Good morning... The faith of our children takes form in many shapes and sizes, with varying shades and angles. I was reminded of this truth during yesterday's 11:15 am worship service at Northside Church. There was the Children's Handbell Choir, the young Cherub Choir, and the older Chancel Choir with each unique youngster making a joyful noise to [...]
Good morning... As our Fab Five friend group was planning our lunch for this afternoon, Jennifer DeShetler wrote: "Sue, has anyone forwarded you Ben's Facebook post?" I answered, "No. Please send it on. I always love what both of you write." Jennifer shared with me the loving words Ben wrote yesterday about their daughter Audrey, who went to [...]
Good morning... Our 25 year old borrowed my car last week to drive with his girlfriend down to Jacksonville, Florida. They were going to a funeral for a friend. Most 25 year olds in this generation have been to way too many funerals, funerals celebrating the life of a young friend or family member that they have loved [...]
Good morning... The eternal life of two faithful women have passed through to the other side. Dictionary.com explains: "A matriarch is the female head of a family, tribe, clan, or organization, or a respected and influential senior woman." This month, Northside Church is missing from our midst two gifted matriarchs. On October 11th, we celebrated the 88 vibrant [...]
Good morning... Last weekend, I flew into Boston with our two daughters, Tessa (29) and Adrianna (27). After a delicious lunch and a walk along the harbor, we drove our rental car four hours up the coast to Rockport, Maine. Traffic. Tolls. Cool roadtrip music. Crisp autumn weather. Good conversation. A brand new adventure. [...]
Good morning... I discover the image above and am drawn in by the quiet quote. "Letting go will teach you the art of being soft and humble, yet powerful and free." Researching the unfamiliar author, I google, "Who is Alexandra Vasiliu?" An intriguing description pours forth. "Alexandra Vasiliu is an inspirational poet and the best-selling author of Dare [...]
Good morning... Last Wednesday, Bonnie returned to our afternoon class after years of being a loyal member. She certainly had a difficult story to tell and a deep need for the prayers of our group. Bonnie told us the long version of her mother's situation. Two Sundays ago, Bonnie's 83 year old mom, Patricia, fell at the Sandy [...]
Good morning... On Saturday, I received a text from my dad in Ohio: "I received a message from Ingar (Margit's son). He said that Margit passed away this morning. She passed peacefully surrounded by family." She passed away at her home in Norway, pictured above in April of 2020. Margit spent a year with our family as a [...]
Good morning... On Saturday, we received this photo of our three month old grandson Charlie with our son Kyler. His text read, "First time at the pool! He's wearing his hat from aunt Adri." What a great way to celebrate Charlie's first Labor Day weekend. Not living in the same town, we realize that our life as a [...]
Good morning... While at Northside Church on Sunday morning, I received a sad text from my dad in Ohio. "I just received a message from Margit," he wrote. "She said, 'I am very sick, and I probably won't make it home.'" Margit, a long time friend who lives in Norway, is journeying with pancreatic cancer. Margit stayed with [...]
