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Out of Addiction

Posted by eph21920 on July 23, 2015 in Faith, Friends, Healing, Hope

Tonight I was able to connect with my prayer group via Facetime. It is always uplifting to be with this wonderful group of women. Two of them recently opened an interior decorating shop. They said that every day they speak to people who share their faith with them. One of the ladies told a story of stopping by a young woman’s shop where she makes her merchandise. She asked how she got started in her business. The young woman proceeded to tell her story of how she was a heroin addict and literally hit rock bottom. Somehow she ended up in a church where she encountered Jesus Christ. She told my friend that those who say there is no way out of an addiction are wrong. She was cured and healed by God and gave her life to Him. Now she makes inspirational cards, journals, t-shirts and tank tops. You can see her site and read part of her story posted on July 16 here:

https://www.facebook.com/Thehipsterhousewife/timeline

I Found God today in touching base with friends far away and hearing the story of a woman healed by Jesus Christ.

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Bringing the Inside Out

Posted by eph21920 on July 22, 2015 in Healing, Hope, Sick, Struggles

Yesterday my mother started intensive voice therapy. As her Parkinson’s has progressed, her voice is very quiet and can get quite raspy. The object of the therapy is to help her to use her diaphragm properly again to breathe and speak. It will also help improve her facial muscles. One of the symptoms of Parkinson’s is called “facial masking” – the face can appear to have a grim or set look since the muscles don’t work properly. The therapy should also help slow potential problems with swallowing. She will meet with the therapist 1 hour a day for 4 days a week for 4 weeks. The therapist is a beautiful young woman – inside and out. Today she told us that she has spoken in front of groups of people who have the disease and that it can be difficult to tell what their reaction is due to the facial masking. But as she got to know them individually, she could see that there were wonderful people beneath that lack of expression. She said her goal is to help who they are on the inside come through more on the outside.

I Found God today in the caring heart of a therapist.

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Newly Engaged

Posted by eph21920 on July 21, 2015 in Faith, Love, Marriage

Today I talked with a young woman who recently became engaged. I have known her and her family for years, and it is hard to believe she is even old enough for this to happen. She told me the beautiful story of their relationship. They met each other 4 years ago when they were both freshmen in college but he was dating someone else. She had her own relationship as well. But a couple years later when they were both single, they decided to try dating. Both of them are very faithful young people, so they wanted to do things right. For their first date, she told him she wanted to do something other than just go to dinner. After much contemplation, he arranged for them to tour the Franciscan Monastery near their school. She had always wanted to go there. After a few more dates, they decided to go deeper and be in an exclusive relationship. It only took 1 1/2 years before they knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with one another. During this time, she met his family and he met hers and evidently hit it off pretty well. Before he proposed to her, he asked her father for his blessing. Her father left him to answer one question – how is he going to bring his family into heaven? He thought about the question and answered it in a 2-page letter outlining how in fact he would help bring his family to heaven. Her father was very impressed and gave them his full support and blessing. For the proposal, they went to their favorite hiking spot. He set up the camera on a tripod to get a picture of them in front of the beautiful surroundings. Little did she know, he had the ring in his pocket. He set the self timer as she stood in place. As he went to be in the picture with her, he got on one knee and asked the question. Of course she said yes and the camera captured the moment. She just graduated from college and got her dream job as a nurse in maternity in a Catholic hospital. He is returning to school to receive his masters degree to become a Catholic counselor. They both will be serving others, but in different ways. Even though they will be living in the same city, they will not be moving in together until they get married. I am so proud and happy for her. I think they have such an inspiring story of how it is possible for young people in this world to live and love in faith. I know they will be very blessed.

I Found God today in the wonderful story of a faithful young couple who have dated well and are making a commitment to one another.

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Grandson’s Birthday

Posted by eph21920 on July 20, 2015 in Birthday, Children, Family

Today is my younger grandson’s birthday. He had his big party yesterday and I was sad not to be there. This was the first time that I have not made his birthday cake as I am so far away now. Also sad. But I saw lots of pictures and we exchanged texts during the day. I kept thinking how big he is getting. He is losing that little boy look and is moving into the big boy look. Today we were able to video chat, which I LOVE. It is so much like being present. He, his older brother, and his very pregnant mom sat on the sofa. My parents and I sang “Happy Birthday” to him. He told us all about his party and the gifts he got and the t-rex he made from his qixels. (That’s OK – I didn’t know what they were either.) I was glad to hear that he did not get duplicates of the LEGO sets that we sent him. After he chatted for a while, he started getting antsy. He flicked his brother’s hair until finally mom had to tell him to stop. He sunk off the sofa, but showed us his hands and then his feet. He got up and left for a while, then came back. He has always had just a little gleam of trouble in his eye. I guess I was expecting that now, since he was a year older, he would have more control over himself – not so much. Of course, I just laughed and said that some things never change. I asked his mother long did she think it would last. She just kind of shrugged. She has amazing patience. I love who he is and how he is. I find him amusing, carefree, and joyful – just how a kid should be.

I Found God today in celebrating the day my grandson was brought into the world.

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Reaching Out

Posted by eph21920 on July 19, 2015 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Creation, Jesus

Just yesterday my parents and I were discussing the plight of the world and how it can seem completely overwhelming to try to make a positive difference or stand up for what is right and good. It was suggested that we do what we should do and leave everyone else to their own devices. If they are on the road to self-destruction, why should it matter to us? However, in church this morning, the deacon reminded us of one of the scriptures from last week in which Jesus sent his Apostles out into the world to tell everyone that they can live in peace if they turn away from the things they were doing wrong and follow God. He pointed out that we are all connected through God who created each of us. That was quite an answer. The deacon then reminded us of all the ways the parish reaches out to others and encouraged people to do the same. I know I need to figure out how to do that in my life at this time. This afternoon I read the homily of a priest friend. His words are always true and relevant. One of the most beautiful lines was, ” . . . don’t forget that every day and every moment; that every person and every encounter; that every breath, and tree and sunrise and sunset – are all experiences of God where the “divine and human meet” in the smallest occurrences of life.” Here is the link if you would like to read the whole thing – which I highly recommend.      http://afriarslife.blogspot.com/2015/07/of-star-trek-pope-francis-encyclicals.html

I Found God today in a reminder of how we are to bring the peace of Christ to others in the world.

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Learning to Drive

Posted by eph21920 on July 18, 2015 in Car, Faith, Family, Life, Relationship

My nephew has been learning to drive. His mom takes him out driving every now and again in the big busy city they live in. It has been challenging to say the least. They stayed overnight last night and when I asked this morning what people wanted to do, it was suggested that I take my nephew out driving. I did offer to help as much as I could, so this was my opportunity to make good on my word. I got the car out of the garage and took it over to the school parking lot not too far from the house. There, I let him behind the wheel. We talked about how to prepare to drive – adjust the seat and mirrors, etc. Then it was all him. We went around the parking lot, then out of the parking lot and back in several times as he got used to the feel of the vehicle. He parked a couple of times and said he was ready to drive in the neighborhood. So, we went up and down the side streets and watched for children and UPS vans parked on the wrong side of the road. He did pretty good so I asked if he felt comfortable going on to the busy streets. He said he was and he needed that kind of practice. So we made our way to the 2 and 3 lane roads. I tried not to panic when he drifted one way or the other, but just guided him. I had to let go of controlling that vehicle and trust that even though he was learning, he would keep us safe. We stopped for a coffee along the way and sat outside and just talked for a while. Overall he did pretty well and just needs more practice. It was really a wonderful time spent with just him and me. I thought about how this is similar to our relationship with God. He allows us to get out there and make our way through life. We make mistakes, but He is still there in the seat next to us guiding us. He will not force His hand or take control over us. Sometimes, we need to stop and talk with Him a bit to get refreshed and ready to move on. We just need to keep getting out there, practicing, and improving as we go.

I Found God today in spending quality time with my nephew and reflecting on our relationship with God.

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Difficult Conversations

Posted by eph21920 on July 18, 2015 in Answer, Children, Family, Plan

Tonight there was a family dinner with all my siblings and my parents – along with my brother-in-law and nephew. It has been 3 years since we have all been together. My dad has been thinking a lot about the future and finances – particularly since his recent medical issue. So, he took the opportunity to discuss his income, financial obligations, and estate plans since everyone was there. It was not an easy conversation to have, but it was very important and I think it helped to put him at ease and everyone now has the same understanding. We had a wonderful meal and everyone helped out in some way. My brother-in-law brought his camera equipment so we were able to get a picture of all of us. We visited, laughed, encouraged, and were able to have some of those tough conversations.

I Found God today in being all together with my siblings and parents, and having some difficult conversations.

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Awesome Beauty of Creation

Posted by eph21920 on July 16, 2015 in Creation, Family

It started out to be a gorgeous day. My brother who is visiting and I went out for a walk first thing. The deep blue sky was cloudless and the mountains jetted up in the background as green and lush as I have ever seen, except for the treeless top and a few pockets of snow that just won’t give it up. I had asked my brother what he wanted to do today and he decided to head over to the Garden of the Gods, where he used to climb the rocks years ago. We drove over and followed the car line of tourists. As we drove through the park, my brother pointed out all the places he had climbed and told stories of his experiences. We parked and found a trail that was not overly populated. I donned my newly found cowboy hat and we had a very pleasant hike. We  stopped every now and again to take in the scenery. Later at dinner, my parents talked about how we have seen so many rainbows due to the rain showers in the evening. A couple of weeks ago, my dad and I talked about the colors of the rainbow. From the bottom to the top they are Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red on the outside. Well, I knew that. But my dad pointed out that when there is a double rainbow, the colors go in reverse with Red being on the bottom. That I did not know. We told my brother and he did not know that either. Sure enough, in just a few minutes, there was an amazing double rainbow clear across the sky. We once again experienced the awesome beauty of the world we live in.

I Found God today in the gift of His Creation.

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Scooter in the Store

Posted by eph21920 on July 15, 2015 in Family, Grateful, Problem

Today my mom and I made a trip to Target to get birthday presents for my grandson. We brought her walker which makes it easier for her to walk, but even with that she can only go for a certain time and distance. The last time we were in the store, we tried to figure out how to use an electric scooter. We asked an employee for some help and she discovered that neither of the two that were available had been charging properly, so they could not be used. It made for a short trip. This time, we went in and walked by one of the charging scooters. I asked my mom if she wanted to try it, and she said she did not, that she thought she would be ok. We only walked for a bit when she realized how much walking there was, so I again suggested the scooter. We went back to the entrance and I got in the scooter and read the directions. I unplugged it and turned it on. It seemed to be working. I tried it out a little bit, then explained to my mom how to navigate the vehicle. She was nervous, but gave it a try. The store was not that busy, so it was a perfect time for her to use it. She went slowly, but she got the hang of it. She turned corners, went through some of the smaller aisles, and even backed up at one point. We went to the toys and looked at all the Lego options. Then we went to the books and my mom was able to take her time perusing the section as she needed some new reading material. We stopped at the boy’s clothing and then over to the woman’s section. We then parked the scooter and got some wrapping paper before we checked out. We were in the store for quite a while. I was impressed that my mom did such a great job. She would not have made it half as long if she would have tried to walk the whole time.

I Found God today in a positive shopping experience for my mom and the consideration of the store to have the scooters available.

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Made It

Posted by eph21920 on July 14, 2015 in Answer, Car, Family, Grateful, Hurt

When my brother came to visit for Christmas, he had one of his back pain episodes. It was tough to see him struggle. He could barely get around and eventually we had to call the paramedics. It got better, but it is a weak spot for him. A few months ago, he scheduled some time off and would come here for the better part of it. When we got the call a few days ago that his back was bothering him, my heart sank. He went to the doctor and got the necessary medication. When we talked to him yesterday, he was feeling better and decided to go ahead make the trip. He drove for 2  days and was in good spirits when he arrived this afternoon, just a bit tired. It is wonderful to see him and I am grateful for his safe trip. Now I will pray hard that his back continues to improve while he is here.

I Found God today in the fact that my brother felt good enough to make the trip to visit and that he had safe travels.

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