I’m Amazed that I Know So Much
I’m a knower. I know a lot of things.I know I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed (but I can still hammer out a decent blog post).I know I’m not winning any “beauty queen” trophies.I know my muscles don’t flex quite like they did when I was twenty — and that’s okay because elastic…
We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby
Last Sunday, our pastor, Dr. Jonathan Spencer, opened his sermon with a story that made me smile. In 2008, two men — Travis and Gary — were on a work trip in Paris, frustrated because they couldn’t find a taxi. Somewhere between the rain and the cobblestone streets, an idea sparked: what if you could…
Clean Hands — Pure Heart
Have you ever walked past a glass door and spotted those unmistakable little fingerprints — chocolate smudges, jelly streaks, or mysterious sticky dots you hope aren’t what you think they are? The evidence is real. We know exactly who left it. And those sweet little hands? They had no clue the mess they were making.…
Jesus — Brought to Life
On Thursday, Highland Lakes Camp on the beautiful shores of Lake Travis, rolled out the red carpet for senior citizens from many Texas churches! Yay for owning up to being a senior citizen — bring on those perks! Imagine driving through Austin’s gorgeous Hill Country and then being treated like royalty. Delicious fruit and muffins…
Eight Months & Eighty Years — Got Milk?
This weekend was one for the memory books. We celebrated my dear Carl turning 80 — and oh, what a celebration it was! His daughter outdid herself: a gorgeous cake made by Pavla, beautiful hors d’oeuvres, a buffet fit for royalty, and a room filled with over 55 friends and family. Carl was the gracious…
A Noble Man Worth Celebrating
Yesterday we kicked off a weekend of celebration for my dear husband, Carl Noble — the man who, by name and by nature, lives nobly every day. His daughters went all out with a beautiful birthday party for this gentle giant, and over fifty-five friends and family came to honor him. And yes, I’ll admit…
I Forgive
Forgiveness is never easy. It can feel like swallowing gravel — especially when the wound is deep and the hurt has lingered for decades. But I recently read something that stopped me in my tracks and reminded me that forgiveness is not only possible, it’s powerful. Actor Tim Allen — yes, Tim “The Toolman” Taylor…
You’re Not a Loser — You’re a Winner
I’ll admit it — I love reality talent shows. America’s Got Talent is one of my favorites. Ordinary people — all shapes, sizes, ages — step onto a stage, risk rejection, and dare to shine. This season, one singer stopped me in my tracks: Jessica Sanchez, a radiant, very pregnant 30-year-old with a powerhouse voice…
Let’s Flex Our Faith
Some phrases just stick. Our Lamplighters Bible teacher, Zack Dawes, tossed one out Sunday morning while we were diving into the book of Daniel: “Flex your mighty right arm!” That’s straight from Isaiah 51:9 — a bold, beautiful prayer:“Awake, awake, arm of the Lord, clothe yourself with strength! Flex your mighty right arm!” It’s an…
I’m Being Followed
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”— Psalm 23:6 That’s quite a promise, isn’t it? Some days it feels like anxiety and fear are tailgating us while goodness and mercy got stuck at the last stoplight. But life has taught me something — goodness and mercy don’t always walk…