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Introduction to Space

Posted by eph21920 on August 23, 2019 in Family, Knowledge, Life, Teacher

After my dad retired from the Air Force, he started teaching at the community college – mostly sciences. Being a meteorologist led to his love of space. He wanted to teach a course in the subject, but found a lack of resources. So, he compiled his research and wrote a college textbook. He met a publisher at one of the space symposiums that he attended who was eager to print the book. It turned out to be the best selling book for the company. My dad ended up writing 4 editions of the book to keep it up to date. He received a royalty check in the mail and he was surprised that they were still selling. There have been over 25,000 of them sold and he has made a good amount of money on the royalties. As we talked about it today, he was proud of this accomplishment, and so was I and my mom.

I Found God today recognizing one of my dad’s great accomplishments.

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Gods Must Be Crazy

Posted by eph21920 on August 22, 2019 in Answer, Humor, Life, Struggles

My dad was looking for a funny movie to watch tonight and came across, “The Gods Must Be Crazy.” I’m not sure I ever saw the whole movie until tonight. It was pretty silly. When it was over, we watched part of the special features and learned more about the star of the film. He actually did live in the bush of Africa. In the feature, the narrator described how he visited the little man about 10 years after the movie came out. He was back in the depths of Africa living with his extended family. He talked about how he thought making the movie might help the world to see how different and difficult their life was. There was not enough food for them to eat and people were dying of starvation. But the movie spun a contrasting tale of a fantasy world. In reality, the people struggled to survive. The narrator’s life was touched by the man and the people. He returned some 13 years later with solar panels and technological devices. He met up again with the actor and together they watched excerpts from the previous visit. The little man was asked how it felt seeing himself so many years ago. He said he was happy and sad as he wiped the tears from his aging face. He was happy to see his family, but sad because his wife had passed away since then. He said that he looked very old now, but that his soul and heart remain the same. He had such a beautiful outlook, despite his hardships.

I Found God today in a small man with a beautiful heart.

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Not Much Has Changed

Posted by eph21920 on August 21, 2019 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Faith, Family, Jesus, Life

As my dad continued to listen to some audio tapes today, I heard them as well. One in particular was he and my mom speaking to my dad’s aunt some 40 years ago. They got talking about the state of the world and the end times. They discussed the church’s beliefs as to when Jesus would come again in His glory. Israel would become a nation, which happened in their lifetime. The Gospel message of Jesus Christ would be spread through out the world. At that time, missionaries had covered just about the entire earth as we know it. My dad’s aunt said that with all the loose morals, the sanctity of marriage no longer meaningful, and all the abortions, she didn’t know how much worse things could get. Here, now 40 years later, not much has changed. Perhaps we live in more violence, sexual confusion, and broken families. But we still wait in anticipation for the promise of Jesus Christ to save us all.

I Found God today remembering that we continue to await His glorious return.

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Voices From the Past

Posted by eph21920 on August 21, 2019 in Connected, Family, Life, Relationship

As my dad continues to go through the old cassette tapes, he found a bunch of recorded conversations with family members. Today he listened to an exchange between him and his brother. Much of the discussion was about family history. My dad commented that this was one of the longest conversations he had with his brother. They were 7 years apart in age, so my dad felt he was always the little kid. When he was older to be able to have a different relationship, his brother was away in the war, then my father joined the military and was always on the move. This recording happened to be only a couple years before my uncle’s death. Listening to it today was meaningful on so many levels, especially for my dad.

I Found God today in a recorded, meaningful conversation.

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Growing Granddaughter

Posted by eph21920 on August 19, 2019 in Birthday, Children, Family, Life

My granddaughter turned 4 years old today. My parents, brother, and I got on video chat and sang “Happy Birthday” to her. She wasn’t as chatty as usual. I guess she was tuckered out from her big party yesterday. But my mom noticed that suddenly, she had changed. She was now a little girl ready to start pre-school. I noticed it too. Her words and sentences were now that of a 4 year old. It is hard to believe she is that age already, but then again, maybe not. I love being able to see how she’s growing.

I Found God today in my growing granddaughter.

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Making Potato Salad

Posted by eph21920 on August 17, 2019 in Family, Food, Fun

My water aerobics class has several opportunities to get together during the year. A couple weeks ago, the instructor was planning the upcoming salad party. She was talking about some kind of potato salad that didn’t have mayonnaise in it, but was warm. I asked if she was thinking of hot German potato salad with bacon and vinegar. She excitedly responded, “YES!” and asked if I had made it before. I said I had not, but my mother made it all the time and has a recipe. She asked if I could make it for the party and of course I agreed. After dinner tonight, I got out the recipe. My mom coached me through the process and with the help from my brother and sister, we got it done. And it was delicious – just like my mom used to make. It was a great team effort in the kitchen. I can’t wait to bring it to the party tomorrow and see the reaction.

I Found God today cooking with family.

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Better Than Social Media

Posted by eph21920 on August 16, 2019 in Answer, Connected, Friends, Life

Today I talked to a friend who I worked with about 30 years ago. She told me about some others that she had talked to and what they were doing. She is so good at keeping in touch with everyone, she amazes me. She said that she knows people have lives and are busy, but we all have a history together. People still love to stay connected and see what others are up to. My friend not only stays in contact, but gets people together in person as well so they can enjoy one another’s company. I think she is so much better than social media.

I Found God today in my well connected, encouraging friend.

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Set Up Phone Call

Posted by eph21920 on August 15, 2019 in Connected, Friends, Life, Tragedy

Today I sent a text to a friend and inadvertently sent it to another as well. The latter one gave me a call and we chatted for quite a while. It had been a long time since I talked with her, though she pops into my mind often and then I bring her to prayer. She was in a horrible accident some time ago and continues to battle the permanent injuries. She also told me of all the people who have helped her, been by her side, and prayed with her. She is trying to figure out how best to live her “new life”. It was great to talk with her and I felt that God had set it all up.

I Found God today in His Divine Providence.

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Super Patient Boy

Posted by eph21920 on August 14, 2019 in Children, Doctor, Family, Home, Patience

My mom has been struggling to recover from diverticulitis and is still tired and weak. Today, she felt her heart rate was very low. I checked it and even though she has a pacemaker, it was very erratic. Needless to say, we ended up spending the afternoon in the Emergency Room. All the testing came out fine, so we are thanking God we were able to come home and will follow up with her cardiologist tomorrow. While we were waiting, there was a little boy with his parents and grandmother waiting too. The little boy had banged his head and had a big gash above his eye. At one point, the nurse took him back, cleaned it up, and put a bandage on it. When he returned he announced, “I feel SO much better!” He was a character and cheered up everyone around him. He was super cute and super patient.

I Found God today by my mom not staying in the hospital and in a super patient boy.

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Across Borders

Posted by eph21920 on August 13, 2019 in Answer, Connected, Generosity, Grateful, Joy, Life

One of our neighbor’s has been hosting a couple of Chinese teachers in a program where they are learning to teach English. I got to meet and chat with them for a bit. They were very joyful, respectful, and grateful. Today there was a story on the news of our local Fire Department who has “adopted” a Fire Department in Mexico. The firefighters from Mexico came and spent time with those from my area. In the broadcast, those from Mexico were so appreciative and said, “God bless these people”, a couple of times. It reminded me that while politicians and those with “authority” are battling it out, there are regular people reaching across borders and helping one another without prejudice or expecting anything in return.

I Found God today in people graciously and generously helping “foreigners”.

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