Bad things happen in life, and some days it feels like the load is heavy, and it continues to pour rain, and it is like a whirlwind.  When it rains, it pours, and you feel the Gods are out to get you, and you do not know what to do, who to ask, or where to go next.  “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10.

Reflection on the last three days until the Resurrection. Three days to look back on what we did in these 40 days of Lent 2026 and how much or little we feel we were able to be closer to our Lord. Giving Thanks to the one who is always there,whether we are successful or slip. Giving thanks for a forgiving God who never criticizes or makes us feel bad when we are the one who makes mistakes.

A reflection on the week before our Lord is faced with hisenemies as they praise him and give him honor and glory on a donkey, and four days later, they are all crying out crucify him, crucify him. They forgot he rose again on the third day.

When you experience feelings and thoughts that haunt you out of the blue, what should you do? Do I call a friend or schedule an appointment with a professional? All these actions are positive and can help. Why not call on our Lord? Why not sit down, close your eyes, breathe, and have a conversation with our Lord, who is patiently waitingto hear from you. Take out your Bible or Lenten scriptures, Google a prayer, or listen to some instrumental spiritual music and be still.

We give excuses every time we are to give our Lord 5-30 minutes of our day. We have to go shopping, I had the children, I had to cook, I had to wash clothes, and the list continues. Do we ever stop, breathe, close our eyes, and say, God, this time is for you, and I will not be interrupted? Thank you for giving me the time to praise you.

Do we measure our day and feelings based on the weather? Do you ever thank God for giving you another day to enjoy the fog, the wet and gloomy day?  Take time to reflect and see his goodness.

The second Sunday of Lent and eleven days today feel liketime is moving fast, not giving us time to breathe. 

Today is the first Friday after Ash Wednesday, a time toreflect, pray, and ask God for guidance as your Lenten journey begins.

Spirit and Smiles Podcast Episode #16 is a greeting for anew year, a new blessing, and new opportunities to journey with God in 2026. Reflect, remember, forgive, love, and be happy. God has your back. Share with others in 2026.

Seasonal change and stormbrewing are something we all encounter in life. Are you in a storm today? I hope sharing this podcast lifts your spiritsand gives you the strength to feel peace and love.