We Took Christmas Outside our Walls
We’re grateful that here in Austin, the weather has been kind — well except for yesterday when our temperatures plummeted. Typically, warm days and mild nights mean those on the streets aren’t huddled in freezing corners right now. Still, warm weather doesn’t erase hunger, loneliness, or the longing to be seen. This blog was born…
Keep Christ in Christmas and in Every Day
These two magnets — each gently reminding us to “Keep Christ in Christmas” — were gifts from dear friends. They now hold a place of honor on our refrigerator, where we see them every single day. And I absolutely love our friends’ hearts — because they’re right. With all the glitter, garland, goodies, and good…
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…
It’s Not About Me
One of the most important lessons of my life has been this: It’s not about me. (Whew! What a relief.) Philippians 1:11 says we are “filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” That means the good in my life? God started it, and He’s the…
Still Got It! (With Glue on My Fingers)
What an amazing time we had at Epiphany Ranch — where peace, purpose, and porch-sitting reign — and where, apparently, a long-lost talent of mine was resurrected. Wallpapering. Yes, you heard that right. Mama here dusted off the ol’ wallpaper-hanging gift (which I’d hung up years ago). But wouldn’t you know — my daughter Staci,…
Potluck or Pot Blessings?
Every Tuesday night we attend a “house church” where a dear friend opens her home to “whosoever”. She and her husband dreamed of inviting people to their home for food and fellowship. Her husband passed on to glory, but she continues her hospitality and mission to serve for over 13 years now. First her counter…
The Gift of Love
Aw, the Thanksgiving and Christmas season is fast approaching! It’s getting close to the time for baking marathons, endless lists, gift wrapping that could rival the elves, and the annual budget “discussion” over what gifts we can actually afford to give. If you’re anything like me, there’s joy in giving, but let’s be real: the…
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…
Let’s Stop Comparing
I saw a sign that said, “Don’t compare your Chapter 1 to someone else’s Chapter 20.” I needed those words. I wanted to be the virtuoso singer who spent countless years training her voice and I was comparing the voice I had in my church’s choir. I wanted to be the exemplary homemaker whose home…
Making the Most of our Talents
PLEASE DON’T STOP READING! You, who think you have no talents! Oh, yes you do, and I am here to remind you about them today! Once upon a time I sang in my school choir and in church choirs. I was also a singer in the Masters IV Quartet. I played the organ and the…