Have You Banked Enough?

 It's easy to check my bank account to see how much money I have spent, or open the closet doors in my house to see how much "stuff" I have accumulated.  But, how do I know how much I have loved?  How many opportunities have I missed and not given my love?
  I don't know how to measure the love I have given.  I'm not even sure if I'm living up to my future potential. That's why I'm giving  my heart completely over to God, and trusting that His saving plan is truly the best investment.

-Susan
  

Feast of the Assumption

  This week we will be celebrating the Feast of Mary's Assumption into Heaven.  I thought it would be a good idea to spend some time thinking and preparing for this beautiful feast day.  I love imagining this moment. I wonder who smiled more, Mary or Jesus, when Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven?  This had to be the most incredible moment for Mary!  She had lived her whole life with her eyes faithfully focused on God, and now she stands before Him in heaven, face to face.  It had to be an absolutely glorious day!
  Perhaps this could be our moment to ask Mary how to keep our eyes always focused on God.  If we could see our life with Mary's eyes, what would we see differently?  Would we realize our love for God could be so much more than it is?  How could we sharpen our vision in order to embrace the vision God has for our life?
  Moment by moment, day by day, we are walking towards our own heavenly moment.  Can you clearly see your steps, or are they a little out of focus?  Ask Mary to guide each of your steps.  She knows the way better than anyone.

-Susan

Reading the Signs

  This past week, I was driving across the state when I saw a billboard that read, "Real Christians love their enemies."  I spent some time thinking about that as I drove.  I asked myself, "Am I a real Christian?  Do I really love my enemies?"   I mean, it's easy for me to ignore my "enemies". Usually I can even tolerate my "enemies".  I have prayed for my "enemies".  And, as painful as it has been, I have even forgiven "enemies". But love them--isn't that just asking too much?  Jesus didn't seem to think so.
  Being a Christian is not easy.  Jesus calls and challenges each of us "to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect".  Is that even possible?  No, not if we try to do it on our own.  This is why prayer is so important.  With the grace of God, the impossible becomes possible.  With the grace of God, hate can be transformed into love.  With the grace of God, mere creatures can learn to love as God loves.  Perhaps Jesus can ask so much of us, because He knows how generous the Father is with each of us. I think the real question is not whether or not it is possible, but rather do I trust God enough to allow His grace to transform me? 
  I'm sure the next road sign I saw will not surprise anyone. It said, "Caution.  Area under construction."  It looks like the path I am on needs some work.

-Susan