Pulling back the curtain on the podcast, Kristyn Russell turns our attention to one of the most overlooked—and most relatable—parts of Scripture: the Psalms. Through music, memory, and Psalm 40, we explore how praise and lament often live side by side, just like they do in our own hearts. From prayers that sound like “What the heck, God?” to quieter moments of gratitude, this homily reminds us that every honest prayer counts. The psalms don’t ask for polished performances or grand sacrifices; they invite us to listen, to love, and to live lives shaped by obedience and compassion. A reflection on hearing God’s voice, trusting the law written on our hearts, and responding with courage: “Here I am, Lord.”

Psalm Recommendations:

For Joy & Praise

• Psalm 100: "Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth."
• Psalm 103: Blesses the Lord for His forgiveness, healing, and love.
• Psalm 150: A crescendo of praise using all instruments.

For Hope & Trust

• Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd..."
• Psalm 62: "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him."

For Fear & Anxiety

• Psalm 27: "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?"
• Psalm 46: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

For Grief & Distress

• Psalm 6: "Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony."
• Psalm 13: "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?"

For Anger & Outrage

• Psalm 137: Expresses righteous anger and longing for justice.
• Psalm 4:4: "Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent."

For Loneliness & Abandonment

• Psalm 142: A cry for refuge when no one cares.

For Confession & Repentance

• Psalm 51: A classic prayer for mercy and cleansing.
• Psalm 130:

From rustic camping trips and the long-awaited relief of a hot shower to the sacred waters of the Jordan River, Christy Granda draws a vivid connection between physical cleansing and spiritual transformation. As Jesus enters the waters of baptism—not out of need, but out of love—he transforms ordinary water into a vessel of the Holy Spirit. This reflection invites us to remember our own baptism, to hear God’s voice calling us beloved, and to recognize how deeply we have been washed, renewed, and claimed in Christ. A powerful reminder that baptism is not just a moment from our past, but a living source of grace meant to flow into the world through us.

---

Christy was born and raised in Bay City. She met her husband on a blind date and they worked briefly together at Dow when she was a co-op and he was a contractor. Soon after that their work paths diverged as she finished her degree in Elementary Special Education and he continued as a graphic designer. She worked as a Special Education teacher for 32 years before retiring and immediately jumped into her new role as Adult Faith Formation Coordinator. When asked about the differences between working with adults and children she might reply "so far, nobody has tried to kick, bite or scream at me." She and her husband have two adult children and have been members of Blessed Sacrament for the past 20 plus years.

At the close of the Christmas season, the Gospel invites us to linger with the Magi—mysterious seekers who followed signs and wonders until they encountered Emmanuel, God-with-us. In this reflection, Lyn Pajk explores who the Magi really were, what drew them across deserts and darkness, and how a single encounter with Christ changed the direction of their lives.

Through a nostalgic journey back to Christmas traditions of the 1970s—and a heartfelt retelling of The Little Drummer Boy—Lyn reminds us that coming before Jesus doesn’t require perfect gifts or polished hearts. Like Aaron with his simple drum, we bring what we have: our wounds, our hopes, our small offerings of love.

As the Magi returned home “by another way,” we are challenged to ask the same question: after Advent and Christmas, how will we go back into ordinary time? Will we choose a path marked by mercy, kindness, forgiveness, and joy?

Enjoy this reflection on Epiphany, transformation, and the daily invitation to encounter Christ in one another—and to be changed by him.

---

Originally from Ohio, Lyn and her husband Tim moved to Midland in October of 1999 and became part of the Blessed Sacrament family that very first week. With a biology degree from Ohio State and post grad work in secondary science education, she brought 6 years of Middle School Science teaching experience with her to Michigan, as well as two young sons. During her 8 years as a stay-at-home mom, Lyn volunteered as a coach, room parent, catechist, and Cub Scout Den Leader for her now, 3 sons. In 2007 she entered the Saginaw Diocese Lay Ministry program and in 2008 joined the staff of Blessed Sacrament as the Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation. Five years later she took on the role of Middle School Youth Minister (her favorite job of all time) and finished up her 15-year tenure as a member of the Faith Formation Team as the Coordinator of Adult Formation/Discipleship in addition to being the Team Leader. in 2023 Lyn "retired" from ministry, and she and Tim moved back to Ohio where their parents and their 3 boys all lived. And though she was certain that she wouldn't ever work in ministry again, Lyn is in her second year as DRE at their new parish, St. Victor, in Richfield, Ohio.