Mooning Each Other
Good morning... "This is from Ogunquit, Maine tonight," wrote a friend who lost her husband in May. "So gorgeous," I replied, before climbing into bed. "Full moon tonight. Hope you are enjoying Maine's unique beauty and the companionship of old friends." "Full moon is gorgeous here, too," I texted her at 2:08 am, as I was stirred from sleep. "Moonlight is resting on our [...]
In Awe Of Audrey
Good morning... The Westminster Class of 2024 hosted a gathering to honor the memory of Audrey DeShetler on Wednesday, August 6th, celebrating her impact on their class and our community far and wide. The next day, I texted with Audrey's mom. Me: How was the gathering, Jennifer? Jennifer: I literally started crying before the service even started. I think about 80 people showed up. Teachers, parents, and Audrey’s classmates. We were overwhelmed by [...]
What Kills A Soul?
Good morning... “What kills a soul?" asks Shauna Niequist author of Present Over Perfect. She answers herself: "Exhaustion, secret-keeping, image management." "And what brings a soul back from the dead?" she wonders. "Honesty, connection, grace.” For me, what will it be? Exhaustion. Secret-keeping. Image management. Honesty. Connection. Grace. As I notice where my heart is drawn, I focus on the final word. I love this acronym for G.R.A.C.E. Be... Grateful, not entitled. Responsive, [...]
Audrey Sings Along
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 country tune hymns. I thought it's no coincidence. I can see both Audrey and Marilyn [...]
Celebrating Marilyn
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 her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. - Proverbs 31:25, ESV Precious [...]
Dear Marilyn Davis
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 remember how our Gospel came to you not as mere words, but as a message [...]
We Lack Nothing?
Good morning... Amid the chaos of this world, we are invited to experience the calm of God. Those who know Love will rejoice as the nations learn to cooperate, as the peoples of the earth recover their true heritage. The people say, "The time has come to dwell in peace and integrity; to walk together in the Light of the Most High, Heart of the Universe!" [...]
Grief And Galapagos
Good morning... Whenever I think of July 2025, two words will always come to mind. Grief and Galapagos. In June, the daughter of my dear friend, Audrey DeShetler, went to heaven the day before her twentieth birthday. Then, within the same week, our family put to sleep our beloved dog, Tate. Both Audrey and Tate battled cancer. Both are now healed and whole. Both are deeply missed. So, waves of grief carried me [...]
Laughter And Loss
Good morning... "I saw this clip and it really resonated with me so I thought I'd share," wrote a friend from Florida yesterday. "Through grief I have found the deepest blessing and comfort in the love and laughter shared with friends. I think this is so true and a perspective to seek and focus on in trials, surrounding yourself with protective love and laughter. Xo" The video clip, to which she was referring, [...]
Grief Is Sacred Work
Good morning... "Sue," she wrote. "Yesterday a local acquaintance posted this on Facebook and I shared it with another still reeling from a death. I found it a different kind of living with grief, and it gave me comfort, even though it's been years since my Mother died." ***** The Sacred Work of Grieving by Spirit of a Hippie Grief is not just an emotion, it is a weight the body carries. A [...]
Broken In The Storm
Good morning... When we feel snapped in half by the storms of life, the light of our living LORD continues to rise each morning and to set each night. At every time and in every place— from the moment the sun rises to the moment the sun sets— may the name of the Eternal be high in the hearts of His people (Psalm 113:3, VOICE). When we are feeling broken beyond repair, might we focus on the enduring presence [...]
Waiting In The Dark
Good morning... Three nights past the new moon, I happen upon an illuminating quote. “I always wondered why it took 'three days' for significant things to happen in the Bible," writes Barbara Brown Taylor in Learning to Walk in the Dark. "Jonah spent three days in the belly of the whale, Jesus spent three days in the tomb, Paul spent three days blind in Damascus--and now I know. From earliest times, people learned [...]