Praying for A Powerful Pentecost

 

  It's Pentecost! What an exciting day for all of us! I can only imagine the excitement in the upper room that day. Mighty winds and tongues of fire sound absolutely incredible! I understand why everyone was excited that day. But I wonder why people also don't allow that same power to consume them today. If you don't feel the Presence of the Spirit in you, do something about it. The Holy Spirit's power is as transforming today as ever.

 Pray with Mary and the disciples. Be willing to make changes in your life. The apostles didn't return to their everyday lives after receiving the Holy Spirit. Instead, they opened their eyes and hearts to grow more lively with love for God. The fire may have begun as a flame above them, but they embraced it and allowed it to burn in their hearts.

 Today allow each of your "Amen(s)" to ignite the power of the Holy Spirit within you. Be brave and allow the Holy Spirit to transform you into the child of God you were destined to be! You were formed by God to change the world. Let's not waste another minute. You got this because the Holy Spirit's got you. Today is our Pentecost, and it's going to be great!  

-Susan

My Mary

 

   I want to share what I have learned about a mother's love from Mary. Even though I am not her only child, Mary makes me feel like I am. No matter how busy she is, she always has time for me. Mary listens--I mean, really listens. She listens when I'm mad or hurt, or confused. Whether I'm right or wrong, she lets me get everything off my chest before she gently calms me down and then helps me think through things. Her perspective often differs from mine, so I always value her gentle instruction.

  When I'm elated, Mary's spirit soars around me. Together we giggle when the Holy Spirit takes me to new heights, and we marvel at the goodness of God. Her heart is pure joy, and yet she understands sorrow so well. Mary never gives up on me. She knows which dreams matter and which ones I should let go of. My advice for everyone is to love Mary with all your heart and let her love you with all of her heart. Mary's heart is filled with love for the Trinity, and while my heartbeat says, " lub-dub, lub-dub," Mary's heart always says, "Love God, Love God!"

  Happy Mother's Day, Mary! I love you!  

-Susan

The May Challenge : Dancing with Mary

 

   Many of us are familiar with the show Dancing With the Stars. A program where celebrities team up with professional dancers and compete against each other. The stars have varying degrees of experience and train intensely with their professionals to learn the choreographed dance.

 May is the month we honor the Virgin Mary. Would you allow Mary to lead you to dance and rejoice in the Lord? At first glance, the rosary may appear to have simple choreography. Still, the subtle nuances of Mary's wisdom bring this number alive. Gracefully she turns your face toward the Lord and positions your feet and fingers to fluently move forward. With love and faithfulness, your body will experience the beauty of every prayerful bead of the song.

 You will discover that Mary's patience never tires. Her disposition is always sweet. Will it take some work? Definitely, but the payout is eternally rewarding. Throughout the training process, Mary surrounds you with others who are the best in their fields. Saints will cheer you on and encourage you to keep dancing no matter how tired you feel. It is the ultimate experience of a lifetime! Ready to take this challenge? Then,  reach your hand out to Mary, and she will lead you step by step to her heavenly Son.  

-Susan

Can You Hear His Voice?

 

 I was talking with a friend about her one-year-old toddler. She revealed that when her son was frustrated, he would bang his head against a wall. "Why would he purposely choose to hurt himself? I spend all day wondering how to make him happy, and this is what he chooses to do." Most parents can relate. We want what's best for our children. It's hard to watch them make a poor decision. But, unfortunately, we can't make our children or others listen to us. We can talk louder so they hear us, but we can't make someone listen. Listening is a choice.

 I wonder if God ever feels this way? Like my friend, He spends all day giving us what we need to be happy, and we sometimes make poor decisions. We may not be banging our heads against a wall, but our choices may be self-destructive. This is why prayer is vital so we can be tuned in to God's voice.

 Over and over, God calls us to a life of holiness and love. Even when we choose to go our own way, God never gives up on us. He continues to pour His love and grace into us. Sometimes we may feel lost, but God never leaves our side. We are His beloved children, and He is calling us to draw near to Him. We have so many choices in front of us every day. Listening to our loving Father should be the obvious choice. Let's choose God and see if life becomes sweeter and more peaceful.

-Susan

Let Your Heart Shout

 

  As I stood in the gathering space of my Church, I saw my daughter and granddaughters coming through the door. Excitedly the grandchildren ran toward me and gave me big hugs. As I picked up Angelina, a little shy of two years old, she exclaimed, "Jesus!" as she looked over my shoulder. Instinctively I turned and looked at the large picture of Jesus. "You are right! That's Jesus!" It made me so happy that she had already recognized Jesus!

 This got me thinking later. How many of us exclaim Jesus' name as we enter the Church? Unlike children who are put in a car and surprised where they end up, most of us are not surprised when we pull into the church parking lot and get out. We know exactly where we are going, or do we? Yes, we are at Church to celebrate the Mass, but have we forgotten that "the altar on earth is united and fused to the altar in heaven?" (Eucharist Prayer 1) Do we bring an attitude of wonder and awe that matches this reality?  Do you recognize Jesus before you on the altar? Does His Presence take your breath away? It should.

 As we enter the Church this week, let's be excited. Let your heart shout, "Jesus, I see You!" Let your ears hear His voice. And let your lips praise Him joyfully!

-Susan

  

Divine Mercy Sunday!

 

  What a glorious day! Today is Divine Mercy Sunday! The joy of Easter touches us today in a unique celebration of the mercy of God.   Jesus has been so generous to us! First, He gives us the Divine gift of Himself in the Eucharist at the Last Supper. Next, Jesus demonstrates the depth of His love on Good Friday by offering His life so we may be saved. Lastly, He conquers death and sin through His resurrection and opens the gates to the Kingdom for all to enter.  

  There is no love greater than this.   God wants us in Eternity with Him- all of us. And to dispel doubt, He places a magnificent fountain for us to bathe in before we enter the Kingdom. It is the fountain of His Mercy. 

  The appearance of our souls before the fountain should not prevent us from entering. Jesus only desires that we place all our trust in Him, and He will bathe us in His loving mercy. Do not let fear keep you from the Kingdom. You are loved. You are wanted. Your past was yesterday. Today is Divine Mercy Sunday; your future is with Christ the King. Today is a day of celebration! Please join us!

-Susan

Happy Easter!

 

 Just before my morning alarm went off, I felt the light of day caress my cheek and a tiny whisper in my ear. “ Alleluia, He is risen! Alleluia, He is risen!”

 My eyes opened as my heart beat faster. I jumped out of bed and exclaimed, “Yes, Alleluia, He is risen!” Joy overtook my senses. Today was not only Sunday but Resurrection Sunday! The day that changed everything. 

 My Glorious Lord stepped out of the grave and into my life. He has rescued me from sin and death with arms full of merciful love. I begged the Lord to hold me tight and never let me forget this moment. Peace filled my being. Love encompassed my thoughts. Today my King has opened my prison doors and offered me the Kingdom! Rejoice with me!

-Susan