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Sewing

Posted by eph21920 on July 30, 2025 in Answer, Connected, Happiness, Past

A couple weeks ago, I went shopping and bought a couple of new shirts. I have put on a few pounds over the past year and needed clothes that fit a little better. However, I am very frugal and don’t like to spend a lot of money. I did find a couple cute blouses on “last chance” clearance. When I put them on at home, they looked huge, and I wondered what I was thinking when I got them. Of course, “last chance” meant no returns. I decided instead of donating them, I would try to fix them, even though I haven’t sewn in years. I think the last thing I did was to sew ties on a mask during COVID. The clothes just needed to be taken in a bit and I figured it was worth a try. I went into my mom’s room, asked her for help, and set up her sewing machine. Luckily, the thread was already in place. I tried on the first shirt and did my best pinning. I got it in place at the machine and started. It was like I knew what I was doing. I altered 3 shirts and I think they turned out just fine. I was surprised as to how easily I took to the machine and remembered some of those handy sewing tips. I thanked my mom for her help.

I Found God today remembering how to use my mom’s sewing machine and salvaging some clothes.

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Mary, Martha, Lazarus

Posted by eph21920 on July 29, 2025 in Answer, Bible, Death, Eternity, Faith, Grateful, Healing, Love, Miracle

Today the church celebrates the Memorial of Saints Mary, Martha and Lazarus. I read the scripture story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead and watched a reflection about it. There were 2 things that struck me. The first was the shortest passage in the Bible, which is “Jesus wept”, John 11:35. The reflection explained this as Jesus entering into our pain. In the story, Jesus could have in fact stopped Lazarus from dying at all. Yet, he didn’t. Instead, he joined his friends in their sorrow and felt their anguish. To me, it brought me comfort and explained more the feelings I had when my parents were nearing death. God wouldn’t fix it, cure them, stop my grief, but at the same time I knew He was there. The second thing that stood out to me is something I have heard over and over again. Yet today it was more meaningful for whatever reason. In the same story, Jesus is having a conversation with Martha about the death of her brother. He tells her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” We will never die. Our soul – the essence of who we are – will live forever. Our life in this world is short. We can do all the things to try to live a long, healthy, happy life, but no matter what, it will end. This old yet new revelation is something that I have been thinking about. It has helped me to try to be more conscious of living my life for the things that are most important, loving those around me the best I can.

I Found God today remembering His interactions with us and grateful that He has promised eternal life.

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Back to Massage

Posted by eph21920 on July 28, 2025 in Family, Grateful, Healing

In the middle of December last year, I started physical therapy for my back. I finished in May, just before taking the road trip. Before then I had been seeing my soon to be daughter in law for massages. I have been doing my best to keep myself active and stretched for the past month. At the same time, I looked forward to getting another massage. Today was the day. My son’s fiancée had moved to a new space since last time I had seen her. It was a very nice place that held several self-care businesses all connected to a large, soothing waiting area. So, the relaxation started right away. We chatted a little before to decide where I needed most attention, then I got comfortable on the table. Like magic she found all the spots on my back that were giving me trouble. Even so, I found myself falling asleep. I felt wonderful in all ways when she was finished. I also felt blessed to have her in my life.

I Found God today in a wonderful massage by a wonderful young woman.

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Out of Comfort Zone

Posted by eph21920 on July 27, 2025 in Faith, Family, Fun, Grateful, Life, Travel

Today I went to lunch with some new friends from the church. They remembered that I was going on a road trip last time I saw them and were excited to hear all about it. Once again, as I recounted the experience, I found myself very grateful and somewhat in awe of the whole undertaking. The other day I picked up my grandson to run some errands. He said that I looked much more comfortable now driving around town. He said I didn’t have the 10:00 and 2:00 death grip on the steering wheel. I did realize that at times while I was driving on the trip – particularly on a busy highway – I was very tense. When I became aware of that, I would intentionally try to relax. I was somewhat surprised that my grandson noticed that right away and mentioned it. We talked about how great the road trip was, and I also explained that it really took me out of my comfort zone. At the same time we both said, “but that is good.” And it was definitely worth it. I was able to work through a lot of fear, guilt, loneliness, sorrow, and grief during the travels. And I would not have wanted to miss all the unexpected blessings that God bestowed upon us during our adventure.

I Found God today reflecting on what a blessing it was to get out of my comfort zone.

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Entertaining Dog

Posted by eph21920 on July 26, 2025 in Dog, Grateful, Joy, Life, Music, Opportunity

My son and his fiancee had tickets to spend the day at the local Renaissance Festival today. I was happy to take care of his dog for the day. They brought her to my house this morning so I got to see their Renaissance attire which looked very festive. It was fun having the dog around for the day. The weather was sunny and hot, so we took a morning walk hoping we would beat the heat. There were some shady spots, but it was still pretty warm. When we got back home, the dog was huffing and puffing, so I gave her some ice cubes at my son’s recommendation. She loved them. Later in the afternoon, we took a much shorter walk. Since I’m usually alone, it was nice to talk to her instead of to myself. She was politely attentive. I think she was waiting for a key word such as “treat” or “walk”. She followed me up and down the stairs as I went about my day and explained everything that was happening to her. She chewed on her toys and played roll the ball with a new ball I introduced. And she just did some funny things like jump around when  I was “dancing” to music. She kept me very entertained.

I Found God today spending the day with a dog.

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Caring Couple

Posted by eph21920 on July 25, 2025 in Friends, Generosity, Relationship

My neighbor cares for her husband who has a traumatic brain injury. He is pretty high functioning but declining. I was happy to learn that she was able to get away for a few days. Her husband can’t be left alone, and a generous couple that they know well offered to come and stay with him. He has a recumbent bike and goes riding often with a friend of his. Today I saw him across the street with the couple that is staying with him. The husband was also on a recumbent bike and his wife was on a regular bike. They were sitting still waiting to cross the road. I could hear them talking, but unable to make out every word. I did hear the man say, “Well, let’s get you home,” and they crossed the street. A little while later, the man was walking with my neighbor on his walker. They reached the man’s truck where he packed up the walker, got in, and left for a while. I don’t know where they went, and it doesn’t really matter. I was just so impressed that this couple was spending such caring, quality time with my neighbor. It was a beautiful sight.

I Found God today in a couple caring for my neighbor.

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Don’t Miss Him

Posted by eph21920 on July 24, 2025 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Faith, Jesus, Present

I found today’s Mass scripture readings very thought provoking. In the first reading from the book of Exodus, Moses led the Israelites to Mount Sanai to meet God. God’s arrival was marked with, “peals of thunder and lightning, and a heavy cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast.” Naturally all the people were frightened, but Moses led them out of the camp to see the sight. Then Moses alone spoke to God while the rest of the people couldn’t hear the conversation due to the loud noises. After this, Moses received the 10 Commandments. Interestingly, the people had already lost their fear of God and were trying to do things their own way. The second scripture reading was from the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus answers the disciples who were questioning him as to why he spoke in parables. He said that the people, “look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.” I wondered if I was at the base of a flaming, shaking mountain, would I hear God’s voice, or would I be too afraid? When I am reminded of what Jesus taught, am I open to listening? When I have an opportunity to act in a way that God wants me to, do I take the action? Do I really listen to what God is telling me and do I see the world as God does? I was left with many questions to think about. I do feel that writing this blog does help me to see things from a spiritual perspective as I ponder how I found God in the day. These scriptures reminded me that God is present – though not always in flames and earthquakes. It is up to us to see Him, find Him, and listen to His promptings. I know that when I am able to do so, I find love and peace.

I Found God today reminded of how easy it is to miss Him.

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Grandmothers On Her Mind

Posted by eph21920 on July 23, 2025 in Children, Connected, Death, Family

The other day I realized that my granddaughter only has a few weeks left of school. We chose 1 fun summer thing to do each week before school begins. So today I took my daughter-in-law and granddaughter to the zoo. When I picked them up, my granddaughter grabbed the white embroidered purse that used to belong to my mother. We had given it to her quite some time ago. She said she just had to have it with her today. Perhaps she remembered that the zoo was one of my mom’s favorite places to go. In the car, she told me that she was playing on a computer game yesterday and the character she chose to use was a cardinal. Her mother has a connection with cardinals as they remind her of her mother who passed away 2 years ago. My granddaughter chose the cardinal as it reminded her of her grandmother. However, she didn’t realize that yesterday was her grandmother’s birthday. She is a very thoughtful and intuitive little girl with a spiritual connection.

I Found God today in my granddaughter’s connections.

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Seasons of Life

Posted by eph21920 on July 22, 2025 in Death, Friends, Grateful, Life, Present

Today was the annual picnic for the housing complex I live in. I surprised myself as to how many people I knew and could visit with. I even remembered some names and some conversations that I had with people in the past. Some of the residents knew my parents and I enjoyed the stories they shared about them. I visited with people in the food line and just walking around. I sat with one of the ladies that I had met very early when I moved in. Last time we chatted, she told my about her tragically losing close members of her family – including a grandson. When we talked today, I told her about my son’s upcoming wedding. She said that her granddaughter – who is also the twin of the grandson who died – is getting married in a few weeks. She talked about the “seasons of life” and how important it is to live in them, no matter if they are sad or joyful. I appreciated her wisdom.

I Found God today in friends and conversations about the seasons of life.

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God’s Care

Posted by eph21920 on July 21, 2025 in Answer, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Healing, Prayer, Struggles

Today I was talking with some friends about being persistent in prayer. People were talking about how God answers their prayers, even when it isn’t exactly the way you want it sometimes. One older gentleman said that there have been plenty of times when he has prayed for something specific and God’s answer has been “No”. But he got choked up when he said he knew God heard one particular prayer for sure. It was when his wife was in the hospital and they didn’t know if she would survive. He begged God to heal her and that is what God did. He told of another time when he was very sick and his family didn’t think he was going to make it. He told God that if he died, God was going to have to take care of his wife. The next day the man started recovering. That was both moving and humorous. Both stories were beautiful examples of how God can show up in a big way to answer specific prayers.

I Found God today in stories of answered prayers.

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