Snapshots of Love
On Sunday, Carl and I stepped into a busy, active and fun-filled place — High Five — that was filled with laughter, little feet running, bowling balls rolling, and the sweet chaos of a five-year-old’s birthday party. Gifts were opened with delight, hugs were given freely, and joy filled every corner. And there they were…
Woven Together in Love
Last Sunday afternoon, over 400 beautiful women gathered together for an Italian Tea Party. Doesn’t that sound inviting? Some gatherings are pleasant.Others feel like heaven quietly slipped into the room. That’s how it felt at our recent Italian gathering at our church.We could see love before we even sat down. First — there was the…
And Let the Games Begin!
Cue the flags. Light the flame. Grab the popcorn. Though some of the games began on February 4th, the 2026 Winter Olympics officially opens today, February 6, and my heart is already racing faster than a downhill skier. From Milan to the peaks of Cortina d’Ampezzo, multiple cities in Italy will witness history as the…
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…