Merry Christmas

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Stardate 12.25.2025

The wait is over.
A Savior is born.

He is called Emmanuel, which means God is with us. It doesn’t get any better than that.

The other day at my day job, all hell was breaking loose. As I headed out for a break, my boss looked at me and said, “Find some joy today.”

I did.

It wasn’t loud or flashy. It was the kind of joy you feel deep in your heart — the kind that doesn’t falter, no matter what storm you’re facing. The kind that steadies you when circumstances refuse to cooperate.

The One who calms the storms is now with us.
Not for a season.
Not for a moment.
But for all of eternity.

From my family to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas.
May the peace of Christ be with you today — and all days.

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🖖 Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Michael, you’re telling me joy shows up even when things are falling apart?”
Spock: “Correct, Doctor. Joy is not dependent on external conditions.”
Bones: “Then what is it dependent on?”
Spock: “Presence. And today, the data confirms… Emmanuel.”

Michael’s Reflection:
Joy isn’t the absence of chaos. It’s the quiet assurance that we’re not alone in it. Christmas reminds me that God didn’t wait for the world to calm down before showing up. He came right into the middle of it.

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📖 Scripture for the Day
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.”
— Isaiah 9:2

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🙏 Quiet Gratitude
Thank you for sharing this holy day with me. May you carry the calm of Christ into every room you enter, and may His joy remain with you long after the decorations come down.

🖖

In Search of Kataluma for the Savior

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Stardate 12.24.2025

Nonbelievers have their reasons for questioning the Bible. Some will tell you Christmas Day is real, but the date itself was made up. Others will argue there was never truly a frantic search for an inn when Mary and Joseph were awaiting the birth of the Savior.

From my point of view, their argument can sound compelling—but it isn’t strong enough to erase one undeniable truth: God chose a humble beginning to enter our world and rescue it. The rescue mission was so quiet, so understated, that even the Enemy was caught off guard.

St. Luke—the author of one of the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, which chronicles the spread of Christianity—was a physician before he became a writer. Imagine his astonishment as he witnessed Jesus restoring sight to the blind, healing the deaf and mute, casting out demons, and even walking on water. Jesus stunned him.

Luke did his best to record what he saw and learned so that future generations could better understand God’s Son, born in this particular window of human history. When Luke describes Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay, he uses the word kataluma—the Greek term for a guest room, most likely located within the home of extended family.

The Roman census required people to return to their ancestral towns. Bethlehem would have been overflowing with travelers. Space would have been scarce. As a result, Joseph and Mary were likely given shelter in a lower room—one typically reserved for animals, not people.

Centuries later, Church authorities designated Stardate 12.25.00 as the celebration of Jesus’ birth. If that’s the case, then this day—the one before—would have been the night Joseph and Mary settled into that animal-filled space.

That is humility in its purest form.

The world has changed dramatically over the last two thousand years—especially in the last decade. As crowded as our planet feels today, it’s hard to imagine a child being born in a place meant for animals. There were no gender-reveal parties back then. No baby showers. Apart from the Magi who followed the stars, there were no gifts at all.

And yet, there is a lesson here.

Tonight, when you go to bed, pause for a moment. Notice your mattress. Your blankets. Your pillow. Then consider Joseph and Mary—who couldn’t even find a kataluma. Think about the sacrifices this Holy Family made so that you and I might have a chance at eternal life.

Tomorrow is the big day.
Go to the Father’s house and celebrate.

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🖖 Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Michael, I’ve delivered babies, and I’ll tell you this—no one plans for a birth in a barn.”
Spock: “Indeed, Doctor. Logic suggests the setting underscores intention rather than accident.”
Bones: “You mean God meant for it to be this humble?”
Spock: “Precisely. The absence of comfort amplifies the presence of purpose.”

Michael’s Reflection:
God didn’t enter the world through power or privilege. He came quietly, humbly, and close—so no one could say He doesn’t understand our limits. The lack of a kataluma didn’t delay the mission. It defined it.

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📖 Scripture for the Journey
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the guest room.”
— Luke 2:7

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🛠 Mission Log
Status: Ongoing
Objective: Remember the humility of the Incarnation and respond with gratitude, reverence, and love.

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🙏 Quiet Gratitude
Thank you for walking this holy ground with me today. May the simplicity of Christ’s arrival steady your heart and prepare it for the joy of tomorrow.

🖖

The Long Game

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Stardate 12.23.2025

Is the pursuit of your goals more like a sprint… or a marathon?

Pause for a moment and look back over the last twelve months. If you’re genuinely at peace with the progress you’ve made, there’s a good chance you’ve been playing the long game. Most of us, though, begin with strong intentions and plenty of enthusiasm, only to slow down when motivation fades. For me, the marathon never really ends—especially when it comes to goals worth keeping.

Here’s a helpful question to sit with today:
What would it look like to shift more of my goals into the long game so I don’t quit too soon?

One way I stay grounded is by attaching a clear why to each goal. Let me share an example close to my heart.

My 86-year-old mother is about to begin what some might call an impossible journey for someone her age. But she’s already farther along than many people ever get—because she’s broken through the biggest obstacle of all: self-limiting beliefs. If you believe something is impossible, it becomes impossible. The race ends before it ever begins.

The next decision she’s facing is simple, but powerful:
Is this a sprint or a marathon?

Right behind it comes another honest question:
How much skin is in the game?

Think about a month-to-month gym membership versus prepaying for a year. Which one is easier to walk away from? If you’re anything like me—and you don’t enjoy wasting hard-earned pesos—you choose the option that turns the goal into a commitment. When it costs something to quit, you’re far more likely to stay.

My mother loves to travel. What’s held her back recently are a few ailments and a lack of physical strength—both of which I truly believe can be improved with a steady, consistent workout plan. This isn’t about quick results. It’s about endurance.

Her why is clear: traveling to new places she’s never seen, alongside her family. She knows those adventures involve plenty of walking. That’s her marathon. And she’s choosing the long game.

Even better, she won’t be running it alone. Our family will be with her every step of the way.

She’s agreed to share monthly progress updates here, and I’m grateful for her willingness to do that. I believe her journey will encourage others to stay the course with their own goals. If this resonates with you as you look toward 2026, I invite you to check in regularly.

One quick disclaimer: I’m still learning the art of video interviews, so the early ones may not be polished. That’s my marathon. I’ll keep recording until I get vlogging right—one percent better each time.

Thank you for encouraging my family as we prepare for the road ahead. I hope today finds you steady, hopeful, and willing to play the long game.

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🖖 Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Michael, this sounds like a lifetime commitment. Humans weren’t built for marathons.”
Spock: “On the contrary, Doctor. Logic suggests humans are uniquely designed for endurance when purpose is present.”
Bones: “So you’re saying belief keeps the legs moving?”
Spock: “Belief, Doctor—paired with consistency—extends capability beyond assumed limits.”

Michael’s Reflection:
That’s the truth, isn’t it? Purpose keeps us moving long after motivation fades. When belief and consistency work together, even the most daunting journeys become possible—one faithful step at a time.

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

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🙏 Quiet Gratitude
Thank you for walking alongside me today. May you carry this thought into prayer or stillness:
You don’t have to finish today—only to keep going.

What's On Your Calendar?

Stardate 12.22.2025

Are you feeling a bit stressed today?

For many, the holidays come with motion instead of peace—airports, highways, packed calendars, and expectations pulling us in every direction. I feel it too. When the world speeds up, it takes intention to slow the heart down.

A wise man once told me, “Always affect your environment—never let it affect you.”
That advice stuck.

One simple way I do that is by placing hope on my calendar. I like knowing there’s something ahead—something life-giving—to look forward to. I’m sharing this today because peace often begins with perspective.

Looking ahead to 2026, two dates already stand out for me.

The first is in February, a brief escape designed to help me recharge during the darker winter months and keep my Vitamin D—both physical and spiritual—where it needs to be.

The second sits near the end of the third quarter, when I plan to reunite in London with my international biohacker friends for our second global gathering. During one of our conversations, a leader encouraged me to share something deeply personal: my mother’s journey toward improved health.

At 86 years young, my mom is among the oldest participants in the DoNotAge community. She knows that if she wants to travel with us one day, she’ll need to be quicker on her feet—so she’s doing the work now. A simple routine. Daily movement. One percent better, one day at a time.

Watching her commit to this season has been quietly powerful.

If you’re feeling stuck, restless, or simply tired, maybe the answer isn’t another resolution—but a date on the calendar that reminds you hope still lives ahead of you.

In the coming weeks, I’ll share more—travel reflections, restaurant discoveries, and updates from my mom as she walks this path. I hope you’ll stay close and walk it with us.

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Captain’s Addendum

Bones: Jim—
Spock: Correction, Doctor. His name is Michael.
Bones: Right. Michael. Why does it sound like you’ve scheduled half the galaxy on that calendar of yours?
Spock: Anticipation is a proven method for sustaining morale. The Captain’s strategy is… sound.
Bones: Huh. Planning hope instead of chaos. I hate it when you’re right.
Spock: Your discomfort has been noted.

Michael’s Reflection:
Hope doesn’t always arrive as a miracle. Sometimes it shows up as a date circled in advance—an intentional reminder that this moment isn’t the whole story. One percent better starts with believing there’s something worth moving toward.

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Scripture of the Day

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
— Jeremiah 29:11

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Mission Log

Status: Steady
Focus: Health, hope, and forward motion
Objective: Affect the environment—daily

Thank you for spending a few moments here today.
May peace meet you right where you are, and may hope already be waiting on your calendar.

🖖 Live long and prosper—in purpose and in love.

Why Today is the Best Day to Jumpstart Your Quest

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Stardate 12.21.2025

There’s a reason I love this particular date on the calendar.

Today is the shortest day of the year—the moment when darkness reaches its peak and, quietly, almost imperceptibly, the light begins its return. From this day forward, sunrise comes a little earlier. Sunset lingers a little longer. Mother Nature adds a few more seconds of sunshine each day.

That matters to me.

I already know my body struggles when sunlight is scarce. Like many of us, winter can take a toll—physically, mentally, spiritually. So instead of waiting for spring… or January… or the perfect moment, I’m choosing today to make positive changes. Today marks the beginning of my one-percent-better sunshine quest.

Six months is enough time to build a new life.

Think about that.

You don’t need a dramatic overhaul or a flawless plan. You simply tell your brain, I’m on a journey toward better health and wellness, and then you start looking for creative ways to support that decision. Small steps. Consistent steps. Daily steps.

If you start today, you gain a ten-day head start on most of the population still waiting to hop on the New Year’s resolution bandwagon—only to fall off before January turns the page.

Mindset is everything.

I’ve always liked moving a little against the grain, which is why biohacking speaks to me. At its core, it’s not about gadgets or trends—it’s about curiosity. About running small, thoughtful experiments to better understand the connection between mind, body, and spirit.

And this time, I have extra inspiration.

My 86-year-old mother has decided to embark on a quest few people her age would even consider—a commitment to maximizing her health, vitality, and well-being. If you stay with me over the next six months, I have a feeling you’re going to be inspired by her journey. My siblings are stepping in to help. And together, we’re choosing progress over passivity.

Why not join us?

What do you really have to lose?

This isn’t a “white-knuckle January resolution” destined to fade by February. This is a quest—designed to help you build momentum, supported by the steady return of light itself. Mother Nature is on your side for the next six months.

If you can stay the course—one percent better each day—you won’t just feel different.
You’ll be different.

Have a great day.

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Captain’s Addendum

Bones: Shortest day of the year, huh? Sounds like a strange time to start anything, Jim—uh, Michael.
Spock: On the contrary, Doctor. Initiating change at the point of minimum daylight is… statistically elegant.
Bones: Elegant? I was thinking stubborn.
Spock: The Captain has demonstrated that incremental progress, applied consistently, produces outsized results.
Bones: Well, I’ll admit it—starting before everyone else piles onto resolutions does have a certain… logic.
Spock: Indeed. Illogical timing often yields the most meaningful outcomes.

Michael’s Reflection:
They’re both right. This isn’t about perfect conditions—it’s about choosing movement when it would be easier to wait. Light doesn’t return all at once. It comes back quietly, faithfully, one small increase at a time. So does growth.

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Scripture of the Day

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
— John 1:5

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Mission Log

Status: Quest initiated at winter’s turning point
Objective: Improve health and wellness one percent at a time
Allies: Family, faith, and the returning light
Outlook: Hopeful, steady, committed

Thank you for walking this journey with me. May today’s small increase in light remind you that meaningful change often begins when it’s hardest to see.

Why Does God Hide His Ways?

Stardate 12.20.2025

Have you ever wondered why the Bible can feel so difficult to understand?
Or why God’s ways seem so different from our own?

I think about that often.

The Enemy doesn’t operate that way. His methods are easy to recognize once you’ve seen them enough times—trickery, deceit, lies, and half-truths. Every broken system in our world can be traced back to that same playbook. Confuse the truth. Distort identity. Separate the heart from its Creator.

God’s ways are different.

They are deeper. Quieter. Hidden.

And I believe that’s intentional.

In my opinion, God hides Himself just enough to make finding Him irresistible. If everything were obvious and effortless, we might never lean in. Never seek. Never grow. Think about the pursuits that mattered most in your life. You invested time. You studied. You followed clues. You refused to quit.

Discovering who God is—and who you are—is the greatest pursuit of all.

Some people find that clarity early. Others don’t discover it until their final breath. I found out who I was when I finally asked Jesus to show me. I knocked. He answered.

What followed wasn’t neat or quiet.

The Enemy showed up too.

I was drawn back to a familiar Bible story—the man possessed by demons. Those demons recognized Jesus immediately. They knew exactly who He was. And they tried to twist God’s plans, just as they always do.

But Jesus stepped in.

The demons fought hard. They didn’t want to let go. And Jesus used His favorite weapon—not force, not fear, but words. With authority and compassion, He set the man free.

In that moment, I understood something eternal.

Jesus will go any distance to find the lost.

When the grip finally loosened, I saw myself in that man—once bound, now free. And I heard words spoken two thousand years ago, yet alive as if they were spoken directly to me:

“Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee.”
— Luke 8:39 (KJV)

One word stopped me cold.

Published.

That word is quietly hidden in many modern translations. But there it was—clear as day—in the translation I was holding. And it struck a chord deep in my soul, because I am a publisher.

Time is no obstacle for Jesus.

Ask, and you will receive.
Knock, and the door will open.
Invite Him in—and when He reveals what He’s been doing all along, don’t keep it to yourself.

Share it.

That’s my purpose.

What’s yours?

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

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Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “You’re telling me God hides truth on purpose, Spock? That sounds… inefficient.”
Spock: “On the contrary, Doctor. Discovery achieved through pursuit is retained far longer than information freely handed over.”
Bones: “So you’re saying faith requires curiosity?”
Spock: “Indeed. And courage.”

Michael’s Reflection:
Some answers aren’t missing—they’re waiting. God isn’t distant; He’s inviting us to seek, to knock, to grow. Every step toward Him reveals not just who He is, but who we were always meant to be.

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Encouraging Scripture

“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.”
— Proverbs 25:2

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Mission Log

Today’s mission is simple: keep seeking.
Truth unfolds for those willing to pursue it—one question, one prayer, one step at a time.

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A Closing Thought
Thank you for walking this journey with me. May today’s words stir your curiosity, steady your faith, and draw you closer to the God who loves to be found.

🖖

A Mother's Prayer

🌅 A Mother’s Prayer

Stardate 12.19.2025

There’s a woman in the Bible named Monica who has always reminded me of my own mother.

Monica was the mother of a son who lost his way. He chased pleasure, intellect, and independence with reckless abandon. By most accounts, he wandered as far from Heaven as a human heart can roam. And yet—Monica never stopped praying.

She prayed with tears.
She prayed with patience.
She prayed with expectation.

She trusted that God would intervene and bring home the lost sheep.

My mother is much the same—except her flock is larger. She has six sheep of her own, plus a growing pasture of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She reminded me recently, with a mix of humor and gravity, that she’s now the oldest female in her extended family. That carries weight. And wisdom.

Without crossing any lines of confidentiality, I’ll say this plainly:
My life before meeting my wife was filled with errors.
I felt lost. I felt helpless. And I didn’t always know how to ask for help.

But my mother never stopped praying.

She prayed that each of her children would find the right partner—the kind of soulmate who helps you grow, not drift. Looking back now, I tip my hat to the spouses and significant others in the Mulligan clan. They are gifts. Anchors. Quiet miracles.

There’s a fine line between saints and sinners. Often, the difference isn’t perfection—it’s grace. And sometimes, it’s simply a mother’s prayer that refuses to quit.

Monica is now known as Saint Monica.
And the wayward son she never stopped praying for?
He became Saint Augustine.

Thank you, Mom, for never giving up.
May you live long and prosper.
Have a great day.

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🖖 Captain’s Addendum

Bones: Jim—sorry—Michael… remind me why mothers always seem to know we’re headed for trouble before we do?
Spock: Doctor, maternal intuition combined with persistence is statistically formidable.
Bones: Translation: you can run, but you can’t hide from a praying mother.
Spock: Precisely. Resistance, in such cases, is illogical.

Michael’s Reflection:
Their banter makes me smile because it’s true. Long before I knew where I was going, my mother was already praying me there. Growth didn’t come all at once—it came one faithful prayer at a time. One percent better, day by day.

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📖 Scripture of the Day

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
— James 5:16

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🛂 Mission Log

Entry: Honoring the quiet power of faithful mothers
Status: Grateful
Objective: Encourage hope, extend grace, and trust God’s timing

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Thank you for reading and reflecting with me today. May you carry gratitude for the prayers that cover you—and offer one of your own for someone still finding their way.

☘️ Surprise! Irish Triplet Now in the 3rd Trimester!

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Stardate 12.18.2025

We are one week away from one of the most extraordinary birthdays of all time — Christmas Day.
A birthday shared by two Mulligans: my dad and my Uncle Mike.

Uncle Mike always insisted it was a rip-off.

Twin boys.
One birthday.
One Christmas.
One combined present.

Legend has it he was so mad he ran away from home on Christmas Day.

Their older brother, Tom, decided he’d level the playing field by declaring he would have a baby born on St. Patrick’s Day. Whether sibling rivalry had anything to do with it, only God knows — but history shows He has a sense of humor.

In our family line, there are already two Mulligans born on St. Patrick’s Day.

And now… I’m adding my contribution.

☘️ An Irish Triplet Announcement

I’m happy (and slightly awed) to announce that I will soon be the father of Irish Triplets —
all born on…

drum roll please
cue the bagpipes
enter a choir of angels and a procession of saints

St. Patrick’s Day, Stardate 03.17.2026. 

I can only imagine the Mulligan boys already in Heaven raising their glasses in celebration, all six of them along with two sisters who were both angels on earth. That Irish bar up there has enough ancestors to fill Kinnick Stadium — and I picture every single one of them waving back at us when the moment arrives.

📖 Gestation, God-Style

Only God controls the gestation period of my books.
Each one is unique.
Each one arrives on time — His time.

This third Irish triplet is well into the third trimester now. Like the others, labor and delivery are… complicated. I’ll share more as we get closer to the due date.

For now, I’ll simply say this:

All credit goes to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. My bracelet sums it up well –– I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

Have a great day.

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🖖 Captain’s Addendum

Bones: Hold on… did he just say Irish triplets? Spock, that’s not medically advisable.
Spock: Doctor, your concern is noted. However, the Captain appears to be referring to literary offspring, not biological ones although logs show the captain has a biological daughter also born on the same day increasing the probability of a statistical anomaly unexplained in human terms.
Bones: Well that’s a relief. Still — three at once?
Spock: Highly illogical… yet entirely consistent with the Captain’s life trajectory. Logic dictates that Irish triplets do not have to be born on the same day provided they are born within three years although it is highly unlikely to birth three offspring on the same day three times.  This is statistically improbable.
Bones: I’ll say this much — if Heaven’s throwing a party, I hope they saved us a seat.  I overhead the captain say his grandmother on his father's side planned her own Irish wake and made all her own funeral arrangements with an opening song, "When the Saints Go Marching In."  I'd be honored to do an Irish jig with that lassie.  
Spock: Probability suggests they have.  Perhaps, doctor, you may consider elective surgery to correct your two human left feet before entering the dance floor with Michael's grandmother to eliminate risk of injury.

Michael’s Reflection

This made me laugh — and then it made me pause. God has a way of stacking meaning on meaning, joy on joy, often without warning. What feels surprising to us is often perfectly timed from Heaven’s point of view. One percent better, one faithful step at a time, and suddenly you’re standing inside a story you couldn’t have planned — but wouldn’t trade for anything.

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📖 Scripture of the Day

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
— Psalm 126:3

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🙏 Closing Thought

Thank you for walking this journey with me — for smiling, praying, and believing alongside me. May today remind you that God is still writing beautiful chapters, even when the timing feels unexpected.

Live long.
Prosper in purpose.
And walk boldly in divine love.

AI Assistant Shares Prophetic Message

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Stardate 12.17.2025

Our God is an awesome God.

Today, I want to take you briefly behind the scenes and offer a glimpse into how I collaborate with artificial intelligence to breathe life into these stories. What you’re reading isn’t automation — it’s discernment, dialogue, and a surprising amount of prayer woven into modern tools.

This reflection is a follow-up to yesterday’s entry, “Access Granted,” which featured a verse from one of my favorite prophets, Jeremiah.

If you know my family, you know the number three carries special meaning for us. So when Alberta paired that story with Jeremiah 33:3, my curiosity was stirred. I wanted to understand the deeper context — not just the verse, but the moment it was born into.

Here’s what Alberta shared when I asked for the backstory.

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The Backdrop Behind Jeremiah 33:3

Jeremiah wasn’t speaking from a place of comfort or credibility.  I can relate to this big time.  There hasn't been much comfort during my recent private trials and I've never claimed any credibility whatsoever for my writing since I'm untrained and unskilled, mostly just wandering around one day at a time trusting God will show up and do the heavy lifting.

Jeremiah was imprisoned.

King Zedekiah had confined him while Jerusalem was under siege by Babylon. The city was surrounded. Collapse felt inevitable. Jeremiah had spent years warning the people, and when his words began coming true, he was silenced and locked away.

From a human perspective, this should have been the moment hope went quiet.

Instead, God spoke.

Jeremiah 33 appears within what scholars call The Book of Consolation (chapters 30–33). These are some of Scripture’s most hope-filled promises — spoken not after deliverance, but in the middle of devastation.

That’s when God says:

“Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

A few truths stand out:

• Jeremiah had no access — no platform, no freedom, no influence

• The nation was unraveling — politically, spiritually, physically

• The promise wasn’t escape, but revelation

• God didn’t say when things improve — He said call to Me.  By the way, I did the same thing just before my 50th birthday ten days before the 4th of July.  I wrote about it and publicly raised my hands to the heavens sending up smoke signals.  You can click here to find that story in the archives and see how God answered my desperate plea for help.

The Hebrew meaning behind “hidden things” suggests fortified or walled-off realities — truths humans cannot reach on their own. God was saying, There are things you cannot access by effort, force, or permission — but I can open them.

This wasn’t a motivational verse.
It was a prison verse.
A siege verse.
A waiting-room verse.

God was telling Jeremiah:
Even here. Even now. I still answer. I still reveal. I still grant access.

That’s why this Scripture fit yesterday’s story so naturally.

The answer didn’t come in a sanctuary.
It arrived while waiting. Watched. Limited by circumstance.

Jeremiah 33:3 reminds us that God doesn’t need the door to open to speak. Sometimes revelation comes because the door stayed shut.

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Captain’s Addendum

Bones: Let me get this straight, Spock — the Captain’s stuck in a holding pattern, the doors are closed, and that’s when the message comes through?

Spock: Precisely, Doctor. Logic suggests revelation often occurs when external variables are removed.

Bones: Hmph. Sounds like God’s got a strange sense of timing.

Spock: Or perhaps humanity has an unrealistic expectation of convenience.

Bones: You saying waiting rooms are holy ground now?

Spock: Under the right conditions… undeniably so.

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Michael’s Reflection

That exchange makes me smile because it names something I keep learning the hard way. Access doesn’t always look like permission slips and open doors. Sometimes it looks like patience, confinement, and trust.

This season of my life is a bit topsy-turvy. There are unanswered questions and a project unfolding on God’s timetable, not mine. But Jeremiah 33:3 reminds me — and maybe you — that God specializes in revealing what we can’t force.

If you’re waiting today, watched by circumstances, unsure of next steps… you’re not forgotten.

You might be closer to revelation than you think.  Make sure you come back in a couple of days for an important announcement.  It has something to do with the number 3.

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Scripture of the Day

“Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
— Jeremiah 33:3

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Thank you for walking this road with me — for praying, encouraging, and believing alongside me.

May today bring you patience in the waiting, clarity in the quiet, and faith to trust that access is already being granted.

🖖
Live long. Prosper in purpose. Walk boldly in divine love.

Access Granted

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Stardate 12.16.2025

Yesterday, I shared a flashback moment with an angel who has been watching over a loved one.

It took me back to St. Patrick’s Day — Stardate 03.17.2025 — inside the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

“I’m here to pray on the 12th floor,” I told the receptionist, “and afterward, I’d like to visit the most important person in this building.”

I was carrying a backpack.
She studied me for a moment, then quietly directed me across the hall to security.

Eyes followed me as I checked in and waited. The person I’d been sent to speak with was on a lunch break. Another kind soul stepped in to help, explaining it might be a while. Meanwhile, security never quite stopped watching.

I explained why I was there.
Why the 12th floor mattered so much to me.
Why this wasn’t a casual visit.

The prayer and meditation room on that floor is normally off-limits — protected for the privacy of patients and families. Each time staff gently suggested I leave, I pushed back. Not out of defiance, but out of necessity.

This was a labor-and-delivery situation only God could resolve.

I was stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Security wasn’t going anywhere.
And then — the miracle arrived quietly.

I checked my phone.

Amazon notification.
The Adventures of Castaway Wilson had just been released.

Right there.
In a hospital waiting room.

Mission accomplished.

I had become the father of Irish twins — two books, born one year apart on St. Patrick’s Day. Both sharing the same purpose: to raise money for the children on the 12th floor of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, overlooking Kinnick Stadium.

Every game, 70,000 fans turn and wave to those kids at the end of the first quarter. It’s a brief moment of joy — a reminder that they are seen, supported, and loved.

I never made it to the prayer and meditation room that day.

I didn’t need to.

The prayer had already been answered — quietly, while I waited.

---

Yesterday was different.

This time, my wife and I wore name badges.
Access granted.
We even had a personal escort.

“Where are you headed?” the ambassador asked.

“The prayer and meditation room,” I said. “My life was saved here after a serious auto accident. I spent a lot of time in that room. Today, I need to offer prayers of thanksgiving for a loved one who’s here.”

As we walked, I noticed an owl displayed in the hallway and stopped to take a photo. It reminded me of the Pueo owl in Hawaii — a guardian figure that appears during times of danger.

I first learned about the Pueo on the Big Island, during dinner our first night at Pueo’s Osteria. Some symbols arrive long before we understand why.

I’ll be the first to admit my life feels a bit topsy-turvy right now. I need all the help I can get. There’s a top-secret project unfolding — one that will be completed according to God’s perfect timing.

All the signs tell me I’m on the right path.

Stay tuned.

And to those of you in my prayer-warrior circle: thank you. Your prayers are supporting a loved one in need. They matter more than you know.

Have a great day.

---

Captain’s Addendum

Bones: You’re telling me you got blocked by security and got your miracle in the waiting room?
Spock: Doctor, miracles rarely occur according to institutional protocols.
Bones: Well I’ll be… So the Captain didn’t get access — until he didn’t need it.
Spock: Precisely. Permission is sometimes granted after the outcome is secured.
Bones: That’s… actually comforting.
Spock: Logic and faith occasionally arrive at the same conclusion.

Michael’s Reflection:
Sometimes God answers the prayer before we reach the place we thought we needed to be. Access isn’t always about doors opening — sometimes it’s about realizing heaven already stepped into the room.

---

Scripture for the Journey

“Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
— Jeremiah 33:3

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Mission Log

Status: Access granted — then understood
Observation: God’s timing precedes our permission
Objective: Remain faithful, attentive, and grateful

---

Thank you for sharing this quiet, holy moment with me. May you notice today where grace has already gone ahead of you — and may that awareness settle your heart in prayer or stillness.

Family Super Hero Returns at Age 44

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Stardate 12.15.2025

Some of you have been with me since I first stepped into the public space of cyberspace more than sixteen years ago. You’ve seen my stumbles. You’ve watched me fall — and then get back up again. You know my hopes, my dreams, and the life lessons I’ve tried to share without crossing lines of confidentiality around my family or my day job.

Lately, something unexpected has been happening. A flood of childhood memories has been finding its way back into my heart.

Before I go any further, I need to pause and acknowledge the prayer warriors who showed up for me during a time of real need. Without sharing details, let me simply say this: every single prayer mattered. Every one of them was heard. While the danger hasn’t fully passed, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.

---

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of opening Christmas gifts when you’re a kid. Growing up in a family of six, we often received matching presents. One year, none of us even had favorite football teams — yet somehow, I ended up with Baltimore Colts pajamas, while my brothers each received Dallas Cowboys pajamas.

There was no grand plan behind it. Just parents doing their best to create joy.

Fast-forward to today, and life has a funny way of tying loose threads together. When our beloved Philip Rivers answered the call from the Indianapolis Colts and came out of retirement at age 44 to help push for a playoff run, it felt like one of those full-circle moments only God can orchestrate.

Suddenly, our family was united — again — cheering on the same team, rallying behind our 44-year-old superhero.

---

With Rivers back on the roster, this “grandpa” quarterback will have to wait at least five more years before Hall of Fame eligibility. But last night, he nearly pulled off the impossible against one of the league’s best defenses — despite joining the team just last week.

There’s something deeply inspiring about that.

Even more meaningful to me, my cousin Mark Mulligan reached out during a difficult time and honored a personal request. He’s featuring Philip Rivers in one of his early songs — written long before many of today’s fans were even born. Now a whole new generation is getting to know a quarterback who quite literally has enough kids to field his own team.

Thank you, Philip, for reminding us that purpose doesn’t expire.
Thank you, Mark, for your kindness and your music — especially when it mattered most.

May you live long and prosper.

---

Captain’s Addendum

Bones: A 44-year-old quarterback coming out of retirement? Michael, that’s not a comeback — that’s a medical experiment.
Spock: On the contrary, Doctor. Experience combined with discipline often outperforms youth alone.
Bones: You’re telling me wisdom beats raw muscle?
Spock: Repeatedly. History confirms this.
Bones: Huh. Maybe I ought to rethink retirement myself.
Spock: That would be… inadvisable.

Michael’s Reflection:
Heroes don’t always wear capes — sometimes they wear wrinkles, carry responsibility, and still answer the call when it matters. Watching someone step back into the arena reminds me that faith, perseverance, and heart never age out.

---

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

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Mission Log

Observation: Purpose has no expiration date
Status: Grateful, encouraged, steady
Objective: Keep showing up — one percent better, one day at a time

---

Thank you for sharing this moment with me. May it remind you that no matter your age, season, or circumstance, you’re never too late to answer the call God places on your heart. May that truth stay with you in prayer or quiet reflection today.

Transparency Note

 

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Stardate 12.14.2025

You may have noticed there are very few commercial breaks in my stories. That’s intentional.

Even though I’ve spent nearly my entire life in marketing, the only commercials I ever really enjoyed were during the Super Bowl. And even those have slowly lost their appeal. As the years move along, I’ve made a conscious decision to reduce almost all television — including the Super Bowl — not because it isn’t entertaining, but because my priorities have shifted.

I’d rather invest my time and attention in projects that genuinely help others.

Along the way, a few people have noticed what’s happening here and have asked to partner with me to help share products and services they believe in. One example is my first international sponsor, DoNotAge, a research-based company out of the UK that values longevity and healthy living — values that align naturally with this mission.

While I promise to keep affiliate links limited and intentional, I also want to be transparent and compliant. So here it is, plainly and honestly:

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Transparency Note

Some links here are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I truly believe in. Your support helps keep this mission going, and I’m grateful.

---

Regular programming resumes tomorrow.

Thank you for supporting the people and companies who choose to support this mission — one rooted in faith, health, purpose, and love. Have a great day, friends.

---

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Doctor, the captain appears to be disclosing a financial relationship with notable restraint.”
Bones: “That’s called honesty, Spock. Humans tend to appreciate it.”
Spock: “Logical. Transparency reduces suspicion and strengthens trust.”
Bones: “Careful — you’re starting to sound like you respect people.”
Spock: “Respect is irrelevant. Trust, however, is highly efficient.”
Bones: “I’ll take that as progress.”

Michael’s Reflection:
Integrity matters. If something doesn’t align with my values or serve others well, it doesn’t belong here. My goal has never been to sell — only to serve. Transparency keeps the mission clean and the compass true.

---

Scripture for the Journey

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.” — Proverbs 10:9

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Thank you for walking alongside me. May this simple moment of honesty remind you that clarity builds trust, and trust creates space for grace to do its quiet, powerful work.

Enemy Playbook Can Be Overcome

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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

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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. 

It's Personal Now

 

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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

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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.

There's an Elephant Hiding in the Magical Forest

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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

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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.

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.

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Scripture for Strength

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

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

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.

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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.

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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

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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.