Construction Zones of the Heart
Carl and I drove to and from East Texas in a matter of just three days. If you’ve driven the highways between Alto and Austin lately, you know something about that trip. Construction zones. Everywhere. Every few miles we ran into orange cones, blinking signs, and long lines of cars waiting patiently while road crews…
When Heaven Whispers
We’re back home in Austin after a few glorious days at Epiphany Ranch in Alto, Texas — 62 acres of lush East Texas beauty. Tall trees. Rolling fields. A sparkling lake. Tiny homes tucked like little jewels across the land. A place where people come for counseling, training, encouragement, and sometimes just to catch their…
Power Out — Peace On
My mama heart has been doing a little pacing lately. My precious daughter, Staci, and her amazing husband, Larry, steward a beautiful 62-acre ranch in Alto, Texas — wide skies, tiny homes for retreat and restoration, and a magnificent lodge where lives and businesses are built God’s way. It’s a place where peace feels intentional.…
The God of Sunrises, Scripture and Screws
Last weekend at Epiphany Ranch felt a little like stepping inside a hymn like “To God be the Glory” or “How Great Thou Art”. The first morning, Staci and I greeted the sunrise together at 6:00 a.m., wrapped in blankets, soft instrumental worship music floating in the background, the fireplace flickering its own quiet amen.…
Advent: When Heaven Comes Home to Us
Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent — the doorway into the most beautiful story ever told. And while the world around us seems to sprint toward December 25th, Advent gently invites us to slow down — to breathe — to look up — and to remember the holy journey to Bethlehem that changed everything.…
Come Away with Me
Some mornings don’t just dawn — they unfold like a love letter from the Lord. Yesterday was one of those mornings. It was just my daughter Staci, and me — two recliners, one fireplace, one soft sunrise stretching its fingers across the big East Texas sky — and one little surprise guest: Aggie, the cat…
The Joys of Thanks-Giving and Thanks-Living
Thanksgiving Day is behind us, but Carl and I packed our bags with joy and headed straight into a Thanksgiving life — destination: Epiphany Ranch, East Texas. Ahh– that slice of heaven my Staci and Larry call home. The kind of place where the sky stretches so wide it feels like God painted it just…
Hammer Down Mode
Carl and I just spent a few days in full “hammer down” mode at Epiphany Ranch. The barndominium — better known as the lodge — is nearly complete, and let me tell you, it’s looking mighty fine. We drove the 3½ hours to Alto, TX, rolled up our sleeves, and grabbed brooms, rags, and dustpans.…
Still Got It! (With Glue on My Fingers)
What an amazing time we had at Epiphany Ranch — where peace, purpose, and porch-sitting reign — and where, apparently, a long-lost talent of mine was resurrected. Wallpapering. Yes, you heard that right. Mama here dusted off the ol’ wallpaper-hanging gift (which I’d hung up years ago). But wouldn’t you know — my daughter Staci,…
Celebrating Freedom — All Month Long
July is here — and yes, my red, white, and blue is coming out in full force. From porch flags to festive red, white and blue everywhere. In fact, we were a few days early — but we wore our red, white and blue on Sunday. I love celebrating our freedom and the land we’re…