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But The People

Posted by eph21920 on May 30, 2025 in Car, Family, Fun, Happiness, Life, Travel

As we have been travelling off the beaten path, we have been meeting such nice, chatty people. There was the woman who made breakfast at the hotel who told us about her childhood participating in the rodeo and found out later in life that her family was involved in the Mafia. One store owner brought out her cats for us to meet. In one small town, there was a newly renovated opera house that we visited. The woman gave us a personal tour – as there was no one else around – and told us about her background in theater, as well as the history of the town. At an antique shop, the owners were very friendly and passionate about their venture. There was a man who visits his friend in Colorado where they go mountain biking and do outdoors things. The people we talk to are almost as excited as we are taking this trip. It is so uplifting to talk with many friendly, happy people.

I Found God today in the many happy people we talk to.

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Different View

Posted by eph21920 on May 29, 2025 in Car, Family, Fun

My grandson and I continued across the country today. At one point we stopped at a Maverick in Nebraska. My grandson thought it was one of the most amazing gas stations he had ever seen. It had lots of food for the road. He came across a display case of donuts, so we had to get a chocolate frosted long John for just over $1. As we went to check out, there was a real cowboy standing in line with chaps and everything. He came out of the store shortly after us and went to a truck with other real cowboys towing a trailer with saddled horses. It was just something we don’t see every day. One thing my grandson wanted to see was the fields of corn that Nebraska is famous for. We did find a field that was growing corn but it’s so early in the season, the stems were not very tall yet. We also saw a lot of little lakes and ponds and a beautiful sunset. While there wasn’t a lot to see, what we did see was different from our “normal”, so that made it worth taking notice.

I Found God today seeing things in a different place through a different lens.

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State Stories

Posted by eph21920 on May 28, 2025 in Family, Grateful, Life, New, Plan, Relationship

My grandson has been excited to create video stories during our road trip. He has a whole vision of doing a segment in almost every state we drive through. The series would be named, appropriately, “State Stories.” He even set up a YouTube channel for the collection. Yesterday as we explored little towns near Mount Rushmore, he came across a co-op artist gallery. He thought that looked like it would offer just what he was looking for. They were closed at that time, so we went back this morning, just in time for opening. My grandson introduced himself to the artist who was working the gallery and explained that he was interested in doing a video of the shop. The gentleman agreed and even offered to call other artists to come and participate. We left and returned to the store in the afternoon. We met 2 other artists who, along with the first gentleman, took the time to do an interview with my grandson. They were all very friendly, creative, and interesting. My grandson was thrilled to get a story that met the criteria he had been looking for. I was very proud as I watched him in his element. He was very courteous, professional, and comfortable doing what he loved to do.

I Found God today in my maturing grandson.

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Starting the Road Trip

Posted by eph21920 on May 27, 2025 in Advent, Creation, Family, Fun, Grateful

My grandson and I started on our road trip today. Our first stop was Mount Rushmore. I had seen photos of the faces lit at night and did a little research. We arrived at dusk and walked around a bit. Once it was darker, there was a presentation by a park ranger at the amphitheater. It was about the National Parks and Forests and made me appreciate more the blessing of the open spaces we have in our country. It was completely dark by this time, and a very patriotic video was shown. Towards the end, Mountain Rushmore was lit. The contrast of the dark sky with the lit sculpture was beautiful. My grandson and I had a great day with pretty good travelling weather and  look forward to the journey.

I Found God today starting an adventure with my grandson.

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Remembering

Posted by eph21920 on May 26, 2025 in Connected, Death, Faith, Prayer, Sacrifice, Service

I had my Monday visit with an elderly woman this morning. I asked her if she knew what day it was. She questioned if I meant the day of the week, or the date. I told her it was a special day. Then I showed her the booklet I brought her of patriotic poems and prayers and told her it was Memorial Day. She started talking about a time when it was scary and nobody knew exactly what was going on. She talked about men leaving and not coming home. He daughter in law said she was probably thinking about Pearl Harbor as she did remember that event. She told me about a time when she would visit people with her school. She didn’t know them, but she greeted them and talked with them. And when she was a nurse, she would help people to know they had somewhere to go. It all connected in her mind. We read some of the poems and prayers together and looked at the pictures of the Liberty Bell and Statue of Liberty. I thought it was a good way to start the day. A little later, my brother and I went to the cemetery. It was very busy with people coming and going and placing flowers and sitting and visiting. The whole entryway was adorned with flags as well as every grave. It was a time of beauty, respect, prayers and memories.

I Found God today remembering on Memorial Day.

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Sacraments Are Real

Posted by eph21920 on May 25, 2025 in Faith, Healing, Jesus, Life, Miracle, Priest, Sick

When I got to church today, I was surprised to see that the Bishop was there. The reason was that it was the parishes’ Confirmation Mass. He told an amazing story when he gave the homily. He said that during COVID, he was not yet a Bishop, but a priest caring for a parish. He lamented the loss of so many people during that time and spoke of his process of anointing the sick in the hospital – mostly just before they died. One day a parishioner’s daughter called and asked him to anoint her father who was on a ventilator in the hospital. They would be turning off the machine and were told that he would die within a few hours. The priest knew this particular man well as he would come to church in the morning an hour before work and pray. The priest went to the hospital and into the man’s room. He spoke to the man who was unable to respond. He anointed the man and left sadly. After a couple of days, he wondered what had happened to the man, when the daughter called him again. She said that her father wanted to talk to him. Needless to say, the priest was stunned. When he spoke to the man who had been near death, the man told him that when he was unresponsive, he could feel the darkness of death on one side and Jesus on the other. He was so happy and peaceful that he was ready to go with Jesus. Then the priest walked in the room. The man proceeded to tell the priest everything that happened in that room. And Jesus told him it wasn’t yet his time. The man went home shortly after they turned off the ventilator as he recovered quickly. The now Bishop relayed this story to help the Confirmation candidates and the rest of the congregation to understand that Sacraments are real. They aren’t magic, but they also are not empty words and rituals. They are true and real encounters with God.

I Found God today in a story and reminder of the reality of Sacraments.

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Walking Tess

Posted by eph21920 on May 24, 2025 in Creation, Dog, Family, Fun, Grateful, Happiness, Healing

My brother is here visiting for the long weekend. Usually he gets up before me and takes his dog Tess out for a walk. When I woke up this morning I thought it would be nice to go for a long walk first thing. I was surprised, however, when I was all ready to go and my brother had just meandered out of the bedroom looking quite tired. Evidently he didn’t sleep very well. Tess was pacing pretty frantically and my brother was still trying to wake up, so, I offered to walk her. My brother was happy to oblige. I got all the necessary dog walking supplies and off we went. Tess was elated and was a handful. But soon we got into a rhythm and she was fine. It felt good to be outside in the morning air and getting good exercise. It had been quite some time since I was able to take a long walk. And walking Tess brought an extra physical challenge. At the same time, she was so happy and fun. I was so grateful that I was physically able to do the walk and really enjoyed it.

I Found God today enjoying and being able to walk the dog.

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Getting Ready

Posted by eph21920 on May 23, 2025 in Answer, Car, Grateful, Travel

My grandson works at an auto parts store, so as I’m preparing to take a road trip, he helped me pick out some emergency equipment. Today’s weather was very nice, so I got my car cleaned out and tried out the devices. My brother arrived just in time as I was trying to figure out how the small portable air compressor worked. Once I understood how that functioned, I unboxed the battery charger and learned all about it. I charged it up so it will be ready to go too. I was able to get most of the new tools stowed away in the spare tire compartment, which was very handy. It felt good to start getting things prepared.

I Found God today preparing for a trip.

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Done with PT

Posted by eph21920 on May 22, 2025 in Answer, Doctor, Grateful, Healing, Life, Struggles

Last year, after my mom died, I think my body retaliated. I had lots of strange things such as styes in my eye, more basal skin spots, and rapid weight gain. I was also in a lot of pain – particularly in my back. My doctor gave me the treatment options, one of which was pain management. Not wanting to start on the path of medication, I chose physical therapy which I have had good results with in the past. Looking back at the calendar today, I realized I started right before Christmas. Honestly, I didn’t know if I would ever feel “normal” again or be able to function without being in so much pain. It was hard work and lots of treatment, but I finally started feeling better and stronger. Today was my last session. I was so grateful to the therapists and to my doctor who listened to me and allowed me to have PT for so long. As I left, I was encouraged and wished well.

I Found God today receiving physical healing.

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Pruned Tomato Plant

Posted by eph21920 on May 21, 2025 in Answer, Connected, Creation, Healing, New, Struggles

Several days ago, I bought a tomato plant and planted it in a pot outside. As the day went on, some of the branches were wilted. My sister realized that it had broken. She cut it off at the broken part and put the cutting in some water. It did start growing some roots, which was pretty exciting to me. Today I planted it in another pot and hope it will grow tall and strong and produce some tomatoes. Ironically, today I heard the Gospel reading in which Jesus says we must be pruned to produce fruit. As I looked at the piece of plant that we left in the pot, the part that was cut was healed over, kind of like a scar. But all around it there was new growth. I suppose it’s the same with me. I know I carry scars from past wounds that were very painful. But, I also know that I have grown in other ways. I do pray that ultimately I will be able to accomplish what God wants for me – to bear His fruit.

I Found God today in a life lesson of pruning and new growth.

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