“You’re an original, an individual, a masterpiece. Celebrate that; don’t let your uniqueness make you shy. Don’t be someone other than the wonder you are. Every star is important to the sky.” Douglas Pagels

As the old saying goes… God doesn’t make junk!

“Do your best and move ahead, because there are some wonderful rewards waiting for you.”

Let us also stop and think God for so many of the gifts that we have received.

The Lord is near to all who call upon him… Psalm 145:18

“When I was younger, I felt that God was far away, and I had to reach with all my strength or never be heard or seen. I learned to ask God to be near enough that I could feel the warmth of the healing light that comes with God‘s love. Nowadays my experience of God has changed; I can feel God near my bedside in the morning as the light comes through my window. I can feel God next to me when I experience a sense of accomplishment or happiness. I can feel God sitting on the floor with me when life events have knocked me down.

God has always been right here within reach, just waiting for me to ask for what I need. Even though we might find ourselves sometimes wondering where God is, there is no doubt that God hears us when we call.

Lord, please make your presence known to us who call on you for every need.” Vivian Amu

Master, we have worked hard all night and I’ve caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets. Luke 5:5

“Peter seems resigned and discouraged in this passage. Maybe that’s why he decides to take fishing advice from some preacher he just met. I guess we can all get a little desperate when things aren’t going our way. Yet no matter how bleak things seem, ours is a God of infinite abundance. He can bring joy from pain, hope from despair, even life from death. It’s easy to take that for granted when we’re hauling in catch after catch. When our nets keep coming up empty, though, our job is to keep throwing them back into the water. It’s then, when we’re staring into the depths, holding our breath, that we truly surrender to God. We stand before him, resigned and hopeful, no longer pretending that we are in charge, but finally ready to let the Lord do what he will.

 Lord God, when I am discouraged, help me to trust in you.” Karla Manternach

Dear God, let me remember that nothing is impossible with you.

“Choose to be happy and positive. Live like the blessed human you are.”

Beyoncé

God gives us the graces that we need.