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Inward Joy, Outward Expression

Posted by eph21920 on January 20, 2019 in Happiness, Joy

My sister came to Mass with us today. The parish was welcoming those who are coming into the church. The group consisted of people from young children to older adults. They were very serious as they recited their words. I’m sure they were nervous being up in front of everyone. As they processed out together, most of them still had on their serious face. However, one man was just beaming. My sister pointed him out and said how she loved his smile. He was in fact smiling from ear to ear. He was so joyful inside that it radiate in his expression. It made us smile probably others as well.

I Found God today in a beautiful expression of joy.

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Lives Connected

Posted by eph21920 on January 19, 2019 in Birthday, Connected, Friends, Grateful, Life

A friend of mine turned 70 years old the other day and her family threw her a “surprise” birthday party today. Evidently, she was tipped off and it wasn’t quite the surprise that everyone had hoped for, but she played along nicely. One of her friends made a beautiful mural of photos that showed her birthplace in Czechoslovakia, including the very home that she lived in as an infant. I have known her for years, but didn’t know much about her homeland. It was so interesting to hear her talk about the area and things that she remembered. It is amazing how people’s lives are so different and yet intertwined. I am grateful that we have crossed paths and reconnected.

I Found God today grateful for a woman in my life.

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Baby Sounds

Posted by eph21920 on January 18, 2019 in Baby, Friends, Joy, Life

Today I called a friend for her birthday. She was feeding her granddaughter who is just 3 months old. She has become the babysitter extraordinaire and loves it. We chatted for a while on speaker and when the baby was finished, my friend got her to make some sounds. The babbles and squeals were just too cute and so joyful.

I Found God today in the beautiful sounds of a new life.

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Well Timed Call

Posted by eph21920 on January 17, 2019 in Answer, Doctor, Faith, Family, Present

There were some concerns after my dad’s hospitalization and more tests to be done. I thought it would be a good idea to start praying a novena to Our Lady of Lourdes. My parents and I prayed the first one this morning after breakfast. My mom had a bottle of holy water from Lourdes, so we blessed ourselves with it.  As soon as I finished making the sign of the cross, the phone rang. It was my dad’s primary care physician’s office. The nurse just happened to have my name. She asked how my dad was doing and if I was able to make any follow up appointments. She answered questions and helped me get things sorted out. I made several additional phone calls during the day getting things in order. She phoned again in the afternoon and we had another long conversation. She was very encouraging and I was so happy to have her help. It reminded me that God is present, taking care of us along the way.

I Found God today in a well timed, helpful phone call that reminded me of God’s continuous presence.

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God’s Greater Plan

Posted by eph21920 on January 16, 2019 in Answer, Faith, Life, Plan, Trust

I read a beautiful thought that stayed with me today:

“Regardless of the best plan you can put together for yourself with the greatest of your imagination, God has something much greater planned. If only you will surrender.”

I Found God today in a reminder of the wonderful plan He has for our lives.

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Bits of Calm

Posted by eph21920 on January 15, 2019 in Answer, Doctor, Faith, Family, Problem

My dad was scheduled to have a procedure done this morning. However, he was feeling pretty bad yesterday and we ended up in the Emergency Room. They ran several tests and he was admitted for observation. The plan was to still have the procedure done today. I arrived early to the hospital while my sister came and stayed with my mom. I found out that there was some mix-up with my dad’s pills, but he was still to have the procedure. In the mean time, he could not to have anything to eat or drink. We waited and waited. We then discovered that they would be doing the procedure in the afternoon. My dad waited for a few more hours – anxious, frustrated, and hungry. In the midst of all of this were bits of calm. The hospital chaplain came in and prayed with us. A nurse came in to do a test and had some things in common with my dad so they had a very nice conversation. The priest who was formerly at our parish came and anointed my dad. That was beautiful. It was these small bits of calm interspersed in our waiting time that made all the difference. My dad did finally have his procedure. All went well and he was able to go home tonight.

I Found God today in those who bring calm to stress.

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Infant Baptism

Posted by eph21920 on January 13, 2019 in Answer, Baby, Faith, Life

Today’s gospel reading in Mass was the account of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist. In his homily, the priest talked about the Catholic tradition of baptizing babies instead of waiting until adulthood and a conscious decision made. He likened this action by comparing it to a parent feeding their child because they know without food, the baby cannot physically survive otherwise. A parent also provides love and nurturing because without it, their infant will not thrive. The same goes for the spiritual needs. Baptism provides a connection with God to spiritually nourish a baby and start them off on a good path. In this way, baptizing an infant is part of how a loving parent provides for their child. I thought it was a good analogy that made good sense.

I Found God today in the gift of providing a needed spiritual beginning.

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Voice of Humility

Posted by eph21920 on January 12, 2019 in Begin, Faith, Humility, Jesus

Today I read a verse in scripture in which John the Baptist is telling the people that he is not the Christ, but Jesus is. John’s whole purpose was to point people and prepare them for Jesus. He uttered the words, “He must increase; I must decrease.” Those words touched my heart.

I Found God in the voice of humility.

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Love Overflowing

Posted by eph21920 on January 11, 2019 in Baby, Connected, Faith, Generosity, Love, Youth

Today I received an update from a young man who runs a program to help teenage youth in foster homes transition to a life on their own. His wife recently gave birth to their first child. In his note, he talked about how lucky they have been to have so much support from their friends and families. He also talked about how his heart broke for a girl who will be giving birth soon also, but has little support. Every time he received help from someone, his mind would go to the young woman as he wondered who was going to do those things for her. I was on the verge of tears reading it, just as he was when he thought of her. He put out a plea for prayers and available help for this particular girl who is not as blessed with family and friends. His words really touched my heart. The young man is full of love holding his newborn daughter and yet there is still room in his heart for one not as fortunate.

I Found God today in an example of overflowing love.

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Knew What To Do

Posted by eph21920 on January 10, 2019 in Answer, Faith, Healing, Prayer

A friend of my mom’s came over for a visit today. She shared with me a couple of ways that God has worked in her life. One time in particular, she awoke in the middle of the night in severe pain from sciatica. She managed to make it to the bathroom and back to the bed, but in a tremendous amount of pain. Since it was in the middle of the night, instead of calling people she knew, she called a specific prayer line that she would tap into from time to time. The woman on the other end prayed with her that she would be able to rest and to know what to do next. She was able to go back to sleep for a couple of hours. When she awoke, she was still in pain, but knew what to do. She realized that her daughter would be up getting ready for her day. This daughter was a physical therapist. She called the daughter who got on video chat and showed her some stretches to do to help relieve sciatica. The woman was able to do the stretches and then went back to sleep. The next time she woke up, she felt no pain. She moved slowly and carefully, but indeed the pain was completely gone and never returned. I thought that was a great story about the power of prayer.

I Found God today in a story of the power of prayer.

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