Celebrating One of God’s Sweetest Gifts
What if our daily decisions, actions and reactions were always led by “What Would Jesus Do?” This day of the year is one of my favorites because I get to celebrate my “other” son. Yes, I have one birth son, but when my daughter, Staci, married Larry Wallace, God gave me another beloved son. Today…
His Way is the High Way
I WANT to do God’s will. Really, I do. But how can I know what that is? I can’t claim to have this all figured out, but the more I seek to understand what scripture tells us about God’s will, the clearer it becomes. First, it is most important to understand the big picture why…
Still Celebrating Easter
Looking across the room to my TV stand, I see two framed photos. One, with all my children and grandchildren and me. The other is one of my husband and me. It’s a way of introducing my neighbors to my loves. My family was altogether over the weekend — well, except for my sweetheart in…
Contented to be Back Home Where I Belong
This morning I wake up in my sweet apartment home in Austin. No crashing waves on the shore or a sunset that no mere mortal man could have ever dreamed up or created. No sandy beaches or majestic palm trees, cacti OR room service. But, thanks be to God – I’m in my sweet spot…
We’ve Only Just Begun
That was one of our favorite songs by The Carpenters. As a young married couple, we sang that song completely unaware of what lie ahead of us, but as long as we had each other, we knew we’d make it past every bump in the road we might encounter. Sounds like unrealistic thinking, but it…
This Yellow Rose of Texas is Still Blooming
Look at my little yellow rose bush that decided to bloom in the freezing cold of winter. It spoke of hope and “Spring is on its way!” But it was teasing me. I took this photo just before the Arctic blast swept through. All my excitement of a “change” never looked like last week’s days…
Where He Leads, I Will Follow
One of my dear friends from Tulsa called me on Saturday night. She wanted to know about my move to Austin. I detailed my story and then she understood. This is three moves in the ten years since my sweetheart “moved” to heaven. Obviously, I’m not a “squatter” — staying put for very long. But,…
I’m Squeezing the Orange
Embracing this day and this moment is the most delightful way to squeeze every ounce out of the orange. I thought a comparison to a succulent orange would best explain my life. Maybe a few sour lemons along the way – but nothing to compare to fresh, sweet orange juice! Only four days and “Austin,…
My Nest Felt Uncomfortable
Ever felt like that little bird whose mama kept making the nest not-so-cozy so her babies would fly away? Before long that little bird had enough and flew away. It may be called “restlessness”. If Covid taught me anything, “more” is not necessary. I started feeling “less IS more”. I sensed I didn’t need all…
I Can Hardly Wait
My son sent a photo of he and Shawntel taking friends with their little two-year-old girl to see Austin’s spectacular Trail of Lights. They’re getting that little one started early. And that’s what my parents did for me. As a child, some of my fondest memories of Christmas included the drive to look at Christmas…