Audrey And Kate Bowler

Good morning... I copied the wisdom of Kate Bowler into my current journal. "Blessed are we, the ones whose emotions show up like uninvited houseguests and refuse to leave," says Kate. "May we learn to offer them a cup of tea, sit with them awkwardly, and realize they're not as scary as we thought. Most of the time. [...]

By |2025-01-25T04:43:47-05:00January 25th, 2025|Community, Friendship, Healing, Trust God|

Learn From The Sun

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 [...]

By |2025-01-24T04:47:13-05:00January 24th, 2025|Everyday life, God's Love, Light In Darkness, Trust God|

Audrey’s Life In Film

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 [...]

By |2025-01-24T05:32:34-05:00January 23rd, 2025|Authenticity, Everyday life, Holy Spirit, Light In Darkness, Trust God|

Don’t You Get Drained?

Good morning... "Mom, don't you get drained with so many hurting people depending on you?" asked our daughter Tessa, as she saw me texting and talking with a handful of people going through some really hard things. "No, actually, it is a great privilege to walk closely with people through the challenges of life," I heard myself say. [...]

By |2025-01-22T11:29:06-05:00January 22nd, 2025|Everyday life, Listen, Organic Growth, Pain, Trust God|

The Secret Of Hope

Good morning... As we hosted a prayer vigil for Audrey DeShelter on Sunday and we gathered to celebrate the unique life of Mary Lynne Hamilton on Monday, one thing that repeated itself again and again was the word hope. Between the two powerful experiences of Christian community, a friend tucked into my day a little poem. [...]

By |2025-01-14T02:01:38-05:00January 14th, 2025|Anxiety, Everyday life, God's Love, Trust God|

Update On Audrey

Good morning... It is rare for me to create a blog post on Sunday, normally my day of rest from writing. Yet the update I need to share with you today is both sacred and time sensitive. Urgent prayers are needed on behalf of Audrey DeShelter, our dear nineteen year old friend who has journeyed with cancer since [...]

By |2025-01-12T01:55:38-05:00January 12th, 2025|Community, Family and Friends, Prayer, Trust God|

From All That Is Broken

Good morning... I was thinking about all of those who have lost loved ones this holiday season. Husbands. Wives. Sons. Daughters. Siblings. Parents. Friends. One person told me, "It feels like whiplash. I was expecting a joyful Christmas, and we had a funeral instead." Then I opened an email that supported my prayerful pondering. "I came across this [...]

By |2025-01-11T10:16:49-05:00January 11th, 2025|Imperfection, Loss, New From Old, Organic Growth, Trust God|

Each Human Life

Good morning... This photo of my friend's grandson was taken by an Associated Press photographer at the Carter Center on Sunday. It pairs so perfectly with words written by Edmond MacDonald. The great events of this world are not battles or elections, earthquakes or thunderbolts. The great events are children, for each child comes with the message that [...]

By |2025-01-09T08:49:38-05:00January 9th, 2025|Everyday life, Human Nature, True Self, Trust God|

Getting Out Of Bed

Good morning... As a retired english teacher, he said, "Every year, I would share with the kids my favorite Hemingway quote." The greatest act of courage is getting out of bed each morning. Right now, my prayers are with the courageous ones who are facing the difficulty of illness, Alzheimers, powerlessness. The courageous ones who are experiencing the [...]

By |2025-01-09T00:38:36-05:00January 8th, 2025|Everyday life, Grief, Pain, Trust God|

When I Can’t Feel You

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 [...]

By |2025-01-07T00:45:59-05:00January 6th, 2025|Everyday life, Light In Darkness, Mystery, Sadness, Trust God|
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