Sunny Days Ahead

 

Faith is like a bright ray of sunlight.  
It enables us to see God in all things
as well as all things in God.
St. Frances de Sales

  August has been an unusual month this year for my corner of the world. It is typically hot and sunny, but lately, the sun can barely be seen through the thick blanket of dreary water-laden clouds. Today, however, the sun broke through, and it was terrific. I love summer and the feel of the sun on my skin. When the sun is out, the flowers are more vibrant, the grass is greener, and the blue skies heighten my mood. Life is just all around better when the sun is shining.

 This is how I feel about the Mass as well. After praising God, the rest of the world looks brighter, and my soul is elevated higher than I deserve. It is beyond amazing! I couldn't imagine life without the Mass.

 Can people actually live without going to Mass? Well, truth be told, I know many who do not. It makes me sad. So today, I want to invite everyone who has taken some time off from going to Church to come back! You have been missed, and the Church isn't the same without you. I want to take this opportunity to tell you that you are loved and needed. It's been a little cloudy without you, but I know the Son has glorious plans for us!

-Susan

  

Mary’s Day!

 

 What a glorious day to honor our Lady! Although the Gospels only record a few moments in Mary's life, each moment spoke volumes of her love for God and her desire to always do God's Will. Imagine what the world would be like if we woke up every morning and said, "I am the handmaiden of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your Word." 

 Sometimes I think about the people who were considered to be holy during Mary's life on Earth. Jesus made a point to correct what holiness truly is. Many Pharisees appeared holy, but their hearts were far from God. Mary humbled herself and magnified God. Jesus said whoever humbles himself will be exulted. Today we celebrate this truth as Mary is assumed body and soul into heaven. I hope our celebrations here on Earth match the heavenly celebrations of a heart so pure. Let us echo St. Elizabeth's words, "Blessed are you who believe that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled!"

-Susan

The Good Shepherd

 I was lost in my own thoughts and my own problems. I wandered a little too far away.  I turned around, and I didn't know where I was. My anxiety tried to dictate my thoughts. I was scared. It took only three little words to turn everything around.  I whispered, "Jesus, I trust in you." Within seconds, my heart opened my eyes and ears.

  "There you are. I was worried about you.  Are you ready to come back home?" Jesus bent down and picked me up. He brushed away my anxious thoughts and just held me in His arms.

  I took slow, deliberate breaths in and out, trying to inhale His love. Peace pushed away my heavy thoughts as I rested my head on His heart.  I was all HIs.  He left the ninety-nine others to find me.

 "I love you, Jesus.  Thank you for caring so much about me. I thought I was lost."

  "My little one, you have no idea how much I love you. Trust me, I will always be here for you."

-Susan

The Fragrance of Love

 

 

  I visited this beautiful lavender farm while on vacation.  I love the smell of lavender, and its promises to bring a night of relaxation and restful sleep. Unfortunately, this technique isn't always successful. The day's stress cannot always be rubbed away with a fragrant lotion. True peace has only one source--God's love.

  God's love can heal my heart when broken and calm my racing thoughts.  The balm of God's love releases my angry thoughts.  It encourages me to breathe hope into my future.  God's love softly touches my face and tells me, "Don't worry, dear child, we will face this together,"

  The peace of Christ can be found in a pew, a field, on a mountaintop, in your own home, in a smile, or in an outstretched hand. Christ's peaceful love is yours for the asking. Just open the door to your heart and say, "Lord, you are welcome here.  Please come in.  I want you in my life,"

-Susan