He Giveth… and Giveth Again
Oh — sweet goodness — that follows us all the days of our lives. Yesterday, we took off — literally! We traded the Texas heat for the crisp, cool air of Crested Butte, Colorado. It started with a simple question from Carl’s daughter (my bonus daughter): “Want to do something different for Father’s Day?” Yes,…
Worship Begins with Our Bodies
I’m singing to the choir – but sometimes reminders help us go the distance! If we’re ready to see change in our finances, emotions, relationships — or just in our overall presence — Paul the Apostle has a surprising place to start – with our body. “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and…
Mercy: Our Best Move Today
Maybe I’m dating myself, but do you remember vinyl records? When scratched, they’d skip and replay the same lyric over and over. That’s me when it comes to mercy—I might sound like a broken record, but it’s a message worth repeating. Last Sunday at church, we sang the old hymn again:“Mercy there was great and…
The Competitive Edge
I come from a long line of go-getters… and yet, I was the kid hiding behind my mama’s coat-tails. I wasn’t loud, didn’t play sports, and wouldn’t dare raise my hand unless I was really sure of the answer. But somehow, God gave me a family full of people who don’t just show up to…
Got Credentials? You Bet You Do.
Some folks have impressive credentials—titles like Dr., Rev., or Esq.—attached to their name. Those designations usually come after years of study, sacrifice, and a mountain of coffee. My pastor, for example, recently earned his doctorate and humbly says, “You don’t have to call me Dr. Spencer.” But oh, he earned it — and we’re proud…
Pentecost Sunday Blessings
Easter was powerful – our church was packed to the brim. It was resurrection joy, full pews, glorious worship. We celebrated the risen Savior with everything we had… and then? We exhaled. We downshifted. We moved on. But this day (50 days after Easter) is a really big deal! Pentecost Sunday commemorates the day when…
Welcome to My Safe Place
My Safe Place is smack dab in the green pastures where God always soothes my soul and gives me daily ideas for yet another blog. Most days, folks read the words, smile (hopefully), and carry on with their day. Occasionally, I get a “like” or a heart and let me tell you — those little…
The Green Pastures are Flooded
I lived in Oklahoma for over 40 years — and from those years, I’ve surely witnessed devastating storms. I’m not a storm rookie. And, I’m thankful that I’ve survived each storm and live to talk about it! Psalm 23 has long been my go-to scripture — especially when someone’s walking through illness or weariness: “He…
Forgiveness at the Coffee Bar
I’ve passed by the coffee and tea station at my church a hundred times — maybe more. I’ve seen folks gathered there with steamy cups in hand, chatting about life, laughing, hugging, and sometimes praying together. It’s a sweet spot. A gathering place. The unofficial heart of the fellowship hall. But last Sunday, something new…
Sweet Sleep for Jesus AND Me
Yes, Jesus was sound asleep.Not pacing. Not panicking. Not Googling “how to survive a storm on the Sea of Galilee.”He was in the stern of the boat…sound asleep on a pillow. Meanwhile, the disciples were losing their ever-loving minds. Winds howling. Waves crashing. Boats rocking. Faith? Overboard. “Don’t You care that we’re drowning?” they cried.…