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Fear to Courage

Posted by eph21920 on May 15, 2016 in Answer, Faith, Priest

Today the Catholic Church celebrates Pentecost – the day when Jesus’ Apostles went from hiding and locked in a room to throwing themselves into the limelight. After they received the Holy Spirit, they went from fearful and uncertain, to overjoyed and eager. They were filled with God’s love and couldn’t wait to tell everyone about the amazing life – and afterlife – that is possible by following Jesus. The priest at church today said that it was 23 years ago that he celebrated his first Mass. He said he always felt a connection with the Holy Spirit and from the time he decided to pursue the priesthood, he prayed that his first Mass be on Pentecost. And it was – even though he had nothing to do with the scheduling of his ordination and such. His homily was beautiful and touched my heart. He said that the reason things aren’t going so well in the world is because WE aren’t doing anything about it. He reminded us all that as Baptized and Confirmed Catholics, God has given us the Holy Spirit and everything we need to make a difference in the world. But too many times we are afraid, or feel like our faith is just between us and God. He challenged each one of us to pray and ask God what He wants us to do and then do it. Fear and meekness can be overcome by courage and zeal, just as it was for the first Christians.

I Found God today in a reminder that I do have the Holy Spirit within me and I should not allow fear and worry to interfere with God’s path for my life.

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Insightful Words

Posted by eph21920 on May 14, 2016 in Answer, Bible, Faith, Trust

I worry a lot. I don’t want to. I want to trust that God has everything in his hands – which He does. As I think about events in my life – both good and bad – I can see that when I trusted God and moved forward, He has always been there to help lead and guide me. Many times things turned out completely different and better than I had anticipated, like I had it all figured out. Today I read a scripture that was shared with me and it really touched my heart, Luke 12:22-34. The words that spoke to me most were:

Can any of you by worrying add a moment to your life-span? If even the smallest things are beyond your control, why are you anxious about the rest? Notice how the flowers grow. They do not toil or spin. But I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass in the field that grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?

So, so true. And so easy to read and hear, but not so easy to do. But I am working on it.

I Found God today in words of trust and faith that touched my heart.

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A Warm Day

Posted by eph21920 on May 13, 2016 in Weather

Today was a beautiful day in the mountains. It was finally warm and mild enough weather to spend quite a bit of time outdoors. I sat and soaked up some sun. I went for a couple walks. At one point it was so quiet that I could hear the wings flapping of a large bird as it flew up above. I watched the sunset. My dad has not had his camera out for quite some time, but he got it all set up this afternoon. We both spent some time together taking pictures of the beautiful sunset as the colors went from pastel blues and pinks, to yellows and oranges, to almost fluorescent pink, orange, and yellow. It was so nice to be outside without getting cold.

I Found God today enjoying the warm day and natural beauty.

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Helpful Worker

Posted by eph21920 on May 12, 2016 in Answer, Grateful, Happiness, Knowledge, Patience

The other day my dad was having some trouble logging into his bank account. He tried different things until he got locked out. Today we went to the bank to get it resolved. The young woman there was very helpful, patient, and knowledgeable. My dad was so happy to get it corrected and was so impressed with the bank employee. When we got home, he shared with my mom how helpful the woman was and how she was able to answer all his questions.

I Found God today in a very accommodating worker and how happy she made my dad.

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Lilies

Posted by eph21920 on May 11, 2016 in Creation, Family, Joy

My brother sent my mom some white lilies for Mother’s Day. They were in a very large box in tons of wrappings. Once my mom and dad got it all undone, my mom followed the directions to the letter. Soon the huge flowers started opening. Every day a few more would pop. The fragrance at this point is amazing. You can smell them as soon as you step into the house. My mom changed the water in them again today as per the directions. After that, you could almost sit and watch them bloom. Over half are open now and there are still a few to go. My mom just loves them and I think we will be enjoying them for a while still.

I Found God today in the joy that flowers bring.

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Family Ties

Posted by eph21920 on May 10, 2016 in Answer, Connected, Family, Grateful, Relationship

My daughter-in-law’s mother is so thoughtful. Today I opened a package that she sent me. It was a lovely bracelet with a medal of Mary the Mother of Jesus on it. She also sent a clipping from a local newspaper that had my son’s name in it. The article listed those in the area who were on the Dean’s List at their colleges. The fact that she noticed his name and took the time to cut it out and send it to me meant so much. We talked later this evening and I thanked her profusely. She takes care of my granddaughter during the week while her mom and dad are at work. And she is able to attend events that my grandsons participate in. She caught me up on all the family news. We exchanged notes, as she does not get on any social media, which is the main way I stay in touch being so far away. I loved talking with her and I am so grateful for our relationship.

I Found God today in a thoughtful and loving woman and I am grateful for the family tie.

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Artful Apron

Posted by eph21920 on May 9, 2016 in Children, Family, Happiness

I have started a little apron collection as I spend a lot of my day cooking in the kitchen. I received one for my last birthday and a couple for Christmas. They are each unique and have a story. Today I received a Mother’s Day package in the mail from my son and his family. My grandson made a picture of my favorite football team which was imprinted on to a white apron. It is so cute and I was very surprised. It might just become my new favorite.

I Found God today in a fun, thoughtful gift from my family.

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Motherhood Models

Posted by eph21920 on May 8, 2016 in Children, Connected, Family, Friends, Grateful, Life

Today is Mother’s Day. It was great to hear from my kids and siblings and be with my mom. Mostly, I thought of all the women in my life who have been like another mother to my boys. When my older son was a kid, we lived in a great neighborhood. We were friends with several people on the street and got together all the time – whether it was formal or informal. The doors were always open and the kids came and went as they pleased from one house to the next. Many of them still connect with one another to this day. There were also other friends that we hung out with that were like family. When my younger son was growing up, I was very involved in the church. He would come along to almost every event and the women would treat him like their own – whether they had children or not. He had many people watching over him. These and many other wonderful ladies helped me in my own motherhood. They inspired me to be a better mom – more loving, patient, fun, lighthearted. I feel so blessed to have my own mother as the ultimate role model and so many awesome women to look up to and appreciate.

I Found God today in the blessing of so many women who exemplify motherhood.

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Family Bonds

Posted by eph21920 on May 7, 2016 in Connected, Family, Happiness

Today my travelling brother made his way to my son’s college. It just happened to be the weekend that the college is holding it’s annual innovation festival that is open to the public. Students, faculty, and staff take the opportunity to showcase some of the inventions they have created including robotics, 3-D imaging, and computer programs. My brother said that he loved spending the day “geeking out” with my son. He was so impressed with all the creativity and ingenuity that he saw. It made me happy knowing that they had such a good time together and that it worked out so well.

I Found God today being joyful about family bonds.

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Remembering a Young Soul

Posted by eph21920 on May 6, 2016 in Death, Faith, Friends

As I was going through social media today, I realized it is the anniversary of the unexpected death of a young man who I got to know in youth ministry. I took some time and thought about the joy and laughter he brought to the youth and adults alike as well as a deep faith that you could almost feel. I remembered the night when we heard of his death as the youth ministry was together making candy for a fundraiser. It was quite a shock. We found a picture of him, brought it into the church and placed it on the altar as we stood around it and prayed. In many ways, it seems as though it was yesterday. Just as his mother said today, “Six years is a lifetime and five minutes ago.” I prayed that his soul is in the presence of God right now and perhaps helping to give consolation to his mother and family. Through the years I have been blessed to know the family. They are strong, yet make no apologies for laying their emotions and remembrances out in plain view. They set up a scholarship fund in the young man’s name and work hard to see that someone else will benefit from it. Thus, he is still making an impact. Their faith, humility, and concern for those around them continue to inspire me. It was sad to think about the young man’s death, but it was also joyful to remember who he was and to see all the love that was sent to the family today.

I Found God today remembering the impact of a wonderful young man.

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