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A German Feast

Posted by eph21920 on April 16, 2017 in Family, Food

My mother is of German descent. She spoke German and English in her household growing up. When we lived in Germany for a few years, she was invaluable as she helped us to communicate with the residents. She also has a couple of delicious German dishes that she used to prepare. When my brother-in-law was in the military, he also spent some time in Germany. He learned how to make some of the food and has been “threatening” to cook schnitzle for my parents for a while. A few days ago, he said he would come and make it for Easter. My parents have been looking forward to it all week. Today he and my sister brought over all the necessary ingredients and tools. They even purchased a new device so they could make homemade spatzle. He sent me a recipe for red cabbage that I prepared so I could do my part as well. The meal was delicious. We all talked about when we might have the next German feast and already planned on what we could add.

I Found God today in my brother-in-law’s consideration for my parents – and in his delicious cooking.

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Baby Giraffe

Posted by eph21920 on April 15, 2017 in Baby, Creation, Life, Miracle

This morning I checked social media and saw that April the giraffe was finally actually having her baby. I know people who have been keeping a vigilant watch for weeks now. I was surprised when I heard my mom got up early for no apparent reason. I told her about the giraffe and asked if she wanted to watch it. She did, so I found the live stream on her iPad for her. It was only about 10 minutes later when together we watched the birth of the baby. It was quite an amazing sight to see. We left the video on and watched it from time to time during the day. We watched the little guy get to his feet and steady himself after many tries. We saw him find his way to his first meal and even jump and run a little at only a few hours old. After a while, you could see him nose to nose with his dad, even though there was a little partition between them. The dad seemed quite pleased as well as he leaned over and gave mom a couple of giraffe kisses. Watching a new life come into the world truly is miraculous. And we appreciated that our timing this morning worked out in that way.

I Found God today seeing  a new life enter into the world.

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The Red Sash

Posted by eph21920 on April 14, 2017 in Connected, Faith, Family, Friends, Grateful, Jesus, Lent, Prayer, Sacrifice, Struggles

My parents and I went to the Good Friday celebration at church tonight. Upon entering the building, I noticed several people wearing a thin red piece of cloth that hung over a shoulder or around their neck like a scarf. One of the greeters caught my attention and asked if I would like one. She explained that the sash represents our struggles, sacrifices, and burdens. She said when it came time to venerate the cross, I could take off the sash and lay it at the foot of the cross. I said I would be glad to have one. My parents were way ahead of me by this time and already seated. When I joined them, I explained what the cloth was for and asked if they wanted one. They did, so I retrieved a couple for them. The priest elaborated on it just before the veneration of the cross. He said that people have the red sashes because of the burdens they are carrying. He went down a whole list of struggles and a couple of them really hit my heart. At the end of his list, he said we are bringing our burdens and laying them down at the cross for ourselves and for those who are not present. When Jesus died on the cross, he carried all of our struggles with Him. They used one large wooden cross for the congregation to venerate, so it took a while. We were in the back row, so I had a lot of time to listen to the music and contemplate. I thought about all the people I would bring to Jesus. I thought of all my friends and family – those who are struggling with illnesses, loneliness, job loss, family issues, loss of a love one, those who have faith and those who do not, those who brought themselves to Jesus and those who could not or would not, and all those I promised to pray for. As I bent down to kiss the cross, I placed the red cloth in the pile at the base. My mom was unable to stand in the long line and make her way down to the front, so my dad laid down her sash along with his own. I went back to my seat and knelt in prayer. As I did, I could almost hear the words, “Your burdens are mine now.” I felt an incredible sense of love and gratitude for me and for all the people I brought to Him.

I Found God today bringing my burdens and other’s to the cross.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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