I Love You , Holy Spirit!

 

  Today, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles! What an incredible moment that must have been. Even though it was extraordinary, I hope today isn't the only day you celebrate the Presence of the Holy Spirit. I often hear people say, "I forget to pray to the Holy Spirit, or I would rather just pray to Jesus." I love praying to Jesus, too, but let me share some thoughts on why you shouldn't forget about the Holy Spirit. He is much more than just a Pentecost or Confirmation idea. The Holy Spirit is not a separate entity from Jesus; rather, He is part of the Trinity, the three persons in one God. Each person of the Trinity —the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit —has a unique role in our lives.

  The Holy Spirit is God. He is the divine Presence within us. God is not out there somewhere; He is so close that He touches our thoughts, dwells in our hearts, and opens our eyes to all the glories of God and the needs of our neighbors. The Holy Spirit amplifies the Word of God so that our ears hear and our thoughts extend beyond ourselves. The Holy Spirit helps us contemplate God and teaches us how to love one another. More than that, the Holy Spirit assists us in becoming holy. He empowers us to overcome our weaknesses, grow in faith, and become more like Christ.

  We cannot see the Holy Spirit, but we feel Him moving within us. Similarly, we cannot see the Kingdom, yet it exists, and the Spirit calls us to live in this Kingdom and embrace the love that pours from its foundation. The Holy Spirit is the invisible movement of God within us. There is no one closer to us than the Holy Spirit. He hears our every sigh, encourages all our dreams, and strengthens us to carry our crosses. Pray that this powerful fire of God burns brightly within you and that the embers of His fire draw others close to experience His Love through you.

-Susan

  

Thank God!

 

  A few days ago, I turned on the morning news while drinking my coffee. After finishing my coffee, I went about my day, addressing various tasks. I had forgotten to shut the TV off, and I happened to walk into the room an hour or so later. A different talk show was on, and the guest was encouraging everyone to ask for signs from the universe to help manage their life. Signs from the universe, what is she talking about?

  I didn’t know if she thought stars and planets cared about her problems and could help her, or if she was just trying to discuss God without actually mentioning His name.  Either way, I was annoyed, so I shut the television off.   I wondered why it is so difficult for people to say, “I believe in God, the Creator? I believe that God cares deeply for me.  I pray to God because I know He is listening to me, and I am listening to Him as well." Our love for God should not be kept a secret. 

 This week, I would like us to all be bold. Each day, find a way to let others know how grateful you are for God’s love. Find ways to express gratitude or praise to God in your daily conversations with others. Don’t leave people wondering if God is essential to you; leave them knowing that God is everything to you!

-Susan

Moments With Mary

 

  I  often share my everyday moments of turning to Mary for help. I can't imagine my life without her by my side. I honestly think the world would be better if everyone entrusted themselves to Mary's care.  But today, I want to emphasize that our relationship with Mary is not one-sided. Just as she is there for us, we can also be there for her. 

 Every parent worries about their child.  I've taken my little worries and my big ones to Mary.  Wrapped up in my own distress, I have even mistakenly told Mary that she was so lucky to have the child Jesus. Instantly, I am reminded that my children are her children, and she has many more children to guide. Truly, Mary knows the pain of motherhood. 

 This week, let's come together in prayer. Ask Mary what troubles her heart, and if you could pray with her for that intention. Allow Mary to use our collective prayers for something beyond our reach or understanding. Place your hand in hers as she prays the Rosary. Let her know that at this moment, we are here for her, just as she has been for us. Together, let's help her guide someone else back to our Lord.  

-Susan

 

Moments With Mary

 

  I sat alone with the darkness all around me.  My thoughts weighed heavily on my mind and heart.  Too many questions with answers out of my control.  I couldn't fix this situation. These cards weren't dealt to me, but to someone else.  The results, however, would impact everyone.  

  All I could do was pray.  The waters of doubt and "what ifs" rose higher. I needed help. I turned towards the only window open to me. With my tear-stained eyes closed, I took in a deep breath of fresh air. A soft breeze touched my face as I exhaled.  I opened my eyes, and a small smile began to form. There in the moonlight was Mary.  Some would say she was just a statue, but my heart would never believe that. My mother is always there for me.  I felt her presence and her love.  I was not alone, and this darkness would not overcome me. 

  Together, we continued to pray. Our prayer ended with her loving arms embracing me as  I whispered, " Praise be to God! I  trust you, Lord. Amen."

-Susan

Moments Wth Mary And The New Pope!

 

  I, along with the rest of the world, am very excited to welcome Pope Leo XIV as the new successor of St. Peter!  I loved that the white smoke captivated the whole world, and everyone wondered who would be the next Pope for the Catholic Church. Our faith in the risen Christ is personal and intimate, and yet it is also universal.  Moments such as these allow us to experience and share our faith with others around the world. I had tears in my eyes standing less than a foot from my television and praying the Hail Mary with the new Pope and everyone worldwide! And even though I was not in St. Peter's Square, it was an incredible moment!

 This joyful moment of meeting our new Holy Father filled me with hope. I am eager to learn what our new Holy Father will teach us during this Jubilee Year of Hope and the personal insights he will share from his journey with Christ. Since Pope Leo XIV began his papacy by leading us in praying the Hail Mary, I believe he will lead us to Christ through Mary, which is my favorite path. I am excited for the journey ahead under his guidance.

 I would also like to take this moment to express my profound gratitude to God for the gift of Pope Francis. I will never forget his special Jubilee Year of Mercy and his tireless efforts to include everyone in Jesus' gospel of love.

 Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful moms out there, from all walks of life and corners of the world! I hope you all have a blessed day celebrating your earthly mother and our beautiful Mother in Heaven!

-Susan  

Moments With Mary

 

  Happy May, everyone! May is the month we turn our eyes toward our heavenly Mother, Mary. Mary is so important in my life that I sometimes forget that many do not have a close personal relationship with her and don't even realize how much sweeter life can be when you reach out to Mary asking for her guidance and intercession. Let's celebrate the joy of a personal connection with Mary this month and inspire others to draw near to her.

 Recently, my daughter shared an experience she had with a friend. During their conversation, the friend was trying to remember a word. He said, "You know those necklaces some people wear with the beads and the cross?"

 My daughter laughed.  "You mean a rosary?'  She stretched out her hands in both directions, exclaiming, "I could probably reach out and touch a rosary in whatever room I am in my house."  She spun around and spotted one of my rosaries on the table. "It's not a necklace; the Rosary is a prayer.  My Mom's favorite."

 I laughed when she told me this story.  I do have several rosaries in different rooms in my house.  I like to pray everywhere, so that makes sense to me.  I know  I can call  Mary day or night; she is by my side. Mary is never too busy for me, and I hope my days are never too busy for Mary.

 This month, I challenge you to make room for Mary. Remember, the Rosary isn't a necklace or a keepsake; it is a powerful prayer that calls the Mother of God to your side.  Enjoy talking and learning from her.  She has so much she wants to share with you.

-Susan

 

Yes I Trust You! Divine Mercy Sunday

 

  My daughter, do whatever is within your power to spread devotion to My mercy.  I will make up for what you lack.  Tell aching mankind to snuggle close to My merciful Heart, and I will fill it with peace.

Tell (all people), My daughter, that I am Love and Mercy itself.  When a soul approaches Me with trust, I fill it with such an abundance of graces that it cannot contain them within itself, but radiates them to other souls.  (Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul 1074).

  I love this passage from the diary! The invitation is so intimate. Jesus promises to fill us with peace if we snuggle up to His merciful heart. His love is not distant or generic, but intensely personal. Like John the Apostle, who leaned on Jesus during the Last Supper, Jesus extends the same invitation to us. You can only snuggle up to someone you truly know, trust, and love; this is the depth of intimacy Jesus desires with us. As we remain close to His heart,  our lives will be filled with peace.

 It's almost unfathomable that Jesus has to plead with us to trust Him. If we can't trust Jesus, who can we trust? The more we trust Jesus, the more grace He bestows upon us.  It's a situation where everyone wins. Jesus declared, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10). Jesus desires our happiness! And not just ours, but also that we share this Good News with everyone.  Our God is Love and Mercy! Never fear being too close to God; trust that no one will love you more.  The blood and water which pour from His pierced heart are meant to purify, heal, and save us! The 'Good' of Friday may be beyond our comprehension in this life. Yet, it will be joyously celebrated and understood as we journey with Jesus in Eternity.

 Today is Divine Mercy Sunday!  Let's exult in our merciful Lord and demonstrate to everyone what God's mercy truly looks like! It's a day of jubilation, a day to share the joy of God's mercy with the world!

-Susan

 

The Resurrection!

 

  The Resurrection.  Today, during the (Mass of the) Resurrection, I saw the Lord Jesus in the midst of a great light.  He approached me and said, "Peace be to you, My children", and He lifted up His hand and gave His blessing.  The wounds in His hands, feet, and side were indelible and shining.  When He looked at me with such kindness and love, my whole soul drowned itself in Him.  And He said to me, "You have taken a great part in My Passion; therefore, I now give you a great share in My joy and glory." The whole time, the Resurrection (Mass) seemed like only a minute to me.  A wondrous recollection filled my soul and lasted throughout the whole festal season.  The kindness of Jesus is so great that I cannot express it.  (Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul 205.)

  Happy Easter to you all! Indeed, the Lord has risen just as He promised. Death and sin can no longer hold us down. We will now rise and dwell for Eternity with Jesus, a promise that fills us with hope! As we praise Jesus with shouts of Alleluia, let our trust in Jesus guide our lives. Jesus can help us pray through difficulties, as He prayed in the garden. He will strengthen us as we carry our crosses and bless us with His peace and love.

 May the peace of the Lord fill you with great happiness today!  Our King is no stranger.  He stands before you today and speaks your name.  You are His delight!  Together, let us sing, "Allulia, He has risen!" And listen to each verse Jesus sings, "Follow Me. You can trust that I have prepared a place for you for all Eternity!"

-Susan  

Do You Trust Me (Good Friday)

 

“My heart is sorrowful,” Jesus said, “because even chosen souls do not understand the greatness of My Mercy.  Their relationship (with Me) is, in certain ways, imbued with mistrust.  Oh, how much that wounds My heart!  Remember My Passion, and if you do not believe My words, at least believe My wounds.”

(Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul 379.)

Let your love and trust grow stronger as you remember the Lord's Passion today.  There is no greater love than this:

    Jesus gave His life for YOU.

 

-Susan

Do Yu Trust Me (Holy Thursday)

The most solemn moment of my life is the moment when I receive Holy Communion.  I long for each Holy Communion, and for every Holy Communion, I give thanks to the Most Holy Trinity. (Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul 1804).

  On the night of the Last Supper, Jesus took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which will be given for you, do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:19). Jesus very specifically states who He is giving up His body for. He gave his life for YOU! Receiving Holy Communion is a very personal moment between you and Jesus.  It is a moment of pure love for Jesus. Is it a moment of pure love for you as well?

-Susan

Do You Trust Me/ (Week 6)

  For them (souls and poor sinners), I dwell in the Tabernacle as King of Mercy. I desire to bestow My graces upon souls but they do not want to accept them….My heart drinks only of the ingratitude and forgetfulness of souls living in the world.  They have time for everything, but they have no time to come to me for grace.  Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul (367)  

  

   Imagine if a favorite actor, sports star, or singer asked you to come to their house. Would you do it? Would you rearrange your schedule for them? Would you share your experience with others? Do you ever dream of being like them?

 Just as people eagerly welcomed Jesus on Palm Sunday, do we give Him the same attention the rest of the week?  After Sunday Mass, how much time do we spend with Jesus? He desires to be your closest friend. Does that thought excite you?  Do you rearrange your schedule to be with Him? 

 Jesus, the King of Heaven and Earth, is so good and loving that He patiently waits for us. He invites us to spend time with Him, but we often have too many other things going on.   What excuses have you given Him for not coming?  If you feel embarrassed about this, know that you're not alone.  Let's make a promise to make this week different. Let this week be the beginning of something new.

-Susan

   

Do You Trust Me? (Week 5)

  (Jesus told St. Faustina) "My heart overflows with great mercy for souls and especially for poor sinners.  If only they could understand that I am the best of Fathers to them and that the blood and water flowed from My heart as from a font overflowing with mercy."  Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul (367)              

 

 (This quote refers to the graces in the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Today, we will examine the first part of the quote and revisit it next week.)

 

  Ashamed and standing just outside the church doors with your head cast down, your heart whispers, "Father, forgive me, for I have sinned."  You hear the door open, and as you slowly look up, you notice Jesus standing at the entrance.  He takes your hand and gently guides you inside.  "Lord, my sins are so many." You then let out a very long sigh.

 Jesus continues to hold your hand and says. "They don't have to be a part of you anymore. Give them to Me."

 "I'm ashamed to say them out loud."

 Jesus places a hand on your chin and slowly raises your head so that your eyes meet His.  "Do you trust that all things are possible for Me?  Do you trust that I can heal with one word, with one touch?  There is no end to My Mercy.  I can wash away the ugliest of sins.  So tell Me what needs to be healed in your heart, and I will show you the fountain of mercy flowing from Mine."

 Slowly, you speak words unveiling dark secrets. You kneel before the Lord, exposed and vulnerable, afraid to meet His gaze again. But again, Jesus lifts your head and says, "Child, I absolve you of all your sins."  Then He wraps His arms around you and presses you close to His heart.  Mery and love flow through you. You feel beautiful, cleansed, and renewed. Instinctively, you realize this is how you were meant to be: a child whose heart contains God's love and mercy.

-Susan

  

  

Do You Trust Me (Week 4)

"Silence is a sword in the spiritual struggle...The silent soul is capable of attaining the greatest union with God.  It almost always lives under the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. God works in a silent soul without hindrance." 

(Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul 477).

How often have you had to say to someone, "If you would just stop talking for a minute, you would hear what I'm saying?"  I wonder how often God has said that to me. Adulthood demands that we spend our time productively and take pride in our multitasking ability. Sitting in silence can seem like a poor use of time. Silence, however, slices through the world's noise, creating a space for God to enter.

 Spiritual growth is not a journey we undertake alone. It is a response to contemplate and imitate God, who is the source of all growth. Silence, as a compelling, active encounter, can surpass any of our daily plans. Although God can multitask to a level we could never comprehend, He desires and concentrates on a single task for each of us. He desires us to become saints.

 Let's make this week truly productive by actively placing ourselves in God's presence. Breathe in His Spirit. Get to know the one true God. Hear His voice, listen to His thoughts, and rest in His love. 

-Susan 

 

Do You Trust Me? (Week 3)

 

"Oh, if souls would only be willing to listen, at least a little, to the voice of conscience and the voice--that's the inspiration of the Holy Spirit!  I say "at least a little" because once we open ourselves to the influence of the Holy Spirit, He himself will fulfill what is lacking in us." (Diary Divine Mercy in My Soul 162).

 Each day, I pray that the Holy Spirit inspires me and that I am faithful to His inspirations.  I need to pray for His strength and courage because, if I am honest, ignoring the inspirations of the Holy Spirit can be easier than acting on them. Often, my first reaction is that I'm not qualified to say or do that.  No one is going to listen to me. And while my small inner thoughts can justify remaining quiet, I'm unsure if the sigh that escapes my lips is mine or the Holy Spirit's.

 Trusting God is central to the message of Divine Mercy. It almost sounds absurd that, at times, I do not trust God and His plans. Paradoxically, I can easily acknowledge my weaknesses and inabilities and yet, in the next thought, convince myself that my thoughts are better. I can easily forget that my best friend, the Holy Spirit, has everyone's best interest in His heart.  The Holy Spirit inspires each of us so that we can inspire one another. The plan is actually quite incredible when everyone follows it.

 This week, let's be brave enough to ask the Holy Spirit to inspire us to do some small job for God. If the job makes us uncomfortable, let's remember to ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with whatever is lacking. 

  -Susan

Do You trust Me? Week 2

  This week, let's reflect on this powerful quote from the Diary of St. Faustina (Divine Mercy in My Soul): 'Nothing can compare with love. I see that the smallest things done by a soul that loves God sincerely have an enormous value in His Holy eyes' (340). This reminds us that even the smallest acts of love hold great significance to God.

  God's story with humankind is a beautiful love story. He repeatedly demonstrates His immense love for us, not just through grand miracles but also in the small, intimate moments He shares with each of us. These moments may be overlooked, but to God, they are precious and cherished.

  God created us out of love and wants us to love as He loves. This week, let's strive to love God in those quiet moments that only He will notice. Let's direct our attention to strangers and pray for them. They may never realize it, and they may never thank us for it, but let's do it because it brings joy to God. Remember, the world can be gradually transformed through one prayer, one smile, or one kind word.

  While we may not always be able to accomplish grand deeds, we can all do something small. Wouldn't it be wonderful to know that, at the end of the day, God is smiling at us and whispering, 'I love you too!' just before we drift off to sleep?

-Susan

  

Do You Trust Me?

 

  As we journey through this Lenten season, let's draw inspiration from the Diary of St. Faustina (Divine Mercy in My Soul)  Her intimate conversations unveil the depth of God's love and mercy for every soul. St. Faustina's revelations from Jesus remind us that many souls take His love for granted, causing Him pain. But Lent allows us to change and renew our relationship with God.

 I want to consider the first quote: "God usually chooses the weakest and simplest souls as tools for His great work" (464).

 God chose St. Faustina, the apostles, and He is choosing you. Listen carefully to the whispers He has planted in your heart.  His plan is perfect. What is God calling you to do? Do you know? Are you avoiding it?  Or have you never asked?  Like many of us, St. Faustina thought she was too simple of a soul to do great works. But we can always trust in God's Plan.  Let us begin Lent by asking God to increase our trust in Him. God is well aware of what we can do and is very aware of what He can do through us.  Placing our trust in God is a perfect place to begin.

-Susan

  

Keeping Balanced

 

   Today, I will share an embarrassing story that I'm sure many of you can relate to.  I want to start by saying, "I know I should not have done that."  Here goes.  My daughter and I were shopping at a large department store. We were going to check out the sales on the lower level.  The minute we got on the escalator, something caught my eye. I turned to my daughter while pointing and said, "Look, we have to go back up."  My daughter quickly turned around and easily went up the down escalator.  Unfortunately, I did not.  My shoe hit the edge of the moving stair, and my balance was completely thrown off. I tried to regain my balance, but I couldn't recover. I fell to my knees, praying that no one had seen that.

 My daughter quickly stepped back on the escalator to check on me. Once I confirmed that I was more humiliated than hurt, she said, "I don't mean to laugh, Mom, but you looked hilarious!" I cringed with embarrassment.

 Did I know better?  I sure did.  So, what possessed me to do it anyways?  It was something I had done plenty of times in the past, I didn't think it was a big deal. But the throbbing bump on my knee told a different story. This incident was a wake-up call, a reminder that even seemingly harmless actions can have consequences.

 Ash Wednesday is just a few days away.  Lent is the perfect time to look at what habits are throwing us off balance.  Bad habits usually start small and harmless, and we easily shrug them off as not a big deal. But little by little, a bad habit can tip the scale in the opposite direction, and suddenly, we have trouble juggling everything. Sometimes, it's our prayer life that ends up falling off. This Lent, let's use this time for self-reflection and address these habits before they disrupt our spiritual life.

 Before Ash Wednesday, take a look at your prayer life.  Have you let any new habits steal your time with God?  It can be embarrassing to admit what excuses we give for not praying. Lent is the perfect time to reach out and grab a hold of God's hand before you lose your balance and fall.

-Susan

New Release in Ten Days!

 

  Check out the new season of Lent 2025, which launches in ten days! Be sure not to miss it! There has been quite a bit of buzz about what to expect. The Creator says this season will definitely be different from last season and promises some big rewards to all participants. As in seasons past, this year will again be 40 days. However, everyone is expected to do a complete overhaul of past mistakes.  Everyone will get multiple passes to try again.

  The goal this season is not to let the enemy get between you and God's Will. The path will definitely have new and unseen challenges and surprises. And don't worry; some of the fan favorites will definitely be returning, but hopefully, they will do so with an added layer of zeal.  These favorites include Adoration, Reconciliation, Stations of the Cross, Rosaries, fasting, almsgiving, and service, to name just a few.

  For those who have not participated in the past, here are some insider tips for succeeding.  Call on the Holy Spirit to direct your steps, never miss an opportunity to receive Holy Communion, and praise God wherever you go!  Don't forget to use the intercessory prayers of Mary and all the saints.  They are the perfect go-to if you are confused.  Also, remember that calling on friends and family who are participating can help you stay strong.

  This season promises to be a real game-changer.  Many will obtain holiness.  You could be one of them!  But you can't do it watching someone else.  This new season is all about the decisions and opportunities you create.  Make Lent 2025 part of your legacy.

-Susan

Choose The Word

 

The other day, I had a song stuck in my head.  It certainly wasn't one of my favorite songs.  It was just one of those songs I had heard repeatedly on the radio.  I have no idea why this song came to mind. I couldn't get it out of my thoughts.  It was so annoying. But I can say the exact opposite has occurred as well.  In moments of pain, loss, fear, or frustration, words of scripture or songs from Mass have come to mind, bringing me comfort and hope.  The words we choose to listen to matter. 

 These days, it is more common to memorize memes or TikToks than it is to memorize scripture.  But I've found that memorizing scripture has helped me hear God's voice amidst all the noise. It's not about memorization but about internalizing the words and letting them guide your thoughts and actions. The more familiar I become with scripture, the easier it is for me to hear God.  Like an old friend, God can place an image, a verse, or a story in my mind when I am searching for answers or consolations.  These moments of truth speak volumes.  In just a few minutes, my dear friend reminds me of His unfailing love; sometimes, His thoughts help me grow beyond my pain.

 God has been speaking to us for thousands of years.  Open His Book, open your ears, and let Him breathe Life into your thoughts.  Both your mind and your soul will thank you for it!

-Susan

  

 

  

Rest With Me

 

    I was home most of the day with my cute little dog. He generally likes to follow me around, so I made a point of just sitting next to him. I brought my laptop and reading materials next to his favorite spot by the window.  Unfortunately, he kept running to the treat cupboard in the kitchen, begging for another treat. Exasperated, I looked at him and said, "Honey, I can't just give you treats all day.  Isn't it enough just to be with me?" Suddenly, I was struck with a thought.  I wondered if God has ever felt that way with me?

  I spend plenty of time praying, and I know there is nothing wrong with asking God to bless and strengthen me.  I am confident He wants me to pray for those He has put in my life.  But is it possible that some days my prayer life is too busy? Do I spend enough time just being near Him?

  This week, I'm going to rest my thoughts. I will match the sound of my breathing to His. I will close my eyes to this world so that I may see Him looking at me. I will hold His hand and whisper, "Lord, You know what is in my heart. Let me rest with You while You show me what's in Your heart."

  What a treat this time will be for me.

-Susan

Are You Coming?

 

  Danny was sitting on his couch in front of the TV when his phone rang.  "Danny, what are you doing?" asked Pete.

 "Nothing much,"' Danny replied.

 "Hey, I'm watching these races at the stadium. You have to come to check it out."

 Danny looked at his watch as if he had somewhere to be, but he knew he had no plans. "Hmmm, I guess I could meet you there."

 "Great!" Pete replied. "Text me when you get here.  I"'ll meet you at the front gate."  Thirty minutes later, Pete ushered his old friend inside the stadium.  "I've got great seats."

 Danny looked down on the track.  Danny saw the runners lining up, but it made no sense. No one looked athletic.  "What kind of a race is this? Is that toddler seriously going to race against those adults?  How old is that woman on the end?"

 "Just watch, trust me, you will love this," Pete answered.  Without any fanfare, the people began moving forward.

 Danny was perplexed.  "Pete, what are they doing.  I only see one person moving fast.  That teenager was in the lead, and now he's just standing there.  I think he even took a few steps backward. That bald guy is moving sideways, and that other woman barely moves. How is this a race?"

 Pete started laughing.  "Isn't this great?  I come here every week just to cheer people on."

 Danny noticed the fast guy was close to lapping everyone.  "So how many times do they go around?  Obviously, that guy is going to win."

 "Oh, I think they are all going to win.  It's not about crossing the finish line first. It's just about finishing the race."  Pete looked down at the racers and screamed, "Come on, keep going. You can do this!"

 "What are they even trying to do?" Danny asked.

 Pete smiled at his good friend.  "Danny, they are each trying to obtain holiness.  Their paths all look different, and sometimes obstacles come out of nowhere.  It's amazing to see how they handle them.  It's really inspiring.  In fact, that's why I invited you down here today.  I'm tired of being a spectator.  I want to enter the race. I want us to enter the race.  I think we could do it!"

 "What? I don't know how to be holy."

 "We could learn together.  There are a lot of good coaches and trainers down there.  You study the playbook, and then you run your own race. We could figure this out together.  What do you say?"  Pete stood up and started walking toward the field.  "Are you coming?"

 Danny's head was spinning.  "You really think I could become holy?'

 Pete modded. "I do."

 Danny had never thought much about becoming holy before, but now that Pete suggested it, he wondered if it was possible.  "People are going to help me?"

 "Yep.  But not just people.  The Holy Spirit is the main coach.  Once you say "Yes," The Holy Spirit knows how to inspire you.  You just have to train yourself to hear His voice and rely on His knowledge."

 "What if I fail?" Danny asked.

 "What if you don't?" Pete replied.  "We've got everything to gain.  Are you coming?"

 Danny took one uneasy step forward and said, "Ya, I'm coming!"

-Susan

 

 

Is The Static Getting To You?

 

  My daughter came in from outside, plopped down on the couch, saying. "Mom, there is something wrong with the radio in my car.  It's all static.  I don't know what to do.  I really don't need to deal with another problem right now."  

 My advice was not very helpful:  "You'll have to have someone look at it and determine whether it can be fixed or if you need to have it replaced."

 "Do you know how annoying it is to just hear static?"

 My daughter's question lingered with me for a while.  Sometimes, the world's noise can get to us, especially when praying.  How do we tune into God amidst all the distractions around us? Just like turning a radio to a specific frequency, tuning into God means focusing our thoughts and prayers on Him, blocking out the 'static' of the world. Some days, this can be a real struggle. If the station you're tuned into has static, don't be afraid to try a new channel.  You don't always have to listen to the 'Oldies' station. Discover a saint you are unfamiliar with and see what prayer they like singing.  Tune into a meditation. Psalm, or Christian artist.

 Sometimes, finding a quiet spot to be with God can be helpful.  Rest your head on His shoulder and say nothing at all.  Let His love permeate and rejuvenate you.  Don't let your relationship with God go static; allow it to be dynamic. Spending Eternity with God isn't just for the future.  Eternity can begin right here, right now.  We just need to tune into God.

-Susan

  

Getting To The Heart Of The Story

 

   

  Helen entered the kitchen as a loud discussion ended between her daughter and fourteen-year-old granddaughter. Her daughter, red in the face, exclaimed, "As long as you live in my house, you are going." She quickly brushed past Helen.  Fourteen-year-old Brooke defiantly sulked in her chair.  She barely noticed Helen sitting down at the table.

 "Brooke, could you pass the sugar my way?"  Without speaking or even looking, Brooke slid the sugar to her grandma.  Helen took a spoonful of sugar and stirred it in her coffee.  She looked at her granddaughter and then said, "You know, there was a time I didn't want to go to church either,"

 "Did your mom make you go, too?"

 "Yes, she did. I even told her I wouldn't go once I moved out."

 Surprised, Brooke turned toward her grandma and said, "What did she say to that?"

 "Nothing, but I saw her eyes fill up with tears.  I knew I had hurt her.  I felt bad. Then, about a week later, she told me this story.  She said her mother gave her a beautiful glass heart when she was young. Her mother said it was priceless because she had poured all her love into it. A few months later, my grandma died.  At first, my mother just placed the heart on a shelf, and from time to time, she looked at it and thought of her mother.

 Then, one day, my mother became very sick, and the doctors thought she would die.  She felt so lost that she picked up the heart from the shelf and placed it in her pocket.  It wasn't until she carried that heart with her every day that she began to feel the waves of love throughout her whole being.  That love strengthened her, guided her, and comforted her.  She began viewing her circumstances differently.  She viewed others differently.  She carried that heart with her all her days."

 "Did she die?" Brooke asked.

 "No.  To everyone's surprise, my mother got better. She always claimed that love healed her."

 "Her mother's love healed her?" Brooke asked.

 "No.  My mother said her whole life changed one day at Mass. After receiving Holy Communion, she realized that if she could feel her mother's love from this crystal heart in her pocket, how much more love could there be in the host she had just consumed. She told me before that day she had faith, but it was just something nice to look at occasionally.  It wasn't until she opened her heart to Jesus in the Eucharist that she started living her faith.  As I said, her whole life changed.  Love healed her."

 "Wow, that's quite a story, Grandma," Brooke said.

 "Yes.  After my mother told me this story, she slid that crystal heart over to me.  I had tears in my eyes this time as I placed it in my pocket. The next time I went to Mass, I asked Jesus to let me feel his love, too.  My whole life changed."  Helen reached into her pocket and slid the heart over to Brooke. "Brooke, Love can heal you, too. I would love it if this was your story, too."

 With tears in her eyes, Brooke placed the heart in her pocket.  She kissed her grandma on the forehead and said. "I'm going to go get ready for church, Grandma.  Tell Mom to wait for me."

-Susan

 

A Song of Inspiration!

  

 Recently, my daughter shared a cute story with me. She told me that my 3-year-old granddaughter had made up a song about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. "For about five minutes, she was just walking around singing this song she had made up. It was amazing!" I can't even begin to describe how happy this made me. My heart was filled with joy. At three years old, my granddaughter is already responding to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit!

  Moments like this reinforce the incredible graces we receive at our Baptism.  We should never underestimate the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit.  Although most of us celebrate the day of our birth, I wonder if we shouldn't also celebrate the day of our Baptism. We should all celebrate becoming children of God!  We should continue to remind ourselves how blessed we are and the extraordinary generosity of our loving Father. Is once a year often enough? Let's start today by raising a glass and shouting from the rooftops, "The Holy Spirit dwells in me! Alleluia!" And then allow the Holy Spirit to inspire you to sing of His greatness, filling your heart with joy and faith!

-Susan

A Sweet Epiphany

 

  I have a brown chest next to baby Jesus in his manger at Christmas.  Inside the chest is a bottle of frankincense, a bottle of myrrh, and a smaller chest with gold coins. Scripture tells us these gifts were brought by the Magi to baby Jesus. My grandkids love to open these chests and view the gifts.  My granddaughter likes to tell me that frankincense doesn't smell good.  The box of gold coins, however, fascinates them.  I have seen them run around the house with them several times, passing out the coins to each other.

 The day after Christmas, I found some gold coins left behind on a bookshelf.  I picked them up to put them back in the small chest.  When I opened the chest, I started to laugh.  Mixed in with the gold coins were M&Ms.  Apparently, my grandchildren had found my hidden stash!

 Traditionally, M&M's were not among the gifts given to baby Jesus (probably because they did not exist yet). But I wondered if this might be a new tradition for my family. The M&Ms could represent how sweet Jesus makes our lives. Jesus, our anointed, high priest King, is my sweet Savior! I felt blessed and overjoyed to have my grandchildren unveil this Epiphany to me!

-Susan

  

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

 

 

  Here is some sound advice as we begin the New Year.

"There are two things I want you to do-keep close to Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist and stay close to His Mother.  With those two loves, you will always have the light to see what is right and what is wrong."

-Mother Angelica