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Preparing to Rest

Posted by eph21920 on October 15, 2023 in Answer, Connected, Creation, Faith, Family, Life, Rest

My sister helped my mom to water her orchids and noticed a bare stem still on one of the plants. It had finished blooming a while ago and the flowers had all come off. She told my mom that she was going to cut it off and prepare the plant to rest. When it is blooming, of course all the plant’s energy goes to the flowers. Once the flowers have dropped off, there is still some energy going to the stem. When it is cut off, it gives the plant a chance to rest. It’s energy can go to it’s roots and leaves until it is ready to bloom again. I thought about how that is true in our lives as well. Sometimes we have to let go of the things that are no longer serving us or others. We need to rest and reassess where our energy should be spent. I think it is the same way in our faith life. God will prune the dead branches that are no longer being productive. We may then be offered a new task or situation in which to trust and praise God. It is not easy as we tend to avoid change. We don’t like to go through things that are uncomfortable. But, if we can look forward to the beautiful bloom on the other side, it will all be worth it. After I thought about all this, I was able to take my mom to church today. She said it was much harder than when she last went several weeks ago. Then after lunch, she needed a rest and so did I. I actually slept longer than anticipated. It felt pretty good.

I Found God today pondering rest and actually getting some rest.

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Prepared to Look Up

Posted by eph21920 on October 14, 2023 in Answer, Creation, Faith, Grateful, Life, Opportunity, Weather

We were excited that today was the annular solar eclipse that we have been preparing for. My brother ordered us some of those special glasses so we could watch the display unfold. My sister did some coloring last night with my mom and we realized that it was a good representation of an eclipse. That was a pretty funny coincidence. When it came time, we were able to get my mom set up in the perfect spot in front of the door. She watched almost the whole cycle from beginning to end as she said she had never seen the whole transition before. She did, however, remember that the first time she saw an eclipse was when she was a sophomore in high school and they viewed it through a pinhole projector. As we watched, my sister spotted a sundog – a rainbow around the sun – and was able to get a really good photo of it. We also saw some of the sunrays through the bushes onto the sidewalk that were in crescent shapes. The family was texting back and forth during the very cool event and my brother shared some great pictures he got through his telescope. My dad taught us well. After a while, a couple of our neighbors came outside. One had his glasses and was excited to share the moment. The other was oblivious as to what was happening until we told him and shared the glasses with him. Then he was impressed and grateful. As the time went by, I thought about “looking up” and the homily I heard last week. Sooner or later, each one of us is going to have to stand before God. Will we be able to look up? Will we be prepared for the great event? God sends us so many signs and wonders in this world – are we paying attention or just ignoring Him? Are we helping other people to realize the awe and wonder that God is? It seems that the world is in a bad way and we need now more than ever to stop what we’re doing and take some time to ponder and experience the grandeur that is being offered to us.

I Found God today in the solar eclipse that resulted in many thoughts to ponder.

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Angel Feather

Posted by eph21920 on October 13, 2023 in Angel, Connected, Death, Faith, Family, Grief

My daughter in law has been understandably struggling with the loss of her mother. She shared a very sweet and moving story the other day about a heavenly sign just for her. Here it is in her words.

Today I didn’t really go anywhere. My car only went to drop off and pick up the kids from school. Other than that, my car was parked in the garage and my purse was in the house or with me in the car with windows up. While waiting for one of the kids to get out of school, I went to move my purse so he could sit and found this beautiful feather laying on top of my wallet inside my purse, all given to me by Mom.
After the last couple really stressful days and a breakdown today, my Momma decided to share one of her angel feathers with me. I’m loving all the signs Momma! You’re so good at sending them!

I Found God today in some heavenly comfort for my daughter in law.


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Eucharist Procession in NY

Posted by eph21920 on October 12, 2023 in Answer, Eucharist, Faith, Jesus, Priest

I learned today that Fr. Mike Schmitz celebrated Mass in NY city on October 10 followed by a Eucharist Procession. Over 5000 people attended the Mass and procession including priests, nuns, and laity. While there is so much violence, turmoil, and protests in this world and in this country, we need God more than ever. People need to know that He is real, He created all of us, that He loves us, and that He offers us peace and mercy. Here is a good article with more info and some pictures.

I Found God today in those who processed in NY.

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Car Conversation

Posted by eph21920 on October 10, 2023 in Family, Grateful, Life, Music, Opportunity, Relationship, Youth

My grandson bought himself a violin for Christmas last year and has started taking lessons. This afternoon, his mom and dad needed a little help. My sister and I worked it out so I could take my grandson to his lesson. They were all very grateful. But it was a blessing for me to spend that one on one time with him. I love having car conversations with youth. You can find out a lot by asking the right questions.

I Found God today spending some time with my grandson.

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Parent’s Prints

Posted by eph21920 on October 9, 2023 in Answer, Children, Connected, Family, Home, Life

A friend of mine shared this insight to parents about their children from St. Mother Teresa. I thought it was particularly interesting as this morning I heard the song, “Cat’s in the Cradle”.

“You will teach them to fly but they will not fly your flight.
You will teach them to dream, but they will not dream your dreams.
You will teach them to live, but they will not live your life.
Nevertheless, in every flight, in every life, in every dream,
the print of the way you taught them will remain.”

I Found God today in a reminder of how we influence our children.

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Sound Advice

Posted by eph21920 on October 8, 2023 in Answer, Bible, Creation, Life, Opportunity, Peace, Plan, Priest

I was happy to be able to attend Mass today and bring home Holy Communion for my mom. The priest had much valid, sound advice to help us live in peace. He focused on the reading from Phillipians . The first 2 sentences are, “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” I believe that is what the vast majority of people are actually looking for – peace. The priest said there were 3 ways to help obtain God’s peace. 1. Look up. Don’t allow the phones, TV’s etc. to dictate what you put into your mind and heart. Much of our anger and anxiety is rooted in the endless news articles and disturbing images that we subject ourselves to. We humans are the only creatures who have the capability of seeing the beauty of the world around us and ponder the vastness of creation. 2. Read. Specifically read books that help you get closer to God. He recommended “The Imitation of Christ” as one and  stories of the saints. 3. Pray. There are hundreds of ways to pray. Instead of wasting time scrolling, make use of your time talking with and listening to God. As the scripture says, if we engage in all things lovely and gracious, the God of Peace will come to us. I cwerainly feel some these struggles and appreciated the encouragement. At the end of Mass, the priest said to enjoy the beautiful day and to eat some ice cream. So we did.

I Found God today in sound words of advice.

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Sibling Relationship

Posted by eph21920 on October 7, 2023 in Connected, Family, Grateful, Relationship

During this upcoming week, my younger sister will be moving to Florida in the new home that she and her husband had built. Also, since it is October, my older brother will be packing up his trailer and he and his dog will be heading South for the winter. Today my younger brother arrived for a visit. My other brother and sisters were here too, so the five of us siblings were all together. We enjoyed food, conversation, and some laughter while at the same time realizing it may be a long time until we are all together again. My mom was happy for my sister’s new house and liked to hear of my brother’s upcoming plans, but was sad that they were leaving. We also looked through some of my dad’s memorabilia and reminisced. It was a bittersweet day, but I am so grateful for my siblings and our relationship.

I Found God today in the relationship with my siblings.

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Beautiful Joy

Posted by eph21920 on October 6, 2023 in Death, Family, Joy, Life, Music

Several months ago, my daughter in law’s mother died suddenly. My daughter in law has been struggling with the grief. This year for her birthday, her oldest son surprised her with a getaway and concert. They shared pictures today. She had a beautiful smile that truly showed her joy. It was wonderful to see.

I Found God today in my daughter in law’s joy.

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Meditation on Death

Posted by eph21920 on October 5, 2023 in Answer, Death, Faith, Grateful, Life, Opportunity

Yesterday I listened to a chapter from The Imitation of Christ fittingly titled, “Meditation on Death”. The subject was how, in our life, our attention should be on our death. Our life is short and none of us knows when God will take us home. Death is eternal as is our soul. Instead of worrying about the struggles in life, we should trust God to take care of them as we attend to the status of our souls. Instead of grasping at and desiring the things in this world that may bring momentary pleasure, we should strive to amend our lives and draw near to Christ who can provide eternal joy and peace. It was a lot to take in as I pondered the directions. This morning when I was taking a quick shower, I slipped on the wet floor of the bathtub. My body went into all out panic mode, but I was able to catch myself. I immediately thanked my guardian angel for keeping me upright. Then, the words from the book came to my mind. I know people slip and fall in the bathtub resulting in death. I could have too. But I didn’t. The experience brought yesterday’s meditation on death suddenly very personal. I resolved to try better to remember that my life is short and I would do well to live each day close to God.

I Found God today realizing the need to meditate on death.

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