Real or an Illusion
Where in the world would you go to celebrate an anniversary? How about Boulder City, Nevada and seeing the Hoover Dam where it’s hot hot hot? But, when you have cousins who live there in a gorgeous home overlooking majestic mountains, the desert and Lake Mead, you welcome the blessing! Covered in sunscreen and being…
Thanks to the Son AND the Sunflower
A year ago, this day, I held a beautiful bridal bouquet adorned with sunflowers, gifted by my soon-to-be husband. Sunflowers have since become my favorite flower, not just for their radiant beauty, but because they serve as a remarkable reminder of God’s incredible handiwork. These vibrant flowers are unique in their behavior: each morning, they…
God is My Pilot
Remember the bumper sticker: “God is my co-pilot”? While well-intended, it misses the mark. If we’re in the pilot seat, we’re bound to veer off course. Letting God lead is the only way to navigate life’s journey successfully. Better said is “Jesus, take the wheel!” A Co-Pilot is not in charge! By saying God is…
Ring of Fire
As I sit here humming Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” I can’t help but think about the many rings of fire that touch our lives. Johnny sang of a love so fierce it felt like flames. Couples wear rings that symbolize their promises to forever love each other through all of life’s seasons. A few…
Using our Talents
Jesus told the Parable of the Talents to remind us of the importance of using the gifts and talents He’s given us. In the story, the servants who wisely used their talents were praised with, “Well done, good and faithful servants… enter into the joy of the Lord!” (Matthew 25:23) But the one who buried…
Just an Ordinary Average Joe
After watching those brilliant, toned, driven Olympic athletes and their feats, it can certainly intimidate those of us without those well-trained bodies — physically AND mentally! We are just ordinary, average Joes. How could we ever excel and become so remarkable and outstanding in our “sport” or our “job” or our “family and relationships”? “Vive…
Maintenance Needed
I’m nearing the 40K mile check-up on my car. That means an oil change, tire rotation, and usual maintenance. We maintain our cars to avoid breakdowns. We need to apply maintenance to our souls. If our lives feel sluggish and unresponsive to God’s voice, it is probably time for a spiritual tune-up. Imagine if our…
Be Anxious for Nothing
“The Chosen” series, Season 4, Episode 7 portrays Jesus visiting sisters, Mary and Martha at their home. If you had to guess, you’d probably peg me as a Martha. Oh yes, I’d be that whirlwind, dusting every corner and probably running a small catering operation from my kitchen to serve the best meal ever. I…
Let’s Talk About Arenas
I have blogged about the olympics several days now. I can’t help myself because I am thinking today about our own daily olympics that require all kinds of fitness, mind control, determination and a no-quit attitude. I’ve been to Paris with friends. It was one of the stops in our 21-day European cruise several years…