Tag: God

Are You Exhausted? Perhaps You Are Resisting God
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Have you ever felt completely worn out—not just physically, but deep in your soul? You may sleep, take a break, or even escape for a few hours, yet the weariness remains.

Sometimes our deepest exhaustion does not come from how much we are doing. It comes from how hard we are trying to control what was never ours to carry.

There is a quiet but painful truth many of us resist:

Resisting God is exhausting.

The Weight of Refusing to Surrender

We often believe that if we can just try harder, think smarter, plan better, or worry more, we can fix our lives. We cling tightly to our plans, our fears, our schedules, our dreams, and even our disappointments.

We say things like:
- “I have to make this work.”
- “I cannot let go.”
- “What if everything falls apart?”
- “I need to know what will happen next.”
But the harder we grip, the more tired we become.

When we refuse to surrender to God, we live as though everything depends on us. We carry burdens that were never meant for our shoulders. We fight battles in our own strength. We attempt to force open doors God may have closed, or we stand trembling before doors He has not yet opened.

No wonder we are exhausted.

The soul was not created to live apart from trust in God.

What Does It Mean to Surrender to God?

To completely surrender to God is to place our entire being—our hopes, fears, plans, relationships, and future—into His hands.

Surrender is not giving up. It is giving over.

It is not weakness. It is trust.

It is not a one-time act, but a daily decision to yield our control, and even our desires, to the One who knows us better than we know ourselves.

At the heart of surrender is this truth:

“I trust that God’s plans for my life are good, even when I do not understand my current circumstances.”

That sentence captures the heart of surrender.

To surrender is to say:
- “Lord, I do not understand this, but I trust You.”
- “I cannot carry this any longer, so I place it in Your hands.”
- “Your will is wiser than mine.”
- “Your timing is better than my own.”
This kind of trust is not natural for most of us. We want answers. We want certainty. We want control.

But God asks for something deeper than control. He asks for faith.

Why Surrender Brings Peace

The moment we stop fighting God and begin trusting Him, something changes inside us.

Our circumstances may not change immediately. The problem may still be there. The diagnosis may remain. The relationship may still be broken. The future may still seem uncertain.

But our hearts become lighter.

Why?

Because peace does not come from knowing everything.

Peace comes from knowing God.

When we surrender, we stop demanding that God explain Himself before we trust Him. Instead, we remember who He is:
- He is good.
- He is faithful.
- He is loving.
- He is present.
- He is working, even when we cannot see it.
Scripture reminds us:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5

God never asked us to understand everything. He asked us to trust Him.

The Daily Practice of Surrender

Surrender is rarely dramatic. Usually, it happens quietly, one day at a time.

Sometimes surrender means:
- Releasing a fear you have carried for years.
- Letting go of resentment.
- Trusting God with your children or grandchildren.
- Accepting that you cannot change another person.
- Waiting patiently when God seems silent.
- Saying, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
Every morning we have a choice:

Will we cling tightly to our own way and become more exhausted?

Or will we open our hands and trust God with what we cannot control?

The more we surrender, the more we discover that God is trustworthy.

And the more we trust Him, the less exhausted we become.

A Prayer of Surrender

Lord,

I am tired.

I have been carrying burdens You never asked me to carry. I have tried to control what only You can hold.

Today I surrender my fears, my plans, my worries, my future, and my need to understand everything.

Teach me to trust You.

Help me believe that Your plans for my life are good, even when I cannot see where You are leading me.

Give me the courage to open my hands and rest in Your love.

Amen.

Final Thought

If you are exhausted today, perhaps the answer is not to strive harder.

Perhaps the answer is to surrender.

The God who created you never intended for you to carry life alone. He invites you to lay down your burdens, trust His heart, and find the rest your soul has been longing for.

Because resisting God is exhausting.

But surrendering to Him brings peace.

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 19, 2026
The History of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
“The prayer that flowed directly from the Heart of Christ”

🌿 A Revelation in Troubled Times

In the early 20th century, as the world trembled on the brink of war and moral uncertainty, a humble Polish nun named Saint Faustina Kowalska received extraordinary revelations that would echo across the globe.

Born in 1905, Faustina entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. She lived a quiet, hidden life—but her soul was chosen for a profound mission. Beginning in 1931, she began to receive visions of Jesus Christ, who appeared to her as the Divine Mercy.

In one of these visions, Jesus asked that an image be painted with the words:
“Jesus, I trust in You.”

From His heart flowed two rays—one pale, one red—symbolizing blood and water, the fountain of mercy for all humanity.

✨ The Chaplet: A Prayer Given by Jesus

On September 13, 1935, Faustina recorded in her diary a powerful new prayer—given directly by Jesus Himself. This would become known as the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Unlike traditional prayers developed over centuries, this chaplet is unique. According to Faustina’s writings, the words were dictated by Christ:

“Say unceasingly the chaplet that I have taught you… Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death.”

The prayer is prayed using ordinary rosary beads, but its words are striking:
- “Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity…”
- “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
Many faithful believe this may be among the only prayers ever given word-for-word by Jesus for mankind to use—making it a deeply intimate connection between Heaven and Earth.

🌍 Spreading the Message to the World

Faustina’s diary, later published as “Divine Mercy in My Soul,” became the foundation of the devotion. However, the message did not spread easily at first. There were misunderstandings and even temporary restrictions placed on the devotion.

But God’s timing is perfect.

A fellow Pole, Pope John Paul II, played a crucial role in bringing the message to the world. Having lived through the horrors of World War II, he deeply understood the need for Divine Mercy.

In the year 2000, he canonized Faustina and established Divine Mercy Sunday—to be celebrated on the Sunday after Easter.

Today, the Chaplet is prayed around the world, especially at 3:00 PM—the Hour of Mercy, the time of Christ’s death on the Cross.

💖 Why the Chaplet Matters Today

In a world still marked by suffering, division, and uncertainty, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy offers something timeless:
- Hope for sinners
- Comfort for the dying
- Peace for troubled hearts
- A reminder that God’s mercy is greater than any sin
Jesus promised Faustina:

“The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy.”

This message is not one of judgment—but of invitation.

🙏 A Prayer for Our Time

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is simple. It can be prayed anywhere—alone, with family, or for the whole world.

It is a prayer of offering, of trust, and of surrender.

Perhaps that is what makes it so powerful:
not just that it was given by Christ…
but that it leads us back to His Heart.

✝️ Final Reflection

If it is true that the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is among the only prayers given directly by Jesus in such a complete form, then it is a gift beyond measure—a divine whisper to humanity:

“Trust Me. Come to Me. Receive My mercy.”

And in praying it, we do something beautiful—we echo back to God the very words He gave us.

Click Here dor the way to pray The Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 11, 2026
Holy Saturday: The Quiet Between Death and Resurrection
Holy Saturday: The Time of Waiting on the Lord

Introduction

Holy Saturday is one of the most mysterious and often overlooked days in the Christian calendar. Falling between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, it is a day of silence, waiting, and deep reflection. While the world moves quickly toward celebration, Holy Saturday invites believers to pause in the stillness—the moment when hope seems hidden, yet is quietly unfolding.

What Is Holy Saturday?

Holy Saturday commemorates the day when Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after His crucifixion. According to Christian tradition, it is a time when the earth itself seemed to hold its breath.

Unlike the sorrow of Good Friday or the joy of Easter Sunday, Holy Saturday exists in between—a sacred pause. It reflects a powerful spiritual truth: even when nothing appears to be happening, transformation may already be underway.

The Meaning of the Silence

Holy Saturday is marked by silence. Churches are often dim, altars are bare, and there are no major daytime liturgies. This absence is intentional.

It represents:
- Grief and mourning of Jesus’ death
- Uncertainty and waiting experienced by His followers
- Trust in God’s promise, even without visible evidence
For many, this day mirrors personal seasons of waiting—times when answers are not immediate and faith must endure in the quiet.

The Easter Vigil: Light in the Darkness

After sunset, Holy Saturday transitions into one of the most beautiful traditions in Christianity: the Easter Vigil.

During this service:
- A new fire is kindled in darkness
- The Paschal candle is lit, symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World
- Scripture readings recount God’s saving acts throughout history
- The celebration of resurrection begins
The vigil moves from darkness to light, capturing the journey from despair to hope—a central theme of the Christian faith.

Why Holy Saturday Still Matters Today

In a fast-paced world, Holy Saturday offers a rare and meaningful invitation: to wait.

It reminds us that:
- Not all answers come immediately
- Growth often happens unseen
- Faith is sometimes strongest in silence
Whether one observes it through prayer, reflection, or quiet time, Holy Saturday speaks to anyone who has ever felt “in between”—between loss and healing, doubt and belief, endings and new beginnings.

Conclusion

Holy Saturday may be quiet, but it is far from empty. It is a sacred space where grief meets hope, and where stillness prepares the way for joy. As the darkness gives way to the light of Easter Sunday, believers are reminded that even in the silence, God is at work.

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj
April 4, 2026
The Stations of the Cross

Today, Holy Saturday, there is no Mass untill Sunday as Jesus’ Body is in the tomb, So at 7AM EWTM aired Pope Leo IV as he carried the cross as he visited the fourteen Stations of the Cross

If you want to know God, look at the Crucifix.
If you want to love God, look at the Crucifix.
If you want to know the infinite, eternal love of God, look at the Crucifix.
If you wish to have a part in giving that same love to others,. look at the Crucifix.
If you want to know who you are and your worth, look at the Crucifix.
If you want to know how you were saved from the jaws of hell, look at the Crucifix.
Ift you want to know how much God wants to save your immortal soul, look at the Crucifix.
If you know who will lead you into Heaven, look at the Crucifix.
If you want to live well, look at the Crucifix.
If you want to die well, look at the Crucifix.
If you want to spend eternity in Heaven with your eternal Father, look at the Crucifix.

For by the Crucifiction and Resurrection of Jesus, we have been given eternal life. Cherish it. Thank God for it. Live well so you can enjoy it.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

April 4, 2026
We all Live in the Disgration of God

In the Discretion of God

Last night, I was speaking with my sister about a priest who had planned to retire at the age of seventy-five. He had given years of faithful service and, by all expectations, was ready to step away from ministry. Yet, because he served at the discretion of his bishop, his plans changed. Instead of retiring, he was assigned to pastor a startup church—beginning again when he thought he was finished.

That conversation stayed with me.

This morning, I woke up with a deeper realization: we all serve at the discretion of God. Not at our own timing, not according to our own carefully arranged plans, but according to His will. And if we are honest, that truth is both humbling and unsettling.

Scripture reminds us of this reality in powerful ways. When Judas left the Last Supper, it is written that the devil had already entered him as he went out to betray the Lord. Even in that moment—dark, painful, and seemingly out of control—God’s greater purpose was unfolding. Nothing was outside His authority.

This truth became even more personal this week.

My sister had planned to retire after thirty-six years of banking. It was meant to be a joyful milestone. After decades of working alongside the same people, there were surely plans for celebration, reflection, and closure. But life had other plans.

Her husband suffered a heart attack.

Instead of enjoying her final days at work, she spent her next-to-last day driving to Oklahoma City and sitting in a hospital room through the night. He received a stent, and by April 2nd, they returned home to Atoka, Oklahoma. What was supposed to be a week of celebration became a week of crisis, care, and uncertainty.

And yet, in that disruption, there was a greater truth revealed: no matter how much we plan, God is in charge.

We map out our lives with timelines and expectations. We anticipate milestones and transitions. But in a moment, everything can shift. Not because God has lost control—but because He never relinquished it in the first place.

Even Jesus Christ Himself lived in complete submission to the Father’s will. He did not act independently of God’s purpose. He walked a path that led through suffering—His Passion, His crucifixion, and ultimately His resurrection. From a human perspective, it may have looked like tragedy or defeat. But in God’s plan, it was redemption.

If Jesus, the Son, lived and served according to the Father’s will, how much more must we?

We may not always understand why our plans are interrupted. We may not see the purpose behind sudden changes or painful circumstances. But we can trust that nothing is wasted in God’s hands.

The priest who thought he was retiring found himself beginning anew. My sister who expected celebration found herself in a hospital. And in both stories, there is a common thread: God’s authority overrides our expectations.

We do not serve at our own discretion.

We serve at His.

And in that truth, there is both surrender—and peace.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

April 3, 2026
📖 Your Life: The Greatest Story Still Being Written

✨ Introduction

Your life is one of the most powerful, meaningful stories ever written—unique, unrepeatable, and still unfolding. Each day is a new page, filled with opportunities, lessons, and unexpected blessings. When you begin to see your life as a living story authored with purpose, even the uncertain moments take on deeper meaning.

📚 Every Chapter Has Purpose

There are chapters filled with joy—moments of laughter, success, and connection. There are also chapters that feel heavy, marked by struggle, doubt, or waiting. But just like any great book, every chapter serves a purpose.

Even the parts you wish you could skip are often the ones that shape your character the most. Growth rarely happens in comfort—it happens in the middle of challenges, where faith is stretched and strengthened.

🌅 Turn the Page with Expectation

Instead of fearing what comes next, choose to turn each page with anticipation. What if the next chapter brings unexpected joy? What if something beautiful is already unfolding behind the scenes?

Living with expectation doesn’t mean life will be perfect—it means trusting that something meaningful is always being written, even when you don’t fully understand it yet.

🙏 Trust the Author of Your Story

At times, the plot may feel confusing. You may wonder why certain things happen or why answers don’t come right away. But faith reminds us that the Author sees the entire story—from beginning to end.

When you trust God with your story, you release the pressure of trying to control every outcome. Instead, you learn to walk forward with peace, knowing that every page is part of a bigger, beautiful design.

💫 Embrace the Journey

Take time to reflect on how far you’ve come. Celebrate the victories, learn from the setbacks, and appreciate the small, quiet moments in between.

Your story isn’t just about the destination—it’s about who you become along the way.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Your life is not a finished book—it’s a story still being written. So keep turning the pages with excitement, hope, and faith. The best chapters may still be ahead.

No matter where you are right now, trust this: something meaningful is unfolding. Keep going. Keep believing. And stay expectant for what God will do next.

💬 Call to Action
What chapter of your life are you in right now? Share your thoughts in the comments and encourage someone else who may be walking a similar journey.

Thank yofor reading this article. Please share with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

March 24, 2026
Saint of the Day
Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary
- March 19
- Franciscan Media
- Saint of the Day
Saint of the Day for March 19

(? – ?)

Saint Joseph’s Story

The Bible pays Saint Joseph the highest compliment: he was a “just” man. The quality meant a lot more than faithfulness in paying debts.

When the Bible speaks of God “justifying” someone, it means that God, the all-holy or “righteous” one, so transforms a person that the individual shares somehow in God’s own holiness, and hence it is really “right” for God to love him or her. In other words, God is not playing games, acting as if we were lovable when we are not.

By saying Joseph was “just,” the Bible means that he was one who was completely open to all that God wanted to do for him. He became holy by opening himself totally to God.

The rest we can easily surmise. Think of the kind of love with which he wooed and won Mary, and the depth of the love they shared during their marriage.

It is no contradiction of Joseph’s manly holiness that he decided to divorce Mary when she was found to be with child. The important words of the Bible are that he planned to do this “quietly” because he was “a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame” (Matthew 1:19).

The just man was simply, joyfully, wholeheartedly obedient to God—in marrying Mary, in naming Jesus, in shepherding the precious pair to Egypt, in bringing them to Nazareth, in the undetermined number of years of quiet faith and courage.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=FSLZaZcsrHs%3Ffeature%3Doembed

Reflection

The Bible tells us nothing of Joseph in the years after the return to Nazareth except the incident of finding Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–51). Perhaps this can be taken to mean that God wants us to realize that the holiest family was like every other family, that the circumstances of life for the holiest family were like those of every family, so that when Jesus’ mysterious nature began to appear, people couldn’t believe that he came from such humble beginnings: “Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary…?” (Matthew 13:55a). It was almost as indignant as “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46b).

Saint Joseph is the Patron Saint of:

Belgium
Canada
Carpenters
China
Families
Fathers

Learn more about Saint Joseph!

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
March 20, 2026