A Very Special Bond

  I have had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with my family over this past week. I just love watching my little granddaughter coo and smile and laugh with my daughter.  The two of them are so in love and mesmerized by each other.  The bond between a mother and child is so very special.
  Observing my daughter and granddaughter got me thinking about Mary and baby Jesus. It must have been absolutely amazing for Joseph to watch Jesus and Mary smiling at each other.  I wonder what Mary would do or say to make baby Jesus smile or laugh?  
  I would like to suggest that we hang on to Christmas a little longer and spend some time with the Holy Family.  We don't have the distractions of presents, festivities, or traveling any more.  We can just sit down, quietly place ourselves inside the manger, and be mesmerized by the special bond between Mary and Jesus. I can't imagine a more peaceful or more beautiful place to be.  Enjoy spending time with the Mother of God and the Christ Child. I know I will.

-Susan

Merry Christmas!

 As we approach the Holy day of Christmas my thoughts rest on Mary and Joseph as they searched for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Imagine how different any of the inn keepers lives may have been if they had made room for Mary and Joseph.  It’s really quite sad they said no.  Mary and Joseph were willing to share the birth of the Messiah with whoever  was willing to say “yes”.  This search continues even until today. Mary and Joseph are still praying that people will open their homes and hearts to the new born baby Jesus.  They desire to share Jesus with whoever will say "yes".

  Two days ago I ran into the store to pick up a sympathy card for a friend. When I came out of the store, I found this note on my car. 

 After I was done being mad, I prayed for this person, whoever they may be. This person is obviously hurting and really needs to feel God’s love. I would like to invite everyone to pray for those who need extra love this Christmas. There are so many people who have not said "yes" to the Christ child yet.  They have no idea how amazingly different their lives could be. 

  I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!  Remember the most important word today is “yes”!  Say YES! to God’s perfect gift of love, His Son, Jesus. 

-Susan 

Do You Hear What I Hear?

  Christmas is nearly here.  Are you ready?  I was thinking about this the other day when my thoughts turned to Mary.  I wonder how Mary prepared for her Son's birthday every year?  Did she run around buying presents for everyone?  Did she look for matching Christmas pajamas for Joseph, Jesus, and herself? Most likely not.  
  I think Mary probably spent countless hours in prayer praising God for sending the Messiah.  I think that gazing upon the Son of God filled her completely with joy. I bet she wanted to spend the entire day just being near to Jesus.
  Perhaps should do our best to imitate Mary in this upcoming week.  We should just slow down and immerse ourselves in God's love.  Let us prepare to give Jesus the present He desires most-our hearts.  This week put down all your lists, and instead, just listen for the voice of Emmanuel.

-Susan

Checking it Twice

  Our journey towards Bethlehem continues.  We have listened for God's voice and heard His invitation to join Him.  What is your response? This week, examine the path you are on.  Is your path filled with moments that draw you closer to Jesus?  Do you desire to go all the way and gaze upon the face of Christ or are you satisfied with watching the events from miles away?  What is your true desire this Christmas? Do you long to embrace the Christ-child?  How close will the path you are on take you? 

-Susan

Blessed Are You among Women!

  Today we celebrate Mary! We celebrate how richly blessed she was by God.  She was spared the stain of original sin so that she may be the future mother of Jesus!  I think this is such a beautiful love story.  God so loved us and wished to save us from our sins, that He chose to bless Mary from the moment of her conception, and Mary chose to love God with all her heart, for all her life. Mary gives herself completely to God and Jesus gives His life completely for all of us.  The only part missing from this amazing love story is how much do we love God in return? Let's spend the day being an active part of this love story. Today let us celebrate our love for Mary! Today let us tell God we love Him too!

-Susan

Listen.....God Is Calling You

  The season of Advent is upon us. This year, take a moment to listen.  God is calling you.  He is calling you to leave the security of your home, the familiarity of your daily routine, and join Him on a journey to Bethlehem.  This week concentrate on listening. What does God's voice sound like? Whose voice does He use when you can't hear Him, or when your problems distract you from listening, or when we allow our busy schedules to take priority over prayerful moments?  Make a concentrated effort this week to let go of your usual routine and allow God to direct your thoughts and prayers.  Close your eyes and allow God to speak first.  Get caught up in the thrill of God being near to you. Let joy and love fill your heart as you follow His inspirations and take your first few steps toward Bethlehem.

-Susan