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…
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…
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…
From Manger to Majesty
I am still amazed by the miracle of Christmas. Truly amazed. That God — the Creator of galaxies, oceans, and every beating heart — chose to come to earth wrapped in human skin. That alone should make us stop mid-sentence and ask — “How could that be?” A virgin named Mary held the Son of…
The Low-Shelf and Low-Tree Things
I still remember my own two little ones when they were toddlers — and later my Nana treasures — those bright-eyed grandchildren with their curious fingers and determined little steps. I learned early on that anything low-shelf was fair game. So before they’d arrive, up went the glass bells, the porcelain keepsakes, and yes —…
Let’s have a Different Spirit
If there were ever a season that calls for a different spirit, it’s Christmas. And no, I don’t mean the decorating-till-midnight kind of spirit (although that can be fun). I’m talking about the spirit God pointed out in Numbers 14:24 when He said: “But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has…
If You Can’t Lick ’Em… Join ’Em
It’s beginning to look a lot like — well, both. Thanksgiving and Christmas are currently sharing the stage like two headliners who showed up to the same concert. And honestly? It’s okay! Just last week, I wandered into Hobby Lobby (dangerous territory for anyone with a pulse and a credit card), and there it was:…
No More “Same-Oh, Same-Oh!”
Carl and I recently decided to spice things up — not in our chili, but in our choices! After realizing we’d been eating at the same-oh, same-oh restaurants, we heard Austin has over 4,000 of them. So we made a pact — no repeats (unless we’re with friends). We’re now at 145 new places and…