Good morning... This image of a homeless person resting on a bench lives in the foyer of the Ignatius House Retreat Center. The humble figure draws my attention every time I enter the sacred space. Arriving on the gorgeous grounds yesterday around 5:30 pm, I found that the doors were locked to the library where I usually place [...]
Good morning... Eugene Peterson spent zillions of hours translating the entire Bible into a relatable language for us common people. The Message translation is an inviting gift to our world, a gift birthed by Peterson's long obedience in the same direction. Leif Peterson eulogizing his late father, Eugene, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell, Montana on November [...]
Good morning... At Northside Church, our Faithful Fitness class began a new semester on Wednesday morning at 9:30 am. One gift that blessed our time together was cooling down to Christy Nockel's song entitled Home. The song mirrors the truth of Psalm 23:6 (GNT). I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; [...]
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... Up in the middle of night's darkness, I wonder, "God, where do we begin praying for loved ones facing death, divorce, depression?" I pull out a poem we received at this weekend's retreat at Ignatius House, and I whisper it out loud on behalf of all who are in pain, dear ones hurting deeply. ****** “Beloved [...]
Good morning... As the sun sets on summer, every August I am given the opportunity to speak in all three worship services at Northside Church. Northside is a welcoming place, offering two traditional services at 8:30 and 11:15 am and a contemporary service at 9:00 am, with a designated Sunday school hour for adults and for kids at [...]
Good morning... While on retreat Monday and Tuesday, we spread out into delightfully inviting guest rooms. One friend brought me into her room, and said, "Sue, look what's on my bedside table." Wow. It was The Circle of Love, a small, hardback book of meditations written by my spiritual mentor Betty Skinner. How dear. We just happened to [...]
Good morning... One of the women in our Thursday morning class recently had major surgery on her spine. She wrote us in early August: "Good Morning sweet Group! I cannot thank you enough for all the encouragement and prayer power that you have sent my way during this recovery period. I want to extend an invitation for a [...]
Good morning... "I love the image of Jesus’ outstretched hand ❤️," she wrote after yesterday's post. "Right now I have had some devastating weeks with complications after my cancer treatment. Slowly recovering and welcoming all medical and psychosocial support. 🙏 Been in hospital for 9 days surrounded by love and dedication. Love, Margit." You might remember Margit, my [...]
Good morning... She simply wrote: "You will love this!" and shared the following story a lonely, little boy who is growing a community. I do love it, and so will you. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaoWZybEYR-/ Each of us must strive to please our neighbors, pursuing their welfare so they will become strong (Romans 15:2, VOICE). ...Sue... [...]
