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…
A Father’s Love at Christmas
Every December, I set out my nativity scenes — all dozen-plus of them — but this year — something sweet caught my eye. Nearly every set shows Mary looking tenderly at Jesus in the manger or holding Him close, as any new mother would. But among all the figures, one nativity stood out from the…
Withstand
WITHSTAND — that word hits home for me. After 40 years in Oklahoma winds and now navigating the Texas gusts, I’ve learned this: wind doesn’t play nice. It pushes, pulls, and pressures — but it also reminds us we were built to stand strong. Those winds have a mind of their own. They can rattle…
I Choose To….
Dr. Robert Schuller said it well: “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” And mercy, don’t I remember those tough times — days when the bills piled up, and the calendar still insisted the month wasn’t over. Yet somehow, we made it. Not because we were strong, but because we leaned on the One…
Our Emotions Serve a Purpose
I’ll admit it — I can be an emotional basket case from time to time. Sometimes it’s something small — like a touching memory from years gone by. Other times, it’s when I think about the sheer goodness of God or when I get a call from Bryson, my youngest grandchild — who’s currently sailing…
Patience, Muffins, and a Soul Recharge
Before our trip to Tulsa, I took my car to the dealership for my 45,000-mile checkup. “It’ll take about two hours,” they said. Perfect, I thought — time for a little quiet, a complimentary blueberry muffin (bless them), and some writing time with my laptop. I found a cozy corner, coffee beside me, and settled…
Clothed in Strength, Dignity… and a Little Sparkle
Sunday night I traded my election badge for a runway pass! Our fearless leader, Anita McGinnis, planned another one of her creative “Sweet Tea” events — this time, a holiday fashion show. Twelve of us “models” (and I use that term loosely!) headed over to Posh Mercantile, a new dress and accessories boutique, to find…
Wherever He Leads
Sometimes our journeys take us through wonderful places — those seasons when everything feels right in our world. The road is smooth, the view is beautiful, and we’re humming along, windows down, hair blowing, singing off-key but loving every minute of it. But then… the GPS of life suddenly reroutes. We find ourselves grinding up…
Tools in the Master’s Hands
I’ve often wondered what my life would look like if I could peek inside God’s workshop. I picture shelves lined with tools — some shiny, some worn — each one uniquely shaped for His purpose. And right there on the bench? A little name tag that says “Donna’s Tools.” The truth is, every one of…
Muster Up and Vote!
It’s decision time, friends — early voting has officially begun here in Austin! And once again, Carl and I are stoked (yes, stoked!) to be serving as election officials. No, this isn’t a major presidential primary — but don’t let that fool you. State and local propositions are where a lot of real-life decisions are…