Leave a comment

Role of the Elderly

Posted by eph21920 on April 13, 2017 in Connected, Faith, Lent, Life, Priest, Sick

Tonight I watched a program that showed the life of a group of Benedictine monks. Specifically, as they prepared for and celebrated Holy Week. While there was much to ponder, one thing stood out to me. The abbot was describing how the monks live in community, all using their gifts for the good of everyone, and taking special care of those who are sick. He said the elderly may not be able to participate as they did at one time, but they are “in us”. Because of their contribution, they are a part of each member – current and future. Then they showed a very young monk caring for one of the older monks – helping him to put on his alb. The care taken by the younger man was beautiful.

I Found God today reflecting on the role of the elderly.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Singing in the Car

Posted by eph21920 on April 12, 2017 in Car, Connected, Friends, Happiness, Music

I met some friends tonight for dinner and had a wonderful time as usual. It was almost a half an hour drive back home, so I cranked up the “Jesus Jams” on the Christian radio station. I seemed to connect with each song, one after the other. The music got louder as each new selection started and I was excited to sing along loudly. There is just something about driving and singing along to loud music. Because it was Christian music, I felt I was also, “crying out to God.” I am glad He knows my heart and doesn’t judge me by my ability to stay on tune. It was energizing and made me happy.

I Found God today singing and praising Him.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Back to Home Base

Posted by eph21920 on April 11, 2017 in Family, Grateful, Home, Travel

My brother has been traveling around the country and Canada for the past year and a half with his truck, trailer, and dog. We have enjoyed seeing his adventures through the eyes of his dog on his blog. And we stayed in touch via phone calls, video chat, and social media. When he left, he didn’t have a specific plan – just kind of made things up as he went. We wondered how long he would be gone. A few weeks ago, he announced that he would start heading back to “home base”. After a very long day of driving, he made it back to the state today and up to family cabin. It was funny to see him sitting in the house instead of his trailer. I am grateful for his safe travels and looking forward to seeing him in person again.

I Found God today in safe travels for my brother.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Testimonies on DWTS

Posted by eph21920 on April 10, 2017 in Faith, Life, Sacrifice, Struggles

My mom and I watched our favorite show together tonight – Dancing With the Stars. On week 4, each contestant talks about their most memorable year, then portrays it in their dance. It is always a very emotional show and this one did not disappoint. There were several mentions of faith and God. Two songs were actually “religious” – Amazing Grace and Good, Good Father by Chris Tomlin. What I noticed was that the stories of sacrifice, faith and unconditional love were the most powerful as opposed to those about going out and getting what they wanted. People connected with the former and the emotion was contagious. The story and the dance that I found most inspirational was that of Rashad Jennings. He described how he left a promising college football team for one not as well known so he could be close to his family after learning his father had a stroke, diabetes, and would have a leg amputated. He said he would dance for his dad who cannot. He said he learned what unconditional love was especially during that time. The dance was incredibly moving. At the end, he hugged his father who was in a wheelchair in the audience. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place. My mom and I needed a few tissues. At the end he said, “The family who stays together and prays together can make it.” It was a beautiful story and a beautiful dance.

I Found God today in powerful testimonies.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Peter’s Dilemma

Posted by eph21920 on April 9, 2017 in Answer, Connected, Faith, Forgiveness, Grace, Jesus, Lent, Life, Mercy

We celebrated Palm Sunday again this year and listened to the Gospel of the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Even though I have heard it many times over, there was one specific part that stood out to me. It was the story of Peter and his relationship with Jesus. Perhaps because it seems very familiar to me. Before Jesus was arrested, Peter swore to Jesus that he would never deny him and that he would always show only love for him. But then when he is faced with a difficult situation, Peter refuses to acknowledge that he even knows Jesus. Then he realizes what he has done and weeps over his broken promises. I, too, have made promises to God about things I will do and ways that I will behave only to find myself going back on them. Sometimes I don’t even realize I am doing it until it’s too late. Then I feel terrible about it. The good news is that is not the end of the story. Earlier in the book of Matthew, Peter has an epiphany about who Jesus truly is – the Son of God. He knew this in his heart and soul. Jesus tells him that he will build his church upon the “rock of Peter”, which is why the Catholic Church states that Peter was the first Pope. Although he turned away from Christ – which we all do at some point – he turned back. Perhaps he more fully understood the mercy, love, and forgiveness that Jesus Christ offers. And he spread that message to everyone he could. I admit, sometimes I wallow in my own guilty feelings for not holding up my end of the promises I make. But when I turn back to Jesus, I also experience His loving compassion. though I seriously doubt I will ever become a pope.

I Found God today in a reminder of the forgiveness and grace that Jesus has to offer.

Permalink
Leave a comment

The Easter Lily

Posted by eph21920 on April 8, 2017 in Answer, Connected, Creation, Faith, Life, Music

My mom and I went to the Parkinson’s support group this afternoon. I learn so much when we go to these meetings and meet wonderful people. The meetings end with a potluck lunch. There is a chaplain who reads a little meditation and prayer before we eat. Today she talked about how the shape of the Easter Lily is a trumpet. At Easter, Christians proclaim that Jesus Christ rose from the dead – He conquered death and has taught us how we can do the same. In scripture, trumpets have been associated with proclaiming good news. When we seem to be inundated with news that causes anxiety, fear, or anger, there is still much to be joyful about. It is important to look for those things, remember them, and celebrate them. I will remember this when I see the church beautifully decorated with Easter Lilies next week on Easter Sunday.

I Found God today in a beautiful, tangible connection.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Option Two

Posted by eph21920 on April 7, 2017 in Answer, Creation, Family, Grateful

We took advantage of the mild weather today and headed to the cabin in the mountains for the day. We decided ahead of time that we would stay a little longer since it stays light longer and stop for dinner on the way home. After enjoying the day, we surprised ourselves when we got in the car to go home and it was already dinner time. We debated which of the 2 roads to take. One option would take us through a nearby town. We would be able to eat at a reasonable time, but then it would be dark for most of the drive home on the twisty mountain roads. The other option would have us driving while still light, putting us closer to home, but eating dinner a little later. I don’t really enjoy driving at night and it makes my mom dizzy, so we chose the second option. It is a habit for my parents to count how many deer and wildlife we see on these trips. Since we left so late, and took the more secluded road, it really paid off in wildlife viewing. We came upon 35 deer and a herd of elk that were too numerous to count. My mom had an idea for a restaurant in one of the towns, so we stopped in there. The people were incredibly friendly, the food was delicious, and the service was great. It wasn’t even completely dark when we left. On our final leg of the journey, it seemed we had the traffic lights timed perfectly. Most of them turned green just before we got there. All in all, we were pretty pleased with making the right choice.

I Found God today in the blessings of a decision made.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Finally a Letter

Posted by eph21920 on April 6, 2017 in Family, Joy

My sister finally received a letter today from her son in boot camp. She called and read the letter to us in her excitement. Evidently, it is customary to extract the wisdom teeth of the recruits. This has been on my sister’s mind. She was wondering if the teeth had been pulled and how her son was doing through that. He said in his letter that the procedure had been done and that he was looking forward to a day off as he recovered. He said they were going to have their hair cut again. And he talked about the basic lessons he has learned so far. I loved hearing the letter and the joy it brought to my sister.

I Found God today in my joyous sister.

Permalink
Leave a comment

The Rest of the Story

Posted by eph21920 on April 5, 2017 in Connected, Family, Life, Music, Past

My mom said she read my blog from yesterday and that there was more to the story. She said she memorized the Warsaw Concerto to perform in a high school competition. She was working on her voice training too and decided to perform a song as well. I asked which was harder. She said the piano piece for sure and she was certain it would make a good impression. She did win the competition – but not for the incredible piano performance. It was her singing that won her the scholarship. My awe of her musical talent just continues to grow. To make the story complete, the song she sang was “Vissi d’arte” – an aria from Puccini’s opera, “Tosca”. As I listened to different variations, the link provided sounds most like how I remember her amazing voice. The first line translated means, “I lived for art, I lived for love.” That describes her perfectly.

I Found God today appreciating more the music that is my mother.

Permalink
Leave a comment

A Concerto

Posted by eph21920 on April 4, 2017 in Family, Life, Music, Past

The other day, my mom found a folder of piano music that she had been looking for. Today she sat at the piano and went through some of the pieces. Many of them had her maiden name written on them, making them more than 65 years old. I looked at the complicated chords, runs, and timing and became even more appreciative of what an amazing musician my mom is. She came across one piece in particular – the Warsaw Concerto. At one time, she had the 15 page concerto memorized. Unfortunately, she was not able to play it any more. I found a beautiful rendition on youtube. As soon as the pianist started the performance, I recognized it and remembered hearing my mom play it. I envisioned her fingers flying effortlessly over the keyboard. Even though it was a little sad that she can no longer play at that level, the old music brought fond memories.

I Found God today in fond memories.

Permalink