Leave a comment

Replacing the Struggles

Posted by eph21920 on May 20, 2025 in Answer, Faith, Life, Opportunity, Prayer, Present, Problem, Struggles

Today I came across a prayer that I thought was very relevant to me, and probably to many others as well:

Replace the tension within us
with a holy relaxation.
Replace the turbulence within us
with a sacred calm.
Replace the anxiety within us
with quiet confidence.
Replace the fear within us
with a strong faith.
Replace the bitterness within us
with the sweetness of grace.
Replace the darkness within us
with a gentle light.
Replace the coldness within us
with a loving warmth.
Replace the night within us
with your day.
Replace the winter within us
with your spring.

Straighten our crookedness.
Fill our emptiness.

Dull the edge of our pride,
sharpen the edge of our humility.

Light the fires of our love,
quench the flames of our lust.

Let us see ourselves as you see us.

That we may see you as you have promised.

And be fortunate according to your Word.

“Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God.”

Fr. John J. Dougherty

I Found God today in a prayer to replace my struggles with Him.

Permalink
Leave a comment

It’s Confusing

Posted by eph21920 on May 19, 2025 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Eternity, Faith, Friends, Jesus, Knowledge, Love

Today I met with my prayer group. We looked at the Gospel reading from John 14:23-29. One of the gentlemen started off with how confusing it was to him. We talked about the concept of the Holy Trinity, and how can God the Father be greater than Jesus if they are one in the same, and many other challenging questions. After a lengthy discussion, we decided that there is no way for us humans to fully understand such things. If we believe in our God, who created all things, who always was and always will be, and who is love in itself, His being is beyond what we can comprehend. I believe I get glimpses of who God is, and those are even overwhelming to me. In the end, I trust that He is much greater than I am, that He does love me and watches over me, and that He hears my prayers. I am OK with the fact that I am not able to fully grasp His divinity.

I Found God today in not being able to comprehend His being.

Permalink
Leave a comment

American Idol

Posted by eph21920 on May 18, 2025 in Connected, Faith, Jesus, Life, Music, Prayer

I have heard a lot about this current season of American Idol, but had not  watched it. I did see a couple videos of the Easter Praise and Worship special they did, which was quite surprising and moving. I turned the show on by accident tonight and got sucked in. It was definitely the most spiritual show on main stream media that I have seen. The contestants didn’t just thank God, they sang about Him and talked about the influence He has had on their lives. They weren’t afraid to talk about their struggles and the clips of their lives included them praying. Much of the show was really a good old fashioned Gospel revival. I was really glad I had come across the uplifting show and watched it.

I Found God today in real faith shown and sung on American Idol.

Permalink
Leave a comment

New Pizza Place

Posted by eph21920 on May 17, 2025 in Food, Friends, New

I recently joined a group at the church of older, single people. The purpose is solely to get together and socialize. The other day, one of the coordinators called and asked if I was going to meet them for lunch today. Honestly, it wasn’t even on my radar. But, as I talked with her, I decided to go. This afternoon I met them at a pizza place that I had never been to. I had seen it and always wondered what it was. Honestly, that is one thing I really like about the group. I get to see things and try restaurants that I wouldn’t do on my own. The conversation was upbeat as usual with a lot of laughter, encouragement, and support all around. I had been busy doing things around the house and it was really a nice break. I was glad she contacted me.

I Found God today in a group of new friends.

Permalink
Leave a comment

God’s Flat Tire

Posted by eph21920 on May 16, 2025 in Answer, Car, Faith, Grateful, Life, Problem

It was a very interesting day today. I went to physical therapy this morning and then drove around the neighborhood a bit, stopping at a garage sale. When I got home, I jumped in the shower. While I was in there, I talked to God a bit as is normal. I got a sense that I should go to church. I was going to go yesterday, but it had been cancelled for a priest’s meeting. I had many things that I was going to try to accomplish at home, but I told God that if I got out of the shower at the right time to go to Mass, I would. When I was done getting ready, it was in fact the exact time to leave for church. So I did. I didn’t get too far when the light came on my dashboard warning that a tire had low pressure – 26 PSI. That didn’t seem right. I wondered if I got a nail in it, so I took a detour to the warehouse store and told them the problem. They looked at it and said there was a nail in it, but unfortunately it couldn’t be fixed. To add to the dilemma, they didn’t have the tire in stock. They put air in the tire and I sat in the parking lot and made a few phone calls. The tire stores that I talked to didn’t have the tire either, but would be able to order it. I was also informed that the other 3 tires could only have so much wear on them in order to replace just 1. Otherwise, I would need a whole new set. Knowing I needed more help, I called my son who talked me through a couple scenarios. I suddenly realized the tire was likely losing air as I sat there, and drove it to the last place I called as they seemed the most helpful. When I arrived, there was only 18 PSI in the tire. I was grateful I made it. My son came just in time as they had pulled the car into the garage with the now flat tire. I was glad he was there for guidance, moral support, and to give me a ride. Of course, there wasn’t enough tread on the other 3 tires, so I had to purchase a whole new set. However, as I thought about the situation, I figured God had me get out of the house so I could tend to the tire problem. Had I not, the tire would probably have been completely flat in my garage, which would have been an additional problem. Also, I’m planning a road trip. So, for whatever reason, God felt I needed new tires before I go. The day didn’t go at all as I had planned, but I was grateful for God pointing me in the right direction at the right time and taking care of me.

I Found God in His promptings that resulted in fixing an unknown problem.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Beautiful Transformation

Posted by eph21920 on May 15, 2025 in Answer, Friends, Grateful, Life, Love, Relationship, Struggles

Today I talked with a far away friend who I haven’t spoken to in quite some time. She has struggled physically for years and has always done her best to stay independent. But as time went on, she fell more often and could no longer drive. We talked about what our children and grandchildren were up to. She told me that one of her son’s is now living with her and helping to take care of her. When he was younger, he struggled as he was in a group of friends who were leading him down a dark path. He worked hard for a long time to release the grip that had on him, even moving to another state. Now, he has chosen to come back to be with and care for his mother. In doing so, he found a job that is right in line with his skills and his passion. I was so happy that he had been able to make a good life for himself and for his mother. What a beautiful act of love.

I Found God today in a story of transformation.

Permalink
Leave a comment

God’s Connections

Posted by eph21920 on May 14, 2025 in Connected, Death, Faith, Grateful, Grief, Life, Stranger

Yesterday as I was running errands, I was nearing the intersection of the church. Looking at the time, I realized Mass would be starting soon and got the feeling that I should go. I thought of all the things I had to do, but I know I should follow those promptings, so I went into the church. It was announced that the Mass was for those who are grieving and everyone was invited to a small luncheon. I smiled at how tricky God is and felt like He was giving me an extra blessing. I wasn’t going to stop in the luncheon, but as I walked by, I saw one of the ladies I know. So I went in the church hall. I visited with the ladies who reached out to our family right after my dad died and have been in contact with me ever since. I met a new woman who was here visiting family and attending daily Mass. She said her daughter was currently in Ireland and lit a candle for her father who has passed away. This was at the same time that the woman was at St. Patrick’s church praying for her husband and daughter. The promptings to stop for Mass, the ministry to those who are grieving, and the conversations I had were all so very spiritually connected. It is truly amazing how God gives us all little messages to help us know He loves us and to give us hope.

I Found God today in His wonderful connections.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Grandson’s Graduation

Posted by eph21920 on May 13, 2025 in Family, Grateful, Happiness, Youth

This evening was my grandson’s high school graduation. His grandfather came for the event and those who couldn’t come were able to watch online. It was funny because at one point, my daughter in law was texting with her sisters across the country and the camera was pointed in such an angle that they could see my son, other grandson, and granddaughter sitting in the stands. The speeches were as usual for a high school graduation. A couple of the students accomplished pretty impressive achievements. The school had coordinator the students walking up and receiving their diploma so well, that part took only about 20 minutes. My grandson turned and waved with a smile on his face as he walked down the ramp. His mom cried. Afterwards there were lots of hugs and congratulations. We were all very proud of him and were happy that he had his day in the spotlight.

I Found God today celebrating my grandson’s graduation.

Permalink
Leave a comment

The Finches

Posted by eph21920 on May 12, 2025 in Creation, Grateful, Happiness, Life

I have been bringing Holy Communion to an elderly woman with dementia and went over this morning. Her caregiver was just getting her ready to go sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. I went out too where we had our little Communion service. She is always so grateful. When we were finished, we looked around at all the beauty that Spring brings. We listened to the birds when suddenly there was a song that was very close to us. The caregiver pointed out the finch nest built in a nook of the porch ceiling. We watched the mother and father bird flying in and out of the nest as they took turns sitting on the eggs. Whichever one was not in the nest was in a nearby tree singing happily, at least it sounded happy to us. The woman told me about feeding the birds when she was younger. Then she talked about the chickens on the farm where she was raised. Most conversations go back to that farm. She has some wonderful memories from there. Every now and again, her attention was drawn back to the present and the finches. It was a lovely visit.

I Found God today enjoying finches with a sweet woman.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Mother’s Day Blessings

Posted by eph21920 on May 11, 2025 in Children, Family, Fun, Home, Life, Love

First thing this morning I got a couple of texts. Some were from different people wishing me a happy Mother’s Day. One was from my cousin who remembered it is the first Mother’s Day without my mom and she was praying for me. I was so grateful for her thoughtfulness, as my mom was definitely on my mind. At church the priest said a blessing for moms. I felt extra blessed as my son and his fiancee put their hands on my shoulder during the prayer. Later, my brother, sister, and I along with my son and his fiancee went to my other son’s house to celebrate my grandson’s upcoming high school graduation. We all exchanged Mother’s Day cards and graduation cards and got teary eyed. When we all get together, there is always a lot of high energy, laughter, and loud, lively discussions. I always enjoy being with everyone. I was grateful for the day.

I Found God today blessed by family.

Permalink