Leave a comment

People of Influence

Posted by eph21920 on September 11, 2018 in Connected, Family, Grateful, Life, Relationship

We watched the finale of “America Ninja Warrior” last night. Some of the show’s appeal is how they highlight the way the contestants influence those around them and how others have influenced them. When my mom got up this morning, she said she had dreams all night long. She wanted to remember them to tell us, but she could only remember one. It was about a particular nun who had the biggest influence on her life. The nun was a teacher who encouraged my mom to pursue her passion and talent for music. She made such an impact on my mom, that my mom changed schools to study under her. From time to time during the day, I also thought about those who have made a difference in my life. I was able to pick out specific times when a certain person helped lead me a certain direction. I feel blessed to have had those people in my life – just as my mom was – and the ninja warriors.

I Found God today in people who have influenced my life.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Known

Posted by eph21920 on September 10, 2018 in Bible, Faith, Joy, Music

I signed up for a Bible course, so recently I have been reading scripture and a book that gives a broad overview of salvation history. One of the fundamental themes throughout the Bible is our desire to know God and His ability to truly know each one of us. This can be scary or comforting, depending on how you look at it. And depending on how much we know God. To me, it is comforting. He knows my heart, my desires, and my faults and loves me with all of it. I woke up this morning singing a song called, “Known”, by Tauren Wells. He says it best:

“I’m fully known and loved by You. You won’t let go no matter what I do.
And it’s not one or the other, It’s hard truth and ridiculous grace
To be known, fully known and loved by You.
I’m fully known and loved by You.”

It was in my head all day, warmed my heart, and made me smile.

I Found God today in a song and reminder that God knows me fully and loves my completely.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Caring Swimmers

Posted by eph21920 on September 9, 2018 in Birthday, Food, Friends, Life

One of the ladies from my aqua aerobics class is having a “big birthday”, so another woman hosted a party for her today. I asked if I could bring anything and the birthday girl requested truffles. I had brought some to a gathering a few months ago. So, I got busy yesterday making them. I had a little trouble and stayed up late trying to get them just right. My parent’s and I tried them this morning – they were amazing and well worth the effort. I brought them to the party and packed up a little box just for the woman celebrating her birthday. I learned more about the group at the event. Some of them have been friends for about 15 years. There were stories of how they have helped and taken care of one another. I also learned how the birthday girl had cared for her husband who had Alzheimer’s until he died. I was happy that I could do my small part to celebrate her.

I Found God today in a caring group of people.

Permalink
Leave a comment

De-seeding Cucumbers

Posted by eph21920 on September 7, 2018 in Family, Food, Stranger

My mom is not supposed to eat seeds and nuts as it may encourage the diverticulitis, so if I serve her fresh veggies, I make sure to de-seed them. Today we stopped at Subway. As my mom ordered the toppings for her sandwich, she included cucumbers, which were sliced in beautiful circles. I reminded her that she shouldn’t eat them because of the seeds, so she asked if they could just be put on half as she and my dad were splitting the sandwich. The young man preparing her sandwich overheard, put the cucumbers on half, and then offered to cut the seeds out for my mom. He got a sharp knife and took the seeds out of about 6 little circles. Then, when he was finished, he cut the sandwich in half and wrapped each one individually. On my mom’s her wrote, “Hers”, with a smiley face. I thanked him multiple times for his consideration. He said that it was only right to make it the way that she wanted and could have. He acted like it was no big deal. But for us, it was a very big deal.

I Found God today in a very thoughtful and considerate young man.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Mind At Ease

Posted by eph21920 on September 6, 2018 in Answer, Family, Grateful, Home, Problem, Rest

We recently had some hail damage to the cabin and are working on getting it fixed. One of the issues is that the rubber boot around one of the vent pipes was completely destroyed. The assessor who looked at it fixed it temporarily with about half a roll of duct tape, but there has been a lot of rain lately. We also have had problems with a tire losing air in the SUV. These things have been weighing on my dad’s mind. The other day, I got the SUV in to the tire place who patched the leaky spot in the tire. So, we made the trip to the cabin today. The tire held up fine. My dad and I checked the house all around. There is no further damage and no sign of any water leaking. My dad’s mind was put at ease and we were able to enjoy the beauty and peace of the place.

I Found God today as he eased my dad’s worries.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Old New Neighbor

Posted by eph21920 on September 5, 2018 in Answer, Friends

I have been able to get to know several people at the aqua aerobics class that I have been going to for about a year now. Today during the class, one of the ladies said she was going to host a get together for another ladies’ birthday. I found out that she lives in the same complex as my parents and I. She has lived there for 14 years. I couldn’t believe that we never saw each other during the 4 years that I have lived here. She said that my parents’ names sounded familiar, but she didn’t know them. When I got home, my parents didn’t recognize her either. It is a small complex, but the layout doesn’t make it easy to see or meet people. We all thought it was pretty funny.

I Found God today finding a neighbor in a new friend.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Cookie Thief

Posted by eph21920 on September 4, 2018 in Children, Food, Generosity, Humor

This afternoon when my mom, her friend, and I went to lunch, we stood in line behind a woman who was ordering. She was holding a baby and her daughter, who was about 3 years old, was to the side and behind holding the stroller. There were packages of giant cookies about eye level to the little girl and I noticed she had one in her hands. Moments later, my mom said that the girl had the package opened and she had eaten about half the cookie already. My mom said she didn’t think the mom knew what was happening. The mother finished her order and turned around. She saw her daughter and practically screamed, “Where did you get that?” The daughter simply pointed to the display of the giant cookies. The mom told her that she can’t just take things. One of the men behind the counter (who looked like a manager) said that happens about a dozen times a day. Perhaps he was exaggerating. Or perhaps they should move the display. In any case, he told the mom not to worry and that he would pay for the cookie. She apologized profusely and made the little girl apologize as well. The man reassured the mom that is was OK. He said he had 7 children and he understands that things like that happen. I was impressed with his caring, lighthearted demeanor and I could see how meaningful it was to the embarrassed mother.

I Found God today in a caring restaurant employee.

Permalink
2 Comments

Up, Up and Away

Posted by eph21920 on September 3, 2018 in Family, Fun, Joy

Our city hosts a hot air balloon festival every year over the Labor Day weekend. I have seen them from afar the past couple of years and was very happy that I was able to go to the park to see them up close. I actually went 3 different times over the weekend and saw the balloons in 3 different settings. One morning, the air was too turbulent for them to fly, so they did some demonstrations instead. That night, my sister and I went back. We watched the balloons glow as the flaming propane filled them. This morning I went for the last time. Luckily, the weather was a little more cooperative and the balloons were able to take off. It was beautiful to watch as they hovered near the mountains and dipped down to skim the top of the lake. The people there were upbeat and positive, despite being almost shoulder to shoulder. I got a kick out of one little boy wearing a cowboy hat that was almost too big for him, a shirt that said, “cowboy’, and gloves that people wear when they are handling the balloons. He was doing his best as part of the crew to push people back as they unfolded the giant balloon. And I especially enjoyed the opportunity to try out different compositions and angles with my new camera. It was a lot of fun.

I Found God today doing something o really enjoyed.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Silence

Posted by eph21920 on September 2, 2018 in Faith, Life, Peace

Today at church, the priest talked about not being distracted by worldly things that can take our attention away from God. He mentioned the movie, “Into Great Silence”, about the Carthusian monks living in a monastery in the French Alps. The film depicts the monks going about their business each day in complete silence. They come together 8 times during the day to pray together and that consists mostly of chants. One day a week they go out on walks and then speak to one another. I saw much of the movie when I attended a pastoral council retreat many years ago. I remember that many members couldn’t stand to watch the silence for longer than 15 minutes or so. I, on the other hand, loved it. To me, it was fascinating and very powerful. I could see myself living in that manner – at least for a little while. When I am so “busy” running around and doing things, I crave some alone time, in silence. I know I find God there.

I Found God today being reminded of finding Him in silence.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Zebu Keeper

Posted by eph21920 on September 1, 2018 in Children, Creation, Family, Stranger

My sister, brother-in-law, and I went to the state fair today. They have been trying to decide what kind of new animal they would like to introduce to their farm. They have been thinking about goats, but last time we went to the fair, we discovered the zebu which is like a miniature brahma bull. We found them again first thing today. As we were looking at them, we noticed a little girl about 6 years old untying one of calves. She brought the calf out and asked my sister if she wanted to pet her, warning that she was a little skittish. She acted so grown up. My sister got down to eye level and petted the little zebu while talking to the little girl. My sister asked several questions about the breed and the little girl answered them all. It was another adorable scene.

I Found God today in a cute, knowledgable child sharing her pet.

Permalink