When Joy Sneaks In
Here we are — the third Sunday of Advent. The Sunday of Joy. This candle on the Advent wreath symbolizes rejoicing because Christmas, the arrival of Jesus, is getting closer. Time to REJOICE! It’s not the loud, confetti-throwing kind of joy (though I’m not opposed!) — but the kind that sneaks in quietly, right when…
Eight Months Pregnant and Riding a Donkey
Okay — so I am pondering the thoughts of Mary again. Consider this — she is eight months pregnant. Eight. Months. Pregnant. And Joseph walks in with news that would make any expectant mother drop her water jar. “Pack your bags, Mary. We’re heading to Bethlehem for the census.”Bethlehem. Eighty dusty miles. On a donkey.…
Hearing God When We’re Just Ordinary
Mary was just a teenage girl in a quiet town — no spotlight, no social media following, no impressive resume. Just ordinary days, family routines, and maybe a few daydreams about her future. Then one day — right in the middle of regular life — an angel shows up. Not just any angel — Gabriel…
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 —…
Follow the Star
Saturday night, we literally followed THE STAR!Not a twinkle on top of a tree — not a glittering yard decoration — but THE Star — Jesus. The One who came from heaven to earth and now leads us all the way home again. We attended the Follow the Star outdoor production at Good Shepherd Church…
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…
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.…
He Came… So We Could Live
If Jesus had stayed in heaven, no one could have blamed Him.Glory beyond imagination. Worship without end. Angels on standby. No sickness, no sorrow, no sin. He had everything. But love won’t stay where it’s comfortable.Love goes where it’s needed.And so — He came. He stepped out of heaven’s brilliance and wrapped Himself in human…
Keep Christ in Christmas and in Every Day
These two magnets — each gently reminding us to “Keep Christ in Christmas” — were gifts from dear friends. They now hold a place of honor on our refrigerator, where we see them every single day. And I absolutely love our friends’ hearts — because they’re right. With all the glitter, garland, goodies, and good…
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…