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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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Quick Thinker

Posted by eph21920 on February 10, 2019 in Answer, Car, Family, Grateful, Hurt

My brother-in-law unfortunately got in a car accident the other day. Luckily, he wasn’t badly injured, but the young woman who rear ended him left the scene in the ambulance. He came over yesterday and told us the story. He was driving home from work on the highway in stop and go traffic through a construction zone. As he was slowing down, nearly stopped, he saw the car coming up fast behind him and knew he was going to take the hit. His quick thinking led him to take his foot off the brake to lessen the impact. This tactic worked. He suffered minor accident injuries and the police on the scene told him that it likely saved the life of the young woman who hit him. It was good to see him functioning and we are keeping the young woman in prayer.

I Found God today in the quick thinking of my brother-in-law that lessened potential injuries.

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Making Legs

Posted by eph21920 on February 8, 2019 in Doctor, Friends, Generosity, Life, Service, Youth

A young man I know pursued a career in physical therapy. His mom shared an update about him. Last year he went with a group to Peru where the team built 90 prosthetic legs for people who were in need. This week he’s in Haiti serving 20 children. It warmed my heart to see that he is making such a difference in the lives of people who need so much help.

I Found God today in a self giving young man.

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Successful Surgery

Posted by eph21920 on February 7, 2019 in Friends, Healing, Sick

A friend’s son-in-law was having some trouble and they found that he had major heart problems. No one suspected this as he is in otherwise good physical health. He had a quadruple bypass today. We prayed for him and waited for the word. Later in the morning, my friend sent a message saying that the surgery was successful and he was already recovering very well. That was good news.

I Found God today in a successful surgery and relieved friend.

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Good Neighbors

Posted by eph21920 on February 6, 2019 in Children, Connected, Family, Friends, Grateful, Home, Life

In my aqua aerobics class, we have a topic for discussion on Wednesdays. Today’s topic was good neighbors. I shared my story of the wonderful neighborhood we lived in when my oldest son was a child. There were 4 houses that were all very good friends. The kids played together and the adults socialized together. For the most part, we left the doors unlocked and the kids came and went as they pleased, calling us by our first name. They also looked out for one another. It was truly a blessing. Every person in the class had a similar story. Their neighbors turned into wonderful friends and more like family. It was a very uplifting conversation.

I Found God today remembering great neighbors.

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Rescued and Rescuer

Posted by eph21920 on February 5, 2019 in Grateful, Life, Past, Sacrifice, Service, Stranger

I find the politics in our society pretty disturbing, so I deliberately did not watch the State of the Union address. However, I did come upon the near end of it by accident. The President was introducing a gentleman who was rescued from the Dachau concentration camp. Sitting next to him was an American soldier who helped to liberate the camp. Seeing the two men side by side was very moving to me. When the young American soldier joined the Army, I wonder if he realized the impact he would make on one person and consequently a family and a nation. It was yet another example of choosing good over evil and the effect one person can have. It didn’t even matter to me if it was a political move or not. The scene was beautiful.

I Found God today realizing the impact a person can have on many lives.

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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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