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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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Saving Memories

Posted by eph21920 on October 4, 2023 in Answer, Death, Family, Grief, Healing, Life, Past

After my dad died just over a year and a half ago, my mom and I collected all the cards and tokens of thoughtfulness in a basket. We tried to keep them organized and sent out thank you notes. On one of the dressers in my mom’s room, we placed the patriotic blanket that we received from Hospice and put some pictures and momentos on top of it. The basket was set there as well. Every now and again my mom has said she didn’t like the basket full of stuff there and wanted to do something with it. Since I bought a binder yesterday, I decided it was a good time to take care of it. I put prayer cards, notes, certificates, and other memories in sheet protectors and secured them in the binder. Then I gathered up all the cards into a couple pouches and put those in the binder as well. My mom enjoyed being able to easily look through the special memories people had shared. We talked about what to keep and decided that at this time, the binder was a nice keepsake. It was comforting and somewhat healing to sort through these heartfelt thoughts and memories that people shared.

I Found God today organizing and keeping special memories of my dad.

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Bonus Shopping

Posted by eph21920 on October 3, 2023 in Family, Grateful, Home, Life, Shopping

I found myself with a little free time today, so decided to stop by the local thrift store. I wanted to find a couple pairs of pants for my mom as many that she has just aren’t fitting right and are uncomfortable. As I entered the store, I was greeted with a plethora of Fall and Halloween decorations. I remembered that one of our flower pots was looking particularly puny and could use some sprucing up, so I picked up some decorations and flowers. Then I spotted the office supplies and remembered I wanted to get some binders. I searched through and found a couple in very good shape. I also found two pairs of pants that I thought might work for my mom. When I got to the cash register, I saw a sign that said half off day for seniors. Low and behold, I actually qualified. I bought all the items for less than it would have cost for one new pair of pants. When I returned home, I had mom try on her pants and they both fit. I got them washed so she can start wearing them right away. Later we went outside and fixed up our Fall pot. It made us both happy. My bonus shopping trip left me feeling mighty grateful, productive, and frugal.

I Found God today in a positive shopping trip.

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10 Year Blog

Posted by eph21920 on October 2, 2023 in Creation, Generosity, Life, Love, Past, Stranger

Today a memory popped up from 10 years ago. It was a blog post I wrote when I was working for the church in New England. I was taken aback as to how much as changed, and yet so much remains the same, such as the joy of kindness and the beauty of nature. It’s definitely worth sharing.

Random Act of Kindness/Breathtaking Scenery
10/02/2013
I was standing in line to pay for my gas today when the customer at the counter did not have quite enough money to pay for the items she had. The woman behind her dug around in her purse and found some change to make up the balance. The customer thanked her profusely and said maybe she would be able to return the favor some day. The woman told her not to worry about it, but to pay it forward. Everyone in the vicinity left feeling joyful. I found God today in the generosity of a stranger, and I witnessed how a seemingly small random act of kindness affected many people.

TWOFER!
Today I drove to the “North Country”. It was spectacular drive. The weather was perfect and the colors of the foliage were amazing. The further I went, the more beautiful the scenery. The mountains were dotted with reds and oranges amid the evergreens. As the sun peeped in and out from the billowing clouds, it enhanced the depth of the many rolling hills. When the sun hit them just right, the trees were glowing. It was breathtaking. I also found God today in the beauty of creation, and I had a hard time watching the road as I drove through.

I Found God today reflecting 10 years back.

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New Altar Servers

Posted by eph21920 on October 1, 2023 in Begin, Children, Joy, New, Priest, Service

This morning at Mass, there were some new altar servers. I just happened to sit down close to where they sat and could see what was going on. Two of the new servers were very small boys. There were also three older boys and an older girl. I loved watching them all learning from one another. The older ones guided the younger ones who quietly followed their directions. Occasionally the priest would place them or encourage them. At one point one of the servers brought the prayer book to the priest and held it open for him to read. The priest turned the book around as it was being held upside down and said “I’m good, but not that good!” Then he got the giggles and had to take a moment to compose himself before saying the closing prayer. Seeing the youth involved in the Mass added another layer of joy.

I Found God today in new altar servers.

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Begin Now

Posted by eph21920 on September 30, 2023 in Answer, Begin, Life, New, Opportunity, Present, Saint

I saw a beautiful quote this morning that made me pause:

“Begin now to be what you will be hereafter.” By St. Jerome.

I have done much soul searching and have wanted to be different myself. I am all too aware of my shortcomings and can get discouraged that it takes much hard work to try to make a change. This quote was encouraging to me as a reminder that each day that God breathes life into us gives us another opportunity to start again. I am definitely more centered and peaceful when I can just try to live the day best I can. Then if I am blessed with another day, I can do it again.

I Found God today in a reminder to start new each day.

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Archangels

Posted by eph21920 on September 29, 2023 in Angel, Life, Prayer

Today, we pray for the intercession of the Archangels to guide our paths and safeguard us from the enemy’s snares.

“Bless the LORD, all you angels, you ministers, who do his will.”. Psalm 103:21

Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, pray for us!

I Found God today in His gift of the angels.

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Hand Massage

Posted by eph21920 on September 27, 2023 in Answer, Family, Grateful, Life, Peace, Struggles

My son’s girlfriend recently completed her massage therapy certification after a year of hard work. Today she came over and visited for a while. My mom has a particularly difficult time in the afternoons, so the young woman gave my mom a soothing hand and arm massage. She was so calm and gentle and spoke in a quiet, peaceful tone. I could see the anxiety drain from my mom moments after she started. I was mesmerized just as an observer. By the time she had done both arms, my mom had melted into the pillows on the sofa. It was a blessing to have her calm, peaceful visit.

I Found God today in a calm and peaceful young woman.

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