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Despite Myself

Posted by eph21920 on April 16, 2024 in Answer, Children, Creation, Faith, Grace, Life, Love

Today is the Feast of St. Bernadette who had visions of Mary the Mother of Jesus in Lourdes. I think when this day comes every year, my mother and I reminisce about the trip we took there. Today my mom still remembered some of the details, such as when we saw St. Bernadette’s uncorrupt body. It was in a glass coffin in the church at Nevers. I still remember it vividly. As a child, I was afraid to go see a dead body, but those feelings were soon replaced by the overwhelming feeling of peace and God’s presence. At the same time, when I think about how good God has been and continues to be to me, I become painfully aware of my own faults and failings and wish I were a better person. Yet, God is with us, his imperfect children. He continues to love and care for us, despite our weaknesses. That’s the Good News. Thank God He’s God.

I Found God today as He continues to love me.

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Matching Monday

Posted by eph21920 on April 15, 2024 in Connected, Friends, Life, Relationship

Today my mom found the little book of friendship poems, thoughts and prayers that her friend gave her many years ago. She read a few excerpts and we talked about how lucky she is to have such a good friend. This friend usually comes over on Mondays and they play piano together when mom’s up for it. Unfortunately, she fell last week and had to have surgery on her hip. She won’t be able to make it over for a while. I went to visit her for a few minutes today. Her daughter is at her house taking care of her while she recovers. But I was happy to see her looking pretty good. She said she is getting around pretty well. When she came over, probably 90% of the time, she and my mom’s clothing would match. Sometimes on purpose, but most of the time not. Today my mom was wearing a purple top with a purple sweater. When I saw her friend, it wasn’t surprising that she was also wearing purple. They are truly best of friends connected on a deeper level.

I Found God today in the connection my mom and her friend have.

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Food

Posted by eph21920 on April 14, 2024 in Connected, Faith, Family, Food, Happiness, Life

Today’s Gospel reading was about an appearance Jesus made to his disciples after His Resurrection. I read a homily from a friend and listened to the one when I went to church. Both made mention to the fact that in the first few stories of Jesus’ appearance, He was always eating. One jokingly said that resurrecting must make one hungry. But Jesus did so because his disciples were terrified and thought He was a ghost. By eating with them, He showed them that He was still Himself and in His body. It is also how they enjoyed fellowship. So the question is, if Jesus ate and enjoyed food in His glorified body, will we do the same? Possibly. These perspectives really gave me food for thought. After church, I brought Holy Communion home for mom and then we enjoyed a delicious pizza my sister bought. Food for the soul and the body.

I Found God today in food.

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The Recliner

Posted by eph21920 on April 13, 2024 in Answer, Family, Grateful, Rest

Mom has been getting more and more sleepy during the day, but doesn’t necessarily want to be in bed. She has tried to get comfortable on the sofa either lying down or propped up, but it hasn’t worked out very well. I have asked a couple of times if she would like her little recliner brought up from the lower level, but she says no. After a few more days of agitation and unable to get comfortable, I asked my son if he would come over and move it for us.  He came over today and together we heaved it up the stairs. Once everything was in place, I asked my mom if she would try it out. She sat down in it fine, even though it rocks a bit. I put her legs up and reclined the back for her. It took about 2 minutes for her to sink into the familiar chair and close her eyes. She rested comfortably while my son and I chatted. It was a welcomed sight.

I Found God today helping my mom be comfortable.

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Best Places to Visit

Posted by eph21920 on April 12, 2024 in Connected, Family, Fun, Travel

Today we found a show that highlighted the 50 best places to visit in the United States. We got about half way through as we watched a couple of different times. Out of those that we saw, my mom had been to all but 1 of them. It was a good exercise for her to remember those different places that she had been. And it helped to realize what a full and exciting life she has had.

I Found God today reminiscing with my mom.

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Personal Pray-er

Posted by eph21920 on April 11, 2024 in Answer, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Life, Struggles

Many months ago, I started meeting with a Stephen Minister. This is someone who is trained to walk along the journey with someone perhaps going through a hard time. It is spiritual in nature, but how much is up to the participants. I usually meet with my Stephen Minister every week, but we missed a couple weeks due to different circumstances. I was happy to meet with her on Zoom tonight. As I recounted events over the past few weeks, it helped me to realize how much God is caring for us. I was grateful for that insight. At the end of our session, she prayers for and with me in very personal and specific ways. It is so comforting.

I Found God today in personal prayer.

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Blessed Pilgrimage

Posted by eph21920 on April 10, 2024 in Children, Friends, Life, Opportunity

A friend of mine and her husband have made a few walking pilgrimages in Europe. They other day they started a new route called Camino Portuguese which is an alternate route for the Camino de Santiago – the Way of St. James. This time, they brought their 10 year old grandson with them. My friend is really good about updating social media every day where she shares all the details. They usually walk an average of 10-12 miles a day and stay in hostels along the way. She described what a blessing it is for her and hehe husband to see this adventure through the eyes of their grandson. And I can only imagine what a huge impact this trip will make on him. I really enjoy reading her updates and virtually take the pilgrimage with them.

I Found God today in the blessed experience my friend, her husband, and her grandson are experiencing.

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Dizzy Relief

Posted by eph21920 on April 9, 2024 in Answer, Doctor, Family, Happiness, Healing, New

My daughter in law has been suffering from dizziness on and off for many years. She has been to several doctors who have not been able to help her. Recently, a chiropractor friend of theirs recommended a doctor for her. She has seen him a couple of times now and I talked with her about it today.  The doctor found that she is having some difficulty with the right side of her head, neck, and eyes. He is doing neurological treatments for her and gave her exercises to do at home. From the very first treatment, she has received some relief. She said it has been such a long time since she felt “normal” that she almost forgot what it felt like. And she can already tell the difference it makes when she does the exercises. She was elated that this doctor is actually helping her. I am just so happy for her.

I Found God today in the relief my daughter in law is receiving.

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Sharing Eclipse

Posted by eph21920 on April 8, 2024 in Connected, Creation, Family, Friends, Grateful, Present, Weather

I was excited to see the eclipse today, even though we weren’t in the path of totality. I found our glasses that we used in the past and got ready for our 79% coverage.  My siblings were texting as one brother was camped near Dallas and hoping the clouds would disperse. My other brother planned a trip to Dallas, but cancelled due to the cloudy forecast. A group of friends were also texting as one was in Dallas and another was in Arkansas. It was fun hearing and seeing everyone’s experiences. My brother got a very nice picture of the diamond ring to add to his collection. I made a pinhole projector in a pizza box so I could share my own photo. Unfortunately my mom was very tired today and slept through the whole event. At one point, the familiar prescription delivery woman came. I asked if she had seen the eclipse. She had not. So I invited her to use some glasses and take a look. She was amazed. She said I had given her a very special blessing. I was happy that it meant so much to her. This natural, though somewhat rare phenomenon urges millions of people to look up and witness a spectacle that is incredible and exciting. No person can replicate, control, or alter the event. To me, it is also another way to demonstrate what an awesome world we live in and how we all hang in the balance.

I Found God today sharing the amazement of an eclipse.

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Litany of Trust

Posted by eph21920 on April 7, 2024 in Faith, Jesus, Mercy, Prayer, Trust

On this Divine Mercy Sunday, I was reading and listening to reflections by St. Faustina who was given the image of the Divine Mercy to share with the world. I came across a Litany of Trust. It was written by a Sister of Life who took the name of Faustina. This litany touched my heart as I continue to struggle with trusting God. The prayer basically went through everything that keeps us from surrendering to Him. Here is the prayer:

From the belief that
I have to earn Your love
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear that I am unlovable
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the false security
that I have what it takes
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear that trusting You
will leave me more destitute
Deliver me, Jesus.
From all suspicion of
Your words and promises
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the rebellion against
childlike dependency on You
Deliver me, Jesus.
From refusals and reluctances
in accepting Your will
Deliver me, Jesus.
From anxiety about the future
Deliver me, Jesus.
From resentment or excessive
preoccupation with the past
Deliver me, Jesus.
From restless self-seeking
in the present moment
Deliver me, Jesus.
From disbelief in Your love and presence
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being asked
to give more than I have
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the belief that my life
has no meaning or worth
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of what love demands
Deliver me, Jesus.
From discouragement
Deliver me, Jesus.
That You are continually holding me,
sustaining me, loving me
Jesus, I trust in You.
That Your love goes deeper than my
sins and failings and transforms me
Jesus, I trust in You.
That not knowing what tomorrow
brings is an invitation to lean on You
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You are with me in my suffering
Jesus, I trust in You.
That my suffering, united to Your own,
will bear fruit in this life and the next
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You will not leave me orphan,
that You are present in Your Church
Jesus, I trust in You.
That Your plan is better
than anything else
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You always hear me and in
Your goodness always respond to me
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You give me the grace to accept
forgiveness and to forgive others
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You give me all the strength
I need for what is asked
Jesus, I trust in You.
That my life is a gift
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You will teach me to trust You
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You are my Lord and my God
Jesus, I trust in You.
That I am Your beloved one
Jesus, I trust in You

I Found God today in a Litany of Trust.

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