The Competitive Edge
I come from a long line of go-getters… and yet, I was the kid hiding behind my mama’s coat-tails. I wasn’t loud, didn’t play sports, and wouldn’t dare raise my hand unless I was really sure of the answer. But somehow, God gave me a family full of people who don’t just show up to…
Welcome to My Safe Place
My Safe Place is smack dab in the green pastures where God always soothes my soul and gives me daily ideas for yet another blog. Most days, folks read the words, smile (hopefully), and carry on with their day. Occasionally, I get a “like” or a heart and let me tell you — those little…
Let There Be Light
Here’s the truth about darkness. Darkness is absent of light. And what about dark thoughts? Think about it. The more we dwell on our negative feelings or confront someone that is negative, the darker it becomes. The more we watch political news, and listen to the he said/she said stuff, and the backbiting between opposing…
When “Suddenly” Strikes
There we were — taco in one hand, enchilada in the other –celebrating my bonus daughter Amelia’s birthday at El Alma’s in Austin. The conversation was as rich as the queso, especially as we praised Amelia, who is a beloved middle school social worker with a superpower: making people feel seen, safe, and strong. She’s…
A Penny for Your Trust
I bent down to pick up a penny in the parking lot the other day. Carl wondered why I did. Because I saw it — those four powerful words engraved in faded copper: “In God We Trust”. And suddenly, that scuffed-up coin wasn’t just a penny. It was a proclamation. A pocket-sized sermon. A reminder…
He Walked Among Us and We Walk with Him
Today is Ascension Thursday — a day many believers don’t realize carries as much awe as Easter morning. We often shout “He is risen!” And rightfully so. But do we whisper the second half of the miracle? He stayed a while — for 40 extra days! For forty days — after coming out of that…
A Family Feast — Includes First Bites
Sunday was a day I won’t forget. Not just because my #3 grandson, Payton, turned 25, but because all 14 of us — yes, our full Motley Crew — gathered around the same table for the first time in a long time. That’s a miracle of itself. Payton’s birthday is easy to remember — May…
Is It a Heart Condition… or a Condition of the Heart?
A couple of weeks ago, a friend shared that her husband had a heart attack. After a whirlwind of tests, doctors inserted a stent — and now? He feels like a million bucks. His family is relieved, and he’s got a new pep in his step (and probably fewer burgers in his diet). Along with…
I Will Not Let Go
I Will Not Let God Go“I will not let you go unless You bless me.” Genesis 32:26 Now that’s a bold thing to say when we’re locked in a wrestling match — with God, no less! That’s exactly what Jacob did. God had already promised him blessings — land, family, influence, legacy — the works!…
Made for Good Works
Let’s be real — God didn’t place us on this Earth to binge-watch TV or think only of ourselves. He created us with purpose. For partnership. For good works. Ephesians 2:10 says it plainly:“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”…