In this personal episode, Mike Briggs takes us on a journey to Mount Tabor in the Holy Land, where he and his wife Vicki stood on the very hill where Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John. Mike shares the experience of climbing 1,500 feet up steep switchback roads and witnessing sunbeams breaking through clouds over the Jezreel Valley—a moment that brought the Scripture to life in stunning clarity. Drawing from his pilgrimage and the Catechism's teaching that the Transfiguration gives us "a foretaste of the Kingdom," Mike unpacks three powerful truths: that the Transfiguration offers us a glimpse of our own glorious future, that Jesus continually comforts us with "do not be afraid," and most importantly, that we are called to listen to him and follow. With honest vulnerability, Mike shares his struggle with "monkey brain" and the challenge of listening in silence to Scripture, while also reflecting on times he heard God's call—and times he didn't respond. This episode is an invitation to spend time in the Word, let it speak to us, and discover what we're each called to do.

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Mike was born and raised in Midland and has been a member of Blessed Sacrament since 1985. He graduated from Michigan Tech in 1977 and after spending 2ys at Exxon in Texas, where he met his wife, they moved to Midland to work for Dow Corning. They were married at Blessed Sacrament in 1980 and have 3 children and 8 grandkids. Mike worked for Dow Corning for 30 plus years. He has been active at Blessed Sacrament as a Eucharist Minister, has been involved in Christ Renews for several years, and is also a member of two different small faith groups. In his spare time he volunteers in the science classroom at Central Park and Floyd Elementary schools and enjoys sports.

In this deeply personal episode, Dan Tuma shares his journey from childhood prayers to a life-changing encounter with God at a Christian youth camp in northern Michigan. Through candid stories and honest reflection, Dan explores Romans 5 and the profound truth that while sin entered the world through Adam's disobedience, grace and eternal life come through Jesus Christ's obedience. Dan recounts how his faith moved from his head to his heart while counseling high school teenagers, how God spoke directly to him during a worship night at camp, and how nearly 12 years of returning to that camp—plus his involvement in Christ Renews —taught him that grace isn't earned but freely given. Despite feeling limited by his past and brokenness, Dan discovered that Jesus had been with him all along, walking beside him through every high and low. This episode is an invitation to recognize that we are all broken, beautiful creations desperately in need of a Savior—and that his grace surpasses everything.

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A Midland native, Dan Tuma is both a Special Education teacher and a business owner - doing what he loves working with children at Central Park Elementary, and providing photo and videography services through his company, Dan Tuma Media. Dan is a proud graduate of both Delta College (Associate's Degree in Electronic Media Broadcasting) and Ferris State University (Bachelor's of Science Degree in Television and Digital Media Production). Dan deeply values spending time with his family, which includes his golden retriever best friend, Joey. Dan is involved in the Men’s Christ Renews team at Blessed Sacrament Parish, and also volunteers at the Children's Grief Center of the Great Lakes Bay Region. Dan is passionate about many things in life - including his faith, his Children's Televison Program, “Mr. Tuma & Friends”, future chaplaincy opportunities (for hospitals/hospice), and also, later in his life, working in Memory Care/Assisted Living facilities in some capacity. Last, but not least, Dan is passionate about his favorite TV show, The Chosen!

What did you do with five minutes of downtime before your phone could offer endless scrolling? This simple question, posed by a friend after discussing "The Anxious Generation," becomes the launching point for a timely Lenten reflection on distraction, fragmentation, and the practice of presence. In this episode, recorded live at our Word & Ashes service, Kristyn Russell explores how constant digital distractions keep us separated from the world around us, the people in front of us, and even our own interior lives—and how that fragmentation feels "kind of yucky." Through the lens of Lent's three traditional practices—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—we discover practical ways to tune out the noise and tune into God's presence. From giving up the morning scroll instead of coffee, to showing extra kindness as a form of charity, this reflection offers a 40-day invitation to reclaim those five-minute pockets of time and rediscover what it means to truly pay attention. Whether you're wondering why otters keep favorite rocks or why God allows hate to exist, this episode challenges you to set aside distractions and be present—to the world, to each other, and to God.

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