Good morning... As we fell sleep at the crossroads of life and death, we had no idea if my mom would wake up in the ICU or if the path before us would veer in a different direction. The two words joining us at this crossroads were "gracious acceptance." We prayed that our family would graciously accept whatever [...]
Good morning... After climbing in the back seat and exchanging happy hellos at the airport, the first thing I noticed was my mom's cough. Pesky and persistent, her cough was concerning, still our natural conversation took on its own life. We enjoyed a yummy Olive Garden take-out dinner and a relaxing evening together, but my mom's cough was [...]
Good morning... I'm stirred awake by the Spirit at 1:23. The simple ascending pattern tickles my attention. I look around the dark room, and light plays on our walls. I snap a few photos before I step outside. In the front yard, I check. No moon. In the back yard, I search. No moon. Tomorrow night's full moon [...]
Good morning... Doodling artist Grant Snider, creator of Incidental Comics and picture books, describes himself as a "keeper of sketchbooks, loser of pens." I absolutely love his uniquely creative work. For me, this series of comic book images entitled "Morning Light," these images beg an essential question. "The morning sun doesn't care what is warmed by her radiant [...]
Good morning... We all love Northside Church member and Notre Dame freshman Audrey DeShetler. Praying diligently beside her, as she courageously journeys with cancer, we are blessed with a front row seat. I discovered a short film this week, and the single piece of paper descending from above reminds me of the vibrant life of our dear friend [...]
Good morning... "I am blessed to own the original of this wonderful painting by a very special artist," wrote my friend. "The painting is entitled, 'Even When I Can’t Feel You' by Elizabeth Londen." Then she shared her intimate thoughts from yesterday. ****** Epiphany 2025 by Vilda Stone Brannen, January 6, 2025 There is a sadness that comes [...]
Good morning... Today, January 6th, we celebrate Epiphany. As I treasure hunt in these early morning hours, I learn some interesting things. The term Epiphany, based on the Greek word meaning “manifestation” or “revelation,” is a time to celebrate Christ’s revelation to the world. In the Bible, the Epiphany is Jesus' visit from the Magi, aristocratic men from [...]
Good morning... In the dark of night, my bare feet walk outside to capture one first photo of this new year. Returning to the warmth of home, I savor gentle words. "Let me not forget how to be stirred by beauty, remade by it, even," writes poet Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer. "So I practice now, this art of falling [...]
Good morning... "This kind of ‘says it all’," a friend wrote this week. "...my wishes for you and all those I love!" ****** December's Gentle Grace by Etheric Echoes This holiday season, I'm wishing for the kind of wealth that money could never buy - the gentle peace of a quiet mind, the warmth of laughter echoing through [...]
Good morning... In the earth's Northern hemisphere, tonight is the winter solstice, also called the hibernal solstice. The winter solstice is the day with the shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year. At dawn, we will wake up into the first official day of winter. I happen upon a poem to shed light on this [...]
