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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Friends Lift Spirits

Posted by eph21920 on October 6, 2019 in Answer, Connected, Friends, Life, Relationship, Sick

A friend of mine returned from travelling and I talked with her today. The main reason for going was to see an ailing friend. But, she talked to her friend’s husband who said he wasn’t sure she would be up for a visit. So, my friend was surprised when she arrived and her friend greeted her at the door. The sick woman seemed to perk up even more as they talked and reminisced. They laughed as they remembered good times. Her husband said she hadn’t looked that good in a very long time. After she left, my friend received a text from her friend thanking her for the visit. She said she realized how important and life giving it was to have and spend time with good friends. My friend could have left well enough alone, or not “imposed”, but she persisted in meeting. Because of that, she lifted her friend’s spirit.

I Found God today hearing how friendship can lift spirits.

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Mingling With Elk

Posted by eph21920 on October 5, 2019 in Creation, Family, Grateful, Joy

My sister and I took a day off today and headed for the mountains. We had a loose plan as to where we wanted to go when we started out. As we drove higher and higher, the colors of the changing leaves became more abundant. We stopped in several spots to take in the amazing view and to take some pictures. While there were a lot of people, it wasn’t overly crowded and those we met were super friendly. At one point we decided to take an alternate route that was off the beaten path. A short while later, we spotted a herd of elk at a park. We found the entrance and a parking space and spent the next 2 hours watching the herd and taking pictures. There was one large male bull that was in charge of the group. He and a couple of younger males who were on the other side – actually in a golf course – would bugle to each other. I couldn’t believe how close they were to all the people. Some of the people were oblivious as to what behavior to watch for. But at the same time, the elk would mingle where the people were. They weren’t too fearful or bothered. It was an amazing day and I was grateful that my brother stayed at the house so I could enjoy.

I Found God today in the beauty of nature.

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Late Night Visiting

Posted by eph21920 on October 4, 2019 in Family, Fun, Grateful, Happiness, Joy, Life

The other day my dad commented that he hadn’t seen my son in a while. Little did he know, I thought the same thing and had talked with my son about it. He came over for dinner last night and was very chatty. He and my brother talked all about computer things that sounded like a foreign language to me. We watched the end of the football game and talked about sports. He told us about the latest happenings at his job. We discussed finances, friends, fitness, fun, and food. Both he and I stayed up way past our bed time, but it was a great visit.

I Found God today enjoying good time with my son.

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Inspiring Instructor

Posted by eph21920 on October 2, 2019 in Friends, Humility, Life

My aqua aerobics instructor recently turned 60 years old. To celebrate, she participated in an ironman triathlon. The competition included swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, and then running a marathon of 26.2 miles. She finished in 4th place overall for women and 1st in her age group. She is quite an inspiration, very humble, and very welcoming and inclusive to everyone in the class.

I Found God today in my inspirational instructor.

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Listening to Him

Posted by eph21920 on October 1, 2019 in Answer, Faith, Grateful, Peace

This afternoon I went out to run some errands. As I headed toward my first stop, I realized I would be going right past the church. I “felt” or “heard” God’s call to stop and spend some time with Him. I argued with myself a bit that I didn’t have time, then remembered that I promised I would spend some quality time in prayer this afternoon. Evidently, this was my reminder. I do want to do what I feel God is calling me to. So I stopped in the church. It was quiet and aside from a couple of the deacons going in and out, I was the only one there. I don’t know how long I spent as I vowed not to take notice. I simply sat in God’s presence and thought about how small I am in the ocean of lives that have been lived since the beginning of time and how thankful was that I would be there in His presence. I left peaceful and grateful.

I Found God today spending time with him in peace.

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