Happy New Year’s Eve — Day 365 — We Made It
That’s 365 days of choosing hope. Of posting encouragement. Of offering a positive word in a world that often prefers venting over virtue. And let’s be honest — this year gave us plenty to vent about. Politics. The economy. Relationships. Disappointments. Phew! But once upon a time — 2010, to be exact — I sensed…
Remember. Meditate. Reflect.
I can’t begin to tell you what blogging has done for me over the last fifteen years. It has given me purpose — and a sweet intimacy with God. Each day feels like an invitation to sit quietly, hold the pen (or the keyboard), and wait for the aha moments He so faithfully supplies. I…
We Took Christmas Outside our Walls
We’re grateful that here in Austin, the weather has been kind — well except for yesterday when our temperatures plummeted. Typically, warm days and mild nights mean those on the streets aren’t huddled in freezing corners right now. Still, warm weather doesn’t erase hunger, loneliness, or the longing to be seen. This blog was born…
What If We Had Been the Shepherds?
Not the polished, postcard shepherds — but the real ones. Sleepless. Dusty. Smelling like sheep. Curled up on the ground because that’s just how life worked. Shepherding wasn’t glamorous, but it was essential. Sheep mattered. Sacrifices mattered. And shepherds stayed busy because sheep were born — well — to die. Then one night — everything…
Oh My Soul — Now I Know Why
Our family celebrations have been delightfully spread out this year. Carl’s children’ Christmas — earlier in the month, Thanksgiving and Christmas with my daughter’s family at Epiphany Ranch, and yesterday — Christmas Day — with my son and his family. So many memories already tucked away — as new ones are still being made. And…
Joy to the World — Our King Has Come!
Today is not just a holiday — it’s THE birthday. Not a quiet, tiptoe-around-it kind of birthday either. This is a Joy-to-the-World, lift-your-voice, bow-your-heart kind of day. The day Heaven leaned close to Earth and said, “Presenting….JESUS, the Son of God!” Jesus came.Not just to visit.Not just to inspire.But to live among us, love us,…
Oh Holy Night
It’s Christmas Eve! We’re so close now. Christmas is tomorrow. We feel it in the air — the quiet excitement, the rustle of wrapping paper in a back room, AND the whispered negotiations — “Plllllease can we open just one present?” on Christmas Eve. You remember that feeling, don’t you? The one gift allowed early.…
Let’s Make Our Hearts a Bethlehem.
So here we are, December 23rd, hearts full, hope rising.The only baby who chose to be a baby is almost here. And, HERE, was Bethlehem. Why did Jesus come as a baby — when He didn’t have to. He could have arrived on the scene fully grown — robes flowing, crown shining. When He comes…
May the Fourth Be With You
Yes, that’s my little Star Wars wink as we arrive at the Fourth Sunday of Advent. We’re officially on the launchpad. Christmas is close enough to hear the angels clearing their throats. This final Advent candle shines with love — the kind that doesn’t shout but shows up. And no two people model that better…
Self-Doubt, Angels, and Trust
When Mary received the astonishing news that she would carry the Son of God, Scripture tells us she rushed to Elizabeth, her much older cousin. Every girl needs a safe place to land when life turns upside down — and Elizabeth, was just that. A woman of faith. A woman who knew something about waiting…