When “Suddenly” Strikes
There we were — taco in one hand, enchilada in the other –celebrating my bonus daughter Amelia’s birthday at El Alma’s in Austin. The conversation was as rich as the queso, especially as we praised Amelia, who is a beloved middle school social worker with a superpower: making people feel seen, safe, and strong. She’s…
A Penny for Your Trust
I bent down to pick up a penny in the parking lot the other day. Carl wondered why I did. Because I saw it — those four powerful words engraved in faded copper: “In God We Trust”. And suddenly, that scuffed-up coin wasn’t just a penny. It was a proclamation. A pocket-sized sermon. A reminder…
He Walked Among Us and We Walk with Him
Today is Ascension Thursday — a day many believers don’t realize carries as much awe as Easter morning. We often shout “He is risen!” And rightfully so. But do we whisper the second half of the miracle? He stayed a while — for 40 extra days! For forty days — after coming out of that…
A Family Feast — Includes First Bites
Sunday was a day I won’t forget. Not just because my #3 grandson, Payton, turned 25, but because all 14 of us — yes, our full Motley Crew — gathered around the same table for the first time in a long time. That’s a miracle of itself. Payton’s birthday is easy to remember — May…
Is It a Heart Condition… or a Condition of the Heart?
A couple of weeks ago, a friend shared that her husband had a heart attack. After a whirlwind of tests, doctors inserted a stent — and now? He feels like a million bucks. His family is relieved, and he’s got a new pep in his step (and probably fewer burgers in his diet). Along with…
I Will Not Let Go
I Will Not Let God Go“I will not let you go unless You bless me.” Genesis 32:26 Now that’s a bold thing to say when we’re locked in a wrestling match — with God, no less! That’s exactly what Jacob did. God had already promised him blessings — land, family, influence, legacy — the works!…
Made for Good Works
Let’s be real — God didn’t place us on this Earth to binge-watch TV or think only of ourselves. He created us with purpose. For partnership. For good works. Ephesians 2:10 says it plainly:“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”…
Untying the Apron Strings
Oh me! I’ve had many aprons and untying them wasn’t always easy — especially when those strings were wrapped around those I loved the most. The phrase “untying the apron strings” is often about our children and grandchildren and having to release our grip on them as they step into adulthood. ADULTHOOD? How can it…
Me – MySELF – and I
Self-ish; Self-less; Self-Sufficiency; Self-Reliant! I can do it…..myself! Funny how, in this independent mindset that we hold on to for so long, we become almost TOO GOOD at being self-sufficient. I’m guilty as charged. Fortunately, there have been very few things that I can’t do myself, especially in this age of being able to google…
A New Pope, A Shared Calling
This is old news, but I just have to comment! With the release of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, the world was given a new leader of the Catholic Church: Pope Leo XIV. Elected by a two-thirds majority of cardinals in the sacred setting of the Conclave, this moment wasn’t just historical — it…