"For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26  

Don't think this is what the turtle intended. Somehow he got himself beached on the tree trunk. He either got stuck on an ant hill or just got lost finding his way back to the water. Maybe, though, he has big dreams of being a bear and climbing trees!  

But he's just a turtle. We all have dreams and hopes and goals. Some want to fly to the moon; others dive to the bottom of the sea. Some want to be CEO of a major corporation; others want to help customers at the local retail store.  

No dream is too big, too silly, or too outlandish. For they are only dreams, hopes, and goals. Take a plan, add some hope, and mix in loads of faith. With God, all things are possible.  

Go, Mr. Turtle, run and climb as fast as you can. You have God behind you!  

Companion God, place me in the situations that will lead me to fulfill my dreams, hopes, and goals according to Your will. Amen.  

TAGS: Prayer, Reflection

Putting ourselves in different positions can sure change our perspective on things.  

Look at these birds. How did they ever get their necks entwined around each other?  

But if you stepped to the side, and looked at the birds from a different perspective, you would see that they were actually just sitting next to each other without even touching one another. An optical illusion; a matter of perspective.  

Next time you're in a jam, step away for a bit. When you come back to it, God will give you a whole new perspective, and things will be seen so much different than before.  

Loving Father, help me to see things as You want me to see them, and not as I want to see them. Amen.  

TAGS: Prayer, Story

"So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17  

Found this old, blank check register in the bottom of the drawer. Once a check register, always a check register, right? So it seemed good enough to use. For those who use check registers, you only use them to record checks, deposits and withdrawals in your account. So what difference does it make that the calendars on the back page of the register are from 1984 to 1986?  

Really? 1984 to 1986? That check register is 40 years old! A generation! But look at that: the 1986 calendar is the same as today's 2025 calendar, so it's relevant for this year!  

History has a way of repeating itself. The old is made new again.  

Have hope. Even if you lay low for years, just plodding through life, fallen by sin after sin, and lost along the way, God has a way of reinvigorating you, reigniting you, and bringing you to new life. Allow your "old" to be made "new" again.  

Thank you, God, for staying with me through my years and giving me the new life that you long for each one of us. Amen.  

​TAGS: Prayer, Story

This tree, nestled in the suburb close to the road, is so odd-looking. So straight, tall, and spindly. The branches look thin, stick out funny, and appear evenly spaced.
Makes you wonder, who ever would plant such a weird looking tree? What type of tree is it?  
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There are a number of these trees planted along the road. So after passing them numerous times, you can no longer pass by without snapping a picture so its origin and species can be investigated.  

Where to start? How do you look up "odd spindly tree" on the internet?  

Then again, look close at the tree, particularly at the top of the tree. Do you see it?  

It isn't a tree at all. It is a masterfully concealed cell phone tower. You can see the antennas and electronic communications equipment mounted among the "branches" on a pole.  

Man's creation mimicking God's creation. Very clever. Very deceptive ... but with a nod toward the environment and nature.  

TAGS: Story

"Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 18:3.  

The young man rocked his two month old baby in the stroller, back and forth, during the Mass. The child was quiet, not fussy. When it came time for Holy Communion, he cradled the baby in his arms so the little one could receive the Lord's blessing from the priest. As the young man left the church, he stopped at the Holy Water font and traced a wet cross on his baby's forehead.  

The father had "daddy duty" this day. It was heartwarming to see how the father cherished his child, and wished to give all the blessings the church has to offer his little one.  

Does not our Father do the same? Do you become quiet so the Lord can embrace you in his arms, and give you all he has to offer?  

Become like a child and let your Father cherish you.  

Abba, Father, I long for Your care and Your blessing. Trace the sign of Your love on me. Amen.  

PHOTO CREDIT: stablediffusionweb.com  

TAGS: Inspiration, Prayer, Story

We were on a ship that passed through waters where whales were frequently seen. The seats in the viewing lounge were usually filled with people just passing time and relaxing. But as soon as someone stood at the large picture window and pointed, everyone jumped up to join him, thinking that there was one of the glorious mammals in sight.  

It was actually rather humorous. We humans are a strange bunch. Over the course of days, we never did see a whale, but we sure learned a lot about human behavior!  

What are you searching for? Are you finding it? Or are you just following along with others who are mindlessly believing mirages of the truth?  

Be a leader. Be your own leader, of your own thoughts, beliefs and behavior. Don't be part of the group that runs to the window to see something that doesn't exist.  

Heavenly Father, guide me to seek You alone in all of the waters of life. Amen.  

IMAGE: Stock Photo at Vecteezy  

TAGS: Inspiration, Prayer, Story

"Do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." - Matthew 10:19-20  

The rooftops were lined with birds. There must have been a birdie convention going on! They were all chattering at the same time; how they ever understood each other was truly unknown.  

Oftentimes, our conversations are just like that group of birds. How many times are you in a restaurant or at the intermission of an event, and it seems like everyone is talking at once? All are jibbering and jabbering in a nonsensical manner, at least to the casual bystander.  

Let your conversations be meaningful. Choose your crowd. Speak eloquently and confidently. Let the God of All Knowledge lead you as He will give you all you need to say.  

Thank you, Spirit of my Father, for speaking through me. Amen.  

TAGS: Prayer, Reflection

The Transfiguration is one of the most striking events in the Gospels. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. There, before their eyes, He is transfigured. His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become dazzling white.  
 
For the disciples, this was more than a supernatural moment. It was a turning point in their understanding of who Jesus truly was.  
 
In our lives, we may receive similar moments of clarity or grace. There are times when we feel close to God or see His presence in an unmistakable way. These moments are important because they help sustain our faith, especially when we return to daily struggles or responsibilities.  
 
The disciples’ reaction on the mountain was understandable. Peter wanted to stay. But Jesus didn’t allow them to remain. The vision was not the destination. They descended the mountain and returned to everyday life. This rhythm is familiar in the Christian life. We may encounter God in prayer, worship, or community. But those experiences are meant to lead us outward. They call us to serve, to love, to be light in dark places.  
 
Although we may have had our moments “on the mountain,” it’s important to remember the work happens in the valleys. The Transfiguration reveals who Jesus is, but it also reveals who we are called to be.  

EXCERPTED FROM: https://www.thegodminute.org/post/the-transfiguration-a-glimpse-of-glory-a-call-to-service  

​TAGS: Reflection

"In my distress I called out: LORD! I cried out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry to him reached his ears." - Psalm 18:7  

"Help me!" "Can someone help me here?" "Hello??" "Is there anyone who can help me?" "You see, I got this fish stuck on my beak ... in two places nonetheless. And I can't close my mouth. Can someone help me?" "Please???"  

Predicaments. We all get ourselves stuck in some pretty awful, embarrassing situations. To the bird, it seemed like a logical approach to stab that fish by grabbing it with an open mouth. Until it discovered that doing so prohibited it from closing its mouth. Then it turned into a situation for which the logic no longer made sense.  

Where do you find your help in the sticky predicaments you get yourself into? Who do you turn to for help?  

God, be my redeemer and my savior, at all times and in all circumstances. Amen.  

TAGS: Inspiration, Prayer

Overhead power lines, supported by steel or aluminum towers, are used to transmit electricity over long distances at high voltages. The goals of the overhead power line and tower design are to maintain adequate clearance between the energized conductors and the ground, and to provide reliable support for the conductors and resilience to storms, ice loads, earthquakes and other damages. Much engineering goes into this design to take into effect the load of the conductors as well as the dynamic loads due to wind, ice accumulation, and the effects of vibration.  

What is your support system for the tension and stress you endure, or produce, in your life?  

Are you able to maintain stability and control without wavering?  

Are you so headstrong that you are blistering with electricity?  

Are you creating an environment conducive to a smooth, unobstructed flow of communication, thoughts and ideas?  

If not, look at the design of the overhead power lines and supporting towers. Align yourself, with the help of God, to provide a more favorable and stable design.  

Almighty Power, create in me a more calming and trusting demeanor.  

TAGS: Inspiration, Prayer