Sent with Confidence
Have you ever stopped to think that we are God’s ambassadors?Not someday. Not when we feel ready. Not when we’ve memorized enough Scripture or feel “qualified.” Right now! “Therefore, we are Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 That’s not a small assignment. But it’s also not a…
Patriotism at Its Finest
Some people hang a flag. Others — raise a legacy. On Saturday morning, March 21, something truly special unfolded at the home of our dear friend, Lucille Casner. This wasn’t just a flagpole dedication. This was a declaration — of faith, freedom, and deep gratitude. Now entering her 92nd year, Lucille Casner is still full…
Where’s God?
Remember those “Where’s Waldo?” books? I still enjoy looking for Waldo — even now. There he is somewhere in the middle of a crowded page, wearing his red-and-white stripes, quietly hiding in plain sight. We scan, we squint, we lean in just a little closer — and then — aha! We find him! The creator…
Famous First and Last Words
We’ve all heard the phrase “famous last words.”Sometimes they’re funny. Sometimes they’re serious. Sometimes they’re the words we wish we could take back. But lately I’ve been thinking — what about our famous first AND last words? When Jesus began His ministry, His FIRST words were simple and life-changing to those diverse group of men:“Follow…
Back to Life
Carl came to me holding his iPhone like it had just betrayed him.“It’s frozen,” he said. Well now — if there’s one thing I’m confident in, it’s at least trying to fix things. So I tapped, swiped, pressed, and even gave it that “this should work” look. Nothing. Nada. That phone wasn’t budging. Then I…
Our Olive Tree Journey
On Monday, a sweet gift showed up at our door. That gift was my daughter, Staci, and bonus son, Larry. Between warm conversations and a delightful dinner at a beautiful new Japanese restaurant, our hearts and tummies were full. But this visit had purpose woven all through it — time together, a walk through the…
The Great Rectifier
I had one of those eye-opening moments that made me stop and ponder the lesson I learned. I realized how easily my emotions can get tangled up. One minute I’m calm and collected, and the next minute my feelings are marching in like they own the place. And if I’m being honest, sometimes I really…
Keep Climbing!
Once upon a time my knees decided they needed a little….. encouragement. So I started wearing knee braces under my slacks. At first they were stiff, then downright uncooperative. But eventually I found a pair that works beautifully when I’m walking, working out, or gliding along on the elliptical. What a relief! Last year Carl…
It’s More Than Green
Every year — March 17th — the world turns green. There are parades, shamrocks, and cheerful greetings of “Happy St. Patrick’s Day.” But behind the festivities stands a godly man whose life was far more powerful than a parade. Saint Patrick was not born in Ireland. As a teenager, he was kidnapped from his home…
Shhh! It’s a Secret!
I’ll confess something right up front.I’m not very good at keeping secrets. Oh, I try. But give me a delightful surprise — like a party, a gift, or some exciting news — and it practically bubbles right out of me. I’ve been known to accidentally spill the beans about a surprise party before the candles…