What If We Had Been the Shepherds?
Not the polished, postcard shepherds — but the real ones. Sleepless. Dusty. Smelling like sheep. Curled up on the ground because that’s just how life worked. Shepherding wasn’t glamorous, but it was essential. Sheep mattered. Sacrifices mattered. And shepherds stayed busy because sheep were born — well — to die. Then one night — everything…
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…
From Dallas to Bethlehem — What a Difference a Town Makes
I was born in Dallas, Texas—a city that does nothing small. Big highways. Tall buildings. Big hair (at least back then). I entered the world in Parkland Memorial Hospital, a clean, sterile, well-equipped place with machines that beeped and doctors who knew exactly what they were doing. My mother was just a few miles from…
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…
Whether Happy or Sad — Emmanuel Is Here
Emmanuel — God with us. Those three words are a lifeline –especially for anyone who’s walking through December with sorrow. I still remember this day — December 17th. Eight days before Christmas. I was 15, and I saw my daddy go home to Jesus. While other kids were thinking about presents, I wasn’t. I’ve thought…
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…