Remain Faithful

 

  Once, when I was teaching my students that God always answers our prayers, a third-grader raised her hand.  She said, "That's not true.  I've been praying for my sister to get better, and she still isn't healed." My heart went out to this sweet child. When prayers are not answered as quickly as we would like, or the answer differs from our expectations, it may feel like God is not listening.  It is during these times that it is important to remain faithful and not to be discouraged. 

  While Jesus hung on the cross, many in the crowd jeered at Him, taunting Him to save Himself if He truly was the Messiah, the Son of God. The crowd wanted a spectacle-a moment of entertainment and proof. God wanted so much more. God wanted to save all humanity. Jesus shows us that we must always desire God's Will over our own, even in our darkest moments.

  Salvation for each of us is possible because of Jesus' death on the cross.  But that's not the end of the story.  That is where our stories begin. Salvation is ours if we pick up our crosses and follow Jesus.  Pain and suffering can purify us and draw us closer to the Lord.  

  What the crowd saw as Jesus hung on the cross was that He had lost everything. But God saw it quite differently. He saw His Son's love—a love so encompassing that it would soon push open the doors to heaven. God saw that death would no longer hold any power. God saw that Jesus' body, blood, soul, and divinity would be given to all who desired to be a part of a new and everlasting covenant. Seconds before Jesus took His last breath, God knew that Jesus was seconds away from victory.

  The next time your heart is heavy with a prayer that seems unanswered, remember to end your prayer with the words, "Not my will, but Yours be done." While it may feel as if we have lost everything, perhaps this moment of faithfulness is the one God is using to accomplish things beyond our comprehension. Remember, the cross is a sign of victory. Its mystery is often veiled here on earth, but its glory will shine in heaven.

-Susan

An Honest Bet

 

  One of my close friends had a habit of telling small lies. Although they thought nothing of it, I found it annoying.  One day, I asked, "Doesn't it bother you to lie to me all the time?"

  My friend seemed to think I was overreacting.  "I'm not lying.  I'm just embellishing the truth."

  Slanting the truth is common in today's world.  News, politics, advertising -everyone wants you to believe their version of the truth.  So how important is the truth?  Jesus stated that it was part of His identity.  "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

  As we journey together toward eternity,  let's carry words of truth with us. Let's love one another enough to be honest with each other. It's possible that if we keep slanting the truth, we may never reach the spiritual heights God intended for us. He has such high hopes for us. So let's set aside all the lies we carry. There is no need for them where we are going; they can only trip us up. Honesty is more valuable than we realize. Eternity is closer than we know. And His way is the only way to get you there.  You can bet your life on it.

-Susan

Just Be You

  

  This quote by St. Anthony is timeless and the perfect midsummer reflection. Go find your favorite spot, close your eyes, and relax in the Presence of God. Listen to God's voice in the breeze. Listen to Him speak your name. He is calling you. Just be still and listen. This moment is perfect not because you are, but because God's love is. God perfectly loves you. God has waited thousands of years for this exact moment to be with you. Listen as the Lord says, "I came so that (you) may have life and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you" (John 15:4). 

  Life is so good. Try to catch your reflection in God's eyes. This is the real you. This is the person created to bring God's love to the world.

-Susan

Taking The Next Step

 

  Due to northern wildfires, the unhealthy air quality turned my fun, outdoor summer days with my grandchildren into "we have to stay in the house" days. We were forced to come up with different ways to have fun. One of our activities was a scavenger-hunt clue game. It was a game I always enjoyed playing with my children when they were young. My daughter, Theresa, began writing the clues, and the fun followed. My granddaughters had to solve each clue, which led them to the next. It was fun to watch them figure out the answers. What seemed obvious at times left them bewildered and needing more insight.

  I was thinking about this later on, and noticed some similarities between this game and a life of prayer.  Please keep in mind, that I am not suggesting that God is playing games with us.  Nothing could be further from the truth. What I am suggesting, though, is that through prayer, God leads us where we need to go.  If we listen to His voice, God gently guides us from one day to the next.  It's not always easy, though.  Sometimes we just don't pick up on God's clues. We may have to go back and spend even more time in prayer to discern where God is leading us- especially if we are being led to carry a cross. Often our hearts are heavy, and our heads are down when carrying a cross, making it difficult to see where we are being led. During these times, complete trust in God is needed.

  Unfortunately, wildfires touch everyone's lives. They can be completely unexpected and beyond our control. Keep in mind, though, that God is in control.  He will never abandon us. He loves us, and with each prayer, He will guide us away from pain and danger and into His world of love and peace. Never stop praying.  Prayer purifies us and fills us with His Spirit. And if you're too tired to say another prayer or take another step, just say four small words.  Holy Spirit, help me. Let His breath fill your lungs, enlighten your mind, and clear your vision. Praying in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit is the best way to discover The Way.

-Susan

What's Your Love Story?

 

   I was praying the sorrowful mysteries this week with the Gospel of Mark. Just before Judas' betrayal, we hear the story of the woman who poured an alabaster jar of perfumed oil over Jesus' head. Jesus was deeply touched by this woman's love. But Mark tells us that many present didn't understand. They thought her generosity toward Jesus was a ridiculous waste of money. Jesus responded to their criticism with the following: "Amen, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed to the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her." (Mark 14:9)

  I sat with this for a while.  Our love for Jesus may not be understood by the world, but others' views shouldn't dictate how generously we love Him. When it comes to loving Jesus, don't hold back.  Give Him everything. One day, our stories will be told as well. Try to imagine Jesus telling others in heaven about your love for Him. I hope the story is as lavish as that of the woman with the alabaster jar.

-Susan

How Close Is Too Close?

 

  We loved visiting Yellowstone National Park! The scenery was spectacular! The number of active geysers and hot springs was astonishing! The wildlife was wild! Antelopes, bears, and bison were roaming the trails and fields. Iconically, we were stopped twice as herds of bison crossed the roads. It was exciting to see these incredible animals up close, but what shocked me was how many people got out of their cars to take pictures! Was I snapping pictures as they walked by? Absolutely, but from a safe distance inside my car. Parents stepped out with their children, trying to get that perfect photo op. Why would anyone put themselves so close to danger? I wanted to scream, "What are you doing? Get back in your cars!"

  I thought about this more later. I wonder how often God may be screaming warnings to all of us. "Hey, take a step back, turn around. This isn't good for you!" We know the dangers that can harm our spiritual relationship with God, and sometimes we risk getting too close and going too far. Temptation is everywhere! Often, we don't even recognize our own behavior as reckless because everyone else is doing it.

  This week, I'm going to take some quiet time to hear the warnings God has been speaking or screaming to me. Whether these behaviors are intentional or unrecognized, I need to see my life more clearly. My far vision might be pretty good, but my near vision could use a corrective lens. I don't need a wild life that teeters on the edge of danger; I'd rather be walking hand-in-hand with my Creator.

-Susan

The Road To Heaven

 

  I had dreamed of going to Montana for years. In fact, it was on my bucket list. Halfway through the vacation, my family and I drove from the southern border of Montana to the northern border to hike in Glacier National Park. It was one of the most beautiful drives I have taken. I was drinking Diet Coke and belting out song after song on my "Jesus Jams" playlist as I wound through the mountains and open meadows. Every turn in the road was more beautiful than the last.

 This road was definitely less traveled.  I only occasionally passed other vehicles. The road was a series of ups and downs that kept my heart racing to the beat of the songs.  At times, the road seemed to climb straight up, and all I could see were the blue skies above me and puffy white clouds.  I couldn't even see where the road was taking us.  I smiled widely, turned to my daughter in the front seat, and said, "I don't know where this road is taking us, but it feels like we are going straight to heaven!"  We just kept laughing and singing as these ups and downs continued for an hour.  It was an exhilarating ride.  I felt like God was with us the whole time as we admired the beautiful world He created.

  Even now, I smile when I think about that drive. Glacier Park was stunning.  Glacier was the destination, but I feel the journey there is an important part of the story and has taught me a lot as well. The twists and turns, the highs and lows, and the inability to see what lay ahead seemed to capture my life metaphorically.  I am doing my best to steer toward heaven, but I feel the journey is incredibly important.  God's beauty is all around me through every high and low, every valley, and every green meadow.  God is right beside me. The path I am on often looks like the road less traveled, but with God beside me, I know it is the path He has chosen for me.

-Susan