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History Repeats Itself

Posted by eph21920 on February 4, 2019 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Faith

In my bible study class tonight, we went through the book of Judges. This is a rather disturbing book describing the continuous cycle of disobedience, consequences, and faith of the nation of Israel. During that period of time, the Israelites would do whatever they wanted, deciding not to obey God and not to teach their children about Him. This led to things going so badly for them that they ended up in slavery much of the time. But, when they remembered that God said He was with them, they would cry out to Him. He would help them by sending a judge who would act on His behalf and set the Israelites free once more. They were happy and lived life in accordance with God’s will for a while, then would again go about doing whatever they wanted. This cycle continued over and over again – each time ending worse than the previous. I thought about how the same thing happens to me on a personal level. I try to live my life in accordance with God’s commandments. I can go on for a while feeling like I’m doing pretty good and start doing little things that I shouldn’t. Before I know it, I’m in a bad way. The good news is that God is still with me as He promised. And when I cry out to Him, He listens and sets me back on track.

I Found God today realizing God’s grace when it is most needed.

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Generous in Missions

Posted by eph21920 on February 3, 2019 in Faith, Friends, Generosity, Service

I visited some friends today who told me about their plans for the next few months and into the summer. They plan on helping with 2 missions. They also plan on hosting foreign exchange teachers. And they talked about how they take each of their grandchildren and those close to them on their own personal mission trip. I was inspired by their generosity and faith.

I Found God today in generous, faithful friends.

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Remembering When

Posted by eph21920 on February 2, 2019 in Answer, Faith, Life, Plan, Present

When things are not going as well as I would like them to be, it is easy to become discouraged. I can easily forget all the blessings, kindness, and gentleness the Lord has shown me. Today I read a meditation that talked about remembering. I took a few minutes after reading to purposefully think about the difficult situations I have been in and how God has seen me through. While things don’t always happen the way I want them to, I have to practice trusting in God’s great plan and unfailing love. Doing this little exercise helped to redirect my thoughts and is something I should do daily.

I Found God today remembering how He has always been present.

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Best News Possible

Posted by eph21920 on February 1, 2019 in Answer, Faith, Family, Grateful, Sick

Today we made another trip to the doctor and received the best news possible for and issue that arose. There is still a concern and decisions to be made, but we are grateful for the good news. I feel our prayers at work.

I Found God today in the best news possible.

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She Is Beautiful

Posted by eph21920 on January 31, 2019 in Family, Stranger

Yesterday, before the delightful man went his way, he told my mother how beautiful she is. Today, she had a procedure at the hospital. The woman who checked her in complimented her on her lovely silvery, white curly hair. Then she turned to me and said that she looked so good for 86 years old. A few minutes later, the nurse came in to get my mom all ready. She also commented on her beautiful hair and how well she looked for her age. Later in the day, my mom said she never felt like she was particularly pretty and thought it was so funny that many people tell her that she is. Of course, I’m a little biased, but I have always thought my mom is beautiful. Oh – and the procedure went just fine.

I Found God today in others appreciating the beauty of my mother.

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Smiles To Go

Posted by eph21920 on January 30, 2019 in Connected, Faith, Grateful, Joy, Life, Stranger

My dad had a test at the hospital today, so my mom and I spent some time in the waiting area. While we were there, an older gentleman started chatting. He told us how he was there to have the battery replaced in his pacemaker. About 6 years ago, his heart was in such a bad way, he was on the list for a heart transplant. The doctors inserted the device to “buy him some time”. Evidently, it worked so well that he didn’t require a transplant at all. The device is doing all the work to keep his heart pumping and now he just needed a new battery. He told us how grateful he was to doctors, technology, and God for giving him a second chance on life. He talked further about how we need each other in the world and how important it is to follow the example Jesus Christ set for us. He makes it his mission to be kind to the people he meets and to help bring them a little joy. Before he left, he held out his hand and gave me some smiles to take with me. “Share them with everyone. They are fully transferable and there is an endless supply.” He was a delight.

I Found God today in a joyful, faithful man.

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Usual Day

Posted by eph21920 on January 29, 2019 in Family, Friends, Happiness, Joy, Life

It has been a couple of weeks since my mom’s friend came over for her usual weekly visit. Things have been busy at her house and at ours. So it was good that she came over today. We all got caught up on the latest family and church news. She and my mom played their piano pieces. And we went out to lunch. In the busy-ness that happens in life, it is good to have the time to do some of the usual activities.

I Found God today enjoying a usual day with a family friend.

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His Word is Alive

Posted by eph21920 on January 28, 2019 in Answer, Eternity, Faith, Grateful, Knowledge

The completion of my first semester of the Bible Course included a test and a reflection. I also had to choose 2 scripture verses to memorize and we shared them in our small group. A couple of days ago, I was reading the daily Mass readings and one of them struck my heart:

Hebrews 4:12 “The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.”

This is exactly how I have felt delving deeper into the Bible. God is changing my outlook, my faith, and my attitude. He is permeating the very depths of who I am. And that is from only 4 months of study. I look forward to each new lesson and learning more about this all powerful, merciful, gracious, loving God who I follow with all my imperfections.

I Found God today in His word reminding me that His word is indeed alive.

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Made it to Mass

Posted by eph21920 on January 27, 2019 in Family, Music, Rest, Sick

When my mom woke up this morning, she was not feeling very good at all. Her eyes were dry and painful and she could barely open them. She didn’t sleep very well and was very tired. After she took her pills, I put some eye drops in and she laid down with a warm moist washcloth over her eyes. That made them feel a little better. Then after breakfast she went back to bed. I was surprised that when it came time for Mass, she was all dressed and ready to go. On a side note – my parents had tickets to the Philharmonic this afternoon and my mom wanted to go, but didn’t feel it was right to go to a concert and not to Mass. So, off to Mass she went. We had a little time to eat lunch after church and then headed to the concert which she enjoyed. She was pretty tired for the rest of the evening. When I asked her how she found God today, she said it was in the fact that she was able to go to both church and the concert after feeling so bad this morning. I agree.

I Found God today as my mom was able to function after a bad start in the morning.

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Found the Rocks

Posted by eph21920 on January 26, 2019 in Creation, Family, Happiness, Peace, Weather

I had a couple of available hours this afternoon, so my son and I went on a little hike. I wanted to try a place that was close, but somewhere that I hadn’t been. Online I found what looked like a great option and saw photos of some pretty interesting rock formations. We set off following the directions for the trail head. When we arrived at the place described, we weren’t convinced that was exactly where we should be. I knew where the trail ended up on the other side, so we decided to start there instead. I had been on part of the trail as some ladies and I walk there when it’s nice out during my mom’s exercise class. When we reached the parking area, it was cold and windy, we were both tired, and I was questioning my decision. But, I really wanted to get outside. So, I got myself prepared and we started off. It didn’t take my son and I too long to reach the point where I had normally turned around. Even though it was basically in the middle of the city, it was quiet and serene. The wind even stopped blowing for a while and it actually felt warm. The trail zig zagged quite a bit as we made our way through the valley. At one point I chose a path that headed up some rocks. When we were almost to the top, we stopped and looked around. Right in front of us were the interesting rock formations I saw in the photo. The sun had just set behind the mountains when we were on our way out and the wind had picked up again. It became quite frigid. All in all, it was a great hike – just the right length of time and difficulty, peaceful, I found the cool rock formations, and I spent good quality time with my son.

I Found God today enjoying my time outdoors.

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