Leave a comment

Faith Not Fear

Posted by eph21920 on November 20, 2024 in Answer, Begin, Faith, Generosity, Life, Opportunity

I listened to the mediation from Jeff Cavins on the Hallow app this morning. He shared a great acrostic for the word FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real. He was explaining the Gospel of the day. The Bible story was that of a wealthy man sharing some of his wealth with those who worked for him, expecting they would give him a return on the investment. Two of the people did, one did not as he was afraid of the tyrant. He didn’t even do the minimum by putting the money safely in a bank. Instead he hid away, in fear of what could happen. And so it can be for me. As I try to figure out what to do next, I can think of all kinds of scary scenarios in which terrible things happen. But that’s not reality. It does me well to catch those thoughts and give them to God. Then, go and do the next right thing. I appreciated the reminder of how big, good, and generous our God is. I pray not to fear the next step, but to take it in faith.

I Found God today reminded of his goodness and omnipotence.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Music Donation

Posted by eph21920 on November 19, 2024 in Answer, Family, Generosity, Music, Opportunity

It was a very good thing that my sisters and I meticulously sifted through my mom’s music. Today the president of one of the music organizations that my mom was involved with came over. We chatted a bit about our commonalities. He teaches in the music department at the same local college where my dad taught for 20 years. The gentleman said they would love the donation of music for the school. I showed him the filing cabinet with the rest of my mom’s music and invited him to take what he thought he could put to good use. To my surprise, he was happy to have everything. At one point, I panicked just a bit and pulled out the folder of super old music that my mom had written her name on. It was her maiden name, so it was music that she would have acquired over 70 years ago. I put the folder aside and helped pack up 4 boxes of music and reference books. The gentleman was so happy to receive the donation. It was more difficult for me than anticipated, but I knew my mom and dad would both be happy that the materials would be put to good use at the college.

I Found God today donating my mom’s music and knowing that it would be put to good use.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Walking

Posted by eph21920 on November 18, 2024 in Doctor, Family, Grateful, Healing, Life

My daughter in law had her appointment with her surgeon today. He was very pleased with the progress and healing from her ankle surgery several weeks ago. He traded her stiff boot for a fancy lace up brace. And he encouraged her to try walking now without a cane or any assistance device. She took his advice and was surprised as to how good it felt. She walked all around the house in the afternoon as well as up and down the stairs. It was wonderful to see her walking with confidence. Everyone was so happy.

I Found God today seeing my daughter in law’s healing and walking.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Music Day

Posted by eph21920 on November 17, 2024 in Birthday, Family, Happiness, Music

We have been wondering what to do with the filing cabinet full of music that my mom had. The other day, my mom’s piano duet playing friend came over and looked through the music. She paired up the duet pieces and took quite a stack with her. Today my sisters and I got together on Zoom and meticulously went through the rest. Each of us pulled out a stack that we would like to keep and work on ourselves. Most of the pieces were way beyond our capabilities. The other day I received a mailing from the music teacher’s society that my mom belonged to. I contacted the president of the organization and asked if he had ideas of what to do with the music. He said he will take a donation to the college that my dad used to teach for. That seems like a win win.  Going through the music and reminiscing helped me to remember and appreciate what an amazing musician she was.

As a bonus, tonight my sons took me to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert for my birthday. I do love the music and the concert. The singer who performed “For the Sake of Our Brother” had an unbelievably beautiful voice. The song ends with the lyrics of “O Come let us adore Him”. By the end of the song I was in tears. I felt blessed to experience the concert with my two boys.

I Found God today appreciating beautiful music.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Persistence

Posted by eph21920 on November 16, 2024 in Answer, Connected, Faith, Friends, Love, Trust

I read a reflection from the Word Among Us this morning about persistence. It reminded me of my friend so I shared it with her. It said in part:

“Our Heavenly Father treasures persistence because He knows what it can produce in His children. Persistence keeps our eyes fixed on Him, and it helps us to open our hearts to His will.”

To sum it up, when we are persistent in prayer, we keep our eyes on our Father and we open our hearts to His gifts. We may not receive exactly what we want how we want it, but God will gift us with what we need. For example, if we pray for healing, we may not be healed, but we may receive peace. It is an act of faith and trust that God loves us and always has our best interest in His heart. He is always with us and we can always be with Him.

I Found God today reminded to be persistent.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Sharing Good News

Posted by eph21920 on November 15, 2024 in Answer, Faith, Friends, Happiness, Life, Prayer, Struggles

I heard from a friend today who has been caring for her mother for many years. She has been consistently going to agencies seeking help and praying for it as well. Today she was thrilled to share the good news that she was finally able to get some financial relief. I was so happy that her perseverance finally paid off and pray that this assistance will lighten their burden.

I Found God today in assistance for a friend.

Permalink
Leave a comment

The Mustard Seed

Posted by eph21920 on November 14, 2024 in Birthday, Faith, Family, Generosity, Love

My brother spoils me. I was surprised to receive an additional gift from him tonight. It was another beautiful, delicate necklace. There was a mountain scene in the pendant. When I told my brother thank you, he told me that there was a mustard seed in it. He said he learned more about the scripture Matthew 17:20, “Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” My brother said it reminded him of me. I looked closer at the necklace and saw the seed. I pray for faith like that. I felt humbled, blessed, and loved.

I Found God today in my generous and thoughtful brother.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Another Year

Posted by eph21920 on November 13, 2024 in Birthday, Family, Food, Friends, Fun, Life, Love

Today was my birthday. I spent much of the day reading and responding to birthday wishes. I received flowers and a balloon from my sister and a beautiful, delicate necklace from my brother. I was blessed to celebrate in the evening with my sons, daughter in law and grandkids. We got Mexican food and mini Bundt cakes so no one had to cook. My sons got tickets to a Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert on Sunday. This is one of my favorites and we haven’t been for a couple of years, so I’m really looking forward to that. Everyone was so kind and thoughtful. I felt very loved.

I Found God today in loving family and friends.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Pet Detected

Posted by eph21920 on November 12, 2024 in Connected, Creation, Fun, Present

A couple weeks ago, I put a new outdoor camera at the cabin and have been figuring out how it all works. The camera sends me an alert when there is motion. So far, I have seen a lot of snow, blowing trees, and a couple of birds. Earlier today I received a notification with the description of “Pet Detected”. I was so excited to see what the camera may have thought was a pet. It was actually 3 deer milling about and making their way down the hill. It is so fun to have this new device and see things going on up at the cabin in real time.

I Found God today seeing wildlife at the cabin.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Busy Lunch

Posted by eph21920 on November 11, 2024 in Food, Friends, Grateful, Life

I went to lunch with a friend today, not really thinking about the fact that it was Veteran’s Day. When we arrived at the restaurant, there was a 30 minute wait. We figured it would take us that long to decide where else to go and to get there and such, so we put our name on the list. I was grateful it was a nice day, and we spent the time visiting outside. People were coming and going the whole time – most of them were wearing military attire of some kind. I assumed the restaurant was offering a Veteran’s Day special. I later learned that they were indeed giving a free full meal to all active and retired military. That is the majority of our city. It is no wonder there were so many people there. By the time we were called, there was a 1 hour waiting time. As we were seated, we walked by a fully set, decorated empty table which symbolized the military personnel who died in duty. The mood in the packed diner was celebratory. Everyone was chatting, thanking people for their service. The servers were super friendly. A man who may have been a manager was constantly walking the area asking if anyone needed anything, thanking people for coming in, and handing out coupons for a free dessert. My friend and I decided it was worth our wait to be in such a positive atmosphere. I felt even more grateful for our military men and women.

I Found God today being with celebrated military.

Permalink