yesterday and they reported that things had slowed down since the initial surge right after re-opening. That sounded promising. My dad and son decided today would be a good day to go. Everyone donned their face-mask as my son came to get him in his over-sized pick-up truck. Things went very well and very quick. My dad came home clean cut and even had his eyebrows trimmed. He said he enjoyed his time with my son. I was happy about the outing on so many levels.

I Found God today in my caring son and happy father.

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Finally Photo Album

Posted by eph21920 on June 15, 2020 in Birthday, Family, Grateful, Life, Love, Marriage

We had quite the festivities here during the months of April and May. I had been promising my siblings that I would share photos of the all the events. Although they weren’t here physically to celebrate, they sent flowers and gifts and we all participated in some pretty creative Zoom sessions. We kicked off the season with my parents’ 68th wedding anniversary. From there we celebrated my dad’s 90th birthday, my mom’s birthday, Mother’s Day, and some additional holidays as well. The end of May brought my nephew’s wedding, which was a perfect way to conclude the time period. It brought me a lot of joy to go through the pictures and create the album. I realized again how much we have to be grateful for.

I Found God today being grateful for the many ways He has blessed my family.

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Zoom Cupcakes

Posted by eph21920 on June 14, 2020 in Birthday, Family, Food, Fun, Grateful

Today was my nephew’s birthday. My daughter-in-law has a cake and cookie business and her most recent creation is a “decorate your own cupcake” kits. She provides the baked cupcakes, frosting, and sprinkles. She sent kits to everyone in the family. After we sang happy birthday, we decorated the cupcakes all together during our weekly family Zoom session and then ate them. It was fun and delicious! I am so grateful for our get togethers and always look forward to them.

I Found God today celebrating my nephew’s birthday with family fun.

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More Meals

Posted by eph21920 on June 13, 2020 in Family, Food, Generosity, Grateful

My sister came over today with freezer bags of prepared meals. She said she was trying to think of some way she could help out. It was great just to see her and visit for a bit. The fact that she brought food was an added bonus. I was very grateful for her thoughtfulness.

I saw God today in my thoughtful sister.

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Dream a Dream

Posted by eph21920 on June 12, 2020 in Children, Connected, Hope, Love, Music, Peace

Tonight my parents’ and I watched a virtual concert by the local Children’s Chorale. The ensemble consisted of several individual choirs of different ages and even an all guys group. The concert showcased recordings from Christmas and other events as well as the youth singing together virtually. It was delightful watching the energy, enthusiasm, and talent of the children as they sang, danced, and just plain enjoyed themselves. The sound of the older youth was beautiful and peaceful. Each director spoke and gave out awards. Even the mayor had a few words to say. Ironically, the theme chosen for the 2019-2020 year was, “Building a Better World Through Song.” Having no idea what the year would bring, it was perfect. Since the Chorale started, they have been closing with the song, “Dream a Dream”. One of the founders described it as having a message of hope, empathy, love, and peace. They, of course, ended this virtual concert with the song. I was teary eyed by the end. The show was just what we wanted and needed, especially now. It was a blessing.

I Found God today in children singing and sharing a beautiful message.

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Emulating Workcamp

Posted by eph21920 on June 11, 2020 in Connected, Faith, Friends, Generosity, Grateful, Past, Youth

A neighbor came over this afternoon to do some work on the outside of the porch. It has a stucco covering that has been deteriorating, and the Board of Directors of the complex has been slow in responding to the repair request. So, the neighbor who is our “roofmate” decided to just take matters into his own hands. He refurbished his own porch and wanted to do ours as well. I chatted with him as he layed down his tarp, held it in place with rocks so it wouldn’t blow away, and started scraping off the loose stucco. It brought me right back to my days at Workcamp when I was a youth minister. I remembered doing the same preparation to the many homes that were repaired during that time. I thought about all the youth and adults who participated in the camps. They were some of the most amazing faith-filled events that I have ever been a part of and I thank God for them often. Then I realized that our neighbor emulated the same selfless, faithful qualities that were the foundation of Workcamp.

I Found God today in a selfless neighbor who brought back memories of amazing Workcamps.

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