Making Disciples of All Nations

 

 Before Jesus ascends into heaven, He makes it clear that He desires everyone to be baptized into God's holy family. Therefore, our faith needs to be shared with everyone always. I think every disciple of Jesus needs to take this very seriously. We must pray to the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in this task. We may never even realize the impact we may have on someone else in our lives.

 I am grateful that the parents of my great-grandma in Poland took this command to heart. I'm sure they had no idea that baptizing my great-grandma would spread seeds of faith across the world to the United States one day. My own mother never got to meet my grandchildren, yet the seeds of her faith are in them. I hope my faith will grow in my grandchildren's children as well. I may never know. But what I do know is that I must trust God's Plan. If I don't do my part, a link will be broken, and the world already has too many broken links.

 Our world still needs to be converted. The job is as important today as it was when Jesus commissioned the disciples. Jesus is still hiring for this job. He could use someone just like you. I hope you answer His call because today is a great day to start planting seeds!   

-Susan

Mary Knows

 May has finally brought some nice weather back, and I've been busy uncovering lawn chairs, planting flowers, and opening the pool. I love my backyard in the summer! I also was excited to return my statue of Mary to her place in the garden. I was playing with my granddaughters in the backyard when I said, "Isabella, guess what? Mary is back in her place!"

 Isabella knew just where to go to find her. But, when she returned, she had a confused look on her face. "Why is Mary stepping on that snake?"

 I thought for a minute and answered, "Well, that snake is always trying to be tricky. The snake tries to trick people into being bad and not listening to God. Mary wants everyone to love God and not do bad things."

 "He tries to trick people into doing bad things? Like,
say bad words?" Isabella asked.

 "Yep. Sometimes the snake tricks people into saying things that aren't nice, and sometimes he tricks people into being mean."

 "Oh," Isabella said and then ran away and called out to her aunt. "Theresa, I know why Mary is stepping on that snake!"

 I think we should all follow suit after Isabella. First, let people know if there is a tricky snake in the garden, and if there is, don't listen to his lies. Also, warn others, so they don't get tricked. Then shout out to Mary. Mary knows how to help us stomp out sin in our lives.

-Susan

Mary's Love

 

  This week I was fortunate to attend a tradition that I love, a May Crowning! It is such a beautiful way to celebrate and love Mary. If you don't have the chance to attend a May Crowning, find another way to spend special time with Mary this month. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate. Just find some quiet time to open up your heart and let her in.

  When my daughter was younger, she was looking at a statue of Mary. "Mom, why is Mary wearing purple? Everyone knows she wears blue."

  I smiled and said, "Well, it is popular to paint Mary with a blue garment, but we don't really know what Mary wore every day. The color of her clothes isn't important. What's important is Mary's love for God and how much Mary loves you." 

  Sometimes I worry people might miss out on Mary's love because they only see Mary in a certain way and don't embrace her as their own mother. Jesus wants Mary to be a part of your story. Be open to Mary's love. As she gently reveals to you her faith and how she loves God, you will discover there is so much more to loving God than you had ever imagined!

-Susan

 

Happy Mother's Day!

 

Happy Mother's Day to all who have given the best of themselves to their children!