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Beauty All Around

Posted by eph21920 on June 25, 2025 in Creation, Family, Grateful, Life, Travel

Today my grandson and I made it to the flatlands. We noticed the difference in environment and scenery. Even though it was still hot, it wasn’t as humid, so the air felt different too. As I drove, I thought about the beautiful world we live in. We only went through part of the country and stopped at a few places, but got to see amazing things. We started with Mt. Rushmore and the mountains in that area and saw bison. We dipped our feet into Lake Eerie. We experienced a couple beach days on the ocean and drove through the lush hills of the Southeastern region. Everywhere we went had it’s own kind of beauty and I appreciated it all. And it was only a tiny speck compared to the world. It is truly an amazing world we live in with so much variety. God must really love us to create such a place for us to experience.

I Found God today in His amazing creation.

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Blessed Detours

Posted by eph21920 on June 24, 2025 in Answer, Connected, Creation, Family, Friends, Grateful, Opportunity, Travel

My grandson and I had another beautiful and hot drive today. First we drove around and looked at some places in NC that his family is interested in. In one town, he said a friend of his from NH had moved there. He texted her while we drove randomly. We ended up stopping in a McDonald’s parking lot to get our bearings. It just so happened that his friend lived in the apartments right next to it. She walked over and they visited for a bit. I told my grandson it was just meant to be. Later, we had to detour as part of the highway that we were on was closed. I somehow missed a turn and we ended up on another route completely. It was a beautiful mountain road. We also went through a very cool tunnel. We would never had seen those things had we not been off the original path. I thought about how good God was to us.

I Found God today in blessings in unexpected and unplanned routes.

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People in Cars

Posted by eph21920 on June 23, 2025 in Car, Connected, Hope, Life, Patience

Today was a long, hot drive, but we reached NC, which was the goal. The rolling, green hills provided their own kind of beauty. There was a lot of traffic and cars going in and out trying to make a little headway in front of the many semi trucks. Some were a little less patient than others. At one rest stop, I noticed people chatting to one another quite openly. There were older people driving themselves, some younger, and some on motorcycles. It occurred to me that perhaps if we could really see one another, or at least remember that there are real human beings in each vehicle, perhaps we would be more kind on the road. Perhaps. In any case, I loved seeing the interaction of the strangers. They would wish each other safe travels when they departed.

I Found God today in people caring for one another.

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Back on the Road

Posted by eph21920 on June 22, 2025 in Death, Eternity, Eucharist, Faith, Family, Friends, Generosity, Grateful, Hope, Prayer, Travel

This morning I went to Mass and prayed especially for my mom on the 1-year anniversary of her death. I loved that it was Corpus Christi – the Feast of the Body of Christ. In the homily, we were reminded that we have Hope that we will one day be in the arms of Christ and that our loved ones are too. After Mass, I said some final Goodbyes. My friend the priest gave me a heartfelt blessing for protection. A friend gave me a care package of treats to take on the road and I felt pretty special. I picked up my grandson and he said his goodbyes as well to friends and family. Then we stopped at the cemetery, placed some flowers on the gravesite of his Nana and Papa, and prayed for them all. We made it to our first stop in time to rest. This time we’re headed south to go west. I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with such loving and faithful friends. The time with my grandson continues to be invaluable. I feel so blessed.

I Found God today reflecting on goodbyes.

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Faithful Friends

Posted by eph21920 on June 21, 2025 in Connected, Faith, Friends, Grateful

Today I saw more friends that I had not seen in years. They had been such a big part in my faith life. The introduced me to unique experiences that challenged my beliefs. I think that is something that I find so beautiful and extraordinary about the Catholic religion. There are so many ways to get closer to God, to know Him better. Just as people have different personalities, tendencies, likes, and things that draw their attention, there are multiple avenues in the Catholic Church that appeal to different people. Of course the Mass is what we believe is the epitome of Worship. But after that there are different kinds of prayers, stories of amazing saints, celebrations of many facets of God, and it goes on. I was blessed to visit friends again and to remember their faith that helped me in mine.

I Found God today in very faithful friends.

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The Diner

Posted by eph21920 on June 20, 2025 in Family, Food, Fun, Grateful, Life, Past, Tradition

My grandson has been enjoying going to some of the places he used to visit when he and his family lived here. The other day and again today I took him to an old time diner. I remember on Sundays, whoever went to church with my daughter in law’s mother would get treated to breakfast there. She would take them after Mass. I had the privilege of joining them a couple of times. When we walked in, I remembered sitting in the bench that looked like the rear seat of an old car. And I remembered the booth that we all sat and where I took photos of the kids. My grandson still loved the food – particularly the home fries. When I couldn’t decide what to get today, he suggested the Mickey Mouse pancake that he used to get as a child. I declined. But it was good to be there and talk about the fun and happy memories.

I Found God today in happy memories.

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Dream of Heaven

Posted by eph21920 on June 19, 2025 in Answer, Connected, Death, Eternity, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Grief, Love

A young man that I have known since he was in high school lost his father almost 2 years ago. I wanted to visit his dad’s grave, so the young man tried to explain to me where it was. Then he offered to take me there, which really touched my heart. We got together tonight and talked a bit about his father’s death and how much he misses him. He said that he had a dream that he was with his dad going through some gates. All he felt was peace, joy, happiness, and love. He didn’t want to leave, but he eventually woke up and was crying. I suggested that he had been given an incredible gift to be able to know that his dad was in such a wonderful place. The young man said that he got a little taste of Heaven and that he can imagine what it will be like for eternity. He looks forward to being there and hugging his father. We went out to the cemetery and pondered and prayed. I was grateful  and blessed to spend time with him, listen to him, and pray with him.

I Found God today in a faithful young man.

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Continued Family Relationships

Posted by eph21920 on June 18, 2025 in Answer, Connected, Family, Grief, Healing, Love, Relationship, Struggles

Today I was catching up with a friend who I would see every now and again as they came out to visit her husband’s family. They were struggling trying to help care for his parents while living in another state. His father passed away several years ago and his mother died just over a year ago. I remembered being able to go to her funeral and asking my friend’s husband how would his relationships be with his siblings now and especially since they were all scattered. He said he wasn’t sure how much they would stay in touch. It was a very difficult time for them all. I had been keeping him and his family in my prayers. Today when I visited my friend, she told me they had just been enjoying a big get together with her husband’s whole family. All the siblings came and they spent some days on the beach. I was happy to hear that and glad that the family relationships were still in tact and flourishing.

I Found God today hearing of loving family relationships.

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God Speaks

Posted by eph21920 on June 17, 2025 in Answer, Connected, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Life, Prayer

I was visiting with a friend today and we got talking about circumstances in life and how we discern God’s Will in the present moment. I think there are several ways I which God “speaks” to us. Prayer of course, being silent and listening for God. Sometimes an overwhelming feeling or thought. Many times through the actions and words of other people. Several months ago, a friend sent a printed reflection that included the Armor of God scripture, Ephesians 6:10-18. As I have been working through an underlying sense of fear, I kept the paper on my table and say the prayer out loud every morning to get myself prepared for the day. The other day when I was talking with my priest friend, he gave me a token that has that same scripture on it. Another day I was sitting in a small chapel that had stacks of books on a table. As I looked around, I saw a piece of paper that had the words, “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” from 2 Corinthians 10:5. Many times I find myself ruminating on the past and the mistakes I have made or hurts that have happened. I found this scripture to be very profound. Later, I visited a friend who referred to both that scripture and the Armor of God. To me, that was incredible confirmation of where I need to direct my attention. I was grateful for different ways God speaks to our hearts and allows others to be included in His communication.

I Found God today in the way He speaks to us.

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Retreat Day

Posted by eph21920 on June 16, 2025 in Creation, Grateful, Joy, Life, Peace

Today felt like a little retreat. I took a break from visiting and spent much of the day by myself. The weather was beautiful, so I enjoyed a couple walks and took some pictures. I sat outside, took in a beautiful view, and soaked in the sunshine. I was grateful for the peaceful, relaxing day.

I Found God today in a peaceful day.

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