Tag: God

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
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
The Holy Trinity: Not a Puzzle to Solve, but Three Divine Persons to Love

The Holy Trinity: A Relationship of Love

Many people spend their lives trying to figure out the mystery of the Holy Trinity. While there is certainly much to learn about this great mystery of faith, the Holy Trinity is not primarily something to figure out. The Trinity is Someone to know, Someone to love, and Someone with whom we are called to have a personal relationship.

The mission of every Christian is to enter into an intimate relationship with each Person of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

God the Father: Our Loving Creator

The first Person of the Trinity is God the Father. He is our Creator and the source of all life. Out of infinite love, He created each one of us with a purpose.

God made us to know Him, love Him, and serve Him in this world so that we may be happy with Him forever in Heaven. Every blessing we enjoy, every breath we take, and every opportunity we receive comes from His loving hand.

The Father is not distant or indifferent. He knows us personally. He knows our joys, our struggles, our hopes, and our fears. Like the loving father in the parable of the Prodigal Son, He constantly waits for us to return to Him and experience His mercy and love.

Jesus Christ: The Greatest Act of Love in History

The second Person of the Trinity is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Jesus is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. He is God made man, the perfect revelation of the Father’s love. Out of endless mercy and infinite grace, He chose to enter into the brokenness of our world.

He did not have to do this. Yet He willingly stepped into our suffering, our pain, and our sin. It is the most magnificent and majestic act of love in human history.

Through His death on the Cross, Jesus paid the price for our salvation. Through His Resurrection, He conquered sin and death. He opened the gates of Heaven and invited all humanity into the family of God.

Eternal life is now available to every person who chooses to accept His gift of salvation and follow Him.

When we look upon the Cross, we do not merely see suffering. We see love. We see sacrifice. We see the heart of God reaching out to humanity.

As Jesus Himself said:

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

The Holy Spirit: The Spirit of Love, Wisdom, and Power

The third Person of the Trinity is the Holy Spirit, often called the Paraclete, the Advocate, and the Spirit of Truth.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Love, Wisdom, Joy, and Power.

Before Pentecost, the Apostles often struggled to understand the mission Jesus had entrusted to them. They were fearful, uncertain, and confused.

Then everything changed.

When the Holy Spirit descended upon them at Pentecost, they were transformed. The timid became courageous. The confused gained wisdom. The fearful became bold witnesses for Christ.

The Holy Spirit empowered the Apostles to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world. In many ways, Pentecost was the birth of Christianity as a worldwide mission.

The same Holy Spirit who transformed the Apostles is available to us today. He guides us, teaches us, strengthens us, comforts us, and fills us with the gifts necessary to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.

When we invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts, He helps us grow in holiness and draws us closer to both the Father and the Son.

Living in Relationship with the Trinity

The Christian life is not merely about following rules or understanding doctrines. It is about living in a loving relationship with God.

We pray to the Father.

We follow Jesus Christ.

We are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The Father loves us into existence.

The Son redeems us through His sacrifice.

The Holy Spirit transforms us from within.

Every Mass, every prayer, every act of love, and every moment of faith brings us deeper into the life of the Holy Trinity.

The mystery of the Trinity will always be greater than our understanding. Yet God does not ask us to fully comprehend Him. He invites us to know Him, trust Him, and love Him.

May we grow each day in our relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, until the day we see God face to face and experience the fullness of His love forever in Heaven.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

May 31, 2026
Jesus Christ Is My Lord and I Belong to Him
Walking in Faith, Protection, and Victory

In a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and confusion, believers in Jesus Christ have a powerful source of peace and strength. When we declare, “Jesus Christ is my Lord and I belong to Him,” we are making more than a statement. We are proclaiming our identity, our protection, and our faith in the King of Kings.

To belong to Jesus means we are no longer alone. We are loved, forgiven, guided, and protected by the Savior who gave His life for us. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we have been redeemed and brought into the family of God.

The Bible reminds us in Romans 10:9 that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved. Salvation is not earned by human effort. It is a gift purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Covered by the Blood of Jesus

The blood of Jesus is powerful. It cleanses us from sin, breaks chains of bondage, and gives believers spiritual protection. When we pray and declare that “The blood of Jesus completely covers me and my family,” we are placing our trust in God’s promises.

Throughout Scripture, the blood represented covenant, protection, and deliverance. Just as the Israelites were protected during Passover, believers today trust in the finished work of Christ for spiritual covering and peace.

No matter what challenges arise, God remains faithful. He watches over His children and walks with them through every storm, every battle, and every difficult season.

Fear Has No Power Over Us

Fear is one of the enemy’s greatest weapons, but faith in Christ destroys fear. The Word of God tells us in 1 John 4:4:

“Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

This powerful truth reminds believers that God’s Spirit lives within them. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to strengthen, comfort, and guide us every day.

Because of this, we do not have to live in fear. We can face life with confidence, courage, and hope. Jesus is greater than sickness, greater than anxiety, greater than darkness, and greater than every obstacle we face.

A Daily Declaration of Faith

Every day is an opportunity to boldly declare:
- Jesus Christ is my Lord.
- I belong to Him.
- The blood of Jesus covers me and my family.
- I will not fear.
- Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.
When we speak God’s promises over our lives, we strengthen our faith and remind ourselves of His truth.

Today, choose faith over fear. Choose hope over despair. Choose to walk in the confidence that Jesus Christ is Lord, Savior, Protector, and King forever.
May 25, 2026
You Are Redeemed — But Salvation Requires Faithful Perseverance
Introduction

Many people today believe that salvation is automatic. They say, “Jesus died for my sins, so I am

You Are Redeemed — But Salvation Requires Faithful Perseveranc

Introduction

Many people today believe that salvation is automatic. They say, “Jesus died for my sins, so I am saved no matter how I live.” Yet Sacred Scripture teaches something deeper and more demanding.

Yes, by the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, humanity has been redeemed. The price has been paid. The door to eternal life has been opened. But salvation is not a one-time declaration spoken with the lips while the heart remains unchanged.

Saint Paul writes:

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” — Philippians 2:12

These words remind us that salvation is not something to take lightly. Redemption was purchased by Christ, but salvation requires cooperation with God’s grace.

The Difference Between Redemption and Salvation

Redemption Is the Gift

When Jesus suffered during His Passion and died upon the Cross, He redeemed mankind. He paid the debt of sin that humanity could never repay.

Scripture says:

“You were bought with a price.” — 1 Corinthians 6:20

That price was the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

Through redemption:
- Sin no longer has absolute power over humanity.
- The gates of Heaven were opened.
- Grace became available to all.
- Forgiveness became possible.
Redemption is God’s great gift to the world.

Salvation Is the Response

Salvation, however, is our response to that gift.

God does not force anyone into Heaven. He calls us into a living relationship with Him. We must walk with Christ daily, repent of sin, seek holiness, and persevere faithfully until the end.

Jesus Himself said:

“He who endures to the end will be saved.” — Matthew 24:13

Notice the words “will be saved.” Salvation involves endurance, faithfulness, and perseverance.

Faith Must Become Action

Christianity Is Not Passive

Many people want the comfort of faith without the sacrifice of discipleship. Yet Jesus said:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” — Luke 9:23

The Christian life is active.

It means:
- Loving difficult people.
- Forgiving those who hurt us.
- Resisting temptation.
- Feeding the hungry.
- Helping the poor.
- Remaining faithful in suffering.
- Living in prayer.
Faith that never changes our life is not living faith.

Saint James teaches:

“Faith without works is dead.” — James 2:26

Works do not earn salvation apart from God’s grace, but authentic faith produces obedience, love, and transformation.

Fear and Trembling Before God

Holy Reverence

When Saint Paul says to work out salvation with “fear and trembling,” he does not mean terror without hope. He means holy reverence before Almighty God.

Modern society often treats God casually. Yet Scripture repeatedly teaches reverence.

The fear of the Lord means:
- Respect for God’s holiness.
- Awareness of our weakness.
- Humility before divine judgment.
- Gratitude for mercy.
- A sincere desire not to offend God.
This holy fear protects us from pride and spiritual laziness.

The Danger of Spiritual Complacency

Do Not Drift Away

One of the greatest spiritual dangers is complacency.

A person may say:
- “I was baptized, so I’m fine.”
- “I believe in Jesus, so nothing else matters.”
- “God understands, so sin is no big deal.”
But Scripture warns believers repeatedly not to fall away.

Saint Paul wrote:

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” — 1 Corinthians 10:12

Even after redemption, we must continue to seek God daily.

Prayer, repentance, worship, charity, and obedience are not optional parts of Christianity. They are the fruit of a living relationship with Christ.

The Cross Changes Everything

Jesus Calls Us Into Transformation

The Passion of Jesus was not merely an emotional event. It was the greatest act of sacrificial love in human history.

When we truly meditate upon the suffering of Christ:
- Pride begins to die.
- Selfishness is exposed.
- Gratitude grows.
- Mercy becomes possible.
- Love deepens.
The Cross is not simply something we admire. It is something we enter.

Jesus invites every believer to unite their suffering, struggles, and sacrifices with Him.

Living Redemption Daily

How We Cooperate With Grace

We live out redemption through daily faithfulness.

Some practical ways include:
1. Daily prayer.
2. Reading Scripture.
3. Frequent repentance.
4. Worship and participation in church.
5. Serving the poor and forgotten.
6. Forgiving others.
7. Rejecting habitual sin.
8. Seeking peace and holiness.
Every day becomes an opportunity to draw closer to Christ.

Conclusion

Yes, you are redeemed.

Jesus Christ suffered, died, and rose again for you. His mercy is beyond human understanding. His love opened the way to eternal life.

But salvation is not something to treat casually.

We are called to walk faithfully with Christ every day of our lives.

As Saint Paul reminds us:

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” — Philippians 2:12

May we never waste the grace purchased by the Blood of Christ.

May we live with humility, repentance, perseverance, and love.

And may we one day hear the words:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

P.S. Click Here to check out the Kind Virus.
May 10, 2026
One Hour With Christ
One Hour That Can Change the World

A Call to Christ’s Prayer-Force for the Unevangelized

“Please… if you are honestly concerned about making Christ known to literally every creature—give God one hour every day.”

Those words are not merely a request. They are a summons.

Across mountains and deserts, hidden villages and crowded cities, billions have never heard the name of Jesus Christ proclaimed in truth. Entire peoples remain unreached. Souls are born, live, and die without ever hearing the Gospel.

And yet heaven has not left them without hope.

God has called a prayer-force.

Not everyone can cross oceans.
Not everyone can preach in hostile lands.
Not everyone can translate Scripture or plant churches.

But every believer can pray.

The Forgotten Frontline

Prayer is not preparation for the battle.

Prayer is the battle.

Before every great movement of God, there was intercession.

Before revival—prayer.
Before missions breakthroughs—prayer.
Before strongholds fell—prayer.

The unreached fields of the world are not opened first by strategy, but by spiritual warfare.

As the Lord asked His disciples in Bible:

“What, could you not watch with me one hour?”
— Matthew 26:40

That question still echoes.

Can we not give one hour?

One Hour Daily for the Nations

Imagine if believers everywhere covenanted to offer one focused hour each day for:
- The totally unevangelized peoples
- Protection and boldness for missionaries
- Bible translation among hidden language groups
- Open doors in closed nations
- Revival in resistant regions
- Laborers sent into the harvest
One hour.

Not spare time.
Not leftovers.

Consecrated time.

An offering.

A sacrifice.

A weapon.

Do You Love Them Enough to Pray?

There are mothers who have never heard of Christ.

Children growing up without the Gospel.

Villages untouched by the cross.

People for whom no one may be praying.

Unless you do.

Love is proven in sacrifice.

Do we love the unreached enough to carry them before God?

Do we “pay the price” of hidden spiritual battle?

Because prayer costs something:
- Time
- Discipline
- Perseverance
- Self-denial
But what is one hour compared to eternity?

The Hour That Moves Heaven

One praying saint can shake nations.

Prayer opens prison doors.
Prayer breaks demonic resistance.
Prayer prepares hearts before missionaries arrive.

History proves it.

The great missionary awakenings were birthed on praying knees.

And perhaps the final great harvest before Christ’s return will be also.

Could your one hour help open a tribe in the mountains of Asia?
Could your intercession protect a worker in Africa?
Could your hidden prayers help bring the Gospel where no witness yet stands?

Yes.

Because God works through praying people.

How to Give God One Hour

Bishop Fulton J Sheen

Fulton J. Sheen teaches that meditation is not mainly about asking God for things, but about surrendering ourselves to God so He can shape us.

Summary:

According to Bishop Sheen, meditation is:
- Entering God’s presence by quieting distractions and shutting out the noise of the world.
- Surrendering our will to God’s will, letting Him guide our thoughts, words, and actions.
- Seeing ourselves truthfully, allowing Divine truth to expose self-deception, pride, and selfishness.
- Silencing the ego so we can hear the desires of God’s heart rather than our own restless demands.
- Training the soul, using our mind and faculties not for idle speculation but to conform more fully to God.
- Purifying our perspective, freeing us from bias, wishful thinking, and attachments that hinder union with God.
- Remembering our dependence on God, recognizing Him as the source of our existence and salvation.
- Offering ourselves to God, not primarily petitioning Him to serve our wishes, but asking Him to use us for His glory.
Core idea:

For Sheen, meditation is a loving act of self-surrender and transformation, where we move from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. It is less “Lord, give me what I want,” and more “Lord, make me what You want.”

A beautiful line that captures his meaning might be: Meditation is not using God, but allowing God to use us.

Faithful.

Powerful.

Join God’s Prayer-Force

The world does not need more spectators.

It needs intercessors.

Hidden warriors.

Watchmen on the walls.

Those willing to answer Christ:

Yes, Lord—
I will watch with You one hour.

One hour a day.

For souls.

For nations.

For the glory of God among every people.

Will you give Him that hour?

Will you love them enough to pray?

Prayer Commitment

Lord Jesus, enlist me in Your prayer-force. Teach me to watch with You one hour each day. Burden my heart for those who have never heard. Use my prayers to prepare the nations for Your Gospel and Your glory. Amen.

“Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations…” — Psalm 2:8

Thank You for Reading this article. PLease share it with others,

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 27, 2026
Lead Me in the Way You Desire
Trusting God When We Do Not Understand

There is a prayer so simple, so humble, and so powerful that it can change a life:

“Lord, if this is not Your will, take it from me. Lead me in the way You desire.”

Those words are not words of defeat. They are words of surrender. They are words of trust.

In a world that teaches us to cling, control, and chase our own plans, this prayer invites us to open our hands and let God lead.

When Our Plans Are Not God’s Plans

We often pray for what we want:
- A door to open
- A relationship to work
- A dream to come true
- A burden to be lifted
Yet sometimes God whispers, “I have something better.”

Scripture reminds us:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord…
— Book of Jeremiah 29:11

And in Book of Proverbs we are told:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Faith is not always knowing where the road leads.

Faith is trusting the One who leads.

The Courage of “Take It From Me”

Sometimes we hold onto things God wants us to release:
- Worry
- Pride
- Old wounds
- Fear
- Even dreams that are not His will
To pray “take it from me” is brave.

It echoes the prayer of Jesus of Nazareth in Gethsemane:

“Not my will, but Yours be done.”

That is not weakness.

That is holiness.

God Leads Through Closed Doors Too

Some of God’s greatest mercies come disguised as unanswered prayers.

A closed door may be protection.

A delay may be preparation.

A “no” may be guidance.

Many times we understand only later that what we asked God to remove… He removed out of love.

And what He asked us to surrender… He replaced with grace.

Following the Way He Desires

When we ask God to lead us, He often guides in gentle ways:
- Through prayer
- Through Scripture
- Through silence
- Through wise friends
- Through unexpected opportunities
- Through peace in the heart
Often His leading is not dramatic.

It is daily.

One faithful step at a time.

As Book of Psalms says:

“Your word is a lamp unto my feet…”

Notice—a lamp, not a floodlight.

Enough light for the next step.

That is usually how God leads.

A Prayer for Today

You may want to pray this slowly:

Lord,
If this is not Your will, take it from me.
Remove what keeps me from You.
Close doors I should not walk through.
Open the ones You desire.
Lead me in Your way,
Shape me by Your wisdom,
And help me trust even when I do not understand.
Not my will, Lord—
Yours be done.
Amen.

Final Thought

Surrender is not losing your way.

It is finding God’s way.

And there is no safer place than being led by Him.

When life feels uncertain, pray simply:

“Lord, if this is not Your will, take it from me. Lead me in the way You desire.”

That prayer can change everything.

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

Rick Herring
April 27, 2026
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