“To Be Honest….”
I overheard someone start a sentence with, “To be honest…” and it made me pause. I know it’s just a figure of speech, but if you think about it — does that mean the rest of the time they’re not being honest? Should I start being concerned about all the conversations before this one? We…
Our Minds Matter – and that Might include a Reboot
Ever feel like your brain is stuck buffering?I get it. Our minds are a lot like computers — except with a whole lot more tabs open! Guilty – even as I type this blog – I have ten tabs open! We upload thoughts, download memories, run endless mental “programs” like grocery lists, birthdays, and “Did…
Be the Storm… or Be the Eye of It
Some days it feels like the world’s in a full-blown hurricane — political unrest, wars of words and weapons, literal floods and rising tides, not to mention our personal storms swirling in the background. But here’s the truth I’ve lived and learned: there is a calm in the chaos. It’s not always outside of us,…
Is Your Life a Little…Bland?
I took a bite of my yogurt, tossed in a few blueberries, crunched some granola, and followed it up with a long sip of coffee. Ah, the breakfast of champions. Except—yuck. The coffee was bland. No coconut flavor. No French vanilla joy. Thirty minutes into breakfast, it hit me. Did I even put a pod…
Leap Over that Wall
One of my first driving experiences was in a Chevy Impala! The driving part wasn’t the issue – it was the stick shift that I had to deal with. It was a leap of faith to maneuver it but before long – with a leap of faith – I became proficient driving that sweet ride!…
Vive la Difference
Ever looked at a couple and thought, “How did THEY ever get together?” Tall woman – short man? Talkative husband – quiet wife? Aw! Viva la difference! God’s recipe for unity was never about sameness. Romans 12:4-5 spells it out beautifully: “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function,…
Life in the Kitchen
While in Denver, Carl and I, along with dear friends, signed up for a hands-on cooking class at Sur La Table. Now let me tell you — this wasn’t your average “stand back and take notes” kind of night. No, sir-ee! We had aprons on, knives in hand, woks sizzling, and eyebrows raised. The theme?…
Living and Being God’s Garden
Our time in Denver included one of the highlights — truly one of the sweetest scents of our visit — was our walk through the Denver Botanic Gardens. It was more than a stroll. It was a soul-awakening.From the moment we stepped through the entrance, it felt like we’d entered Eden’s side gate. The trees…
Freedom — at Last
It started with a sky dive. Kristina Vinberg — fearless, full of fire, and determined to conquer whatever came her way — leapt from a plane for her 26th birthday. Giddy. Grinning. Free. That video said everything about her: she faced fear, clung to her tandem partner’s strength, and flew through the air with joy.…
From the Flood to the Foothills
Yesterday Carl and I made it to Denver, Colorado — the “Mile High City”. Denver sits exactly one mile (5,280 feet) above sea level – hence the nickname. Yes, the altitude is high, the mountains are tall, and the landscapes shout the greatness of our God. AND, bonus, this is where our dear Austin friends…