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

Dinner and Prayers

 

 I was surprised one day when my son told me, "My friends think it's ridiculous that I have to come to the kitchen table and eat dinner as a family."

  I was shocked.  "What do you mean? How else would we eat dinner together?"

  Well, their moms just put dinner on a counter and everyone takes what they want and eats it in their room or in front of the television."

  "Really?  I think that sounds ridiculous."  Sharing a meal with my family has always been important to me. It is a fantastic way for everyone to connect.  It offers a chance to talk about the day's events and learn about each other's upcoming plans. Sharing dinner with others goes beyond just eating nutritious food; it is an opportunity to learn from and about those at the table. So often in the Gospels, we hear about Jesus sharing a meal with others. A good meal is a great way to bring people together, and prayer is the best way to begin a meal. This got me thinking, could a meal be a great way to start a prayer?

  Most experts agree that we should all eat a well-balanced meal. And I believe most saints would agree that our prayers should also be balanced.  Our prayers should include an entree of our personal struggles and a plea for help and understanding.  We should have a side order of intercessory prayers focused on others, and a tall glass of refreshing thanksgiving. A starchy side of repentance could be topped with self-awareness, reflection, and a desire to hunger for God's Will. A sweet, tasty treat of praise for God's goodness and love would be a perfect way to end the meal.

  Just like a meal brings people together, so should our prayers. We should never be satisfied with grabbing our food and eating in silence. While eating, don't do all the talking. Listen to those around you. While praying, listen to God's responses. God has so much He wants to share with us. Good food and good company are the perfect way to be fed.

-Susan

No Fear Lives Here

 

  It's that time of year when haunted houses pop up everywhere. Sometimes it's the neighbor a few houses down, and sometimes it's a paid attraction. I have little interest in adding fear and anxiety to my life. I would much rather walk into a house where the peace of Christ surrounds me.

  Imagine living in a world that doesn't want to increase our fears but instead takes them away. Imagine a world where people turn to God and trust His wisdom and love. Imagine a world where Jesus, Mary, and the saints walk among us and guide our steps. Imagine a world where everyone gathers in prayer, and your faith grows because of your neighbor's prayer. Imagine a world where the Gospel is not just a story in a book, but the driving force behind all your decisions. 

  This is the world I want in to live in.  It sounds heavenly, and it is entirely possible.  Jesus gives us His divine life and soul in every Eucharist we receive.  Jesus said, "I came that they may have life and have it more abundantly." Jesus came to establish God's Kingdom here on Earth. There is no lock on the door to the Kingdom.  Jesus has flung the gates wide open. Don't let any fears hold you back.  Why celebrate your love of fear when you can celebrate the love of Christ?

-Susan

Meditating With Mary

  

  With your eyes closed, envision the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Your desire to draw nearer grows as you whisper prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Mary quietly enters your thoughts as you pray and says, "Would you like to come closer? I know the way in." You nod. Mary reaches for your hand and gently holds it in hers. She raises her other hand, and suddenly, a door appears. She smiles and says, "Let me show you how to draw nearer to Him." Mary’s love pulls you closer to the love of Jesus.

 Mary tells you, "We can stay here as long as you desire." With Mary by your side, your heart beats in unison with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and warmth engulfs your heart, almost overwhelming yet exhilarating at the same time. You close your eyes and allow the peace of Christ's love to fill you. Let go of all your stress and worries. Relax and remain silent as He whispers His desires. Listen carefully and allow His Words to realign your heart with His.  Remember, you can stay here as long as you desire.

-Susan