Good morning... In the middle of this big moon night, I spend time with the beautiful bulletin from the celebration of life service for Mary Lynne Hamilton. I am inspired by her smiling face, her joyful essence, and her passion for the truth of God. I think I love this sentence most: "Mary Lynne is more alive now [...]
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. [...]
Good morning... Yesterday upon waking, I stepped out of our bedroom door to find God's creative light decorating our wall. To a few who are processing loss, I sent this photo with a text: "I wake this morning with God's light on our wall. Thinking of each of you and your family on this first anniversary of Scott's [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Good morning... Notre Dame 27. Penn State 24. Having fallen asleep last night watching the game, I just woke to check the final score. Amazing! Audrey DeShetler's team won. Having reserved a $150 student ticket, Audrey will be going to the National Championship game to cheer on her Fighting Irish. It was certainly a high for Audrey in [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
