The Beautiful Surprise of Being an Encourager
A few days ago, I wrote about being an encourager. Funny how God does that — once we speak a word out loud, He hands us an opportunity to live it. Like I often do, I asked God for a “word” for 2026. As Carl and I prayed our way into this new chapter, we…
In the Beginning — Again
“In the beginning…” are some of the most powerful words ever written. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Gen 1:1“In the beginning was the Word.” John 1:1 Even Julie Andrews knew what she was talking about: “Let’s start at the very beginning — a very good place to start.” And here…
The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow
“Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there’ll be sun…” Thanks, Annie. Turns out she was onto something eternal. A brand-new year arrived, but aside from the clock striking midnight, nothing really looked different. The first minute of a new day is just as dark as the last minute of the old one. No fireworks. No…
Wise Men and Women Still Seek Him
I’m leaning all the way into the word NEW — new mercies, new perspectives, new grace, new peace, new joy, new hope. The trivial stuff no longer gets to sit in the front seat. The rear view mirror doesn’t offer much satisfaction anymore, and honestly, what once felt urgent in 2025 now feels surprisingly small.…
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,…