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Silence

Posted by eph21920 on January 4, 2019 in Answer, Faith, Prayer

The other day my dad read a paragraph in the church bulletin written by the pastor. It discussed all the distractions and noise in the world and our deep desire for silence. It went on to say that is where we find God. I read a quote today from Mother Teresa, “It is in the silence of the heart that God speaks.” I sometimes feel I have too much silence and that my mind can wander to past hurts and regrets. But when I redirect my thoughts to God, I always find Him there.

I Found God today in a reminder that He can be found in the silence.

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Joy of Children

Posted by eph21920 on January 3, 2019 in Children, Family, Joy

My mom called her sister tonight and they exchanged stories of their holiday celebrations. My aunt hosted 19 people for Christmas. Among them was a 2-year old. She said it had been a long time since there was a little one around. The toddler stole the show and was the center of attention. She said it was so much fun. There is something about children that fills a place with joy.

I Found God today in the joy of children.

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No Fanfare Here

Posted by eph21920 on January 2, 2019 in Faith, Family, Friends, Generosity, Grateful, Humility, Life, Love

Today I read a paragraph from my favorite artist Matt Maher. He wrote in part:

“600,000 rivets in the Golden Gate Bridge. None of them are praised for what they do but they’re important. On their own they’re not much. But united, they’re part of a wonder of the world. More than ever we need people willing to be part of something bigger than themselves. So here’s to the rivets and the bridges – we need them both. Whichever one you are – do it well and with all the joy you can muster.”

I know a lot more rivets than bridges – people who work day in and day out for the benefit of others, doing their small part in the world around them without recognition or awards. I know people who do it well – calm, peaceful, joyful, loving. And I see those who struggle trying to muster some joy. I thank God for all the rivets in my life. So many people have influenced me, taught me, and encouraged me. I am grateful for them all, but I wonder if they know how much they have meant to me? Perhaps I can make sure they do.

I Found God today reflecting on the small things that people do all the time without fanfare of recognition.

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Growing Family Relationships

Posted by eph21920 on January 1, 2019 in Family, Friends, Life, Relationship

My nephew came for a visit today as he was able to take some leave time from the Navy. Of course it was great to see him looking happy and healthy. Mostly I enjoyed watching his interaction with my son. They grew up for years like brothers and as they grow into young adults, their relationship is growing as well. Naturally they spend time together away from the family. And when we are all together, they still laugh hysterically about things from the past. I love being a part of it all.

I Found God today appreciating family relationships.

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Reflecting on 2018

Posted by eph21920 on December 31, 2018 in Family, Grateful, Joy, Life

It being New Years Eve, everyone was reflecting on the past year – the good and the bad. As I think about this past year, we have been very blessed that my parents have made it through again without a hospitalization. There have been medical issues, of course, but nothing extreme. I am finding peace in the “ordinary” and trying to keep a grateful spirit. It has been a good year.

I Found God today being grateful for the past year.

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Returning Care

Posted by eph21920 on December 30, 2018 in Family, Grateful, Healing, Life, Relationship, Sick

This morning, my parents and I were remembering how sick I was as a child. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was only 4 years old. From that time on, my joints stiffened, muscles weakened, and pain increased. I was unable to wash or comb my hair, button a button, or open a car door. My mother did all those things for me for years that I was unable to do for myself. She also took me to physical therapy and doctors appointments. It’s no wonder that I find myself doing the same for her. And I can due to the miraculous “remission” of the arthritis after my experience at Lourdes, where my mother took me. Today was the Feast of the Holy Family. Some of the scripture readings included the direction of children to honor their mother and father. This was the highlight of the homily as well. The priest said that he has the opportunity to visit nursing homes once a week. He hears all too often of the loneliness that the residents experience and how they are forgotten by their “loved ones”. I thought about how different my parents’ lives would be if they were moved to a facility. I am grateful that God has put on my heart to care for my parents at this point in their lives, even though it can be difficult. My mother cared for me when it was difficult, it’s the least I can do.

I Found God today being grateful for my mother’s care and the care I’m able to return.

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Welcome to the USA

Posted by eph21920 on December 29, 2018 in Grateful, Happiness, Joy, Life

I love listening to the stories and experiences that people have. I find it fascinating that we as people are so much the same, yet so diverse. We got together with our neighbors this afternoon and heard about how the wife was in the Air Force for a brief period of time. She worked at a military airport during the Vietnam war. On one end of the travel, she saw officers and soldiers who were on their way to fight. She helped them get organized and on the correct planes. On the other end, she greeted planes landing at the airport. She said there was no feeling like that of being able to say to a plane load of enlisted men, “Welcome to the United States of America.” There was a lot of cheering, hat throwing, and kissing the ground as they deplaned. Even though it was inappropriate, several men hugged her, gave her token gifts, and even kissed her in their elation. She had to keep telling them they weren’t allowed to do so, but there were those who were overwhelmed by their emotion. Our friend said it was one of the most rewarding experiences she has ever had.

I Found God today hearing the joy of men returning from war.

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Holy Innocents

Posted by eph21920 on December 28, 2018 in Baby, Death, Faith, Prayer

Today the church honors the Feast of the Holy Innocents. It remembers those tiny martyrs who have tragically lost their lives. The reading of the day is from Matthew 2:13-18 which tells the story of how king Herod ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under to be sure he wiped out the new “king”. Of course, he was threatened by Jesus, but Joseph had taken his family out of the area. I thought about and prayed for all the infants who have been lost in my own family due to miscarriages and such – siblings, nieces or nephews, grandchildren, and one of my own. I thought about and prayed for lives lost to abortion and mothers who I knew suffering from those decisions made, and for those suffering in silence. I saw an icon of the Holy Innocents that beautifully depicted many angels carrying babies. I prayed that those tiny lives lost are with God, that they can intercede for us here, and that God help heal the pain from such a loss.

I Found God today remembering and praying for tiny lives lost.

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Christmas and Family

Posted by eph21920 on December 27, 2018 in Family, Fun, Jesus

It has been a wonderful few days celebrating Christmas with my family.

On Christmas Eve, my brother flew into town. My son got the opportunity to test out his new truck on snowy mountain roads as he drove my brother and my dad up to the cabin. They made some adjustments to the computer equipment up there so we can continue monitoring the weather and such. They seemed to really enjoy their man time. When they returned, we had so much fun as we video chatted with my other son and grandkids and watched each other open the gifts we sent. Later, we had dinner and went to church. The priest started with the most interesting analogy by talking about fruitcake. He recited the recipe which included various nuts, fruits, and rum. He said the more you eat the fruitcake, the more you discover the goodies it has to offer and the more inebriated you can become. Similarly, the more time you spend with Jesus, the more you realize the goodness He has to offer and you can become inebriated with His love. Food for thought.

We were missing my travelling brother and my nephew in the Navy on Christmas Day, so we got them on video chat. It was great fun to interact with them. Neither of them felt quite so all alone or quite so far away for the holiday.

Yesterday was pretty much resting day. My brother, parents, and I watched a movie that we all enjoyed and laughed at.

Today, my parents, brother, and I went to the Ghost Town Museum that has lots of buildings and artifacts from 100 years ago. My parents remembered many of the items and it was fun to hear their stories. We found some things that they actually still own and talked about how strange it was to them to go to a museum to find some of their things. My parents are weary, but we have all had an exciting time celebrating being together.

I Found God today reflecting on family at Christmas.

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Final Christmas Preparations

Posted by eph21920 on December 23, 2018 in Advent, Faith, Family, Grace, Joy

I stayed up way too late last night cutting out and baking pieces to make a gingerbread church, but I really enjoyed doing it. I thought of all the different times that I could remember making the church with friends, youth groups, and family. My sister came today and we all finally put up the Christmas tree. The stockings are hung and the presents are wrapped. The house glows with Christmas. In church today, the priest talked about making the final preparations for Christmas. However, he was describing how best to prepare our hearts for the arrival of Jesus Christ. I feel like the things that need to be done have been completed, so we are ready to celebrate Christmas with family for the next couple of days. With that all being accomplished, I pray for the grace to complete what is needed to prepare my heart.

I Found God today in final Christmas preparations.

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