News January 8, 2026
News from Good News Ministries:
- Remaining Calm After The Storm
- From Our Video Archives: Meditations Without Words
- Plus great links to great content!
Remaining Calm After The Storm
For me, this past holiday season was much busier than usual. My family is adjusting to our new joyful addition, Diego, who is now just two months old. His very energetic older brother, Elvin, is enjoying every moment of being a “big brother.” My wife, Agnes, and I have become experts in juggling over the last 9 weeks. We’ve been working at our jobs, hosting family, preparing for Christmas, warming bottles every 3 hours, going to doctor’s appointments, reading bedtime stories, and changing diapers. It has been a complete whirlwind of activity. With God’s grace, we’ve survived and even thrived during this busy season.
Now, at the beginning of this new year, things are beginning to settle down finally. Elvin has returned to the routine of the school year, our visitors and families have also resumed their daily rhythm, and things are just quieter and calmer.
In the peace of these past few days, I’ve been tempted to fill my day with activity rather than rest in his presence. I’ve been checking the calendar frequently, wondering why it is so empty – I’ve thought, “Shouldn’t I be picking up or dropping off someone at an airport?” But in my prayer, I am reminded that the storm of activity has passed, and I, too, must remain calm.
God gives us different seasons and storms in our lives, and they are not meant to last forever. Each season and storm we weather can teach us and help us to grow spiritually if, when it ends, we take time to reflect and contemplate.
The evil one does not like it when we spend time resting in the Lord’s presence and reflecting on the events of the day, week, or season of life, because it gives space for God to transform tomorrow. Knowing this, Saint Ignatius of Loyola encouraged everyone to do a daily exam and reflect upon what went well and what did not each day. The Jesuits continue to follow his example today.
This week, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the events of each day through an exam. By doing so, you invite God into the daily events of your life in a deeper, more profound way and permit him to work all things for your good.
Good News Prayer Room:
Use our collection of Catholic prayers designed with your needs in mind. They will give you hope and a stronger connection to God’s love and support. What do you need prayers for today?
Visit gnm.org/prayers.
Post your prayer requests @ gnm.org/post-a-prayer.
Good News WordBytes:
WANT MORE FAITH and HOPE in TROUBLED TIMES? WE’RE HERE for YOU! Choose from a variety of topics on our website of Catholic Faith-building articles. What do you need today?
Visit wordbytes.org.
Explore our Catholic Video Library for Faith Growth
Spend some time in the presence of God this week and contemplate and reflect upon how he is working in your life.
God bless you!
Every morning, I lift up in prayer everyone who helps Good News Ministries in any way (donors, volunteers, prayer supporters, etc.) and all the prayer requests posted on our site. What can I cover in prayer for you? Post your prayer request.
How else can the team and I serve you today? Visit our homepage.
Thank you for reading this newsletter.
Your servant in Christ,
Bill Snyder, Executive Director
Good News Ministries
gnm.org
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