Are We Good at “Christianing”?
We, Christian (Christ-like) folks think we’re pretty decent people. You know, we have all those “good” things to our credit: going to church, tithing, giving offerings, wearing a cross necklace, attending a Bible Study, volunteering for a charity. How could anyone think we are anything but wonderful? I think of myself as being a pretty…
My Grace Needs Help
I’ve heard and sung about God’s amazing grace all my life. Though we make mistakes and have not-nice attitudes and are so weak in our faithfulfulness to Him and His grace, He loves us so deeply anyway. Grace — His unmerited favor — is always helping us in our weaknesses. “But He said to me,…
This is What a “Comeback” Story Looks Like
It’s one thing to get inspired by this wall hanging in my daughter’s home, but it’s a testament to the words when you have a live and in-person comeback story that walks in your front door. These are Christina’s beautiful two grandsons who she is raising to be mighty men of God. They surprised me…
Our Hearts have Eyes
New land-scape and ocean-scape to take in this week. My Austin family and friends are in Port Aransas taking in everything beach and ocean for Brennan’s 16th birthday celebration. I was the first one up and at ‘em at 5 am to post my blog. Then I made my way to the beach to take…
Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
The pandemic has kept me from my family and friends in Tulsa. I miss them all, including my “besties”, Charles (Mick) & Sheila Michie. Usually, when I went to see them, I made sure it wasn’t on Friday mornings because that’s their day of being the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need…
What Doesn’t Kill Us Makes Us Stronger
Yesterday, we had another wonderful sing-a-long at the front yard of Tim and LaDonna Gatlin Johnson. Still assembled in our 6-foot rule spacing, we clapped and sang together to some of the best old hymns. Tim, an incredible pianist, gave us a concert in “Liberace” style! Most beautiful were the testimonies of God’s amazing grace.…
A Fire. A Journal. A Blessing.
A few days ago, my daughter sent me this text message: “Do you know when the fire in our home was?” Of course, she could ask me that because she knows about my daily journal writing. It’s a routine that I’ve been quite consistent with for decades. I write about significant details of my day,…
She Saw Me and My Life Was Changed Forever
This world is filled with those who are looking everywhere to find something or someone to satisfy their emptiness inside. It makes sense because inside of everyone is a God-shaped place that only He can satisfy. That void was filled in my life many years ago when I ran into His arms that were open…
God’s Grace. My Grace.
Maybe, like me, you’ve heard countless sermons and read books about grace. Maybe you know some of the “grace” scriptures by heart and can quote them to others. But my prayer is that we’ll see this word again for the first time. I think grace is most fully understood through our own experiences. Otherwise, it…
Jesus Take the Wheel….Please!
I’m home from a quick trip to Tulsa to attend a celebration of a dear 90-year-old friend’s life. I thought I knew this man who had blessed me with such kindness over the years, but not until I saw his talents all around the halls and chapel did I come to know I had not…