Amplify Your Sixth Sense
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 senses? I only know of five?" "Holy Spirit intuition," I replied. "That's our sixth and [...]
My Parents Are Oak Trees
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, my dad and my mom are deeply rooted with God. Weathering health challenge after health [...]
With My Mom And Dad
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 a new lift chair and an independent caregiver who visits briefly each morning and each [...]
Lessons In The Hospital
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 a poem we read aloud at our Women's Retreat in honor of the compassion of [...]
Our Retreat In Review
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. Our central Scripture continues to captivate us. The mystery in a nutshell [...]
My Dad Turns 88
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 week my dad sent me two articles he thought I would enjoy. One about the [...]
Strangers Became Friends
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. One was from my Wednesday night class. Two were from my Thursday morning [...]
How To Treat Strangers
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 of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets [...]
Rest In Or Resist?
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 read these words. "When you do the math, you may conclude that, yes, following Jesus [...]
Audrey’s Mom On Easter
Good morning... On Easter Monday, I blogged about Caregiving For A Loved One. "Sue, I read your blog," texted Jennifer DeShetler, mother of Audrey, who has journeyed with cancer for over fourteen years. "It's funny. I wrote about myself as a caregiver yesterday on Facebook." Knowing that I am not on any social media, Jennifer shared with me personally her touching words. ****** God's Healing by Jennifer DeShetler On this Easter Sunday, I [...]
Their Plane Caught Fire
Good morning... Three of us friends often send each other encouraging Scriptures or prayer requests, so it was not unusual for us to receive her text at 7:14 am on Easter Monday morning. ****** “That’s why my heart celebrates and my mood is joyous; yes, my whole body will rest in safety because you won’t abandon my life to the grave; you won’t let your faithful follower see the pit.” - Psalms 16:9-10 [...]
We’ll Miss Pope Francis
Good morning... Pope Francis died early yesterday at age 88, after blessing thousands from his wheelchair the day before, on Easter morning. Jim Wallis has called Pope Francis "an Easter pope, one who showed us the Easter courage that will be deeply needed in the coming days." As a Protestant person, I reached out to some of my Catholic friends, asking them personally, "What will you remember about Pope Francis?" Here are the [...]