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EVOLUTION

8/18/2026

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"...our inner self is being renewed day by day." - 2 Corinthians 4:16  

From a flat handle to a curvy handle with bristles on the back side of the head, even toothbrushes have evolved.  

How have I evolved spiritually?  

Am I closer to God today than I was a year ago? A month ago? A week ago? Yesterday?  

What can I do to draw closer to God?  

Learn more. Share more. Pray more.  

God, my Father, renew me each day so that I may evolve into Your image and likeness. Amen.  

​TAGS: Inspiration, Prayer
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DIRTY AIR

8/4/2026

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"Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: 'You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see.'" – Matthew 13:14  
 
The air returns in the ceiling were filthy. More than just needing to be cleaned, there was something intriguing about them. It looked like the alignment of the dirt created a cross. On each one, you could see the similar pattern of a cross.  
 
Wonder how many people noticed this. How many even looked at the ceiling tiles, let alone noticed the shape of a cross on them?  
 
Looking, but not seeing. How often do I do that?  

  • Am I simply glancing out the windshield while driving, or am I truly attentive to the traffic around me?  
  • Am I busy on my phone while riding the bus or train, or am I aware of the person sitting next to me?  
  • Am I in a hurry to complete my task at the shopping mall, or am I enjoying all of the colorful displays?  
  • Am I focused on the water spots on the window glass, or am I seeing the magnificent outdoors beyond it?  
 
Instead of being distracted, being caught up in your own thoughts, thinking about the next thing you have to do, or having your “head in your phone,” train yourself to be attentive to the sights and people around you.  

Otherwise, you may miss a message or a lesson from God. As in this case, is it really just dirty air causing stains on the ceiling? Or is God giving you a reminder that He sent His Son to die on a cross because of His love for you?  
 
Good and Gracious God, thank you for all the ways You send me holy reminders throughout the day. May I always be alert to Your presence in your many unexpected ways. Amen.  
 
TAGS: Inspiration, Prayer
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SEWER PIPES

7/21/2026

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The reinforced concrete sewer pipes were all lined up, ready to be buried in the ground. They are one of the first items that need to be placed during construction as they are part of the infrastructure of the project.  

While making an intriguing photo when stacked after delivery, their value and worth to the project are undeniable when their photogenic properties are converted to meaningful use as carriers of storm water or sewage.  
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  • Am I "photogenic" on the outside ("looking good" to others), but an unviable carrier of God's message to others?  
  • Do I consider myself to be part of the "infrastructure" of God's plan?  
  • Do I recognize my purpose and value in the life God has given me?  

Pray about it. Talk to God about it. And then go and lay the foundation. God needs you to build his kingdom.  

Heavenly Father, Master Builder, help me to see myself as a vital component of Your plan. Amen.  

​TAGS: Inspiration, Prayer
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ATTENTIVE

7/7/2026

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"Then the watchman cried, 'On the watchtower, my Lord, I stand constantly by day; And I stay at my post through all the watches of the night.'" - Isaiah 21:8  

The birds were all lined up as if standing at attention. Head held erect, looking straight ahead, immobile and silent. They looked like they were watchmen at their post, waiting and watching.  

Being attentive; standing at attention; waiting and watching; maintaining my post. Do I?  

Am I attentive to the workings of the Lord around me?  
Am I cognitive of His presence in each moment?  
Do I stay at my "post" and maintain my spiritual balance at all times?  

Here I am Lord, I watch and I wait for You. Amen.  

TAGS: Inspiration, Prayer
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LARGE RIPPLE

6/9/2026

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"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations ..." - Matthew 28:19  

It may be a small waterfall, but it makes a large ripple. You can make a large ripple, too, in the lives of those around you. Let your thoughts, words, and actions exude your Catholic beliefs, feelings, and emotions.  
  • Do I express my longing for God to others?  
  • Do I walk away from conversations that knock my beliefs?  
  • Do I stand up for my faith when challenged by others?  
  • ​Do I proudly tell others that I am a Catholic?  
  • Do I pray in public when surrounded by a secular crowd?  
  • Do I show that I am not embarrassed by my faith?  

Dear God, strengthen me so I may be a good disciple, enabling me to be a ripple in calm waters and representing You in all circumstances. Amen.  

​TAGS: Inspiration, Prayer
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DADDY DUTY

9/16/2025

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"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
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LOOK!

9/2/2025

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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
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HELP ME

7/22/2025

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"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
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HIGH TENSION

7/8/2025

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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
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GOSSAMER THREAD

5/27/2025

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"His confidence is but a gossamer thread, his trust is a spider’s house. He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand; he shall cling to it, but it shall not endure." - Job 8:14-15 

According to the dictionary, "gossamer" is something super fine and delicate -- like a spider web. The original gossamer, from which the definition comes from, is the fine, filmy substance spiders excrete to weave their webs. 

According to the verse from Job, one cannot lean upon this super fine and delicate house because it will not stand; it will not last. 

Have you built a gigantic "empire," be it a project, a story, a career, a passion, only to have it fall apart and collapse due to its own weight or your solitary weight? 

Lean on the Rock. Build on the Rock. Trust in the Rock. 

It is more durable, substantial and lasting. 

TAGS: Inspiration
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    The Padre Pio Prayer Group of Cleveland is a community of people dedicated to the devotion and works of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina.

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