Let's Get Real

 

  A few of my kids are into the "BeReal" app. If you are unfamiliar with this app, here's a brief explanation. At any time of the day, the app sends you a message saying, "Time to be real," and you have two minutes to post a picture of what you are currently doing. This encourages everyone to post more authentic images because there is no time for filters, effects, or the perfect pose. You need to post a picture to see what your friends have posted.

 I was thinking about this concept when a fun idea came to mind. What if God made a similar app? What if, at any random moment of the day, God gave us two minutes to connect with Him. Would we be willing to stop whatever we were doing to be real with God? How might our faith life change if we were glad to be with God whenever He asked? How might the world change if everyone was willing to "get real" with God at least once daily? That would be a fun world to live in. 

-Susan

  

Has Anyone Seen Jesus?

 

 In keeping with our focus on Mary and the Rosary this month, I thought I would pose a question that I often wonder about while praying the Rosary. As a parent, the fifth joyful mystery, The Finding Of Jesus In The Temple, scares me. Any parent who has had a child forget to tell them where they are going, mix up a pickup time, or miss a curfew can relate to the fear and stress of not knowing if your child is safe. My son once thought he was turning off his phone and accidentally hit the call for help option (911) instead. He quickly explained to the 911 operator he had made a mistake and then properly shut his phone off. My son was confident he had handled the situation. He didn't know that; in the meantime, my phone plan alerted me that my son had just called 911. Panicked, I called him immediately. Of course, I could not reach him because he had shut his phone off. For the next hour, I called every one of his friends, trying to determine what had happened. Fortunately, in my case, my son was never in danger. I was so grateful to his friends who helped me locate him.

 So my question about the fifth mystery is this. When Mary and Joseph discovered Jesus was missing, why didn't anyone in the caravan return with Mary and Joseph to find Jesus? I can't even begin to imagine how distraught Mary and Joseph must have felt, but their pain must have been compounded by the fact that they searched alone. Perhaps this is why Mary is always eager to help us in our time of need. She knows how painful life can be when we feel we are walking through a crisis all alone.

 If you know someone who has "lost Jesus" in their life or is struggling with personal problems, reach out to them. Let them know they are not alone. Let them know you are praying for them. That lasso of the Rosary has saved more people than we will ever know. 

-Susan

Oh, How God Spoils Us!

 

  I enjoyed a beautiful, peaceful evening with my family as we watched Fall gently caress the surrounding foliage. God certainly knows how to spoil us during October. However, the vibrant colors of the leaves pale in comparison to the rich blessings God allows Mary to share with all who devote themselves to the Rosary. 

 Mary has made many appearances in the past century. Mary is always described as beautiful beyond words and carrying a Rosary in these apparitions. God has chosen Mary as the gate to heaven, and the Rosary is the key. Mary tells us that the Rosary is a very powerful prayer with God. Popes and saints throughout the past century have echoed these exact words. St. Pio said only days before his death, “Love the Madonna and make her loved. Always recite her Rosary. That is the armor against the evils of the world today.” 

 I looked across the tranquil lake one last time before leaving. After that, my plan is to continue to follow the road home. I’m not sure when I will arrive, but each day I call out to my Mother and thank her for giving me a house key. Eternity is long, and the thought of being locked out of my Father’s house is too upsetting to even consider. Thank you, God, for the blessing of Mary. The beauty of her Rosary is rich indeed.

-Susan

  

Our Mother's Love

 

 

  I got the call all parents dread. "Mom, I just got into an accident! What do I do?"

 "Are you hurt?" I asked. 

 "No. "

 "Tell me what happened. "

  Fortunately, it was only a minor mishap. After hearing the details, it was easy to work on a solution. After I hung up the phone, I thought of one of my daily prayers, "Mary, please keep all my children and grandchildren safe in whatever vehicle they are in." I let out a heavy sigh, closed my eyes, and whispered, "Thank you, Mary."

 I love each of my children and am always there for them. If a flawed woman like myself can love her children and help them in times of need, imagine how much more our heavenly Mother can love and aid us. We need only to ask, and Mary is there for us. Therefore, I would like to begin the month of October honoring Mary again. October is the month dedicated to Mary and the Holy Rosary. I honestly don't know where my life would be without the Rosary.

 When I look at the Rosary, I do not see a string of beads. Instead, I see a lifeline. So many moments in my life may have broken me, but I have always been held together by the tender touch of my Mother's hand as she pulled me closer, one bead at a time. Sometimes Mary whispers insights and inspirations that lead me down a surprising path. Sometimes being with Mary is just relaxing and comfortable. And, yes, I have also had some good laughs with Mary.

 Please consider spending a little more time with Mary this month. Whether you've had a minor mishap, are hurt, or need some motherly advice, know that Mary is here for you. Her wisdom comes from being so closely united with God. Her soul always magnifies God's love for you. So pick up a rosary and tell Mary what happened, or better yet, listen as she tells you about the life of her Son and what He desires of you.  

-Susan

  

What's In Your Wallet?

 

 "What's in your wallet?" has been a famous advertising slogan for Capital One. Recently I have been sharing my faith with a group of young students. We explored the theme of honesty. I asked them what they would do if they saw someone drop their wallet full of money. Needless to say, some answers were more correct than others. I then asked them what if it was one of their parents who lost their wallet? What do their parents keep in their wallets? Heads up, parents, your kids know the inside of your wallets pretty well. They knew approximately how much money you usually carry, your credit cards, pictures, gift cards, and driver's license. We talked about how losing these items could cause a lot of problems.

 As adults, we know losing our personal information can be a nightmare. There seem to be endless schemes in which people can dishonestly try to get our personal information. It's not only essential to protect our identities but also our identity in Christ. No one can steal our identity in Christ, but we can lose it through our own neglect, daily distractions, or sinful habits. We have to protect our faith. We can't just pull out the "faith card" in times of need. Our faith should keep all the other aspects of our identity in check. Can we honestly say our faith is the most prevalent way others identify us?

 Hopefully, if we saw someone drop their wallet, we would not hesitate to return it to them. But what if you saw a friend dropping their identity in Christ? Would you say anything? Perhaps this would be a great time to pull out the "faith card." Hand them a picture of Jesus and remind them they are loved beyond measure. What's in your wallet may be more important than you ever knew.  "

-Susan

Energize

 

 This past week I watched a concert on television. After a few songs, the band was interviewed. The band commented that "amazing energy" came from the crowd. They were so touched that people lined the streets hours ago to see them play. The camera panned the excited crowd while they played. Everyone was singing and dancing along. Reaching their hands out, hoping to get a handshake from one of the singers.

 I was watching this when suddenly, a thought came to mind. I wonder if Jesus ever feels the way the band did during Mass. But, of course, Jesus isn't performing. Instead, Jesus is inviting us to a celebration of love. So I thought I would throw out a few questions to ponder this week. How much energy do you bring to the Holy Mass each week? Do you wake up hours before Mass with anticipation and joy? Have you ever arrived early for Mass to be sure you get a good seat? Do we genuinely believe that Jesus is present at the Mass?

 This week bring all your energy to Mass. Jesus is in the house, and it's time to celebrate! You know the words to the songs. Let your voice join with those of the angels! Let your love for God pour out! Reach out your hands and say, "Amen," like you mean it when receiving the holy Body of Christ. What more incredible blessing could we receive than to be called to the Supper of the Lamb?

-Susan

 

Which Path?

 

  Have you ever wondered if you are on the right path? We are all bombarded with decisions. Sometimes the answer is not always obvious. How do we know if we are making the right decision? Take the question to God and ask for guidance. As you pray, ask God, "Will you be walking this path with me?" Next, be patient, silently listen for His answer, and allow Him to direct your next step. Whether the path is smooth or rocky is not nearly as important as who is by your side for the journey.

-Susan