Leave a comment

Scared Silly

Posted by eph21920 on October 18, 2019 in Family, Fun

The other night, my sister told me she found a “haunted hike” at one of our favorite state parks. The area is just about half way between her house and ours and has been a great place to get together. I was able to meet both my sisters there tonight. The sky was dark and ominous as we got ourselves prepared. My sister brought her headlamps and I had my cell phone flashlight. But when we reached the entrance to the hike, the ranger told us to turn them off to have the best experience. As she was explaining the details, we could hear screams coming from the trail and realized what we were in for. At that time, the storm arrived and with lightning and thunder. We screamed, then laughed. As we headed off, we linked arms and chanted, “lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” The trail was lit in places with jugs of glowing stuff. Most of the fear was the anticipation of being scared. There were a couple of creepy people that jumped out and we obliged with loud shrieks. After the hike, we had hot chocolate and treats. Then we stopped at the visitors center where one of the docents told stories of mysterious happenings at the park. It was just a fun night full of screams, fun, and laughter with my sisters.

I Found God today having a fun time with my sisters.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Family Bond

Posted by eph21920 on October 17, 2019 in Connected, Family, Grateful, Life, Relationship

My mom and dad told me all about how my brother took charge of things while I was away and the things my sisters did when they were here as well. I thought of the words I wrote yesterday. My siblings and I have the unbreakable bond of being family. While that counts for something, it doesn’t necessarily commit any of us to have a relationship with one another. Yet, 3 of my siblings were here, present at various times, helping to care for our parents so that I could take some time off. Each of us has our own “lifestyle”, but we rally together when it is necessary. We do our best to support and encourage one another. Today I am feeling very blessed in the relationships with my siblings.

I Found God today in my siblings.

Permalink
2 Comments

Back to Lifestyle

Posted by eph21920 on October 16, 2019 in Answer, Connected, Family, Friends, Life, Travel

I spent the past week visiting many people and spending time with my far away family. For some reason, I was very aware of all the different lifestyles. There were newlyweds, single people living on their own, young couples with babies, parents helping their kids with their kids, parents helping their parents, those flourishing in long marriages, those struggling trying to make it on their own, and so on. These were just a few of the lives that I was blessed to enter into. And each had their joys and their struggles. None could say that or if they were better or worse off than the other. I came away with a new perspective. While we are all living our own different lifestyles, we are all still intimately connected with one another. These lifestyles change as time goes on and our situations or priorities change. But each of us is called to be the best person we can in our current lifestyle, with the people we are connected to right now. I was happy to make it home safe today after a long day of travel. My dad thanked me for returning.

I Found God today realizing the blessings of different lifestyles.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Loving Grandkids

Posted by eph21920 on October 14, 2019 in Children, Family, Fun, Love

I spent most of today with my younger grandson and granddaughter while the oldest had a game and their mom and dad were off to work. We all thought about what would be a fun place to go for a 12 year old and a 4 year old and decided on mini golf. Instead of keeping exact score, my grandson and I competed on each hole to see who could use the least amount of strokes. We let my granddaughter put the ball wherever she wanted to start from. It was fun to watch her enthusiasm. And she was super excited when she started at the beginning of the final course and made a hole in one. On the way home we stopped at the store to pick up a few things for dinner. My grandson pushed his sister in the cart. I loved watching how he cared for her and encouraged her. They were both so well behaved, cheerful, and helpful. It was a joy to spend the day with them.

I Found God today still enjoying my grandchildren.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Dessert For Lunch

Posted by eph21920 on October 13, 2019 in Creation, Family, Food, Fun, Plan

Today was another great day with my son, daughter in law, and grandchildren. We headed up north to view the beautiful fall foliage, but quickly got into traffic with the other hundreds – maybe thousands – of people who had the same desire. We decided to change course and landed at a favorite ice cream/sweets place that my family wanted me to experience. So, we had ice cream for lunch and candy for dessert. I guess you have to do that every once in a while. There were different games scattered on the tables, so we had fun playing while we indulged. When we left, we found a covered bridge that wasn’t too far away and stopped there for a walk and to take some photos. We were the only ones there, so it was very enjoyable. The water was so still and the reflection of the leaves and sky was stunning. The kids tossed acorns in the water and we watched the ripples. Even though our original idea didn’t work out, the time spent together was better than any plan.

I Found God today in another fun, impromptu day.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Extraordinary Day

Posted by eph21920 on October 12, 2019 in Uncategorized

Today was a great day hanging out with my son, daughter in law, and grandkids. We got up late and took the day as it came. We were entertained by their parakeets as they let them out of their cage for a while. The two of them seemed to be racing as they flew around the living room and back to the top of the cage. We talked and laughed as you do only with family. We did some shopping and had dinner with my daughter in law’s mom. It was great to visit with her. Really it was an ordinary day in their lives. But it was extraordinarily enjoyable for me to spend it with them.

I Found God today enjoying an ordinary day with family.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Tangible Love

Posted by eph21920 on October 11, 2019 in Faith, Friends, Intimacy, Life, Love, Marriage, Relationship

This evening I was blessed to attend the wedding of a good friend who I worked with at the church years ago. I always admired what a strong, independent woman she is and never even saw her dating during the years I knew her. So when she told me she was getting married, I was surprised. I saw photos of the two of them together and could see the love between them. When I went to the church, I saw the bride just as she was finishing getting ready for her wedding. I gave her a quick hug and went on my way before I started to tear up. She had waited many years for this day and I was just so happy for her. She walked down the aisle and started crying as she took the hand of her soon to be husband. The ceremony was beautiful, intimate, and emotional. The presiding priest knew her well, so could speak very personally and even started crying himself. Family and friends were servers, lectors, and musicians. Two of her sisters and her mother sang a beautiful trio dedicated to Our Mother Mary. The reception was equally as personal. He donned his kilt and they were led in by the bagpipes. She sang a song to him and he responded with enthusiasm. Then he had prepared 2 songs and passed out lyrics for audience participation. She was absolutely giddy. It was such a joy-filled evening. My friend remained steady on the course for years as she anticipated the man who she would spend her life with. Now that the day had come, the love and faith they shared was evident and tangible as it flowed out to everyone celebrating with them.

I Found God today in the incredible joy, love, and faith celebrating my friend’s wedding.

Permalink
2 Comments

Long Travel Day

Posted by eph21920 on October 9, 2019 in Uncategorized

I took a long trip today, driving to the airport in the dark of the morning and arriving at my son’s on the east coast in the dark of night. I left one set of family members and was met by my grandchildren. I haven’t seen them in about a year. Even though we video chat, I was surprised at how much they grew. It was great to be with them all and I look forward to a great visit.

I Found God today arriving safely after a long day of travel.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Blooming Plant

Posted by eph21920 on October 8, 2019 in Answer, Creation, Grateful, Life

In my mind, I have never been really good at taking care of plants. Although, this year, the flowers in front of the house have been spectacular. I guess it just took me 5 years to figure out how to make it work. Also, my sister gave me a beautiful plant for my birthday several years ago. When I first got it, it bloomed and was just gorgeous. However, since then it has deteriorated. I figured I was killing it as I have done to so many. But then, I regrouped and decided to try to make it better. I completely changed the way I was watering it. I figured what did I have to lose? Today I watered it and when I took a closer look, it seems the plant is reviving and growing a flower bud. I actually may have figured out how to make this work as well. It is exciting and gratifying to cooperate with God’s creation.

I Found God today helping plants to bloom.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Extreme Mercy

Posted by eph21920 on October 7, 2019 in Faith, Forgiveness, Mercy, Stranger, Tragedy

Tonight in my Bible class, we discussed the “Antithesis” as given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:17-48. He challenges us to not only follow the 10 Commandments given to Moses, but to take them a step further. We should share everything we have with those who are in need. We should keep our thoughts clean and pure. We should love our enemies and show forgiveness and mercy. The teacher gave an example of showing extreme mercy. In the recent case of the police officer who shot a man because she thought she was in her apartment, an incredible scene unfolded. The 18 year old brother of the man who was killed forgave the woman in the courtroom. He told her if she asked God to forgive her, He would. Then he asked if he could give her a hug, which he did. It was truly amazing. Of course since then, there has been much debate and arguing about what transpired. But, people did the same to Jesus who came into the world to show extreme love and mercy.

I Found God today in an example of extreme mercy.

Permalink