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More to Learn

Posted by eph21920 on May 31, 2018 in Answer, Family, Grateful, Humility, Music

After my mom played the piano today, my dad encouraged her and told her how much he loved to hear her picking up and working through a new piece. My mom took a few minutes and reminisced about her last piano teacher. She started lessons with her after playing for about 40 years. Yet, she said she learned so much from her and playing with her was a completely different experience. She explained that her beloved teacher helped her to play the music with feeling – with her soul. My mom took lessons from her for 23 years. She was dedicated to the woman, continuing to visit and play for her as her health failed. My mom misses her still after 15 year since her death. I have such respect for my mom – her dedication, her humility, and her open-mindedness to have more to learn even after decades of practice.

I Found God today in my mom’s dedication and humility.

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Discovering Relatives

Posted by eph21920 on May 30, 2018 in Children, Connected, Family, Past

Today was the last day of my dad’s cousin’s visit. His wife had made contact with another woman on the ancestry website who was also working on the family genealogy. She gave her a call and introduced her to my dad. The woman started right in talking about her history. It turns out that she lived in our state for some time. They traced their lineage back to a couple of generations. She also talked about how she connected with cousins that she didn’t even know she had. I was amazed at how families can be traced so easily now. The woman was so excited to talk with my dad and to meet these long lost relatives. We were all thrilled as well. After our guests left, we were busy exchanging pictures and texts. I was able to touch base with their daughters who were children last time I saw them. I think making these kind of family discoveries helps people to realize the we are not in this alone, that we are wildly connected. And I think that brings us all just a little closer together.

I Found God today discovering relatives.

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Humbled By His Faithfulness

Posted by eph21920 on May 29, 2018 in Answer, Faith, Family, Grateful, Humility, Life, Love

We had another wonderful day visiting with my dad’s cousin and his wife today. It had been over 20 years since I had seen them, so along with talking ancestry, we got caught up on life events. As I shared stories of my past several years, I realized – again – how God has led me and been with me throughout everything. He has always seen me through difficulties and brought me to a better place at the end. I just wish I could always think about and remember how faithful God has been to me – even when I have not been faithful to Him. Recounting my life events helps me to trust, have faith, and have a deeper appreciation for God’s never failing, unending, unconditional love for me. It is very humbling.

I Found God today being humbled by the recollection of His faithfulness.

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Day of Ancestry

Posted by eph21920 on May 28, 2018 in Family, Knowledge, Past

My dad has a cousin who has visited with his family several times some years back. They have continued to stay in touch and share stories and pictures of the family history. My dad and sister have been working hard on putting together an album that tells the story of their heritage. My dad’s cousin and his wife made a trip this direction and arrived in town last night. They came over bright and early this morning and the two men started in right away. They spent the whole day looking through books, photos, news articles, and odds and ends. They sorted out who had what, exchanged information, and reminisced into the evening hours. I wondered how my dad kept up with that all day long, but he enjoyed every second of it.

I Found God today as my dad and his cousin spent the day reminiscing.

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No Mistakes

Posted by eph21920 on May 27, 2018 in Answer, Connected, Problem

At church this morning, the priest gave us several examples of people who were trying to make a specific product, but made a “mistake” and ended up making something very different, by very wonderful. I thought of my sister’s coffee toffee. She started with a certain recipe, read the measurements incorrectly for some of the ingredients, and ended up with an amazing candy. The priest also told us the story of one of his friends who he hadn’t heard from for years. The other day, the priest had turned off his phone to work on this week’s homily. He later found that the friend had called and left a message. The friend explained that he had mis-dialed and apologized. Instead of letting it go, the priest called the man who again apologized for dialing the wrong number. But since he was on the phone, the man told the priest about a strange dream he had last night and wanted to know the priest’s opinion. His dream involved the Holy Spirit, which is funny as today’s Gospel reading was about the Holy Spirit. So, the priest was inspired by the dream and enjoyed talking to the friend after a long time. And the friend was glad to be able to talk to the priest about his dream.

I Found God today in “mistakes” that were actually very helpful.

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People Helping People

Posted by eph21920 on May 26, 2018 in Family, Problem, Service, Stranger

We had a family get together today. As my sister and brother-in-law were on their way over, they came upon a woman who was sitting in her broken down car on a very busy road. They pulled over to lend a hand to the woman who was alone and on her phone trying to figure out what to do. My sister expressed her frustration with everyone who saw that there was a problem and were just wanting to get around her without being helpful. My brother-in-law was planning on trying to get the car out of the road, but knew he wouldn’t be able to move it up the hill on his own. Just as he was pondering the situation, 2 “muscle men” pulled into the nearby gym parking lot and came over to offer their assistance. Together, the 3 of them were able to get the car off the busy street. The “muscle men” helped my brother-in-law, who was helping the woman. They in effect benefited everyone else who was driving on the road who were completely unaware that anyone had done anything at all.

I Found God today in people helping people.

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Planting Seedlings

Posted by eph21920 on May 25, 2018 in Creation, Joy, Life

A couple of months ago, I received some free packets of flower seeds in the mail and at a caregivers event that I attended. I planted them in tiny pods a few weeks ago, hoping to eventually put them in the big pots at the front porch. I have been taking meticulous care of them and started taking them outside during the day to get some real sunshine. They have been growing pretty well. Summer seems to now be upon us and there doesn’t seem to be a threat of freezing or snow, so today I decided to plant them outside. There were plenty of little seedlings to fill the 2 big pots. I even had enough to make another little pot for my mom’s special place outside. They looked big in their little pods, but now looked tiny in the big pots. I watered them generously and fertilized them with my mom’s direction. I checked on them this evening and most of them look like they’re still in shock. I hope they grow into beautiful flowers. Even if they don’t, I have enjoyed watching them sprout and managing to get them to this point. There is something soothing about taking care of them and planting them.

I Found God today planting my own grown seedlings.

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Appendix Out

Posted by eph21920 on May 24, 2018 in Answer, Doctor, Family, Healing

My son who lives out east called me early this morning, which is unusual – especially during the work week. He told me that he had been having severe pains in his abdomen. He said he was pretty sure it was appendicitis. He went to the local emergicare and had a catscan that confirmed his suspicion. He ended the day in the hospital having surgery. My parents and sister prayed all during the day for him. And I sent the word out to others as well. I heard from his wife after the procedure and all went well. I was glad that he had the surgery before things got worse. And of course I was very happy to know that he is doing well.

I Found God today in the medical attention my son received.

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Are You My Mother

Posted by eph21920 on May 23, 2018 in Children, Family, Joy, Past

My favorite book when I was a child was the Dr. Seuss story, “Are You My Mother?” even though I remember being afraid and wondering if the baby bird was ever going to see his mother again. I’m sure I had it memorized at one time and loved reading it to my own kids. My favorite line to this day is, “You are not my mother . . .you are a snort!” Today my sister came for a visit and had the book with her. She saw it at the store and thought of me. That made me smile.

I Found God today reminiscing with a childhood favorite.

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Reflective Coloring

Posted by eph21920 on May 22, 2018 in Bible, Creation

A while ago, a friend gave me a coloring book that includes scripture and a place to journal. I got it out today for a few minutes. When I opened the page, the scripture was, “In your presence is fullness of joy.” Psalm 16:11. Perfect. I colored the flowers on one side and reflected on the words. As I did, there were several things around me that I noticed that made me joyful, including bird songs and new leaves glistening in the sun. I wrote my reflections on the opposite page. It was very calming and a beautiful way of being aware of God’s presence.

I Found God today reflecting while coloring.

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