The Unwelcome
I have been checking off my to-do list before leaving for East Texas tomorrow where I’ll be welcomed by my daughter and family. Of course, they will. I will be bearing goodies and gifts for them. On Christmas Day, I’ll return to my Austin Family’s home where we’ll enjoy their Christmas traditions. Then, Monday, we…
Be a Bunyan
We’ve only just begun, that is, Brennan’s High School Senior Year. Monday was the Convocation Ceremonies for Regents School students’, Kindergarten to Grade 12. The stands were full of parents and families. The floor was full of students. And the mamas of the seniors were shedding a few tears. This is the beginning of the…
God is NOT our Drill Sergeant
Cheers to my mom and dad’s hardcore belief in life. I was an unexpected baby (not to God, but to mom and dad). It had been 12 years since their last child, but mom was in a trainwreck that upset her “apple cart”, rather, her birthing cart. All the biological factors came together and whoa-la,…
Seeing Through God’s Eyes
Last Sunday I heard a beautiful message. “Imagine you are a blank slate and there is no data in you. No more past failures or troubles. No influences. On this first day you find out there is a God who created you in His own image. (Genesis 1:27). Really? I’m like God! Awesome! Then the…
When You’re a Hugger and an Encourager
That’s me. I come from a family of huggers. These arms were meant to reach out and hug. So, throw me into a world of social distancing, and I’m very uncomfortable. I was amused when someone reacted to my “Are You Vaccinated?” blog with these words: “Jesus would be first in line to get the…
Jesus Loves Me — This I Know
Life happens. Often, it happens because of negative circumstances and people. Your car gets rear-ended by another car moving way too fast. You bumble the opportunity to encourage someone. You fail at having a good attitude at that appointment. You have trouble forgiving someone for THAT thing they forgot to do. Your feelings get hurt…
Are You Dressed Yet?
That’s a loaded question. The answer could be “yes”, even if you’re sporting your jammies, your swimsuit, or a 3-piece suit. A t-shirt and shorts may mean a comfortable afternoon at home or the park. A silky chiffon dress might mean a special night out. My Austin children went to a wedding yesterday, but before…
Let’s Break Some Rules
Jesus did. Why can’t we? Doesn’t that sound rebellious? Or does it – especially when we consider Jesus and how He broke some rules. I’m not talking about the “Thou shalt nots” – those are rules we don’t break. I am talking about how Jesus broke the rules around hypocritical folks. I was 15-years-old when…
My Eyes Saw His Eyes
From my comfy chair, I look across my living area into the kitchen. My eyes see His eyes. Those eyes on my refrigerator were a gift that had been strategically placed under the guests’ clear plates at a women’s meeting. They were awe-inspiring then, and this day those eyes meet mine again. I know those…
What Matters Most is….We All Matter
Take it from Mother Teresa — we all matter. I see the marches and the protests and the persistent sound bites about an exclusive group of people demanding that their lives matter. I’m not nullifying that their lives do matter, but if we look at the work of Mother Teresa, we’ll learn that ALL lives…