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God’s End Game

Posted by eph21920 on August 4, 2019 in Answer, Death, Faith, Life

Today at church, the scripture readings were focused on the fact that we, people, are very busy every day doing the things that we find important. Some of the things we do are necessary for living, for survival. But all things in this world will fade and pass away – even ourselves – and we don’t know when that will happen. It is of utmost importance that we spend at least some of our time here on earth directing our attention to things that are above – God. When we do leave this life, there is more, and it would benefit us if we started preparing for it now. The priest talked about God’s “End Game” – His ultimate goal and desire is for each of us to spend eternity with Him.

I Found God today in a reminder of His desire to be with us.

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Appreciating Siblings

Posted by eph21920 on August 3, 2019 in Birthday, Family, Laughter, Life, Relationship

Today I celebrated my brother’s and brother-in-law’s birthdays with the family. It was a good time filled with laughter as usual. On the way home my son commented about how he always looked forward to family get togethers. We always enjoy each other and laugh a lot. I thought about how much my siblings and I relied on one another when we were younger. We moved around a lot, but we stuck close as family. I do feel blessed about that.

I Found God today appreciating my siblings.

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Angel of the Intersection

Posted by eph21920 on August 2, 2019 in Angel, Answer, Children, Family, Past, Travel

There was a big rainstorm here this afternoon and I got a notice that a certain intersection was flooded. My dad said he remembered that my mom had some incidents in that same intersection. Many, many years ago, my mom had all 5 of us kids in the car and had gone to the grocery store. On the way home, the car broke down and wouldn’t move. A young man saw what had happened and came up to the car to offer his assistance. He ended up putting everyone and all the groceries in his car and took us all home. Then, he went back and took care of the car. My mom doesn’t know exactly what he did, but the car ended up at a garage near the breakdown. My dad took care of it from there. Another time in the winter, the roads were a sheet of ice. My mom was driving kids to school and neared the same intersection. The traffic light turned yellow and my mom tried to stop. However, the car was just sliding, heading straight into the intersection. The light turned red. Suddenly, the light turned back to green and my mom just went right on through. It seems she has had a special angel looking after her especially at this particular intersection.

I Found God today in divine intervention to keep my mom – and us kids – safe.

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Skipping the Line

Posted by eph21920 on August 1, 2019 in Answer, Generosity, Stranger

My mom hasn’t been feeling well lately, but today she felt up to making a short trip to the store. Of course, the items we needed were as far away from the front door as you could get. When we got to the checkouts, the lines were pretty long. We stopped in one line and I thought I would see if I could find a shorter one. As I was passing one woman, she offered to let us in front of her. Fortunately, I found the line next to her had just opened. I thanked the woman and my mom and I headed over there. I just thought it was very thoughtful of the woman to offer. Oh, and my mom did great.

I Found God today in a thoughtful woman.

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Finished the Book

Posted by eph21920 on July 31, 2019 in Answer, Bible

During the Bible class I took, we read excerpts from the book, “Walking With God; a Journey Through the Bible” by Dr. Tim Gray and Jeff Cavins. Since we studied most of the Old Testament, we didn’t get through the entire book. I signed up to take the next course which focuses on the life of Jesus Christ. There is a summer reading assignment for that class. I made myself a goal that I would finish the “Walking With God” book before I started the summer reading. I decided I would finish by the end of July and begin the next book in August. I am not a very good reader, which I have probably said before, so it is a struggle for me. I can’t even remember the last time I finished a book. But for the past couple of weeks I have been able to sit down and read at least a few pages every day. Tonight I went outside, sat on the porch, and felt the warm breeze as I opened to the final pages in the book. As the sun set I finished the last sentence, ” . . . God calls each of us, just as He called Abraham, Moses, Ruth, David, Mary, Peter, and Paul , to say “yes” to his invitation to enter into his covenant and take up our role in his story . . .”

I Found God today finishing a book that drew me closer to Him.

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Repose of the Soul

Posted by eph21920 on July 30, 2019 in Answer, Connected, Death, Faith, Family, Prayer

Years ago when my mother-in-law died, I was distraught at the fact that there was no wake, no funeral, no services. I spoke to a priest friend of mine who suggested having a Mass said for her. What that means is the Sacrifice of the Mass would include a specific prayer for her soul. I found many sources that describe the importance and power of praying for those who have passed away. Pope St. Gregory (d. 604) said, “Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.” That sounded good to me, so I attended the Mass that my friend celebrated with her intention. I found it to be very meaningful and peaceful. I have had a heavy heart for the past few days since my son’s friend died. I went to my church office today and requested a couple of Masses to be said for his soul. I wrote out some cards to send to his mother and wife who is way too young to be a widow. Then I spent a few minutes alone in peace with God in the empty church. I am grateful that my faith gives me the opportunity to connect with the dead, the living, and God especially in such circumstances.

I Found God today feeling His peace.

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Affording the Cure

Posted by eph21920 on July 29, 2019 in Answer, Baby, Grateful, Sick, Stranger

A couple of days ago on the news, there was a heart-wrenching story about a baby who had a rare disease. There is actually a one time treatment for it that practically cures the illness. Without it, the poor little girl did not even the capacity to breath on her own. The mother was doing her best to lovingly care for the infant, and was pleading for help. However, the treatment costs 2 million dollars. Hard to believe. But I had heard that same thing from the Parkinson’s support groups that I have been to. It costs a tremendous amount of money to do research and develop any kind of medication. To recoup the expenses, the price is ridiculous. The hope is that it will be paid by the insurance companies. I found out today that the story stirred the heart of a professional fundraiser. The unknown person hired a lawyer who got together a group of insurance companies. One of them stepped forward and agreed to pay for the treatment. The mother was beside herself with gratitude. It was good to know that good people do step up in times of need.

I Found God today in generous strangers.

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Selfless Soul

Posted by eph21920 on July 28, 2019 in Death, Family, Friends, Life

Today I read the obituary for my son’s friend. It was a beautiful write up as most are. However, the article had something I don’t think I have ever seen. It included, “He lived his life to the fullest and his last wishes were for people to take better care of one another, perform random acts of kindness, and to volunteer one’s time, talent, or treasure to make the world a better place.” It showed how extraordinary he was, still thinking of others even as his “last wishes”. He will be missed.

I Found God today being reminded of a selfless soul.

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An Amplifier

Posted by eph21920 on July 27, 2019 in Answer, Connected, Family, Life, Past

Last week, the bulb on the old rear projector TV went out – or so we thought. My dad tried a used bulb, which didn’t work. He ordered a new bulb, but it didn’t work either. After some research and thought, he decided not to try to get the TV repaired, but wanted to get a new one. Right now, my mom isn’t feeling well, so we didn’t want to leave her home alone to go shopping. Luckily, my sister and her husband were planning on coming today. When they arrived, my brother-in-law looked at the old TV and the existing components. He was uncertain if a new TV would be compatible with the current set-up. He graciously offered to come shopping with us while my sister stayed with my mom. At the big TV store, the salesperson was very patient and helpful. My brother-in-law asked about the compatibility of the amplifier with a new TV. The young salesperson assured us that they hadn’t changed for the last 10 years. We laughed at the thought that the current components were only 10 years old. We needed something that would connect the cassette tape deck, VCR, DVD player, CD player, and assorted speakers. It was decided that it would be best to get a new amplifier to be able to connect everything. After looking at the selection, the sales rep went to another area of the store and found what we needed for a very good price. As we were being rung up, my dad talked about his first experience with an electronic device. He built a hi-fi amplifier to connect to his turntable when he was in high school. That was in 1947. The sales person and my brother-in-law were amazed. Since then, there have been plenty other projects including building a color TV and an organ. It was another piece of history my dad was able to share with others.

I Found God today in helpful people and continuing to appreciate my dad’s history.

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$800 For a Chevy

Posted by eph21920 on July 26, 2019 in Car, Family, Life, Past

This morning, my dad remembered that when he was very young, his mother would send him to the grocery store to pick up a few items. He felt like it was a huge responsibility. He and my mom remembered the prices of some items. My mom’s father owned a bakery and the doughnuts were $.30 for a dozen. It was $.13 for a loaf of bread. My dad’s father sold cars. A new Chevrolet cost $800 and gas was $.30 a gallon. Every time my parents take a trip down memory lane with me, I learn a little more about them and appreciate the life they have lived just a little bit more.

I Found God today appreciating the life of my parents.

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