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Christmas Preparation

Posted by eph21920 on December 23, 2016 in Advent, Faith, Family, Food, Fun

The other day before my son arrived, his girlfriend and I made gingerbread dough. Then we cut out pieces for a house and baked them. Yesterday we all worked on putting it together and decorating it. This was the first time my son’s girlfriend made a gingerbread house, so that made it even more enjoyable. There was much discussion, planning, and taste testing before starting on the decorations. Of course, the house turned out beautiful and we started planning a more elaborate one for next year. We also put up the Christmas tree, stockings, and other decorations. My mom’s friend came by with her annual chocolate peppermint roll that we sampled tonight. My mom and I baked her special fruit bread that she makes and shares every year and it also turned out just wonderful. Today I received the new pictures of my son, his wife, and grandchildren in their annual Christmas box. My older grandson is officially a teenager and it really shows in this year’s photo. In the midst of it all, we have been reading Advent meditations each day that my mom received. It can be so easy to forget why this holiday exists in the first place when there is so much busy-ness, so I try to keep Christ in mind during the day and not to put too much pressure on doing too much. I have really been enjoying Christmas preparations the past couple of days.

I Found God today preparing for Christmas.

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Shopping Night

Posted by eph21920 on December 21, 2016 in Family, Fun, Humor, Laughter

I took my son and his girlfriend shopping tonight. We were out too late and I think I got too tired. I kept dropping things – it was ridiculous and funny at the same time. We even stopped to get a snack before we headed home so my son could get the full “Sonic” experience since he had never been there before. It was just a lot of fun to be with them and to laugh a lot.

I Found God today enjoying an evening of joy with my son.

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Near Accident

Posted by eph21920 on December 20, 2016 in Answer, Car, Family, Grateful, Problem

After a cancelled flight the other day, my son finally made it in for a visit. His girlfriend and I went to the airport in the “big city” to pick him up. It was so good to see him walk through the arrival area. My nephew lives in the city, so we decided to meet up with him for lunch. There were so many cars on the road it was very hectic to drive in. After lunch we got ourselves set up on the gps for the best way home. I started off in the middle lane of three so I would be ready to move either left or right according to the directions. I entered the first intersection and as I did, I realized a car coming from the other direction decided to turn left at the same time – literally right into us. And he was going fast. Everything happened in a split section, yet several thoughts went through my head at the same time as to how to have the least damage from what was going to be a t-bone collision. At first, I tried braking, but the oncoming car did not appear to be slowing down in any way. I wondered if the driver even saw us at all. I knew that if I stopped, it would be a direct hit. So I decided to try to get out of the way. My foot slammed onto the accelerator as hard as it could and I swerved to the right. I waited for the impact on the back of the car. It never happened. Once we were out of the intersection, I looked in the rear view mirror. Evidently the car had made it’s way through and somehow managed to avoid hitting us. I was shocked. I don’t know how it happened. I don’t know how I was able to think of what to do in that split second of time. But I do know that what appeared to be a definite accident did not occur and that we were protected. We drove home and I am headed to bed tonight extremely grateful.

I Found God today in protection from what could have been a horrible car accident.

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Got Good News

Posted by eph21920 on December 19, 2016 in Answer, Doctor, Family, Healing, Trust

I took my mom to two doctor’s appointments today – her primary care physician and her cardiologist. These are probably the two most important and trusted doctors that she has. She explained how she was feeling – which is not bad for the most part but tired a lot. They both checked her out, asked lots of questions and looked at test results and such. They both gave her a clean bill of health and said she is doing good. They reminded her that she had been through quite a bit only a few months ago and that it will take some time for her to get back to where she was. She is now resolved to start physical therapy again as soon as possible to help with that process. It was a good day for good news.

I Found God today getting good news from doctors.

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Fiddles at the Airport

Posted by eph21920 on December 18, 2016 in Generosity, Music, Travel

I made a trip to the airport today to pick up my son’s girlfriend who came in for a visit. Actually, my son was supposed to fly in as well, but coming from another state. I got a call from him early this morning that, unfortunately, his flight was cancelled due to the weather. Inside the airport there was a lot going on. It was packed with travelers and people waiting for travelers. There was luggage lined up everywhere for people who either arrived before or after their bags. I heard some people complaining and others trying to be helpful. Amidst the hustle and bustle, I heard music coming from the direction I was headed. A small stage was set up just outside the area where people would arrive. A music group consisting of 2 fiddles and a bass player were performing. They were very good. After each piece, those standing around would clap. There was joy in the air and even a little dancing as they played some of the basic fiddle pieces. I was wondering if they would play any Christmas music – or perhaps they didn’t want to offend anyone. Just then, they started playing the “Little Drummer Boy” – one of my favorites. It was so uplifting to hear the beautiful music among the chaos.

I Found God today in uplifting music among chaos.

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Unwrapped Gift

Posted by eph21920 on December 17, 2016 in Advent, Faith, Friends, Joy

A few years ago, I met a woman who has had many struggles in her life. She had every reason to be bitter and angry. Yet, she became a youth minister and shares her deep faith and her challenges with those she works with and all those she comes in contact with. I was inspired by her right away. Today she shared a beautiful moment on social media as she spent the day with her son :

“Doing home work together, feeling the pressure of not having decorated or shopped yet…
After having him write out his notes 5 times and diagram animal and cell walls 3 times..
He leans over, holds my hand and says “luv you”..❤
One of the best gifts I ever got…
No need to wrap that one..”

I Found God today in a reminder of what is truly important as we prepare for Christmas.

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Priest in the Trees

Posted by eph21920 on December 17, 2016 in Connected, Creation, Faith, Life, Priest

My parents get a couple of magazines on a regular basis. I usually don’t take time to sit down and read anything, but my mom reads things to me that I would find interesting. It’s good voice exercise for her. A couple weeks ago, my dad kept out an article that he thought I would enjoy. Today I say down and read it. It was titled, ” The Priest in the Trees”, and the setting was near the place where I used to live. The story was about an environmentalist turned Episcopal pastor. His conversion story was similar to those I heard before from Catholic priests that I know in that God basically hounded him until he gave in and followed God’s plan for his life. It was interesting that as an environmental activist, he initially thought that science and religion don’t mix. It wasn’t until after he started reading the Bible that he realized just the opposite is true. From his unique point of view, he was able to correlate the vivid images of nature used in Scripture with the power, love, and mercy of God. I know that I always feel more at peace when I am in nature and find it very easy to connect with God that way. While his ministry may seem a little unorthodox to some, this man’s spiritual journey was enlightening and inspirational.

I Found God today in a new way of thinking about how our spirituality is connected with our environment.

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A Recorder Group

Posted by eph21920 on December 15, 2016 in Children, Connected, Family, Fun, Joy, Music

Tonight my parents and I watched my grandson performing at his school holiday concert. I saw him and his brother in as many of their concerts as I could when I lived close by. I was always impressed with their school music program. Tonight we viewed it via video. It wasn’t quite the same as being there, but we didn’t have to get there an hour early to get a parking place and seats and then watch the other classes perform – although they were all very good. My grandson sang and then played the recorder. That took me back many, many years when I played. My sister and I even did duets. My mom is a musician and was a music teacher for years. The little recorder group was pretty good and it was fun to watch. It gave me joy to see my grandson playing music and to realize this connection he has with my mom.

I Found God today watching my grandson play music.

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Merry Christmas Wish

Posted by eph21920 on December 14, 2016 in Answer, Happiness, Life

I went to the post office today to get my Christmas packages in the mail before having to pay a ridiculous amount for priority shipping. I knew it would be a long wait, so I was prepared. There was a man who was having some troubles with his mail delivery waiting for his turn at the window. He was carrying on and on about – well everything. He said, “You can’t say Merry Christmas because you might offend someone. You can’t say Happy Holidays because you might offend someone. You can’t say Happy Hanukkah because you might offend someone. What are you supposed to say to people?” Despite his ranting, he had a good point. I have felt those same things myself. I used to just say Merry Christmas without thinking too much about it. Now, I kind of take the cue from the person behind the counter – who in all honesty are likely told not to say anything at all so as not to offend anyone. I got up to the counter and after weighing and measuring all my packages, I asked the postal worker what kind of religious Christmas stamps they had. He pulled out a couple of different types with the nativity scene and Mary with baby Jesus. I bought some of each and as I was getting my things together to leave, the worker said the magic words, “Have a Merry Christmas.” I reciprocated the blessing and smiled all the way home.

I Found God today in a merry Christmas wish.

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Wonderful Women

Posted by eph21920 on December 13, 2016 in Connected, Death, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Life

I had lunch with a friend today. As we talked about our current state of life, our children, and our grandchildren, it was rather remarkable what a similar path our lives have taken. It was so good to be able to talk with each other who really understood the highs and lows and the emotions of specific situations. We get each other. This evening another good friend came over for dinner. We usually laugh a lot, which we did. But we also had deep philosophical conversation – much to the surprise of my parents – and somewhat to our own surprise. It’s just where the evening led. One particular thing that my friend talked about really stuck with me. She said she knew a girl whose father had cancer. The girl prayed and knew that her father would be healed due to her prayers. Unfortunately, the man passed away which left the daughter angry, bitter, and no longer faithful. My friend tried to explain to her that isn’t the way prayer works. People have died since the beginning of people, and they will continue to do so – more often as time goes on and we all get older. She said she has learned to pray in a different way, asking God for strength to get through things, or to help others in their struggles. She doesn’t always let people see this side of her, but it is one of the reasons she is such a good friend. We get each other. I felt incredibly blessed today to have these two wonderful women in my life.

I Found God today spending time with friends who understand me.

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