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Priestly Similarities

Posted by eph21920 on March 5, 2017 in Connected, Priest

We had a new priest at church today who reminded me so much of another priest that I know who is very close to my heart. There were so many similarities. During his homily, the priest said that after college, he worked out in the secular world for a few years and was very happy doing so. But he felt God’s tug on his heart to become a priest. He tried to ignore it, then decided to talk to another priest about it – hoping he would talk him out of it. After a couple of years, he finally gave in and pursued the vocation that was on his heart. My friend had a very similar story, calling God the “The Hound of Heaven” referring to a poem by Francis Thompson. The new priest said that he was terrified to speak in public, yet he appeared very comfortable and seemed unscripted. The same was true for my friend. During his homily, he asked for the participation of the congregation to reply when he asked a question. My friend did the same thing. It was uncanny the way they resembled one another. The only thing missing was the boisterous Italian mannerisms. It made me happy to see the new priest and remember my friend who made such an impact on my life.

I Found God today in a priest who was so similar to another loving priest I know.

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An Adult Stroller

Posted by eph21920 on March 4, 2017 in Love, Stranger, Struggles

It was another beautiful sunshiny day today, so I took advantage of the opportunity and went for another long walk. As I was walking downhill on one sidewalk, I saw someone pushing a stroller walking uphill coming towards me. There appeared to be a couple of dogs walking with the person. As we got closer to one another, I saw that there was indeed a dog walking off leash enjoying the grassy area. I watched the dog and wondered how this was going to play out. The dog reached me before the people and I held out my hand as I kept walking. The dog sniffed it briefly as he continued his run in the grass. I heard a voice telling the dog to mind his own business. I looked up and saw that there was a man pushing a woman in the adult sized stroller. She was holding another small dog. She apologized for her dog’s “rude behavior”. I told her it was fine and he was a good dog. I pondered the beautiful scene I had just witnessed. The woman was all bundled up so she wouldn’t get cold in the breeze. It was evident that her legs had little motion – if any at all. I am sure it took a great effort to get everyone out the door and it would have been easier to stay inside. I thought about the committment and responsibility of the man to take the woman and dogs out for a walk. Obviously I have no idea of their relationship or home life, but this one moment in time showed great love.

I Found God today in the love a man showed walking a disabled woman and her dogs.

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The Eyes Have It

Posted by eph21920 on March 3, 2017 in Answer, Doctor, Family

My dad had another eye doctor appointment today – the one that took hours the last time. When we made the appointment, the scheduler told us that right after lunch would be the best time, so that’s what we did. She was right. We waited for about 5 minutes for the first test, then didn’t even have time to sit down when it was time for the next test. Before we knew it, we were in the doctor’s office awaiting his diagnosis. When we were there 6 weeks ago, the doctor saw signs of macular degeneration. He wanted to assess how rapidly the disease may be progressing. After comparing the tests, the doctor told us that there had been no change at all. That was great news. What’s more, we were in and out in less than an hour. After anticipating a 3-hour event, it felt very freeing. To celebrate, I took an extra long walk in the beautiful sunshine.

I Found God today in good news at a doctor appointment and having extra time.

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Shipped Out

Posted by eph21920 on March 2, 2017 in Begin, Family, Job, Life, New

My nephew joined the Navy via the Delayed Entry Program several months ago. Since then, he has been working hard to get ready and has questioned his decision from time to time. He has been heavy on my mind and in my prayers. He stuck with it and saw it through. He reported to his recruiter yesterday and went through the final medical exam and swearing-in today. Then he “shipped out”. We talked to my sister – his mom – this evening. It has been a roller coaster ride raising her only child on her own and now seeing him off to the military. She was, of course, very emotional. I was weepy also when she told us that as he was leaving for the plane, he turned around and said, “Bye, Mom!” A heart tug probably all mothers can understand. I sent him a final text of encouragement that I hoped he would read before they confiscated his phone and was elated when he called tonight. His plane had landed and he was in the USO awaiting the bus to take he and 20 of his new closest friends to the base. It was a 30 second conversation, but it was so good to hear the confidence in his voice as he begins his new adventure. He made my heart happy.

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Back to Therapy

Posted by eph21920 on March 1, 2017 in Answer, Family, Grateful, Healing

We have been trying for months to get my mom back into physical therapy. She has had some physical setbacks and we have been having problems getting a referral from a doctor. We finally got the appointment and made it in today. We went back to the same place that she was a year ago. Our favorite therapist was no longer there, but a young woman that worked with my mom before met with us and remembered my mom. She went through the usual strength and balance tests. We were able to get additional appointments scheduled for the next few weeks. My mom has been feeling rather week and while she is pretty good at doing exercises at home, she is looking forward to getting the extra help she needs to regain some endurance. I have said it before – she is amazing.

I Found God today getting my mom back into therapy and knowing that she will be getting more help.

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Returned Lost Rosary

Posted by eph21920 on February 28, 2017 in Grateful, Stranger

A while ago, I decided I wanted some kind of hobby. I don’t really have a lot of free time, but I wanted to do something creative and easy that I could spend a little time on or a lot. I remembered a friend of mine that I would see waiting in church tying knots in a cord. She was making rosaries. I looked into it and found directions and different colored cords on the internet – of course. It took a little practice, but I finally got the hang of it. I put cords in my bags and purses so I can work on them as I take my parents to doctor appointments and such. Today I took my mom to an appointment and started working on a new rosary. After a few minutes, a woman came and sat down near us. She asked what I was doing, so I showed her and explained. She said that when she was travelling, she found a set of rosary beads and was able to get them back to the woman who lost it. The woman was very grateful and said that the rosary had been in her family for many years. I told her how lucky the woman was that she found them and returned them to her. That was a nice story for her to share. I think this may be a new conversation starter.

I Found God today in a woman who shared her story of returning a lost rosary.

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Similar Photos

Posted by eph21920 on February 27, 2017 in Baby, Children, Connected, Family, Happiness, Past, Present

Today my daughter-in-law’s sister shared a picture of my older grandson lying down with his little sister. It was very cute. A while into the day, I realized that I have a picture of my 2 sons that is very similar taken about 23 years ago. At that time they were also very close to the same age as my grandkids are now. I actually had the picture on my dresser as it is one of my favorites. I had to share it so others could see it too. It brought back many wonderful memories.

I Found God today seeing my grandkids and remembering my own kids at the same age.

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Song in my Head

Posted by eph21920 on February 26, 2017 in Connected, Faith, Music

As I’m sitting here trying to decide what to blog about, I find myself humming a tune – “Don’t worry. . . be happy”. In one of the scripture readings at church today, Jesus talked about how God is always with us and always watching out for us. We don’t need to worry about what we should wear, or eat, or even about the future. God takes care of the tiniest plants and animals and He will take care of us, if we allow Him to. The priest talked about some of his own experiences with worrying and how debilitating that can be. At the end of his homily, he played a bit of the song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Everyone sang along. He said he wanted it to get into our heads and whenever we start to worry about things, the song will pop up and remind us that God is in charge. Well played.

I Found God today in an effective song suggestion.

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Ready For the Navy

Posted by eph21920 on February 25, 2017 in Family, Food, Job, Life, New

My nephew was sworn into the Navy a few months ago, and has been working hard at getting ready for his departure ever since. He is scheduled to ship out this week, so today we had a family get together. Yesterday, my mom and I went to the party store to see if we could find some decorations. We came across a whole wall of nautical themed decor, which we were thrilled about. Then we had to decide what not to buy because once you see it all, you want it all. My sister got the place all decorated this morning before he arrived. We prepared his dinner request – crab legs and salmon. I made some cupcakes with the Navy symbols and motto. My nephew read the cards and we all got a little teary-eyed. It was a combination of pride, sorrow, and excitement. I mean, I know kids are supposed to grow up and go their own way, and we are so happy for them, but it is always difficult. We talked to both my brothers via Facetime before my sister and nephew headed home. It was a great day to celebrate the young man he has become, the good decision he has made, and the future he has ahead of him.

I Found God today celebrating the young man that my nephew is and looking towards the future he has.

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Good Test Review

Posted by eph21920 on February 24, 2017 in Answer, Doctor, Family, Grateful

We received a call from my dad’s cardiologist office today. The doctor already reviewed the stress test from yesterday and wanted to let my dad know that everything looked fine. They will review the details at his next appointment in a couple of weeks, and didn’t want my dad to worry. That was great news and a great relief for my dad. We continue to be grateful.

I Found God today in good health news for my dad.

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