A Leap of Faith

  

As we close the month of May, I hope you all had a chance to spend some extra time with Mary.  Let's spend the day meditating and rejoicing on Elizabeth's words in Luke's gospel.

  When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.  And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"

 Let the Holy Spirit fill your being today, and then in a loud voice praise Mary.  Mary's "yes" brought Jesus into the world, and Mary continues to strive to bring Jesus to each of us.  How blessed are we that Mary desires to visit us.  Whether our faith is in it's infancy like John's, or more mature like Elizabeth's, the Holy Spirit desires us to recognize Jesus through Mary and draw near to her.  Today, make a point of welcoming Mary into your home.  Go ahead and leap for joy because the Mother of God is coming to you. Do not hold back, but run to your Mother with open arms, and get lost in Mary's loving embrace.

-Susan

My Future World

  I dream of a world filled with freedom and peace.  A place where my children will live without the fear of violence, crime, and discrimination.  History has passed, but the future is coming.  The hands of the clock move forward.  I believe it is important to know where you came from, and to where you are going.  I came from God, and I am working on my return. I search for God's love and find it in so many places.  Behind the faces of strangers and friends, I see mercy.  God's mercy is changing the world.
  There are some, however, who have built up defenses and it's harder to see God's mercy.  I know God dwells in them as well, because I still feel His Presence. Unfortunately, His love is trapped inside and is guarded by anger, greed, and jealousy.  These guarding oppressors block God's peaceful designs and the world grows more confusing.  This world that I dream of could definitely be, if everyone gave God's love freedom.   Everyone needs to put down their defenses and guarding oppressors, and let God's love go free. I know this future peace I dream about will depend on all of us, and whether we give God the freedom.  Please, for the sake of our future,  feel free to share God's love.

-Susan
  

Let's Start With a Dozen

  Let's change the world!  That sounds great, right?  But how exactly do we go about sharing and spreading the gospel with everyone?  I mean, let's face it, the world is a pretty big place and that's a pretty big job.  It's so big, that it might be easier to say, "I can't do it.  I don't have the skills, the resources, or the time.  I already have enough on my plate."
  Let's look at how Jesus did it.  He didn't have a phone, a computer, television, or any type of social media.  He simply went from town to town talking with those he met along the path.  Jesus not only "talked the talk", He also "walked the walk".  In other words He lived the message He preached.  He then chose 12 people to help Him teach the world about God.
  Jesus shared His insights about God's merciful nature, how we should treat others, and how important prayer is to our relationship with God.  He erased boundaries between Jews and Gentiles, woman and men, children and adults, sinners and the righteous.  Jesus preached that God's love was for everyone.  Jesus began His mission with just a dozen people, and from there it grew to include the ends of the world.
  What if we imitated Jesus and did the same.  I would like to suggest that each of us create a mental list of twelve people in our lives that we could share the gospel with.  Start your mission with a dozen people, and then encourage them to do the same.  I honestly believe a dozen people devoted to God could be the beginning of something really amazing!  I honestly think we could change the world.  Will you help me try?.....

-Susan

Trust Me.

  

My precious child,
  Trust me through your darkest days and longest winters that I am still very much alive within you.  Even though certain hopes and dreams have fallen like leaves to the ground, do not despair.  It is during these times of difficulties, that I am calling you to draw closer to me, so that my words may echo in your thoughts.  My words are the warm blanket that will shield you from the cold, stinging winds of life.  Trust me, always.  I, myself, am transforming you, so that come Spring, our love will blossom for the world to see.  Just keep trusting me.

                                     Love,
                                          God



-Susan

Let's Get Supercharged!

  We live in a world that likes to go to extremes.  We like the danger of extreme sports, the creativity of extreme makeovers,  the mouth watering recipes of extreme baking and the thriftiness of extreme couponing.  This week I would like to suggest that we all go to extremes.  St. Phillip Neri said, "If you wish to go to extremes, let it be in sweetness, patience, humility and charity."   Let us all be supercharged for Jesus. 

   Tonight when you say your prayers, volunteer to offer your time to someone in need.  Go out of your way to be kind to your coworkers and neighbors.  Ask a friend to join you in spontaneous prayer.  Generously give to a favorite charity.  Smile with a contagious fury.  Spend extra time in front of the Blessed Sacrament.  The possibilities are endless!

  Being a follower of Jesus should put joy in our lives.  Let the Holy Spirit get you fired up about your faith.  Get creative and take those God-given talents you were given and share them with the world.  People the challenge is on.  I'm challenging everyone to get supercharged up about Jesus this week, so that we can all live in a world that is a little sweeter, a little more patient, a little more forgiving, a little more generous, and a great deal more faithful.  Let me know if you are up for the challenge.

-Susan

Tessa

(Please read previous posts first: Paradise 4/16 & Greetings from Paradise 4/19.)

Hey everyone I'm back!  This past month has felt more like a mission than a vacation.  I have seen and experienced things which cannot be described with words, but only felt with the heart.  The wonders I have seen are not connected to any geographical landmarks.  I have seen and experienced the wonder of God's amazing love for all people.  I now realize, that my comfortable life back here at home,  isolated me from the cries of so many that need help.  I couldn't hear them because my ears were closed to so much.  I am a changed person now.  My life before was good, but now I realize it could be so much more. I have decided to join a missionary team that desperately needs help.  I will be leaving in one month.  I wish I could take all of you with me.  I really do.

  My parents completely support my decision and have offered to organize a get-together at the community center this Saturday night.  I have so much to tell you all.  I have missed you all so much!  Please come hang out with me for awhile.  My new-found mission is big enough for all of us.  I would love for you to join me in whatever capacity you can.  I know this sounds crazy.  I assure you I am not.  I will explain everything on Saturday!  I'll see you then!




-Susan

Celebrating Pentecost

 Theresa and I would like to invite you to celebrate Pentecost with us!  Please help yourself to some cake (seconds and thirds are allowed)!  We hope you have praying along with us for the Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth.  We hope that His Presence fills you with joy so that you have the wisdom and knowledge to courageously change the world!!  Let's join together and get the job done!

-Susan & Theresa