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New Pizza Place

Posted by eph21920 on May 17, 2025 in Food, Friends, New

I recently joined a group at the church of older, single people. The purpose is solely to get together and socialize. The other day, one of the coordinators called and asked if I was going to meet them for lunch today. Honestly, it wasn’t even on my radar. But, as I talked with her, I decided to go. This afternoon I met them at a pizza place that I had never been to. I had seen it and always wondered what it was. Honestly, that is one thing I really like about the group. I get to see things and try restaurants that I wouldn’t do on my own. The conversation was upbeat as usual with a lot of laughter, encouragement, and support all around. I had been busy doing things around the house and it was really a nice break. I was glad she contacted me.

I Found God today in a group of new friends.

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God’s Flat Tire

Posted by eph21920 on May 16, 2025 in Answer, Car, Faith, Grateful, Life, Problem

It was a very interesting day today. I went to physical therapy this morning and then drove around the neighborhood a bit, stopping at a garage sale. When I got home, I jumped in the shower. While I was in there, I talked to God a bit as is normal. I got a sense that I should go to church. I was going to go yesterday, but it had been cancelled for a priest’s meeting. I had many things that I was going to try to accomplish at home, but I told God that if I got out of the shower at the right time to go to Mass, I would. When I was done getting ready, it was in fact the exact time to leave for church. So I did. I didn’t get too far when the light came on my dashboard warning that a tire had low pressure – 26 PSI. That didn’t seem right. I wondered if I got a nail in it, so I took a detour to the warehouse store and told them the problem. They looked at it and said there was a nail in it, but unfortunately it couldn’t be fixed. To add to the dilemma, they didn’t have the tire in stock. They put air in the tire and I sat in the parking lot and made a few phone calls. The tire stores that I talked to didn’t have the tire either, but would be able to order it. I was also informed that the other 3 tires could only have so much wear on them in order to replace just 1. Otherwise, I would need a whole new set. Knowing I needed more help, I called my son who talked me through a couple scenarios. I suddenly realized the tire was likely losing air as I sat there, and drove it to the last place I called as they seemed the most helpful. When I arrived, there was only 18 PSI in the tire. I was grateful I made it. My son came just in time as they had pulled the car into the garage with the now flat tire. I was glad he was there for guidance, moral support, and to give me a ride. Of course, there wasn’t enough tread on the other 3 tires, so I had to purchase a whole new set. However, as I thought about the situation, I figured God had me get out of the house so I could tend to the tire problem. Had I not, the tire would probably have been completely flat in my garage, which would have been an additional problem. Also, I’m planning a road trip. So, for whatever reason, God felt I needed new tires before I go. The day didn’t go at all as I had planned, but I was grateful for God pointing me in the right direction at the right time and taking care of me.

I Found God in His promptings that resulted in fixing an unknown problem.

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Beautiful Transformation

Posted by eph21920 on May 15, 2025 in Answer, Friends, Grateful, Life, Love, Relationship, Struggles

Today I talked with a far away friend who I haven’t spoken to in quite some time. She has struggled physically for years and has always done her best to stay independent. But as time went on, she fell more often and could no longer drive. We talked about what our children and grandchildren were up to. She told me that one of her son’s is now living with her and helping to take care of her. When he was younger, he struggled as he was in a group of friends who were leading him down a dark path. He worked hard for a long time to release the grip that had on him, even moving to another state. Now, he has chosen to come back to be with and care for his mother. In doing so, he found a job that is right in line with his skills and his passion. I was so happy that he had been able to make a good life for himself and for his mother. What a beautiful act of love.

I Found God today in a story of transformation.

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God’s Connections

Posted by eph21920 on May 14, 2025 in Connected, Death, Faith, Grateful, Grief, Life, Stranger

Yesterday as I was running errands, I was nearing the intersection of the church. Looking at the time, I realized Mass would be starting soon and got the feeling that I should go. I thought of all the things I had to do, but I know I should follow those promptings, so I went into the church. It was announced that the Mass was for those who are grieving and everyone was invited to a small luncheon. I smiled at how tricky God is and felt like He was giving me an extra blessing. I wasn’t going to stop in the luncheon, but as I walked by, I saw one of the ladies I know. So I went in the church hall. I visited with the ladies who reached out to our family right after my dad died and have been in contact with me ever since. I met a new woman who was here visiting family and attending daily Mass. She said her daughter was currently in Ireland and lit a candle for her father who has passed away. This was at the same time that the woman was at St. Patrick’s church praying for her husband and daughter. The promptings to stop for Mass, the ministry to those who are grieving, and the conversations I had were all so very spiritually connected. It is truly amazing how God gives us all little messages to help us know He loves us and to give us hope.

I Found God today in His wonderful connections.

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Grandson’s Graduation

Posted by eph21920 on May 13, 2025 in Family, Grateful, Happiness, Youth

This evening was my grandson’s high school graduation. His grandfather came for the event and those who couldn’t come were able to watch online. It was funny because at one point, my daughter in law was texting with her sisters across the country and the camera was pointed in such an angle that they could see my son, other grandson, and granddaughter sitting in the stands. The speeches were as usual for a high school graduation. A couple of the students accomplished pretty impressive achievements. The school had coordinator the students walking up and receiving their diploma so well, that part took only about 20 minutes. My grandson turned and waved with a smile on his face as he walked down the ramp. His mom cried. Afterwards there were lots of hugs and congratulations. We were all very proud of him and were happy that he had his day in the spotlight.

I Found God today celebrating my grandson’s graduation.

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The Finches

Posted by eph21920 on May 12, 2025 in Creation, Grateful, Happiness, Life

I have been bringing Holy Communion to an elderly woman with dementia and went over this morning. Her caregiver was just getting her ready to go sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. I went out too where we had our little Communion service. She is always so grateful. When we were finished, we looked around at all the beauty that Spring brings. We listened to the birds when suddenly there was a song that was very close to us. The caregiver pointed out the finch nest built in a nook of the porch ceiling. We watched the mother and father bird flying in and out of the nest as they took turns sitting on the eggs. Whichever one was not in the nest was in a nearby tree singing happily, at least it sounded happy to us. The woman told me about feeding the birds when she was younger. Then she talked about the chickens on the farm where she was raised. Most conversations go back to that farm. She has some wonderful memories from there. Every now and again, her attention was drawn back to the present and the finches. It was a lovely visit.

I Found God today enjoying finches with a sweet woman.

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Mother’s Day Blessings

Posted by eph21920 on May 11, 2025 in Children, Family, Fun, Home, Life, Love

First thing this morning I got a couple of texts. Some were from different people wishing me a happy Mother’s Day. One was from my cousin who remembered it is the first Mother’s Day without my mom and she was praying for me. I was so grateful for her thoughtfulness, as my mom was definitely on my mind. At church the priest said a blessing for moms. I felt extra blessed as my son and his fiancee put their hands on my shoulder during the prayer. Later, my brother, sister, and I along with my son and his fiancee went to my other son’s house to celebrate my grandson’s upcoming high school graduation. We all exchanged Mother’s Day cards and graduation cards and got teary eyed. When we all get together, there is always a lot of high energy, laughter, and loud, lively discussions. I always enjoy being with everyone. I was grateful for the day.

I Found God today blessed by family.

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Plant Day

Posted by eph21920 on May 10, 2025 in Connected, Creation, Family, Friends

This morning my son’s fiancee came over and I gave her a little lesson on how to care for the orchids. She has lots of plants – including a new orchid – and is learning how to take care of them. I showed her how I water all the different plants in the house here as my mom taught me. I have been doing pretty good at keeping most of them alive. Then I went to my favorite nursery and got some potted plants for outside. I usually go during Mother’s Day weekend as does half the city I think. But everyone was in a friendly mood and talking about how happy they were for the warmth and planting season. I got the annual geranium that my mom always loved. She taught me how to pick out a good one. I picked up a small container of flowers that I put in the basket of a little girl statue that is usually placed on the front porch. One of the neighbors is growing tomato plants and I wanted to give that a try. So I bought a tall tomato plant and a small pepper plant too. I put them together in a pot at the encouragement of my brother. Unfortunately, the tomato plant looked worse and worse as the day went on. My sister came and noticed that it was broken. That made me sad. We cut it off at the broken part and hope the bottom section will still grow. My sister trimmed the upper branch and put it in water. Hopefully it will grow some roots and I can start all over again. We’ll see. Yesterday I planted flower seeds in the 3 big outside pots and am making sure to keep them watered. As I was watering, my neighbor came over asking to borrow a shovel to plant a new bush that his wife picked up. Of course, we chatted for a while too. I also brought home some flowers for my sister for Mother’s Day. When she arrived, she brought me some too. I enjoyed the joyful day of plants and flowers and how they can bring people together.

I Found God today enjoying nature and the intertwined relationships.

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Talk of the Town

Posted by eph21920 on May 9, 2025 in Connected, Faith, Friends, New, Pope

I was happy to spend a lot of time outside today in the warm air and sunshine. My brother and I went for a walk and I even had energy enough to do some gardening. I had a couple of seed packets that I planted in the big pots that are outside. Being outside here usually means meeting up with neighbors. We met one of the neighbors on our walk. She was afraid of dogs, so my brother and his dog went on ahead while I stayed and chatted for quite some time. She shared with me the struggle she has been having since several deaths have occurred in her family. I was glad I understood and could be a listening ear for her. Back at the house, I talked with the couple who live next door. We talked about plants and neighborhood news. In both conversations, we also talked about the new Pope Leo XIV. Everyone was surprised at our new American Pope. It was also a topic of conversation when I was at physical therapy this morning. And a friend sent me the link to an interview with Pope Leo XIV’s brother. Some people didn’t have a lot to say about the new Pope, others had opinions. But everyone had been paying attention to the election. I feel like that is a good thing.

I Found God today having several conversations about our new Pope.

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Pope Leo XIV

Posted by eph21920 on May 8, 2025 in Answer, Faith, Humility, New, Pope

After several days of cold and wet weather, the skies cleared today. My brother is here, so we went out for a walk to enjoy the sunshine. As we left, I got a text from a friend saying that she heard there was white smoke coming from the conclave chimney. I couldn’t find it, and had just seen black smoke not too long ago, so we continued on our walk. Just before we got home, I got another text from my son saying that we had a new Pope. I found the Livestream and sure enough, there was the coverage of the white smoke. They were waiting for the official announcement and for the new Pope to make his appearance. I remembered seeing the “Room of Tears” where the new Pope dresses to greet his people for the first time. I explained to my brother that the name reflects the emotions that are felt as the new Pope prepares. I became emotional myself as I envisioned the man who had just received an overwhelming responsibility. In only a few minutes, the windows were opened, the cardinals appeared, and Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti pronounced the formula, “I announce to you a great joy:
WE HAVE A POPE
The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord Robert Francis
Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost who has taken the name Leo XIV”. Of course, he said it in Latin. The hosts on EWTN knew right away that he was an American and started explaining who he was. Shortly afterwards, Pope Leo XIV was led to the balcony overseeing St. Peter’s Square where thousands of people had gathered. He was visibly overcome with emotion with teary eyes and quivering lip. His first words were difficult to form as he spoke with humility, “Peace be with all of you.” He collected himself and spoke in Latin, Italian, and Spanish. For whatever reason, he chose not to speak in English at this first greeting. From what I read and heard, he has vast experience in the world – particularly in South America and has a love for those on the fringes of society like his predecessor. It will certainly be interesting to see his pontificate unfold. I am so glad I was home to be able to watch this historic event.

I Found God today in the election of our new Pope Leo XIV.

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