The Journey of a Lifetime

  Theresa and I have spent the last whole week teaching a group of students who are beginning their Confirmation journey. I thought this might be a good time for all of us to reflect on our own Confirmation journey.  How has the Holy Spirit been active in your life?  If you were asked to share one or two examples with someone, what would you say?

  My favorite piece of advice I like to share with my students is the importance of praying to the Holy Spirit. I'm sure I was taught this while I was preparing to make my Confirmation, but for whatever reason, I didn't put it into practice until I became an adult. And let me tell you, it was like turning on the floodlights.  It made a huge difference in my prayer life and my desire to share my faith with others.  

  In my opinion, the best way to journey through life is with the Holy Spirit!  Some call Him the Advocate,  the Comforter, Counselor- I call Him my Friend and Soul-Saver.

-Susan

Nothing is Impossible with God

    I want you to think of something you are struggling with right now in your life. Weather it's work, school, family, or an internal struggle, just think about it. Sometimes we as humans find it hard to find solutions to our problems, and let them boil inside of us for long amounts of time. Sometimes these problems seem impossible to solve, and we just feel stuck. If this is the case, I would like to propose a solution; talk it over with God. Time in prayer can always help you solve even the most impossible situations. If you really open up to God, and are open to listening to what He has to say, your burdens will be lifted and you can live a more problem free life. Just remember, nothing is impossible with God!

-Theresa

God Is Good

  It is easy to count our blessings when everything is going our way.  Try to remember three times in your life you felt really blessed.  How did you know God had blessed you?  Now try to remember three very difficult times in your life.  Can you still see God even in your struggles?  God doesn't allow disappointment our pain to change how He loves us.  Have you ever let pain or disappointment affect the way you love God?  Think about it....

-Theresa

Who's Teaching Who?

  It was shortly after dinner, when Marianne finally got a chance to sit down and rest.  She was about to turn the television on when she heard her five year old daughter, Claire, playing in the next room.  "Hey, honey, what are you up to?"  Marianne inquired.
  "I'm just playing with my dolls, Mom.  Do you want to play, too?" Claire hoped.
  "Sure, I could play for a little bit.  Which doll do you want me to play with?"
  Claire looked at the three dolls she had lined up on her bed.  "Well, you could be Chrissy or Emily." Claire said as she picked up the other doll in her hands.
  "Okay, I guess I'll be Chrissy.  She looks like a pretty doll." Marianne stated.
  "Oh, she is pretty, but she is also very hungry.  She hasn't eaten in two days because she is very poor.  I was just about to feed her.  Do you want to do it?"  Claire began looking through her toy chest.
  "What are you looking for?"  Marianne asked.
  "Oh, I know I have an extra bottle in here.  I was just going to find it for you.  Also I need to find Emily's coat and shoes because she is very cold."
  "Wow, your dolls seem to have lots of problems."
  "I know.  Not everybody is as lucky as us, Mom.  That's why I have to take care of them.  Oh, here it is I found it!  Mom you can give this bottle to Chrissy so she'll stop crying."
  "Okay, I can feed her.  I didn't realize she was crying."  Marianne reached for the bottle and then began to feed Chrissy.
  "Mom look at her.  She is very sad.  We have to help her.  There are lots of kids just like her."
  "Did you learn about that in school today?"  Mom wondered as she placed the play bottle in Chrissy's mouth.
  "No.  We had stations today and gym."
  "Then how do you know that?"
  Claire looked at the doll in her hands and said, "Baby Jesus told me about it."
  "Oh, I didn't realize you named your doll,  Jesus.  Well that is a very good name!  When did Jesus tell you that?  I didn't hear him say anything."
  "I know.  He talks really quietly.  You have to be a good listener to hear him.  You know he used to give loud talks to people on hills, but now he just whispers his words to people."
  Marianne realized that playing dolls tonight was going to take on more meaning then she had originally thought.  "That's very interesting.  What else did Jesus tell you?"
  "Hmmm...I don't know....He said we should take care of others, the way I take care of my dolls.........Hey Mom what do bees like to do?"
  "Bees??  Well they like to make honey.  Why do you ask?"
  Clare smiled as she found the perfect outfit to put on baby Emily.  "Jesus said I should learn more about bee attitudes.  He said it was important and that you could teach me."
  "Jesus wants me to teach you about bees?  Why?"
  "I don't know.  He said he blesses people when they help others who are sad, or when they show mercy, or have a pure heart."
  "Oh, now I know what you're talking about.  Your talking about the Beatitudes."
  "Ya, that's what I said."
  "I guess I misunderstood at first," Marianne admitted feeling a little stupid. Marianne picked up the doll named Jesus and said, "If Jesus wants me to teach you about the Beatitudes, then that's what I'll do.  I'll go look online and see if I can find a good book to get us started."
  "Thanks, Mom."  Claire said as she began to set up a tea party.
  Marianne looked at the face of the doll named Jesus and asked Claire,  "You know, Claire you are very lucky to have a doll that talks to you."
  Claire started laughing.  "Mom, my doll can't really talk.  You are so silly.  Jesus told me that when I said my prayers."
  Marianne joined her daughter's laughter. "You're right, it's been a long day and I am not thinking straight.  When did you get so smart?  Ok, I'll go check the computer while you have a tea party."
  "Ok, Mom. "
  Marianne headed towards the den realizing just how important teaching Claire about Jesus was going to be.

-Susan

The Word of Our God will Stand Forever

A short meditation:

Have you ever just took the time to think about eternity? I mean really think about it. The thought of forever can be very frightening in a fast paced world where nothing lasts more than 15 minutes. A trend comes one day and is gone the next. Sometimes we may think, does anything really ever last? The answer to this starling question is yes; God's love will last forever. Even after our life on this earth is over, we get to spend eternity with him in heaven. There is no need to be afraid of what will happen in the future, because you are in God's hands. He will love and protect you always. I guess eternity isn't so scary after all.

-Theresa

Praying for Orlando

Please join me in praying for the mercy of God to heal this world.  May the peace of Christ be with us all.

-Susan

Under Control

  Grace pulled her work gloves, grabbed a small shovel, clippers, and some leaf bags and headed toward her garden.  Life had been so hectic lately. Weeding the garden had fallen low on the priority list, and now things were looking wild and out of control. How is it that weeds  could grow so quickly and just take over everything?  One by one, Grace pulled out the weeds that were choking her favorite flowers.  In her head Grace chastised herself for letting things go so far.  Of course she knew better, but lately she had been so overwhelmed with life, that she didn't take the time to enjoy her prized garden.
  Three hours later Grace stepped back to appreciate all her hard work.  "That looks a thousand times better," she thought to herself.
  Just then a man walking on the trail behind her house said, "Wow, that sure is some garden!  You really are quite gifted."
  Grace smiled proudly.  "Thank you.  It definitely took some work, but it was worth it."
  "When I saw all those weeds yesterday, I was afraid you didn't care anymore."
  Grace just looked at the man for a minute.  "What an odd thing to say," she thought to herself.  She was so taken aback by his comment that she didn't know what to say.
  "You know," the man said, "Weeds are a lot like bad habits.  If you don't take care of them right away, they start to take over.  You've done a great job with this garden, are you ready to do the same with your life?"
  "What?" Grace said completely astonished.  "I'm sorry, do I even know you?"
  "Grace, everyday I walk by your house waiting for you to notice me again.  I have missed you and I want to be a part of your life again."
  Grace took a good look at the man.  "Oh my gosh, how did I not recognize you?"
  "You were allowing your faith to be choked out by a lot of distractions."
  Grace suddenly saw her life choices very differently.  Tears began to roll down her face.  "I'm so sorry, God, I have made some poor choices.  Is it too late for me to change?  Did I mess everything up?"
  "It's definitely not to late.  You know, I'm a pretty good gardner myself.  I happen to know a thing or two about planting seeds in fertile soil.  Are your ready to do a little more weeding?"
  Grace nodded yes.  "Will you help me pull out some of the bigger weeds?"
  God smiled and said, "Trust me child, I've got this under control."

-Susan

A Little Soul Music Please

  Did you ever have one of those days were you get a song stuck in your head?  When my kids were little I would often hear the ABC song, Dora, Dora the explorer, Dinosaur Train, or any of the Little Mermaid songs playing over and over in my mind. I would think to myself, "Seriously, why can't I get these preschool songs out of my head?"  But for many years as I raised my children, that was my environment.  Then one day when I was in the car alone, I decided to shut the radio off and sing songs to God instead.  That day changed my life.
   I have found that music can can offer a great deal to my spiritual life.  During mass, music can engage different areas in my mind, heightening my prayer experience.  Music can set the mood during meditation allowing me to peacefully focus my time with God while blocking out distracting noises.  I have also found that songs can be an answer to be prayers.  Let me explain.
   Sometimes after praying about a certain situation or problem,  a certain song may come to mind.  While I was grieving, many of the Psalms that I had heard song during mass, would come to my mind. I found it to be very comforting and I knew that even during this very difficult, painful time,  the Lord was right there by my side.  Sometimes when I am unsure or stressed, the song "Be Not Afraid" by John Michael Talbot will come to mind or the song from Sister Act, "I Will follow Him".  Those are just a few examples.  Trust me,  I could go on and on.
  What songs do you sing to bring you close to Jesus?  If you haven't given it any thought before, I would like to suggest trying it.  There are so many good ways to pray, and song is definitely one of them.  The next time you go to turn on the radio, don't.  Instead, ask Jesus to put a song in your heart and see what happens.  You may be pleasantly surprised.

-Susan

Being Open-Minded

“He who goes about to reform the world must begin with himself, or he loses his labor.”    

                    St. Ignatius of Loyola

  Today spend some quiet time with the Holy Spirit and ask for the grace of transparency.  If you could see one aspect of your life that needs a little work, what would it be?  After you ask the Holy Spirit this question, spend the next several moments with your eyes closed and your mind open to any areas in your life that the Holy Spirit reveals could use some adjusting.  Try not to quickly give an excuse for your behavior, but instead say, “Fill me with Your Spirit Lord.  I need Your help.”  It is difficult and sometimes painful to look at our own shortcomings, but it is also very necessary if we wish to be a better reflection of Jesus to others.  A little “home improvement” can update and refresh tired attitudes and make us a little more welcoming, a little more understanding, and a little more loving.  Ask the Holy Spirit for the courage and the wisdom to make whatever changes will bring you closer to resembling the child God created you to be.

-Susan

This Is No Piece of Cake

  

 For all you who are waiting for Christianity to get easier before you join, I'm here to inform you-- it's not going to happen, but please join anyways.  Jesus and His message were counter cultural then and they still are today.  Listen to His words, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."  "Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you." "If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also." "If you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
  Let's face it, those are some pretty hard words to swallow.  Jesus makes it clear that we must either choose the ways of the world or the ways of the Father. You can't do both.  Christianity isn't a hobby, something you choose to do on a Sunday.  Christianity is a commitment of mind, body, and soul to God.  Are you totally committed?
  This world is temporary, but the Father is eternal.  The choice is up to you.  As for me, I am going to pick up my cross and fight the good fight, and continue walking the path to heaven.  I may stumble at times, I might get discouraged with disappointment, I may get tired and need to rest, but I'm not giving up.  Do you want to know why? No matter how difficult this path may be,  I have a Savior who walks alongside of me encouraging and strengthening me.  He is the best friend to have in your life and He has an amazing group of friends to hang out with.  Christianity may not be a piece of cake, but I understand the heavenly banquet is beyond words!

-Susan

I See You

 Pope Francis tweeted the following: 
  "It is essential that children see that prayer is something truly important for their parents."

  I think this simple sentence speaks volumes of wisdom.  The most important gift a parent can give their child is to encourage, teach, and share their faith with them.  I was very blessed to have my parents share their gift of faith with me.  It is my most treasured gift.  A gift that has affected everyday of my life and will carry me through to eternity.
  This month try to find a way to share prayer with your family.  Let someone know you are praying for them.  Ask one of your children if they would pray with you for a certain intention. Pray the Rosary together. As a family, walk through one of the Holy Doors of Mercy and then spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament or attend mass.  Let your children (no matter their age) know how much you value your relationship with God, and make a point to share something you have discovered about God.  Your faith life should not be the family secret, instead let it be the burning candle that casts away fear and darkness and illuminates the face of Christ.
  Wouldn't it be awesome if your children easily recognized Christ when they reached heaven, because He was the friend they always saw beside you.  Just saying.

-Susan