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A Song for Nagasaki

Posted by eph21920 on March 6, 2025 in Connected, Doctor, Faith, Struggles, Tragedy

When I listened to a Lenten podcast from Hallow this morning, they said they would be reading excerpts from the book, “A Song for Nagasaki”, and reflecting on them. The book is about a Japanese doctor who survived the atomic bombing in 1945. He spent the rest of his life bringing physical and spiritual healing to those around him. The story also accounts the doctor’s conversion from Shintoism to atheism to Catholicism. I remembered that when I visited my priest friend the other day, he offered me that same book to read. I thought about it, but wanted to read “Led by Faith” instead. After hearing the podcast this morning, I got in touch with my friend and asked him if I could trade books. He was happy to. I guess there is some reason I should be reading “A Song for Nagasaki”. The reading guide to go with the podcast suggests reading about 5 chapters a week. I figure reading 1 chapter a day should be doable. The forward in the book states, “Christians and non-Christians alike were deeply moved by Nagai’s faith in Christ that made him like Job of the Scriptures: in the midst of the nuclear wilderness he kept his heart in tranquility and peace, neither bearing resentment against any man nor cursing God.” I look forward to this addition to my Lenten devotion.

I Found God today guided towards a book of faith, hope, and love.

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Joyful Ash Wednesday

Posted by eph21920 on March 5, 2025 in Begin, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Happiness, Lent

Most mornings I am able to take time to listen to a couple podcasts on the Hallow app and get my mind set towards God as I prepare for the day. I did the same this morning and got a couple perspectives on Ash Wednesday and Lent. A friend gave me a meditation book for each day of Lent, so I added that into my regimen. In the afternoon I went to church at the Newman Center to hear my friend who is the chaplain. Of all the thoughts, reflections, and perspectives that I read and listened to today, his words in the homily are what stood out for me. He had such a joyful presence and had much that he wanted to share. His enthusiasm was genuine, which made it very easy to listen to him. He said that if we wanted this year to be our best Easter, then we need to make this out best Lent. Our sacrifices during this time should be challenging. At the same time, if we fail in keeping the commitments we make, all is not lost. We have still learned much about ourselves and we can begin again. Many college students were there and many adults from the greater community. The young woman in front of me would nod her head in agreement every now and again. I enjoyed the Mass, my friend’s words of encouragement, and the presence of the faithful young people.

I Found God today celebrating Ash Wednesday.

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Led By Faith

Posted by eph21920 on March 4, 2025 in Faith, Forgiveness, Grace, Healing, Life, Struggles, Tragedy

Today I started reading the book, “Led by Faith, Rising from the Ashes of the Rwanda Genocide”. It is a story about Immaculée Ilibagiza who survived the Rwanda genocide by hiding in a pastor’s tiny bathroom with 7 other starving women for 91 terrifying days. Her first book was called, “Left to Tell” in which she highlights the horrific details of her experience. However, through it all she clung to her faith in God. Not only that, but she found the strength and grace to forgive those neighbors and friends who murdered her family and many other neighbors and friends. This is a topic of her second book. In the introduction, she wrote, “As I stumbled through the aftermath of the holocaust, I learned that finding the Lord is not enough; we have to keep Him in our heart always. We need to constantly discover God anew, trust Him in all things great and small, and make sure that He remains part of our daily life.” Those words truly resonated with me. A big part of the reason I write this blog almost every day is because I know how important it is to remind myself to keep my eyes on God – in gratitude, trust, love, and faith.

I Found God today in an amazing story from a faithful woman.

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Tootsie Rolls

Posted by eph21920 on March 3, 2025 in Food, Generosity, Grateful, Happiness, Stranger

I saw a quote today that said, “When a child gives you a gift, even if it is a rock they just picked up, exude gratitude. It might be the only thing they have to give, and they have chosen to give it to you.” I thought the same thing is true with the elderly. I was reminded of an encounter I had the other day. I went to a retirement facility to donate a couple boxes of puzzles. My parents really enjoyed doing them, but we accumulated more than there is really room for. When I arrived at the facility, the person at the front desk came to help me bring the boxes in. An elderly gentleman wanted to help too. I pulled out the lightest box to give to him and another employee was right by his side as he carried it in. Once we set the boxes down, I thanked him for his help. He held out his fist, so I gave him a fist bump. One of the ladies said he had something to give me. Slightly embarrassed, I held out my hand and he dropped in 3 crumpled mini tootsie rolls. I wondered how long they had been in his pocket. But, I smiled and thanked him and told him they were my favorite. His face beamed. The woman smiled and nodded in approval. It was a brief, seemingly insignificant moment. But, it was memorable for me and he was clearly very happy.

I Found God today being grateful.

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Answered Prayers

Posted by eph21920 on March 2, 2025 in Answer, Faith, Family, Friends, Healing, Sick

I’m happy to talk with my siblings on Zoom every week. For a long time now, my brother has been telling us about his neighbor who has been in and out of the hospital with C-dif. He was taking care of the dog and trying to keep it from getting too lonely, although it was clearly stressed. He said everyone in their circle of friends was very worried about the woman and asked for prayers. I had been praying for her for weeks. Today my brother reported that she was home now and doing much better. We were all very happy to hear that.

I Found God today in answered prayers.

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Baby Violet

Posted by eph21920 on March 1, 2025 in Connected, Creation, Grateful, Happiness

I feel like I have never been a very successful plant person. Now I take care of all the plants in the house. I’m so grateful that my mom taught me how to take water and fertilize each plant. This morning I saw that 2 of the 3 orchids are blooming. That made me smile. Then I came to the African Violet. It hasn’t been looking very well. I watched several videos and read articles and concluded that I have been over watering it. After learning what to do, I repotted it. Upon doing so, I found a baby one underneath, so I potted that one too. We will see if they survive. Even though I don’t feel like I don’t know what I’m doing, I really enjoyed the challenge and getting my hands dirty. And it’s exciting to think that I might be growing a little baby plant.

I Found God today seeing plants flourish.

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Treasured Friendship

Posted by eph21920 on February 28, 2025 in Answer, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Life

This morning I read the scripture Sirach 6:5-17. It was all about the different kinds of friendships. This is what it said to me:  Speaking kindly to people will lead to many friendly relationships and can dissuade those who disagree with you. Having many acquaintances is good, but be careful of who you trust. Some friends will be there for you when everything is going well, but will disappear when you are struggling. Some friends will stick around only for their own benefit. Others may gossip about you. But a faithful friend is a true treasure. That is someone who you can confide in and who is always there for you and with you, in good times and in difficulty. We are blessed if we have that kind of friend. And that is actually the kind of friend we have in God. He is a treasured, faithful friend.

I Found God today grateful for friends.

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In Touch

Posted by eph21920 on February 27, 2025 in Family, Happiness, Life, Relationship

A memory popped up today on social media with my nephew just before he joined the Navy. He used to live close and we saw him pretty often. After he joined the Navy, he got married. He and his wife live in another state and it is “normal” not to see them so much, but I miss him. I had asked him to touch base when he could and was so happy to get a phone call from him this evening. We just caught up on life and talked about the future. It was so good to hear his voice.

I Found God today catching up with my nephew.

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Chip Off the Old Shutter

Posted by eph21920 on February 26, 2025 in Family, Happiness, Love, Relationship

I have realized that when I sort through a stack of papers at the house, I need to go through them one at a time, as I never know what kind of treasure I will find. Today I found a letter that my dad wrote to a photography magazine in 2009. He wanted to gift my brother with a subscription. In his letter he talked about how he enjoyed the magazine. He then asked about the gift subscription he wanted to send my brother who he described as a “click off the old shutter”. I chuckled and sent a photo of it to my brother who enjoyed it as well. It warmed my heart to remember how my dad was so proud of my brother’s talent.

I Found God today remembering my dad’s pride.

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Go Outside

Posted by eph21920 on February 25, 2025 in Answer, Grateful, Happiness, Healing, Life, Struggles

I have been going to physical therapy as my back has been not cooperating with me for some time now. For me, it is difficult not to just push through pain to do what I would like to do. But, I am trying to live in that balance between full speed ahead and not being able to do much because of pain. I realize my body, mind, and soul need to rest and rejuvenate. I appreciate the approach that the therapists take. One in particular is very good at giving everyone a pep talk while working with a patient. He also tells a lot of dad jokes to make everyone laugh. It is tight quarters in the place and there is very little privacy, so everyone can hear what is being said to someone and anyone who chooses to will participate in conversations. There is, however, a great deal of respect so I have not felt uncomfortable. Today the therapist talked about the importance of going outside, getting fresh air, taking a walk, perhaps doing so by yourself to decompress after a busy day, laughing, being around people who lift you up. He is a huge advocate for doing things that helps to get your mind into a positive space, which helps your body get into a positive space, rather than just taking more medication. I am always interested in what he has to say and am grateful for his perspective.

I Found God today in good advice to be healthy.

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