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Young Theologian

Posted by eph21920 on August 9, 2016 in Connected, Eucharist, Faith, Friends, Relationship, Youth

As I drove from the wedding to the reception the other day, a young woman who I hadn’t seen for a couple of years rode with me. She couldn’t wait to get into the car and give me the update on all that had happened. As I saw her grow, somewhere along the way she was literally invited into a very close relationship with God. When I would see her at Mass, it was evident that she was in a deep state of prayer and joy. I enjoyed listening as she excitedly caught me up to date on the ride. She met a boy who was interested in her and she was interested in him. He spied her singing at Mass from his place on the altar as he was an altar server. Their first date was going to Mass together. As they saw each other more, they would pray the rosary together. She has a deep love for the Eucharist and learning about the saints. As a senior in high school, the profound theological ideas she discussed and analogies she made were far beyond her years. What’s more, she recognized the gift she has been given to have such an amazing faith. At the same time, she has a love for life and for fun and told me about her last minute decision to attend her school prom. I was so blessed that she shared her personal and spiritual life with me.

I Found God today in a young woman with an incredible spiritual relationship.

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Beautiful Marriage

Posted by eph21920 on August 8, 2016 in Begin, Faith, Friends, Life, Love, Marriage, Relationship

Yesterday I went to one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been to. I have known the bride for about 15 years and felt so blessed when she asked if I would be her Confirmation sponsor 7 years ago. She and her husband attended a Catholic college and are very faithful as are their families. As a surprise, the bride’s father made the kneelers that the couple used and placed a note on each one for them to find at the beginning of Mass. The priest from the college came to celebrate the Mass and the Marriage. Since he knew the couple, he was able to speak about them personally. He encouraged them to be an example of a loving, faithful, committed marriage in a world that desperately needs such a model. He also strongly suggested that they have many children to carry on that love and faith. Also in attendance was a very large group of young adults who were friends of the bride and groom from the college. At one point, the bride and groom made their way over to the statue of Mary and placed a bouquet of flowers at her feet. The music group led a song that was used by the school while the large group joined in. It was wonderful that just about everyone in the church sang, prayed, and responded together. There was a true sense of community. When the words came, ” . . .What God has joined together . . .” you knew that God was truly there. Near the end of the ceremony, everyone extended their hands and prayed a blessing over the newly wed couple. When I talked with the groom later about the beautiful ceremony, he said that they were very intentional about what they chose and why – from the scripture readings of committed, loving relationships to the touching music. It was such a meaningful way to begin their life together. I think it did what marriage celebrations should do, which is to draw everyone there into the reality of something greater than themselves.

I Found God today in a beautiful marriage celebration.

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Pampered

Posted by eph21920 on August 6, 2016 in Family, Happiness, New

Last week I offered to treat my daughter-in-law and whoever else she wanted to invite to have a spa day of her choice for her early birthday present. Today was the day. She, her best friend (whose birthday is on the same day as hers), and I all went to have a mani-pedi. I had never had a manicure or a pedicure before. Partly because I am very self conscious of my what I consider to be terribly deformed feet and hands due to having arthritis at a young age. We were greeted enthusiastically when we arrived and were shown where to sit after we picked out what color polish we wanted. We started with the pedicure. I sat in the oversized massage chair as my feet were soaked, buffed, and rubbed; toenails trimmed and painted; and legs exfoliated and massaged. It was amazing to say the least. I was half asleep just feeling the chair massage my back. Then it was on to the manicure. My nails grow pretty good naturally and I can paint them on my own, so I decided to have them painted as a french manicure which is a little more difficult. As soon as the young woman started, she realized that my fingers wouldn’t straighten very far and made every concession to ensure I was comfortable. After the nails were dry, she lotioned and massaged my hands and arms. Then I opted for a paraffin wax treatment. I actually had this done for a few years when I was young as part of physical therapy. I dipped my hands into the melted wax a couple of times to make a glove of sorts. After they cooled, the young woman peeled them off and gave my hands another quick rub down. I don’t think I have ever pampered myself so much. And to spend the time with my daughter-in-law and her friend made it that much more enjoyable.

I Found God today by allowing myself to be treated with a little tender loving care.

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Reconstruction

Posted by eph21920 on August 5, 2016 in Friends, Past

Today I visited with the people I used to work with at a parish. First I went to Mass and heard the priest I know speak and I was so happy that he sang. I enjoyed seeing several people I know who also went to Mass. We went to lunch and got caught up on the latest happenings. One of the churches in the parish was recently sold to a company who is making condominiums from the structure. When I was at Mass, I noticed many of the items from the closed church had found a new home there. At lunch, my friend explained how the stained glass windows were being removed and packed up to be sold to other churches. I thought of one of my favorite windows of St. Bernadette. I couldn’t imagine these beautiful works of art being taken out. After lunch, we went over to the church and I could see for myself how some items were already gone and how others were being packed away. The workers were obviously using extreme care with the pieces. I have such wonderful memories of events that happened in the church – from feeling peaceful praying alone to teaching groups of youth about faith and celebrating first Holy Communions with dozens of families. It was a bittersweet visit. Another friend told me about someone who approached her at the local “Market Days” where the parish had a booth. The woman said that she was one of those who have already purchased one of the condominiums. She wanted my friend to know how she was looking forward to being in the home and how much she respected the space. While it was difficult to see the inside of the church being taken apart, it was evident that those who are involved in the whole project are doing so with care and respect. I have to believe that while the place will not be used again for celebrating Mass, God is still present.

I Found God today realizing the beauty of a church and being able to visit with friends.

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Enjoying Peace

Posted by eph21920 on August 4, 2016 in Answer, Faith, Family, Grateful, Peace, Sick

I am so grateful that my sister is staying with my parents while I take a little trip. But I was not happy to hear that my mom had severe pains in her side and midsection beginning the day I left. She was hospitalized while they ran tests to see if they could determine the cause. Needless to say, she has been on my mind. I am staying with my son and family. I woke up this morning completely alone as it was work day for mom and dad and the kids went to their Nana’s house. I made myself some breakfast and sat on the deck to eat. It was so peaceful with the birds flitting about and a gentle breeze blowing the leaves. I sat down and literally exhaled. I probably stayed out there for an hour enjoying the air and praying. Later this afternoon I found that my mother had a UTI that was being treated with antibiotics and the doctors could find no other serious problem. She was released from the hospital. Tonight my sister said that she was feeling much better.

I Found God today enjoying some alone time and being able to relax a little more knowing that my mom is feeling better.

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Woman Support

Posted by eph21920 on August 3, 2016 in Connected, Friends, Grateful, Prayer, Struggles

Today I was so happy to meet with some women from my prayer group. We all have our struggles and part of the beauty of being with them is that we can all be open and honest with what is on our hearts. Then, instead of judging one another or giving advice, we simply listen to and pray for one another. Sometimes we read scripture or meditations from a book that seems particularly fitting and just allow God’s words to seep into our being. It is encouraging and peaceful. One woman in particular hurt both her legs a few months ago requiring surgery. She had to stay off them for a while and now is home with braces on both of them to keep them straight. She is working with physical therapy to move them little by little. At the beginning of the whole ordeal I could see her fear, anxiety, and worry. Now, she is taking things as they come and realizing how much God is still with her. She even started a “Thankful Journal” and every day writes about the things she is grateful for. Even though she will deny it, she is quite an inspiration.

I Found God today in inspiring and encouraging women.

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The Understanding of Youth

Posted by eph21920 on August 2, 2016 in Answer, Children, Connected, Faith, Family, Struggles

I typically receive various “Reflections of the Day” that can give me a different outlook on things. I shared one with my grandson today, “God doesn’t want us to beat ourselves up. He wants us to press on and try again.” by Matthew Kelly. My grandson said that is just like a video game. When you fail at a game, you can just get more lives or start over again and keep on trying. I loved his insight. Simple and beautiful.

I Found God today in my grandson’s interpretation.

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Enjoying Big Family Time

Posted by eph21920 on August 1, 2016 in Children, Family, Food, Friends, Fun

Today my son, his wife and kids, my nephew and his girlfriend and I all went to the zoo. We thought we would leave nice and early to avoid the heat of the afternoon and potential thunderstorms. But my sister, my nephew and his girlfriend came in from another city and no one was really awake very early. Then I decided to make a decent breakfast and realized there were no eggs. So I ran to the store, picked up some eggs and a few other things. Once back home I gave everyone jobs as we cooked up a hearty breakfast and all sat down and ate together. It was a bit of a tight fit at the dining room table, but so fun to have so much family there together. We had a great time at the zoo even though it was pretty hot. In the evening, a friend of mine came over, so we set one more place for dinner. It was cozy around the table. We laughed as people on one end seemed to eat different food from the people on the other end. My younger grandson wanted to hear some stories from my friend as we told him she had some pretty good ones. She obliged. Then we all took turns telling stories. There was a lot of laughter as we shared funny videos from the day. It has been very busy, active, and incredibly enjoyable to have this family visit. My parents had a good mix of way too much excitement, then quiet time as we went out and about. Best of all, they got to enjoy time with their great-grandchildren and meet the newest little girl.

I Found God today especially enjoying big family meal times.

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Neighborhood Reunion

Posted by eph21920 on July 31, 2016 in Children, Connected, Family, Friends, Grateful, Life

A few weeks ago, I went to visit a friend who I used to be neighbors with. At that time, we lived in an amazing neighborhood. There were 2 particular families that we would get together with all the time. The kids would go in and out of the 3 houses as if they lived in each one. We were like family. When my son made plans to come for a visit, we all made plans for a reunion. One of the previous “kids” offered to host the party at her house and today was the day. We figured that my son had not seen most of them for over 10 years. It was great fun to see the “kids” with kids of their own. It felt very much like it did way back when, but now instead of our children running around, it was our grandchildren. My friend summed up the day the best: “It was a perfect day! Although we were missing some of our Neighborhood family it was so awesome to see everyone again. I don’t know of many neighborhoods that have reunions, these people are like family not neighbors! I am so proud of how all the neighborhood kids have turned out! All of them successful amazing people! We didn’t have a village to help raise our children but we had an awesome neighborhood! I love you all, and missed the ones who couldn’t make it!” Catching up with everyone I realized that these friendships go deep and I am so grateful for them. We vowed to get together more often.

I Found God today seeing kids growing up with kids of their own and rekindling old friendships.

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Enjoying the Mountains

Posted by eph21920 on July 30, 2016 in Children, Family, Happiness

Today my family and I headed to the mountains. We spent some time at the cabin, hiking around, and visiting some of the neighbors. Just up the road, we spotted some tracks so we went to identify them. I came to the conclusion that they were cow tracks as the cows are pasturing in the area right now. Sure enough, the neighbor verified that there were cows in the woods near his house and that he saw them going up the road. As we drove, we saw some deer and some elk not to mention plenty of cows and horses. It was a big change in scenery for my grandkids. And it was a wonderful day.

I Found God today enjoying the mountains with my family.

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