Soul Rest
A dear friend — a loving wife, sister, mother, and grandmother — was recently diagnosed with cancer. Just weeks before, she was in full mom-mode, helping her daughter prepare for the wedding of her dreams. The photos were pure joy: decorating the venue, fixing every detail, and beaming with love. Then came the diagnosis. Life…
Our Knee-Jerk Reactions
I’ve had my share of knee-jerk reactions — literally and figuratively. Years of long-distance running, pickleball, and other knee-abusing activities caught up with me. I didn’t realize the damage until much later in life, when I finally went to see an orthopedic surgeon. His advice? Stop running, use the elliptical, take easier walks, and wear…
God Makes Masterpieces
God doesn’t do “average.” Just take a look at His portfolio: the rainbow stretching across the sky, the puffy white clouds drifting lazily on a summer day, the majestic trees swaying here in Austin’s green country. And then, take a look at His finest creation — you. Now, if that makes you squirm because you’re…
Staying Positive in a Negative World
Years ago when I lived in Tulsa, I walked out of the grocery store, minding my own business, when a TV reporter swooped in with a microphone and a cameraman in tow. Before I could say “no comment,” she was asking what I thought about all the new traffic in our area. Now, I hadn’t…
Let Go and Let God
Letting go isn’t easy. Whether it’s treasured times, treasured people, treasured routines, or treasured traditions — there’s a little tug at the heart every time. But here’s the truth I’ve come to know: those treasures — good and not-so-good — are threads in the fabric of our lives. Without them, the tapestry wouldn’t be the…
Just Do You!
Carl and I have a sweet relationship — but to be honest, there are times we don’t see eye-to-eye. You know… “different strokes for different folks.” He likes the thermostat at that temperature. I like it there. He is a comedian — I’m not! I’m the one who laughs again and again even though I’ve…
“To Be Honest….”
I overheard someone start a sentence with, “To be honest…” and it made me pause. I know it’s just a figure of speech, but if you think about it — does that mean the rest of the time they’re not being honest? Should I start being concerned about all the conversations before this one? We…
From West Texas to the Kingdom of God
Carl and I are back in Lubbock — old stomping grounds and the heartland of all things Texas Tech Red Raiders. Guns up! But the real celebration this time is another family reunion. Last June, we hosted the Noble Family Reunion in Fort Worth — Carl’s dad’s side. We wrangled about 130 kinfolk together —…
WANTED. CHOSEN. LOVED. ADOPTED.
There’s a little boy in our family whose back tells a beautiful story. His shirt says it all:WANTED. CHOSEN. LOVED. ADOPTED. And that’s exactly what happened. After years of waiting, praying, navigating challenges and red tape, my determined niece — an incredibly successful district attorney — never gave up. She could have looked the other…
Time Is Not on Our Side… But God Is
Carl and I mark our second anniversary today, August 8th. Now, that might not make headlines — especially for those inching toward 50 or more years — but to us, it’s a BIG deal! Who would’ve thought, after I spent over 13 years as a widow and Carl spent 7 years missing his sweetheart, that…