Shine Bright

 

  Last night, my granddaughters came over for a movie night. When the movie ended, I asked, “Who wants to jump on the trampoline?”

  “In the dark?” My granddaughter questioned.

  “I have glow sticks!”

  “Yes! Let’s do it!” They exclaimed.

  My daughters joined us, and we all laughed and jumped with our little sticks of light. The darkness did not scare us.

 Each night, I pray for peace in the world. As I prayed last night, I thought about the joy one little light brings into the darkness. No wonder Jesus asked us to share our light with others. We all need the Light of Christ, especially when surrounded by darkness. Do what you can to shine a little brighter this week. Your prayer may be a source of joy in someone's sadness or the beacon of light that guides someone back to the arms of Christ.

-Susan

The Stone Has Been Rolled Back!

 

 Just before Holy Week, my family and I went on vacation.  One evening, my sons and I decided to go to the hot tub.  It was a little crowded, but still, enough room for us to squeeze in. As we settled, another family began discussing returning to their room.  Before leaving, a young woman in her twenties said with a shaky voice, "I don't know if anyone would be interested in me sharing a message. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.  He has saved my life, and He can save yours, too!"

  She happened to be sitting next to me. As I turned to face her, I could see she was beaming from the inside. "Amen!" I said.

  She smiled. "I just became a Christian last month.  I feel completely changed!"

 "That's awesome!" I said. "Congratulations!" A few other people added their congratulations. She shared a few more comments, grabbed a towel to dry off, and walked away.

  I thought of this young woman's courage recently. On Easter morning, we discovered that the tomb was empty. We all exclaimed, "Alleluia!" but I wonder if we allow our faith to comfortably live in the empty tomb most of the year. Our faith isn't meant to remain in a closed-off area inside ourselves.  We must roll back the stone and allow the Risen Jesus to freely move in our lives.  Like the apostles, allow Jesus to walk through your walls of fear and touch you with His peace, love, and forgiveness.

  Go out and boldly proclaim the Good News! Let the world know that Jesus is your Lord and Savior, too!

-Susan

God's Divine Mercy

 

  Sometimes, I struggle to define God's Mercy. It is more incredible than mere words could describe. God loves me more than I could understand and definitely more than I deserve. My sins are many, and His love is endless. My self-interest constantly distracts me, and He patiently waits for my focus to return. I walk away and then cry out for help, and instantly, His arms are holding me close. When my pain overwhelms me, He picks me up and allows me to rest my head against His Most Sacred Heart. I constantly demand more, and He reveals His pierced heart and says, "Child, I have given you all you need. I even gave up my life so that death would have no power over you."

 My sweet Jesus, celebrating your Divine Mercy today is my great delight. So many times, I have begged for Your Mercy for myself and my loved ones! I am so blessed and grateful that you listen to my cries as if I were the only person in the world. You exchange my anxieties with peace and my fears with your love. My soul exclaims, "I am eternally grateful," and I hear You whisper, "I will be yours for eternity." 

 Jesus, I trust in you and in Your Plans. Please have mercy on me and on the whole world.  

-Susan

Easter Morning Joy

 

  The crowd's noise drew me to the window. As I peered out, I saw Jesus struggling to walk with his cross. He looked nothing like the man I had heard preach. He had been filled with light, love, and life. Did he glance my way? I wanted to reach out to help, but I felt fearful and imprisoned behind the window. Later that day, I heard he died.

 Early Sunday morning, a bright light shone through the window. I heard a voice say, "You are no longer a prisoner. Fear has no power over you. I have risen. Believe, and you will be free." His outstretched hand reached for me. I placed my hand in his, and he pulled me into His Light. I felt renewed!

 I believe in His Resurrection! Today, I will rejoice and tell the world, "Jesus, my Lord and Savior, has saved me from sin and death! I am filled with His Light, His love, and His Life! My life is now changed forever!" Yesterday, I was a prisoner of my fears; He has set me free today. What a glorious new day! I will leave my old ways behind and walk in His Light! Alleluia! 

-Susan

Encountering The Cross- Mary's Cross

 

  Mary stood at the foot of the cross.  She had no idea how she was standing because she couldn't feel her legs. The pain in her heart was so intense she could not feel anything else.  It was agonizing to be there, but this was where she needed to be. She wanted her love to cut through the mocking, the laughter, and the cruelty. Her love for her son was greater at that moment than ever before.

  Mary watched Jesus struggle to breathe.  She closely watched his chest rise with each breath.  She wanted him to keep breathing, but she knew each breath only prolonged his pain. The thought of him not breathing was unimaginable, but so was this entire scene.

 His breaths became further apart. Then Mary heard Jesus cry, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."  His head dropped to his chest, and His chest was still. Mary could feel in her heart that Jesus had left this world. Mary's heart burned with pain.  It was getting harder for her to breathe. The ground beneath her feet began to shake. Her eyes could not focus through her tears. "My son, my beautiful son," were the only words she could speak.

  The pain was so intense that her legs could no longer support her. She felt a strong pair of arms wrap around her to keep her from falling to the ground. As those around her supported her, Mary remembered Jesus' promise, "Mother, on the third day, I will rise." This promise gave Mary the strength to endure this unbearable suffering because Mary knew she could trust God's Plan.

-Susan

Encountering The Cross (Week 6)

 

  Maggie was old. Her feet moved very slowly, and her arthritic hands could barely pick up her cross. She knew her cross well, but lately, it seemed it was an uphill climb. After a short rest, she picked up her cross again. An old church song came to mind, and she quietly sang the sweet melody as she scuttled along. This song took her back to her childhood days filled with love. Most of her family had passed now, but she still remembered the laughter of family dinners and the example of her parent's faith.

  Inch by painful inch, Maggie continued to make progress. She was pretty sure her days of carrying this cross were almost over. She was almost at the summit, but physical exhaustion forced her to stop. She turned to look around. Maggie smiled and said to herself, "My, it is all so beautiful from here. I wonder why it is so hard to see while you are climbing?" Overcome with exhaustion and emotion, Maggie set her cross down for the last time and laid down next to it. As her eyes closed, she felt a hand on her shoulder and a beautiful voice.

  "Maggie, you did it!" Jesus announced. "You carried your cross like a good and faithful servant. Leave it here. You don't have to carry it anymore!" Jesus bent down and cradled Maggie in His arms, "I'm going to carry it for you." As Jesus carried her the last couple of steps, He whispered, "You're home now." Jesus set Maggie down in front of the most beautiful door she had ever seen. Maggie's legs felt youthful and strong as she watched Jesus place her cross into the keyhole.  It was a perfect fit! As the door opened, Maggie smiled widely. It was more beautiful than she had ever imagined! 

  "Welcome home, Maggie!  You are going to love it here!"

-Susan

Encountering The Cross (Week Five)

 

  Jeremy walked down the church's central aisle, genuflected, and then sat down in his usual pew. He kept his eyes on the crucifix behind the altar. Nervously, his knee shook up and down. For weeks, he had felt God calling him to donate his time, money, and business expertise to build an apartment building for low-income families. Since he owned his own contracting company, he had the knowledge, contacts, and equipment to donate. It was possible, but it would be an enormous undertaking.

 "God," Jeremy began, "I know you want this, but I don't know if I could handle it. I would have to fund it with a lot of my profits. If I did this, would I be rewarded somehow?" Jeremy's knee continued to bounce nervously up and down. He unzipped his coat as he began to feel uncomfortably warm. "God, this would take so much of my time. Don't I deserve to have some time to enjoy life? I know this is a good cause, but is there someone else? Why are you asking me to carry this cross? Is this to repay for some of my past mistakes? Will this level the playing field for me?" 

 Jeremy thought about all the things he would have to sacrifice. "What if I just did part of the job? Maybe you could find someone else to help out. I could do fifty percent of the job, and someone else could finish." Jeremy let out an audible sigh. He reflected on this scenario and how it could work. As he thought, he began to scowl. "Well, I could do closer to twenty-five to thirty percent of the job, and you could find two other people to help out. Or maybe I could consult about the job. I could give them some helpful advice. That would work better for me. There are plenty of other people who could help as well." Jeremy felt pleased with the last thought. Consulting, if they need it. Yes, that could definitely work. Jeremy quickly made the sign of the cross and walked out of the church feeling twenty pounds lighter. As he walked out the doors, he thought, "That was a good talk."

 "Jeremy, Jeremy, come on back," God urged. "I listened to you, but you didn't give me a chance to respond."

 John, the church's patron saint, heard God's plea: "He might come back, Father. It would be a difficult cross for him."

 God nodded. "Yes, I know. Without him, the center will not be built for many years."

 "Maybe he will realize that the cross isn't a bargaining tool.  It is the tool that humbles a soul and keeps them on the path of holiness.

 God smiled at John and said, "Perhaps he will hear My voice again when his fears quiet down."

-Susan  

Encountering The Cross (Week Four)

 

   Lying in her hospital bed, Gina wondered how she could take care of herself again. The accident had left her with multiple broken bones. The doctors told her it would be a long recovery. Her days were filled with doctors, nurses, and therapists around the clock. At night, she was exhausted but never too tired to pray. "Lord, I know you know what you are doing, but I can't carry this cross alone. It's too much. I need help."

 After several weeks in the hospital, the staff was amazed at her progress and began arranging for Gina to transition to a rehabilitation facility. She was looking over the pamphlets one afternoon when she received a wonderful surprise. Her sister from Denver walked into the room. "Lucy, what are you doing here?" Gina exclaimed.

 "I'm here to help. I've come to take care of you," Lucy announced.

 "What about Mike and the kids?"

 "Listen, don't worry about them. I've been working on this since your accident. I wanted to tell you when I had everything arranged. My boss is letting me take time off to take care of you. I will stay until you can function on your own again."

 Gina just smiled. Her prayer had been answered.

 Twenty-five years later, Gina found herself at the entrance of heaven. She was filled with peace and love as Jesus approached and embraced her. "Welcome home, child," Jesus said with a smile. Gina and Jesus talked for a long time about her life. Some moments were uncomfortable, but mostly, it was simply wonderful. How Jesus described her life was so different from how Gina saw it.

 "Jesus, I'm so surprised you saw my accident as one of the highlights of my life. I thought it was the lowest. I was in such bad shape that I kept begging you to help me. I knew my prayer was being answered when Lucy announced she was staying to help me. She was such a blessing. Thank you for answering my prayer."

 Jesus smiled. "Gina, I wasn't answering just your prayer." Jesus handed Gina a list. I also answered the prayer requests of all those praying for you. 

 Gina looked over the list. She had no idea that many people had been praying for her. "I'm a bit overwhelmed with this list, Jesus. There are so many names I don't even recognize."

 "Some belong to your church, some are friends of your relatives, your niece Sophie led her whole class in prayer, and some are the sufferings people have offered up. The power of prayer is really underestimated. It does more for a person's body and soul than you could imagine. The doctor's amazement in your recovery was justified. You could have never recovered that quickly on your own. You cried out for help and trusted My Plan. You completely opened yourself up to My graces. That is why I consider this a pivotal moment in your life. You let me take over."

 Gina looked lovingly at Jesus and said, "Letting You take over was the best decision I ever made." 

Jesus' smile grew wider. "I have to agree."

Gina thought about her accident and her difficult recovery. "Jesus, am I the only person to misunderstand the beauty of my cross?"

"Gina, there are very few people who do."

-Susan

    

Encountering The Cross (Week Three)

 

  Maggie had the opportunity to get away to her favorite coastal resort. She loved it here. It was peaceful and quiet, and the scenery was breathtaking. Her husband and children would join her tomorrow, so today was all hers. She followed the walking path along the beach coast. The sun was shining, and the squeal of the seagulls was just slightly louder than the lapsing waves on the shore. "What a beautiful day," Maggie thought to herself.

 As Maggie continued to walk, she began praying. She reflected on her life with her family. She thanked God for all her blessings. All her hard work and planning were paying off. And although her life was not perfect, it was good. Her life was filled with love. Her children were doing well in their studies, and her husband was recently promoted.

 The walking path began to veer away from the water, and she started a slow uphill climb over the bluffs. Halfway up her climb, she stopped when she noticed a large cross in the middle of the path. "That's odd," she thought. "Why is this here?" 

It was then that she heard Jesus speak. "Maggie, this cross is here for you."

 "For me? What do you mean?" Maggie asked.

 "Maggie, I have enjoyed all our moments of prayer together. You have come a long way, and I plan to take you to new heights."

 Maggie smiled, "You do?"

 Jesus returned the smile. "Yes, I have something special in mind for you. Here, take my hand, and I will show you." Jesus led Maggie away from the walking path, through a meadow, and then stopped abruptly. "I would like you to begin walking this new path. Some people really need your help. They will lean heavily on you, relying on your strength."

 Maggie looked at this new "path." Her first thought was, "Where did this mountain come from? I'm sorry, Jesus, but I don't understand. Where is the path?"

 "Well, it's not an obvious or an easy one. You would have to trust me completely. I will carefully guide your steps so you don't fall."

 "I could fall?" Maggie gasped in disbelief.

 "Only if you tried to forge your own way. If you train yourself to listen to My voice, your hardships will all be bearable."

 Maggie looked at the mountain. She had no idea how she would climb this. "Jesus, what about my family?"

 "Oh, I want you to bring them, too."

 "You want me to lead my family up a treacherous mountain to a place I can't see, all while enduring hardships and caring for people I have never met before? And I will not be in control?" Maggie was flabbergasted and scared.

 "Yes!" Jesus said.

 Maggie looked at the mountain. She thought about how pleasant everything was in her life right now. "Jesus, my life is so blessed now; why would I want to change everything?" 

 "Because I believe you could become something more."

 Maggie grew very nervous and anxious. She knew this new path would change everything. She loved her life. Everything was going so well. "Jesus." she began, "Do I have a choice?"

 "Of course," Jesus answered. "How close you follow My Plans is always up to you."

 Maggie looked down at the ground. "I'm sorry, Jesus, I can't do this. I'm good with all the blessings I have right now. I'm not looking to be challenged. I want to enjoy what I have." Maggie turned away from the mountain, ran through the meadow, and found her walking path along the bluffs. She continued her walk along the bluffs. She felt sure she had made the right choice, but she was completely unaware that her spiritual life would plateau at this height.

 Jesus watched Maggie walk away. He then turned his eyes toward the mountain. Jesus saw what Maggie could not. Had Maggie chosen this path, it would have been not easy, but in the end, it led to Rome, where she would have been a canonized saint.

-Susan

   

Encountering The Cross (Week Two)

  

   It had been the worst two months of his life. Jim still couldn't wrap his head over losing his job and everything else that followed. He closed his eyes and fell to the ground on his knees. When Jim opened his eyes again, he found himself on his favorite path. So many times in the past, he almost ran up this mountain path, but not today. Today, even just breathing the mountain air was difficult. Today, his favorite path seemed dark and confusing. He lost his footing more than once, tripping over half-buried rocks and sliding over slippery gravel. Then he tripped over something and hit the ground hard.

 Jim just played there for a minute, not wanting to get up. After several minutes, he slowly pulled himself up. He had a couple of nice scrapes, but nothing appeared broken. "What did I even trip over?" Jim thought to himself. He walked back a couple of feet and looked at the ground. "You have got to be kidding me," he said out loud. How did he not see that large wooden cross on the ground? How did it appear out of nowhere? Stripped of his material possessions and pride, Jim just stood there feeling naked and cold. Looking at the rough wood, he saw two words carved into the grain: Trust Me.

 Jim just stared at those words, unable to move. Was he really capable of trusting anyone right now? As he stood there, the sun pushed through the clouds, and something shiny caught his eye a few feet past the cross. Jim walked over and picked up the fancy pen lying in the grass. It looked similar to the ones he had always carried in his briefcase. Jim held the pen as he walked back to the cross. His eyes fixated on the words "Trust Me." Jim wondered, "Was this an invitation? A command? Or insanity?"

 After several soul-bearing moments, Jim bent down and, using the pen, etched out two new words on the cross beam, "Lead Me" " As he picked up the cross, the wind blew, unveiling a path to his right. He thoughtfully considered the path. "Maybe it's time to leave this old path behind and follow this new one." Jim took a deep breath in and then slowly released it. He repositioned his hands to get a better grip on the cross. The weight was heavy but manageable.

  Faithfully, he began walking up this new path. And although he had no idea where it was going, he didn't feel lost. Jim knew he was being led.

-Susan

 

Encountering The Cross (Week One)

 

 

 Numbly, she walked through the maze of hospital hallways towards the exit. She couldn't control the tears. She didn't even try to wipe them away. She just let them fall. Blurred faces walked past, but the only thing that she could focus on was the doctor's voice, "It's stage four cancer. There's not much we can do."

 She opened and closed her car door as quickly as possible. She sat down and hit the steering wheel repeatedly. She screamed with fierce anger, "Why? Why are you letting this happen to me?" For a long time, she sobbed uncontrollably, begging God to take away this cross. When her tears ran dry, she sat wholly exhausted, looking straight into her future. From the depths of her being came words she almost choked on, "Lord, let Your Will be done." From nowhere, a fresh load of tears flooded her face. When those tears slowed, she whispered one more prayer, "Lord, will you help me, please? I can't do this alone," she said. After that prayer, a wave of peace came over her. She knew she would not carry this cross alone.

 She backed her car out of the parking space and shifted into drive.  She had resolved to move forward, realizing she had no control over where she was headed. Each day, she paved her path with prayers through a strenuous terrain of doctor visits, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. She had a lot of bad days, and she had some horrible days. But God kept His promise. He never left her side. His love and peace held her from falling apart.

 From time to time, she still wondered, "Why?' 

 But God never answered that question. Instead, He would whisper, "Trust me, child." 

 And she would reply, "Jesus, I trust in You,"

-Susan 

Encountering the Cross (Introduction)

 

  As we journey through Lent this year, I want to concentrate on the theme: Encountering the Cross.  We are all called to carry our cross.  Jesus says, "For whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matt 16:24). We know this, yet sometimes we are surprised that as we work to grow closer to God, suddenly, the cross stands before us.  Our first response is, "Why?  Why is this necessary? I'm trying so hard to follow You."  Although this may be our first response, it is not the most important.  Our second response to the cross is more important.  What are we going to do next?

  The series will begin tomorrow.

-Susan

Out With The Old, Go Bold!

 

  Lent is only a few days away. Perfectly, Ash Wednesday is on Valentine's Day, a day we devote to those we love. Unfortunately, most people don't get excited for the season of Lent. Many of us feel thrown off guard as if it snuck up and yelled, "Surprise! It's Me, Lent!" Sometimes, a mild form of panic or dismay creeps in, asking, "What will you do? What are you giving up?" Fortunately, there are so many beautiful ways to grow closer to Christ. Please pray about it. Don't make this important decision on your own.

 I want to suggest going bold this year. Do something new. Choose something difficult. It's okay if we come up short. It doesn't mean we failed. It just means we have yet to perfect that particular attitude or action. It doesn't mean we should give up or settle for something more manageable. Sometimes, a failed attempt means we need to approach the challenge differently.

 Introspection can be challenging. Recognizing and confronting our shortcomings can be discouraging, but it shouldn't be. Remember, God is in love with you. Where we see weakness, God sees opportunities to grow. He takes great delight in helping us do more than we ever thought imaginable. We might think, "Oh, no, it's Lent again (big sigh). What am I going to do this year?"

 God, on the other hand, is revving up for the big season. God is bubbling with joy as He says, "It's Lent again! Let me show you what I know is possible this year! I Am so excited to grow closer to you!" 

-Susan

The Question

 

  I was looking for some inspiration before writing today. I individually threw out this question to my children. "Hey, I need an idea for my blog this week. Can you share any moments you have had with God lately?" 

 I received very similar responses. "No, nothing big going on lately."

 "I didn't say it had to be big. Can you tell me a moment you felt God was near to you?" Silence.

 My daughter said, "Mom, I just don't think I have as many special moments with God as you do."

 I replied, "I don't think that is true. I don't think I have more moments with God; I think I might have more awareness of God. I'm always looking for God's Presence in my life."

 So this is the question I leave you with this week. Do you think God is always active in your life? I honestly believe God cares about all the details of our lives. Big and little moments, He's there.

 As my children get older, I don't know everything about their lives. I only know the parts they share with me. I wonder if, on some level, we treat God that way as well. It is as if God is on a need-to-know basis rather than realizing He knows us better than we know ourselves. God is always active in our lives. The question isn't whether He is near but whether we allow Him to be close enough to feel His breath across our face as He whispers in our ears, "My child, I love you so very much."  

-Susan

How Clear Is Your Vision?

 

  This morning, I let my dog outside and looked across the backyard. There was something in the yard that looked unusual to me. I asked my daughter, "What is that in the yard?" 

 "Mom, that is just a fallen tree branch with shriveled-up leaves," she answered confidently, surprised at my confusion.

 "No, I don't think it is," I responded. I took my phone out of my back pocket, took a picture, and zoomed in on it. "Oh, you were right."

 "I know I was, " my daughter teased. "I don't know why you couldn't see it."

 Most of us can relate to not always seeing things accurately. This thought popped into my brain while preparing for tomorrow's readings. I imagined myself sitting in my usual pew at Mass. What did I see at Mass, and how much am I missing? How visible is God to me? Am I seeing the whole picture?

  How is this same Mass viewed from heaven? I imagine it is entirely different. From heaven, our understanding will be complete and our vision clear. God will be so visibly present in each moment. Imagine seeing the graces given to the Church and to each person present. Imagine seeing all the angels and saints surrounding the altar. Seeing the Lamb of God given to the Father just for you. Envision praising God with new boldness and love. 

  Tomorrow, I'm going to try to see the Mass differently. I know my vision will still be limited, but what if I allow God to enlighten my heart and soul so my mind can envision more than I currently see? And, I wonder if God will teasingly tell me, "I don't know why you couldn't see it?"  

-Susan

Stay Hungry

 

 My daughter told me a cute story I thought I would share. She had gone to Mass that day, and after receiving Holy Communion, my five-year-old granddaughter was pouting and giving my daughter a look. My daughter whispered, "What's wrong?"

 My granddaughter answered, "It must be nice that they gave you something to eat. I didn't get anything."

 "Are you hungry?" my daughter asked.

 "Yes, I am!" my granddaughter replied.

 After Mass, my daughter got my granddaughter a snack and explained that she was receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus. This made quite an impression on my granddaughter because she excitedly told me later that day, "Did you know my Mom received Jesus' body and blood today?"

 I wanted to share this story because sometimes we take the Eucharist for granted. The Eucharist is such an incredible gift!  We may no longer allow our childhood wonder to amaze us. We forget to approach the altar hungry for our Lord. It is easy to fill our stomachs and intellect, but our soul is starving to be reunited with Jesus. We allow our bodies and minds to voice their needs, yet we are deaf to the cries of our souls.

 I want to offer some advice. Listen to the inner voice of your soul. It is crying out for love. A love that cannot be found on earth. A love so strong that it destroyed death and opened the doors of heaven wide open. Allow your soul to hunger for the Lord and beg the Father to give you this day, your daily bread.

-Susan

 

God's Stuff

 

  I received a wonderful little surprise just before Christmas. One of my children's friends came over with a gift for me. He had recently visited Poland and brought me a picture of St. John Paul II. He told me he had noticed the religious things around my house and thought I would like it. I was really touched by his thoughtfulness. Later, I showed my new souvenir to my other kids. I repeated the conversation and said, "Can you believe he noticed my religious pictures? He hasn't been to the house that many times."

 My children started laughing, "Mom, everyone notices your religious pictures. They are everywhere and in every room."

 "Well, no one has ever made a comment to me before," I added.

 My daughter, still laughing, said, "Yeah, one person even told me, "Wow, you have a lot of God stuff!"

  I took that as a total compliment. "Oh, I like the thought of living in a house with God's stuff!"

 Of course, I know that a house with God's stuff would not be a collection of things. It would be a house where people were loved unconditionally. A place of patience, forgiveness, and understanding. A home dedicated to hard work, sacrifice, and moments of peace and prayer. It would be the domestic church.

 God knows my little domestic church is far from perfect, but we do have moments of holiness. I wish there were more of them. It is definitely something to strive for in the new year. Could the challenge be a little smaller? Yes, but looking back at my life, I can see how my faith grew in challenging and complex moments. Perhaps God gave me this family because these individuals will help me become a saint, and in turn, I will help them. We're not perfect, but I look forward to filling my house with God's "stuff" as we continue the journey toward heaven.

-Susan

An Epiphany You Can Trust

 

  One night in early December, I walked my dog through the neighborhood. I absolutely fell in love with this manger scene. It was so beautiful. I made a habit of walking by it, especially at night. Awkwardly, I would stop and stare and wonder.

 Everyone in that scene had traveled far and trusted God with each step. The birthplace of Christ was a surprise to everyone. No one knew the game plan. As each door was closed in his face, Joseph trusted that God would leave one door open. Mary followed Joseph to a stable, trusting that her son's birth would occur as God had intended. Three men dropped everything, trusting this star would lead them to the newborn King.

 Even today, the path to Jesus can surprise and challenge us. Jesus calls us to come closer. However, our feet will not have to travel great distances; instead, it is a journey for our hearts. God has placed signs and symbols and people to light the path. We only need to allow our trust in God to open our eyes to realize He is standing beside us. Come adore the newborn King. The angels are still singing, Christ's Light is just as bright, and we only need to trust that God will direct all our steps. Go ahead, trust God. This has always been His Plan for you. 

-Susan