Withstand
WITHSTAND — that word hits home for me. After 40 years in Oklahoma winds and now navigating the Texas gusts, I’ve learned this: wind doesn’t play nice. It pushes, pulls, and pressures — but it also reminds us we were built to stand strong. Those winds have a mind of their own. They can rattle…
Muster Up and Vote!
It’s decision time, friends — early voting has officially begun here in Austin! And once again, Carl and I are stoked (yes, stoked!) to be serving as election officials. No, this isn’t a major presidential primary — but don’t let that fool you. State and local propositions are where a lot of real-life decisions are…
Oh, To Have My Father’s Eyes and Heart
We’re back home in Austin after a most blessed few days in Nashville for my granddaughter’s wedding — and yes, I’m still floating somewhere between joy and exhaustion! But today, before I start humming again, I’m pausing to simply be — to soak in all that God created us to be and to realize just…
White in September?
I’m still wearing white even though it’s September. Yes, I know the “rule” that white goes back in the closet after Labor Day, but who made that rule anyway? Fashion police? Grandma’s neighbor? The truth is, these days the only faux pas is not being yourself. White-white may rotate out, but winter white aka ivory,…
What a Ride!
Last Monday, Labor Day — instead of grilling burgers or napping in a hammock, Carl and I decided to shake things up. No “same-oh, same-oh.” We took ourselves on a field trip to the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin — and oh my, what a ride through time! Carl’s from Lubbock, I’m from…
Let’s Sing — Even if It’s Raining
Aw! Don’t you love it when you awaken to the sound of rain and the thunder rumbling and it’s a downpour? And, oh, how we need this rain. And it makes me think — maybe we all need a good downpour now and then. Not just the sky’s rain, but life’s rain. You know the…
When “Suddenly” Strikes
There we were — taco in one hand, enchilada in the other –celebrating my bonus daughter Amelia’s birthday at El Alma’s in Austin. The conversation was as rich as the queso, especially as we praised Amelia, who is a beloved middle school social worker with a superpower: making people feel seen, safe, and strong. She’s…
A Family Feast — Includes First Bites
Sunday was a day I won’t forget. Not just because my #3 grandson, Payton, turned 25, but because all 14 of us — yes, our full Motley Crew — gathered around the same table for the first time in a long time. That’s a miracle of itself. Payton’s birthday is easy to remember — May…
Savoring the Quiet
Our lives rarely settle into quiet these days. We get absorbed in the music on our ear pods, our eyes glued to the computer or TV screens where we are getting our daily dose of entertainment or information. My blogs share a lot of “God-information” online. I often wonder if I am listening to way…
Step into Spring
Spring begins today, March 19, 2024. Usually, it’s March 20 or 21, but because it’s a leap year, February gets an extra day. The season moves up a little on the calendar. Either way, the first day of Spring is always a little over a week after daylight saving time. But, with all that info,…