Leave a comment

Kind to Myself

Posted by eph21920 on February 24, 2025 in Answer, Forgiveness, Grief, Healing

As I was listening to the radio today, I heard an introduction to the song, “Kind to Myself”, by Tenth Avenue North. The singer explained that we are so quick to put ourselves down and get frustrated with our own behavior. However, God sees through all that and loves us the way we are. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try to better ourselves. But how we talk to ourselves and think about ourselves is huge. By recognizing the negative thoughts, we should dismiss them and focus on the positives and God’s love for us. It was “funny” as I had found a quote by Lisa M. Hayes on a paper that said, “Be careful how you are talking to yourself because you are listening.” I think part of grieving is to be able to forgive myself for my own inadequacies and faults as I tried to care for my parents perfectly. The quote sounded so profound to me and I had just hung it on the refrigerator to remind me to be kind to myself.

I Found God today reminded to be kind to myself.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Sisters Baptized

Posted by eph21920 on February 23, 2025 in Children, Faith, Grace, Happiness, Stranger

This morning after Mass, I stuck around in the church for a little while as I waited for a later meeting. I was sitting in the back row taking in some of the hustle and bustle as people made their way out of the church and visited with one another. Then I noticed a gathering around the Baptismal font. There were several adults and 2 little girls dressed in beautiful white dresses. I actually noticed them when I was walking in the parking lot at the beginning of Mass and wondered if they were making their first Communion. I was close – they were about to be Baptized. I felt I was far enough away not to be invading their privacy or space, so I decided to watch. There were others in the church too, getting ready for a different event. When the deacon arrived to begin the celebration, the younger girl – about 3 years old – took refuge immediately in her mother’s arms where she stayed. The older girl – about 6 years old – stood at attention and seemed to be really taking in every word that was said. The deacon was great with them and made the words of the prayers come alive with his voice inflections. It all sounded like a big story rather than just words being read out of a book. When it came time for the Baptism, the older girl bent over the font as the deacon poured the water over her head 3 times – in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The younger girl remained safe in her mother’s arms as the mom held her head over the font. After the water was poured, the little girl exclaimed, “I did it!” There were hugs all around. The deacon welcomed the girls into God’s family and assured them they will always be a part of it. Everyone in the church clapped. The celebration was full of joy and I was happy to see it.

I Found God today as young sisters were Baptized into God’s family.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Puppy Party

Posted by eph21920 on February 22, 2025 in Dog, Fun, Grateful, Joy

A friend of mine breeds standard poodles. She has had several litters of puppies at her house. I had heard about them and seen photos and videos, but had never been to her house to see them in person. She currently has 2 puppies about 6 weeks old. Part of raising them is to get them socialized and used to interacting with people. My friend had a “puppy party” today and invited me to come. When I went into her house, it was clear that it belonged to the dogs. There were 3 adult poodles that were away in their own room and 2 puppies that were in a large fenced in room off the entrance. After they all settled down a bit, she let the puppies out. There was a boy with a black coat and a girl with a light apricot coat. The boy was full of energy and mischief. The girl was more careful and calm and loved being held and stroked. They were beyond adorable. Other people came as well. A woman who is the host home for the puppies mother came for a visit. The host homes keep the poodles until it is time to breed them. Then if they become pregnant, they go to my friend’s house to give birth and stay until the puppies go to their new home. Then the mother dogs go back to their host home. When the mother dog came into the room, she was so excited to see her human. After a while, she came and sat by me. She was black with a couple white spots and was just beautiful. When I petted her, I was surprised that her coat was so soft. I guess I thought it would feel wirey. A younger couple also joined the group. They brought their poodle who was the older sister of the puppies. She was excited to see her mom again. But, the mom didn’t really reciprocate. She was more concerned what was going on with the puppies. After a while, the adult dogs were separated and the puppies were brought into the large play area by themselves. We played with them by encouraging them to explore. They got a treat when they did what we asked such as go through a tunnel, stand on a platform, get into the ball pit, etc. They played til they got tired. I learned so much about poodles that I had no idea I didn’t know. It was so much fun playing with the puppies and watching the interactions of all the dogs. I’m sure I was smiling and laughing the whole time. It was a joyful puppy party. I once again feel blessed and grateful for the friends I have in my life.

I Found God today in a puppy party.

Permalink
Leave a comment

CeCe Winans Concert

Posted by eph21920 on February 21, 2025 in Faith, Friends, Grateful, Joy, Music, Stranger

A friend of mine used to work for Compassion International and now volunteers for the organization. This group uses individual sponsorship to support children living in poverty and dire circumstances. A couple of weeks ago, my friend asked if I wanted to volunteer with her at the upcoming CeCe Winans concert. I love the gospel singer and had read the information on the company, so accepted the invitation. The concert was tonight. When I arrived, I met many of the other volunteers. We were given the training as to how to hand out the sponsorship packets during the intermission. I put on my volunteer vest and filled the pocket with the information of children needing sponsors. Before the intermission, CeCe herself talked about the organization. Then they showed a heartfelt video and the representative gave the details of how to sponsor a child. I and about 20 other volunteers went up and down the aisles, giving the packets to those who were interested. I helped people complete their information and thanked them for their generosity. After I turned in all my things, I was able to enjoy the rest of the concert. It was like a good old fashioned praise and worship session, which I haven’t been to in years. I was reminded of the concerts and retreats that we attended when I was a youth minister when I got my first taste of praise and worship in this kind of venue. It was beautiful to be surrounded with hundreds of Christians from all walks of life, all singing and praising God. I was grateful my friend thought of me and reached out.

I Found God today praising Him with hundreds of others.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Priestly Support

Posted by eph21920 on February 20, 2025 in Friends, Grateful, Joy, Past, Priest

I was so happy and grateful to talk to a priest friend of mine today. I haven’t seen him in years, but he has always been a great support for me and my family. Today circumstances seemed right to actually talk on the phone. During the conversation I asked him about a ski trip that he went on. He said that he has had a bit of a cold, but he did go with 4 other priests. One of them was almost 90 years old and had a couple of surgeries recently. But, my friend talked him into going. He said the 2 of them skied a little and relaxed together a lot, just enjoying each other’s company. He also told me about a couple other older priests that he visits. As I listened, I remembered how very thoughtful he is and what a big heart he has. I thought about how wonderful it is that the men have such a strong bond and community. And I wondered if my friend realized how many people appreciate his support. It was such a blessing to talk to him and to listen to his words of encouragement and wisdom.

I Found God today speaking with a supportive friend.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Long Phone Call

Posted by eph21920 on February 19, 2025 in Answer, Connected, Friends, Grateful, Life, Present, Relationship

I had some things on my mind today and felt I needed help making sense of it, so I reached out to a friend. She called me almost immediately and we talked for over an hour. We shared similar experiences and she did, in fact, help me to sort out the things in my mind. I felt so blessed to have friends that are caring, available, and present.

I Found God today in a good friend.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Nostalgia

Posted by eph21920 on February 18, 2025 in Connected, Friends, Fun, Grateful, Happiness, Past

I have been seeing little nostalgic videos and commercials for things I used to love to play with like the Easy Bake Oven, Barbies and Sit N Spin. They are funny and but bring back fun memories. Today I stopped by a store that sold all kinds of vintage clothing, records, and collectibles. There were things that I used to own such as troll dolls, unicorns, and jean jackets. I was looking for a place that I may be able to sell some of the items in the house. Looking around at all of the things sparked happy memories. Tonight I had dinner with some friends who I have known for a long time. They started talking about junior high school and realized we all went to the same one. It was brand new when we went. I remember that school experience pretty well and much of it was joyful. It was a fun day being nostalgic and I thank God for those happy memories.

I Found God today in happy memories.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Hosting Prayer Group

Posted by eph21920 on February 17, 2025 in Friends, Grateful, Happiness, Home, New, Prayer

I have been getting together with my prayer group for many years. We take turns meeting at each other’s homes. All this time I have never had them at my house. We would occasionally have the neighbors over for a short visit, but in general my dad wasn’t comfortable having people over. I think it took too much energy from him. After he died, I asked my mom if she would like to host the group. She agreed. But when the day came, she got more and more anxious about it, so I cancelled. At our last prayer session, I offered to have everyone over. Today was the day for the group to come to my house. I actually enjoyed preparing and straightening up. When everyone arrived, the first thing they saw were the 2 pianos. One person asked if anyone plays duets and I was able to tell them about my mom’s friend who would come every week. Then I happily shared family photos. After our prayer time, we went into the dining room for refreshments. The big wall in that room is dedicated to my dad’s photos. It is how it has been since the last time he arranged it. I proudly explained what each photograph was, where and when it was taken. Each one has it’s own story. My friends appreciated it as well since I have talked so much about the house and the pictures, they got to see it all in person. It was such a blessing to have friends over and to share what is so important in my life.

I Found God today hosting my prayer group.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Rest

Posted by eph21920 on February 15, 2025 in Answer, Connected, Faith, Rest

I have been busy this week and pretty physically active. This morning I felt it. My body and back were aching and I was moving pretty slowly. With the many options of the day before me, I prayed and asked God what He would have me do. As I sat silently, I was aware of the word “REST”. So, I decided to take it easy on my body instead of pushing through. At breakfast, I read the daily meditation from Jesus Calling. The first sentence was, “Come to Me with all your weaknesses: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Rest in the comfort of My Presence…” It was a very quiet, peaceful day at home as I did necessary things at my own pace, read some, and even watched a movie. My body definitely felt more at ease.

I Found God today resting.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Perfect Love

Posted by eph21920 on February 14, 2025 in Connected, Faith, Family, Grateful, Love

Early this morning I started receiving Happy Valentine’s texts from a group of friends. There were some funny and some sweet. I was again grateful for their friendship and the way everyone is so supportive and caring of one another. Later I got a reminder of photos I took last year. They were of my mom. She got some flowers and cards from her children. I remember she wanted to give some to my dad. So we found her little ceramic bouquet and she placed it with the photos of her and my dad. Those photos and memories of the love they shared brought tears to my eyes and made my heart ache. But, I pray the love they had here has brought them together now in the presence of perfect LOVE itself.

I Found God today in love.

Permalink