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Unknown Pilgrimage

Posted by eph21920 on March 16, 2025 in Grateful, Joy, Travel

Today I went to Mass at the old church in the small town near the cabin. I had been there several times and would take my parents when we spent time at the cabin. As I looked around at the church, it appeared brighter to me. There were lights behind some of the statues that really enhanced them. Also, there were golden details in the multi-tiered altar that seemed particularly shiny. I wondered if I had not noticed those things before. Then, during his homily, the priest talked about the renovations they made to the church. So, it was actually more glorious than I remembered. The bishop of the diocese named the church as a place of pilgrimage for this Jubilee year. I had made a pilgrimage unknowingly – actually I’m not sure that would even count. In any case, I enjoyed being there.

I Found God today in a beautiful old church.

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Middle Children

Posted by eph21920 on March 15, 2025 in Connected, Family, Fun, Grateful, Life, Relationship

I am spending this weekend at the cabin with my son and 2 grandsons. Today when we left the house to go into town, the gaggle of turkeys practically met us at the door. They didn’t have much fear and got very close to us. When we arrived in town our first stop was for ice cream at the favorite general store. Then my son and older grandson went to casinos while my younger grandson and I walked around the town. We made our way down to the local museum which had a huge amount of western history. My grandson and I enjoyed looking at all the artifacts and learning about the old mining town. Then we went back to the cabin and played some games and chatted. We feel a special connection as “middle children”. I was grateful to spend this time with him.

I Found God today spending good time with my grandson.

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Extreme Hospitality

Posted by eph21920 on March 14, 2025 in Faith, Food, Generosity, Love, Music, Relationship

Today I listened to a story told by Mike Donehey from the band Tenth Avenue North. He talked about how hospitable his father was. At one point he tested this hospitality when he was in college and told his friends that if they ever needed a place to stay, they would be welcome at his parents’ home. One night a band he knew who had been travelling asked if they were still able to stay at their house, but they wouldn’t be there until 3:00 am. The young man called his dad who asked if they liked chicken and fish. When the 9 young men arrived, they found the father outside with a headlamp on grilling chicken and fish for them. He had never even met his guests before, but wanted to make sure they were fed. The young man who told the story said that he was so blessed to have a father like him, because he made it easier to understand our loving God. It was such a good story of faith, love, and hospitality.

I Found God today in a story of extreme hospitality.

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Finding Hope

Posted by eph21920 on March 13, 2025 in Answer, Friends, Grateful, Hope, Life, Opportunity, Struggles

A friend of mine is struggling as she goes through a divorce. I have been trying to help pack things up as they get ready to sell their house, which is very emotional as well. She invited me today to go look at a place that she is thinking of renting. She had a place a while ago, but just didn’t feel comfortable moving there. The place I saw with her today looked like a much better fit. She envisioned where she would put different pieces of furniture and where her grandchildren would be able to play. She looked more positive than I had seen her. And she said she finally felt hopeful with this potential move. It was good to see her uplifted.

I Found God today in a hopeful friend.

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The Way, Truth, and Life

Posted by eph21920 on March 12, 2025 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Faith, Grace, Lent, Priest

For the past 3 nights I have been going to a parish mission. Basically it was a mini retreat held over 3 nights. There was Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, Prayer, and talks. The speaker was the priest I had met last year who was present for my mother. He is a knowledgeable and kind person, so I knew I would enjoy what he had to say. He focused on the Gospel of John chapter 14 – specifically verse 6 in which Jesus says that He is the way, the truth, and the life. The priest expanded on those 3 attributes. He went deeper into what each one meant. At the same time, he simplified the concepts this way: We need to have faith 1. That God exists 2. That Jesus is God 3. That God loves me 4. That He has gone to prepare a place. Sounds easy, but we all know it’s not. That’s what God’s grace is for. We receive more of God’s grace the more we try to have faith. So it’s a continuous cycle. I appreciated the priest’s ideas and it was very good to see him again.

I Found God today learning more about Him.

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Dad Interviewed

Posted by eph21920 on March 11, 2025 in Connected, Death, Family, Grateful, Healing, Knowledge, Life, Past, Weather

I continue to sift through files, folders, and boxes of treasures. Today I found some more of my dad’s military information including housing, promotions, and awards. I also came across an airman’s magazine that included an article about him and the Air Weather Service. It highlighted their work watching the sun and doing their part to keep pilots safe. It also talked about his work in NORAD and keeping an eye on the skies all around our globe. My dad was interviewed and quoted in the article. Every time I find more accomplishments and work that my dad did, I am amazed. He was so intelligent and held much responsibility. It is no wonder that he struggled so when his brain wouldn’t work right for him at the end of his life. I am grateful for these treasures that help me appreciate him more and more. It’s emotional, but I think healing as well.

I Found God today learning more about my dad and appreciating him more.

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Nurturing Friend

Posted by eph21920 on March 10, 2025 in Connected, Friends, Life, Love, Patience

Today I brought Holy Communion over to a sweet elderly woman. When I walked into the kitchen where she was, another person greeted me. It was a woman I used to work with about 30 years ago. We had recently connected through a group of friends, which I was happy about, so I recognized her. I remembered her as always being kind and gentle. She eventually became a nurse, which seemed very fitting. She is now a home care CNA and has been attending to the woman for 3 years now. It was a surprise and a blessing to see her. It has been obvious that the woman is being nurtured and it warmed my heart to know a woman who is giving her the loving attention she needs.

I Found God today in a nurturing friend.

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Finally Wellness

Posted by eph21920 on March 9, 2025 in Family, Grateful, Healing

I spent some time with my son, daughter in law, and grandchildren today. My daughter in law has finally finished physical therapy since her ankle surgery in October. She is walking all around wonderfully now. After his 2 back surgeries, my son was finally walking upright and moving around without wincing. They struggled so much for several months. It was so good to see everyone doing well.

I Found God today seeing my family doing well.

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The Power of Silence

Posted by eph21920 on March 8, 2025 in Answer, Healing, Life, Peace

I listened to a podcast this morning which ironically talked about silence. But I found it spoke to my heart. The author read some thoughts from his book ‘The Power of Silence”. Here are some that particularly struck me.

“…the noise tries to prevent God himself from speaking.”

“In this hell of noise, man disintegrates and is lost; he is broken up into countless worries, fantasies and fears.”

“Noise is a deceptive, addictive, and false tranquilizer.”

“His mobile phone is continually ringing, his fingers and mind are always busy sending messages.”

“The death of silence is apparent. God will always help us rediscover it.”

After listening to the paragraphs from the book, the author was silent for 3 minutes. I did my best to focus my attention on God. I thought it was a wonderful exercise. I personally find silence very powerful and when I become overwhelmed or over busy, I seek it out. If I can keep my thoughts from jumping all over the place, I find silence rejuvenating.

I Found God today in the power of silence.

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Perfect Puppy

Posted by eph21920 on March 7, 2025 in Answer, Dog, Friends, Grateful, Joy

This morning I got together with my friend with the puppies. I asked if they were at their new homes yet. They are going this weekend. One was placed immediately. The other was supposed to go to a certain home, but it didn’t work out. My friend called the next person on the list and it didn’t work out for them either. I don’t know exactly how many people she went through, but she said it was very unusual for that to happen. Then she remembered a woman who was hoping for a puppy from the next litter. She was looking for a service dog. My friend had the puppies tested, and was working with them and knew that this particular one would be an excellent service dog. She also had been training the puppy to identify gluten in foods. My friend contacted the woman to see if she was interested in the puppy. Without knowing the circumstances, the perspective owner said she also needed a dog that could tell if there was gluten in foods. The puppy seemed to be a perfect match for the woman and will be going home with her this weekend. She was so grateful to be getting a puppy that would meet her needs. She told my friend that she felt God had intervened for her. My friend agreed.

I Found God today in a perfect puppy to help a woman.

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