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Reassuring Doctor

Posted by eph21920 on September 26, 2016 in Answer, Doctor, Family, Healing, Sick

I took both my mom and dad to an appointment with their heart doctor today. My parents always look forward to seeing him as they know they will get many questions answered. Today’s visit did not disappoint. The cardiologist is always funny and encouraging while being honest. He told my mom that she should think of her illness (mostly Parkinsons) as an “old friend” that will be sitting with her every day. Each day she can acknowledge the “old friend” and see what kind of help or trouble it will bring. He told me things to watch for in my mother that may or may not be considered worthy of a trip to the ER. He said above all, she needs to stay out of the hospital. We all agreed. As for my dad, he reassured him that he is doing well and not to let worry get in the way of that. He reminded them both that getting old isn’t for wimps. He helped us all to feel at ease with the current medical state of both my mom and dad. We left with a positive attitude and renewed vigor to move forward.

I Found God today in an encouraging, caring, honest doctor.

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Commotion and Peace

Posted by eph21920 on September 25, 2016 in Children, Faith, Family, Home, Intimacy, Peace

My brother stayed with my mom this morning while my dad and I went to church. We went to an earlier Mass than we usually go to, known as the “kid’s Mass”. The church was full to the brim with young families. There was a lot of action and chatter and SHH’s and a few cries here and there, but it was all good noise in my opinion. Mom’s and dad’s were making it a priority to bring their kids to church and that is a beautiful thing. The children’s choir sang for the whole celebration. They included songs from the summer’s vacation bible school, so much of the congregation was not only singing along, but clapping and doing the movements that they learned. I was part of a vibrant, exciting celebration and could really feel the Holy Spirit move. A couple of days ago, I spoke to one of the deacons about bringing Holy Communion to my mom as she is not able to go to church yet. He said I was able to take a consecrated host home with me after Mass after I went through the proper protocol, which I did. Once at home, my mom, dad, and I had a short prayer service and my mom received Communion. It was quiet and serene, and I could feel God’s presence in that moment. It was beautiful to experience God in a large, exuberant crowd and then a few minutes later to experience Him in a peaceful intimate way.

I Found God today in a large celebration and a more private setting.

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History to Life

Posted by eph21920 on September 24, 2016 in Children, Family, Knowledge

My grandson is hoping to make a trip at the end of the school year. He is doing some fundraising and now has a “Gofundme” page as well. His aunt – my daughter in law’s sister – wrote a beautiful paragraph toady as she helps him with his venture. I loved hearing her perspective about how relevant this trip will be for my grandson. It clearly is meaningful to her too as she passes down important stories from her family, keeping her father’s memory alive. And she took the time to help my grandson learn more about the history of our country. This is what she said:

“My nephew is raising funds to participate in his 8th grade Washington DC trip. This trip is a bit costly, so he is asking for some help to offset part of the expense. For nearly all his 14 years, he’s heard the stories of his Papa’s (my father) times protecting national monuments, while in the Honor Guard. And just this summer, my nephew met my challenge to research and recite the Gettysburg Address (as part of understanding my love for Lincoln). This trip will put a lot of stories and historical chatter into perspective for him.”

I Found God today in the involvement my grandson’s aunt has in his life to help him learn and grow as a person.

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Man Time

Posted by eph21920 on September 23, 2016 in Family, Happiness, Relationship

Yesterday, my brother drove all day and arrived late last night for a visit. It was so good to see him. We talk via Facetime, but of course it isn’t the same as being in person. Today he and my dad took a drive up to the cabin in the mountains. I didn’t realize he had not been up there for several years. He and my dad said the Fall colors were just gorgeous. I asked them if they enjoyed their “man time” together and talked about “man things”. They both just chuckled. I took that as a yes. I am sure that sometimes my dad gets tired of having 2 women around all the time and I am happy for him when he has an opportunity to be with other men and do “man things”.

I Found God today as my brother and dad enjoyed a day together.

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No More Headache

Posted by eph21920 on September 22, 2016 in Faith, Grateful, Healing, Hurt, Prayer

After a few days of eating too much food I shouldn’t be eating – especially sugar – I found myself fighting off a migraine yesterday. I thought I was doing pretty good until I woke up about 3:30 this morning with a pounding head. I tried to re-position a couple of times to no avail. Finally, I got up and did everything I could think of that might help. I took an extra strength tylenol, drank a full glass of water, stacked my pillows so I would be sitting up, and put a cold washcloth on my head. I heard the old wall clock strike every 15 minutes until about 4:30. Then I started praying. I prayed for all the people in my family – past, present, and future. Then I started going through my friends – as many as I could think of. Finally I drifted off to sleep. I woke up again a few hours later and lo and behold, the headache was gone. I was incredibly grateful. I have been praising and thanking God all day long.

I Found God today in healing my migraine.

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An Ordinary Call

Posted by eph21920 on September 21, 2016 in Family, Life

Today I got a surprise phone call from my son. He updated me on his wife and kids and job and weather. We chatted for a long time about ordinary things. There was nothing unusual, shocking, or special that we talked about. Perhaps that is why it was so special to me.

I Found God today in an ordinary conversation with my son.

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Conquering Concerns

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

My dad stopped driving several months ago because he was getting dizzy spells. Since then, the spells have mostly subsided and he has been “threatening” every now and then that he will start driving again. This morning he had a doctor’s appointment that he needed to go to. We cannot leave my mom alone, so we thought about getting her in the car too and taking her along. Instead, my dad decided it was time for him drive. My mom and I were a little worried, but off he went. He returned from his appointment safe and sound and very pleased with himself. We were all glad that it went well. It was good for him to conquer this looming concern and it will be good in future for him to be able to get out and about a little more.

I Found God today in safe travels and a well-pleased dad.

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Encouraging Doctor

Posted by eph21920 on September 19, 2016 in Answer, Doctor, Family, Grateful

This evening I asked my mom how she found God today. She said she was thinking about that earlier. She said she is so grateful for the medical people God has sent her – especially her primary care physician who we saw today. He spent more time than normal with us going through all the things that happened in the past 6 weeks since my mom was hospitalized. She now has several different issues than she did previously and the doctor meticulously went through our list of questions. He was also very encouraging as he said she looked much brighter than the last few times he saw her. When we asked his opinion about her recovery, he said she may not be able to “trip the light fantastic”, but he felt she would be able to be very independent and get back to doing the things she enjoys doing. We left the office feeling very reassured.

I Found God today in a caring, encouraging doctor.

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Pope and the Babies

Posted by eph21920 on September 18, 2016 in Baby, Creation, Faith, Pope

During this “Year of Mercy”, on one Friday each month Pope Francis has been visiting different groups of people who are underprivileged, marginalized, or suffering. A while ago, I saw a video of him visiting former prostitutes who were in a safe house. Today I saw a captivating video of the pope visiting a hospital ward with premature babies. He had on his scrubs as he went to each tiny child, blessed him/her, and placed a holy medal in their cradle. His love is profound and tangible.

I Found God today in the reflection of His love in Pope Francis.

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Farm Fresh Food

Posted by eph21920 on September 17, 2016 in Creation, Family, Food

When my sister and her husband bought a house and land a year and a half ago, they had big dreams of gardens, chickens, goats, and bees. The property required quite a bit of fixing up and they first focused on the house during the winter months. Once Spring time came, they started on the land. My sister spent that first year figuring out the garden area and what would grow best. This year she is having a more fruitful harvest. My brother in law was interested in getting the bees, so they both went to classes and bought all the necessary equipment. He got the hives and the bees this Spring. He also cleared a spot for the new chicken coop and made a run so they would be able to go outside safely. A few months ago, the 30 baby chicks arrived. My parents and I went over and got to see and hold the adorable little creatures. Since then, we have heard all about their growth and the ups and downs of raising chickens. We couldn’t wait for the first eggs to appear. Finally a couple of weeks ago, we got the picture – 2 eggs were laid. Evidently, they have been coming more frequent and larger in size. My sister came over today and brought us bags of garden fresh vegetables and a dozen fresh eggs. There was a whole presentation involved as my sister proudly unveiled the carton. She also told us that her husband was able to get a jar of honey from the beehive. I’m thrilled that my sister and her husband are having such a productive year and making their dream a reality. Now for that goat . . .

I Found God today in the excitement of my sister as she works and produces fresh food.

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