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Song of the Vineyard

Posted by eph21920 on February 20, 2019 in Answer, Connected

A friend gave me a devotion today that she had copied from one of her books. It was in reference to Isaiah 5:1-7, regarding the Song of the Vineyard. In the passage, the author laments the fact that he has tended to his vineyard, yet it produced sour grapes. He is comparing the vineyard to Israel and his futile attempts to encourage the people to turn back to God. However, God will prune us as people in order that we may produce abundant fruit. The devotion ends with, “Rest in His care today. Trust Him…He’s even more committed to your abundance than you are.” It was thoughtful for her to share the beautiful message and reminder of God’s everlasting grace.

I Found God today in a thoughtful friend.

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Not Too Much Snow

Posted by eph21920 on February 19, 2019 in Grateful, Home, Weather

Today some photos from 5 years ago popped up on my phone. The pictures were of my old house covered in snow with a freshly cleaned driveway. That was a particularly snowy year and I remembered spending a lot of time shoveling out my tiny entry way to keep it from being completely enclosed. It snowed here in my new home last night, so I made my way out to shovel. There was barely an inch of the fluffy white stuff on the sidewalk and in the drive. Even though it was a balmy 12 degrees, it was refreshing to spend the time outside pushing the shovel around for a while. As I remembered the seemingly never-ending shoveling 5 years ago, I was grateful that where I live now, the place will be cleared if there is at least 3 inches of snow.

I Found God today being grateful for my current residence.

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Finished the Book

Posted by eph21920 on February 18, 2019 in Family, Happiness, Life

My dad has been working on putting together a genealogy scrapbook of the most pertinent information. For over a year now, he has been sorting out and scanning pictures, newspaper articles, memorabilia, and information from assorted sources. Whenever my sister the creative artist comes to visit, they spent time working on it. Today, they finally finished the book. It is a beautiful piece of work with some original photos and keepsakes that are over 100 years old. The book illustrates the family tree and tells the story of how the family moved West. We went through it a couple of times and my dad showed it to my brothers on facetime. This scrapbook will be a family heirloom for generations.

I Found God today as my dad traced and recorded our family history.

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Working With a Friend

Posted by eph21920 on February 17, 2019 in Faith, Friends, Love

I got a message from a friend who shared a memory of us working together several years ago. She was copying valentines to hand out to those who taught religious education. The hearts included the verse of John 3:16 with the words lined up just so to spell VALENTINE. I remembered it then too along with several other memories and it warmed my heart.

I Found God today remembering working with a friend.

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In the Beginning

Posted by eph21920 on February 16, 2019 in Bible, Faith, Family, Knowledge, Life, New, Past

As I have been going through my Bible course, I have been getting each book separately that include commentaries. I find them very helpful to explain things that don’t make a lot of sense to me thousands of years after they were written. A while ago, my mom picked up the book of Genesis, determined to start on her own scripture study. She finished that book today. She was surprised at the details of the stories she had heard before that gave her a whole new perspective. I was reminded that my teacher told us early on that it is an adult Bible course and will unpack the stories we had heard as children. So true. The Word of God has so much to offer in all stages of our lives.

I Found God today appreciating how deep scripture is.

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A Meaningful Moment

Posted by eph21920 on February 15, 2019 in Friends, Happiness, Joy, Life, New, Opportunity

Today I received a picture from a friend with her family. Her son had been trying to decide what career path to follow and specifically if he wanted to join a branch of the military. The picture showed him as a new airman straight out of boot camp. He looked great with a big smile. My friend and her husband looked just so proud. It was a beautiful photo that captured a particularly meaningful moment and I was so happy that they shared it with me.

I Found God today in a friend’s meaningful moment.

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Love You to the Moon

Posted by eph21920 on February 14, 2019 in Connected, Family, Love

Preparing for Valentine’s Day, I took my mom to the card store last week and she picked out the “I Love you to the moon and back” card and a box of candy for my dad. Then a few days later, I took my dad to the same store and he picked out a silver heart with the same message. It was all I could do not to say anything! He even wrapped it beautifully with a moon message tag. When they opened their gifts, they were both surprised. But then again – maybe not. That is how connected they are after almost 69 years of marriage! As for me, I made my parent’s a candlelight dinner and went to the church to spend some time in Eucharistic Adoration with the One who loves me best and most.

I Found God today surrounded by love.

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Blessings for a Break

Posted by eph21920 on February 13, 2019 in Answer, Friends, Generosity, Grateful, Joy

A friend who cares for her husband with Parkinson’s had an opportunity to go on a tropical vacation. She worked things out so she could go. I saw her today for the first time since she’s been back and she told me all about it. She went on hikes, relaxed by the pool, saw wildlife, went snorkeling, and even did a volcanic mud bath. She said it took her a couple of days to get back to reality when she arrived home. While she was gone, her niece’s husband stayed with her husband. He was a bit overwhelmed at times, but her son lives very close so he had some help. Previously, he had come out and built a ramp for them to help get in and out of the house easier. We talked about what a blessing this man is, and what a blessing for my friend to be able to get away and have such a wonderful week.

I Found God today in a the blessing of a man and well deserved break for a friend.

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Happy People

Posted by eph21920 on February 12, 2019 in Happiness, Stranger

Today my dad and I ran a few errands including a stop at the bank. The workers who greeted us were cheery as usual. My dad ended up having quite a conversation with the teller while I waited and people watched. Everyone who came into the bank also seemed to be joyful. They held the door for each other and chatted with each other while waiting in line. One woman came and hugged one of the employees like she was her long lost friend. Maybe she was. In any case, it was a very pleasant atmosphere and put a smile on my face to see happy people.

I Found God today in happy people.

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Intimate Anointing

Posted by eph21920 on February 11, 2019 in Answer, Faith, Family, Grace, Healing, Intimacy, Sick

We have been saying prayers to Our Lady of Lourdes for a couple of weeks – call it an extended novena. Today was her feast day. The cathedral in the city had a special Mass which was to include the Anointing of the Sick, so my parents and I went. We saw one of their friends in a seat, so we made our way over to sit with her. Before we had a chance to sit down, a woman at the front of the church instructed people to move up closer if they wanted to be anointed. So, we started moving forward. We were just about to go into the third row when she said we should go up to the front. Being good, obedient Catholics, we went up and sat in the front row at the end. We were a mere few feet from the altar which was in the middle surrounded the semi-circle of seating. A representative from a group that takes sick people to Lourdes spoke briefly about their mission. I was emotional as I remembered my own experience there. When it came time for the anointing, 5 priests stationed themselves in front of the altar, around the semi-circle. My parents were some of the first to receive the blessing. As the rest of the people came forward, I felt like I was up close and personal as I witnessed their intimate moment with God. I tried not to watch and invade their space, but I did notice each person’s joy as they walked away. It was a beautiful celebration. On the way out, we received a bottle of holy water from Lourdes so we have a good supply.

I Found God today in His intimacy in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

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