Jesus Is My King!

 

  I was never one of those girls who thought they were a princess.  I am more of the let's roll your sleeves up and get to work kind of a girl.  Most days, I feel like a servant caring for everyone else's needs.  It's not glamorous, but it is the place I am called to be.  It is where I find my heart.

 My heart belongs to a King who sees everything differently. He searches for the lost, blesses the meek, heals the brokenhearted, and opens eyes and ears to the truth.  This King demands mercy and forgiveness of all his followers. And He shows us what true love really is.

 My King is not a part of a fairy tale, but there will be a happily ever after for all who choose His Kingdom.  My King calls me, and He is calling you. Let us spend each day running full speed towards his Kingdom.  The good news is that he is looking for a princess. He wants servants!

-Susan

Conflict Resolution

 Conflict. We all experience it. Whether in our families, at work, our small communities, our own countries, or the world. Conflict is almost as old as peace, but there was peace first.  In the beginning, there was peace among all of God’s creatures. But one apple, one bite, one snake changed everything. 

 So, how do we restore that peace?  God still desires that we live in harmony.  The Ten Commandments could be viewed as an anti-conflict ten-step resolution program to live peacefully with one another.  There is a room in every Catholic Church where Jesus calls us to deeply consider embracing the program. He knows there will be setbacks, but He will give us the grace to succeed. 

 God has been dreaming of peace on this earth for a long time.  Let’s do our best to commit ourselves to this ten-step program and see if we can make God's dream a reality. Imagine being part of the team that makes God’s dream come true. Wouldn’t that be the best birthday present we could give the newborn King?  Advent is coming, are we ready to change?

-Susan

SPOILER ALERT: CHANGE IS COMING

 

 I love all the beautiful colors of Fall.  Fall is a season of change, with the days growing shorter, the weather turning cooler, and the trees becoming magnificent!  And it's no coincidence that Fall comes just before Advent.  It's as if the earth itself is preparing everyone for a season of transformation.

 In a few short weeks, Advent will begin, and the gospels will call us to prepare our hearts for Jesus. John the Baptist will ask us to make definite changes in our lives. John isn't interested in decorating, so our lives look good. John encourages us to become good. We must become God's holy people, prepared to encounter the Messiah.

 Change can be challenging. We need to take some quiet time to discuss this with Jesus. If we start this conversation now, we will have time to consider how we should adjust our lives. We also need to train our ears to hear Jesus' voice over the jingle bells of the season. 

 Change isn't a passing thought but a commitment that demands real effort.  It may not always be easy, but becoming the child of God you were created to be will be so beautiful!  Go ahead and prepare to become beautiful. Embrace this change.  It was who you were always meant to be.

-Susan

  

HELP WANTED

 

 George saw the Help Wanted sign in the window.  He wasn’t really familiar with this building. He looked at the company’s name above the window: United Savings.  George had never heard of the company, but he needed a job. George slowly opened the door and timidly looked around. He saw a causally dressed man standing behind a large reception desk.

  “ Can I help you?” The man asked pleasantly. 

  “I noticed the sign in the window and wondered what kind of help you were looking for?” George replied. 

  The man smiled, “We are very short-handed and can use all the help we can get.”

  “What are the qualifications for the job?” inquired George. 

  “Oh, don’t worry about that. You are definitely qualified.  Can you start right away?”

  “I guess, but what exactly would I be doing?” George inquired. 

  “Let’s begin here,” the man said, handing George a piece of paper with three names on it. 

  George read the names but was very confused. “What am I supposed to do with this?”

  “Start praying for them right away.” 

  “I don’t even know these people. What’s wrong with them?” George asked. 

  The man answered, “It doesn’t matter if you know them. Believe me, they really need your prayers.  They left this world yesterday, and no one is praying for them.”

  George was baffled. “They left this world? Are you saying they died?”

  “Yes, that is exactly what I meant.  Please, they are in the process of purification, and prayers help them immensely.”

  George scowled, “ I was looking for a real job. Something that would pay.”

  “Sir, believe me when I say this is one of the most valuable jobs you could perform.  The benefits are priceless!  These souls will be grateful to you for all eternity.   This will also add incredible value to your resume when you leave this world!  Please, we really need your help.”

  Just then, a mighty wind blew the door open. George turned to see what was happening.  It felt as if the wind blew right through him.   George looked at the list and suddenly had a desire to pray. George looked at the man and said, “I’ll get right on this. Does it matter where I pray or what prayer I say?”

  “You can pray wherever you like. Just invoke God’s mercy for these souls.”

  “I will!  And thank you for giving me a sign.“

-Susan

Happy All Saints Day!

 

 

 Being a part of our large, loving family is a blessing I cherish! We are fortunate that God's saintly children intercede for us and guide our lives. God's love surrounds us, not just in the inspiring people we meet on earth but also in the inspiring souls from all times and places! Today, let's revel in the joy of conversing and celebrating with our heavenly family. May their stories light our path to heaven and highlight the joy of being home with the Father.

-Susan