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May Day Surprise

Posted by eph21920 on May 1, 2019 in Creation, Friends, Joy

The other day, we were talking about May Day with my mom’s friend. When she was young, she used to put together baskets of goodies and flowers and leave them on porches of friends as a surprise. I had never heard of that tradition. This morning I went to my exercise class. One of the ladies there brought in small pansy plants and small butterfly garden ornaments for everyone. We were all surprised. It started out the day – and the month – with a little good cheer.

I Found God today in a surprise of flowers.

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Helping the Homeless Hero

Posted by eph21920 on April 30, 2019 in Answer, Connected, Generosity, Homeless, Stranger, Struggles

The other day there was a terrible crash on the highway. I heard early on that a homeless man who was in the area sprang into action and started pulling people out of their cars before they caught on fire. He saved at least 3 people. I heard tonight that a news station started a fundraising effort for him. Many people have already donated and are trying to give the man a leg up. I thought that was pretty awesome.

I Found God today as people help a homeless hero.

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Diverse God

Posted by eph21920 on April 29, 2019 in Answer, Faith, Life

My Bible class reconvened after a 2 week Easter break. During that time, one young man was Baptized, Confirmed, and received his first Holy Communion as he entered into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. The people who attended commented on what a beautiful celebration it was. It made them really appreciate and rejoice in their Catholic faith. Another man was accepted into the diaconate program and will begin his 5 year formation in the fall. And one young woman said she went to Paris. She loves the Notre Dame cathedral and when she saw it had burned, she had to go see it. She showed us pictures of when she was there before the fire and a couple of pictures of what the outside looks like now. I thought about the extraordinary faith of these 3 people and the different ways in which that plays out in their lives. What a wonderful, diverse God we have.

I Found God today in the different ways faith is expressed.

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He Made It

Posted by eph21920 on April 28, 2019 in Birthday, Family, Fun, Life

Today was my dad’s 89th birthday. When I wished him happy birthday when he got up this morning, his response was, “I made it!” After church we went to the symphony and heard Beethoven. He had been wanting to go and it happened to land on his birthday so that worked well. It was a small venue and we had good seats. It felt like we were right next to the orchestra. I could see the pianists hands and fingers as they flew up and down the piano keys. The concert was beautiful and my dad loved it. He didn’t want to make any decision on other plans and said I should surprise him. So after the concert we went to dinner and my son met us there. Then at home, the neighbors came over for cake. It was a busy but enjoyable day. I was also happy that my dad “made it” to celebrate one more year.

I Found God today celebrating my dad’s birthday.

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Have Your Cake

Posted by eph21920 on April 27, 2019 in Answer, Birthday, Family, Food

Our season of celebrations actually started on Good Friday this year with my parents’ 67th wedding anniversary. Since it was on Good Friday, we decided to celebrate on Easter Sunday instead with German cuisine. I made a black forest cake that I tried once before and was a little disappointing. I tweaked the recipe a little and this time it was fantastic. A few days before, we received 2 fresh pineapples from the organic fruit subscription that my mom gets every month from my brother. Just as we finished the black forest cake, my brother and I decided we needed to make a fresh pineapple upside down cake. I had to tweak the recipe a bit and it turned out amazing. Tomorrow is my dad’s birthday and his favorite is angel food cake. My mom used to make it for him all the time, but was unable to get it to rise properly in the high altitude. I tried a couple of times as well, but had the same issue, so we had kind of gave up on it. But, we were almost out of pineapple upside down cake and my dad requested angel food cake, so I was determined to make it work. I tweaked the old tried and true recipe, used some directions from another recipe, and consulted my mom along the way. The cake came out tall and firm. It was incredible. I can’t wait to see what next week brings.

I Found God today in the ability to make delicious food.

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Making Room

Posted by eph21920 on April 26, 2019 in Generosity, Grateful, Stranger

It was a beautiful day outside, so my mom and I took a walk. My mom always uses her walker outside so she has more stability. Today we went in a different direction from the way we usually go. As we meandered along, I noticed 2 men sitting outside on the porch a few houses away. One of them went out to the street and moved the large trash cans that were sitting on the curb. When we reached them we said hello and one of them made a joke about having a radar gun to measure our “fast” pace. The other asked if we had enough room to get by the truck that was parked in the driveway. I thanked him and said we did. I then realized that they saw us coming and had moved the trash cans so they wouldn’t be in our way. Simple, but thoughtful and friendly.

I Found God today in a simple, but thoughtful act of kindness.

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Friends’ Safety

Posted by eph21920 on April 25, 2019 in Faith, Friends

Some friends have been away on a mission trip. With all the tragic events going on around the world, they have been in my mind and prayers. They arrived back home yesterday and stopped by today for a bit. They told us about their trip, the sights they saw, and how they were able to celebrate their Christian faith during Easter. It was very good to see them and know that they were safe.

I Found God today in the safety of friends.

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Positive Prayers

Posted by eph21920 on April 23, 2019 in Answer, Faith, Friends, Healing, Prayer, Sick

When my parents and I attended the healing Mass a couple of months ago, we received some small containers of water from Lourdes. The other day when my friend was anointed, I gave him a bottle and encouraged him to start using it. His surgery was yesterday and I waited anxiously to hear how things went. Late last night, a family member shared that the extensive 7 1/2 hour surgery went better than expected. My friend was awake and recovering. The doctors were optimistic and gave a hopeful prognosis. Basically, everything proceeded as best case scenario. I’m sure all the prayers and blessings played a part and will continue to do so.

I Found God today in a positive outcome for my friend.

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Prodigal Son

Posted by eph21920 on April 22, 2019 in Family, Happiness, Life

As I said yesterday, my travelling brother returned and will be staying in the area now for a while. We enjoyed having his company and hearing more stories about his adventures in person. I also appreciated his help and conversation in the kitchen. And we forgot how much fun it was to have his dog around. She is sweet, smart, and attentive. She made her rounds from person to person as someone entered the room or moved to a different place. Both my brother and his dog brought a little more excitement to our routine.

I Found God today in my brother’s company.

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Love Invites

Posted by eph21920 on April 21, 2019 in Faith, Family, Food, Life, Love

Today was a beautiful day getting together with the family. My brother who was travelling has returned and was able to join in the festivities once again. We decided to make a German meal as we were celebrating my parents’ anniversary and birthdays all together along with Easter. Every person made something to contribute – wiener schnitzel, spatzle, green beans, german potato salad, brotchen, and black forest cake to finish off the meal. People took turns in the kitchen until everything came together. It was great fun, we laughed a lot, and shared a delicious meal. This Easter Sunday, the priest talked about the unconditional love that God offers to us. A statement stood out to me, “Evil imposes, Love invites”. The point being that it is our choice to accept this unlimited love from God, because He is God. I think familial love is the closest example we have on earth. We have the opportunity to both show unconditional love and to accept it. In my family, I feel we do both and I feel very blessed,

I Found God today in His inviting love.

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