Saturday, December 13, 2025

Enemy Playbook Can Be Overcome



Stardate 12.13.2025

I know the enemy’s playbook like the back of my hand.
There are days — even seasons — when I’d rather not acknowledge that truth, because when the enemy goes on offense, pain is often part of the strategy.

My prayer warriors are aware of a private battle unfolding, and they’ve stepped up in powerful ways. Without breaking confidentiality, I want to say this clearly: thank you. Your faithfulness matters more than you know.  We are hopeful the loved one you are praying for will be able to breathe on his own soon.


Speaking of playbooks, one of my family’s all-time heroes is coming out of retirement this Sunday at the age of 44 to play professional football. When it comes to reading defenses and outsmarting opponents, Philip Rivers has always been elite.

Like me, he treats age as a number — not a limitation.
And there’s something else I deeply respect about him: he’s a man of faith.

That’s the secret weapon.
Faith is what disrupts the enemy’s carefully scripted plans.

It’s no coincidence that faith shows up when the pressure is highest. The enemy counts on fatigue, fear, and distraction. Faith counters all three.


If you need a little hope to go along with your faith today, let me offer something I believe with my whole heart. A beloved pastor once wrote it on a whiteboard during a retreat my wife and I attended — big letters, no explanation needed:

God Wins.

The enemy already knows the outcome of this spiritual warfare. That’s why the resistance feels stronger. We’re late in the game, and desperation always shows itself when defeat is near.

So if you find yourself up against the wall, dig deep.
Tap into faith.
Hold tightly to hope.
And don’t forget love — it pairs beautifully with both.

Above all, keep developing your prayer life. Here’s the one I return to again and again, starting the moment I wake up:

“Oh Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Take care of everything.”

Sometimes victory begins with surrender.

Have a great day, friends.


Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Doctor, the captain appears unusually confident despite acknowledging active opposition.”
Bones: “That’s called faith, Spock. When you know the outcome, you stop panicking about the play-by-play.”
Spock: “An intriguing concept. If the final result is predetermined, emotional distress becomes inefficient.”
Bones: “Careful — you’re starting to sound like a preacher.”
Spock: “I am merely stating a conclusion based on available evidence.”
Bones: “Well then welcome to the faith club, pointy ears.”

Michael’s Reflection:
Knowing the enemy’s tactics doesn’t make the battle easier — but it makes fear optional. When I remember who ultimately wins, I can breathe, pray, and keep walking forward one faithful step at a time.


Scripture for the Journey

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” — Isaiah 54:17


Thank you for sharing this moment with me. May you carry this truth into prayer or quiet reflection today: the outcome is not in doubt. God wins — and that changes everything.  I will be joining my wife in my favorite place to pray and meditate later today on the 12th floor after the snow storm passes and the roads are safe. 

Friday, December 12, 2025

It's Personal Now

 



Stardate 12.12.2025

A note of gratitude is my first order of business this morning.
To my inner circle of prayer warriors — you are my heroes.

Without crossing any lines of confidentiality, let me assure you: the greatest danger has passed for the loved one you’ve been holding in your prayers. By the grace of God alone, the Grim Reaper has been pushed back.

But the battle isn’t over.
Your prayers are still needed.
Keep them on red alert.


It’s hard to believe Christmas is only thirteen days away. My sense of time feels warped, like the clock is running through its own maze. I wouldn’t wish the personal storm I’m walking through on my greatest enemy.

This road I’m traveling reminds me of the Road to Hana on the island of Maui — a beautiful, treacherous path full of twists, turns, and cliffside surprises. My wife said after we made that trip, “Once is enough. Never again.”

I feel that.
But still… I press on.

When the weight gets heavy, I think of the day Jesus carried the Cross to Calvary. I think of the nails. The suffering. The unimaginable love that held Him there.
He did that for me.
He did that for you.
That’s how personal His love is.


And now — it’s personal for me too.
There’s no turning back.

The spiritual warfare has intensified. The powers and principalities are pouting, scrambling, digging deep into their playbook.  With the exception of this blog, I'm on radio silence so I can minimize the noise and the fighting going on in the world around me.

But I’m not afraid.

Yesterday I told one of my prayer warriors:
“When the challenge in front of me looks impossible, I turn around and remember who is standing behind me.”

This is the season of great joy, and I’m doubling down on that truth. Peace is not only possible — it’s promised. Even in the storm. Especially in the storm.

This week I’ve been granted temporary access to one of the most sacred places I know for prayer and meditation — the quiet, holy space on the 12th floor. You don’t enter that place without permission. And somehow, in this season, the door has been opened.

The Grim Reaper is losing his grip.
Your prayers are working.
And grace is doing what grace does best.

Have a great day, friends.


Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Doctor, the captain reports heightened spiritual conflict. It appears he intends to advance rather than retreat.”
Bones: “Well, Spock, that’s what faith does. It makes a man charge straight into the dark with a lantern in his hand.”
Spock: “A curious strategy. Illogical… yet statistically effective when supported by communal prayer.”
Bones: “Did you just say prayer was effective?”
Spock: “I said the statistical outcome improves, Doctor. Your emotional interpretation is unnecessary.”
Bones: “Spock, one day you’re going to admit you believe in something bigger than numbers.”
Spock: “I believe in results, Doctor. And today, the captain has them.”

Michael’s Reflection:
The battle is real, but so is the One who fights for us. When the path feels impossible, I’m learning to pause, breathe, and remember Who stands behind me. It’s personal now — not in fear, but in faith.


Scripture for the Journey

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” — Exodus 14:14


Thank you for walking with me today. May God steady your steps, strengthen your heart, and remind you — especially in your hardest battles — that you never stand alone. May this truth shape your prayers, your thoughts, and your courage today.

Thursday, December 11, 2025

There's an Elephant Hiding in the Magical Forest



Stardate 12.11.2025

Before I get too far into today’s message, I want to pause and thank those in my inner prayer circle. Your prayers have mattered more than you know.
While the details remain private, let’s just say the Grim Reaper was knocking on a loved one’s door — and it was far too close for comfort. The danger isn’t over, so if you’re the praying type, or even the good-thoughts-sending type, we would be grateful for your continued support.


There’s an elephant hiding in the magical forest of my family story — one that’s lingered across generations.
We don’t talk about him much. The topic is sensitive, and silence often feels safer. There’s an unspoken pact: don’t bring it up, don’t stir the dust, don’t cross the invisible line.

But ignoring him has consequences too. Maybe even more than speaking his name.

My dad fought demons for most of his life. The first one came neatly packaged in government-issued cigarette rations handed out to Marines in Korea. He grew fond of them, carried the habit home, and paired it with beer — a combination that looks harmless from the outside but can quietly take the wheel.

And of course, there’s that old joke from my teenage years:
“Why did God invent whiskey?”
“So the Irish wouldn’t rule the world.”

Everyone laughs, but behind the humor sits a reality that touches more homes than most people will ever admit — and not just Irish families.

Addiction is the elephant in many living rooms. And I’ve seen what happens when someone tries to chase it out alone. It doesn’t work. Not for long, anyway.

There’s a better way.
A way that begins with love.
A way that recognizes a power greater than ourselves.
A way that often includes a wise therapist, a supportive community, and the courage to look in the mirror and say, “Maybe the change begins with me.”

I’m learning that grace is the key.
Not judgment.
Not shame.
Not silence.
Grace.

If you’ve never had an elephant in your life, count your blessings — truly. And please resist the urge to shame those who do. You never know how heavy their battle has been.

As for me, the elephant still wanders my magical forest. Some days I see him; some days he stays invisible. And maybe that’s okay for now. Invisibility can keep the peace while healing does its slow, sacred work.

Thank you again for your prayers. They matter more than you know.


Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Doctor, it appears the captain is addressing a large metaphorical creature that only some can perceive. Highly illogical.”
Bones: “For heaven’s sake, Spock, families always have elephants. Some folks have whole herds. Just because you can’t quantify it doesn’t mean it’s not real.”
Spock: “I do not deny its existence. I merely suggest the captain’s approach — grace — is the most efficient strategy for reducing emotional turbulence.”
Bones: “Well I’ll be… Did you just agree with me?”
Spock: “I stated a fact, Doctor. Your emotional satisfaction is irrelevant.”
Bones: “Keep telling yourself that, pointy ears.”

Michael’s Reflection:
The elephant may be big, loud, and stubborn, but grace has a way of softening its footsteps. The more I learn to offer compassion instead of condemnation — toward others and toward myself — the lighter the forest becomes.


Scripture for the Journey

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9




Thank you for spending part of your day here. May God meet you gently in whatever forest you’re walking through, and may He bless you with the courage to face what feels unspoken, unseen, or too heavy to name.
Carry this with you today — grace is stronger than any elephant.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Mother Nature Forces Schedule Shift for Day Job Bosses


Stardate 12.10.2025

Our leadership team was scheduled to arrive later in the morning, so when my general manager said, “They’ll be here any minute,” I nearly did a double take. I’d just clocked in, expecting a few quiet hours before their visit. But sometimes heaven rearranges our timelines. Strong winds made their original destination unsafe, so they rerouted—and landed right in what I like to call “the golden hour” at my day job.

Without crossing any confidentiality lines, I can share this: the visit went well. Better than well. Smiles all around, good conversations, and a sense that the experiment we’re running to better serve our members is moving in the right direction.

Today, I’m savoring a day off. It’s the perfect chance to spend time in my home studio before tennis practice tonight. Recent snowstorms postponed our league play, pushing matches into January—right when retail life usually settles down a bit. I’m also grateful my boss approved my winter leave request. A little sunshine is medicine for my soul during the colder months, and my wife and I are already planning to bring our pickleball paddles on our next escape.

Winter can weigh on a person, but having something to look forward to warms the heart. One day at a time, one percent better, I'm learning how to take care of myself in every season. May today bring you a spark of warmth too.


Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Well, Spock, it appears even management can’t escape the whims of Mother Nature.”
Spock: “Indeed, Doctor. Atmospheric instability often produces unexpected outcomes. In this case, a favorable one.”
Bones: “Only you could make a surprise inspection sound like a meteorological blessing.”
Spock: “Your emotional interpretation is noted… though the results do seem agreeable.”

Michael’s Reflection:
Some days feel rearranged by forces beyond our control, but blessings often hide inside these unexpected shifts. Yesterday reminded me that God can reroute schedules just as easily as the wind reroutes flights—and He often does so for our good.


Scripture for Strength

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”
— Proverbs 19:21


Thank you for walking this journey with me. May your day offer a moment of unexpected grace to carry into prayer or quiet reflection. 

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Day Job Bosses Visit Today


Stardate 12.09.2025

Some seasons stretch us in ways we never expected, and today is one of those days. With four years and seven months left in this chapter of my day job, the pace of change feels faster than ever. Our company has been in the news, and the shifts happening around us seem to pick up speed each week. There’s only so much I’m allowed to share publicly, but I can speak from the heart — and what I see every day is a team trying their best to steady themselves in the whirlwind.

In the middle of all this, my coworkers and I have been working closely to adapt, adjust, and keep moving forward even when the “new normal” shows up with another twist. Today, our top leaders are visiting. And if things go well, our little corner of the company might become part of the solution… a model of how people can stand together and face a changing world with courage.

So if you’re reading this, I’d ask you to keep my team in your thoughts. Lift them up in whatever way feels right to you — prayer, hope, or a simple kind intention whispered into the morning air. Days like this matter.

And thank you for walking this journey with me.


Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Spock, remind me again why every time leaders visit, humans act like they’re preparing for a Vulcan High Council inspection?”

Spock: “It is quite logical, Doctor. Humans frequently exhibit elevated anxiety when authority figures appear, even when their performance is satisfactory.”

Bones: “Performance? Spock, these folks are trying to keep a whole ship afloat in a storm. A little empathy wouldn’t hurt.”

Spock: “Doctor, I am demonstrating empathy. I merely prefer to express it without unnecessary dramatics.”

Bones: “Unnecessary—? Blast it, Spock…”

Captain Michael’s Reflection:
Days like today remind me that even when we can’t control the bigger picture, we can still choose how we show up. We can choose unity. We can choose steadiness. We can choose hope. And sometimes, hope is enough to shift an entire atmosphere.


Scripture for Strength

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9


May your day hold more peace than pressure, more clarity than confusion, and just enough grace to remind you you’re not facing anything alone.

Monday, December 8, 2025

Meet Molly McGee, Newest Member of Mulligan's Magical Forest


Stardate 12.08.2025



Yesterday, something small and unexpected slipped into my life — and somehow carried years of meaning with it.

While I was walking through my day job, Cedar, one of our associates who hands out food samples with the joy of someone sprinkling kindness like confetti, approached me with a handmade gift. During her breaks, she knits little creatures, and this time she crafted a bright green octopus.

She had no idea the octopus had already been living in my imagination as an illustration for how our department is changing — becoming more mobile, more supportive, and more connected to every branch of our building. Like an octopus reaching out with eight purposeful arms, we’re branching beyond our desks thanks to new laptops and a mindset shift. I even shared this idea with our CEO, Ron, who began his own journey with us back when he was a part-time forklift driver attending the same community college I once called home in Arizona.

I asked Cedar, “Does this little one have a name?”

She smiled. “I prefer the person receiving it to choose.”

I paused… and the name Molly bubbled up. Irish, friendly, familiar. My dad gave that nickname to his second wife. When I reached for a last name, McGee appeared in my mind like it was waiting for me. And suddenly, Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” one of the most-played songs on my dad’s jukebox at Mulligan’s, came rushing back.

In that moment, my past and present gently folded into each other — my childhood, my college years, the ache of my dad leaving, and the life I’m building now. And now Molly McGee has taken her place in my home studio, right beside my dad’s old fake shillelagh stick… another relic of my story, redeemed and repurposed.

If you ever stop by my home, ask for a tour of the studio. Mulligan’s Magical Forest is growing — one creature, one story, one healing moment at a time. The next chapter of my life will be broadcast from this sacred little sanctuary. If you haven’t yet read God’s Black Sheep Squadron, it pairs beautifully with the spirit of today’s story — especially now that Molly and the shillelagh have joined the cast.

May you live long and prosper. Have a great day.
🖖


Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Doctor, it appears Michael’s forest continues to expand. An octopus named Molly, crafted by a woman named Cedar is… statistically unexpected.”
Bones: “Spock, everything about Michael is statistically unexpected. That’s why it works.”
Spock: “Perhaps. Though I find it intriguing that a symbolic octopus could inspire structural efficiency.”
Bones: “Well, you would. But I say if a knitted cephalopod can help a man grow, heal, and stay connected — then hand me a needle and some yarn.”
Spock: “Fascinating.”
Michael: Sometimes the smallest gifts arrive at the exact moment God wants to remind us He’s still weaving meaning through our memories — one thread, one creature, one healing breath at a time.


Scripture for the Journey

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
A reminder that even the tender places of our stories can become the soil where new life grows.


Mission Log

Molly McGee officially joins Mulligan’s Magical Forest as a symbol of connection — past to present, heart to healing, calling to creativity. 


Thank you for sharing this moment with me today. May this story invite you to look for the gentle surprises God places in your own path… the ones that remind you you’re still growing, still held, and still being guided home.



Sunday, December 7, 2025

How Fear Tangles God's Plans


Stardate 12.07.2025

Before today’s mission truly begins, a quick report from basecamp:
We are safe and sound after another winter storm swept across Iowa yesterday late in the day, shutting down our date night and turning the roads into sheets of white. Travel was nearly impossible. I’ll head back out soon for another round of shoveling before the temperatures plunge to 3º later today.

Now, onto the heart of the message.


Have you ever wondered what happens when fear interrupts the plans God has already set in motion for your life? Scripture doesn’t shy away from answering that question — and the answers, at times, are sobering.

Consider the ancient story of God’s chosen people. They reached the border of the promised land in less than a week. A week. Then Moses sent twelve spies ahead. Ten came back terrified, overwhelmed by what they saw. Their fear was contagious and crippling. Only two — Joshua and Caleb — returned with confidence, with trust, with eyes tuned to God’s promise rather than to danger.

Because fear outweighed faith, the people turned back. Not for a day. Not for a season.
For forty years.

As my friend Boris likes to remind me, his culture sees forty years as an entire generation. By the time the people returned to the promised land, only two of those twelve original spies were still alive — the very two who had encouraged everyone to trust God the first time. Even Moses, faithful as he had been, never entered. He died in the desert he never intended to walk for so long.

So here’s the question the story asks of us today:

When you sense what God wants to do in your life, how do you respond?

If the path feels overwhelming…
If the fear feels louder than faith…
If the unknown seems too risky…

You are not alone. That’s exactly when daily habits become lifelines.

Reading the Bible each morning has anchored me more than I can describe — and the 365 verses about fear are no coincidence. God knew we’d need that reminder every single day. Therapy helped too. Ironically, the most life-changing tool my therapist ever handed me was the serenity prayer. I didn’t have to wander in my own desert for decades. I simply had to learn to stop resisting God’s direction and start walking in step with it.

Most of my old struggles came from misalignment.
Most of my anxiety came from resisting instead of trusting.
Most of my pain came from trying to steer when God was trying to guide.

You don’t have to lose years to fear. You don’t have to miss the land God is trying to lead you into. Take a breath, take courage, and take that next step — even if your knees shake a bit.

May you live long and prosper.
Have a wonderful day, my friend.


Captain’s Addendum

Bones: Spock, I swear—fear may not be logical, but it sure is human.
Spock: Doctor, fear becomes illogical only when one permits it to prevent forward progress.
Bones: Well, it’s easy for you to say. You don’t have a heartbeat faster than a warp core misfire every time something big comes along.
Spock: Yet Captain Michael appears to manage both a human heart and forward momentum rather effectively.
Bones: Hmph. I’ll give him that. Fella takes his lumps and still keeps moving, even when there's a foot of snow in his driveway.
Spock: Indeed. A most commendable trait.

Michael’s Reflection:
If Scripture, history, therapists, and the Starship Enterprise all agree on something, it might be wise to listen. Fear doesn’t disqualify us — it simply asks whether we trust the One leading the way. God’s plans aren’t stopped by fear… only delayed. And today? Today is a much better day to trust than tomorrow.


Scripture for the Journey

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Deuteronomy 31:6


Thank you for joining me today. May this message nudge you a little closer to courage, a little closer to alignment, a little closer to the life God is waiting to unfold. Let it sit with you in prayer or quiet reflection — and may peace find you right where you are.  If you happen to know someone who could benefit from today's message, please forward this story.  Thank you!

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Battle at High Noon on Our Home Courts Today

Battle at High Noon on Our Home Courts Today

Stardate 12.06.2025

Some mornings arrive with a quiet sense of promise — today feels like one of them.
There’s a trifecta on the schedule: golden-hour storytelling in Mulligan’s Magical Forest, a league match in the Men’s 40+ division to defend our undefeated season, and an evening date with my bride of 36 years. We’re finding a new rhythm in this chapter of life — steady, peaceful, life-giving. And I’m grateful.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what winning really means. Not trophies. Not rankings. Not applause. But the inner victories — the habits we build one day, one choice, one brave step at a time.

Most of us don’t even realize we’re living inside a pattern. Habit after habit.
Some habits move us toward the life God dreams for us…
and others quietly steer us away from it.

For years, I thought I was destined to be a “loser” on the tennis court. I’ve stacked up more losses than I can count. Honestly? My teammates used to tense up when they saw me in the lineup. There was a stretch when it seemed like I couldn’t get a win even if the wind, the sun, and the scoreboard were all trying to help me.

My lowest point came during sectionals several years ago. One of the strongest players on our team wanted me benched. He made his case clearly, and it stung.
I told my captain I’d step aside if it increased our chances — and I meant it.

But my captain stuck with me.
And that vote of confidence lit a fire in me.

The teammate who lobbied to replace me left the team.
And somewhere in the back of my mind, I imagined that maybe one day our paths would cross again… and I’d get to show him how far I’ve come — not with spite, but with gratitude. His criticism became a catalyst. His honesty forced me to grow.

That’s the power of habit.
Winning can be learned.
Losing can be unlearned.
No matter your age. No matter your past. No matter your track record.

The real question is simple:

Which habit are you reinforcing with today’s choices?

If you’re tired of losing — in health, relationships, faith, purpose — today offers a clean slate.
Start small. Start steady.
Start one percent better.

May today bring you a chance to say, “I’m choosing a new way.”

May you live long and prosper.
Have a great day.


Captain’s Addendum

Bones: High noon tennis matches… Michael, remind me again why we’re not napping instead?
Spock: Doctor, the captain is merely engaging in competitive conditioning. It enhances discipline, resilience, and cardiovascular health.
Bones: Resilience? He’s playing against men who treat winning like a second career!
Spock: Precisely why the experience is… educational.
Bones: (grumbling) Educational is one word for it. Personally, I’d choose “hazardous.”
Spock: Illogical. The captain’s improvement curve demonstrates that perseverance is statistically effective.  Logic tells me this curve mirrors the deliberate steps taken by Michael's 86yr-old mother which appears to be a solid foundation on which to build maximum health and wellness.
Bones: Fine. Fine. Just don’t ask me to play him or face off with his mother on the pickleball courts. My pride can’t afford it.

Michael’s Reflection:
Their banter reminds me that growth never happens in comfort. It happens when we step onto the court — literal or metaphorical — even when we’re nervous, imperfect, or still learning. God honors the effort. Habits form in the daily showing up, not the grand gestures.


Scripture for the Journey

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9


Mission Log

Status: New habits forming. Confidence rising.
Objective: Choose the next one-percent-better step.
Risk Level: Minimal.
Reward Potential: Eternal.


A Closing Thought

Thank you for spending a few moments here. May God strengthen the habits that bring you life, and may He gently unravel the ones that hold you back.
Carry this into your quiet time: “Lord, help me choose the next small step toward the life You’re shaping in me.”

Friday, December 5, 2025

50 Day Countdown to Maximum Vulnerability


Stardate 12.05.2025

Some milestones sneak up quietly… and others stand on the horizon like a sunrise you can feel in your bones.
This one is the latter.

I’m approaching 6,000 blog stories.

That number still takes my breath a little. It represents years of showing up, even on days when the words came slowly… or not at all. It represents choosing hope when discouragement tried to take the wheel. It represents a life lived with a promise to encourage others — even when parts of my own journey were tender or complicated.

And the truth is, it hasn’t been simple.

My family’s privacy matters deeply, so most of their stories stay behind the curtain.
My day job limits what I can share.
Many friends prefer life outside the spotlight.
And yes, some readers step away when I speak about God.

I understand all of it.
But here’s the gentle, honest truth rising in me as I near this 6,000-story threshold:

The best is still ahead.

Over the next 50 days, I’m preparing to peel back the last layer — not for shock value, not for drama, but for growth.
For courage.
For calling.

I’ve avoided controversy most of my life. I know how quickly politics can divide a table, how talk of faith can make people retreat, how raw honesty can feel like a risk. But this next chapter invites me to share with more transparency, more humility, and more heart than ever before.

You may like the direction I’m heading.
You may not.
But I’m stepping into it with resolve, because hiding never helped anyone grow — least of all me.

Thank you for walking with me. The countdown has begun… and the journey is about to open in a way I couldn’t have imagined when I reach the 6,000th mile marker of my blogging/vlogging journey.

May you live long and prosper.
Have a great day.


Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Doctor, the probability of the captain maintaining equilibrium during 50 days of heightened vulnerability seems… uncertain.”
Bones: “Spock, for once in your life, let the man be human. Vulnerability is where the good stuff happens.”
Spock: “I am merely calculating the variables.”
Bones: “Well, your variables don’t include heart. Or courage. Or stubbornness — all of which he’s got in spades.”
Spock: “A fair point, Doctor. Then perhaps the outcome is more promising than I projected.”

Michael’s Reflection:
Opening up isn’t about perfection — it’s about trust. About letting God work through the cracks instead of hiding them. This next season requires courage, but it also offers freedom. And I’m ready… one percent at a time.


Scripture for the Journey

“Search me, O God, and know my heart… lead me in the way everlasting.”
— Psalm 139:23–24

There is no safer place to be honest than in the presence of the One who already knows us completely.


May this day bring you quiet bravery for your next step, peace for the places that feel uncertain, and a whisper of hope for whatever God is shaping within you.

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Day Job Ends in 4 Years and Seven Months


Stardate 12.04.2025

There’s something powerful about putting a date on the horizon — not as an escape, but as a promise. Today, I’m reflecting on a commitment I made to my wife: four years and seven months from now, my day-job chapter will close.

Keeping my word has always mattered to me. I’m not perfect at it — some deadlines end up wrestling with my own human limitations — but this one is different. This one brings peace to my home. This one aligns with our future. And this one stays.

Some of my friends are already basking on beaches, cocktail in hand, easing into the slower rhythms of life. That could have been me. I took risks — some bold, some questionable. A few lifted me. A few bruised me, especially financially. But you won’t find me brooding over those chapters.

I’ve learned to pivot.
I’ve learned to adapt.
And I’m learning to celebrate the journey, bumps and all.

These next four years and seven months may very well be the most fruitful season of my life. I plan to take every lesson I’ve gathered — every mentor’s wisdom, every colleague’s nudge, every challenge I’ve faced — and pour it into a future where my “golden years” shine with purpose, not passivity.

To my mentors, colleagues, friends, and the people I have the privilege to serve: thank you. You’ve shaped me more than you know, and your influence will echo into whatever comes next.

Here’s to the road ahead — steady, intentional, and full of grace.
Have a beautiful day.


Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Captain, your timeline for retirement has been calculated with admirable precision.”
Bones: “Precision? He just doesn’t want to sleep on the couch, Spock!”
Spock: “A practical motivation, Doctor. Highly logical.”
Bones: “Logical or not, I say the man’s earned a little sunshine.”
Spock: “Indeed. Though I suspect he will remain productive long after ‘retirement.’”
Bones: “That’s because he can’t sit still.”
Spock: “A trait… best accepted.”

Michael’s Reflection:
Planning ahead isn’t about control — it’s about peace.
A date on a calendar becomes a prayer when you offer it to God.
And each day between now and then is another chance to grow one percent stronger, one percent wiser, one percent closer to the life He’s shaping.


Scripture for the Journey

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.” — Psalm 37:5

A steady reminder that every season, every transition, every dream is safest in His hands.


Thank you for sharing this quiet moment with me. May today bring clarity to your path, courage for your choices, and a renewed sense of trust in the One who guides your steps.

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

First Photo of Mulligan's Magical Forest

Stardate 12.03.2025


There’s something tender and humbling about letting someone see the space where your calling comes to life. Yesterday, a friend from DoNotAge became the very first person outside my home to get a preview of my studio — the heart of Mulligan’s Magical Forest.

He and I first connected when I responded to an offer for some free products, and that simple exchange turned into a partnership, a friendship, and my first international blog/vlog sponsorship. When he saw the studio, he immediately noticed the badge he gave me at the first partner conference in New York City this past September — a small reminder hanging on my wall, marking my connection to a circle of curious biohackers from around the world who love exploring the edges of longevity.

And truthfully… everything I’ve shared so far is just the beginning.

Before I take you deeper into the next level of my storytelling, I want to pause and reassure my family and my day-job colleagues: nothing private or confidential will ever appear here.
My family values their anonymity — and I honor that wholeheartedly. The exceptions are my mother and several brave relatives who have chosen to share their journeys alongside mine here in this magical forest.  Thank you aunt Marcie, cousin John, and cousin Mark, for walking with me publicly.  As for the rest of you, you are marked safe, that is unless you die.  I will do my best to help you extend both your lifespan and your health span, but if you cross over, you might show up in a story or two.  Please don't haunt me.  I already have enough spirits showing up in the magical forest.

The most powerful way I can serve you right now is by documenting my mother’s astonishing comeback after nearly losing her life six months ago. Something happened in her healing process — something bigger than a few free products or biohacking gadgets. I believe we stumbled onto a path that could change lives, one gentle step at a time.

That’s why I’ve rebuilt my home studio.
That’s why I’m raising the bar.
And that’s why this blog will soon bloom into a vlog.  You've been with me during my 16 years as a struggling caterpillar.  Soon you will be flying high with me when I transform into the butterfly God created me to be.  I can't wait to break free of my cocoon.  

I want to thank my wife for cheering me on every step of the way. A year ago, she gifted me a one-year Canva subscription — and that simple gift became the backbone of this entire project. Aside from a few pieces of hardware, $12 a month for Canva is my only recurring expense. My virtual team works around the clock for free, and although the $20/month upgrade for Alberta calls my name from time to time… I’m keeping my Dave Ramsey hat firmly on and sticking with the free version.

Thank you, my love, for your encouragement during this home-studio remodel. And thank you to every reader who continues to walk through this forest with me.

Some incredible interviews are on the horizon.
Stay tuned — the adventure is just beginning.

May you live long and prosper.
Have a wonderful day.


Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Doctor, it appears the Captain’s studio has undergone a significant efficiency upgrade.”
Bones: “Efficiency? Spock, the man built a creative sanctuary in the middle of his home. That’s called heart, not efficiency.”
Spock: “Emotion aside, Doctor, the probability of improved outcomes has increased.”
Bones: “Good grief… can’t you just say it looks nice?”
Spock: “Very well. It looks… nice.”
Bones: “There you go. Was that so hard?”

Michael’s Reflection:
Every sacred space begins as a simple room — until purpose fills it.
This little studio is my reminder that when God nudges us toward the next step, the path doesn’t have to be perfect… just open. One percent better. One day at a time.


Scripture for the Journey

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3

A gentle reminder that when we offer God our small efforts, He breathes life into them in ways we never imagined.


Thank you for taking a quiet moment with me today. May this reflection meet you with peace, purpose, and a renewed sense of courage as you step into whatever God is building in your own life.

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

86 Year-old Mother of Six May Break Her Great-Grandmother's 114 Year Family Record


Stardate 12.2.2025

Some stories arrive quietly… but carry the weight of generations.

My great-great-grandmother on my mother’s side holds our family’s longevity record: 114 remarkable years. And honestly, it was easier back then. No processed foods. No imitation ingredients. No hidden additives. Life was simpler — and so was nourishment.

Somewhere along the way, our generation drifted. Corporate-funded food pyramids slipped into our schools. Medical training emphasized prescriptions over prevention. Commercials now tell us what drugs we “need,” while leaving out the hope that so many ailments could be eased by returning to the simple, ancestral ways our bodies still remember.

But today’s story isn’t about what went wrong. It’s about what can do to get back on track.

There is one person you may want to watch closely over the next nine months — my mother.

She’s 86. She’s a mother of six. And she’s rewriting the script.

Some may argue, “Michael, she has good genes. Where’s my hope?”
Here’s the truth as I see it: yes, genetics help — but habits shape destinies. Many of us inherited more than DNA. We inherited patterns. Overconsumption of alcohol. Sedentary routines. Emotional eating. Modern living taught us to cope, not to thrive.

But nine months… nine months can create a new life.
Why not let it create a new version of your life?

My mother is ready. She told me she plans to join Silver Sneakers on January 1.
I asked her, “Why not start now? Beat the crowd at the gym and honor your momentum.”

This same woman nearly died six months ago — drowning in her own lungs, fighting for every breath. Yet here she is, choosing life again. Choosing strength again. Choosing growth again.

Join her.

And if you want to know a family secret… she’s been taking the same longevity-focused supplements I found while researching Live Long and Prosper. Her nails are growing like she’s 20 again. Her energy is shifting. Her outlook is brighter. It’s worth doing your own homework and checking out the research company for yourself. And yes, if you use the code LLAP, you’ll get a helpful discount.  Click here for the link to DoNotAge.  For the record, my mom is taking NMN and transresveratrol.  She wanted to start small and test the waters.  My full stack is listed in "Live Long and Prosper" if you want to dive even deeper.  Just make sure you don't get the fake stuff that some imposters are selling elsewhere.  The rewards I earn from your purchases are used to pay for Mulligans Magical Forest which will be launched soon once the home studio is complete.  This is the place where I will be conducting interviews with top people in the field of longevity and some guest appearances by my mother.  

She’s agreed to let me share her journey with you — step by step, percent by percent.
She is my hero. And I believe she’s going to inspire thousands.

Stay tuned for updates, and let her courage spark something new inside you today.
Just one baby step. That’s all it takes to begin rewriting your story.


Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Doctor, the probability of an 86-year-old surpassing a 114-year benchmark is statistically low… though not impossible.”
Bones: “For heaven’s sake, Spock — let the woman live! She’s tougher than half the starship.”
Spock: “I did not question her fortitude, merely the mathematics.”
Bones: “Well, your math doesn’t account for heart.”
Spock: “On that point, Doctor… I concur.”

Michael’s Reflection:
Watching Mom choose life again reminds me that resilience isn’t loud.
It’s steady.
It whispers, “Start now.”
And sometimes all God needs is a willing heart and a tiny spark — one percent, one day.


Scripture for the Journey

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.” — Isaiah 46:4

What a promise. What a comfort. And what a companion on the road ahead.


May today bring you courage for your next step, clarity for your next choice, and peace for the journey God is shaping within you. Thank you for sharing a quiet moment here — may it lift your heart as you move into prayer or reflection.

Monday, December 1, 2025

Hidden Files in the Magical Forest

 



Stardate 12.01.2025

While I was putting the finishing touches on the magical forest yesterday, I reached for a dusty box tucked behind a stack of old studio gear. Inside were papers I hadn’t seen in more than a decade — legal papers from a chapter of our lives that carried more weight than I like to admit.

Finding them felt like discovering a ghost from an old battlefield… except this time, instead of fear, all I felt was gratitude for how far we’ve come.

Thirteen years ago, after we moved to Iowa, a third-party debt collector sued my wife.

Not because she owed anything.
Not because she had done anything wrong.
But because I was the one who had dug the deep hole.

I was the one they wanted.
But she was the one they believed they could break.

That part still stings when I think about it.

When the summons came, we had no attorney nor could we afford one. They had three owners of a law firm listed on the case. At first glance, it looked like a giant against two tired travelers just trying to rebuild their lives.  We were the Davids in the David vs. Goliath story and we didn't even have five stones and a sling to face the Zombie debt collector who was stalking us all the way from California.

But we didn’t run.

I threw myself into the research — hours learning the FDCPA, studying the process, figuring out exactly what they were trying to pull. I was the one documenting every call, sending certified letters, filing requests, building the paper trail piece by piece. Quiet work, steady work, the kind no one sees but everyone feels the moment truth steps forward.

And then came the part that still fills me with awe:

My wife stood in the place I couldn’t.

She walked into that courtroom carrying the weight of my mistakes… and the strength of everything we’d prepared together.

She didn’t argue.
She didn’t raise her voice.
She simply told the judge the truth — that the plaintiff had refused to respond to phone calls, certified letters, or even a motion to compel my wife filed so we could respond properly to the debt monster.

That calm clarity shifted everything.

The judge ordered the collectors to comply within ten days or face sanctions. Ten days later — the final day, the last possible moment — they dismissed the case.

But the story didn’t end there.

When the collectors ignored our cease-and-desist and kept calling, I documented every violation. We reported them to the Iowa Department of Justice, and senior counsel responded directly. That was the moment the entire pipeline of alleged debts slammed shut.

Not one more attempt.
Not one more threat.
Not one more whisper from that direction.

And I know why.

They realized we weren’t afraid.
We weren’t uninformed.
We weren’t easy targets.

When they couldn’t produce proof, they tried a shortcut called 'Account Stated' — a claim that only works if both parties silently 'agree' that a debt exists. But they received a written denial of the alleged debt, a formal demand for proof of ownership, and requests for documents they didn’t have.  Spock would say their entire case was illogical.  Indeed.

Without agreement, their argument collapsed.
Without evidence, their case died.
Without compliance, the judge stepped in.
And when the DOJ began to watch… the collectors disappeared.

So there I stood yesterday in the studio, magical forest lights glowing softly around me, holding those old papers. Once, they felt like symbols of fear and failure. Now they feel like markers of grace — reminders of how God carried us, how my wife stood strong, and how perseverance turned a painful chapter into a quiet victory.

Those papers are now part of our story, joining the odd treasures that light up the forest — like Dad’s fake shillelagh from Mulligans. They stand as a reminder that even when we’ve dug the hole ourselves… redemption is possible. Healing is possible. Victory is possible.

If you ever stop by, I’ll show you where I found them.
They’ve earned their place among the lights, the memories, and the miracles that brought us here.

More magic tomorrow.
Have a blessed day.


Captain’s Addendum — Spock & Bones

Spock:
“Doctor, it appears the collectors miscalculated. They assumed intimidation would override logic. Instead, logic dismantled their case entirely.”

Bones:
“Spock, for once I agree with you. But let’s not forget the real miracle — Michael finally let someone stand with him instead of trying to shoulder the whole universe alone.”

Spock:
“An efficient distribution of emotional and strategic resources.”

Bones:
“Good grief, man… it’s called a marriage.”

Michael’s Reflection:
Their banter always reminds me of the balance we’re all learning to walk — truth with tenderness, courage with grace. Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is let someone stand beside you.


Scripture for the Journey

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
— Isaiah 40:31

May this promise strengthen anyone facing old battles, unexpected summonses, or the weight of consequences. God meets us even in the places we created ourselves — and He leads us out stronger than we entered.

Sunday, November 30, 2025

Fake Shillelagh Stick From Mulligans in Arizona Added to Magical Forest



Stardate 11.30.2025

Yesterday was one of those rare, joy-soaked days when the work of your hands feels almost holy. I spent the entire day tucked inside my new home studio—Mulligan’s Magical Forest—lost in creation. Snow quietly buried our state in silence, but I hardly noticed. The driveway never got shoveled… not even once. I was too immersed in the place where the magic happens.

Meanwhile, my wife and her trusty elf transformed our home into a Christmas wonderland. Between their sparkle and Mother Nature’s generous snowstorm, it looks like we’re headed for an honest-to-goodness white Christmas.

Now, if you’ve read my first book, God’s Black Sheep Squadron, you already know the shillelagh walking stick my dad entrusted me with years ago—the one that hung proudly inside Mulligans on Cave Creek Road—is a fraud. A charming, ridiculous, utterly inauthentic fraud.

Shillelaghs in Ireland were more than walking sticks. They were symbols—each one carved differently, each one deeply personal. And since pubs sprouted on nearly every corner, you could tell who was inside simply by the shillelaghs leaning by the door. A unique roll call of characters.

For years I carried mine with reverence, telling its story with pride. And many of you, God bless you, kept the truth to yourselves.

When Dad returned after his long absence, I presented his “heirloom” back to him. He studied it, squinted, and delivered his verdict with classic Mulligan flair:

“What is this piece of s**t driftwood?”

“It’s from your bar,” I replied.

“This is a gag from one of my patrons,” he laughed.
And just like that, the great mystery was solved.

Turns out the real shillelagh—Dad’s true treasure—had been entrusted to his sister Peggy. I imagine the two of them in Heaven right now, doubled over in laughter while the whole clan enjoys the joke at my expense. Dad. Peggy. His parents. His siblings—Jim, Dickie, Tom, Uncle Mike, John, Mary… and Dad himself, Patrick John, perhaps the greatest storyteller in a family of ten. What a reunion they must be having.

But this little imposter shillelagh still carries its own kind of magic. It now hangs at the entrance to my magical forest, greeting all who step inside.

So when you visit us here in Iowa, ask to see the famed “inauthentic heirloom.” I’ll show it to you with a smile. It may not be real—but the story certainly is.

Don’t beam me up yet, Scotty. I’ve got thousands more tales to tell before I join the Mulligan clan above. Nearly 6,000 stories live in the archive now… and soon, videos will join them.  I can't wait.  Thank you for your patience with me as I learn this new technology for vlogging which is coming soon.

Cheers, my friend. Have a wonderful day.


🖖 Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Spock, remind me again—why would anyone proudly hang a fake walking stick at the entrance of a forest?”
Spock: “Doctor, humans often assign meaning to objects based on story, not authenticity.”
Bones: “So you’re saying the driftwood stays because it means something?”
Spock: “Precisely. Though calling it ‘driftwood’ may be unnecessarily unkind.”
Bones: “You didn’t hear the father’s review.”
Spock: “Fascinating.”

Michael’s Reflection:
There’s something sacred about carrying symbols that remind us of where we came from, even if they aren’t perfect—or even real. Sometimes God works through the imperfect reminders, the mismatched pieces, the things that make us laugh. Maybe that’s part of how He keeps us humble… and keeps us going.


📖 Scripture of Encouragement

“A cheerful heart is good medicine.” — Proverbs 17:22

Sometimes a laugh and a story heal places nothing else can touch.


✨ Mission Log

Unofficial artifacts, unexpected joy, and the quiet faithfulness of showing up—these are the things that turn ordinary spaces into magical ones.


Thank you for spending a few minutes of your day with me.
May your heart stay warm, your home feel bright, and your spirit find something to smile about today.

Mom Health Update

One more note before I part.  Some of you are curious about my mother's health.  I spoke to her this morning.  "Don't tell your followers I'm climbing mountains.  They're hills!" she scolded.

 Well, today she added that she is now leaning over to pick up pebbles while climbing hills.  She is ready to join the gym as soon as today.  My buddies across the pond who work at DoNotAge asked if my mom would be willing to document her journey to improved health.  Mom is on it.  She will be keeping a journal.  My siblings and I are super proud of her.  

Saturday, November 29, 2025

❄️ Snow Day Today



Stardate 11.29.2025

There’s a quiet hush over Iowa this morning — the kind that only a snowstorm can bring. Our state is settling into stillness as heavy flakes blanket everything in sight. Forecast says we may see up to 12 inches before midnight, and I’ll be making a handful of trips outside to clear the driveway. But for the most part, today will be spent inside Mulligan’s Magical Forest, where creativity thrives and imagination has room to breathe.

Snow days have a way of nudging us into focus. While roads close and plans pause, new opportunities open. Today feels like the perfect backdrop for finalizing the home studio — the place where future messages of hope, faith, wellness, and transformation will take shape. The experts all say the first videos are never your best work, and that’s okay. Mine will stay private until I find my rhythm, sharpen the edits, and learn the craft with more confidence.

This is all preparation for the conversations ahead — interviews with leaders in the longevity world, financial wisdom for families, wellness strategies rooted in God’s design, and faith-centered discussions meant to strengthen hearts. I’m eager to learn from experts who have courageously tested their own ideas and shared them with the world.

So please don’t worry about us today. We’re safe, warm, and fully in “snowed-in mode.” We’ll pause throughout the day for family time, maybe some hot chocolate, and by the evening our home will glow with Christmas lights. If all goes well, Mulligan’s Magical Forest may even become fully operational by nightfall.

There are good things ahead, my friend — and you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.
Have a wonderful, peaceful snow day.


🖖 Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Well, Spock, looks like the Captain is braving a blizzard to finish that studio. Ever consider that humans choose the coldest days for the biggest projects?”

Spock: “On the contrary, Doctor. Snow provides a statistically quieter environment. Fewer distractions, more productivity. It is… logical.”

Bones: “Logical? Spock, nothing about shoveling twelve inches of snow is logical.”

Spock: “Perhaps not. But perseverance often appears illogical until the results arrive.”

Michael’s Reflection:
Sometimes God gives us a snow day not to slow us down, but to clear the emotional noise around us. When the world outside becomes quiet, the world inside becomes easier to hear. And in that stillness, He whispers direction, peace, and the courage to take the next step — even if it’s simply finishing the work He’s already placed in our hands.


✨ Scripture of the Day

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

On days like today, those words feel especially true.


🌟 Gratitude for the Journey

Thank You, Lord, for the quiet places — the snow days, the pauses, the unexpected moments that draw us closer to You. Help us use them well, with hearts open to Your guidance.


🧭 Mission Log 

Pause when God pauses. Move when He moves. And in all things — live long, prosper in purpose, and walk boldly in divine love.

Friday, November 28, 2025

86yr-old Mom Crushes Grim Reaper


🌅 86-Year-Old Mom Crushes the Grim Reaper

Stardate 11.28.2025



Some battles in life feel larger than we are — yet every so often, someone close to us reminds us what courage really looks like. For my mom, that moment came when her doctors told us her chances of surviving were less than three percent. Most people would hear those numbers and brace for goodbye. But my mother? She quietly chose to fight.

She isn’t the first Mulligan to stare down the Grim Reaper and walk away. Three of us have faced our own life-or-death valleys… and somehow, by grace, we’re still here. Mom has always said, “When it’s your time, it’s your time.” I believe that. But I also believe we sometimes shorten that time without realizing it.

So today I’m asking you a simple, honest question:
Are you doing anything that might be cutting your time short?

Not in fear — but in awareness. In stewardship. In hope.

If you’re open to trying a couple of simple experiments that may help you strengthen the years you have and perhaps even stretch the runway ahead of you, stay with me.


🧡 A Mother’s Comeback Story

Before I share anything about my own journey, let me be clear: don’t interrupt my mother’s current experiment. If you see her trudging up and down the hills in her neighborhood, gripping her walker with determination on her face… don’t offer her a ride. She’s preparing for the next international adventure she and I are planning, and every step is part of her comeback.

Even the Grim Reaper had to stop and shake his head when he lost his grip on her.

Her strength is returning. Her mindset is sharp. And if you look closely at her fingernails in the photo above, you can see signs of renewed vitality. She told me I could share her story — so here’s a photo from one of our vacations in Hawaii, where she insisted on doing more than I thought she could.

She’s a warrior wrapped in kindness. And she’s inspiration for anyone who thinks it’s “too late.”


🏺 My Own Health Wake-Up Call

If you’re new to this blog, welcome. I stumbled into longevity experiments years ago when I discovered what was happening inside my own body — despite thinking I was living “reasonably healthy.”

It was food-related. The silent kind of trouble that sneaks up on you.

I was following the standard American diet — a plan I now joke is endorsed by “nine out of ten Grim Reapers.” The tenth is the overworked one begging us to give him a break by making better choices.

That moment pushed me onto a different path — not toward fear, but toward stewardship of the years God has given me.

I’m not a doctor, and I’m not a scientist. So here’s the necessary disclaimer:
Always talk to your doctor before trying any experiment or supplement.
A simple lipid panel is one of the best ways to see what’s happening inside your body.


🔎 A Word About Supplements

If you’re considering the same supplement path my mother and I are on, one caution: make sure your products are legitimate. Fake supplements won’t help you — and they definitely won’t keep the Grim Reaper from punching his timecard early.

The company I use, DoNotAge, is a research-based organization that can verify product purity. I met their founder and CEO in New York at their partner convention, where I also met others who are exploring similar longevity approaches.

Full transparency:
I earn a small stipend from my affiliate code, which helps support my philanthropy work.
But I would share this with you even if there were no stipend, because it has helped my family in meaningful ways.

Harvard researchers have studied combinations like NMN with Trans-Resveratrol or TMG — one acting like fuel, the other like the accelerator. Some early findings were criticized, funding was lost, and reputations took hits… but the researcher kept going, refining his work. That persistence reminds me of my mother: sometimes the first battle isn’t the final score.

My own routine includes NMN, one of the companion molecules mentioned above, and SIRT-6 Activator — a formulation meant to support healthy aging. Again:
talk to your doctor first.  You can find my full supplement stack in my book, "Live Long and Prosper," available on Amazon.


🛒 A Timely Opportunity

If you’ve been thinking about starting your own experiment, today might be the perfect day. Black Friday is when DoNotAge offers its largest discounts of the year, and my code LLAP (Live Long and Prosper) adds an additional reduction.  Click here for the link.

Mom said she started noticing shifts after about three weeks — so don’t quit early. Consistency is its own quiet miracle.

If you join the journey, I’d love to encourage you along the way.

May you live long, walk boldly in purpose, and prosper in the ways that matter most.

Have a wonderful day.


🖖 Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Spock, did you hear that? Michael’s mom stared down death with a walker and a will stronger than Vulcan steel.  I heard she was spotted on the pickleball courts in Maui, walker in one hand and paddle in the other.”

Spock: “Indeed, Doctor. Her logic was impeccable. She assessed the odds, ignored them, and proceeded anyway.”

Bones: “You call that logic? I call that heart.”

Spock: “On rare occasions, Doctor, the two are not mutually exclusive.”

Michael’s Reflection:
Strength doesn’t always show up as muscle or medical miracles. Sometimes it’s a quiet walk uphill on a cold morning… a stubborn breath… a refusal to quit. Mom’s journey reminds me that our lives are worth fighting for — one step, one choice, one day at a time.


📖 Scripture for the Journey

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you.” — Isaiah 46:4

A promise steady enough to trust… and tender enough to rest in.


Mission Log

Stardate 11.28.2025 — A reminder that courage doesn’t retire, and hope grows stronger with every step taken in faith.


Thank you, dear friends, for sharing these moments with me. May your day be filled with peace, wisdom, and small choices that carry you toward a longer, richer, more joyful life.

You are loved more than you know.