Good morning... Scrolling through photos I took over the weekend in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, I am struck by the dichotomy of this expressive photo. Look at the details. What do you see? Now up in the middle of the night, I reflect on my way of living and wonder, "Am I learning to welcome all or [...]
Good morning... On a ninety degree evening in June, my husband Steve performed a wedding for one of his former Lovett wrestlers in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. The setting could not have been more perfect, as the slowly descending sun snuck behind a mammoth tree on a bustling street corner beside the historic waters. Walking down the [...]
Good morning... When a friend from our Friday group sent the quote and image above, we collectively embraced the eternal truth. "Hearts united in pain and sorrow will not be separated by joy and happiness," says Khalil Gibran. "Bonds that are woven in sadness are stronger than the ties of joy and pleasure. Love that is washed by [...]
Good morning... Parents age. Heck, we all age. Might we enjoy supporting this natural process? As we mature, life's essentials become key. Eating. Sleeping. Feeling well. Nurturing friendships. Connecting with family. Remembering good times. I enjoy visiting my parents in Ohio, because I quite easily relax into their slower pace. Coffee. Banana. Peanut butter. Conversations about life. Planning [...]
Good morning... She introduced me to Porcelain War, the 2024 Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner for a U.S. documentary. Curious, I research more about the film to discover this summary. "Amidst the chaos and destruction of the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine, three artists defiantly find inspiration and beauty as they defend their culture and their country. In [...]
Good morning... "He says it best!" wrote one dear friend from our church family. "This United Methodist minister from Arkansas has stated it best. The interior of the church as seen at the end of his statement looks exactly like our sanctuary at Northside United Methodist Church." This minister passionately shares his prayerful perspective. In highlighting his thoughts, [...]
Good morning... I turn on the lamplight in the middle of this hard night and all I can smell is gardenias. I happened by a friend's home yesterday in need of a hug and an honest talk about the pain plaguing so many we love. Relentless ravages of cancer. Upheaval in trusted institutions. Some passionate friends feel angry [...]
Good morning... Several of you have asked for a copy the final chapel message given by my husband Steve as he leaves the role of head chaplain at The Lovett School after twenty-nine years. I share it with you now, an encouraging message for all of us, whatever our life stage, wherever we wake. Controversy is an unavoidable [...]
Good morning... As the rains set in yesterday morning, our afternoon plans needed to change. As regular weekly volunteers, we brainstormed indoor activities for our final Monday gathering at PAWkids. Beading. Board games. Musical chairs. Freeze dance. Then came the Program Director's request. "Cookie decorating, maybe?" My happy heart lit up. Since I have a mom who loved [...]
Good morning... I picked out the perfect Mother's Day card, wrote my loving thanks in my own handwriting, and stuck it in the mail earlier this week. As my mom opens the card and feels the love of our family, I hope she will listen closely to the lyrics of the music video below, A Mother Like You [...]
