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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.

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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.

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Dancing Family

Posted by eph21920 on August 31, 2018 in Children, Family, Fun, Joy, Life, Love, Music, Relationship

My dad has the perfect spot at the dinner table that looks straight out the windows. When we were finishing dinner tonight, he pointed out a family who was taking a walk. The little girl was spinning and dancing. As we watched, the mom started spinning and dancing too. Then the dad started singing. The whole scene was adorable. The family wasn’t in a rush, just enjoying the moment and each other.

I Found God today in an example of family love.

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Many Care

Posted by eph21920 on August 30, 2018 in Generosity, Grateful, Relationship, Service, Struggles

I took my mom to have her hair cut today. The parking lot is very tight and as I pulled into a parking spot, I realized there was a woman slowly making her way down the curb to get into the car next to me. I pulled back out and moved the car over, leaving her plenty of room. The young woman with her was helping best she could and waited patiently as the struggling woman took several minutes to get in the car. When we went in to the building, there was an elderly man at the door and one sitting in the waiting area. The one at the door retrieved his wife – I’m assuming – and left. I took a seat in the waiting area and after a bit, the other man’s wife joined him and sat down. They chatted until they saw their ride pull up. They both had a cane and the man made sure he was helping his wife and holding door. And so went the rest of the time. Almost every person in and out was an elderly person and a caregiver. I enjoyed seeing the interaction between them and thanked God for the many people caring for those who needed help.

I Found God today in many people who care.

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Over the Migraine

Posted by eph21920 on August 29, 2018 in Answer, Food, Grateful, Happiness, Healing, Hurt, Sick

The other day, I felt a migraine coming on. I knew I had done it to myself by eating foods that I shouldn’t. I was very careful that day and treated it best I could, expecting to feel better yesterday. However, the headache was still there in the background. I had one more day of doing my best to treat it, but was unsuccessful. Despite going to be early last night, I was awakened just after midnight with a throbbing head. I got up, took some more medication, had some water, put a cold washcloth over my eyes, and tried to go back to sleep. For the next few hours I was in and out of dozing as I prayed. Eventually, I felt the pain subside and was able to get some sleep. When I got up this morning, I was happy that I could open my eyes without feeling that pressure in my head. As the day progressed, I slowly felt better and better. I am so glad to have kicked this migraine and will have to better discipline myself.

I Found God today getting over the pain of a migraine.

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Well Played, God

Posted by eph21920 on August 27, 2018 in Answer, Bible, Faith, Opportunity

I have been trying to read spiritual books, but I get distracted, change books, and have not been very good at disciplining myself. Yesterday at church, an instructor for a Catholic Bible School spoke about a class that will be starting soon. It lit a spark in my heart, but I thought about how much commitment that would be, and would I have time, and what if I can’t make it to the class… etc. I decided to at least go to the informational session tonight to hear more about it, hoping I would receive a clear message if I should sign up for the class or not. The speaker did a sample class and it was great. Then, a woman who had already taken the full course spoke about her experience. She referenced the story of Martha and Mary, saying that it is good to serve like Martha, but in order to do so effectively and with Christ, we must take time aside to be with Him, like Mary. In the scripture, Jesus actually says, “Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part…”  Well played, God. I bought my first book before I left the meeting.

I Found God today in a nudge to take time away with Him.

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Thinking of Love

Posted by eph21920 on August 26, 2018 in Answer, Connected, Life, Love, Marriage

One of the readings at church today was EPH 5:21-32, which is the infamous scripture about how wives should be subordinate to their husbands. But, the other part of that is the instruction for husbands to love their wives as God loves the church. I thought the priest gave some great words of wisdom. He referred to the story of “Fiddler on the Roof”, which is really all about married love. He spoke in particular about the scene in which Τevye asks his wife Golde if she loves him. Their marriage was arranged and the first time they saw each other was on their wedding day, which was 25 years prior. Golde rattles off the list of things she has done for him in that period of time. By the end of the song, they both admit that they suppose they love each other. The priest talked about how people in a marriage have the benefit of learning to love one another through trials and time. He told a story of a couple getting ready to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They were planning an event at the church and would meet with the priest on a regular basis. Then, the priest challenged them by saying he didn’t feel like they loved each other. They said he was right, but they were still learning to love one another. So, love isn’t just a feeling. It is a choice to desire the best for each other, and humbly serve each other.

I Found God today in a way of thinking about love.

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Library Music Books

Posted by eph21920 on August 25, 2018 in Creation, Family, Life, Music

When my mom was young, her grandfather lived with them for a while before he died. This morning my mom remembered when they used to take him to the library to look for German books. She was about 10 years old at the time. When they went, my mom discovered that the library carried books of piano music. So, she would check out one big book at a time, bring it home, and play all the music. Then she would bring it back and get a new one. Instead of reading words, she was reading music. I still get amazed at how music has always just been a part of who she is.

I Found God today realizing the way we are created with beautiful gifts.

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All Will Be Well

Posted by eph21920 on August 24, 2018 in Answer, Faith, Hope, Life, Priest, Weather

I went for a walk and talk with a friend today and she told me a story about having faith. A priest that she knows was driving during a very bad snow storm and was pretty scared. He said all at once he got a deep sense of peace and calm. He “heard” God say “All will be well.” He didn’t know what the outcome would be of his harrowing drive, but he had faith that no matter what happened, all would be well.

I Found God today in another story of having faith.

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Wait For Something Bad

Posted by eph21920 on August 23, 2018 in Answer, Doctor, Faith, Family, Life

I took my mom to the rheumatologist today to discuss her options regarding bone density medication. She recommended a shot that my mom would receive once every 6 months and went over the potential side effects. When she asked my mom what she thought, my mom said she was ready to go ahead with it and asked what I thought. I said that if she was ready that was OK. The doctor commented that I didn’t sound very convinced. I told her that I really don’t like the idea of doing things to my mom that could potentially cause problems – especially when things are going well. She proceeded to tell me all about the potential benefits of the medication and that it was tolerated well. Then she said, “or I guess you could wait until something bad happens.” That took me back a bit and I have been thinking about that comment ever since. I mean in life, something bad will happen. It’s inevitable. But what can I do to guard or possibly prevent some of those bad things? Is it worse to be afraid of potential side effects, or worse to be afraid of potential harm due to not acting? All in all, it’s worse just to be afraid. We have done our due diligence in talking with all the doctors and taking the required tests. Now it is time to act and trust that God is working it all out. He got us to this point. Oh, and the decision was made before we left the office. My mom will be getting the shot.

I Found God today in a comment that made me ponder and bring me back to faith.

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