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Missed My Sis

Posted by eph21920 on November 29, 2025 in Faith, Family, Fun, Grateful, Healing, Joy, Life

My sister arrived last Saturday and stayed for the week. It had been quite a long time since we have shared the house for any length of time and I have missed her. She had to work a couple days, but I was happy that we spent a lot of time together. We cooked, played games, prayed, watched movies and shows, cried during some of them and laughed during others. We did some cleaning up and sorted through some things. We did some crafts and enjoyed Thanksgiving. My sons noticed that she was much happier than they had seen her in a while. I definitely realized that as well and was grateful that she seems to be healing from the trauma of my parent’s care and death. It was wonderful to spend time with my sister and encouraging to see her becoming more joyful as she continues to heal.

I Found God today seeing my sister more joyful.

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Full Of Thanks

Posted by eph21920 on November 28, 2025 in Creation, Faith, Family, Food, Fun, Generosity, Grateful, Prayer

I felt so blessed on Thanksgiving this year and had so much to be grateful for. As soon as I awoke, friends and family started sharing messages of gratitude. I decided to go to Mass in the morning. It was such a beautiful way to start the day. There was a bell choir directed and accompanied by a violinist who was also playing the dulcimer before the celebration started. I sat very close to the choir so I could take it all in. There were 2 songs of gratitude that I really enjoyed singing along with – “For the Beauty of the Earth” and “For the Fruits of His Creation”. Both songs list the blessings that God bestows on humanity and thank Him for them. The scripture readings also reflected gratefulness to God as did the homily. The priest recommended that families pass around a ketchup bottle at dinner so everyone can “catch up” on things to be thankful for over the past year. It was a cute idea. He also blessed thanksgiving food that people brought. After Mass, I went home and my sister and I got things ready to bring to my son’s house. I made some sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows on top. One of my neighbors volunteered for a local Christian organization who hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner several days ago. There was extra pumpkin pie and they gave me one. I put it in the freezer for a couple days to make sure it would still be good. It was still delicious. My sister made a charcuterie board including delicious cheeses that I brought home from Wisconsin. When we arrived at my son’s house, his wife had already put the turkey in the oven. The table was set with the personalized placemats that my granddaughter, her mom, and I made the other day. While we were waiting for the turkey to cook, we made some pour paint ornaments. My sister brought some plain glass ornaments that she had saved. My daughter in law gave us a tutorial on how to do pour paint art and then demonstrated the technique. It was very fun. My other son and his wife joined us just in time to finish preparing the rest of the meal. Then my grandson called who has moved to another state. He was alone for Thanksgiving and told us that after he finished eating his mac and cheese, a neighbor came to the door with turkey dinner. Everyone was so grateful for their generosity. My daughter in law did start crying during the call. Our meal was delicious. Starting the day off with God and gratitude, and ending the day with family, fun, and food made for a blessed Thanksgiving day.

I Found God today with much to be grateful for.

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Universal Church

Posted by eph21920 on November 26, 2025 in Connected, Faith, Life, Prayer, Struggles

One of the things I appreciate most about being Catholic is the universality. You can go to Mass anywhere in the world and it will consist of the same prayers and scripture readings. I have been listening to and praying with the Hallow app for a couple of years now. Recently, as part of the daily reflection, we have been encouraged to remember and pray for specific people who have been killed in Nigeria because of their religion. We were told today that near 300 children were kidnapped from a Catholic school there. The Christian community is being persecuted relentlessly. The Hallow app has been downloaded millions of times all around the world. Today at the end of the reflection and prayer, there was a link to a short video from a bishop in Nigeria. He realized all the prayers for their people, thanked everyone, encouraged the continuation of the prayers, and blessed all those listening. I am humbled to think that I am part of over 1 million people who are making specific prayers. And I do believe it will make a difference.

I Found God today realizing the impact of a universal church.

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Just Be Held

Posted by eph21920 on November 25, 2025 in Answer, Faith, Grateful, Healing, Life, Love

I saw a quote this evening that touched my heart.

I Found God today reminded to just allow Him to hold me.

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Difficulty of Priesthood

Posted by eph21920 on November 24, 2025 in Faith, Grace, Humility, Job, Life, Prayer, Priest, Sacrifice, Struggles

A friend of mine shared something he read that gave insight into the difficulties of being a priest. As I read it, I thought about how true these statements are. I was remembering when I worked in a parish and how so many times people expected the pastor to be a certain way or act a certain way. I also thanked God for those who appreciate priests for who they are and especially for those who pray for them.

The Catholic Priesthood: The Silent Abuse of Priests the World Refuses to Talk About.

In today’s world, being a priest has become a dangerous vocation, not because of persecution, but because of public opinion. Society has created an impossible checklist, a rigged game where the priest loses before he even begins.

If he walks with women, he’s automatically a womanizer.

If he walks with men, he’s suddenly gay;

If he is seen with children, he’s a suspected pedophile.

If he sits beside an elderly woman, she’s his sugar mummy.

If he helps an elderly man, that’s his sugar daddy.

If he keeps a distance, he is proud.

If he mingles too much, he’s desperate for attention.

If he spends time with the elderly, he is outdated.

If he spends time with the youth, he is trying too hard.

If his homily is long, he is boring.

If it is short, he is unprepared.

If he speaks loudly, he is shouting.

If softly, he is weak.

If he drives a car, he’s worldly.

If he doesn’t, he’s unserious about pastoral work.

If he visits families, he’s intruding.

If he doesn’t, he’s uncaring.

If he asks for donations, he’s money  oriented and greedy.

If he avoids mentioning money, he’s proud or secretive.

If he is young, he is inexperienced.

If he is old, he should retire.

In the court of public judgment, priests are always guilty. Yet, the same people who tear priests down expect them to be spiritual giants, available 24/7, emotionally perfect, morally spotless, financially humble, liturgically flawless, socially active, academically brilliant, and physically tireless.

No human being can meet these standards. Not one. But somehow, we expect priests to.

Many people don’t want holy priests, they want perfect machines. Yet they also want those machines to behave like servants who must never complain. This is why priests silently bleed. Behind every Mass is a man who is exhausted. Behind every smile is someone who is judged unfairly.

Behind every mistake is someone who is crucified without mercy.

It takes a truly courageous man to say yes to God in a world drowning in pleasure, lust, and self-worship. It takes a self-denying man to choose sacrifice over comfort. It takes a spiritually brave man to stand at the altar every day, knowing he will be judged by the same people he prays for.

If you truly love your priest, don’t wait for scandals, sickness, crises, or burnout to pray for him.

Support him now.

Pray for him now.

Stand with him now.

Because while the world sees a collar…

God sees a man carrying a cross that is heavier than anyone imagines.

This December, as you travel back to your families and prepare to celebrate the joy of Christmas, do something different. Do something intentional.

Buy a Christmas gift for the priest in your parish. It doesn’t have to be expensive. It doesn’t have to be big. Even a small item, something thoughtful, something simple, is enough.

After Mass, don’t rush home. Walk into the sacristy, look at your priest, and say:

“Padre, Happy Christmas. Thank you for serving us.”

You have no idea how far that small act of kindness can go, how it can strengthen a tired priest, uplift a discouraged one, or remind a lonely one that he is loved, appreciated, and remembered.

A simple gift.

A simple greeting.

A simple gesture of love.

Let’s make this Christmas a healing one for our priests.

I Found God today reminded of the importance of praying for and appreciating our priests.

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Christs’ Kingdom

Posted by eph21920 on November 23, 2025 in Connected, Faith, Humility, Jesus, Life, Prayer, Sacrifice, Stranger, Struggles

Today is the Feast of Christ the King. I always feel a special sense of joy on this day as it is the name of my previous parish where there are many wonderful memories and still very faithful friends. At Mass today, the priest talked about our mission to share the Kingdom of God here on earth. He gave an example of what that can look like. He and a friend were visiting a holy place where it was common to ascend the stairs while praying on your knees. It was a crowded place and some people were hurriedly getting in front of others and people were getting pushed aside. The priest and his friend were also climbing the stairs on their knees. They caught up to a woman who was going very slowly. Others went right on by. But the priest realized the woman was in  agony and physically could not get her leg up to the next step. He looked at his friend who had received the same message. They went to either side of her and physically helped her go on up, one step at a time. Soon another person came along beside them and laid a blanket on the next step. Then the impatience ended, the space got quieter and holier. No one tried to get past them. Everyone had banded together and ascended the stairs helping one another, patient and loving. It was a touching, relevant story for the day.

I Found God today in a story of people caring for one another.

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Good Samaritan

Posted by eph21920 on November 22, 2025 in Doctor, Grateful, Hurt, Problem, Stranger

My sister and I were excited to go to a craft fair today at a local high school. It was a beautiful day so I didn’t even mind the walk from the crowded parking lot to the building. We had just crossed to the sidewalk to the school entrance when my sister noticed a commotion and a woman on the ground who looked like she was bleeding. When she pointed her out to me, we both hurried over to her. She had a lot of blood on her face. When I asked if she was ok – which was really a dumb question – she said, “No! Please don’t leave me!” I said I wouldn’t and crouched down next to her. I asked her what happened. She said she had fallen there in the parking lot. I asked if she had anyone with her. She said her son was with her and he had gone back to the car to get his phone. As I was speaking with her, a man in a truck started calling 911. The woman asked if her head was banged up as she said she hit the concrete hard. I didn’t see any wound on her head, but on her nose. The man in the truck had tissues and someone else was handing them out. The woman wiped her face some and it was then obvious that the blood was coming from her nose. The man handed out more tissues and I encouraged her to hold her nose tight to stop the bleeding. As he talked to the 911 dispatcher, we found out she was 81 years old. She said she was upset that she was going to miss the craft fair. Soon another man came over and said he was a doctor. He asked all the questions and assured the woman that the medical people were on their way. Her son arrived also and was visibly shaken, not really knowing what to do. Then the paramedics arrived, I told the woman I would keep her in prayer and my sister and I got out of their way.  It was quite a hectic scene. I was so grateful that my sister noticed the trouble, for the man in the truck, the doctor, and others who were around trying to be helpful. I’ve kept the woman in mind all day and have been praying for her.

I Found God today in many people helping an injured woman.

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Continued Birthday

Posted by eph21920 on November 21, 2025 in Birthday, Connected, Faith, Family, Food, Friends, Fun, Generosity, Grateful, Relationship

Today may be the last day of my week long birthday celebration and I felt like I received so many gifts. This morning I talked to my aunt who turned 90 on our mutual birthday. I thanked her for the card and beautiful blouse she sent me from her favorite QVC. She told me about her wonderful party with all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. My family is a gift. In the afternoon I was treated to lunch by a couple of friends. We went to my favorite Mexican restaurant and ate, visited, reminisced, laughed and made plans to get together again. Later I received a text from a far away friend who has one of my dad’s photos. She is growing amaryllises and noticed that the photo she has matches the flowers. She just realized it and wanted to share it with me. My friends are a gift. When I was just about home, I received notice that my car was ready to be picked up. It had been in the shop a couple of days to repair the dents that happened when an object hit the hood on my last road trip. Getting my car back was a gift. After dinner, my neighbor came over and brought me pie from an event she volunteered for. We chatted for a while about faith experiences. She and her husband gave me a card with heartfelt words of gratitude. My neighbors are a gift. So is pie. As I reflected on this day, I was more aware of how much God takes care of me. As much as I am grateful for all the gifts mentioned here, I am most grateful for my relationship with God, who is the giver of all good gifts.

I Found God today in many good gifts.

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Delighted to Give

Posted by eph21920 on November 20, 2025 in Faith, Generosity, Grateful, Life, Love

I saw a quote today from CS Lewis that touched my heart:

How God loves us; not because we are lovable but because He is love, not because He needs to receive but He delights to give.

I Found God today reminded of God’s generous love.

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Preparing the Turkey

Posted by eph21920 on November 19, 2025 in Food, Friends, Generosity

I went to the Newman Center today and enjoyed visiting with the young adults. I love to hear their outlook on life in their current state of being. Some have a deep faith, others are searching. Today I was especially enthralled watching one of the young men preparing the turkey for tomorrow’s Friendsgiving dinner. He had brined the bird, then split it in half and place it face down – a technique called “spatchcock”. When I went into the kitchen, he was preparing a compound butter. He poured some drippings from a frying pan into the mixing bowl. I asked where the drippings came from. He said he had cut off a small piece of turkey and fried it to make sure it was brined correctly. It was. After the butter was mixed, he placed it in between the skin and the meat of the turkey and spread it all over the outside as well. He cut up an onion and place it around the turkey with some fresh herbs. Then it went back into the refrigerator, ready to be cooked tomorrow. I asked how he learned to cook so well. The young man replied that he learned it all on YouTube. When he was younger, he said he had a lot of extra time. He wondered what he could do that would be productive and positive. He figured he liked to eat, so he should learn to cook. He also enjoyed that he could cook things for other people and help them out that way. Instead of wasting time on media or getting into trouble, he discovered a useful and delicious outlet that makes him happy and those he shares it with. That reminded me of today’s Gospel reading. A wealthy man went away and gave his servants part of his money with the understanding that they would use it to obtain more for him. When he returned, those who earned more for him were praised. The one who did nothing at all with the money was punished. Similarly, God entrusts us with gifts and talents that are unique to us. We should be using those gifts for the benefit of others. That is exactly what the young chef was doing.

I Found God today in a young man who was an amazing chef.

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