Love, Hope and Possibilities

  
  This weekend we will celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family.  At my parish church we have a statue of the Holy Family hanging in the gathering space just outside of the worship area. I am very familiar with this statue, because unfortunately, near this statue is where I spent many Sunday masses when my children acted up in church.  Frustrated, I would tell my kids, “Do you see how nice Jesus listened to His parents?”

  Needless to say, my family is far from perfect.  I often find myself repeating certain phrases such as, “We don’t use that word”, “Stop teasing”, “Why would you do that?”  And to be fair, my children have a mother who is often more tired than she is patient and understanding.  How can we ever become a holy family?

  Holy doesn’t mean perfect (thank goodness).  Although my family has plenty of imperfect moments, we also have lots of moments where we say, “I’m sorry”, “I forgive you”, and “I love you”.  We keep trying to get it right, because deep down, we really do love one another.

  “Love one another” is Jesus’ message.  It is a message of hope and possibilities. The more we love and care for each other, the closer we come to holiness. As we celebrate the love Jesus, Mary, and Joseph shared, let us remember to ask them to aid us in bringing holy love into our own families.

-Susan

Merry Christmas!

May the joy of the Christ Child fill you completely!

-Susan & Theresa

When Angels Speak (part 6: the conclusion)

When Angels Speak began on blog post Dec 5, 2017

  You close your eyes and feel James place his hand on your shoulder once again.  You allow yourself to become completely wrapped up in the the feeling of peace, love, and joy that are powerfully felt inside you.  You loose any sense of time or space and just enjoy this amazing feeling.
  "Alright, you can open your eyes again," James states.
  You open your eyes to find yourself in the middle of a field.  In front of you is a man in his early twenties.  His clothes are quite shabby and his face has smudges of dirt on his forehead and left cheek.  He is lying on his back and staring up into the night sky.  His lips look like they are moving and you realize he is quietly praying.  You take a step closer to hear his words.
  "God of the universe can you hear the cries of the poor?  I am an outcast living alongside fellow strangers.  Tonight, like most nights I am hungry.  Orphaned since my youth, I have longed for you.  I long to know love, and to be part of a family.  Inside me, my loneliness grows.  I am too ashamed to enter the synagogue.  I have nothing to offer you-- except my heart.  Could that ever be enough?  Could you ever love an outcast like me? .... I wonder about that a lot?"
  The man closes his eyes and attempts to pull a very worn blanket around his shoulders.  You look at James and ask, "He is obviously very poor.  Is he homeless as well?'
  James answers, "Many of the shepherds are very poor.  At times they appear more lost than the sheep they watch.  They occupy of very special part of God's heart.  He loves each of them dearly.  The emptiness this man feels will soon be a part of his past.  In a few months, He will witness a multitude of angels singing and announcing the Messiah's birth. He, alongside others, will be the first to visit baby Jesus.  He will also experience the love of the holy family.  For the rest of his life he will share this love with others, and he will never again question if God loves him.  He will allow this encounter with Jesus to transform his life."
  For a moment you and James just stand their staring at the sleeping shepherd. Then James asks, "Do you wonder why God has asked me to share these moments with you?"
  You nod your head and say' "Yes."
  "You, too, have wondered why God hasn't answered your prayers.  You have cried out in pain searching for answers, and you have questioned if God even loves you.  God wishes to draw closer to you.  Let me tell you that God loves you tremendously.  He is always at your side.  He wants you to trust in His Plans and in His timing.  God wants you to be filled with peace, with love, and with joy.  This year as you celebrate the birth of Christ allow yourself to be transformed.  The birth of the Christ Child changes everything.  God wants you to be filled with the joy of this miracle!
  Close your eyes, now, it is time to go back. Although you will no longer see me, know that I am always with you.  I will be praying with you and for you. I would love if our mornings included praise along with your coffee." You look at James and smile.
  James places his hand on your shoulder.  You close your eyes and instantly you are filled with love and peace, except this time you can hear the voices of a thousand angels singing "Glory to God in the highest and peace to those on whom His favor rests!"  It was the most beautiful song you have ever heard as you experience the joy of the angels on that most blessed of all nights. You wish this moment could last forever. 
  You open your eyes again to your own familiar kitchen.  You look around hoping to see James, but he is no longer visible to you. You close your eyes trying to remember everything you had just experienced. In your memory you can still hear those angelic voices.  You suddenly realize "that moment in time" could last forever, if you let God transform you as He desires.  Your smile grows wide as you realize what a wonderful Christmas this will be!

-Susan

When Angels Speak (part 5)

When Angels Speak begins on blog post 12-5-17.

  "I'm not really sure," you answer.
  "You, too, must trust that God knows what is good for you.  I wonder why so many have such difficulty trusting God?  His love is so much greater than you realize.  Remember, your sorrow can be turned to joy as well.....Now close your eyes again.  I would like to share another moment with you."
  Eager to feel that surge of love again, you close your eyes and feel James place his hand on your shoulder.  Your heart expands with peace and love, and with each breath, you can feel your lungs expanding with joy.  The feeling is incredible!  It feels as if you are being drawn closer to heaven with each breath.
  James voice interrupts your thoughts, "Okay, you can open your eyes again."
  As you open your eyes, you appear to be just inside a courtyard attached to a simple house.  You notice a man pacing back and forth.  Every few steps he stops momentarily to drag his hands through his dark, curly brown hair.  He stands their as if he is holding his head from the exploding thoughts inside.  Suddenly, he just falls to his knees.  He looks completely distraught.  He folds his hands in prayer and buries his head behind his clasped hands.
  His body is trembling as he prays, "I will trust in you, my Lord.  I do not rely on my own intelligence..... My Lord, my heart is deeply troubled.  I beg you to instruct me.... I do not wish to stumble.  I am all but ruined.....  I feel betrayed.....  I do not understand what my own eyes can see. ... I know the law..... but I can not bring harm to the one I love.... Lord, allow me to act discreetly.... I place all my trust in you.... Guide my thoughts.... Speak, Lord, your servant is listening..... Let me hear in your mercy, for in you I trust..... Show me the path I should walk, for I entrust my life to you....  Let your Spirit guide me.... guide me with Your Wisdom...."  Next, you notice the man stretch out his arms and hands on the ground as his body continues to tremble.
  You look at James and ask, "What has happened to this poor man?"
  "He has discovered his betrothed is pregnant....the child she carries is not his.  This holy man relies not on his own understanding, but trusts completely in God's Holy Spirit to guide him.  Praying to the Holy Spirit to aid you in your decision making opens your heart to God's Will.  This holy man is Joseph.  Joseph understands that he needs the grace of God to get through this most difficult moment.  Notice that he does not allow his own personal pride and confusion to interfere with God's Will for his life.  He remains open to God's desires.  Often people pray for God's help, but at the same time continue to hold on tightly to their own pride with both hands.  Sadly, those are the people that sink into despair, because their hands are too full to grab a hold of God's outstretched hand.  God prepares and delivers special graces to those who are hurting.  A holy person, like Joseph, will desire the grace of God over their injured pride.  God can work incredible miracles when you allow Him.  No one can argue how deep Joseph's pain is right now, but God has a plan that is about to change everything.  This pain will soon become overwhelming joy.  Mary and Joseph shall aid in bringing the Messiah into the world! 
  God has allowed me to share one more moment with you.  Are you ready?"

(to be continued...)

-Susan

When Angels Speak (part 4)

(When Angels Speak began on blog post 12-5-17).

  You nod your head yes and smile.  James looks so happy with your "yes".
  "Excellent.  I will need you to follow my instructions.  I am going to share with you some moments from the past.  God has granted me the privilege to share these with you.  Although it will feel like we have left this room, physically you will still be here.  Don't try to comprehend the physics that are about to occur.  It is beyond your comprehension.  Focus instead on what you will see.  Do you understand?"
  You feel butterflies in your stomach as you take in James instructions. An excited but nervous "Yes," escapes from your lips.
  James smiles and says, "Don't worry, I always take good care of you.  I want you to sit in this chair.  Now close your eyes and listen to my voice.  I am going to keep talking."  Next you feel James hand on your shoulder.  It feels powerfully strong, yet comforting at the same time.  A wave of peace comes over you, and you feel completely relaxed.  An instant later you feel a warm breeze blow through you.  Your heart feels as if has grown in size attempting to hold onto an incredible surge of love within you. 
  "Ok, you can open your eyes again," instructs James.
  As you open your eyes, you try to take in your surroundings.  You notice a woman praying in the corner of a small room.  The room has a dirt floor, very few furnishings, and absolutely no modern conveniences.  You look at James with confusion, but James is completely focused on this woman.
  "Just listen," says James.
   The woman speaks a different language, yet somehow you able to understand what she is saying.  "Do not  forsake me, O Lord; my God be not far from me!.....  Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my salvation...."  (She then begins to weep.)  "Listen to my prayer, Lord, hear my cry; do not be deaf to my weeping!...... Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am in distress.....my life is worn out by sorrow, and my years by sighing.  My strength fails in my affliction...my bones are wearing down....I hear the whispers of the crowd; terror are all around me.....But I trust in you, Lord; I say, 'You are my God.'..My destiny is in your hands.... (Again she begins to cry wiping the cascade of tears from her face.)....... Blessed  be the Lord, the God of Israel, from all eternity and forever."
  The woman is obviously distraught.  Your heart is moved by her deep sadness. James quietly reveals, "She is praying from the book of Psalms.  She has been praying like this for 10 years now."
  "Ten years!  Why does God not answer her prayer?" 
  "Oh, He will, but not now.  In seven more years, her prayer will be answered."
  "Seven more years! Why so long?  Is she a sinful person?  Has she angered God?"
  "Definitely not.  God is very pleased with her," answers James.  "She is faithful, loving, and kind."
  Bewildered you ask, "Why doesn't God answer her prayer then?"
  "It is not the right time.  Mankind has such difficulty being patient.  Many turn their backs on God and walk away because they do not understand or trust in His timing."
  "Does this woman walk away?"
  "No.  This woman has placed all her trust in God.  She remains faithful even when it appears that the answer to her prayer is 'no'."
  "Wow, that's a long time to wait for a prayer to be answered."
  James smiles and says, "Perhaps.....but God's response to her prayer is amazing!  Do you know who this woman is?"
  "No."
  "Her name is Elizabeth.  She will be the mother of John the Baptist, the messenger who prepares the way for the Messiah!  Not only will she be blessed with a child, but the Holy Spirit will reveal to her Jesus' Presence in the womb of His holy mother, Mary!  She will be filled with incredible joy when Mary comes to visit her!  Her prayer will be answered at the exact right moment in time!  Together, Mary, Elizabeth, and their unborn sons, will praise and rejoice in God's goodness! The answer to Elizabeth's prayer goes beyond anything she could have ever imagined. Her present sorrow will be turned to jubilation. Can you guess why God wished to share this moment with you?"

(to be continued.....)

-Susan

When Angels Speak (part 3)

"When Angels Speak" began on blog post 12-5-17.

  You close your eyes and in a fraction of a second James is standing next to you.  He places your hand in his, and then raises your arm over your head.  Instinctively, you raise your other arm as well.
  James says, "Repeat after me.  My spirit rejoices in God my Savior!"
  Quietly you repeat, "My spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
  "Good, now proclaim it for all of Heaven to hear," instructs James.
  "My spirit rejoices in God my Savior!"
  "Again!"
  "My spirit rejoices in GOD MY SAVIOR!"
  "Again!"
  "MY SPIRIT REJOICES IN GOD MY SAVIOR!"
  "HOLY IS HIS NAME!"
  You repeat, "HOLY IS HIS NAME!"
  "HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER!"
  "HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER!"
  James lowers your hand down and exclaims, "Now that's the way we should start every morning!  Look at the smile on your face.  I haven't seen you smile like that in awhile.  Do you see now?  Mary said 'yes' to God's Plan. It is amazing what God can do with a 'yes'!  'For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son,  that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.'  Heaven rejoices over Mary's 'Yes' every day! God's love is so incredible!  You could feel His love couldn't you?"
  You smile and say, "Yes!"
  "You don't realize it, but if you say 'yes' to God's love, it will transform you, if you let it.  Advent is a great time to open your heart to God.  I would love to share some experiences with you,  are you interested?"

(to be continued...)

-Susan

When Angels Speak (part 2)

(When Angels Speak began on blog post 12-5-17)

    "When was the last time I really praised God?"  That's a good question.  You begin to search your memory as you allow yourself to crawl back into bed and under your nice warm blanket.  You close your eyes and continue thinking.  "What exactly does that even mean?  I say my prayers every night.  I mean I don't get excited about them, but I say them.  Hmmm. . .  . I wonder why I don't get excited?"  As you ponder this last thought you drift off to sleep.
  Thirty minutes later you hear your alarm go off.  You reach over and hit the snooze button allowing yourself another 5 minutes of rest.  "Wow, what a crazy dream I had last night.  Since when do I dream about angels?  Wait,  what did he ask me? Something. . . about praying. . . no it was something else. . . . praising, that's right, praise God."  You smile as you crawl out of bed and head for the coffee maker.  "What did he say his name was?"
  "James.  My name is James."
  Your head spins around towards the kitchen table.  There he is just sitting at the table.  You shake your head attempting to wake yourself up.  "I must be sleep walking.."
  "You're not asleep.  We start every day this way with a cup of coffee.  You sit there, and I always sit over here.  The only difference is that today you can see me," said James.  "Praise God for His goodness!  Praise God the Almighty Father who loves each of His children and pours His blessings upon them!"  James smiles and begin to sing praises to God.
  You are absolutely amazed by James.  As he sings and praises God, you feel an energy fill the room.
  "That's not energy your feeling.  What you are feeling is the Presence of the Holy Sprit!  Open your heart and mind to Him!  Feel His Presence inside you!  Put down your defenses and let Him fill you with His love!"
  "James, I don't know how.."
  "You do.  Close your eyes and let your whole being be filled with His Holy Spirit!  Go ahead, you can do it!"

(to be continued...)


-Susan

Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

  As I sat down to write this post I wondered, "How can anyone use mere words to describe the grace of God?  Are words ever adequate   to illuminate the beauty of God's love?"  Probably not.  I wonder what words heaven uses to express God's amazing generosity and bountiful love?  Since I am just a simple person, I have decided to keep things simple today.  This is how I would describe the beauty of today's feast.
  From the very moment of Mary's existence, God looked at Mary and said, "My dear child, I love you immensely."  Mary didn't let these words lie dormant in her heart.  No,  God's words echoed in every beat of her heart.  Mary, in turn, spent the rest of her life responding with the words "I love you, too!"  
  This is a love story that began some two thousand years ago, and continues today.  How honored are we to witness such love.  How beautiful is a soul without sin.  I hope you allow the mystery of this love story to inspire you as you consider your own love story with God.  Have a blessed day!

-Susan

When Angels Speak

  "Wake up!  Wake Up!  How can you sleep on such a glorious day?"
  As you roll over, a bright light hits your face. You instantly close your eyes, and bury your head under your pillow.  "Shut that light off, it's blinding me," you growl.
  "Oh, sorry.  I was just so excited!  She said 'Yes!'. She said 'Yes!'  All of heaven is talking about it!"
  "Who said yes?"
  "Mary, of course!  Mary said 'Yes!'
  "Mary, who?  What are we even talking about?"  Suddenly a stream of panic runs through you.  'Who are you even talking to and why are they in your room?  Oh my gosh, this is not good."  You begin to stress out as you think,  "Where did I leave my phone last night?  I'm going to need to call for help." Slowly you open your eyes and scan the nightstand for your phone.  "Great, it's not there."  Your heart starts racing as you realize that you will have to deal with this intruder yourself.  Swiftly you jump out of bed in an attempt to protect yourself and yell, "Who are you?  Why are you here?"
  The stranger seems a bit surprised by your abruptness.  "You don't recognize me?  I have been with you since birth.  I mean granted you have never physically seen me before, but isn't my presence at all familiar to you?"
  You sternly repeat your question, "Who are you?"
  "I am James, your guardian angel."
  "My guardian, what?"
  "Your guardian angel.  God has granted that I may be visible to you, in order to help you discover what is getting in the way of your love for the Almighty.  Have you not been praying to discover what is missing in your heart?  Well, I am here to help you."
  "You may think your funny, but I don't!  Get out of my house now or I will call the police!"
  "Please don't get angry. That is the exact opposite of how I wanted you to feel.  The long awaited Messiah is coming!  Praise God! Praise God!!  You spend such little time doing that.  I find that so odd.  I sing praise to Him constantly!  Why don't you?" As James spoke the word "you" he disappeared.  His words, however, lingered for a long time in your mind.
  You stand there confused, trying to remember everything James had spoken.  "Was I still dreaming or did that just really happen?" you ask yourself.  Surprisingly, you dismiss that question and ask yourself instead, "When was the last time I really praised God?"

(to be continued....)

-Susan

I'm Dreaming of .....

  This past week I asked you to consider where you see yourself on your spiritual journey.  I hope you have given this the honesty your faith life deserves.  I have one more question for you to consider as we prepare our hearts for the Advent season.  If you could ask God to share one of His gifts with you, what would you ask for?  What is missing in your heart?  The Christ child is coming.  He is God's gift to the world, but He also comes bearing gifts to share with all of us.  What is your heart's desire?  What are you dreaming of?  
  Do yourself a favor and spend some time praying about this with God.  If you want to grow spiritually this Advent season, you have to know where you are, and what do you feel is lacking for you to grow closer to Christ.  The angels are beckoning you to come see the Christ child, make whatever preparations are necessary now, so that you can move forward.

-Susan