Speak His Name

 

 Those who know me know I am a big fan of Diet Coke. It's my "go-to" drink. Diet Coke's recent marketing campaign has added different nicknames on the cans, like Bro, Sis, Friend, etc., to make you feel personally connected. This morning, the Holy Spirit woke me with this idea: What names best describe God to you?

  Depending on the day, what I'm going through, or whom I’m speaking to, I refer to God differently. Sometimes I call Him Daddy, My Shepherd, the Almighty, My Savior, My King, The Creator, My Lord and Savior, etc. Each name reveals a different attribute of God that draws me closer to Him as I pray.

  It's a shame God doesn't have a large marketing team to help people feel connected to Him. Or does He? Yes, He most certainly does! It's you and me, and we have an important job to do! Go out into the world and speak God's name! Whatever name you feel best reveals God's truth, share it with others. Let others know that God is familiar to you. Let others know that you daily feast on His goodness!

-Susan

IT"S TIME!

 

  Generally, I tend to sit in the same area at church. In front of me sits a family with two very young children. Each week when it’s time for Holy Communion, the grandmother looks at her grandchildren and audibly says, “ Come on, it’s time to see Jesus!” It makes me smile every time.

 This grandma’s faith is beautiful!  Without using any theological terms or confusing verbiage, Grandma teaches her grandchildren that Holy Communion isn’t something we receive, but rather someone.  Jesus is truly present body, blood, soul, and divinity.

 Isn’t it wonderful to know that Jesus waits for each one of us at the altar? I wonder if Holy Communion would be different for each of us if someone took our hand, pulled us out of our seats, and said, “Come on, it’s time to see Jesus!” Go ahead, let your heart run down the aisle to be near Him! See whose smile is bigger, yours or His?

-Susan

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

 

 

   Have you ever been on a long hike, and suddenly, the path opens up to a magnificent lake?  Standing next to a lake can be a beautiful experience.  You can be awestruck at its size, the calmness of the water, the birds flying over it, or the wildlife growing all around it. This lake is like the Holy Trinity, a vast and beautiful mystery. Standing near the water is wonderful, but entering the lake takes your experience to a new level. Now, the water surrounds you completely.  You are no longer admiring the lake; you can feel, taste, and hear the water as you immerse yourself deeper. And your perspective completely changes. 

 On today's feast day of the Most Holy Trinity, don't just admire the beauty and mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Dive right in. Immerse yourself in the love of the Holy Trinity.  Let the depths of God's love reveal a truth you cannot understand from the shoreline, and allow the Holy Trinity to enlighten and change you.  Live fully in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Holy Trinity. You can indeed feel God's love by simply standing near Him, but let His love draw you in deeper, for the mysteries beneath the surface are life-changing.  Swim deeply with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and experience how They move together with you. 

  And although you will never reach the bottom of the lake, just trying will be the thrill of a lifetime.   Once you enter the waters, you will never want to leave. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and dive right in to embark on this joyous journey of spiritual growth!

-Susan

I Love You , Holy Spirit!

 

  Today, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles! What an incredible moment that must have been. Even though it was extraordinary, I hope today isn't the only day you celebrate the Presence of the Holy Spirit. I often hear people say, "I forget to pray to the Holy Spirit, or I would rather just pray to Jesus." I love praying to Jesus, too, but let me share some thoughts on why you shouldn't forget about the Holy Spirit. He is much more than just a Pentecost or Confirmation idea. The Holy Spirit is not a separate entity from Jesus; rather, He is part of the Trinity, the three persons in one God. Each person of the Trinity —the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit —has a unique role in our lives.

  The Holy Spirit is God. He is the divine Presence within us. God is not out there somewhere; He is so close that He touches our thoughts, dwells in our hearts, and opens our eyes to all the glories of God and the needs of our neighbors. The Holy Spirit amplifies the Word of God so that our ears hear and our thoughts extend beyond ourselves. The Holy Spirit helps us contemplate God and teaches us how to love one another. More than that, the Holy Spirit assists us in becoming holy. He empowers us to overcome our weaknesses, grow in faith, and become more like Christ.

  We cannot see the Holy Spirit, but we feel Him moving within us. Similarly, we cannot see the Kingdom, yet it exists, and the Spirit calls us to live in this Kingdom and embrace the love that pours from its foundation. The Holy Spirit is the invisible movement of God within us. There is no one closer to us than the Holy Spirit. He hears our every sigh, encourages all our dreams, and strengthens us to carry our crosses. Pray that this powerful fire of God burns brightly within you and that the embers of His fire draw others close to experience His Love through you.

-Susan

  

Thank God!

 

  A few days ago, I turned on the morning news while drinking my coffee. After finishing my coffee, I went about my day, addressing various tasks. I had forgotten to shut the TV off, and I happened to walk into the room an hour or so later. A different talk show was on, and the guest was encouraging everyone to ask for signs from the universe to help manage their life. Signs from the universe, what is she talking about?

  I didn’t know if she thought stars and planets cared about her problems and could help her, or if she was just trying to discuss God without actually mentioning His name.  Either way, I was annoyed, so I shut the television off.   I wondered why it is so difficult for people to say, “I believe in God, the Creator? I believe that God cares deeply for me.  I pray to God because I know He is listening to me, and I am listening to Him as well." Our love for God should not be kept a secret. 

 This week, I would like us to all be bold. Each day, find a way to let others know how grateful you are for God’s love. Find ways to express gratitude or praise to God in your daily conversations with others. Don’t leave people wondering if God is essential to you; leave them knowing that God is everything to you!

-Susan

Moments With Mary

 

  I  often share my everyday moments of turning to Mary for help. I can't imagine my life without her by my side. I honestly think the world would be better if everyone entrusted themselves to Mary's care.  But today, I want to emphasize that our relationship with Mary is not one-sided. Just as she is there for us, we can also be there for her. 

 Every parent worries about their child.  I've taken my little worries and my big ones to Mary.  Wrapped up in my own distress, I have even mistakenly told Mary that she was so lucky to have the child Jesus. Instantly, I am reminded that my children are her children, and she has many more children to guide. Truly, Mary knows the pain of motherhood. 

 This week, let's come together in prayer. Ask Mary what troubles her heart, and if you could pray with her for that intention. Allow Mary to use our collective prayers for something beyond our reach or understanding. Place your hand in hers as she prays the Rosary. Let her know that at this moment, we are here for her, just as she has been for us. Together, let's help her guide someone else back to our Lord.  

-Susan

 

Moments With Mary

 

  I sat alone with the darkness all around me.  My thoughts weighed heavily on my mind and heart.  Too many questions with answers out of my control.  I couldn't fix this situation. These cards weren't dealt to me, but to someone else.  The results, however, would impact everyone.  

  All I could do was pray.  The waters of doubt and "what ifs" rose higher. I needed help. I turned towards the only window open to me. With my tear-stained eyes closed, I took in a deep breath of fresh air. A soft breeze touched my face as I exhaled.  I opened my eyes, and a small smile began to form. There in the moonlight was Mary.  Some would say she was just a statue, but my heart would never believe that. My mother is always there for me.  I felt her presence and her love.  I was not alone, and this darkness would not overcome me. 

  Together, we continued to pray. Our prayer ended with her loving arms embracing me as  I whispered, " Praise be to God! I  trust you, Lord. Amen."

-Susan