The Sweetest Scent
Before I moved to Austin, I often drove here to see my family. Sometimes I would tell Ryan and Shawntel to not tell the kids I was coming in so I could surprise them. I would hide my car and then slip into a room. Then the plan was to jump in and surprise them.…
Our Divine Palindrome
Sunday, the 24th, was my son’s birthday. Thanks to all who helped me celebrate him here on FB. That morning, we were text messaging our birthday wishes to Ryan within our family group. His son, Barrett aka Bear, sent him this message: “Happy birthday, Dad! The big 55! It’s your once-a-decade palindrome year!” I didn’t…
A Firm Foundation
This blog was inspired by reading my cousins’ FB post a few days ago. They are celebrating their 8th anniversary and Adriane’s words remind me of our faith journey: “Today we celebrate eight years of marriage. EIGHT?!? How can time move so slowly and so quickly at the same time? As I reflect on this…
The Blessing of the Firstborn
We’ll soon meet up at church to offer up praise to God for His overwhelming goodness. We’ll be celebrating the entire day that will conclude with a great meal at a favorite restaurant. And, the “special plate” will show up which means each of us telling him why he is special to us. But first…
Filtering our Hearing
Once upon a time, to make a phone call when we were driving anywhere, we had to find a phone booth to make that call (usually found outside of a convenience store). Today, we can carry on phone conversations in our car! With so many life-changing conveniences, we still get perturbed when we are “inconvenienced”…
Let’s Be Different
Just go to social media or the news if you enjoy hearing ranting and raving about this or that. We’ve gotten so used to it that we consider it just “normal”. Me? I exit out of that atmosphere quickly! How “different” are we from what is “normal” to others? Some say that “It’s NORMAL to…
Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand
This is my Grandma and Grandpa, John & Mary Halbert. Some of you knew them on this side of heaven. Some of you know them by me talking about them here on social media. They’ve long been in heaven, but today I really need their example for focus on what matters most. Though they weren’t…
This, That, and the Other
Often our lives are made up of having a little longing for THIS or being a little offended about THAT or complaining about the OTHER. Being dissatisfied about THIS, THAT or the OTHER. I’m guilty. Sometimes I get myself in a funk because I found a charge on my credit card statement that wasn’t mine.…
Sweet & Tasty Treats
I read that Krispy Kreme celebrated its 85th birthday on July 13th. AND, to celebrate, from July 11th through July 14th, they chose multiple guests each day to receive an 85th birthday card worth a dozen free glazed donuts a month for a year. I’m sorry I missed the big celebration! Well, not really. The…
A Million Dollar Gift
Have you ever thought those thoughts or played that game? When we were in Cabo, Ryan always came up with a subject for us to discuss around the dinner table. One of those times, he asked the question: “If you were given a million dollars, would you give it away or keep it for your…