Vacationing with God #4- Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels; LosAngels, California

       Right in the middle of downtown LA is the amazing Cathedral Of Our Lady of the Angels.  The modern architecture of this cathedral beckons you to step inside and escape from the business of the city. The cathedral is a work of art filled with beautiful works of art creating an atmosphere of wonder and awe for God.  

  One of my favorite parts of the cathedral were the beautiful tapestries.   I absolutely loved the Communion of Saints tapestries that adorned both sides of the nave. Twenty five of these fresco tapestries bring 135 different saints to life. It is incredible to look at the faces and names of all these holy men, woman, and children. It makes you feel as if you are catching a glimpse of the faithful in heaven as they pray and intercede for us here on earth.  I couldn't help but hum the infamous tune "When the Saints Go Marching In".  Standing there, I desperately wanted to march into heaven with them.  Yes, the calling of all of us to be saints could be heard and felt as one walks down the aisles.  As I knelt down and prayed, I thanked God for these amazing witnesses to the faith and I begged Him to create in me the desire and courage to follow in their footsteps. 

  

  
                                                                                                      Tomorrow is All Saints Day.  Don't forget to thank those who have spiritually helped you along your journey. 

--Susan

Road Closed

  It had been a busy day and I decided to sit on the porch for a minute to rest.  Then without warning,  I felt the presence of the Lord.  "Come, I want to show you something."  Eagerly I followed.  He brought me just around the bend of the road I had been on.  The road divided into two.  He then said, "I'd like you to take the path to the right now."
  I looked at the path.  Really?  It wasn't even paved.  It was steep and bumpy and not well trodden.  I got scared.  "Lord," I said, "That looks a lot harder than the road I've been on.  Do you really think I can handle that?"
  The Lord smiled, His eyes were warm and loving.  "Yes, it will definitely be harder.  Not very many choose that path, although I wish they would.  I have placed many graces along the way to make the journey easier.  There are some spots along this path so beautiful that words cannot describe.  You should travel lightly.  Unburden yourself of some of the world's treasures you like so much, and it wouldn't hurt to leave behind some of your pride.  So, what do you think?"
  I have to admit my eyes filled with tears.  I didn't see this coming--the path looked really challenging.  I was hoping my life would be getting a little smoother.
  "Are you sure this is the path you want me to take?"  I was hoping this was just a mistake or maybe just a test of faith.
  "My dear child, I know your fears.  I feel your heart sadden.  The road you were on is good, but it will never lead you where I know you could be.  I want you to be closer to me."
  "Lord this new path terrifies me, but if it your wish, then.... let Your Will be done."   I turned very slowly towards the new path.  I took a few small steps forward.  The ground was hard and uneven.  I almost lost my footing and my nerve.  Regaining balance, I repeated over and over, "Where You lead, I will follow.  Where You lead, I will follow."  And so began my new journey.

-Susan

Out of Order

  Today was cleaning day.  Tommy had put it off for too long.  He took a good look around his room and cringed.  Yikes!  When did things get so out of order?  He saw a collection of some of his bad habits in a pile against the wall.  "Wow I don't remember using all these four letter words," he thought to himself.  Some of them were streaked with anger and some of them stained with malice.  As he began to pick them up and throw them into his garbage bag,  he noticed just how ugly they were. He shook his head and said, " I really don't need these." 
   As he looked around the room, he noticed a few other things he could do without.  There was the "Do Not Disturb" sign he threw in his little brother's face every time he wanted to hang out with him, and the ear plugs that stopped him from hearing his parents ask for help.  "And what is that stuff on top of my dresser?  Oh yeah, that's my pile of lies that I resort to when I'm feeling lazy.  Hmm... some of these are more transparent than I realized." 
  Next Tommy looked at his bench at the end of his bed.  There were just hours and hours of wasted time piled up.  Hours that he had spent on all his electronics instead of doing his homework or chores. Tommy worked hard cleaning everything up and it wasn't long before he had a couple of garbage bags tied up and ready to go.  He dropped them off at the curb,  grabbed his keys and then jumped into the car.  Before putting the key into the ignition, Tommy turned and looked at his passenger.  "You know, Jesus, you were right.  Those things were really getting in the way of us hanging out.  Thanks for letting me know.  Now, show me where you want us to go next."

Make Christ the Center of Your Life

  A young woman found herself staring at the church crucifix one day.   She thought, "Jesus it is so sad that you are all alone on the cross.  You must have felt so lonely." 
   And then Jesus said to her, " I would be even more sad if you just walked away and left me here.  I do not desire to hang on a wall, I desire to live in your heart."
  The woman thought for a minute and then said, "Is my heart big enough for you?"
  Jesus replied, "That my dear, it entirely up to you.  Would you be willing to make some room for Me?"
  A smile formed cross the woman's face as she answered, "My Lord if You desire to live in my heart, I will not only make room for You, but I will place You in the very center of it."  The woman gently lifted the crucifix off the wall, placed Jesus against her heart, and embraced Him with both arms.  And then she whispered, "Please, Jesus,  enter my heart and promise me you will never leave it."
  Next, it was Jesus' turn to smile and He whispered back, "I have been dying to hear you speak those words to me.  Place me in the center of your life and the glories of heaven shall be yours."
  From that moment the woman's life changed forever.  She still walked the same city streets she always had, but now she also lived in the Kingdom of God.

-Susan

Sharing the Rosary with My Children

  October, the Month of Mary

  What is the best age to learn the Rosary?  I don't really know the answer to that question, but I would just like to share a few of my experiences with my own children when they were very young.  My children grew up knowing that every night I spent time praying the Rosary.   I never had to teach them how to pray the Our Father, the Hail Mary, or The Glory Be.  They had heard these prayers so many times that one day I would just hear them join in.  Sometimes, after putting them to bed and saying prayers with them, they would complain they were not tired and they weren't ready for bed. (Of course, I was usually tired and more than ready for them to go to bed.)  So I would say, "Ok if you want to stay up and say the Rosary with me you can."  So together we would begin saying the Rosary.  But more often then not, I found that after a couple of mysteries,  my children would nod off to sleep and I would finish the Rosary by myself.  There is something very peaceful and calming that occurs with the Rosary.  I loved knowing they fell asleep thinking about Jesus.
  At other times, I liked to pray the Rosary after dinner and I would leave the kids with my husband and go to my room and close the door.  One by one they would find me.  Sometimes they would just sit on my bed and play.  I would ask my husband, "Can't you just watch them for a few minutes so I can pray by myself?"  He would just shake his head. "No, for some reason I can't keep them away while you are praying.  They want to be with you."  Although I longed to have my alone time to pray,  I couldn't really get mad.  My kids just wanted to spend time with their mother, and really, isn't that the essence of the Rosary-just spending time with your Mother?  As most parents discover, kids don't always do what you say, they tend to do what you do. And with that being said, I hope Mary will always have a special place in the lives of my children.

-Susan

He Waited....

  After watching the morning sun slowly sneak past the horizon's golden edge, Jesus smiled and began walking down the pebbled path.  In His eye, each day was beautiful, filled with endless  opportunities.  Jesus quickened His step as he thought, "I wonder if they will notice how much I love them today?  I have so much I want to share with all of them."  Jesus stopped for a moment just in front of the church doors.  His hands were loaded with so many graces, that opening the door was a little challenging.  He walked inside and waited.

  Hour after hour,  He waited.  Nobody came in.  Patiently He waited until He heard the sound of the church doors being locked.  Jesus stood up and slowly walked out of the church and down the path.  Another day came and went and people were just too busy to stop by for a chat.  As He walked, Jesus thought to himself, "So many distractions cloud their vision.  I will continue to call them all by name.  I hope tomorrow they will hear My voice."

  (Will you be too busy tomorrow to hear His voice?)

  

-Susan

What do you see when you view the world?

Wouldn't it be great if this was how everyone viewed the world?

-Susan

Vacationing with God #3- Carmel Mission; Carmel-by- the- Sea, California

  California is one of my favorite places to visit.  There are so many diverse things to see and do.  From the unspoiled rocky coastline, to the Napa Vineyards, to the majestic Redwoods, California is stunning!  Our family has truly enjoyed discovering California and it's many charming little towns such as Carmel and Monterey.  I would definitely recommend packing a picnic basket and blanket and enjoying an afternoon anywhere along 17-Mile Drive from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach.  Judging from it's beauty, I think God must have lingered awhile along this coastline.  And if you are spending the weekend in this area, be sure to stop at the Carmel Mission.

  








                                  The Carmel Mission makes you feel as if you have stepped back in time.  This Spanish mission church, which has been built and rebuilt a few times over, is as beautiful inside as out.  Surrounded by lovely gardens and courtyards it is a wonderful place to celebrate mass and then enjoy the peaceful surroundings.  The Carmel Mission was founded by Father Junipero Serra in the late 1700's.  If this name sounds familiar it is because Pope Francis just canonized Father Serra during his recent visit to America on September 23, 2015.  St. Junipero Serra's body is entombed here at the Carmel Mission.

  I have always admired missionaries.  Leaving the comforts of their own home, language, and culture behind in order to bring the gospel to another corner of the world is incredible.   And there is so much work still to do!   Sometimes we tend to think with all the modern ways to communicate, surely everyone has heard of Jesus by now.  Heard about Him....maybe....but does everyone recognize His presence?  I think we could all help continue the missionary work begun here, by bringing Christ to the people around us each day.  Perhaps we each live in the city we do, because our mission may be to enlighten those who live near us.

 
 One of the things I love about being on vacation is seeing the world and your own life from a different point of view.





  The Carmel Mission is a wonderful place to visit.  I definitely found this to be a great spot to dwell with the Spirit.


-Susan

The Words You Choose

Choose your words carefully
It really does matter, for you see
What you say reflects a lot
About the type of person you want to be.

God gave you a brain to fill with thoughts
About friendship, love, and care;
But He never intended your tongue
To hurt others with anger and despair.

You may think who will care
If I tear someone down to size?
They deserve it.  Their evil and
Their cruelty you despise.

But that person you just ripped apart
Happens to be God's child,
And God's Will for us includes remarks
Which are tolerant and mild.

There was a crowd of people once
Who just got carried away.
They just kept screaming a few little words,
Crucify Him today.

Well who would have thought those screaming words
Could cause such a terrible riot?
But the politicians of the day kept listening
Until eventually they bought it.

For they said this man is evil,
An enemy to all.
They took a whip and beat Him
Until all He could do was fall.

He fell three times while carrying the cross.
It was heavier than anyone could see.
Because it was loaded down with words of hate
Words that were said by you and me.

So you see it makes a difference
The words you choose each day.
They can bring a person up-
Or take their life away.

-Susan

Life is a game, play it. (Blessed Teresa of Calcutta)

  I grew up in a family that loves sports.  Year round, us kids were always involved in some sport.  My Dad was a very good baseball player.  Whenever my Dad was at one of our games, we all knew to put a little extra hustle in our step, dive on the ground to field the ball, and to sacrifice your body to make the play.  We all wanted to make Dad proud.
  Its kind of funny, that when it comes to sports, people understand how committed you need to be in order to be good.  You have to be dedicated to the team, be willing to put hours of practice time in every week, and sacrifice your plans for the good of the team.  This got me thinking again......what if we all went out for God's team?  What if we all decided that spending just one hour practicing our faith wasn't enough if we really wanted to be good. What if after our team gatherings at church, we all went home and kept practicing everything we learned?   What if we took a strong defensive stand against injustice, poverty, and discrimination?  And our offensive plays involved really getting involved and passing the ball around to everyone so we didn't rely on one star player to do it all? Everyone knows that teamwork and a good attitude is essential to winning.
  I think being on God's team would be quite rewarding.  What actions do you think He would consider to be a foul?  Do you think God would keep score? Or maybe it wouldn't matter if you win or lose, but how you played the game?  What would you think if while coaching God said, "No pain, no gain".  Would it scare you?  And what would "the Mercy Rule" mean to God?  Well I understand God's putting a team together, will I be seeing you there at practice?

-Susan

Mary, Queen of the Rosary, pray for us.

In continuing to honor Mary in the month of October, I thought I would share these inspired words by Archbishop Fulton Sheen:

  "The Rosary is the book of the blind, where souls see and there enact the greatest drama of love the world has ever known; it is the book of the simple, which initiates them into mysteries and knowledge more satisfying than the education of other men; it is the book of the aged, whose eyes close upon the shadow of this world, and open on the substance of the next.  The power of the Rosary is beyond description."

Peace Be With You

  Sandra Bullock starred in the movie "Miss Congeniality" back in 2001.  In the movie she is an undercover agent in a Miss USA beauty pageant.  She is instructed that every winning candidate wants the same thing--world peace.  World peace is definitely something we should all desire.  But what exactly is peace?  The definition of peace is "freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility."  Is that really all it is?  In the book "Standing In A Miracle",  the peace of God is described as "a perfect joy" and a freedom to choose to love, to serve, and to live simply and with humility.  God's peace is offered to each of us and we find this peace through prayer.  As we pray, we encounter God's peace through His loving presence.  God's desires become our desires.  We begin to recognize the blessings He has placed in our lives.  Through prayer we learn to trust God in every circumstance and to see Him in the neighbors and strangers we meet each day. The peace of God is not some unattainable goal.  Prayer is something each one of us can do.  We call God's name and He comes. It's really quite beautiful.   
   "What is the one most important thing our society needs?"  Perhaps instead of answering, "World peace", we should answer, "World prayer".  Then we would not only have world peace, but the joy of living in God's peace.

-Susan

Changes May Come

  Change is in the air.  The days are shorter.  Mornings are crisp from the overnight lows. The early trees are beginning their fall

wardrobe of color. Summer beach towels have been traded for book-filled backpacks. Fall has now casually stepped toward the center stage of our days.  In some ways, Fall is the celebration of the previous year's growth. We have spent the year planting and nurturing seeds and now is the time to enjoy the harvest.  Be sure to thank the Lord for this year's crop of blessings. 

  Also, take some time in the next few weeks, appreciating all the changes and nuances of fall. Sometimes in order for there to be new growth for the next year, change may be a very necessary part of our lives. We may be very comfortable being a green leaf gently swaying in the summer breeze, and then suddenly we are faced with challenges and a new season in our lives. Sometimes the Lord challenges us to change in order to grow closer to Him. One minute we may find ourselves exhilarated by colorful opportunities and the next we may be asked to leave behind our every day comforts, die to our own dreams and desires, so that we may again blossom with Christ in the new Spring.  Leaving behind our tree of security is always a bit scary, but trust that the Holy Spirit's loving presence will provide the wind to propel you forward.  Season after season, the Comforter guides us closer to the light of the Son. Pray that you may be open to the changes the Lord has prepared for you.

-Susan

Prayer by St. Faustina

October 5th is the feast day of St. Faustina.  I would like to share one of my favorite prayers found in her diary.  Let us all join together in prayer so that we may have the strength to put the Will of God before our own.

-Susan

Sorrowful Mysteries

Rosary Meditation on the Sorrowful Mysteries

1.  Agony in the Garden

While Jesus is praying the guards come to arrest Jesus. Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss.  Judas does not understand who Jesus really is. Judas is distracted with the lure of money and fitting in. It is easy to hate Judas in this scene, but can we honestly say we have never been tempted by money and popularity?   Think about it.  Do you think you have ever betrayed Jesus for the love of money?

2.  Scourging at Pillar

When Jesus speaks with Pilate He says those who listen to the truth will here my voice?  Pilate couldn't understand this because he did not value truth. Do you value truth?  How often do you lie in a week?  Who's voice are we listening to when we don't choose to tell the truth?

3.  Crowning of the Thorns

Jesus stands in front of an angry crowd with a Crown of thorns ripping into His scalp.  His body has been scourged.  And the crowd yells crucify Him, crucify Him.  Why couldn't the crowd recognize that Jesus was the Christ?  Have you ever went along with popular opinion just because it was easier than standing up for what is right?  Has Jesus ever stood in front of you and you failed to recognize who was asking you to do the right thing?

4.  Carrying of the Cross

Mary lovingly gazed into Jesus' eyes when He fell, Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus carry the cross, and Veronica wiped the face of our Lord with a cloth.  These acts must have been extremely important to Jesus or they would not have been told over and over for the past two thousand years..  Jesus asks us to respond with mercy and compassion when we see each other hurting-even if it is the smallest of acts.

5.  Crucifixion

The crucifixion is one of the most difficult things to understand, especially for those closest to Jesus. How could this possibly be the Plan, how could this be God's Will?  Mary, John, Mary Magdalene, and a few other Holy Woman stay with Jesus until the end.  It must have been horribly painful to watch Jesus be crucified and scary to think the same could happen to His followers.  John was the youngest of the disciples, I'm sure he was very afraid.  He didn't run away like the rest of the apostles, he remained faithful to Jesus.  I think that's a good lesson for all of us.  We don't always understand Gods Will, we have no control over God's Will.  The only thing we have control over is our response to God's Will.  Will you still say "yes" to God no matter what it will cost you?

-Susan