Author: thmjmj@8875

Is Heaven on Your Trip Agendia
Planning the Most Important Journey of Your Life

“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:20-21

Most of us spend considerable time planning ordinary events.

Before going to Walmart, we make a shopping list. We compare prices. We decide the quickest route. We plan what we need and when we will go.

Before taking a vacation, we spend weeks or even months preparing. We reserve hotels, buy tickets, pack our luggage, and study maps so we will arrive safely at our destination.

Yet I am convinced that many people spend more time planning a trip to Walmart than they do planning the most important journey they will ever make—the journey into eternity.

That thought should give every one of us pause.

Everything Here Will Pass Away

Jesus continually reminded us not to become attached to the temporary things of this world.

He told us:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven.”

Every possession we own will someday belong to someone else.

Every house will eventually belong to another family.

Every automobile will wear out.

Even our own bodies will return to dust.

Everything on earth is temporary.

Only eternity lasts forever.

That realization has brought tremendous peace into my own life.

When disappointments come, I remind myself that they are temporary.

When suffering comes, it too is temporary.

When the evening news fills our hearts with violence, hatred, wars, and confusion, I remember that none of these things will last forever.

Even if we were to live one hundred years on this earth, it would still be only a tiny flicker when compared with eternity.

Are We Preparing for Heaven?

It is difficult to arrive at a destination we never intended to reach.

If someone asked you today where you planned to spend your next vacation, you could probably answer immediately.

But how many people regularly ask themselves:

“Am I preparing for Heaven?”

The devil surely delights whenever people become so busy with earthly concerns that they never seriously prepare for eternal life.

He doesn’t have to convince people that God doesn’t exist.

Often, he merely distracts them long enough that they never make God the center of their lives.

Days become weeks.

Weeks become years.

Years become a lifetime.

Then eternity arrives.

Two Very Different Destinations

Scripture speaks clearly about two eternal destinations.

Heaven

Imagine a place filled with perfect peace.

No sickness.

No tears.

No loneliness.

No fear.

No hatred.

No jealousy.

No anxiety.

There we will finally see God face to face.

We will be with our Eternal Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all the saints who have gone before us.

Every longing of the human heart will finally be fulfilled.

Perfect love.

Perfect joy.

Perfect peace.

Forever.

Hell

In complete contrast stands the tragedy of eternal separation from God.

Scripture describes it as a place without peace.

A place of darkness.

A place of regret.

A place where pride, hatred, selfishness, rebellion, and despair never end.

Everything that separates us from God reaches its terrible conclusion there.

God desires that no one should choose that path, but He also respects the freedom He has given each of us.

The choice is ours.

Building Treasures That Last Forever

How do we prepare for Heaven?

Not by earning God’s love, because His grace is always His gift.

But we respond to that grace by living faithfully each day.

We prepare through:
- Daily prayer that keeps our hearts close to God.
- Receiving the sacraments faithfully.
- Reading Sacred Scripture.
- Loving our neighbor.
- Forgiving those who hurt us.
- Caring for the poor and those in need.
- Offering our sufferings to Christ.
- Living lives of humility, gratitude, and charity.
- Seeking God’s mercy whenever we fall through sincere repentance.
Every act of love becomes an eternal investment.

Every sacrifice offered to God has lasting value.

Every soul we help draw closer to Christ becomes a treasure that will never disappear.

Where Do You Want to Spend Eternity?

Someday every one of us will take the journey from this life into eternity.

The question is not if we will make that journey.

The question is where we will arrive.

If we devote hours planning vacations, careers, retirement, and even shopping trips, shouldn’t we spend even more time preparing for the one destination that lasts forever?

Heaven is worth every prayer.

Every sacrifice.

Every act of love.

Every effort to follow Christ.

For compared with eternity, this life is only the briefest moment.

So let us begin today.

Let us pray more faithfully.

Love more generously.

Forgive more quickly.

Serve more joyfully.

And each day, let us continue storing up treasures where they will never fade away.

Because when our earthly journey is finished, nothing will matter more than hearing those beautiful words spoken by our Savior:

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.” — Matthew 25:23

Reflection:
Today, ask yourself one simple question: “If I were planning my journey to Heaven with the same care I plan my everyday activities, what would I do differently?” Then begin taking those steps today, trusting in God’s grace to lead you home.

Before you go…

If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who loves dogs and uplifting stories.

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

Rik Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
July 12, 2026
A Diamond in The Ruff

I must give a shout out for West Fork Village independent living in Irving, Texas. For what we get for the one price we pay is probably not found by any other apartment complex in the metroplex.

Just take gander at this. The one price includes the apartment, studio, one or two bedroom. Electricity, water, trash, three meals a day, social event, which include live music, transportation, housekeeping. and a most dedicated staff that works hard to fill our every need.

Our meals are served cafeteria style or delivered to our room. Our tables are bused. There is Front Desk, where a very knowledgeable person help us in so many ways. You can even get your emailed documents printed there. at no cost.

There is unlimited TV viewing on a large screen TV in the living room and on the second floor.

Most of all there is a loving family here where unlike most apartments we are able to know the other residences, through meals, social events, bus rides, and more… So many of these happenings really form community.

Our loving family is amazing. Where else can find a rental property with right around 200 people getting along so well. Of course the ability to, not only get along with everybody but truly be blessed my everybody is to accept them as they are. Don’;t try to change people.

The one downfall, if there is one, is the one payment along with everything else increases every year and relieving on retirement and Social Security it can be hard to keep up without outside help.

As we get older. we have to see more health specialist and they are really expensive. I am working hard to get a good income generating side hussel so I can keep enjoying this Diamond in the Ruff and help others do the same.

We must love, for as Mother Angelica, founder of EWTN, the largest Catholc TV, Radio and Catholc News outlet in the world, tell us, “Love created the world because love shares. Love gives. So without love there is no life.”

Staying active, I believe is the secret to enjoy good health and the ability to move around and enjoying life. So I do spiritual blogs, The Highlights of the Week from life at West Fork Village. I have a YouTube where we highlight marvelous dogs from the past. World of Dogs and publish a Free Newsletter, highlighting good news, a budget recipe, a World of Dogs video, The Highlights of the Week, some humor and a spiritual blog, For what does it profit a man/ woman to gain the whole world and lose their souls.

You can go to thm34.shop and learn more about the newsletter and subscrbe.

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

July 10, 2026
Pray Unceasingly: Making Every Making Ever Moment a Pray

“Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Those three simple words from Saint Paul have challenged Christians for nearly two thousand years.

How can anyone pray without ceasing?

Surely God does not expect us to spend every waking moment kneeling in a church. Yet countless saints have shown us that continual prayer is not only possible—it is one of the greatest secrets of a joyful Christian life.

During the 1957–1958 school year, I attended Saint John Seminary in San Antonio, Texas. One of my favorite memories had nothing to do with the classroom.

The Sisters who prepared our meals wore beautiful light-blue habits with white head coverings. From time to time, as we passed the dining hall with its large glass wall, we could see them quietly going about their work while praying the Rosary.

What a beautiful sight.

They were not separating prayer from work.

Their work had become prayer.

That memory has remained with me throughout my life.

Saint Benedict taught his monks the beautiful principle of Ora et Labora—”Pray and Work.” Every task, no matter how ordinary, can become an offering to God when it is done with love and for His glory.

Throughout Scripture we read of prophets performing mighty miracles. Throughout the centuries the saints have done remarkable things that continue to inspire us today.

Yet the greatest lesson they teach us is that they never claimed the glory for themselves.

God was working through willing instruments.

That realization has deeply influenced my own life.

In my own small way, I try to keep God at the center of everything I do.

In the morning I dedicate evrything to God. Afterwards I Thank Him. I tell Him you did a very good job.

Before every meal, I thank Him.

Every breath reminds me that life itself is His gift.

Every step is another opportunity to walk with Him.

Every conversation is another chance to reflect His love.

Every blessing reminds me that I own nothing.

Everything I enjoy today—my health, my home, my friends, the ability to write, my computer, and every opportunity to serve—is a gift entrusted to me by God.

He has generously placed these blessings into my hands.

And because they belong to Him, He can ask for them back whenever He chooses.

That thought does not frighten me.

Instead, it fills me with gratitude.

Scripture also reminds us that we have another choice.

When Judas left the Last Supper, St. John’s Gospel tells us that Satan entered into him. Judas became an instrument of darkness because he chose to reject the Lord who loved him.

Each of us makes that choice every day.

Will we become instruments of God’s grace…

or instruments of selfishness, anger, pride, and division?

The decision is made in thousands of little moments.

Perhaps praying without ceasing is not so much about constantly saying prayers as it is about constantly living in God’s presence.

Offering every task.

Thanking Him for every blessing.

Seeking His guidance before every decision.

Serving others with joy.

Living each moment as though Jesus were standing beside us—because He is.

This is my humble attempt to pray without ceasing.

I certainly have much room to grow.

But every day is another opportunity to begin again.

How do you keep God present throughout your day?

Perhaps it is through the Rosary.

Perhaps through quiet moments of gratitude.

Perhaps by offering your work to God.

Perhaps by simply whispering, “Jesus, I trust in You.”

Whatever your way may be, may every heartbeat become another prayer…

and may our entire lives become a loving offering to the One who first loved us.

P.S. Before you go…

If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who loves dogs and uplifting stories.

Then visit thm34.shop and subscribe FREE to The Good News Newsletter.

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Visit today: thm34.shop

July 9, 2026
July 9, 2026
A Message to My Neighbors at West Fork Village
Dear Friends and Neighbors,

One of the saddest moments in any retirement community is seeing someone move away—not because they want to, but because they can no longer afford to stay.

Many of us chose West Fork Village because it feels like home. We’ve built friendships, found a caring community, and enjoy the activities, meals, and the peace of knowing we’re surrounded by people who care.

Unfortunately, the cost of living continues to rise. For some residents, each rent increase creates uncertainty about whether they will be able to remain here another year.

I began looking for a way that ordinary people could earn supplemental income without investing hundreds or thousands of dollars.

After a great deal of research, I found an opportunity that costs just $10 one time to get started.

What caught my attention wasn’t just the low cost—it was the simplicity.

There are:
- No expensive starter packages
- No monthly membership fees
- No large financial commitment
- No inventory to purchase
- A simple system anyone can learn
- An opportunity to share it with family, friends, neighbors, and others who may also be looking for additional income
This is not a “get rich quick” program, and there are no guarantees of income. Like any opportunity, results depend on learning, sharing, and consistent effort.

What I appreciate most is that it gives people a chance to help themselves while introducing others to the same opportunity.

Imagine if enough residents, family members, and friends each found a way to earn a little extra each month. For some, it could mean helping with rent increases. For others, it could provide money for medications, groceries, travel, or simply a little more financial peace of mind.

My hope is simple: that fewer people will have to leave a community they love because of financial pressure.

If you’re curious, I invite you to take a few minutes to watch the presentation and decide for yourself whether it’s something worth exploring. There is no obligation and no pressure—just information.

Watch the Presentation:
https://jbgrate.com

If you have questions, I’d be happy to visit with you.

Email:
thmjmj@gmail.com

A Final Thought

Sometimes hope begins with one small step.

A one-time $10 decision may not seem significant, but when shared with others, it has the potential to create additional income for those willing to learn and work together.

If this opportunity helps even one resident remain at West Fork Village a little longer, or gives one family greater financial security, then sharing it will have been worthwhile.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message. I wish you good health, peace, and many more happy years here at West Fork Village.

Warmly,

Rick
Team Hope Ministries

P.S. If you like what you seen so far go to https://jbgrate.com
July 7, 2026
The Gettysburg Address:

A Spiritual Reflection on Freedom, Sacrifice, and Our Duty Under God

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” — Psalm 33:12

As Americans, we have recently celebrated the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. For two and a half centuries, our Republic has remained an extraordinary experiment in self-government. Through wars, hardships, triumphs, and blessings, our nation has endured because millions of Americans have believed that liberty is a gift worth protecting.

Few documents capture that truth more beautifully than President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

Delivered on November 19, 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, Lincoln spoke only 272 words. Yet those few words have echoed across generations because they touched something much deeper than politics—they spoke to the human soul.

Freedom Is a Gift from God

Lincoln began:

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

Those words remind us of a profound truth.

Human dignity does not come from governments. It comes from God.

The Founding Fathers declared in the Declaration of Independence that our rights are endowed by our Creator. Every human life possesses immeasurable worth because every person is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27).

This truth lies at the very heart of Christianity.

Whether rich or poor, famous or forgotten, healthy or disabled, every human being is loved by God.

That conviction gave birth to the American experiment and continues to guide our nation today.

Sacrifice Reflects the Greatest Love

The Battle of Gettysburg became one of the bloodiest battles ever fought on American soil. Thousands of soldiers willingly gave what Lincoln called “the last full measure of devotion.”

As Christians, we cannot help but hear echoes of our Lord’s own words:

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Every soldier who willingly sacrifices for others reminds us—however imperfectly—of Christ’s supreme sacrifice upon the Cross.

Jesus freely laid down His life so that all humanity might live forever.

Every act of genuine self-sacrifice reflects something of God’s own love.

“We Cannot Consecrate This Ground”

Lincoln declared:

“We cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground.”

The soldiers themselves had already done that through their sacrifice.

There is a deeply spiritual lesson here.

Sacrifice always sanctifies.

Parents who sacrifice for their children.

Priests who faithfully serve their people.

Missionaries who give their lives to spread the Gospel.

Doctors, nurses, first responders, caregivers, and countless ordinary people quietly giving themselves each day.

These acts of love become holy because they imitate Christ.

Holiness is rarely found in comfort.

It is found in faithful self-giving.

The Unfinished Work

Lincoln challenged the living:

“It is for us the living… to be dedicated here to the unfinished work…”

Every generation receives an unfinished task.

As Christians, our unfinished work is even greater.

We are called to spread the Gospel.

To forgive those who hurt us.

To defend the dignity of every human life.

To strengthen our families.

To care for the poor.

To love our neighbors.

To build God’s Kingdom one soul at a time.

Each generation must decide whether it will continue this sacred work or leave it unfinished.

“Under God”

Perhaps the most significant words in the Gettysburg Address are often overlooked.

Lincoln spoke of

“this nation, under God…”

Those two words remind us that no nation ultimately governs itself.

God remains Lord of history.

Nations rise.

Empires fall.

Borders change.

Cultures evolve.

But God’s Kingdom endures forever.

Our founders understood that freedom survives only when it is rooted in virtue, morality, and faith.

When people forget God, freedom eventually weakens because liberty without virtue becomes selfishness.

True freedom is not merely the ability to do whatever we wish.

True freedom is the ability to choose what is good.

A New Birth of Freedom

Lincoln prayed that America might experience “a new birth of freedom.”

Christ offers something even greater.

He offers every one of us a new birth through grace.

Jesus told Nicodemus:

“Unless one is born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)

Political freedom is precious.

Spiritual freedom is eternal.

The greatest liberty is freedom from sin.

Only Christ can give that gift.

The Greatest Citizenship

As grateful as we are to live in the United States, Scripture reminds us that our highest citizenship is not earthly.

Saint Paul writes:

“Our citizenship is in heaven.” (Philippians 3:20)

We honor our country.

We pray for our leaders.

We cherish the freedoms secured by generations of brave Americans.

But we never lose sight of our eternal homeland.

Every nation, including our own, is temporary.

The Kingdom of God alone is everlasting.

Our Resolution Today

Lincoln asked Americans to resolve that those who died would not have died in vain.

As Christians, may we make an even greater resolution.

May we resolve to live lives worthy of the blessings God has given us.

May we treasure religious liberty by using it to worship Him faithfully.

May we defend the dignity of every person.

May we become instruments of peace in a divided world.

And may we always remember that the greatest freedom is not found in politics, wealth, or power—but in belonging completely to Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate America’s 250 years, let us thank Almighty God for His countless blessings upon our nation.

Then let us pray that America will always remain “one nation under God,” seeking His wisdom, His mercy, and His truth.

For when a nation humbly walks with God, it finds not only freedom for today but hope for eternity.

“If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36

If you were touched by this article please share it with others and get your FREE subcribe to The Good News Newsletter, where you can experience this type of article and be the first to learn about the lasted book THM has published, budget Recipies, the World of Dogs video of the week and so much more. Click Here to subscribe and get your first issue direct to email inbox.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

,

July 6, 2026
The Highlights of the Week 6/28/26

Sunday – I attended Mass at Saint Luke Catholic Church. There was a Church Service at WFV,

Monday – Doctor’s Appointments. Church Service. National Park Tour.

Tuesday – Errands at 9 AM and 1 PM

Wednesday – HEB Outing was quite a treat. We enjoyed the wide isles and the great selection available and friendly staff.. Bible Study. Bingo. Church Service.

Thursday – The Flags went up in Celebration of the fourth of July. This year we celebrate the Nation’s 250th birthday. Mark Dunn entertained with a great Variety of songs from the past.

Our Director and our Activity Manager treated us to an hour of Slapstick Comedy depicting Our Nation’s History from our founding to the present day. It was very great hourhighlighlings the great links the staff will go to keep us smiling and building found memories of our time at WFV.

Friday – The Managers and Director enjoyed a day off while the day ended with Movie Night. The movie was Independence Day.

Saturday – To give the Kitchen And Dining Room Staft the afternoon off, we had box dinners picked up at the front desk.There was also an ice cream social.

I was able to get much done on my projects. I even published an ebook which you can download for free. Just please write a review of the book for future buyers. Click Here to download it.

Add to this three meals a day and you can see we had another great week at West Fork Village in Irving, Texas. A Place where Seniors Thrive.

To learn more about WFV, for you or a loved one, call 972-731-1500.

Thanks for reading this blog. Please share with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

July 5, 2026
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
A Nation Blessed with the Gift of Religious Freedom

Today, July 4, 2026, the United States of America celebrates an extraordinary milestone—250 years as a free and independent nation.

From the ringing of the Liberty Bell to the waving of countless American flags across our land, Americans pause today to remember the courage, faith, and sacrifice of those who established a nation unlike any the world had ever known.

While the Declaration of Independence announced our political freedom, it also reflected a deeper conviction shared by many of our Founding Fathers: that our rights do not come from government but from Almighty God.

The Declaration boldly proclaims:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…”

Those words changed history.

Our founders understood that governments may protect rights, but they do not create them. Because our rights come from our Creator, they cannot rightly be taken away by kings, presidents, or legislatures.

This understanding became one of the cornerstones of the American experiment.

The Blessing of Religious Liberty

One of America’s greatest gifts to the world has been the protection of religious freedom.

The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees that government shall neither establish a national religion nor prohibit the free exercise of religion. This remarkable principle allows people to worship God according to the dictates of their conscience.

For millions of Americans over the past two and a half centuries, churches have stood at the heart of their communities.

They have been places where:
- Children learned about God.
- Families celebrated baptisms and weddings.
- Communities gathered during times of joy and sorrow.
- Missionaries were sent around the world.
- Countless acts of charity were inspired by faith.
Religious liberty has allowed people of many faith traditions to live together peacefully while remaining free to proclaim their beliefs.

Faith in the Words of the Founders

Many of America’s founders spoke openly about the importance of faith and virtue in sustaining a free nation.

George Washington wrote:

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”

John Adams observed:

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.”

These statements remind us that freedom carries responsibility. A free people must also strive to be a virtuous people.

Freedom Is Never Free

As we celebrate this historic anniversary, we also remember the generations of Americans who preserved these freedoms.

From the soldiers of the Revolutionary War to those serving today, millions have sacrificed so that future generations might continue to enjoy liberty.

Many never returned home.

Their courage reminds us that freedom is precious and must never be taken for granted.

A Time for Gratitude

The 250th birthday of the United States is more than a national celebration.

It is an opportunity to thank God for the blessings we have received:
- Freedom to worship.
- Freedom to speak.
- Freedom to assemble.
- Freedom to serve our neighbors.
- Freedom to pursue lives rooted in faith, hope, and charity.
As people of faith, we recognize that every blessing ultimately comes from God. We pray that He will continue to guide our nation with wisdom, justice, humility, and peace.

May America always remain a land where faith may be lived openly, where families may flourish, and where every generation remembers that true freedom begins with obedience to God.

Happy 250th Birthday, America!

May God continue to bless these United States of America.

May He bless all who call this nation home.

And may we always remember the words engraved on our coins:

“In God We Trust.” 🇺🇸

P.S.Before you go…

If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who loves dogs and uplifting stories.

Then visit thm34.shop and subscribe FREE to The Good News Newsletter.

Each week you’ll receive inspiring stories, faith-filled encouragement, World of Dogs videos, weekly highlights, and delicious budget recipes—all delivered straight to your inbox.

Visit today: thm34.shop
July 4, 2026
Living in the Light of Eternity

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33** —

Looking Beyond Today Throughout the history of the Church, the saints have shared one remarkable characteristic: they learned to see everything in the light of eternity.

Every joy, every sorrow, every success, and every trial was viewed not merely from the perspective of today, but from the perspective of Heaven.

This eternal vision did not make them indifferent to suffering. Instead, it gave them the wisdom to place every earthly event in its proper proportion.

Many of our fears, discouragements, resentments, and conflicts become overwhelming because we unconsciously magnify temporary events until they seem permanent.

A harsh word, an unexpected disappointment, financial concerns, illness, or the opinions of others can grow so large in our minds that they eclipse everything else.

Yet Scripture reminds us that these things are passing. Eternity alone lasts forever.

Seek First the Kingdom Jesus gives us the foundation for living with peace: >

**”Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”** > *(Matthew 6:33)*

Notice that Jesus does not tell us to ignore our responsibilities or pretend that difficulties do not exist. Rather, He teaches us to place first things first.

When God’s Kingdom becomes our highest priority, everything else begins to fall into its proper place. Our worries lose much of their power.

Success becomes an opportunity for gratitude rather than pride. Failure becomes an opportunity for growth rather than despair. Even suffering takes on new meaning because we know it is not the end of the story.

Present Suffering and Eternal Glory No one understood suffering better than the Apostle Paul. He endured imprisonment, persecution, beatings, shipwrecks, rejection, hunger, and constant danger. Yet in the midst of these hardships, he wrote: >

**”For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”** > *(Romans 8:18)* He also wrote: > **”For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”** > *(2 Corinthians 4:17)*

Paul was not dismissing suffering. His own life proves otherwise. Rather, he was magnifying eternity. Compared with everlasting joy in the presence of God, even life’s greatest trials become temporary.

The Wisdom of the Saints The saints became holy not because they escaped suffering, but because they learned to keep their eyes fixed on Christ. Their perspective shaped every virtue they practiced.

Humility replaced pride because they remembered that only God is great. Patience overcame frustration because they trusted God’s timing.

Charity overcame resentment because they knew mercy lasts forever. Hope conquered discouragement because Heaven was always before their eyes.

Peace grew because they knew this world is not our final home. Whenever difficulties arose, they returned their hearts to eternity.

When Small Things Become Too Big Many of life’s emotional burdens grow because we give temporary problems eternal importance.

An argument lasting only minutes can disturb us for days. One criticism can overshadow years of faithful work. A disappointment can convince us that our future is ruined. Financial setbacks can make us forget God’s faithful providence.

We begin to believe that today’s circumstances define our lives. But they do not. When we remember eternity, our perspective changes. The problem may still exist, but it no longer occupies the center of our hearts. We realize that what feels overwhelming today may one day be only a small step on our journey toward God.

An Eternal Perspective Changes Everything Living with eternity in mind does not eliminate pain. Christ Himself suffered. The apostles suffered.

The saints suffered. We will also experience sorrow, disappointment, and loss. Yet an eternal perspective transforms how we carry these burdens.

It gives us courage to persevere. It teaches us to forgive more readily. It helps us let go of unnecessary worries. It reminds us that faithfulness is more important than comfort.

Most importantly, it fills our hearts with hope because God’s promises are greater than today’s troubles. —

Conclusion

Scripture tells us that life is like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Eternity, however, never ends. The saints understood this truth so deeply that it shaped every decision they made.

Their eyes were fixed not merely on the circumstances around them, but on the Kingdom of God. May we learn to do the same.

When we seek first God’s Kingdom, our fears begin to shrink, our hope begins to grow, and our hearts discover the peace that comes from knowing that every act of faith, every sacrifice, every prayer, and every moment of perseverance echoes into eternity.

For in the end, it is not today’s troubles that define our lives—it is the everlasting glory that God has promised to those who love Him.

Focusing on Eternity With God In Heaven as what I want more than anything has greatly enhanced my peace, love, and joy. I hope and pray it does the same for you.

P.S. Before you go…

If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who loves dogs and uplifting stories.

Then visit thm34.shop and subscribe FREE to The Good News Newsletter.

Each week you’ll receive inspiring stories, faith-filled encouragement, World of Dogs videos, weekly highlights, and delicious budget recipes—all delivered straight to your inbox.

Visit today: thm34.shop to subscribe

July 1, 2026
The Good News Newsletter

Bringing Hope, Faith, Inspiration, and a Smile Each Week

“Sharing Good News in a World That Needs It.”

Editor’s Welcome

Welcome to another edition of The Good News Newsletter!

Every day we are surrounded by headlines that focus on fear, conflict, and discouragement. Our purpose is different. We seek to remind one another that God is still at work, goodness still exists, and every day is another opportunity to grow closer to Him.

Whether you are reading from home, in a retirement community, or while enjoying your morning coffee, thank you for allowing us to spend a few moments with you.

May this week’s newsletter bring you encouragement, hope, and peace.

✝️ FEATURE ARTICLE

Seeing the Whole Picture

One of the greatest differences between the saints and most of us is that the saints saw the whole picture.

Many of us become consumed with the immediate concerns of life. We worry about bills, appointments, health, responsibilities, and countless other daily concerns. While these things certainly matter, they are not the greatest reality.

The saints understood this.

When the Catholic Church studies someone for canonization, it does not simply look for one outstanding virtue. Every aspect of that person’s life is carefully examined. Their faith, hope, charity, humility, courage, prudence, justice, temperance, patience, and perseverance are all scrutinized.

The Church asks one simple question:

Did this person strive to live a holy life in every area?

If heroic virtue is lacking, canonization does not proceed.

The saints became whole people because they kept their eyes fixed on the greatest goal imaginable.

That goal was eternity.

Even if we live one hundred years, those years are only a brief flicker compared with eternal life.

The saints measured every decision against one question:

Will this help me get to Heaven?

That perspective transformed everything.

When hardships came, they trusted God.

When blessings came, they thanked Him.

When temptations appeared, they remembered that no temporary pleasure was worth sacrificing eternal joy.

Jesus asked,

“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?”

Those words still challenge us today.

Perhaps we should ask ourselves:

Am I living only for today, or am I preparing for forever?

If eternity becomes our greatest priority, every other part of life falls into its proper place.

That is how the saints lived.

That is why they inspire us.

May we learn to see the whole picture.

🍲 Budget Recipe of the Week

Click Here

🐶 World of Dogs Video of the Week

This Week’s Featured Video

https://youtu.be/CLe3WpgR7aU?si=rM7HnOOCdwyEsdGq

Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share!

🌞 Weekly Inspiration

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

— Colossians 3:2

Take a few moments each day this week to remember that Heaven is your true destination.

📖 Scripture for the Week

Matthew 6:33

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you besides.”

😊 Smile of the Week

Why did Noah have to discipline the chickens?

Because they were using foul language!

❤️ Prayer Corner

Lord,

Help us to remember what truly matters.

Teach us to keep our eyes fixed on Heaven while faithfully serving You here on earth.

May every word we speak, every kindness we show, and every decision we make bring us one step closer to You.

Amen.

📅 Highlights of the Week

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💡 Good News Around Us

(Share an uplifting story from your church, community, family, or around the world.) Click Here for a bit of humor

📚 Quote of the Week

“The future starts today, not tomorrow.”

— Pope Saint John Paul II

🙏 Prayer Requests

Please continue praying for:

• Those who are sick

• Caregivers

• Our military

• First responders

• Those who have lost loved ones

• Peace throughout the world

💖 Until Next Week…

Thank you for spending part of your week with us.

Never forget:

God loves you.

Jesus walks beside you.

The Holy Spirit strengthens you.

Our Blessed Mother prays for you.

The saints cheer you on.

May your week be filled with God’s peace, abundant blessings, and joyful hope.

See you next week!

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Together we can spread hope, encouragement, and the Good News of Jesus Christ to people everywhere.

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Thank you for reading this Newsletter and accesslng all the additional goodies. Please share with others

Have Blessed Week,

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

June 29, 2026