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Holy Innocents

Posted by eph21920 on December 28, 2018 in Baby, Death, Faith, Prayer

Today the church honors the Feast of the Holy Innocents. It remembers those tiny martyrs who have tragically lost their lives. The reading of the day is from Matthew 2:13-18 which tells the story of how king Herod ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under to be sure he wiped out the new “king”. Of course, he was threatened by Jesus, but Joseph had taken his family out of the area. I thought about and prayed for all the infants who have been lost in my own family due to miscarriages and such – siblings, nieces or nephews, grandchildren, and one of my own. I thought about and prayed for lives lost to abortion and mothers who I knew suffering from those decisions made, and for those suffering in silence. I saw an icon of the Holy Innocents that beautifully depicted many angels carrying babies. I prayed that those tiny lives lost are with God, that they can intercede for us here, and that God help heal the pain from such a loss.

I Found God today remembering and praying for tiny lives lost.

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Christmas and Family

Posted by eph21920 on December 27, 2018 in Family, Fun, Jesus

It has been a wonderful few days celebrating Christmas with my family.

On Christmas Eve, my brother flew into town. My son got the opportunity to test out his new truck on snowy mountain roads as he drove my brother and my dad up to the cabin. They made some adjustments to the computer equipment up there so we can continue monitoring the weather and such. They seemed to really enjoy their man time. When they returned, we had so much fun as we video chatted with my other son and grandkids and watched each other open the gifts we sent. Later, we had dinner and went to church. The priest started with the most interesting analogy by talking about fruitcake. He recited the recipe which included various nuts, fruits, and rum. He said the more you eat the fruitcake, the more you discover the goodies it has to offer and the more inebriated you can become. Similarly, the more time you spend with Jesus, the more you realize the goodness He has to offer and you can become inebriated with His love. Food for thought.

We were missing my travelling brother and my nephew in the Navy on Christmas Day, so we got them on video chat. It was great fun to interact with them. Neither of them felt quite so all alone or quite so far away for the holiday.

Yesterday was pretty much resting day. My brother, parents, and I watched a movie that we all enjoyed and laughed at.

Today, my parents, brother, and I went to the Ghost Town Museum that has lots of buildings and artifacts from 100 years ago. My parents remembered many of the items and it was fun to hear their stories. We found some things that they actually still own and talked about how strange it was to them to go to a museum to find some of their things. My parents are weary, but we have all had an exciting time celebrating being together.

I Found God today reflecting on family at Christmas.

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Final Christmas Preparations

Posted by eph21920 on December 23, 2018 in Advent, Faith, Family, Grace, Joy

I stayed up way too late last night cutting out and baking pieces to make a gingerbread church, but I really enjoyed doing it. I thought of all the different times that I could remember making the church with friends, youth groups, and family. My sister came today and we all finally put up the Christmas tree. The stockings are hung and the presents are wrapped. The house glows with Christmas. In church today, the priest talked about making the final preparations for Christmas. However, he was describing how best to prepare our hearts for the arrival of Jesus Christ. I feel like the things that need to be done have been completed, so we are ready to celebrate Christmas with family for the next couple of days. With that all being accomplished, I pray for the grace to complete what is needed to prepare my heart.

I Found God today in final Christmas preparations.

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Blessing Cards

Posted by eph21920 on December 21, 2018 in Connected, Friends, Grateful, Life, Relationship

I finished and mailed my Christmas cards today. Yes, they are a little late, but I can’t seem to get them out much sooner. As I completed each card, I thought of and prayed for each person in the family. I found myself more grateful for them and the influence and blessing they have been in my life.

I Found God today remembering special friendships.

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God’s Grace in the Empty Space

Posted by eph21920 on December 20, 2018 in Answer, Faith, Healing, Humility, Joy, Life, Prayer

I have been wanting to get to the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this Advent season. However, time is limited, there is a lot to do, and I kept forgetting. But the other day, I read about the experience of a good friend who went to the Sacrament. He wrote in part,

“I feel so uplifted, unburdened, inspired, and thankful after such confession and absolution, inspired by my “penance”. I feel a little sorry for non-Catholics of the world, as the pure joy, happiness, purity and lightness of heart, mind, and soul is overwhelming. My Catholic friends know what I’m talking about. For my non-Catholic friends, I hope that your religion, spirituality, or moral/life compass somehow allows for such unburdening of the heaviness weighing you down in your life.”

I do know what he is talking about and I was bound and determined to make it to Confession. I was happy to be able to go tonight. My experience wasn’t quite as overwhelming as it seems my friend’s was. But as I prayed, I felt “lighter”. As I continued contemplating, I realized my sins were gone, so of course there would be a release of a burden. And was is to happen to that now empty space? It is filled with God’s grace, which is a lot easier to carry.

I Found God today celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

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True Life-long Friend

Posted by eph21920 on December 18, 2018 in Connected, Friends, Joy, Life

My mom received a Christmas card today from a woman she has known for most of her life. When my mother was 5 years old, she started going to dance classes with the then little girl who was just a year older. There were many times in later years when their lives crossed paths in very interesting ways. My mom joyfully told me about her and said she is the only person who has remained in touch for the whole time – over 80 years. What a blessing.

I Found God today in a true life long friend.

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Award Winning Photos

Posted by eph21920 on December 18, 2018 in Family, Joy, Knowledge, Life

My dad has had a few different careers during his life. But one thing that has remained with him from the time he was a young teenager is photography. Just as music is to my mom, photography is to my dad. That is how he expresses who he is, how he sees the world, and it has always brought him joy. He has thousands of images in numerous forms – printed, digital, slides, mounted, etc. Recently he has been making an album of all the photos that have won awards in various competitions. Not only are the pictures beautiful, but each one has a story to go with it. To me, the stories are just as compelling as the images that have captured them. It is a beautiful project that gives the viewer a glimpse into the essence of my dad.

I Found God today in my dad’s expression through his photography.

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Almost a Nun

Posted by eph21920 on December 16, 2018 in Answer, Faith, Family, Grateful, Life, Past

We watched one of our favorite movies tonight – The Sound of Music. My mom told me that when she was younger, she had a friend who went to a convent to become a nun. The friend wanted my mom to go with her. My mom considered it too and asked her mother if she could go. But my mom was only 14. Her wise mother said to wait 4 years until she was 18. Then if she still wanted to become a nun, that would be fine. However, during that time, my mom met and started dating my father. That was the end of her desire to go to the convent. But, like the children in the movie, my siblings and I are blessed because of her decision. I am particularly grateful for the faith she has passed along to me.

I Found God today in the history of my mother’s faith.

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Dad Daughter Day

Posted by eph21920 on December 15, 2018 in Family, Fun

My sister came for a visit today. While she was here, she took my dad out shopping. I’m not really sure where they went or what they got, but it was very nice of her. He enjoyed his daughter/father time.

I Found God today as my sister and dad enjoyed time together.

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Final Sunset

Posted by eph21920 on December 14, 2018 in Answer, Death, Friends, Grace, Life, Rest

A couple of days ago, a friend told me that her father-in-law passed away. So I went to the funeral today. One of the man’s son’s said that unfortunately, he missed being with his dad when he died. He lived in another state and drove to be with his family that evening after hearing the news. He said that as he was driving, the sun was setting and it was one of the most brilliant sunsets he had seen. As he reflected on the view, he realized that we end each day with the sunset. It is a time for winding down and thinking about the activities and work accomplished in that day. His father’s life had reached his sunset. He had completed all that God had for him to accomplish. Now it is time for resting. I thought it was a beautiful analogy.

I Found God today in a beautiful analogy of life and sunsets.

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