FEEL THE JOY!

 

  My four-year-old granddaughter picked up my phone and started taking pictures of everything in my house. Then she switched to videos. I saw her filming my picture of Jesus, so I asked her, "What can you tell me about Jesus?" She paused for a moment. "Who was Jesus' mother?" I asked.

  "Mary!" she responded quickly.

  "Very good!  What else do you know about Jesus?"

  "He is kind and joyful, and He loves me very much!" my granddaughter answered.

  I smiled and said, "Yes, He does!" I really loved her answer. Jesus is kind and joyful! I have to admit, I’ve never heard her use the word joyful before, and I love that she sees Jesus this way. Often, Jesus is portrayed more seriously. In fact, Jesus wasn’t even smiling in the picture she was filming. 

  I thought about this again later that day.  I wondered if someone had asked me the same question: would 'joyful' even make my top 20?  Probably not, but honestly, it should. When Jesus told the Parable of the Lost Sheep, He revealed that there is "more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance." Jesus tells us that he will put that lost sheep on His shoulders with great joy and call His friends and neighbors to rejoice with Him!

  This week, I hope you will join me in imagining Jesus smiling and full of joy. I plan to focus more on smiling as well. And why not? I have a Savior who is kind and joyful and loves me very much. Jesus also said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." I feel very fortunate to have such a wise granddaughter who is willing to share her wisdom and faith with her grandma.

-Susan

  

You Can Bank On It

 

  My kids and I were sitting around the kitchen snack bar when a bank commercial came on TV. The bank's name started with the letters "JE" and ended with an "S". My son laughed and said, "Oh, I thought that said Jesus Bank." 

  We all laughed at his comment, and I replied, "I'm glad you see Jesus in everything!" Then I started thinking...what would a Jesus bank be like?  That sounds like the kind of bank I would want to belong to

  I imagine that a Jesus bank would have vast deposits of faith. This family bank has existed for thousands of centuries and is known for its loyalty. Built on the cornerstone of love, you can trust every promise made to you. Everyone's saving grace accounts would be freely given and yield a high return. Bonuses are often awarded for good works and acts of charity.  A checking account of actual grace is linked to the savings grace account for those daily situations when extra help is needed.  This bank becomes personally invested in everything you do, and its doors are open to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  No matter what stage of life you're at, the Jesus Bank is committed to being there for you always. 

  Would I bank at this bank?  Absolutely! I would bank on Jesus every day of my life, and every day in eternity!

-Susan

All Souls Day

 

  Often, while I pray the first glorious mysteries of the Rosary, I feel so grateful that I was born after Jesus' Resurrection! Jesus conquered death, and I no longer need to fear it. How immense is God's mercy! We don't have to fear the unknown because we know and follow Jesus. Choosing to trust in God instead of fearing is the deal of a lifetime!

  Loss and grief are painful experiences here on earth, but they are transformed into joy in heaven. Today, let us pray for each other and for those souls who will begin their eternal life with God in heaven. Let us never forget that we are one family praying for one another. Souls on earth long for heaven, and souls in heaven long for our hearts to grow deeply in love with God. You know what they say, "The family that prays together, stays together." Your loved ones in heaven are praying for you. Make sure you are praying for them too. Some people overlook this incredible opportunity to love, and I hope you are not one of them this November.

-Susan

All Saints Day!

 

  This is just a shout-out to my brothers and sisters who shine brightly! I want to thank you for all your inspiring words and powerful witness to the Lord!  I have learned so much from you and appreciate all your help in my moments of need. I feel so blessed to know you! Enjoy your special day, and please continue to pray for me and everyone here on earth!

-Susan