I Forgive
Forgiveness is never easy. It can feel like swallowing gravel — especially when the wound is deep and the hurt has lingered for decades. But I recently read something that stopped me in my tracks and reminded me that forgiveness is not only possible, it’s powerful. Actor Tim Allen — yes, Tim “The Toolman” Taylor…
Let’s Flex Our Faith
Some phrases just stick. Our Lamplighters Bible teacher, Zack Dawes, tossed one out Sunday morning while we were diving into the book of Daniel: “Flex your mighty right arm!” That’s straight from Isaiah 51:9 — a bold, beautiful prayer:“Awake, awake, arm of the Lord, clothe yourself with strength! Flex your mighty right arm!” It’s an…
I’m Being Followed
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”— Psalm 23:6 That’s quite a promise, isn’t it? Some days it feels like anxiety and fear are tailgating us while goodness and mercy got stuck at the last stoplight. But life has taught me something — goodness and mercy don’t always walk…
Laughter Is Medicine for the Soul
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” — Proverbs 17:22 Saturday night, Carl and I went on a date that felt like a vitamin for our souls. We joined a packed house at Hill Country Church in Austin for “Funny How Marriage Works” with comedian Michael Jr. I’ve…
Our Eternal Backup Source
Ever feel like your spiritual battery is running low? You’re not alone. I’ve sung “This little light of mine; I’m gonna let it shine” more times than I can count. But some days, I feel like I need jumper cables just to make it to lunch. Life has a way of draining us. A negative…
Correction That’s Good for Us
I’ll be honest — I don’t like being corrected. Do you? It’s embarrassing. Especially if someone points out my mistake in front of other people. I’d much prefer a quiet whisper in the corner than a neon sign flashing “She goofed!” But as much as we dislike correction, it’s good for us. Correction keeps us…
Serving Like Mary and Martha
At our Wednesday night Women’s Bible Study — picture about fifty women, Bibles open, our cups and mugs in hand — we talked about spiritual gifts. Some of us are encouragers. Some are intercessors. Some are prayer warriors. And then there are those who, like Mary, have the gift of simply sitting at Jesus’ feet…
The Less Is More Mindset
I sold our Sapulpa, Oklahoma home back in 2010 after my late husband moved on to glory! That’s when the “less is more” mindset first started tugging on me. I’ll never forget opening the attic, boxes of receipts, lumber scraps, holiday décor enough for the Macy’s parade, and keepsakes stacked to the heavens. I stood…
Beauty from the Ashes
I watched the Charlie Kirk Memorial with tears in my eyes. Before a word was spoken, before tributes were shared, hands were lifted high in praise. Worship filled the room. Gratitude rose like incense. It was a scene that echoed the promise of Scripture: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble…
Embracing God’s Good Gifts
Yesterday, I wrote about hearing God’s voice. Oh, how important it is to welcome THE VOICE, embrace THE VOICE, and — most importantly — actually hear THE VOICE. Which brings me to a confession… I’m in a new season — one I wasn’t planning on stepping into. It all started with a card from Miracle…