Tag: Joy

Some Things I Have Run Across in My Journey *

“A cheerful heart is good medicine.”* — **Proverbs 17:22**

During my journey through life, God has taught me many lessons—some through prayer, some through joy, and many through the ordinary moments I almost overlooked. Looking back, I have discovered that happiness is often a choice, gratitude is a habit, and every day is another opportunity to grow closer to Him.

As the years have passed, I have found that some of life’s greatest blessings are also its simplest. Smile often. Laugh often. Thank God often.

Medical researchers tell us that laughter can reduce stress, brighten our outlook, and even support better heart health. While laughter may not make us younger in years, it certainly can make us younger in spirit. How beautiful are the words of Scripture: >

*”A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”* > **— Proverbs 17:22**

God created us for joy. Every sunrise, every friendship, every child’s laughter, every kind word, every flower in bloom, and every answered prayer reminds us that our Heavenly Father delights in giving good gifts to His children.

## Seeing Blessings in Disguise One of the greatest changes in my life came when I stopped seeing interruptions as inconveniences and began seeing them as invitations from God.

Whenever something goes wrong—a spilled drink, misplaced keys, a delayed appointment, a flat tire, or any little mishap—I try to stop immediately and thank the Lord.

That may sound strange. Why thank God for spilling coffee? Because perhaps He is trying to slow me down. Perhaps He wants me to notice something I have overlooked. Perhaps He is gently encouraging me to clean the cluttered desk I have been avoiding.

Perhaps He is reminding me that His plans are often better than my own. Instead of becoming frustrated, I simply smile and pray:

“Thank You, Lord.”** It is amazing how quickly peace returns when gratitude replaces irritation. Our hearts become calmer. Our minds become clearer. We begin looking for blessings instead of problems.

The Apostle Paul encourages us: > *”Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”* > **— 1 Thessalonians 5:18** Notice that Paul says **in** all circumstances—not necessarily **for** all circumstances.

Even during life’s inconveniences, God is present, quietly working for our good.

Seeing Christ in Others Perhaps the greatest lesson I have ever encountered is this: **

Treat every person you meet as though you were meeting Christ Himself.** Imagine how differently we would speak. Imagine how patiently we would listen. Imagine how kindly we would serve. Jesus told us: >

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.”* > **— Matthew 25:40**

Every person you meet today is someone for whom Christ gave His life.

The cashier.

The waiter.

The receptionist.

The neighbor.

The lonely resident sitting quietly in the dining room.

The family member who sometimes tests your patience.

The stranger you may never meet again.

Each one is precious in God’s eyes. Living here at West Fork Village has reminded me again and again that every smile in the hallway, every shared meal, every friendly conversation, and every helping hand is another opportunity to encounter Christ.

We never know when a simple act of kindness may brighten someone’s entire day—or even change a life. When we begin seeing Christ in others, something wonderful happens.

We become more forgiving. More patient. More compassionate. More joyful. And the world becomes a little brighter because Christ is shining through us.

A Different Way to Live:

The world teaches us to hurry.

God teaches us to notice.

The world teaches us to complain.

God teaches us to give thanks.

The world teaches us to judge.

Jesus teaches us to love.

Those simple changes can completely transform the way we experience life. Smile more. Laugh often.

Thank God for every blessing. See every interruption as an invitation from God. Treat every person as though you were meeting Christ Himself.

Little by little, our homes become happier, our friendships become stronger, and our hearts become more peaceful. Most importantly, we grow closer to the One who walks beside us every step of our journey.

A Simple Challenge Tomorrow morning, before your feet touch the floor, ask God for three simple gifts:

– A heart that smiles.

– Eyes that recognize His blessings.

-The grace to see Christ in every person you meet.

If you sincerely pray that prayer each day, I believe it will begin to change your life—just as it has changed mine.

May God grant each of us the grace to recognize His blessings, whether they come wrapped in joy, hidden inside a small inconvenience, or standing quietly before us in the face of another person. For every day is a gift.

Every person is precious. Every moment is another opportunity to love God and to love one another.

And perhaps that is one of the greatest discoveries we will eve make. :::

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj@thmjmj8875

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July 21, 2026
Reflection:
Life Is Short… But Eternity Never Ends

“Life is short and death is sure,
The hour of death remains obscure.
A soul you have, and only one,
If that be lost, all hope is gone.

Waste not time while time shall last,
For after death ’tis ever past.

All-seeing God, your Judge will be,
And Heaven or Hell your destiny.

All earthly things will speed away,
Eternity alone will stay.”

These simple verses have echoed through Christian history because they speak a truth that every generation needs to hear. They are not meant to frighten us but to awaken us. They remind us that life is a precious gift from God, one that should never be taken for granted.

Every morning we wake is another opportunity to love God, serve others, forgive, pray, and grow in holiness. Yet how often do we become consumed with the temporary things of this world? We spend countless hours pursuing wealth, entertainment, possessions, and recognition, while giving little thought to the one journey every one of us must make—the journey into eternity.

Jesus Himself repeatedly told His followers to be ready.

“Be watchful! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.”
— Matthew 24:42

The hour of our death truly remains unknown. No amount of wealth, influence, or technology can postpone it forever. Kings, presidents, billionaires, and the poorest among us all stand equal before God.

The One Possession That Lasts Forever

The poem says:

“A soul you have, and only one.”

Nothing we own will accompany us beyond the grave. Not our home. Not our bank account. Not our achievements.

Only our soul will stand before the Lord.

That is why Jesus urged us:

“Store up treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys.”

Every act of kindness, every sincere prayer, every sacrifice offered out of love, every confession made with a repentant heart, every Holy Communion received worthily, every act of forgiveness—these become treasures that can never be taken away.

Time Is God’s Gift

The older we become, the more quickly the years seem to pass.

Yesterday we were children.

Today we may be grandparents.

Tomorrow we will stand before Christ.

How wise it is, then, to use each day well.
- Pray every day.
- Read God’s Word.
- Attend Mass faithfully.
- Receive the Sacraments.
- Love your family.
- Help those in need.
- Forgive quickly.
- Trust completely in God’s mercy.
None of us knows how many tomorrows remain.

Heaven Is Worth Everything

The world offers many promises but cannot satisfy the deepest longing of the human heart.

Only God can.

Imagine the joy of Heaven—seeing God face to face, reunited with loved ones who died in Christ, joining the saints and angels in endless praise, where there is no sickness, no pain, no tears, and no death.

Compared to eternity, even the longest earthly life is but a brief moment.

As Saint Paul reminds us:

“Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)

A Final Thought

One day our work will be finished.

One day our calendar will close.

One day our earthly journey will end.

When that day comes, may we hear the words every Christian longs to hear:

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.”

Let us live today with eternity in mind.

For while all earthly things will speed away, eternity alone will stay.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me never to lose sight of eternity. Teach me to use each day wisely, to love You with all my heart, to serve others with joy, and to remain faithful until the end. May my life bring You glory, and when You call me home, may I rejoice forever in Your heavenly kingdom. Amen.all seeing God, your Judge will be, And Heaven or Hell your destiny. All earthly things will speed away, Etdernity, alone will stay

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July 19, 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.

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July 9, 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
🌿 Palm Sunday: Triumph, Paradox, and the Beginning of Holy Week
Palm Sunday, formally known as Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Catholic liturgical year. It is a day filled with both celebration and solemnity—a powerful contrast that captures the heart of the Christian mystery: Christ as both triumphant King and suffering Savior.

This sacred day commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where crowds welcomed Him with palm branches and cries of “Hosanna!” Yet, within the same liturgy, the Church invites us to hear the Passion narrative, where those cries shift dramatically to “Crucify Him!” This tension invites deep reflection on faith, human weakness, and divine love.

🌿 The Symbolism of Palms

Palm branches are central to the celebration of this day. In ancient times, palms symbolized victory and triumph, and in the Church, they represent Christ’s victory over sin and death.

During Mass, palms are blessed and distributed to the faithful, who often take them home as sacramentals—visible reminders of spiritual realities. Many Catholics place them in their homes, behind crucifixes, or in prayer spaces as a sign of protection and devotion.

In a beautiful liturgical cycle, these same palms are later burned to create ashes for the following year’s Ash Wednesday, linking Christ’s triumph with our call to repentance.

✝️ The Liturgy: Joy and Sorrow Together

Palm Sunday Mass is unique because it contains two distinct and contrasting moments:

1. The Procession of Palms

The celebration often begins outside the church with a procession, recalling Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The faithful carry palm branches, singing hymns of praise just as the crowds did centuries ago.

2. The Proclamation of the Passion

Later in the Mass, the tone shifts dramatically as the Passion narrative is read—often with multiple voices representing different characters. This reading recounts the suffering and death of Christ.

The priest wears red vestments, symbolizing the blood of Christ’s sacrifice. The liturgy intentionally holds both joy and sorrow together, reminding us that glory and suffering are inseparably linked in the Christian life.

📖 A Story That Defines All Stories

Palm Sunday is not just a historical remembrance—it is an invitation.

The Church presents this day as a “defined story”—one that shapes how believers understand love, sacrifice, betrayal, and redemption. As we hear the Passion, we are not passive listeners; we are participants, called to reflect:
- Where do we stand in the crowd?
- Are we praising Christ one moment and turning away the next?
- How do we respond to suffering, both our own and others’?
This day challenges us to confront the reality of sin while embracing the hope of salvation.

🕊️ Humility and Kingship

One of the most striking elements of Palm Sunday is how Jesus enters Jerusalem—not on a war horse, but on a donkey.

This detail is deeply symbolic:
- A war horse represents power, conquest, and earthly authority.
- A donkey represents humility, peace, and service.
Christ reveals a different kind of kingship—one rooted not in domination, but in self-giving love. He is both King and Suffering Servant, a paradox that lies at the core of Christian belief.

🌿 Entering Holy Week

Palm Sunday opens the door to Holy Week, leading toward the profound events of:
- Holy Thursday – The Last Supper
- Good Friday – The Passion and Crucifixion
- Holy Saturday & Easter Vigil – The Resurrection
It is a day that asks us not just to remember, but to walk with Christ—through praise, through suffering, and ultimately, toward new life.

✨ Final Reflection

Palm Sunday is a mirror of the human heart and a revelation of divine love. It reminds us that faith is not just about moments of joy, but also about fidelity in times of trial.

As we hold our palm branches, we are invited to follow Christ—not only in celebration, but all the way to the Cross… and beyond it, to the hope of Resurrection.

“Hosanna in the highest!” — and may those words echo in our lives, not just today, but every day.

If you liked this article, pleAse share your feedback, share with others and come back for more stories.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
March 29, 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