The Art Of Abundance
Good morning... She introduced me to Porcelain War, the 2024 Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner for a U.S. documentary. Curious, I research more about the film to discover this summary. "Amidst the chaos and destruction of the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine, three artists defiantly find inspiration and beauty as they defend their culture and their country. In a war waged by professional soldiers against ordinary civilians, Slava Leontyev, Anya Stasenko, and Andrey [...]
Our Fight For Life
Good morning... "Hi, Sue," he wrote this week. "I hope all is well with you and your family." "I also hope everyone will take a moment on Monday to reflect on the Americans who died in the service of their country," he continued. "Memorial Day is a wonderful time to get together with family and friends; but more importantly, it is the day we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our [...]
I’m So Overwhelmed
Good morning... "I'm not doing very well," my friend greeted me as I walked in the door. "I'm so overwhelmed." "Then, this is a perfect time for a visit," I responded with a Holy Spirit nudge. We talked and we ate and we unpacked all our worries. As we honestly shared our burdens, we each felt a little lighter. By the end of our time together, she played for me the song below, [...]
Look At This Baby Bird
Good morning... One morning this week, I noticed a chubby bird sitting a yard away from our kitchen window. How did she get there, out on this precarious ledge? I went over to enjoy a photo shoot with this big fluffy baby, and I called my husband over to observe the cute creature with me. Unfazed by us, she sat there for a long, long time. Us watching, her waiting. Until, suddenly, she [...]
Don’t Spoil This Gift
Good morning... After waking from my second sleep yesterday, I felt nudged to rework the final sentences of our post, People Inspire People. "In our own language, we talk with God," I felt compelled to share. "Please quiet my own self-centered opinions and fluently speak Your compassion, Your unity, Your understanding through me. As people inspire people, the Spirit of God will continue to calm fears, end oppression, and peacefully teach humanity how [...]
People Inspire People
Good morning... Christmas is big. The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us (John 1:14a, GNT). Easter is huge. We believe that Jesus died and then came to life again (1 Thessalonians 4:14a, NLV). Pentecost is powerful. And they were all filled [that is, diffused throughout their being] with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (different languages), as the Spirit was giving [...]
Summer Zoom Study 2024
Good morning... As our spring semester draws to an end at Northside Church, all of our Bible studies for women channel into one Zoom study for the summer. Here are this year's details. ***** Summer Reading Group 2024 A Longing to Belong: Reflections on Faith, Identity, and Race by Michelle Lee-Barnewall A blend of memoir and theological reflection, Michelle Lee-Barnewall shares her unique Korean-American story and the search for identity that followed. Understanding [...]
Calm Our Busy Thoughts
Good morning... "I thought of you when I received this today." On early Saturday morning, a faraway friend emailed me the colorful Bible verse above. She said, "Reminds me a little bit of your post today, Be Guided By Grace." In the VOICE translation, Ephesians 4:2 sounds like this. Be humble. Be gentle. Be patient. Tolerate one another in an atmosphere thick with love. By 9:00 am that morning, I was enjoying the [...]
Be Guided By Grace
Good morning... "He says it best!" wrote one dear friend from our church family. "This United Methodist minister from Arkansas has stated it best. The interior of the church as seen at the end of his statement looks exactly like our sanctuary at Northside United Methodist Church." This minister passionately shares his prayerful perspective. In highlighting his thoughts, my friend touches on her own prayerful perspective. In my own prayerful perspective, I think [...]
Choices In Our Church
Good morning... I made this card of encouragement yesterday with two tiny feathers I found on my walk. When God's timing is right - beautiful old things fall off to make space for the new growth of God. "Watch closely: I am preparing something new..." says God. I made this card to help me process the choices our church family is facing. Inside, one of my favorite Scripture verses is expanded. [...]
What Is That Smell?
Good morning... I turn on the lamplight in the middle of this hard night and all I can smell is gardenias. I happened by a friend's home yesterday in need of a hug and an honest talk about the pain plaguing so many we love. Relentless ravages of cancer. Upheaval in trusted institutions. Some passionate friends feel angry and betrayed, others feel supported and hopeful. Amid all the tumult, we stood in her [...]
Steve’s Final Message
Good morning... Several of you have asked for a copy the final chapel message given by my husband Steve as he leaves the role of head chaplain at The Lovett School after twenty-nine years. I share it with you now, an encouraging message for all of us, whatever our life stage, wherever we wake. Controversy is an unavoidable part of life. How, my friends, might we respond? ******* Final All School Closing Chapel [...]