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…
Living With an All-You-Can-Eat Mindset
What happened to all those all-you-can-eat buffets like Furr’s, Luby’s, and Golden Corral where we could indulge in every variety and choice of meats, veggies, salads and desserts? Maybe it’s the health conscious living that we have these days, but I loved the whole notion of paying a nominal price for any and everything that…
What Once was Lost, Now is Found
It was my son, Larry’s birthday on Sunday and it was a packed-full day. That’s just the way we roll around here on birthdays! After church, it was to his favorite Mexican food restaurant for birthday lunch, opening gifts. Mine were the things I heard him say he needed during our fishing trip, including walkie-talkies…
We’ve Arrived….Well, Maybe Not
I think back on my life and the times I thought I had “arrived”. I had a boyfriend at last! I’ve arrived! I graduated from high school. I’ve arrived. I landed a great job. I’ve arrived! I got married. I’ve arrived. I had a baby — then, two babies! I’ve arrived. In reality, those were…
Thanks God for His Amazing Grace
As I sit at my computer for hours editing the final manuscript of a soon-to-be-released book, I start to think “Thank You, God, for your amazing grace!” The author, young wife and mom of two young children, not only survived breast cancer but is knocking the ball out of the park with her story of…