Good morning... As the light of the moon thickens in the sky, we sense the presence of the Almighty God. In the morning, the conclave will begin the process of electing the 267th Pope, following the death of beloved Pope Francis. The Holy Spirit will lead this secretive process, drawing a two-third-plus-one majority vote from among the 133 [...]
Good morning... As I blogged about Our Retreat In Review, I shared with you our acronym to S.T.I.R. U.P. the Gifts of God. S. – Savor Six Senses T. – Trust God’s Time I. – “I” Must Die R. – Release All Resistance U. – Unite With God P. – Power Rises Up Grow God’s Gifts Immediately, a reader responded: "Sue, what are six [...]
Good morning... Enjoying a short visit with my parents in Ohio, I ran across a half page paper on a table in their villa. Reading the words out loud to myself, I thought, "An oak tree. What a wonderful symbol of my parents as people." At ages 88 and almost 87, [...]
Good morning... As we relax into my parent's independent living villa in Ohio, I feel deeply at home. How grateful I am for my mom's ability to return to this special space after weeks in the care center, recovering from two falls, an RSV diagnosis, a scary ICU stay, and a nasty bout of pneumonia. With help from [...]
Good morning... As I sat in the airport waiting to fly to Ohio for my dad's 88th birthday weekend, I got a text from a long time Northside Church member. She was on her way to pick up her husband from the hospital after his recovery from a scary emergency surgery. Airport. Hospital. Our interaction reminded me of [...]
Good morning... On Sunday afternoon, thirteen of us returned home from our life-giving time away at Heritage Retreat Center, having shared a blessed weekend as Strangers Became Friends. Our group text string has been poppin' all week, bursting with fun photos, good wishes, and kind words. [...]
Good morning... Today, my dad turns 88 years old. From Atlanta, Georgia to Olmsted Falls, Ohio, I send my early morning "Happy Birthday" wish to the man who most regularly reads our daily blog. My dad also loves to read newspaper articles, especially ones written by Terry Pluto, columnist for the local paper, the Cleveland Plain Dealer. This [...]
Good morning... This sacred weekend, thirteen of us went on Northside's first Women's Retreat since COVID. The Spirit created a very eclectic guest list, thirteen fascinating women who said "Yes" to getting away with God. From different facets of my life, I knew every woman, but they did not know each other. [...]
Good morning... God reaches us and teaches us, we all belong. That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective [...]
Good morning... I love living life semester by semester. Good book by good book. Soulful conversation by soulful conversation. This week, we enjoyed our final class parties for our Wednesday afternoon group and our Thursday morning crew. As "soul friends" studying Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, we have heard Jesus' invitation, "Follow me." Out loud we [...]
