It's Definitely Possible

 

  I've been planning an upcoming summer vacation in the mountains. I always check out the local Catholic churches and their Masses ahead of time.  I was shocked to discover that the churches were not that close and that there was only one Mass time.  It made me realize how fortunate I am.  In my hometown, I have at least seven churches within fifteen minutes of me, each offering multiple Masses. The Church may be flourishing where I live, but there is still much work to be done.

  As we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, my thoughts turn to the apostles' faith. They were given a task that seemed almost impossible — to share the Gospel throughout the world. Without the help of the Holy Spirit, this task would have been impossible, but the gift of the Holy Spirit opens the heart to God in ways beyond our comprehension.  Everything is possible!

  Let's all continue spreading the Gospel. The Holy Spirit is as strong today as He was for the apostles. Let's spend the next week in prayer with Mary.  Let's pray that God opens our eyes to see who else needs to hear the Good News.  It's possible you may not even have to venture more than fifteen minutes from your home. You can do this! The Holy Spirit dwells in you.  Your faith can move mountains and people, too!

-Susan

Love You Mom!

 

  Today we celebrate Mother's Day! I have two mothers in heaven-my earthly mother and my heavenly mother. My heart goes out to both of them today, for they have significantly shaped me into the person I am. Today is a day to give our mothers cards, flowers, or special little gifts.  They, of course, will be thoughtful and appreciated, but I would like to suggest another incredible gift. Either begin or renew your devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

  This devotion spans the centuries, but was significantly highlighted at Fatima in 1917. It was initially one of the three secrets given to the children at Fatima.  During an apparition in 1925, Sister Lucia was permitted to reveal the secret.  Jesus desired a devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It was Mary's heart that nourished Him in the womb, Mary's heart that raised Him on earth, and Mary's heart that suffered as He hung on the cross. And now it pleases Jesus to allow many souls to be saved and for peace to come to the world through loving the Immaculate Heart of His mother.

  This Mother's Day, let's make Jesus happy.  Let's give Mary our hearts.  Let our prayers through the Rosary join hers, for faithfulness to God and for peace in the world. If you are looking for the perfect thoughtful gift that could change the world and make heaven sing, this is it! I may never do anything significant in the eyes of men in my lifetime, but I hope that at the end of my life, there will be a tombstone with a rosary on it that reads, "She helped change the world by giving Jesus and Mary her heart."

-Susan

May is for Mary!

 

  Celebrating Mary in May makes me so happy!  You may be wondering, "Why do we honor Mary throughout the entire month of May?" My response is, "One month isn't long enough! Let's keep it going until the end of October!"  I don't know how I would get through life without Mary. She is the calm in my storms, the compass when I am lost, the hand that pulls me forward, and the mother who loves me more than I deserve. I have consecrated myself to Mary, and I strongly encourage everyone to do the same.

  Mary loves God and His Will perfectly. Mary's life on earth, and now in heaven, is devoted to serving God and loving the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Whatever love we give to Mary, she gives it to God.  She makes a constant gift of herself to God. Mary takes the love we offer to God, purifies it, and combines it with her own love, so that our gift of love to God is greater than we could offer on our own.

  "My soul does magnify the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior." Mary helps us to recognize God's goodness in our lives.  She highlights His Mercy, His love, and His forgiveness.  We often underestimate God's love, and we are so fortunate to have Mary, who highlights God's generosity. Mary's clear focus on God helps us to become more faithful by placing God at the forefront of our lives and allowing distractions to fade away.

  Commit yourselves to Mary this month and all the days to follow. You will discover that the closer you grow to Mary, the closer you come to God! God certainly arranges everything perfectly, doesn't He? I am amazed by all the gifts He has given us, especially the gift of His own mother!

-Susan