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In My Own Words: Frustration, A Doorway to Grace
Alex J. Nagem © 2025 I can’t recall a day when I haven’t felt some frustration. Whether it’s dealing with traffic, encountering rude people at the grocery store, or a slow computer, my missteps, or tensions with family, the sources of frustration are endless. What frustrates you? Reflection: Lord, why do I let myself become
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In My Own Words: A Beggar’s Heart (in verse)
By: Alex J. Nagem © May 27, 2025 I come before you, Jesus, A beggar who has strayed, I plead for Your forgiveness, On bended knees I pray. I start the day with prayer, In quiet, seeking Your light, But as the day grows long and dark, My mind may drift from what is right.
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In My Own Words: Still A Man of Faith…Hedging My Bet
By: Alex J. Nagem © May 26, 2025 As we age, our perspective often shifts from the busyness of everyday life to deeper, more enduring questions. In our youth, we tend to focus on the immediate, careers, relationships, and ambitions. But as we grow older, we become more aware of the fragility of life, the
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In My Own Words: The Gossiper
By: Alex J. Nagem © May 25, 2025 In the quaint town of Sunset, nestled among rolling hills and quiet fields, whispers often traveled faster than the wind. The townspeople were devoted to their prayers, yet equally committed to sharing tidbits of news, especially gossip. Martha was a skilled seamstress, known for her talent with
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In My Own Words: A Reflective Verse on God’s Majesty
By: Alex J. Nagem © May 22, 2025 Have you seen God’s majesty today? Sights and sounds are on full display. Turn your gaze to the blue of the sky with clouds drifting by, A canvas of wonder no money can buy. Hear the whisper of the wind through branches that sway, This is nature
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In My Own Words: The Wound and the Water
By: Alex J. Nagem © May 22, 2025 I knelt with hands that bore the stain Of choices made in pride and pain. A darkened soul and a hidden face Now seek the Savior’s redeeming grace. No thunder rumble, no lightning flame, In Your mercy, You whispered my name. Through a gift of forgiveness, a
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In My Own Words: 10 Reflections for Men in the World Who Follow the Teachings of Jesus Christ
By: Alex J. Nagem © May 21, 2025 Reflection 1: Redefining Success Scripture:“For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” – 1 Corinthians 1:25 Reflection:The world tells us what success looks like—power, wealth, recognition. The Holy Scriptures tell us a different story of success. We
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In My Own Words: Devotional Prayer Before and After Holy Communion
By: Alex J. Nagem (c) May 20, 2025 These prayers are intended for personal use before and after receiving the Holy Eucharist. They ask the Lord for healing from venial sins and a deeper union with Him through this Sacrament of love. 🕊️ Prayer Before Communion Lord Jesus, I come to Your altar with a
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In My Own Words: When the Road Not Taken Still Leads to God
By: Alex J. Nagem © May 14, 2025 There’s a particular kind of regret that sits quietly in the soul: the sense of a calling not followed. Maybe it was a tug toward the priesthood, a life in missions, or a ministry of some kind. Maybe it was a path of service or creativity, a
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In My Own Words: A Few-Hour Retreat – Recalling All Saints’ Day, 2013
By: Alex J. Nagem © May 13, 2025 Having a few hours to myself on All Saints Day, I retreated to one of my favorite spots in Wheeling, Schenk Lake at Oglebay Park. I have enjoyed Oglebay Park and this lake since childhood. When I became old enough to drive, Oglebay Park was where
The Beauty of God’s Creation
In My Own Words-Alex J. Nagem (c) 2025
For centuries, the mysteries of religion, theology, and the wonders of God have captivated and unsettled the human mind. These are my reflections as I seek to find clarity for the uncertainties and questions that plague my mind.
“Vocatus Atque Non Vocatus Deus Aderit”
