You Are Known By Your Fruit

His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with hole s in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college.

He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.

Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not
sure how to go about it.

One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill
starts down the aisle looking for a seat.

The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.

Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.

By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.

About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill.

Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this
boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.

How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?

It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy.

The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.

And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.

Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says,

'What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget.'

'Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!'

 

I received this in my email today and wanted to share it with you. I pray for a servant's heart to reach out as this elderly man did to this young man.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) ²¹ For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Kids Say the Darndest Things

A fourth grade teacher gave her students a fun assignment. The students were to provide original endings to some famous sayings.Here are some examples of what the students submitted.

- The grass is always greener when you leave the sprinkler on.

- A rolling stone plays the guitar.

- The grass is always greener when you remember to water it.

- A bird in the hand is a real mess.

- No news is no newspaper.

- It's better to light one candle than to waste electricity.

- It's always darkest just before I open my eyes.

- You have nothing to fear but homework.

- If you can't stand the heat, don't start the fireplace.

- If you can't stand the heat, go swimming.

- Never put off 'til tomorrow what you should have done yesterday.

- A penny saved is nothing in the real world.

- The squeaking wheel gets annoying.

- We have nothing to fear but our principal.

- To err is human. To eat a muskrat is not.

- I think, therefore I get a headache.

- Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry, and someone yells, "Shut up!"

- Better to light a candle than to light an explosive.

- It's always darkest before 9:30 p.m.

- Early to bed and early to rise is first in the bathroom.

- A journey of a thousand miles begins with a blister.

- There is nothing new under the bed.

- The grass is always greener when you put manure on it.

- Don't count your chickens -- it takes too long.

 Has one of your children said something funny you'd like to share? I'd love to hear it.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 19:14 (NKJV) But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

He's Alive - Hallelujah

Praise His glorious name. He IS alive!


Happy Resurrection Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 28:20 (NKJV) teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Easter, It's Not About the Bunnies

By Fr. James Martin S.J.

It’s not about bunnies. It’s not about coloring eggs. It’s not about chocolate. It’s not about flowers. It’s not even about spring or signs of “new life” in nature after a long winter. So what is Easter about?
It’s about something almost terrifyingly serious: Jesus rose from the dead.

That’s one reason why Easter hasn’t been completely subsumed by the consumer culture. (Though department stores and cheesy movies like “Hop” try their best to do so.) Christmas, which can be cast as the cozy story of Mary and Joseph and their little baby Jesus surrounded by cuddly animals in a manger, is easily domesticated. Easily tamed. More easily sold to the masses.

Easter, on the other hand, is untameable. The man whose followers imagined him to be the Messiah, the one who would forcefully, even violently, deliver them from the hands of their oppressors (For isn’t that what the Baptist said?) was tried, beaten and executed like a common thug. What’s more, after the crucifixion the Gospels portray the disciples not as stalwart stewards of their master’s legacy, but as abject cowards, cowering behind locked doors for fear of someone trying to arrest them.

Then on Easter Sunday everything changes. It changes so much that it’s hard for them to take it in. In one of his first of Jesus’s many “appearances,” one of the women doesn’t even recognize him. Several disciples refuse to believe the story—one until he actually touches the man. But Christians believe, and I believe, that it’s true: Christ has risen from the dead.

Sounds strange said so bluntly, doesn’t it? But the resurrection is the heart of the Christian message. If you don’t believe it, then you’re not Christian. Not really, as St. Paul would say elsewhere: “If Christ is not raised, your faith is in vain.”

About that new life: it is in fact “new.” Christ is not simply “resuscitated,” that is, brought back from the dead with the understanding that he’ll die some time in the future. No, he lives “forever and ever,” as the Bible (and Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus) say. It’s a completely new kind of life. And a completely new kind of reality.

That may be one reason why the Gospel accounts of Jesus’s appearances after his resurrection are so confusing. As I said, in one passage he is mistaken for the gardener. But for the disciples he was the most important man in their lives: How could they not recognize him? In another account, he seems like a ghost—for he seems to pass through doors and suddenly appears before the disciples. And in another passage he is clearly physical. “Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones,” Jesus says in the Gospel of Luke. What’s going on?

To my mind, the confusing accounts point out impossibility of describing what the disciples were seeing. What was it like? Well, he was like a ghost…but not really. He was flesh and blood…but something else. No one had ever seen anything remotely like this; no words could encompass the reality of what theologians call the “glorified body.”

So everything changes on Easter. And what Jesus said during his earthly ministry (love one another, pray for your enemies, give to the poor) now takes on added meaning for the disciples.

Easter is not about bunnies or chocolate or eggs. It is an event that makes a claim on you. Either you believe that Jesus did not rise from the dead (or his body was stolen, or the Gospels are made up, or the disciples simply “remembered” him and passed on his message). Or you believe he was raised from the dead. In which case everything changes for you, too.

James Martin, SJ, is a Jesuit priest, culture editor of America, and author of the bestsellers The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and My Life with the Saints .

May your Easter be filled with the hope of His resurrection.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Lent

Do you celebrate Lent? I'd love to hear your take on this special season. During my growing up years, there was not a focus on Lent. Easter? Yes. Lent? No. Yet, the final days that Jesus walked this earth were filled with ministry, healing, prayer, preparation, and suffering. I have given up small things and, what I consider, big things.

Last year I wrote a post on 101 Things to do for Lent (Not just for Catholics). Perhaps there is something in that list that will peak your interest.

This year, I am doing two different things. The first is giving something up. Making a sacrifice. I want it to be intentional that each and every day during this Lenten season I am reminded of the sacrifice Christ made for me. The second action I am taking is to be a better steward. With my clothes. What??? Really? Let me explain.

I first ran across the idea from Sarah @ Life in the Parsonage. She took up a 30 for 30 challenge. Sarah got the idea from Kendi Everyday who is a master at this. The challenge is basically select 30 items of clothing from your wardrobe and only wear those items for 30 days. Tops, skirts, slacks, dresses, and shoes. I don't know about you, but I get into a rut with my clothes. So I go buy something. Not that I really need anything. I have plenty of clothes. Buying something new is just easier sometimes than trying to figure out what to wear.

So, since Lent is 40 days. I'm going to do 40 for 40. Select 40 items from my current wardrobe and only wear those items for the next 40 days. No buying any item of clothing.

Sound easy? I'm thinking, ummm, no. But I'm up for the challenge. I want to be a better steward and getting a handle on my clothing will ultimately curb my spending. Which in turn, will result in wiser purchases. Better stewardship. Yes?

The Lenten season starts tomorrow, Wednesday, March 9. I'd love to hear how you will be observing it this year. Thank you for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV) ³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - The Age of Miracles

Some people say we are past the age of miracles. Others say we are in the age of miracles. I say, both groups are incorrect. We have a God of miracles today, This Day! In the past 20 days, I have watched a miracle unfold right before my eyes. A miracle of healing. A miracle of strength. A miracle of compassion. A miracle of love. Stop by and see the progress, the miracle, of God's mercy that has happened in the last 20 days for Joanne, this child of the King.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

Welcome 2011!

Many people resolve to do many things as the date turns from one year to another. I saw, what stops a person from making a change today, This Day? No matter what that day happens to be. March 2 or June 14 or September 22. Is one day any better than another to make changes?

This year, 2011, I resolve that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, regardless of the cost to me and without any consideration of the time involved. I resolve to do whatever I think to be my duty for the good of mankind in general regardless of the difficulties I meet.

WOW. That seems like quite a tall order. Don't you think? But really. It think it boils down to bring glory and honor to God through my words and my actions. I want to see people and their needs through the eyes of Jesus and help meet that need whenever possible. Whether it is a kind word or small act of help. Baking a meal for someone who is home bound. Reading a passage to an elderly person who has difficulty seeing. Visiting your new neighbor with a plate of cookies and a warm smile.


Lord, open my eyes to see the need and give me the tools to meet that need. In Jesus name. May your days in 2011 be blessed with opportunities to help others see the love of Jesus.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV) ¹⁸ “ Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. ¹⁹ Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

Mamma in her Kerchief and I in my HodgePodge

Had just settled our brains for a long week's break. Well, the break actually comes next week as Joyce, our lovely host, will be traveling. Lucky girl. She sure travels a lot. I'd love to be her travel buddy. lol. Anywhoo, back to the Hodgepodge for this week. The last one of 2010.

1. Share your Christmas Eve traditions. We don't really have traditions for Christmas Eve. Our activities for that day always depend on the hubs work schedule. This year he happens to be off for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Wooohoooo. We'll be making up our own traditions this year.

2. What was the best book you read in 2010? (we're not going to include The Bible here) Honestly, I did very little recreational reading in 2010. Something that will be different in 2011.

3. Do you have pets and if so do you allow them on the furniture? We do not have any pets. Getting one is still being debated. I'll let you know.

4. What event from 2010 are you most thankful for? Graduating! Are you tired of hearing that yet? Sorry if you are. I still think it's a big stinkin deal.

5. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before. Loaded up my Harley and went on a road trip with my pal, Jessica.

6. Brussel sprouts...friend or foe? I love Brussel sprouts. In fact, we are having them as one of the veggies for our Christmas Day dinner.

7. Who would you nominate for man/woman of the year? My wonderful husband. He puts up with all my shenanigans and travel adventures. 

8. Insert your own random thought here. Today is my last day of work for 2010. I'm off for 12 days and looking forward to spending some relaxing time at home. Hey. Maybe I'll even get started on the reading list. I'm definitely going to be trying some new recipes so watch for those.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Do you have Christmas Eve traditions. Please leave me a comment or hop on over to Joyce's at From This Side of the Pond and link up.

 

Like other bloggers, I'll be taking a break for a few days. Please join me in celebrating the birth of Jesus. The Gift and the Giver. Have a very, Merry Christmas.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Luke 2:8-11 (NKJV) ⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

The Parson Brown HodgePodge

Who? Parson Brown. You know the guy....."in the meadow we can build a snowman, and pretend that he is Parson Brown...." That's the theme for this week's HodgePodge with Joyce From This Side of the Pond. Winter Wonderland:

1. Have you ever been on a real sleigh ride? How about the warm weather version - a carriage ride? Yes and Yes. ahaha. Surprised? Probably not. When I was in high school, my family and I traveled to Colorado for Christmas. A real sleigh ride was on the agenda. I still remember the feel of the cold air, the jingle of the bells on the horse's harness, the runners on the sleigh, the wonder of moving through the mountains in the sleigh. It was definitely magical.

2. What's your policy on 'chain mail'...you know, the emails you receive that are often some sort of poem/blessing/good wish that ask you to send it on to 10 or 12 friends? Do you delete without opening, read and trash, read and trash and then worry you won't be blessed/lucky/protected? Do you delete the sender from your contacts or just go ahead and send the love onward? I sometimes read them and delete them. I rarely forward them on.

3. Who is your favorite character in any of the Christmas movies and why? It's just to difficult to pick one. There are so many Christmas movies I watch over and over.....year after year. It's a Wonderful Life, Rudolph, Miracle on 34th Street, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Prancer, The Santa Clause series with Tim Allen. But I'd have to choose Linus when he gets on stage and tells what Christmas is all about. 

4. Share a favorite quote. You know I can't pick just one. ahahaha

Four things you can't recover:
The stone.....after the throw.
The word.........after it's said.
The occasion....after it's missed.
The time.........after it's gone.

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, WOO HOO what a ride!

If you don't want anyone to know, don't do it. Chinese Proverb

Always put off until tomorrow what you shouldn't do at all. --Morris Mandel

A word to the wise does no good. It's the stupid people out there that need the help.- Bill Cosby 

5. What's your favorite holiday scent? Any cookie baking in the kitchen or apple spice scent.

6. Does the Christmas season stress you out? In what way? Sometimes. If I try to get too much done in a short amount of time. When that happens I take a step back, breathe deeply, and have a glass of wine. :)

7. What's the best thing about your life right now? That I'm approaching the five year mark of being cancer free. Yesterday's headline of Mrs. Edwards passing is one of those reminders to me that "but by the grace of God, there go I."

8. Insert your own random thought here. This is the time of year I would rather be home nesting, baking, entertaining, celebrating family, friends, and the birth of our Savior.

If you'd like to join in with your own hodgepodge, hop on over to see Joyce. She's got the lowdown. Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting today. 

Peace and Joy,

Susan

John 14:6 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Second Advent Sunday

Today, the Second Sunday of Advent, we light the second candle in our Advent Wreath symbolizing our eager anticipation for Christ’s coming into our lives. Christ is the light of the world and He lightens our path so that we may walk in the path of righteousness and peace. The candle too symbolizes watchfulness – an attitude all Christians must possess.
This Advent Season is indeed an opportune time for us to be reminded of the reality that Christ will come again and that He will judge us at the appointed time. However, fear must not rule our minds and hearts as we await His coming. We must look forward to His coming with joyful and renewed hearts. The readings today tell us how all of us can prepare joyfully and with hearts renewed.

In our First Reading, Isaiah the prophet tells us that the One who is to come is a great leader of God’s people. He is of royal descent and One who possesses the Spirit of God. He is coming to the world to fulfill a great mission: To bring justice to the poor, to punish the wicked, and to establish security (cf. Isaiah 11:1-10). The Second Reading, taken from the letter of the apostle Paul to the Romans (15:4-9) reminds us that as followers of Jesus the Christ, we must live in unity and harmony. Paul reminds the Church in Rome and all of us today that we should look up to Jesus as our model of one who desires unity and inclusivity. In the Gospel, Matthew narrates Jesus’ call to repentance: The “Kingdom of God is at hand! Repent!” Repentance means doing what is right and good and shunning what is evil.

In this holy season of Advent, the Church tells us that we must prepare for the coming of Christ because His coming will bring justice, love, and peace. The best way to prepare for His coming is to individually and collectively repent and resolve to always do the will of God for us. Sin causes disunity. Repentance heals relationships.

May the second candle of Advent that we light today be a reminder of our Christian duty to prepare for the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Philippians 1:9 (NKJV) And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,

Enough is Enough

That's right. I've had enough of Thanksgiving. Fall. Harvest. blah. blah. blah. It's time to bring on Christmas. New background. New posts. New music. Starting with this:



The house is decorated. The tree is up and partially decorated. Christmas music resounds throughout the house. Please join me in celebrating the reason for the season. The birth of Jesus.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Colossians 3:16 (NKJV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

TSMSS - The Grace of Jesus

It's been quite some time since I last participated in Then Sings My Soul Saturday with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders. I first learned about TSMSS from my sweet blog friend Debbie at Heart Choices. If you haven't met Debbie, be sure to hop over and give her a cheery "Hello."


Point of Grace is an outstanding trio whose heart towards God is reflected in their songs. This song is no different. I've listened to it a few times on the radio. It tugs at my heart each time. Because there absolutely is nothing greater than the grace of Jesus!



Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Whether you'd like to join in with your own TSMSS tune or discover other uplifting songs, please visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.



Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 1:16 (NIV) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.

Happy 4th of July!!!

WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OFAMERICA...please remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you...JESUS CHRIST and the AMERICAN SOLDIER. Jesus died for your soul, the American Soldier for your freedom. GOD BLESS THE USA!!!! Have a great 4th of July everyone!!!!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NIV) ⁹The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? ¹⁰"I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Don't Suffer Alone

We sometimes discover that a friend had a need that he or she didn't make known; went through a time of trouble without asking for help. And we say, "Why didn't you say something? Why didn't you call me? You know I would have been there." And the answer often is, "I didn't want to bother you. This was my problem and I needed to solve it myself."

Such a scenario is going to play out during the coming Tribulation on earth. There will be multitudes of people who find themselves in a fix: They will have failed to believe on Jesus Christ before the Rapture, and they find themselves enduring the pain of tribulation on earth. But hopefully they will not fail to call out to God for salvation. We know that many will call upon Him, based on the multitudes "of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues" the apostle John saw in heaven--those who had "come out of the great tribulation" (Revelation 7:9, 14). Even if they lose their life via persecution on earth, their eternal life is secure. God always delivers those He saves.

Don't endure alone. Call out to God, or to godly friends, in your hour of need, and experience God's comfort. Calvary is God's great proof that suffering in the will of God always leads to glory. Warren Wiersbe

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 55:6 (NKJV)  Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.

Flashback Friday - Grief

Editor's Note: I haven't been posting or commenting much this week. My final is tomorrow and I've got a huge project to finish by the end of next week. I'll be back on my regular schedule soon. Thanks for stopping by.

Kind of a morbid subject don't you think? Linda at Mocha with Linda has given this prompt because one of our dear blogging friends grieves the loss of a sweet friend. Here is her question of the week:

While I don't want this to be a gloomy or painful Flashback Friday, I thought it would be interesting to reflect on how we experienced grief in our early years.

How old were you (approximately) when you attended your first funeral? Did your parents shield you from death and grief or was it viewed as a natural part of life? Did you experience any significant loss(es) in your growing up years? What were your early impressions of death and dying? And while I do not intend this in any irreverent way, are there any amusing memories associated with a death or funeral? If you have kids, how have you handled this subject with them? Feel free to share as vulnerably or as shallowly as you want!

I'm taking a little different spin. -- Death surrounds us almost daily. We hear about it on the news. It may be a soldier fighting in Afghanistan who is killed in battle. There is an accident on the freeway that has taken the life of a family. It might be the passing of a dear friend. What ever the situation, it is never easy to lose someone to death.

Yet, for those who have accepted Christ, death is just the beginning of an eternal life with Him. He conquered death for us. I think Rick said it better than I can:

May the passing of your dear one be lessened by knowing that you will see them again in heaven when you rejoice and praise Jesus together. If you're not sure about your eternal destiny, accept Jesus today, This Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 10:9 (NIV) That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

TSMSS - Easter Passion

You'll find more songs at Amy's.



The Purpose of the Passion can be summed up as--a second chance! The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ provides a second chance for mankind to walk in relationship with the God who created them. The Scriptures make clear that through Adam sin entered the world, but through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ there is justification for every man, woman, boy and girl--if they only place their trust in Him.
The passion of Christ provides a second chance for each of us to be right with God by being forgiven of everything and anything we have ever done. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ gives you and me the ability to live life to its fullest because we can be free of guilt and be guided by a purpose that eclipses all that the world has to offer.
Mel Gibson, in his movie The Passion, captures both the need and the power of the second chance available to us through Christ. Jesus is praying in Gethsemane when the guards of the high priest arrive to arrest Him. The guards approach and ask for Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus identifies Himself and Judas comes up to Him and kisses Him, saying "Hail, Rabbi." Jesus asks Judas why he is betraying "the Son of Man with a kiss?" Judas is stunned and steps back.
The guards move in to arrest Jesus. Suddenly, Peter explodes into action, attacking the guards. Ultimately, Peter pulls out a sword and cuts off the ear of one of the guards. Peter is eventually subdued, and Jesus tells him to drop his sword, saying, "Those who live by the sword die by the sword." Then Jesus reaches down, picks up the guard's severed ear, and looking into the guard's eyes, heals him.
Jesus stands up, and the remaining guards move in and arrest Him--striking Him and handling Him roughly. They shove Him along the road and begin to leave. The healed guard is still on his knees, unmoving. His fellow guards tell him to get up and come along, but he cannot. The guard can no longer participate in anything that brings harm to the Christ.
He was left in the garden of Gethsemane to marvel at what the Savior had done for him. In the film, Peter, left behind, then comes face to face with the guard after Jesus healed his ear and touched his life. This is especially poignant, as within hours Peter would need that same forgiving touch of Jesus and a second chance.
This is the same Peter who had walked with Jesus (Matt 4:18-20). This is the same Peter who boldly declared that Jesus was the Son of God (Matt 16:13-17). This was the same Peter who committed to follow Jesus to the death (Matt 26:35). Despite all of this, Peter denied even knowing Jesus, not once, but three times (Matt 26:75). Was this the end for Peter? Was Peter beyond the forgiveness of Jesus Christ? Not at all! Following the resurrection, Jesus gave Peter a second chance (John 21:15-17).
The Purpose of the Passion is to give each of us a second chance. Whether you're like the guard who came face to face with Jesus for the first time or whether you're like Peter who had walked with Jesus in the past, declared who He is to others and even committed his life to Him, if something is separating you from the abundant life Jesus has obtained for you--a second chance awaits you. That's the Purpose of the Passion.

Take this opportunity for your second chance today, This Day. 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 20:17-19 (NIV) ¹⁷Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, ¹⁸"We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death ¹⁹and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"

Thankful Thursday - 04/01/10

I will be in the city today with my DH as he has his second corporal tunnel surgery. Please pray for us today. I covet your prayers.

When we think gratitude thoughts, we often look at all the good things we can be thankful for. But what about the difficulties we must overcome? The limitations we have? The challenges we face? Believe it or not, we should also be grateful for experiencing these things as well, for they help us grow spiritually and mentally; teach us by providing new experiences; and allow us to appreciate what we already have all the more.


This poem filled with gratitude thoughts shows us that by finding a way to be thankful for our troubles, we can turn the negatives into positive blessings.

Be Thankful For...
by Author Unknown

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary
Because it means you've made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings. I'm joining Greg and Lynn this week. Please stop by and see them.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 53:5-6 (NKJV) ⁵ But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. ⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

101 Things to do for Lent (Not just for Catholics)

How's that for a title? Actually, this list is always at the ready for me when I'm looking for a direction to be the hands, feet, eyes for Jesus. Here we go:

Admit you were wrong to your parents (or your children) * Give someone a hug * Respond with compassion to people on the street * Instead of staring blankly as you walk down the street, smile * Watch "Romero" * Write a letter to a different person each day (or once a week) * Buy flowers for yourself * Read "The Return of the Prodigal Son" (by Nouwen) * Spend time with your parents * Give up chocolate, candy, or desserts * Listen to Beethoven's Symphony #9 * Volunteer at a homeless shelter * Go one day without using electricity in your house * Give up your cell phone * Write a letter each week to someone with whom you have lost contact * Apologize * Volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center * Take a long, slow walk outside * Listen to Gorecki's Symphony #3 * Give up caffeine or coffee * Buy flowers for someone else * Participate in a Jewish Passover Seder meal * Don't listen to music one day a week * Sit still and do nothing for 10 minutes a day * Go to Mass (or church) once during the week * Read a book by Thomas Merton * Write a poem * Visit a grandparent * Tell people you are proud of them * Learn something new * Go one day without using running water in your house * Pick out one weakness and work to change it * Give up TV or the Internet * Ask for help * Greet five people a day who look sad * Walk in the rain * Say thank you at least once a day * Read a book to someone who can't read * Spend time with your children one-on-one * Find a dream inside yourself - and follow it * Go beyond where you are * Volunteer one hour a week * Keep a personal journal * Take an art class * Listen to Barber's Adagio for Strings * Go to Confession * Watch "Shawshank Redemption" * Clean up your language * Call someone long distance once a week * Pray the Rosary * Find something you believe in - and act on it * Spend a few minutes in the chapel each day * Give up snacks between meals * Be more patient * Be less judgmental * Work for peace in the world - and in your home * Forgive * Be non-violent with your words * Join a support group * Be hopeful * Get enough sleep * Take care of yourself physically * Clean out your closet and donate what you don't need or use * Read the Sunday Mass readings ahead of time * When you want to buy something you don't need, donate the money instead * Fast * Give up perfection * Keep a prayer journal * Cancel magazine subscriptions you don't read and donate the money * Start each day with a scripture passage * Tell someone you love them * Participate in the Stations of the Cross * Pick up litter * Say hello to people you usually ignore * Make a list of things you like about yourself * Talk to God without distraction * Do something for a stranger * Say thank you to your parents * Watch "Schindler's List" * Tell at least one joke a day * Volunteer to babysit (for free) * Give up alcohol - and donate what you would have spent * Donate blood at the Red Cross (1.800.GIVE.LIFE) * Go grocery shopping for someone who can't * Watch "The Last Days" * Thank God for something you usually take for granted * Don't watch your favorite TV show and reflect on your day (no taping it, either) * Give up your snooze button * Keep a gratitude journal * Read "The Sparrow" * Give up makeup * Use a daily Lenten reflection book * Do one thing ahead of time each week * Give up soda or fast food and donate the money you would spend on it * Listen to someone you disagree with * Watch "Jesus of Montreal" (in French w/subtitles) * Substitute healthy snacks for unhealthy ones * Give up smoking * Buy a plant and nurture its life * Sit and relax when you eat * Appreciate beauty, truth, and life wherever they are found *

Choose one (or more if you are so led) from the list and do it today, This Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 25:34-36 (NKJV) ³⁴ Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

Yes, It's Disturbing

What has me upset? I'm so glad you asked. Are you familiar with the story of Morgan Harrington? She and several friends went to a Metallica concert. This concert was in October 2009. Morgan separated from her friends never to be seen from again. Until Tuesday, January 26, 2010. This is when her body was located on a farm.

Yes, that is disturbing. But that's not what has me so upset. What disturbs me more is her dad's statement. Dan Harrington, Morgan's father, issued a statement: "Morgan's mother, Gil, and I are overwhelmingly saddened by yesterday's discovery, but we are also relieved because our questions can now be answered and we can give our daughter a proper burial." "We know that because of the good life Morgan led and the love she created for everyone around her, she is now in a safer, better place."

Really? What place would that be? There is no mention of her faith. No mention of her being with Jesus. No mention that she knew Him. I'm not saying that she didn't come face-to-face with Jesus. But I find it extremely disturbing that too many people are under the misconception that: I live a "good life." I "love" others.  Surely I will be in a "safer place." How good is good enough? How much love do you extend to others to qualify you to be in a safer place?

The Bible clearly states:

There is none righteous, no not one. (Romans 3:10) That tells me that no matter how good I think I am, I am not good enough.

For by grace are you saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift from God, not of works lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  This tells me that I can not work my way, pay my way, love my way into God's graces. I must accept His gift. But what is the gift?

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Let me rephrase this one: For God so loved SusanD that He gave His only Son, Jesus so that SusanD should not perish but live forever with Him. Put your name where I inserted mine and reread that sentence.

The question that follows is: how do I accept the Gift? It is so easy. We try to make it hard, but it is easy peasy. If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) If you believe it, say it! Do it today, This Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV) ² For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Thankful Thursday - 1/7/10 and a Birthday!

Welcome to the first TT of 2010. If you'd like to participate, just hop on over to Sonya's at Truth 4 the Journey, and link up after you've posted your own list of five things you are thankful for this week. They can be silly or serious, big or small because God honors them all.

1. I'm thanking God for bringing me this far. 2010!!! Honestly, it is only by His grace and mercy that I am here.

2. Thank you, Lord for my wonderful husband. We spent some much needed precious time together over Christmas break. We even did a movie marathon at the theater and watch Avatar and Sherlock Holmes back to back.

3. I'm thankful that our furnace works....and works well. Seriously, it's down in the single digits at night and barely reaches 20 during the day. Can you say burrrrrrr? Sure makes it hard to ride that motorcycle.

4. Thank you God for the blogging topics, personal growth, and multitude of friendships made through This Day!

5. Praise You, Jesus that You love us enough to have given up everything to come in human form so every single person of can relate to You. No exceptions.

That's my list for this week and the start of a fabulous 2010.  Please leave me a comment and tell me what you're thankful for today, This Day. Thank you for stopping by and saying "hello."

And now for the birthday news. Today my sister, Dee, turns.....ummmmm let's just say it's her birthday. Love you, Sis. If you have time, please stop by her blog, Mrs. Peterson's Place and wish her a Happy Birthday.  She'll be super surprised.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Peter 1:13 (NKJV) ¹³ Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;