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It’s Good to be Little

Posted by eph21920 on January 20, 2016 in Connected, Faith, Grace, Mercy, Trust

I thought I was doing pretty good reading my book for the “retreat” I am participating in. We meet once a week for 10 weeks and have a reading assignment for each week. I looked over the schedule again this morning and realized that I still had quite a bit to read. After getting the daily tasks accomplished, I had 1 hour before I had to get ready for the meeting. I didn’t think I would be able to finish, but somehow I did and even had time to write out answers to the thought provoking questions. I was glad about that. Part of this particular reading brought out  teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux. She lived her life as a “little one” allowing God to lead her. Knowing that we are not perfect and will not be, we can still have a relationship with Jesus. That is what He wants. Another aspect of God that St. Therese highlighted is that He wants us to trust in His mercy. When we talked about these things in the group, I realized that I am my own worst critic. I feel like I try to do my best and be my best, but I know I fall short every single day. So, how can I even please God in that? Following the “Little  Way” helps me to remember that each day I can thank God and praise Him for each thing I do in my little life. God just wants to be a part of my life, my day, right here and now just as I am. That way He can shower His grace and mercy on me.

I Found God today in a reminder that God loves me right where I am.

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He Told My Story

Posted by eph21920 on January 19, 2016 in Connected, Healing, Life, Past

Tonight I went to a meeting at the church to learn about how I might be able to help support teens who are in foster care. At one point the presenter was asked how he came to work for the organization that is launching this new program. The presenter said he is a psychologist who worked with Project Rachel for many years. What he said next astounded me. He told the story of how he had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis from a very young age. His mother took him to doctors appointments as well as physical therapy 3 times a week. He was told that by the time he was 18 years old, he would be in wheelchair. But his mother told him that would not be his future. She believed that he would get better and stood by him. His parents moved the family from the humid South to the drier West to further prevent the disease from flaring up. He did get better. He said he had a heart for youth and wanted each of them to know that they are worth something – that they have value. Teens in foster care don’t have a mother like he did and struggle with self worth. He wants to help change that. I couldn’t believe my ears. He could have been telling MY story! I, too, had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis from a young age. My mother also took me to doctors and physical therapy 3 times a week. We were told that I would be in a wheelchair by the time I was 18. My mother refused to believe that and took me to Lourdes where I had an incredible spiritual experience. My parents also made a home in the dry West partially due to the fact that it would be helpful for me. I did get better. I also have a heart for youth as I know how hard it was for me growing up with the disease. I was made fun of and had very low self esteem. I want to help youth understand the value that they have. As he spoke, I had a hard time holding back the tears. I spoke to him after the meeting and talking about our similar backgrounds was amazing. We understood those childhood experiences like no one else could. I knew God put me in that room.

I Found God today in an encounter with a person who shared the same childhood experience.

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Influential MLK

Posted by eph21920 on January 18, 2016 in Faith, Hope, Life, Peace

It was unusually quiet when I went for an early morning walk. I was reminded that it was a holiday – the day we honor Martin Luther King Jr. Yesterday I heard a reporter talk about him and it started me thinking. The reported commented that Martin Luther King Jr. was a prophet – even ironically predicting his own death. I listened to a part of the last speech he made and sure enough, he said that he had been to the mountain top and that he didn’t think that he would be living a long life, but that he was not worried or afraid of that. He was shot and killed the following day. Today I listened to more of his speeches, read more of his quotes, and realized what a peaceful, faithful, courageous man he was. I can understand why so many people followed him. And unfortunately, that leads others to fear and/or hatred. His dream wasn’t just for the American people, it was for the world. I thought about how things have changed since his life ended. While it is certain that in some ways our world is smaller and more “tolerant”, in other ways we continue to battle the same racial and human rights issues we did 50 years ago. I know we are a slow people to change, but when I think about it, it is hard to understand why people can’t just treat each other with kindness and respect. Later this evening, I saw a clip of Martin Luther King Jr.’s daughter giving a speech today. She very much resembled her father. I think she summed it up pretty well when she said that if her father was here, he would be asking, “What is taking so long?”

I Found God today in pondering the influence that Martin Luther King Jr. had on our world.

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Demaryius Thomas and mom

Posted by eph21920 on January 17, 2016 in Forgiveness, Grace, Life, Opportunity, Past, Struggles

I do enjoy watching football. Before the Broncos/Steelers game I heard the announcers talk about Demaryius Thomas’ mother who was going to be able to see him play in person for the first time in his career. Evidently she was incarcerated, recently released, and able to make the trip to Denver. I looked into the story further this is a recap from what I found from the Denver Post:

Katina Stuckey Smith gave birth to her only son, Demaryius Antwon Thomas, on Christmas Day in 1987 when she was 15. In 1999 Katina and her mother, Minnie Pearl Thomas, were charged and convicted of trafficking drugs. If Katina, who was accused of being the banker, had pleaded guilty and testified against her mother, she would have been out in two to four years. But she refused to do so and was sentenced to 20 years. When Katina and her mother were gone, Demaryius was shuffled around. One afternoon he went home with a cousin, asked if he could spend the night and stayed there for 11 years. His aunt and uncle raised him as their own son. His uncle who is a pastor at two rural churches baptized Demaryius. He later told him he wanted the young basketball player to go to Georgia Tech and major in engineering. That is where Demaryius became an all-state football player and an All-America receiver. In the mean time, his mother watched his college and professional football games on TV from federal prison in Tallahassee, Fla., where she was incarcerated. On game days she would fashion two 8s from duct tape and apply them to the back of her T-shirt. In July President Barack Obama commuted the sentences of 46 federal prisoners, including Katina. She was released in November and spent time in a halfway house.

Today she was able to travel to Denver to watch her son play – and help win -the playoff game. At the end of the game, Peyton Manning gave the game ball to Demaryius to give to his mother.

I Found God today in so many ways in this wonderful story – In Demaryius’ ability to progress in a positive direction, his perseverance, and obvious forgiveness; in his uncle’s unconditional love and giving the boy a new chance at life; and in what I am sure was a great event for a son and his mother.

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Lifelong Friendship

Posted by eph21920 on January 16, 2016 in Family, Friends, Happiness

My sister’s birthday is coming up. Yesterday she, her son, and my other sister came over. We spent the evening visiting, laughing, and decorating the birthday cake. Today we three sisters went shopping and got the birthday girl some nice outfits, particularly for a big work meeting she has coming up. Back at home we made one of her favorite meals and then had the cake. It was a wonderful day. My dad got a little choked up when he talked about how much he enjoyed us living so close that we can get together often. It made him especially happy that my sisters and I get along so well and are such good friends. That makes me pretty happy too.

I Found God today in the lifelong friendship I have with my sisters.

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Story of Patience and Kindness

Posted by eph21920 on January 15, 2016 in Life, Patience

Today someone shared a story from a Facebook page called, “Love What Matters”. People share their wonderful experiences for all to read. This particular story involved a young man who was a cashier at a store. The author was in a hurry – as most of us are – with children in tote. In front of her was an elderly woman who wanted to pay for each item separately with cash. The cashier patiently rang up the woman and helped her count out her change. The author was at first frustrated by the wait until she took a good look at what was happening. She was witnessing a beautiful act of kindness and care. Not only that, her daughter was there front and center watching everything that was happening. The irritation turned to gratitude and a teachable moment. After reading the story, I visited the page and it is chocked full of positive stories. I think that is what we need more of – not only to notice wonderful things around us, but to share and read about them. Here is the link to the page if you would like to read more. LoveWhatMatters

I Found God today in a story of patience and awareness of kindness.

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Mom’s Dance

Posted by eph21920 on January 14, 2016 in Family, Grateful, Healing, Life

My mom has been struggling with Parkinson’s Disease now for about 8 years. During this past year she has also experienced more than her fair share of other physical ailments including having a pacemaker implanted and more recently suffering a stroke. It has been difficult to watch her go through phases of recovery, exhaustion, pain, and weakness. The Parkinson’s keeps her movements small and the stenosis  in her back prevents her from standing or sitting too long. But she keeps on going. After each set back, she does her best to return to functioning. Today she had her 2nd session of physical therapy. At one point the therapist had my mom stand with her feet apart and reach big with both arms extended back as far as they could go, then swing one arm high and extend to the opposite side. Now, this may not sound like much, but this is the most movement I have seen my mom do in years. It was a beautiful flow from side to side like a dance. I got teary eyed as I watched – even her face shone with a bright expression. I continue to be grateful for the help that is available, the good that it does, and the determination of my mom.

I Found God today in my mother’s perseverance.

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A New DIY Retreat

Posted by eph21920 on January 13, 2016 in Answer, Begin, Faith, Saint

A couple years ago I participated in a “DIY” retreat called “33 Days To Morning Glory”. It included readings, small group discussions, and watching videos at the weekly meetings. The author and leader of the video teachings is Fr. Michael Gaitley. He is a young priest with a heart on fire with love for Jesus and a desire to share that with others. In his videos, he talked some about his life experiences in college, which were both entertaining and relevant. I actually was able to see him in person as he led a 1-day retreat in a nearby town. The follow up to the “33 Days To Morning Glory” retreat is “Consoling the Heart of Jesus”. I have been wanting to participate in this as my experience with the first one was so positive. I was so excited when I found that my parish was offering it. Tonight was the first session. I didn’t know anyone in the room, but that was OK. I loved seeing Fr. Michael Gaitley again via DVD. His faith is so exuberant and contagious – even through a TV screen. The retreats offer a fast and easy way to become a saint. I definitely could use some saintly-ness, so I am in. Although many saints died violently defending their faith. I guess I won’t worry about that right now. I am very much looking forward to growing deeper in faith and getting to know people in the process.You can find info about the program HERE.

I Found God today in beginning a new retreat to help me grow closer to Him.

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Answered Prayer

Posted by eph21920 on January 12, 2016 in Answer, Faith, Friends, Prayer

This morning I heard from a friend who asked for prayers. Her mother was headed to the doctor’s office with a serious condition and of course she was very worried. I sent the word out to family members who know her and we all said some prayers. My friend called later in the day to give me the update. Her mother’s condition was in very early stages and there are ways to treat it and keep it from getting worse. My friend was so grateful for the prayers and talked about how she knows there is power in prayer. I was grateful as well and will continue to pray that her mother’s treatment will go well.

I Found God today in answered prayers and a positive diagnosis for a friend.

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Regular Time

Posted by eph21920 on January 11, 2016 in Family, Friends, Grateful

It was bound to happen. After literally weeks of people visiting, celebrating the Christmas season, enjoying outings to a variety of places, cooking, baking, and eating a lot, things came to a halt and “regular” time started again. I had so much fun with everyone while they were here as did my parents. Like I said, it was several weeks of events, so I wasn’t sure how things would play out. But my parents were fine – better than fine I thought. They brought their A-game so to speak and were present, cheery, fun, and best of all – hospital free. My mom started physical therapy today to try to regain some strength and stamina that seem to be lacking since her stroke 2 short months ago. The therapist said the same thing that so many others have said to her since then. She talked about how good she thought my mom was doing. I think those comments alone help my mom to feel better. So, we are back to regular therapy and doctor appointments, and that is OK. We had a wonderful long run of it and looking forward to keeping that going.

I Found God today in being grateful for the wonderful celebration of the Christmas Season.

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