Listen Carefully

 

  Last week, I was shopping for a new rocking recliner. With the arrival of another beautiful grandchild, I thought it would be a good idea. I found the perfect chair until I looked at the price tag. I guess it had been a while since I bought my last rocking recliner, and needless to say, prices have increased. I remember the saleswoman telling me there were additional chairs on the other side of the store. I wondered if they would be more affordable. Disappointed, I strolled over to the other side. I told myself it would take an unexpected windfall to afford a new chair. 

  As I went to try another chair, I saw something interesting sticking out of the side of the cushion.  It was a wallet with an outside money clip filled with money! I laughed, thinking, "Wow, my wishes usually don't come true like this."  I immediately turned in the wallet, knowing the owner would soon panic over its disappearance.

  When I returned home and told my daughter the story, she laughed and said, "You know, Mom, if it wasn't for your morals, you would be sitting in a new chair."

  "I'd rather have my morals."

  "What if that was God's way of helping you?' my daughter teased.

  "I don't think that's the way God works.  But that is how someone else works, and I don't like being trapped in his lies."

  I share this story because we live in a world filled with many voices, opinions, and versions of the truth.  There is, however, one Truth.  Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)  Consider how valuable the Truth is.  It is the path that leads to the Father.  Avoid any shortcuts or alternate routes.  Know the voice you are listening to and stay on the path leading to Eternity.

-Susan

The Harvest

  

  One of the many wonderful things to look forward to at the end of August is all the delicious farm-grown vegetables. Dinner sides and salads often rival the main course. I love a tasty harvest! My shade-covered yard doesn't get enough sun for my vegetable garden, so I rely on farmers' markets and roadside stands, but that doesn't mean I haven't been planting seeds. The seeds I plant are often slow-growing and bloom elsewhere. It is a garden not for myself, but for the Lord.

  We can all sow seeds of faith, hope, and love regardless of our occupation, location, or lifestyle. The Lord has blessed us with these seeds, and He only asks that we accept what we are given and share it with others. It's such a simple concept. And during those seasons when the sun isn't shining in our yards, we can benefit from those whose harvest is plentiful.

  This week, look deep inside yourself. Today might not be the right time for you to harvest. It could be time to plant new seeds or nurture what you've already grown. God doesn't require any green thumbs, only a heart full of love.

-Susan

Mary's Assumption into Heaven

 

  If you could mystically experience one moment in Mary's life, which would it be? There are so many moments to choose from. The birth of Jesus and Mary's Assumption would be at the top of my list. I would love to see Mary's face the first time she sees the face of God and holds Him in her arms. I also would love to experience the joy in Mary's heart when she is carried into heaven and sees Jesus' face surrounded by all His glory and the glory of heaven! I imagine her pure heart overflowing with love, knowing that neither time nor space would ever come between them again. 

  Mary desires that each of us long for that moment too—our moment when we will see the face of Jesus forever. Mary wants to bring us into unity with Jesus! She understands the deep longing of a soul craving complete union with God. Like Mary, we must be faithful and watchful while we live here on earth. So, grab your rosary and let Mary teach you how to stay faithful. She is eager to help you.

  We would be wise to open the door of our homes to Mary just as Elizabeth and Zachariah did. Let Mary enter your home, speak your name, and allow the Holy Spirit to fill you. The sinless virgin can do so much for you if you let her. Once inside your home, open the door to your heart as well.  Let Mary write her prayers on your heart so that together you can give honor and glory to God. Give Mary your heart, and she will give you hers as well. Through the heart of Mary, you will see the face of God, hear His voice, and experience the joy of heaven! 

  We have so much to celebrate today! Let Mary open the door of our hearts to the splendor of heaven! 

-Susan

Walking Towards Heaven

 

  Paulina knew she had tried hard to "fight the good fight."  Was she perfect?  Of course not.  She did her best to listen to the Lord's voice when making decisions.  She could clearly hear His voice right now. He was calling her.  A small smile appeared as she took her first step.  As she slowly walked toward heaven, she fixed her eyes on the Lord.

  The path was straight and narrow, but many others were on the same path with numerous familiar faces around her. The music softly touched her ears, seeming to amplify the Lord's call at the same time. She was almost there. The glories of heaven surrounded her.  

  Paulina trembled slightly as she took her last step forward. Reverently, she bowed before the Lord, then fixed her eyes entirely on Him. This was the moment she had prepared for, and she was ready. She reached out her hands, eager to embrace Him. Then the sweetest words were spoken to her, "The Body of Christ."

  Paulina let her heart, mind, and soul speak at the same time, "Amen!"

-Susan

A Far Greater Plan

      

  Last week, I talked about my family trip to Boston. One of my favorite things about vacations is that they can provide rest and a new perspective. My oldest daughter was excited to experience the Freedom Trail in downtown Boston.  She had learned earlier in the year that her husband's great-grandfather (x 5) was buried in one of the cemeteries on the Freedom Trail. Both my daughter and son-in-law wanted to pay their respects. Later, one of my other children asked my daughter why she was so excited about it, since it wasn't her heritage. My daughter quickly responded, "I wanted to say thank you. My husband or children would not have existed if it weren't for him."

  I reflected on this conversation later.  Each of us, no matter how ordinary our lives may seem, is so important to God's plan of salvation.  Our names may not be written in the history books, but they are engraved in God's heart. Every time we respond "Yes" to God, we have the potential to change the world.  The measure of our success is not how we or the rest of the world view our lives, but how God sees them.  God's plans are far greater than we could ever imagine, and this thought gives me great hope.

  People may not know about our trials, failures, or joys in a few hundred years. Perhaps the only thing that may endure is a name etched in stone.  Yet, I would consider it an honor to have a young family approach that stone and say, "Thank you, your life made all the difference in our lives."  And I hope they thank God for all His Plans known and unknown to them in their next breath.

-Susan