So Thankful to Be Blessed

    I am blessed.  Some days that is difficult for me to say, and some days it comes more easily.  Like most people, I have my ups and downs, and plenty of difficult moments. I am not blessed with an easy carefree life, instead I feel like most of my blessings come as gentle little raindrops refreshing me and calling me to draw closer to God. As I prepare for Thanksgiving I would like to thank God for all these little moments. 

       

So Thankful

Thank you God for putting so many smiles in my life  

which made me feel happy and loved.

Thank you for those moments you helped me to see things clearer

and for giving me people who help me see things differently.

Thank you God for bringing loved ones to my aid 

when I thought no one else was listening.

Thank you for all the outstretched hands

that generously helped me and made me stronger.

Thank you for all those moments you allowed me to feel

 Your peace amidst my inner storms.

Thank you for those moments when life excited me                   

and laughter flowed with family and friends.

Thank you for the changes that I expected,

and all the changes I resisted.

Thank you for Your gentle touch of healing,

and for quieting the screams inside my heart.

Thank you for dwelling within me-

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

I am so thankful.

I am blessed.

-Susan

The Present Moment

  This week I had the opportunity to venerate a relic of Blessed Solanus Casey at my church.  It's hard to believe that two years have already passed since I attended his beatification ceremony.  It's so easy to love Father Solanus. Some of his superiors may have thought him to be too simple at first, but in fact, he simply loved Jesus-- and it was his love that made him extraordinary.  Day after day he happily opened the door to Christ's heart to everyone he met.
  As I waited my turn in line, I prayerfully allowed my heart's intentions to ask Father Solanus for his prayers.  Was I hoping for a miracle? Yep.  I'm sure everyone else in line was as well.  I know that God is a God of miracles.  I know that God loves and cares for each one of us. So why not me?
  Not only does God have extraordinary love for each of us, He wants what is best for our soul. It is hard to understand how our crosses lead us closer to God.  Crosses are painful. It is difficult to appreciate spiritual growth when we are exhausted physically and emotionally, or when we have to watch loved ones suffer.   I stood in line I hoping for healing, but more importantly, I stood trusting that God's plan for me is better than anything I could hope for. Regardless if my prayers are answered the way I hoped they would be, I really enjoyed spending time with Father Solanus. As I knelt down in front of his relic, I sensed a door opening for me. Father Solanus opened the door to Christ's heart and I was happy to enjoy being totally present in that moment.

-Susan

A Touch Of Goodness

  Sometimes when I listen to the news, I have to change the channel.  The violence and unhappiness in our world is so discouraging. At times it makes me wonder, "Is there any good out there."  Of course there is. God is good and His goodness dwells in each of us.   
  Today I’m going to ask you to find some quiet time and join me in prayer.   Close your eyes and pray, "The living God, lives in me. His goodness is overflowing." Pray it several times and allow yourself to get excited about God. What does God feel like to you?  What does He sound like?
 If God is good and He dwells within you, you have an opportunity to share His goodness with others. Let God's goodness overflow in you and touch others.  Let’s make today a viol-less day.  God is more than good enough for me, is He good enough for you?

-Susan

A Letter to My Daughter on Her Confirmation Day

But What If.....

  How many of us have bought a product that promised to stop the effects of aging?  Of course, none of us can escape aging, we will all eventually wrinkle, go gray, move slower, and struggle with vision and memory.  We know that.  But what if ....there was a secret to slow down the process.  There are definitely some people who seem to age better than others.  If we didn't at least try, we might miss the opportunity that could really improve our lifestyles.  What if that product worked for us?
  I imagine millions of dollars are spent every year chasing that dream.  But what if. . . there was a better dream to chase.  What if you embraced the Truth? What if you could find a way to stop the effects of sin in your life?  What if you could discover the path that led to eternity?  Would that be worth pursuing?  It is easy to believe the promises of advertisers, but what about the promises and suggestions of the saints?  Why is it easier to believe we can beat the effects of aging, rather than believe we have the power within us to become saints?
  Today is All Saints Day.  Let's not just admire those who lived faithful lives even through difficult circumstances.  Let's ask them for their advice. Let's not be content with having mediocre faith lives, let's aim for something extraordinary.  What if we seriously took their advice and it worked!  What if the Lord has been waiting for us to jump at this opportunity? Shouldn't we at least try? 

-Susan