January 29, 2025
Third Week in Ordinary Time
Seeds of Goodwill
A sower went out to sow.
Mark 4:3

The grandkids were getting excited about sharing valentines with their buddies. I asked if they were up for a top-secret mission. They said yes. I bought seventy-five “secret pal” valentines at a dollar store and spread them out on the kitchen table. The kids drew smiley faces on each one, added a chocolate kiss and sealed them up. We tiptoed down six long hallways, placing a card under each door. It was tough holding back the giggles. One neighbor saw us, and we swore her to secrecy. The kids were so fired up giving out those little cards. They expected nothing in return. Neither did I. And that was that.

Or so I thought. The next afternoon, our building's lobby was decorated with paper hearts. Next came balloons and a big bowl of chocolate kisses. (Nope, it wasn’t us.) The grandkids—and I—learned firsthand how a little goodwill goes a long, long way. But it’s our secret, okay?

- Gail Goleas

Hebrews 10:11-18 ✚ Psalm 110:1-4 ✚ Mark 4:1-20
Bunch of multicolored paper heart-cutouts. Image by Alexey Ryumin | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

January 30, 2025 at 08:21 AM

Gail, loved this story. What a beautiful way to create the kingdom here on earth. Amen.

January 30, 2025 at 08:16 AM

Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those who have been hurt, killed and impacted by terrorist attacks. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen

January 29, 2025 at 03:28 PM

Again the same message as of yesterday :-) *** Before Jesus in Hebrews 10:11, "Day after day every priest stands and does his special duties. He offers the same sacrifices again and again. But they can never take away sins!" *** Afer Jesus in Hebrews 10:12, 14, "Jesus our Priest offered One sacrifice for sins for all time. Then He sat down at the right hand of God...By that One sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy!" *** Now in Hebrews 10:15-18, "The Holy Spirit also speaks to us about this. First He says, “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put My laws in their hearts. I will write My laws on their minds.” (Jeremiah 31:33) Then He adds, “I will not remember their sins anymore. I will not remember the evil things they have done.” (Jeremiah 31:34) Where these sins have been forgiven, an offering for sin is no longer necessary!" ******* We will boldly enter the throne room and pray to our God in Hebrews 10:19-23, "Brothers and sisters, we are not afraid to enter the Most Holy Room. We enter boldly because of the blood of Jesus. His way is new because He lives. It has been opened for us through the curtain (torn from top to bottom on the day Jesus died). I’m talking about His body (broken for us). We also have a great Priest (Jesus) over the house of God. So let us come near to God with a sincere heart. Let us come near boldly because of our faith. Our hearts have been sprinkled. Our minds have been cleansed from a sense of guilt. Our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold firmly to the hope we claim to have. The God Who promised is faithful!" Amen!!!

January 29, 2025 at 01:19 PM

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee, Blessed art thou Among women and Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus, Hail Mary Mother of God, Pray for sinners, now and at the hour if our death, Amen.

January 29, 2025 at 01:16 PM

My prayer "Lord Jesus, faith in your word is the way to wisdom, and to ponder your divine plan is to grow in the truth. Open my eyes to your deeds, and my ears to the sound of your call, that I may understand your will for my life and live according to it" Amen

January 29, 2025 at 01:13 PM

Good morning LFF. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy Kingdom come, thy Will be done, on Earth ???? as it is in Heaven, give us this Day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses against. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, Amen.

January 29, 2025 at 11:55 AM

Gail, you & the grandkids certainly sowed the good seed generously!

January 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM

Gail what a great story and thank you. It was so needed to hear. I pray each day for everyone in this world to feel that type of love and pay it forward. Blessings to all the LFF. May those with extra needs these days feel the love, warmth and guidance of Gods helping hands. May we all spread the love of God through all the world and may our President and his cabinet lead this country with God in their hearts and common sense in their minds.

Larry S
January 29, 2025 at 10:28 AM

Amen Stormi!!!

January 29, 2025 at 09:40 AM

AMEN!

January 29, 2025 at 09:03 AM

Amen. :)

January 29, 2025 at 08:59 AM

Amen!

January 29, 2025 at 08:52 AM

Living faith family please pray for my friend and co-worker Craig. Yesterday I found out that he had a stroke and was having trouble speaking. Currently he's in the hospital rehabbing. Debbie and her daughter Anna still need our prayers as well as Terry's neice Amy who's recovering from surgery. Christine is still the only care giver for her mom Stephanie. Thanks you guys are super. Ken

Bill S
January 30, 2025 at 12:17 AM

Ken, let us pray to Saint Andrew Avellino for Craig, that he may have a complete healing from the stroke he recently suffered. Amen.

Stormi
January 29, 2025 at 09:55 AM

Ken hope you are doing well and I will pray for Craig, Debbie and Anna, Amy along with Christine and her mother Stephanie. :{}

January 29, 2025 at 08:52 AM

Sweet story Gail, one that the grandkids when old and wrinkled will remember and share with their own young grandchildren. Have been keeping everyone in prayer especially Jessi for both safety and effectiveness. Also Ken, praying the oral surgery is a fix and pain is completely gone. Bill L glad Joanne is home —if she needs to use a breathing machine in the future let her know there are many Facebook groups for people using them and if she finds the right one for her, administered by knowledgeable and reputable people, it will help her adjust quickly. Jane, sounds like you are home safe maybe preparing delicious exotic meals! Thank you for the continued prayers for Garrett, our challenges now are regaining use and retraining of the mind as to God’s will in all this, and I am certain prayer is what is allowing him to continually make effort to be cheerful when the temptation is still to be angry and want punishment for those involved. Have a joy filled heart wherever God leads you today everyone.

jane
January 30, 2025 at 08:19 AM

Vicky, thanks for the update on Garrett. He needs to keep going….keep rehabbing and strengthening! Ken, let’s get those implants in and healed. I won’t be home until April. Learning lots about so many things. Enjoying the experience! Amen.

Kjc
January 29, 2025 at 05:18 PM

VickyG I will pray for you and Garrett right now. Final appointment I hope is this Friday. It's an implant on fr I n two teeth. Living faith family thanks for your prayers. Ken

Stormi
January 29, 2025 at 09:53 AM

Vicky G. you and Garrett are still in my prayers. A warm hug to you both :{}

January 29, 2025 at 08:32 AM

Well done!

Paul
January 29, 2025 at 08:46 AM

Absolutely heartwarming!!

January 29, 2025 at 07:01 AM

Thank you for this inspiring true story! 30-60- a hundred fold!!!

January 29, 2025 at 06:41 AM

Amen.☮️

January 29, 2025 at 05:06 AM

That was such a fun and fulfilling adventure for everyone Gail... God bless us all

January 29, 2025 at 04:56 AM

Amen

January 29, 2025 at 02:42 AM

Amen :)

Bunch of multicolored paper heart-cutouts. Image by Alexey Ryumin | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

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