My King

 

  I remember traveling in Germany down the romantic road. It is a road scattered with castles and picturesque Bavarian towns. It was fun to imagine what life would be like inside the castle walls. Where did the king and queen spend most of their time? I wondered if the fortress-like walls around the kingdom made the people feel safe or trapped.

 I have only met one King in my lifetime. He is the King of heaven and earth. He is my Savior. He is Jesus the Nazarene. He rules without any walls, inviting all to His Kingdom. I may visit Him any day my heart desires. I know where He lives and dines, for I hear His voice calling me to the supper of the Lamb. 

 I know I am unworthy to draw so close to my King, yet He embraces me, cleansing my heart to receive Him. I bow before my good and loving King as He bestows graces upon me that I do not deserve but so desperately need. I am free to love him or leave Him, which seems absurd. This all-knowing, all-loving King is preparing a place for me. A place more magnificent than I could ever imagine, and all I need to do is love Him. Honestly, why would loving Him even be hard?

-Susan

The Spirit of Thanksgiving

 

  This week, we celebrate Thanksgiving! I like the simplicity of Thanksgiving. We gather with family and friends and thank God for the blessings in our lives. We don't have to buy any gifts. No oversized cartoon turkey is sneaking into the house and leaving presents. There is just looking at your life and telling God thank you. Sure, the world tried to turn Thanksgiving into the hurry-up and end holiday so we can get to a Black Friday sale. And that was almost successful until the world discovered Black Friday sales could start in July. Fortunately, Thanksgiving was saved.

 The spirit of Thanksgiving speaks to our childhood trust in God. Many of us go around the table counting our blessings like a seven-year-old child. No one questions if we deserve these blessings. We believe that God loves us and is active in our lives. I wished we had that type of clarity at every meal. No matter how many bad days we may have had in the past year, we can still see how much God loves us.

 Jesus, I trust that you will continue to walk with me each day. Continue to bless me even when I am oblivious to Your actions. I may not be good at noticing the day-to-day stuff, but each year, I realize You are faithful and good to me, and I am truly thankful.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

-Susan

One-On-One

  My two-year-old granddaughter was spending the day with me. Shortly after lunch, she fell asleep. When she woke up from her short nap, she was surprised that the neighbor across the street had put up three pretty Christmas trees. Her eyes got wide as she exclaimed, "Christmas trees! We have to put up our Christmas decorations!" 

 I looked at the pumpkins on my porch and said, "I'm not ready for that yet. I've got some cleaning up to do first."

 Before you pull out the Christmas decorations this year, mark a special day on your calendar. Concentrate on your soul first. Plan for a Jesus and me day. Pick a day to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation before your calendar gets too full. Let's face it: you could use more one-on-one time with Jesus. He's ready and waiting for you. Open the Reconciliation door and feel His embrace. Stay close to Christ! It's the best way to start the season.

-Susan

  

Last Moments

 

 Just before the end of their days, the leaves burst into brilliant colors. After revealing their inner beauty, they fall gracefully to the ground. The tree silently waits for a new beginning.

 In our last moments, will we experience a burst of color as we reveal our inner beauty to the Creator? No longer green, our growing season as a disciple of Christ has ended. Our roots and family branches wait to be buried in the earth’s soil as our soul is exposed before our God. Will our true colors be that of faithfulness and love?

  Let us pray that God’s mercy allows us to be purified for The Kingdom in that moment. Let us also pray for those in the process of purification. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen. 

-Susan

Strive For Holiness

 

 Today is All Saints Day! It is a beautiful feast day where we celebrate with all those people who led lives dedicated to God. Their life stories are incredible. If you are looking for a good read whose main character is a compassionate, courageous, selfless, evil-fighting warrior, open a book on any one of the saints and be amazed. 

 Although we are all called to be saints, I wonder how many of us actually think it’s obtainable? Is it like the lottery? I could do so many good things if I won, but the odds are against me. I’m not even going to buy a ticket. But I’m here to tell you that you should do everything possible to strive for holiness and sainthood. 

 First, the odds are entirely in your favor because God wants you to become a saint. He desires that so much that He is willing to shower you with graces upon graces to make it happen. Day or night, God is there for you. He gives His own body to strengthen us. We have His playbook that has thousands of His own personal thoughts and helpful hints. And He gave us each other. We can help each other to become saints! Come on, people, let’s do this! Set your sights higher than the lottery. Everyone call upon your favorite saint, and let’s join them in doing so many good things!

 -Susan