Author: thmjmj@8875

The Good Newsletter

Issue #1 – Welcome to a New Beginning

Welcome to The Good News Newsletter!

Thank you for joining us for the very first issue of The Good News Newsletter.

In a world where headlines often focus on conflict, division, and discouragement, we believe there is still plenty of good news worth sharing. Every day, ordinary people perform acts of kindness, communities come together to help one another, and God continues to work quietly in the hearts of His people.

This newsletter was created to shine a light on that good news.

Our goal is simple: to provide a weekly dose of hope, faith, encouragement, and inspiration.

Whether you are facing challenges, celebrating blessings, or simply looking for a positive perspective, we hope these messages help strengthen your faith and brighten your day.

A MESSAGE OF HOPE

Life is not always easy.

We all experience setbacks, disappointments, health concerns, financial struggles, and moments of uncertainty. Yet throughout history, people of faith have discovered that difficult seasons often become the very moments that shape us into stronger, wiser, and more compassionate individuals.

As Scripture reminds us:

“And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God.” – Romans 8:28

God does not promise a life free from difficulties. He promises that He will walk with us through them.

No matter what you may be facing today, remember that your story is still being written. The chapter you are living now is not the end of the book.

GOOD NEWS IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Every day there are people making a difference.

Volunteers serve meals to the hungry.

Neighbors help neighbors.

Churches provide support for families in need.

Small businesses create opportunities and jobs.

Healthcare workers care for the sick.

Teachers inspire future generations.

These acts may never make national headlines, but they are changing lives one person at a time.

Good news is happening all around us if we take the time to look for it.

FAITH CORNER

One of the greatest truths of Christianity is that God loves each of us personally.

The Feast of Corpus Christi reminds us that Christ continues to give Himself completely to His people.

Christianity is not simply a set of beliefs or rules. At its heart, it is a love story—a loving God reaching out to His children and inviting them into a deeper relationship with Him.

When life becomes difficult, remember that you are never alone.

God knows your struggles, your hopes, your fears, and your dreams.

And He walks beside you every step of the journey.

THIS WEEK’S CHALLENGE

Perform one unexpected act of kindness this week.

Call someone who may be lonely.

Send an encouraging message.

Offer a prayer for someone in need.

Help a neighbor.

Volunteer your time.

You may never know how much that small act means to another person.

Kindness has a way of multiplying far beyond what we can see.

LOOKING AHEAD

Future editions of The Good News Newsletter will include:

• Inspiring faith-based articles

• Stories of hope and perseverance

• Community highlights

• Encouraging reflections

• Practical ways to strengthen faith and serve others

• Special resources and recommendations

We are excited to share this journey with you.

FINAL THOUGHT

Never underestimate the power of hope.

A kind word can change a day.

A prayer can change a life.

A faithful heart can change a community.

Together we can help spread the Good News—one person, one family, and one community at a time.

May God bless you and your loved ones.

Rick Herring

The Good News Newsletter

“Creating Opportunities, Strengthening Communities, Changing Lives.”

P.S. If you enjoy this newsletter, please share it with a friend and invite them to subscribe. Together we can spread a little more hope in the world.

June 20, 2026
A Weekly Dose of Hope, Faith, and Encouragement.
Join The Good News Newsletter and receive inspiring stories, positive solutions, community updates, and opportunities to make a difference delivered directly to your inbox.

In a world filled with negative headlines, division, and uncertainty, it can sometimes feel difficult to find stories that inspire, encourage, and uplift.

That is why we created The Good News Newsletter.

Each edition is designed to bring you positive stories, practical ideas, and inspiring content that reminds us that good people are still doing good things every day.

What You’ll Receive

✓ Inspiring stories of faith, kindness, and service

✓ Encouraging articles about strengthening families and communities

✓ Ideas for helping small businesses and rural communities thrive

✓ Practical opportunities to create positive change in the lives of others

✓ Updates from our blog and special resources not shared elsewhere

✓ Occasional recommendations and opportunities that align with our mission of helping people grow and succeed

Our Mission

We believe that strong families, thriving small businesses, healthy rural communities, and people helping one another can change the world.

The Good News Newsletter exists to shine a light on those efforts and encourage people to become part of the solution.

Why Subscribe?

Because every day there is enough bad news.

You deserve a place where you can find:
- Hope instead of discouragement
- Solutions instead of complaints
- Inspiration instead of negativity
- Opportunities instead of obstacles
Join Us Today

Enter your best email address below and become part of a growing community dedicated to:

Creating Opportunities. Strengthening Communities. Changing Lives.

The newsletter is completely free, and you may unsubscribe at any time.

We look forward to sharing some good news with you.

Rick Herring

Publisher, The Good News Newsletter
June 18, 2026
The Solution to the Catholic Crisis May Be Simpler Than We Think

Across the Catholic world, we hear constant discussion about declining Mass attendance, fewer priestly vocations, empty seminaries, and young people leaving the Church. Many wonder what program, strategy, or initiative might reverse these troubling trends.

What if the answer is much simpler than we imagine?

What if the solution begins with faithfully passing on the Catholic faith itself?

The Crisis Behind the Crisis

The shortage of priests is often presented as the primary problem facing the Church. Yet priestly vocations do not arise in a vacuum. Priests come from Catholic families. They come from parishes where the faith is believed, practiced, and loved.

If fewer young men are hearing God’s call, perhaps we must first ask why fewer young people are receiving a strong Catholic formation.

When the faith is not clearly taught, not regularly practiced, and not joyfully lived, it becomes difficult for future generations to embrace it fully. The vocation crisis is often a symptom of a deeper crisis of faith.

Catholic Education Matters

Throughout history, Catholic schools, religious education programs, and faithful families produced generations of committed Catholics. Children learned not only the teachings of the Church but also how to pray, worship, and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.

When Catholic education truly forms disciples, remarkable things happen:

• More young people remain active in the faith.

• More Catholic marriages are formed.

• More families raise children in the Church.

• More vocations to the priesthood and religious life emerge.

Faithful formation produces faithful Catholics.

The Family: The First School of Faith

The most important Catholic classroom is not a school building. It is the home.

Parents are the first teachers of the faith. Children learn by watching how their parents pray, attend Mass, receive the sacraments, and live Christian charity.

A child who sees parents praying together learns that God is real.

A child who sees parents prioritize Sunday Mass learns that worship matters.

A child who sees parents trust God during difficult times learns what authentic faith looks like.

The future of the Church is built around family dinner tables, family rosaries, and parents who take their role as spiritual leaders seriously.

We Cannot Give What We Do Not Possess

One challenge facing Catholics today is that many adults were never fully formed in the faith themselves.

Some know the prayers but not the reasons behind them.

Some attend Mass but struggle to explain basic Catholic teachings.

Others have received little catechesis since childhood.

For this reason, ongoing adult faith formation is essential. The Church needs lifelong learners who continually deepen their understanding of Scripture, Church teaching, and prayer.

The more we know Christ, the more naturally we share Him with others.

Holiness Is Contagious

Throughout Church history, renewal has rarely begun with large institutions. It usually begins with faithful individuals.

One saint inspires a family.

One faithful family inspires a parish.

One vibrant parish inspires a community.

One generation of committed Catholics changes the future.

The Church does not need more marketing. It needs more saints.

It needs Catholics who know their faith, love their faith, and live their faith with conviction.

The Real Solution

The answer to many of the Church’s struggles may not be complicated.

Teach the faith.

Live the faith.

Pray the faith.

Pass the faith on to the next generation.

When Catholic families embrace their mission and when Catholic education faithfully forms disciples, vocations follow naturally. Strong parishes emerge. Communities are renewed.

The future of the Church will not be secured primarily by programs or policies. It will be secured by Catholics who fall deeply in love with Jesus Christ and help others do the same.

The Catholic crisis will not be solved merely by finding more priests.

It will be solved by forming more faithful Catholics.

And that work can begin today—in our homes, our parishes, and our hearts.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” — Matthew 28:19

Please like, subscribe and share this with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail,com

June 15, 2026
The Highlights of the Week 6/7/25

Sunday – I viewed Mass on EWTN.com as Deacon Patrick was in Houston visiting his daughter and her family. There was a 9 AM Church Service here at WFV.

Monday – Doctor’s Apointments all day. A 1 PM Church Service. A Line Dance Class. National Park Tour.

Tuesday – Errands at 9 AM and 1 PM. Rick Steve’s Europe. where we were treated to virtual tour of the Alps. The Elm Fork River Band entertained us with country, blue grass, and gospel music for over an hour.

There was a Book Club Meeting and The Sunshine Committee Meeting, where we learn about new residents moving in and current resident passing away or moving out. We also assembled Welcome Baskets.

Tuesday ended with the Hillsdale College Class on the Constitution.

Wednesday – Doctor’s appointments all day. Bible Study. Some or the residents went to El Fenix for lunch. The Classy Classical. Remember when…trivia A. Craft Class where they poured coasters. Bingo and a 6:30 PM Church Service.

THursday – The Partridege Family History. Drum Class, where we warmed to the very moving music of YMCA. There was a Mini Mall in the Living Room from 1 to 3 PM. The Birthday Social with Ice Cream and cake follow by The Residents Council, where our Director up dated us on the happings… and scams to be aware of.

Friday – The Latest Diabetic News. A Braums Outing. Food Demo for Key Lime Balls. Quite tasty. Can’t wait to get or find the recipe. The day ended with Movie Night.

Saturday – We posted the Weekly News Letter with all the events scheduled for next week on the doors of the apartments and cottages. The Rosary in the Chapel and the Hope Group which had a Pajama Party with dancing and food.

All in all, as you can see, another great week at West Fork Village in Irving, Texas. Truly a Place Where Seniors Thrive.

To learn more about WFV and to join our happy family, for you or a loved one, call 972-721-1500.

Thank you for reading this blog. Please share with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

June 14, 2026
God is the Potter. We are the Clay

Living with Passion Through God’s Transforming Love

Throughout Sacred Scripture, God often compares Himself to a potter and His people to clay. The image is both beautiful and humbling. A lump of clay cannot shape itself. It cannot determine its final form. It must place itself completely in the hands of the potter.

The prophet Isaiah reminds us:

“Yet, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand.”

God is continually shaping each one of us into the person He created us to be. Every joy, every challenge, every success, every disappointment, and every trial has a purpose in His loving plan.

The Blessing Hidden in Suffering

The world teaches us to avoid suffering at all costs. Yet Christianity reveals a deeper truth.

Suffering, when united with Jesus Christ, becomes a blessing.

This does not mean we should seek pain or enjoy hardship. Rather, it means that God can use every difficulty to strengthen our faith, purify our hearts, build our character, and draw us closer to Him.

Just as a potter presses, molds, and reshapes clay, God sometimes allows difficulties to form virtues within us that could not be developed any other way.

Patience is formed through waiting.

Courage is formed through fear.

Compassion is formed through suffering.

Faith is strengthened through trials.

What appears to be a burden today may become the very means by which God prepares us for His greater purpose tomorrow.

Participating in the Passion of Christ

One of the greatest mysteries of our faith is that Jesus allows us to participate in His Passion.

Our Lord suffered for the salvation of the world. Through His Cross, He redeemed humanity and opened the gates of Heaven.

When we unite our suffering to His, our pain is no longer wasted. It becomes prayer.

A lonely day can become a prayer.

An illness can become a prayer.

Financial struggles can become a prayer.

The loss of a loved one can become a prayer.

Every cross we carry can be joined to the Cross of Christ for the salvation of souls.

What a remarkable gift! God allows us to cooperate in His work of redemption.

Offer It Up

Many Catholics were taught a simple but powerful spiritual practice:

Offer it up.

When suffering comes, instead of asking only, “Why is this happening?” we can ask, “Lord, for whom shall I offer this?”

Offer your suffering to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Offer it for those who are struggling.

Offer it for family members who have drifted from God.

Offer it for the Church.

Offer it for the conversion of sinners.

Offer it for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

No suffering united to Christ is ever wasted.

Every sacrifice offered in love becomes part of God’s work in the world.

Don’t Just Live — Live with Passion

Too many people merely exist.

They wake up, go through the motions, and wait for tomorrow.

God calls us to something far greater.

He calls us to live with passion.

To love deeply.

To serve generously.

To forgive completely.

To trust courageously.

To allow His grace to flow through us into the lives of others.

Every person was created for a unique purpose. God did not create anyone by accident. He has given each of us gifts, talents, opportunities, and even crosses that can be transformed into blessings.

When we surrender ourselves to the Divine Potter, we become vessels of His love, mercy, and grace.

A Prayer

Sacred Heart of Jesus,

I place my life in Your hands.

Shape me as the potter shapes the clay.

Help me accept both joys and sufferings as gifts that draw me closer to You.

Teach me to offer my struggles for Your Sacred Heart and for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

Let Your love live within me and work through me.

May I become the person You created me to be.

Amen.

Final Thought

God is still working on each of us.

The wheel is still turning.

The Potter’s hands are still shaping the clay.

Trust Him.

Offer your sufferings to Him.

Live with passion.

Allow God to work through you so that your life becomes a masterpiece of His grace.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10

If this reflection touched your heart, please share it with someone who may be carrying a heavy cross today. Together, let us trust the Divine Potter and allow Him to shape us into saints.

Rick Herring
“Jesus Christ is my Lord, and I belong to Him.”

Thank you for reading this blog. Please like, subscribe, comment and share with others.

June 14, 2026
America Consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

A Historic Moment of Faith, Hope, and Unity

On June 11, 2026, a remarkable event took place in the life of the Catholic Church in the United States. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops officially consecrated and dedicated our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

This historic act occurred during the bishops’ Spring Assembly in Orlando, Florida, as our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary. While many events marking the Semiquincentennial focus on the history and achievements of America, this consecration pointed to something even more important: our need for God’s grace, mercy, and guidance.

The consecration was not a political statement. Rather, it was a profound spiritual act of trust. The bishops entrusted the United States to the loving Heart of Jesus, acknowledging that true healing, unity, and peace come from God.

Why the Sacred Heart?

The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has deep roots in Catholic tradition. The Sacred Heart symbolizes the infinite love that Christ has for humanity. It reminds us that God does not love us from a distance. He enters into our struggles, our suffering, and our daily lives.

Throughout history, countless Catholics have turned to the Sacred Heart during times of uncertainty, war, division, and hardship. They found comfort in knowing that Christ’s Heart remains open to all people.

Today, America faces many challenges. Political disagreements, cultural divisions, economic concerns, family struggles, and spiritual confusion often dominate the headlines. In the midst of these difficulties, the bishops have invited the nation to look toward the Heart of Jesus as the source of healing and reconciliation.

A Call to Unity

One of the most beautiful aspects of this consecration is its focus on unity.

Our nation is composed of people from many backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Yet every person is created in the image and likeness of God and is deeply loved by Him.

The Sacred Heart reminds us that Christ came for everyone. His love crosses political parties, social classes, ethnic backgrounds, and national boundaries.

By consecrating the nation to the Sacred Heart, the bishops are inviting all Americans to rediscover the values of compassion, forgiveness, service, and love of neighbor.

A Time for Personal Consecration

While the bishops made this dedication on behalf of the nation, every Catholic can participate personally.

We can consecrate our own hearts, our families, our homes, and our communities to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We can spend time in prayer, attend Mass faithfully, receive the Sacraments, and seek to love others as Christ loves us.

The renewal of a nation begins with the renewal of individual hearts.

When hearts change, families change.

When families change, communities change.

When communities change, nations change.

Looking Forward

As America approaches its 250th birthday, this consecration offers a powerful reminder that our greatest strength has never been found solely in political institutions, military power, or economic success.

Our greatest hope is found in God.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus stands as a symbol of mercy, compassion, sacrifice, and unconditional love. In dedicating our nation to that Heart, the bishops have invited all Americans to seek a future rooted not in fear or division, but in faith and charity.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus watch over our nation, guide our leaders, strengthen our families, protect the vulnerable, and lead all people closer to His eternal love.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, guide our nation.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, reign in our hearts forever.

What are your thoughts on this historic consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus?

Share your reflections in the comments below. Let us pray together for our nation, our families, and our communities as we seek God’s mercy, healing, and peace.

Thank You for reading this blog. Please like, subscribe, and share with others,

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail

June 14, 2026
A $10 Opportunity That Could Make a Difference

Helping Families, Small Businesses, and Communities Grow Together

Have you ever wished there was an affordable way to create an additional stream of income without investing hundreds or thousands of dollars?

In today’s economy, many people are searching for practical solutions.

Families are facing rising expenses.

Small businesses are looking for new customers.

Retirees are seeking ways to supplement their income.

Communities are searching for ways to support one another.

That’s why I was excited to discover a program that costs just $10 to get started.

There are no expensive startup packages.

There are no monthly membership fees.

Just a simple concept that allows ordinary people to participate without taking on significant financial risk.

Why People Are Taking a Look

✓ One-time $10 startup cost

✓ No expensive upgrades required

✓ No monthly fees

✓ Simple system

✓ Can be worked part-time

✓ Accessible to almost anyone

✓ Community-oriented approach

Could This Be Right For You?

This opportunity may be worth exploring if you are:

• Looking for a side income

• A retiree seeking additional income

• A student wanting extra spending money

• A small business owner looking for another revenue source

• Someone who enjoys helping others discover opportunities

The idea is straightforward and easy to understand, but seeing the complete details makes all the difference.

There Is No Obligation

Simply enter your information below and I’ll send you the complete details so you can decide for yourself whether it makes sense for you.

Get The Complete Information

Click Here

June 11, 2026
The Four Person Question

A few days ago I asked myself a simple question:

“If I found a legitimate opportunity that could help people create additional income, could I think of four people who might benefit?”

The answer came immediately.

A family member struggling with bills.

A friend worried about retirement.

A small business owner fighting rising costs.

A rural community looking for ways to keep services available.

What surprised me was realizing that success doesn’t necessarily require a large network. Sometimes all it takes is one person who sees the value and takes action.

The opportunity I’m involved with has a very low one-time startup cost—less than many people spend on a meal out—and future growth is funded from earnings rather than additional purchases.

Whether it’s right for everyone is a different question. But it did make me think about how many people around us are looking for practical ways to improve their financial situation.

Perhaps the better question isn’t whether you know four people.

Perhaps it’s whether you know one.

If you’d like to learn more, here’s the information:

Click Here.

— Rick Herring

June 10, 2026
The Highlights of the Week 5/31/26

Sunday – I attended Mass at Saint Luke Catholic Church in Irving, Texas. There was also a Church Service here at WFV.

Monday – Doctor’s Appointments all day. A virtual tours of the National Parks of Utah.

Tuesday – Errands at 9 AM and 1 PM in south Irving. Rick Steve’s Europe, where we toured Italy and Syria. There was Birthday Card Signing for those having a birthday in July. Bridge/Phase 10 2nd floor. Chair Dance Class. Tuesday Trivia. Name that tune, and at 6 PM we were treated to a Hillsdale College Course on The Constitution.

Wednesday – Doctor’s Appointments all day. UNO/Canasta game. Grief Check-in. Painting Class, Bingo, and a 6:30 PM Church Service.

Thursday – The Carter Family History. Mother Maybell and her daughters were the First Family of Country Music. Jimmy Rogers was the Father of Country Music. June Carter married Johnny Cash.

Mark Dunn entertained us for a good hour as he tickled the ivory and treated us to songs from our past.

There was a very tasty Watermelon Social. A New Resident Orientation and Pool Time at the Pool Table in the living room.

Friday – Started off with a Dollar Tree Outing. There were delicious fruity treat at our Fruity Social. A Monthly Planning Meeting for the July Calender. Name 10 Things and Movie Night.

Saturday We gathered in the Chapel for the Rosary and The Chaplet Of Divine Mercy, which was give to Saint Faustina in early 1900rds by Jesus Christ, who appeared to the Polish Nun over many years. On the advise of her Confessor and Sprirtual Director, Saint Faustina wrote down these visits in her diary. A copy of which I have and have read. The entries cover 643 pages.

I must give shout out to the beautiful Center Peices on our Dinning Room Table. Just when you think this is the greatest, another appears that is as beautiful or more so. They really brighten up the Dinning Room. Thanks to someone sharing their God given talents to brighten our day.

While the above list of activities maybe overwhelmening to you, that’s not all. Remember WFV is an Independent Living Facility and we only choose the ones that interest us and you can do the same. We are able to do our own thing and pruesue our own interest.

Which brings me to my new YouTube Channel on The World of Dogs. There you will find much about dogs in generals. To Check it out Click Here.

As you can see we had another great week at West Fork Village. A Place Where Seniors Thrive.

Ifyou wish to learn more about WFV, for you or a loved one, call 972-721-1500.

Thank you for reading this blog. Please share it with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

June 7, 2026
Christianity: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

Christianity: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

Celebrating the Feast of Corpus Christi

Christianity, in its truest nature, is a love story.

From the very beginning, God created humanity out of love and for love. Throughout Scripture, we see a God who continually reaches out to His people, inviting them into a relationship of friendship, trust, and communion. The entire Christian faith can be understood as God’s loving pursuit of His children.

Jesus summarized this love story in what is known as the Great Commandment:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” And He added, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Everything in Christianity flows from these two commandments. We are called to love God completely and to share that same love with everyone we meet. Christianity is not primarily about rules, rituals, or obligations. It is about a loving relationship with God that transforms the way we live and treat others.

This divine love reached its most beautiful expression at the Last Supper. On the night before His Passion, Jesus gathered with His disciples and gave them an extraordinary gift. Taking bread, He said, “This is My Body.” Taking the cup, He said, “This is My Blood.”

In that sacred moment, Jesus gave Himself completely to His followers. He established the Holy Eucharist, ensuring that His presence would remain with His Church throughout the ages. The Eucharist is not merely a symbol of God’s love; it is God’s love made present among us.

The following day, Jesus demonstrated the depth of that love on Calvary. He willingly endured suffering, humiliation, and death upon the Cross. As Scripture tells us:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

The Crucifixion stands as the greatest act of love in human history. Jesus laid down His life so that we might receive forgiveness, reconciliation, and the hope of eternal life. His sacrifice opened the gates of Heaven and revealed the immeasurable love of God for every person.

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of Corpus Christi, which means “The Body of Christ.” This beautiful feast reminds us that the same Jesus who walked the roads of Galilee, who died on the Cross, and who rose from the dead is truly present in the Holy Eucharist.

Corpus Christi invites us to deepen our appreciation for this incredible gift. In every Mass, Jesus offers Himself to us. In every Holy Communion, He nourishes our souls with His very life. In every Eucharistic Adoration chapel, He waits patiently for us to spend time with Him.

The Feast of Corpus Christi reminds us that Christianity is not simply a religion to practice but a relationship to live. It is the story of a God who loves us beyond measure, a Savior who gave everything for our salvation, and a Eucharistic Lord who remains with us until the end of time.

May we respond to this great love by loving God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and by loving our neighbors as Christ has loved us. For in the end, Christianity is, and always will be, the greatest love story ever told.

Scripture Reflection

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” — John 6:51

May this Feast of Corpus Christi draw us closer to our Eucharistic Lord and deepen our appreciation for the incredible love that God has poured out upon the world through Jesus Christ.

Thank you for reading this blog. Please share it with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

June 7, 2026