Join Me If You Dare

 

  It's hard to miss all the Halloween decorations around my neighborhood. Some people really go all out and transform their entire yards. It is definitely more interesting to go for a walk this time of year. I remember when my kids were younger, they would start talking about Halloween costumes in August. I'm not against Halloween. In fact, my older son makes sure our house screams Halloween come October 31st.  I think Halloween can be fun, but I wonder why people don't spend as much time and energy on the actual feast day--All Saints Day.

 I would love to be in a community where everyone decorated their house to reflect their favorite saint. Could you imagine how much we would all learn from each other? What if we took it a step farther by trying to outdo each other in holiness. What if the city sounded its sirens encouraging everyone to visit their favorite church to celebrate mass? What if All Saints Day wasn't overshadowed by Halloween?

  Perhaps these suggestions sound ridiculous, but I would love to live in that reality. This week I'm going to treat myself to unwrapping a sweet inspiring quote from some of my favorite saints. Dressing up as someone else for a day is fun, but really changing yourself to become a saint is the role of a lifetime. I'm gearing up for the big day. I invite all of you who are brave enough to join me!

-Susan

Planting Seeds

 

  As I mentioned earlier in the month, October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary. I would like to suggest thinking of the Rosary from a different point of view. Imagine that each bead of the Rosary represents a seed. While we pray the Rosary and meditate on the mysteries, Mary plants seeds of faith into our souls. These seeds will help us to love Jesus even more. These seeds will open our minds to contemplate the Incarnation, Transfiguration, Eucharist, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension, and Pentecost, to name just a few.

 From heaven, she nourishes these seeds until they blossom into a beautiful garden. If we are open to her graces, this garden will grow larger and larger, season after season, and the harvest will be great. Seeds of faith will grow into large mustard trees where others will find shelter. The fruits of this garden will be nourished by the Holy Spirit, Himself, and include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Jesus often took His disciples to pray in the garden of Gethsemane because that is where they opened their hearts to God the Father.

 I encourage all of you to plant the Rosary deep into your soul. Allow Mary to handpick the seeds that allow the Kingdom to flourish within you and touch all who are near.

-Susan

Who's In Charge?

 

   I was watching my granddaughters one afternoon.  We had been having fun and after lunch I announced, "Okay, you both need to be changed before we go outside."  

  The baby of course had no objections, but my older granddaughter said, "I don't want you to change me."

  "I know, but it's my job to take care of you.  I'll do your sister first and then you're next."  As I left the room my granddaughter said under her breath, "I thought I was in charge."

  As I walked away I couldn't help but laugh inwardly. "Did she really think she was in charge?"  As I thought about this again later another thought came to mind.  I wonder how many times I have said that to God?  How many times has a challenging situation come my way and I have complained, "I don't want things to change.  I like things just the way they are."

  Trusting my heavenly Father should be easy, right?  I know He wants the best for me.  I know His Plan is always good, but let's face it, I sometimes act like a little child and think I'm in charge and know what's best.  When I find myself winning a little too much in my prayer time, I am reminded of the verse from Isaiah 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.  As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways. and my thoughts above your thoughts."

  Perhaps this is the reason I laughed at my granddaughter.  I know all too well that I still have my moments when I act like a silly little girl.  I'm so grateful that my Heavenly Father still gathers me in His arms and whispers, "You can be more than you imagine."

-Susan

Rosary Meditation-Joyful Mysteries

  October 7th is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.  The Church dedicates the whole month of October to the Holy Rosary. There are so many wonderful ways to pray the Rosary.  I know I have my favorites, but I also like to change things up every once in awhile to keep things fresh. I would like to share this video on the Joyful Mysteries that I have created based on the Gospel of Luke. It brings me great joy to help others discover the beauty of the Rosary.  Together let's try to encourage everyone to follow the heart of Mary as she reveals the heart of her son.  The video can also be directly accessed from the side menu for easy access.

-Susan