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Piano Poem

Posted by eph21920 on December 18, 2023 in Uncategorized

My mom and I were straightening up a bit today and came across a book called, “What Music Means to Me”, by Richard Rejino. It was written by a friend’s former boss when she worked at a music store. It is really a compilation of reflections by various ordinary musicians, young and old. As we paged through, we stopped at a photo of an older woman standing by her piano. She had written a poem of sorts. My mom became teary eyed as we read it, particularly the last line: No one knows my piano has a life of her own and is my secret, always reliable friend. Even though my mom struggled playing today, those words resonated with her. She has that special relationship with the piano that few understand, but the poem captured it perfectly for my mom.

I Found God today in a musical connection that my mom experienced.

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Serving the Poor

Posted by eph21920 on December 17, 2023 in Generosity, Homeless, Love, Stranger, Struggles

The parish I worked for several years ago was located in the capitol city of the state, although it still had a small town feel. As with most large cities, there were many homeless people. Although that wasn’t my field of expertise, I encountered many in that situation. I learned that there are many reasons why people find themselves without a home, and many reasons why they remain in that state. The government put in place many laws and programs to try to punish and/or help people, depending on the circumstances. But the call of the church is to serve. I witnessed that first hand when I was working at the parish. Today I saw pictures of a Christmas Party the parish had for the homeless. They provided food, clothing, haircuts, music, a meal, and needed supplies. No questions. No judgement. Just people loving and serving other people. I thought it was a beautiful thing.

I Found God today seeing people lovingly serving others.

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Christmas Things

Posted by eph21920 on December 16, 2023 in Uncategorized

I knew it was going to be a mild day today, so I planned on trying to get a few Christmas decorations out. When my mom and I talked about it, she was pleasantly surprised to learn that we had already mailed her Christmas cards and wrapped the gifts. First thing this morning, our neighbor contacted me to see if they could stop by. I was happy that mom woke up feeling pretty good so it would be a good visit. They told us about their upcoming trip and brought over a gift of homemade bread and cute ornament. It was a really nice visit and mom reminisced a little looking through a scrapbook. Before they left, they helped me get the Christmas trunks unstacked in the garage. I brought a few things into the house, then mom and I went outside. Mom enjoyed the sunshine on the porch while I put up some garland and such. After lunch and nap, we decorated a wreath and hung it on the front door. Then after dinner, we colored some Christmas pictures. I put some Christmas music on and encouraged my mom to see if she could recognize the melody. She usually did when I started singing. Then she sang along. It was such a blessing of a day and I am very grateful for this time.

I Found God today doing Christmas things with my mom.

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Unexpected Show

Posted by eph21920 on December 15, 2023 in Faith, Life, Love, Movie

Tonight I put on the TV for my mom for a few minutes while I cleaned up the kitchen. There was a plethora of Christmas shows to choose from. As we looked through them one at a time, there were reasons why my mom would not enjoy them. Then we came across Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors. My mom said she liked Dolly Parton, so we left it on. It was the story about a song that Dolly wrote describing one particular event in her life when she was 9 years old. My mom couldn’t understand what people were saying or what was going on so she only lasted about 15 minutes. By that time, I was hooked. After I got mom to bed, I went back and watched the rest. It was a beautiful story of life, death, love, and faith. I found myself in tears several times. It has been a very long time since I had seen a show that was so touching to me.

I Found God in a story about Him.

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Orion Appeared

Posted by eph21920 on December 14, 2023 in Connected, Creation, Death, Eternity, Family

I went out briefly tonight and on my way home the sky was dark and clear. As I was driving down the street by the house, I noticed a couple of stars. I looked more intently and gradually the constellation Orion appeared. I will forever be reminded of my father when I see that constellation. The night he died, Orion was right up above us when we returned home. I felt my dad was finally able to view the heavens as he had always longed for. Seeing it tonight reminded me of that and I felt him near.

I Found God today in a more spiritual thought about my dad.

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Gateways to Memories

Posted by eph21920 on December 13, 2023 in Answer, Family, Humility, Knowledge, Life

Today my mom was reading a little book called, “Gateways to Memories”. It included many quotes about memories. Her friend gave it to her many years ago. As she was reading, my mom came to a page that grabbed her attention. She announced she had to read it to me because it was so true for her. It was a little prayer. I felt it was probably true for most people.

Lord, help me to remember the things I ought not to forget, and to forget the things I ought not to remember.

I Found God today in a memory prayer.

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Double Hawk Blessing

Posted by eph21920 on December 12, 2023 in Answer, Connected, Creation, Death, Eternity, Grateful, Past, Present, Sick

I was tired this morning, but able to go out and run a couple errands. On my way home I was even more tired and wondering when I would have energy again. As I was getting on the highway, a red tailed hawk swooped right in front of me, talons extended as it landed on its prey on the other side of the barrier. I thanked God for the gift. Then, as I got closer to home, I had just passed the area where they nested this year, and saw another hawk on top of a light pole. I thanked God again and was reminded of the native American lore that I read a couple years ago: When you find a hawk feather, it means your loved one who has passed away is helping you. Today I found a whole bunch of hawk feathers attached to 2 hawks. As I was feeling particularly weak, I was happy to be reminded that we are in fact in the company of those who have gone before us.

I Found God today reminded that there are saints and souls helping me along.

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Work of Christmas

Posted by eph21920 on December 11, 2023 in Uncategorized

Today I saw a thoughtful, beautiful quote to ponder as we head towards Christmas.

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Giving Tree Gifts

Posted by eph21920 on December 10, 2023 in Advent, Generosity, Opportunity, Present, Shopping, Stranger, Struggles

My son and grandson were also sick this week, but my daughter in law and other kids were able to pick out some gifts for the church giving tree. They brought them by yesterday and my mom and I enjoyed wrapping them. I was happy I felt well enough to go to church today and brought the gifts. I loved seeing all the presents under the tree for those in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. I pray that the gifts would bring them joy and that the thoughts of others would help bring them some peace.

I Found God today being able to provide gifts and prayers for elderly in need.

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Strength

Posted by eph21920 on December 9, 2023 in Children, Family, Life

My son has been working hard to be able to participate in power lifting competitions. Today he competed in a local meet and was aiming to qualify for the national competition. He not only qualified for nationals, but for the world competition as well. This was a result of both physical and inner strength. Of course I’m proud of him, but his strength truly amazes me. We have talked about what a gift it is.  He realizes that and ponders how he can use it to benefit others. I was a sickly child and have always felt compromised and weak. I was somewhat concerned when I had children that they may have to face the same physical issues that I did. So to have a son who has such strength is incredible to me. I feel God has blessed him indeed.

I Found God today in the strength of my son.

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