Our Emotions Serve a Purpose
And, oh how my emotions can be topsy-turvy! But, thank God — He knows me well. In fact, He never asked for polite affection. He asked for passionate love.“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” (Mark 12:30) That’s not a Hallmark-card kind of love. That’s a whole-life, all-in, no-holding-back…
When Joy Sneaks In
Here we are — the third Sunday of Advent. The Sunday of Joy. This candle on the Advent wreath symbolizes rejoicing because Christmas, the arrival of Jesus, is getting closer. Time to REJOICE! It’s not the loud, confetti-throwing kind of joy (though I’m not opposed!) — but the kind that sneaks in quietly, right when…
Advent: Holidays or Holy Days?
I spoke about Advent yesterday but I am leaning in even more! By the way, Happy Advent, dear friends! There’s a sweetness in the air this time of year that no scented candle can replicate — a hush, a hope, a holy expectancy drifting right into our homes like a soft winter breeze. But before…
Happy Thanksgiving Eve to You and Yours!
Seriously… let me just say it plain: GOD GAVE ME YOU.I can’t overstate how much my Facebook and Social Media family and friends mean to me. So before the turkey timer dings and the stretchy pants come out, I wanted to pause and tell you how grateful I am for each and every one of…
Our Emotions Serve a Purpose
I’ll admit it — I can be an emotional basket case from time to time. Sometimes it’s something small — like a touching memory from years gone by. Other times, it’s when I think about the sheer goodness of God or when I get a call from Bryson, my youngest grandchild — who’s currently sailing…
🎄Stop and Smell the Christmas Roses! 🎄
Some folks rush home after trips just to get back to their “to-do” lists — not us! After the Tulsa wedding, we headed to Branson, MO where Christmas lights meet Southern charm and joy practically jingles in the air! We determine to make sweet moments count!And let me tell you — Branson just might be…
Coloring Outside the Lines of Grace
I still remember my grade school glory days — me, a blank coloring page, and my prized 64-pack of Crayolas. Oh, the smell of wax and potential! I might not have been Michelangelo, but give me a steady hand and I could color within the lines like a pro. Let’s just say, if there’d been…
Love, Laughter, and a Little Bit of Dancing
We said our goodbyes to family yesterday morning — hearts full and feet still sore from all the celebrating! What a most blessed, beautiful, and treasured time we had rejoicing over my granddaughter Alexia and her now-husband Winston’s wedding. Every detail reflected their hearts — their love for each other, for family, for fun, and…
Take a Deep Breath
Ever take your breath for granted? I do — until I’m lying awake at night and sleep doesn’t come. That’s when I remember to inhale deeply. Slow, full breaths really do help me drift off. And apparently, there’s science behind it. Deep breathing calms the nervous system, lowers stress hormones, delivers oxygen to our cells,…
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…