Leave a comment

Hope-filled Timely Advice

Posted by eph21920 on March 30, 2020 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Faith, Hope, Life

I have been continuing to work on my Bible class and enjoying reading the scriptures. I always find comfort, wisdom, and peace. Even though the words were written about 2000 years ago, they still speak to the problems of our current society. At the same time, the answer remains the same – hope, faith, love, and trust in God. Today I finished reading Paul’s letter that he wrote to the Philippians while he was in prison. It touched my heart as so much of it could have been speaking about our current condition. Here are some of the lines that struck me the most from Philippians chapter 4:

6
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
7
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

I Found God today in His words that are encouraging, valid, and timely.

Permalink
Leave a comment

“Normal”Sunday

Posted by eph21920 on March 29, 2020 in Answer, Faith, Family, Food, Happiness, Home, Life, Music

As our time staying at home keeps ticking by, we are finding ways to do things as “normal” as possible. This morning after breakfast and everyone was dressed, we made our way downstairs to the big TV and found the website to our parish. We were able to watch and participate in Mass celebrated by the priest and deacon. Usually on Sundays after Mass, we go out for brunch. So today I ordered pick up from a local restaurant. We even got my dad’s favorite eggs benedict. My parents had tickets to the symphony this afternoon, which of course was cancelled. However, the philharmonic was broadcasting a selection of concerts from previous years, so we turned on the radio and listened to that. It was the closest we could get to a “normal” Sunday and really it felt pretty good.

I Found God today experiencing a “normal” Sunday.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Produced a Family

Posted by eph21920 on March 28, 2020 in Children, Connected, Family, Grateful, Love

We had our family gathering on Zoom this afternoon. We were able to find a time that worked for everyone from Mountain to the Eastern time zone. Everyone in the family joined in. The screen resembled that of the Brady Bunch opening, so we had to act it out. This time my grandchildren took advantage of the opportunity and kept us very entertained. When we signed off, my mom got a little teary eyed and commented that she was just thinking that all of those people started with her and my dad. What a blessing.

I Found God today in gratitude for my family.

Permalink
2 Comments

Praying With the Pope

Posted by eph21920 on March 27, 2020 in Connected, Faith, Home, Hope, Pope, Prayer, Sick, Trust

The other day I learned that Pope Francis was offering a special blessing to those who would join in praying with him for an end to the pandemic. I found that EWTN would be airing the event, so my parents and I watched and participated from the living room. It was surreal to see Pope Francis in the empty courtyard, walking up to the podium by himself. It was pouring rain and he didn’t even have an umbrella. When the camera faced out, looking at his back, you could see people lined up just outside the barriers, holding umbrellas, and standing 6 feet away from one another. The sky was bleak and continued to darken, but the reflection and prayers were enlightening. The Gospel story was read about the apostles in the boat during a storm, while Jesus slept. They woke him wondering if he didn’t care if they all died. Jesus asked them why they were afraid and what had happened to their faith. The pope’s words were timely, encouraging, and hopeful. You can see the video here. It takes up the first hour of the time.

I Found God today participating in a world wide prayer for an end to corona virus.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Stitches Out

Posted by eph21920 on March 26, 2020 in Answer, Doctor, Grateful, Healing

I had been anticipating today since I had the stitches put in my thumb 10 days ago. The NP in the Urgent Care that I went to said to go back in 10 days to get them taken out. But, she recommended a location that is not usually as busy. I decided to go there first thing this morning, hoping to avoid any potential infection from others. Before I left the house, I put my name on the “list” and was surprised to see it would be half an hour after they opened. I headed up there early anyways. It was an eerie drive as our new “Stay at Home” ordinance went into effect today. For the first time in 2 weeks, there was actually less traffic. When I arrived, there were no cars in the parking lot. I walked into an empty Urgent Care, except for the receptionist. They got me in and out in less than 10 minutes. I thanked them for their help and their work. Even though the tip of my thumb still has some healing to do, it feels great not to have the stitches in any more. Making the trip today to get it taken care of relieved one more stressor.

I Found God today being able to easily get the medical attention I needed.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Bells and Angelus

Posted by eph21920 on March 25, 2020 in Connected, Faith, Family, Mary, Opportunity, Prayer

Yesterday we received an email from the pastor of our parish talking about hosting live events today being the Solemnity of the Annunciation. He would celebrate Mass and share it on social media. Also, the church rings the bells every day at noon to announce the time to pray the Angelus. Today the priest would make his way out to the recently renovated Marian grotto to pray the Angelus again on social media. My mom said that she wanted to hear the bells and say the prayer. So, a little before noon, we drove over to the church and parked where we could hear the bells and see the grotto. My dad recalled when he rang the bells attached to a long rope at his church when he was growing up. The bells at our church today were electronic, so didn’t have quite the impact they were anticipating. We prayed the Angelus and heard the priest continuing with a decade of the rosary, so we prayed along with that as well. It was nice to get out and experience church.

I Found God today experiencing church.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Best Case Timing

Posted by eph21920 on March 24, 2020 in Family, Grateful, Home, Sick, Struggles

Today my parents, brother, and I were talking about haircuts. I figured I could try to give my mom a haircut when it gets too long, but that didn’t go over too well. My dad chimed in that he was very happy he and my brother made it to their spa day before everything shut down, or his hair would be incredibly long in another month or so. We then talked about how grateful we were that my dad’s hospitalization, rehab, and home health care all had finished just a couple weeks ago. The hospitals are not allowing any visitors at this point and I can’t imagine how difficult that would have been for everyone if we weren’t able to be with my dad. So, as terrible as the stroke was, and as stressful as the current situation is, we are thanking God that the 2 did not coincide.

I Found God today grateful for His timing.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Day Out

Posted by eph21920 on March 23, 2020 in Car, Family, Happiness, Opportunity

The other day, my dad and brother realized that the computer in the cabin wasn’t transmitting the data that it should be. So, this morning they decided to take a drive up there. They said that there were some cars in town, but the further out they went, the less they saw. They made it to the cabin and were able to quickly fix the problem. Usually they would have gone into town for lunch, however that wasn’t an option this time. So, they headed home again. It was a short trip, but my dad very much enjoyed getting up there. He said that he didn’t even really think about trying to move carefully, or being sure footed. He just walked around the terrain as he usually would and said he felt great doing it.

I Found God today as my dad enjoyed a day out.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Familiar Comfort

Posted by eph21920 on March 22, 2020 in Faith, Family, Friends, Grateful, Priest

A couple of days ago, I learned that the parish I was part of in another state was going to have their Mass available on YouTube. I still consider this parish my “home”. It is where I worked for years, learned so much, grew in faith by leaps and bounds and met amazing families who are still part of my life.So this morning instead of turning on EWTN, I found the site for the Mass and we watched. The priest started singing the opening hymn and I realized I had forgotten what a beautiful voice he had. I suppose I probably took it for granted when I was there. The Mass seemed much more personal, of course in part because the priest is a friend, but also because it was much easier to participate and respond. It was strange to see him celebrate all alone in the big church, but my dad said it was like it was just him and us. I wondered if the other hundreds of people watching felt the same way. Seeing my friend, hearing his voice, and listening to his words brought back the familiar comfort I used to feel years ago.

I Found God today celebrating Mass with my far away home parish.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Zoom Zoom

Posted by eph21920 on March 21, 2020 in Begin, Connected, Family, Laughter

A couple of days ago, I connected with my mom’s exercise class via Zoom conferencing video call. It was great to see and talk with all those who signed on. This afternoon, my prayer group tried it as well. Some had a hard time connecting, but again it was wonderful to touch base and see everyone. This evening, my brother set up the same group chat with the family. Everyone talked about how they survived their first week home and how they were spending down time. My son who can’t go to the gym has found creative ways to work out using elastic bands and playground equipment. My brother made bread for the first time ever in his bread maker and it turned out beautiful. My sister put some purple color in her hair that she had been wanting to do. My other sister on the farm has, of course, been getting her seedlings ready. It was wonderful for us all to get together and laugh like you can only do with family. We plan on making it a weekly event.

I Found God laughing with family.

Permalink