Fire Up!

 

  I was considering buying one of those small propane fire tables for my backyard patio. I shared the idea with my sons. They didn't like the idea at first.  "We already have a fire pit.  Why do you need that?"

  "Because I never go out to build a fire for myself. It's too much work. I just want something easy I can use when I feel like sitting outside at night." They shook their heads and talked me out of it. To my surprise, they bought it for me for my birthday a few weeks later. I love it! It's easy to use, and it has become a gathering spot at night for sitting and talking. I never would have guessed a small fire would lead to some wonderful conversations.

  As I reflected on the day's blessings, I realized it's the little things that bring us together. Mary knew this when she introduced all her children to the Rosary. Praying the Rosary is a beautiful way to begin a conversation with Mary, but why stop there? Invite the Holy Spirit, family, and friends to the table, too! The more the merrier!

  If friends and family can't join you, I have another fun idea I've been using lately. Before I begin the Rosary, I ask Mary to bring a saint with her. Many saints were deeply devoted to the Rosary, and their insights can enrich our meditation. I've found this new practice exciting and engaging as I reflect on how the Rosary shaped their lives. It's also a wonderful way to begin preparing for All Saints' Day!

  I hope this suggestion gets you fired up to keep celebrating Mary and the Holy Rosary this month!

-Susan

Hello October

 

  Fall has officially arrived! The days are shorter, the nights are cooler, and the leaves are beginning to change. Pumpkin-spice everything is everywhere, alongside fresh cider and doughnuts.  October is filled with sweet treats, which is why I find it fitting that it is dedicated to Mary and the Holy Rosary. Praying the Rosary with Mary turns every day into something special and memorable. Whether my spirit is high or down in the dumps, my moments with Mary enlighten me both personally and spiritually. Sometimes I feel like Elizabeth and think, "And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" 

  I feel Mary smile and say, "Don't you know who you are? You are a child of the Most High God. I am always here for you." How incredibly blessed we all were in that moment on the cross when Jesus gave Mary to each of us.  Like John, you take Mary into your home, and it is so incredibly beautiful and life-changing; you have to share the truth of this blessing with everyone! Mary is always in our lives, whether we recognize her presence or not, but when you do, your whole life changes. Slowly, prayer by prayer, day by day, year by year, Mary reveals God's love. A love so personal and tender that God delights in its delivery through the hands of His Mother.

  This October, pick up your rosary beads in one hand and hold Mary's hand in the other. Heaven is closer than we imagine. The path to heaven is rhythmic, repetitive, and meditative, filled with moments that transform your thoughts, your heart, and your life. I would highly recommend diving into this sweet treat. Falling in love with Mary and the Rosary is an earthy adventure that lets small beads of wisdom reveal the majesty of God's love.

-Susan

Today Is Mom's Birthday!

 

Hail Mary, FUll of Grace

 

  Join me today in celebrating our beautiful mother, Mary! She is the perfect disciple of Jesus. Her love for God was so complete and pure that she never allowed even a trace of sin to separate her from the Lord. Jesus honored Mary throughout His earthly life; He honored her with His final words on the cross, and then He brought Mary, body and soul, into heaven, so that we could all honor her as well!

  I imagine the joy in heaven today is beyond words, but I hope the joy in each of our hearts is, too.  Allow your love for Mary to make today special by spending a little extra time with her. She loves us so much and wants to ensure we all make it to heaven. We would be wise to ask for her advice and intercession today and every day that follows. We would be even wiser to give Mary our hearts.

  Let Mary hold our hearts in her gentle hands and remove all the impurities that impede us from loving God more. Allow Mary to place her fingerprints all over our hearts. The more we look like Mary, the closer we will be to heaven!

-Susan

Love You Mom!

 

  Today we celebrate Mother's Day! I have two mothers in heaven-my earthly mother and my heavenly mother. My heart goes out to both of them today, for they have significantly shaped me into the person I am. Today is a day to give our mothers cards, flowers, or special little gifts.  They, of course, will be thoughtful and appreciated, but I would like to suggest another incredible gift. Either begin or renew your devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

  This devotion spans the centuries, but was significantly highlighted at Fatima in 1917. It was initially one of the three secrets given to the children at Fatima.  During an apparition in 1925, Sister Lucia was permitted to reveal the secret.  Jesus desired a devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It was Mary's heart that nourished Him in the womb, Mary's heart that raised Him on earth, and Mary's heart that suffered as He hung on the cross. And now it pleases Jesus to allow many souls to be saved and for peace to come to the world through loving the Immaculate Heart of His mother.

  This Mother's Day, let's make Jesus happy.  Let's give Mary our hearts.  Let our prayers through the Rosary join hers, for faithfulness to God and for peace in the world. If you are looking for the perfect thoughtful gift that could change the world and make heaven sing, this is it! I may never do anything significant in the eyes of men in my lifetime, but I hope that at the end of my life, there will be a tombstone with a rosary on it that reads, "She helped change the world by giving Jesus and Mary her heart."

-Susan

May is for Mary!

 

  Celebrating Mary in May makes me so happy!  You may be wondering, "Why do we honor Mary throughout the entire month of May?" My response is, "One month isn't long enough! Let's keep it going until the end of October!"  I don't know how I would get through life without Mary. She is the calm in my storms, the compass when I am lost, the hand that pulls me forward, and the mother who loves me more than I deserve. I have consecrated myself to Mary, and I strongly encourage everyone to do the same.

  Mary loves God and His Will perfectly. Mary's life on earth, and now in heaven, is devoted to serving God and loving the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Whatever love we give to Mary, she gives it to God.  She makes a constant gift of herself to God. Mary takes the love we offer to God, purifies it, and combines it with her own love, so that our gift of love to God is greater than we could offer on our own.

  "My soul does magnify the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior." Mary helps us to recognize God's goodness in our lives.  She highlights His Mercy, His love, and His forgiveness.  We often underestimate God's love, and we are so fortunate to have Mary, who highlights God's generosity. Mary's clear focus on God helps us to become more faithful by placing God at the forefront of our lives and allowing distractions to fade away.

  Commit yourselves to Mary this month and all the days to follow. You will discover that the closer you grow to Mary, the closer you come to God! God certainly arranges everything perfectly, doesn't He? I am amazed by all the gifts He has given us, especially the gift of His own mother!

-Susan

Mary, Mother of God

 

  

  Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Honoring Mary and placing ourselves in her care is the perfect way to begin the new year.  Christ came into this world as a small baby dependent on the care and protection of Mary and Joseph.  Jesus chose them, and we should too!  Entrust yourself to Mary's care.  Put your faith in her hands.  Mary knows exactly how to take care of something this fragile and essential.  

  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us

-Susan 

The Letter Exchange (3)

 

(This Advent, we will prepare for the coming of the Christ Child through a series of fictional letters filled with hope, trust, and endless possibilities.)

My Dear Children,

  Thank you for sharing this special day with me. It brings me such joy to celebrate the incredible grace God has given me. The Almighty has been preparing me for my mission since the moment of my conception. Mighty are the Plans of God! "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways-oracle of the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9).

  God has also given each of you special graces to fulfill your mission. We are called to bring Christ to every person on this earth. My Son wants everyone to know and feel His love.  My dear little ones, you have been blessed in many wonderful ways. Be faithful to the Lord.  Do not take any of His blessings for granted. Today, as we gather around the altar, let us pray that the Father's Will be accomplished in each of our lives.

Your loving Mother,

Mary

-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

Dedicated to Mary and the Rosary

 

 My daughter needed pictures of her and her siblings as preschoolers for a project she's working on. She asked if I could look through the photo albums and send her a few. I always enjoy walking down memory lane when my children were younger. Revisiting all the happy moments in my life is always fun. I looked at all the first day of school, dance recital, prom, and homecoming pictures, and I smiled. But I smiled for another reason. In the background of many of my photographs was our statue of Mary. Mary is always with us. Thinking of all my moments with Mary brought happy tears to my eyes. 
 Although Mary is in the background of all my pictures, she has always been beside me or in front of me, guiding me through the twists and turns of my life. How grateful I am to have my heavenly mother always ready to help me with both big issues and small daily moments. If Mary had not helped me with the daily challenges, I would probably have fewer happy pictures of my life with my family. 
 October is dedicated to Mary and the Holy Rosary, and I can’t think of anything more powerful than praying a string of prayers with Mary and Jesus to help me get through life. The rosary isn’t just a habit for me; it’s a lifeline. Because of the Rosary, my life has more meaning, understanding, forgiveness, purpose, and love. My life isn’t perfect, and I don’t believe it ever will be, but I’m perfectly happy to spend each day with Jesus and Mary. Like the beads of the Rosary, my life’s path can shift and change, and I’m okay with that because Mary has never left me alone. She has held my hand, wiped my tears, and celebrated my joys, all while helping me focus on the crucifix. Mary helps me to understand that the crucifix is at the beginning and the end of the Rosary and every moment in between. 

-Susan