Good morning... Yesterday, we celebrated our friend's birthday in her beautiful, newly-built abode. Her welcoming home has been a two and a half year building project, a complete labor of love. Our fabulous friendship has been a nearly twenty year building project, a complete gift of God's love. We have journeyed beside Jennifer DeShelter (top left corner) as [...]
Good morning... Six weeks ago the Spirit of God moved, undeniably. It happened after an energizing walk and talk through the neighborhood of my longtime friend, Martha Kimbel. She and I were sitting at her kitchen island drinking water after our walk when, out of the blue, I felt nudged to ask, "Martha, would you ever consider coming [...]
Good morning... As I parked my car at PAWkids, my favorite non-profit downtown, I hesitated a moment. Looking down, I saw the word love living in the gravel. At a time in our world where turmoil abounds, I hesitated and noticed love. My mind now returns to a Mary Oliver poem. ****** Don't Hesitate If you suddenly and [...]
Good morning... On a day set aside to celebrate the American worker, this is a hard Labor Day for many. Job loss. Unemployment. How to pay the bills? Instability. Threat of violence. Uncertainty about the future. Many feel torn apart, as discombobulated as this shadow photo taken by my artist friend Corinne Adams. "So many colleagues and amazing [...]
Good morning... My parents have twelve grandkids and two great grandkids. Yesterday, my sister sent this photo of her youngest of six children, the final grandchild, heading to his first day as a high school senior. In the picture, he is reenacting a cute photo from his younger school days. Just after I [...]
DeeplGood morning... "Joy and sorrow will always be linked," writes author Kay Warren. "And in the strange paradox of the universe, at the exact moment you and I are experiencing pain, we are also aware of the sweetness of loving and the beauty still to be found." I reread those words from yesterday's post, and I noticed the [...]
Good morning... Last Monday morning, the room was abuzz with the voices of about fifty to sixty women. Catching up. Sharing stories. Starting a new school year. I felt honored to be the kick-off speaker for the Lovett Moms in Prayer group, an annual commitment I enjoy every fall. Each year, I prayerfully consider what I feel led [...]
Good morning... "Sue, I love that Marilyn picked 'when we all get to heaven,' for the final song at her funeral," Jennifer DeShetler texted yesterday. "That is what we picked for Audrey's service as well. Although Audrey's is more to the tune of Alan Jackson. I love his Hymns collection and played it often. My kids memorized the [...]
Good morning... Our pastor read Proverbs 31:10-31, a section of scripture which bears the heading: The Wife of Noble Character. I heard a familiar voice behind me whisper, "Those words describe Marilyn perfectly." One particular verse lingers in my mind from yesterday's simple service honoring the extraordinary life of 92 year old Marilyn Davis. Strength and dignity are [...]
Good morning... I love this smiling photo of Marilyn. Relaxed in her skin. Always well dressed. Exuding the Spirit of God. Marilyn is one of the top ten most influential people in my own life of faith. Dear Marilyn Davis... We know that God not only loves you but has selected you for a special purpose. For we [...]
