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…
Soul Rest
A dear friend — a loving wife, sister, mother, and grandmother — was recently diagnosed with cancer. Just weeks before, she was in full mom-mode, helping her daughter prepare for the wedding of her dreams. The photos were pure joy: decorating the venue, fixing every detail, and beaming with love. Then came the diagnosis. Life…
Staying Positive in a Negative World
Years ago when I lived in Tulsa, I walked out of the grocery store, minding my own business, when a TV reporter swooped in with a microphone and a cameraman in tow. Before I could say “no comment,” she was asking what I thought about all the new traffic in our area. Now, I hadn’t…
Thunder Up…..and Rise Up
This Oklahoma gal (for over 40 years) had her pom-poms ready Sunday night as the Oklahoma City Thunder faced off against the Indiana Pacers. Oh, the drama and the ups and downs of basketball! One minute we were up, the next minute they were. But in the end? Thunder brought it home — 103 to…
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…
YOU-Turns
We all know what a U-turn is — that moment when we realize we’re heading the wrong direction, and the only option is to turn around. (And maybe pray no one’s watching when we make it an extra-wide turn.) But have you ever thought about the YOU-turns we need in life? The ones where we…
Hallelujah! HE LIVES!
The tomb is empty.The grave clothes folded.The stone? Rolled away — not by men, but by the hand of the Almighty.Death lost its grip.Hell lost its claim.And hope?It rose with Him. Jesus didn’t just die for us — He rose for us.He didn’t just promise resurrection — He proved it.The One who was mocked, beaten,…