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Precious Cargo

Posted by eph21920 on August 15, 2023 in Baby, Car, Life, Patience, Stranger

It felt wonderful to take a walk in the sunshine today. As I went through a parking lot, I heard an exchange between a man and a woman who were parked side by side. The woman was getting a toddler out of her car. The man was waiting for her so he could get into his car. The woman apologized and offered to move. The man told her not to worry and to take her time because she had “precious cargo”. I thought that was such a kind and loving thing for him to do and say.

I Found God today in a kind man.

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Children’s Blessings

Posted by eph21920 on August 14, 2023 in Children, Friends, Life, Love

Today my brother was talking about his upcoming travel plans. He wants to go through and visit some native American sites. He has always had a place in his heart for the people and helped to finance a school in South Dakota, which he visited. Not long after our conversation, he went through his mail and found a birthday card from them signed by some of the children. He was also gifted with an insulated bag that was beautifully decorated and included a quote by Sitting Bull, “Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.” Well said. Today was also the first day of school for my granddaughter. She and her mom and dad stopped by after the day ended. She told us about her new teacher and friends in her class and her favorite part of the day – STEM. I thought about how children all over the world in all different circumstances have the same basic desires and need to be loved. It would do us all well to heed the advice of Sitting Bull and strive for a more peaceful, loving world.

I Found God today in a reminder of our responsibility to care for our children.

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Inspirational Reflections

Posted by eph21920 on August 13, 2023 in Connected, Faith, Jesus, Life, Miracle, Prayer

This past week, my Wednesday night prayer group had an inspirational discussion about today’s Mass readings. Today, I went to church while my sister stayed home with my mother and they watched Mass online. I also listened to a podcast about the Gospel and read the homily of a friend. There were a lot of great takeaways from all these people. Here are a few of them. It is important to get away from the chaos of the world to pray and hear God. Even when we hear God and follow His directions, it is still too easy to fall away. Keep your eyes on the prize – Jesus and Heaven. Get out of your boat and step into the unknown with trust and confidence that Christ won’t let you fall. It is harder to live with 1 foot in and 1 foot out of the boat. God loves us and wants us to live our lives to the fullest. He speaks to us and guides us on His good path, but it is up to us to follow. We can do seemingly impossible things when we listen to and follow God.

I Found God today in uplifting reflections about His Word.

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Photo Album

Posted by eph21920 on August 12, 2023 in Baby, Birthday, Children, Family, Happiness, Joy, Life, Past

My granddaughter’s birthday is coming up next week. The other day my mom found a small photo album she had with pictures of my granddaughter soon after she was born. There were many empty pages left. My mom said she had wanted to fill up the rest of the book and give it to her great granddaughter for her birthday. That was so thoughtful. I was able to spend some time today joyfully looking through and printing pictures. Then my mom picked out which ones she wanted in the album and we put it all together. We reminisced and loved seeing how all the kids have grown over the years. It made my heart happy to work on this little project with my mom.

I Found God today working on a photo project with my mom.

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Refiner’s Fire

Posted by eph21920 on August 11, 2023 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Faith, Struggles

We have been visited by several people from Hospice this week. The support they offer is amazing and honestly, a little overwhelming. Today the CNA came to help mom in the shower. She also provided lots of helpful information. Then, the chaplain came to check in. During our chat, he talked about God’s refining fire, referencing Zechariah 13:9 “I will bring the one third through the fire; I will refine them as one refines silver, and I will test them as one tests gold. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them; I will say, “They are my people,” and they will say, “The LORD is my God.” and Malachi 3:2, “But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand firm when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire, like fullers’ lye.” The chaplain explained further that a material like silver is placed in a fire to cleanse and burn away any impurities so that it becomes more pure. It is often referred to the Christian life during trial when the heat is turned up making us rely more on him and less on ourselves. That lit a spark in my heart.

I Found God today in a reference to His refining fire.

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More Rest

Posted by eph21920 on August 10, 2023 in Answer, Connected, Grateful, Rest

After giving mom a new medication last night, thankfully she slept very well and felt better today. It’s amazing how a good night’s sleep can make such a positive difference. I slept better as well, but woke up with hip and back pain. I thanked God when I realized I already had a massage scheduled for today. The therapist worked her wonders and said, “You’re taking good care of your mom and I’ll take care of you.” That hour and a half felt amazing on so many levels. Later this evening, mom read the devotion for today from Jesus Calling. “Relax in my healing, holy Presence,” was the first sentence. Tonight I’m grateful for the rest God provides.

I Found God today resting.

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Really Rest

Posted by eph21920 on August 9, 2023 in Answer, Faith, Family, Life, Rest, Struggles

After my mom came home from the hospital a little over a week ago, my sister and I put an extra bed in my mom’s room. We want to make sure someone is there for her during the night if she needs help. We’re taking turns, but it has been very difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Today I read a beautiful, timely quote to keep in mind by St. Edith Stein – Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. She was born of Jewish decent, stopped believing in God as and adolescent, and later converted to Catholicism after reading about the life of St. Teresa of Avila. During WWII, she was hunted by the Nazis, was eventually captured and died in the gas chamber. Yet her faith was unwavering.

“Just take everything exactly as it is, put it in God’s hands and leave it to Him – really rest – and start the next day as a new life”.

I Found God today in a timely reminder to rest in Him.

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Is God Lying

Posted by eph21920 on August 8, 2023 in Answer, Faith, Life, Trust

I was listening to my favorite Christian radio station today and the DJ shared something that made me really think. She said that when she became a Christian she trusted God and loved her relationship with Him. Then as life went along and things happened as they do, she would worry and try hard to take control of the situation. When she realized what she was doing, she questioned her actions. If she wasn’t trusting God and standing firm on His Word and promises of love, she was basically calling Him a liar. Even as she said those words, they got a little stuck in her throat. I pondered that and thought how true it was. It was a different and stark way of thinking of the effects of not putting my trust in God.

I Found God today thinking about His trustworthiness.

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Scruples

Posted by eph21920 on August 7, 2023 in Answer, Connected, Faith, Grateful, Hope, Jesus, Life, Saint, Struggles

Today I was thinking of the past. I can be haunted by mistakes I have made and things that I wish were different. I decided to continue listening to a podcast of the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This particular chapter described how Ignatius suffered from “Scruples” defined as a condition of self-criticism and worry over past mistakes. Despite his intense fasting and praying, he struggled for a long time. However, he faithfully stayed on course. Eventually they subsided and God blessed Ignatius tremendously with an incredible vision and direction. Listening to the story brought me comfort and peace. I felt God was speaking directly to me. Perhaps I won’t see a vision, but I trust that God will help me.

I Found God today in a reminder of God’s healing presence.

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Receiving Communion

Posted by eph21920 on August 6, 2023 in Answer, Connected, Eucharist, Family, Grateful, Jesus, Life

During my mom’s recent hospital stay, a Eucharist Minister came to her room. Before she was able to start, a care coordinator arrived. She said it was fine to start and she stayed in the room. As the Eucharist Minister went through the prayers, mom and I joined in. I was a little surprised when the care coordinator did too. The minister gave Communion to my mom and me and offered it to the care coordinator who declined. I was so happy that we were able to receive Jesus on the hospital this way, and I would like to think He was present in our following conversation and decisions.

Unfortunately, my mom wasn’t up to going to church today. But I went and was able to bring Holy Communion home for her. When I got home, my mom and sister had just finished participating in Mass online. It was perfect timing. I set up a little altar on the table and gave my mom Communion. I feel so blessed that I am able to do this for her.

I Found God today receiving and giving Holy Communion.

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