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O Wisdom

Posted by eph21920 on December 17, 2025 in Advent, Connected, Faith, Jesus, Knowledge

I discovered that the podcast I listened to yesterday on Hallow was the introduction to the “O Antiphons”. The verses from the hymn “O come, O come, Emmanuel” are featured as we celebrate the last few days leading up to Christmas. They are prayed at Mass, during the evening prayers used by priests, and are encouraged for everyone especially during the lighting of the Advent wreath. Each verse highlights a different title of Jesus each day. The reflection today was on His Wisdom, which was present before the world was created. Michael Iskander, who plays the role of David in the series “House of David”, beautifully sang the verse and allowed time for contemplation.

“O come, O Wisdom from on high, who ordered all things mightily; to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go.”

As I listened to these words, I thought about God’s perfect plan and order for our world and for my life. Even though the world around us and even our own lives can seem chaotic, there is a path to peace. I have found that when I fight against God or just do what I want instead of trying to live in harmony with God’s Will, I can make bad decisions, hurt other people, and even hurt myself. The best ways for me to know God’s Will and Wisdom is to spend quiet time with Him in prayer, reading about Him in books and scripture, or getting insight from other faithful friends. I don’t do any of it perfectly, but when I feel closer to God, I definitely have more peace.

I Found God today thinking about how I am able to experience God’s Wisdom.

I love this photo of the altar in the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier. If you zoom in on the ceiling, you will see paintings of holy men and women, saints, and angels, worshipping the Lamb of God.

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Heaven’s Peace

Posted by eph21920 on December 16, 2025 in Advent, Angel, Baby, Bible, Connected, Faith, Jesus, Peace

This evening I had great fun going to dinner with some friends. As always, there was a lot of talking and laughter. On my drive home, I thanked God for these friends and the ability to see them on a regular basis. When I got home, I listened to a new podcast based on the song, “O come O come Emmanuel”. Lauren Daigle sang the hymn with her hauntingly beautiful voice. I closed my eyes, breathed and listened to the words. The line that stood out for me was, “Fill the whole world with Heaven’s peace.” That would be amazing. I thought about Mary and Joseph and wondered what their expectations were, if any. They knew God’s Son was about to come into the world. Were they hoping that He would bring peace to the whole world?

I Found God today in a beautiful hymn.

This photo is one of the side altars in the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier. The description from the website is as follows:

Here is the 1897 Altar of St. Joseph, and the Holy Family. This is 36 feet high and 15 feet wide. In the central niche is a 1900 Bavarian wood carving of the Holy Family with an angel presenting a small church to the Infant Jesus. Surrounding this niche are four oil paintings. The top two (left to right) are the Betrothal of Mary and Joseph, and the Flight into Egypt. The bottom two (left to right) are the Holy Family at Work, and the Death of St. Joseph.

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Search for Shelter

Posted by eph21920 on December 15, 2025 in Advent, Bible, Connected, Faith, Grateful, Peace, Trust

Today’s reflection in the Hallow app was titled, “The Search for Shelter”. They were talking about Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter when Mary was about to give birth. I tried to imagine their state of mind as they knocked on door after door, perhaps praying that someone would let them in. If it were me, I would have wondered why God was putting us through all of this, when we said yes to Him and have been trying to obey Him every step of the way. As a matter of fact, when I was caring for my parents, I thought this often – probably more often than I should have. But Mary and Joseph kept on searching until they found a place to enter. Perhaps an animal’s stable wasn’t what they would have liked. Or perhaps they were simply grateful to God for taking care of their needs. I imagined their relief when they were finally able to get situated for the birth of their son – God’s Son – God Himself. Perhaps they thought that if this is what He chose, it must the right thing. I thought about where I find shelter. I have always found serenity when I go into my bedroom and close the door. And I have always felt a profound sense of peace in a church. No matter what the size, style, layout, decor, a church feels like Heaven touching Earth to me. This photo from inside the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville, IA, is so full of scenes, it could take hours to notice all the details. On their website is a tour and explanation of the remarkable artwork.

I Found God today in the shelter and peace of a church.

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Basilica of St. Francis Xavier

Posted by eph21920 on December 14, 2025 in Advent, Grateful, Opportunity, Peace

This week I’m sharing photos of the Basilica of St Francis Xavier in Dyersville, IA. This Gothic style church was in stark contrast to the stone and shell grotto and shrines I saw in WI. The parish in Dyersville was formed in the late 1880’s to serve the growing number of German immigrants who had come to America seeking the opportunity to own their own land to farm, and religious and political freedom. They were joined by the Irish immigrants who had come to farm the land as well. In 1889 the Basilica was completed and named for the patron saint of the large donor who purchased the plot of land for the church – St. Francis Xavier. The beauty of this church reflects the style and history of the original European parishioners who were grateful for the blessings God had bestowed upon them. There is a school on the site as well. When I visited, it was near Halloween and the school lot was full of decorated cars for a Trunk or Treat event. Kids and families came in costumes and were greeted by firemen who brought their truck as well. It was the modern day world upon the historic immigrant foundation. Even with all the activity outside, the atmosphere inside the church was peaceful and serene.

I Found God today in another beautiful church.

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All the Lights

Posted by eph21920 on December 13, 2025 in Advent, Family, Fun, Hope, Jesus, Tradition

The weather was mild today, so I took advantage of the opportunity and put up some Christmas decorations and lights on the outside of my house. I didn’t do too much, but enough to look festive. Later in the afternoon, my sister and I  bundled up and went to the Electric Safari at the Zoo. There were beautiful colored lights, fun moving scenes, and we even spotted some live animals – most of whom were snoozing. We got some dinner downtown and looked at Christmas lights on the way home. We stopped at one of our favorite houses that has a light show with music and were glad that they were continuing their annual event. I was thinking about why we enjoy light so much and was reminded that the coming of Jesus was likened to bringing light into the darkness – shining hope in our world that can be dark and worrisome. Lighting the candles on the Advent wreath gradually creates more light also as we get closer to Christmas.

Isaiah 9:2 “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light”

I Found God today in light.

These final photos from the Dickeyville Grotto and Shrines in WI show the Church of the Holy Spirit next to the grotto. All the fencing and everything is made of different shells and stones and such. It was such an amazing place.

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Praying With Our Lady of Guadalupe

Posted by eph21920 on December 12, 2025 in Advent, Faith, Grateful, Prayer

I participated in the Diocese celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Sunday with a friend. The weather was perfect for a procession from the park to the church. Praying the rosary on the way gave more meaning to the walk. The dancers and colorful costumes really added to the festivities. I have always had an attraction to this image of Mary for some reason and have been fascinated by the story. A while ago, I bought a large, plain cement statue of her. My sister and I added a little bit of paint for embellishments. Then I put her in my window well so I could see her when I opened my curtains. I loved it there for a long time, but recently I felt like she was too isolated out there. I asked my son to come over and he moved her inside. Now she is in my room. When I pray the rosary at home, I like to light a candle near her, ask for her intercession, and be in my own little prayer area. It helps to give me some peace.

I Found God today in my quiet prayer space with Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Here are some photos of the celebration.

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Facing Fear

Posted by eph21920 on December 11, 2025 in Advent, Bible, Faith, Grace, Grateful, Life, Prayer

One thing I know that is unsettling to me and keeps me from being still and at peace is fear. I remember hearing the acronym, “False Evidence Appearing Real.” We should change it to “Face Everything And Rise”. That is easier said than done. When I did my road trip this Spring, I will admit that I was afraid. What if something happened to the car? What if something happened to me? What if something happened to my grandson? What if … The list went on and on. At the same time I was determined not to let that fear keep me from going. I prayed intently before I left, on the road, and again when I completed the trip, thanking God for blessing us. I am finding that the more I face my fears and trust God, the more I can face my fears and trust God. The Old Testament reading from Isaiah 41:13 this morning was perfect,

“I am the LORD, your God,
    who grasp your right hand;
It is I who say to you, “Fear not,
    I will help you.”

I Found God today in His help to face fear.

This photo from the Dickeyville Grotto and Shrines in WI shows an enclosed nativity scene in a wall around the outside of the grotto.

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Finding Rest

Posted by eph21920 on December 10, 2025 in Advent, Answer, Bible, Faith, Grace, Grateful, Jesus, Peace, Rest

I loved the Gospel reading for today:


Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus said to the crowds:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Sometimes I do feel that my burdens are so heavy. And sometimes the situation is particularly difficult. I have also found that sometimes my burdens are mostly in my head. I am really very blessed, but sometimes get weighed down by my own thoughts, fears, regrets, or worries. Whenever I hear this reading, I envision Jesus right next to me, trading the things that are weighing me down for the peace and love that only He can bring. If I can let go of my burdens and focus on God’s peace, they seem very insignificant. I am grateful for the peace of Jesus.

I Found God today in His peace.

Here’s another picture from the Dickeyville Grotto in WI.

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Lord’s Battle

Posted by eph21920 on December 9, 2025 in Advent, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Patience, Peace, Trust

A friend of mine has been taking care of her 2 toddler grandchildren for a few days now as their parents went out of town. I went over and spent a few hours with all of them today. My friend was pretty tired and I could understand why. The little ones were full of energy as they rode around the kitchen island on their little “bikes”. The older one wanted to show me everything about everything. I gave her a lot of attention and played with her. My friend was actually able to go to the bathroom with only 1 child instead of 2 as I kept the older one entertained. We went out to lunch and the restaurant had a play place that was just their size. After we ate, the children went up the large steps and down the slide about a hundred times. And even so, they were upset when it was time to leave. We were able to get them both and everything out the door with the 2 of us. I did remember when I was doing daycare in my home how hard it was to keep everyone going the same direction at the same time. My friend and I were able to get in a conversation here and there. One thing she said that stayed with me was that the more she tries to force things to go the way she wants them too, the more difficult things are. She has realized it is easier to surrender to where the universe is taking her (God). I have absolutely learned that myself and I remember my dad telling me the same thing. This reminded me of the scripture:

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

I Found God today in the reminder to trust that God is handling things.

Here is a closer look at one of the walls inside the main grotto in Dickeyville WI.

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Loving Treatment

Posted by eph21920 on December 8, 2025 in Advent, Faith, Friends, Generosity, Sacrifice, Struggles

Today I visited my elderly woman as usual on Mondays. We read the Gospel for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception for Communion. She knew all about it. Her son and his wife brought her with them to another state this weekend so the family could have a baby shower for her grandson. In other words, her grandson and his wife will be having their first baby soon. The caregiver for the woman also went along. She made sure she stayed on schedule and did all the necessary things to keep her on track. The caregiver is such an amazing, generous, and loving woman. I am on awe of her continuous giving of herself and seemingly endless energy. When I asked the woman about her weekend, she said she went home and a lot of family came over to visit. She was a little confused on who everyone was – she was sure her grandparents were there too – but she talked about how important it is to stay in contact with family. I noticed she had a ring on her pinky and asked her about it. She said someone just put it on her finger and she hasn’t taken it off. The caregiver said it was a prize from one of the baby showers. The woman’s young great granddaughter put it on her pinky finger. She would take it off to wash her hands and then put it right back on. I thought it was sweet that something seemingly tiny and insignificant brought so much joy. The family and caregiver are so good to this woman and it makes my heart swell.

I Found God today in the way loving people treat an elderly woman.

This week I will be sharing photos from the Dickeyville Grotto in Dickeyville, WI. The grotto and shrines were constructed
by Father Mathias Wernerus between 1924-1930 out of materials and found objects from all over the world. These photos show the outside and inside of the main grotto. Most of the materials are shells and stones held together by cement.

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