On the Road Again… and Grateful for the Ride!
We’re packed to the brim — literally and emotionally — as Carl and I hit the road to Fort Worth, Texas, for the annual Noble Family Reunion. The trunk? Loaded with over 75 Silent Auction items. My heart? Loaded with anticipation, love, and just a smidge of “please Lord, let this all come together.” This…
He Giveth… and Giveth Again
Oh — sweet goodness — that follows us all the days of our lives. Yesterday, we took off — literally! We traded the Texas heat for the crisp, cool air of Crested Butte, Colorado. It started with a simple question from Carl’s daughter (my bonus daughter): “Want to do something different for Father’s Day?” Yes,…
The Mountain and the Ocean
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell once sang, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” but on Sunday, Carl and I had to admit — some mountains (and even hills) are, in fact, too high! I’ve made the climb to the lighthouse and chapel on El Encanto (to love) many times, but this time, wisdom (and my marathon-worn…
Oh Tidings of Comfort and Joy
This time of year, my heart always turns to those spending their first Christmas without a loved one. While the world sings “Joy to the World” and the air rings with goodwill and glad tidings, I know not everyone feels like celebrating. For some, the holidays bring a longing to look past the tinsel and…
Just Take the First Step
Oh how sweet the memories of helping my children and grandchildren take their first steps. It was an achievement for them, but even more so, it was an achievement for us. Jesus understands children and He understands us. He Who created water certainly knew His ability for walking on water. Nowhere do we read about…
From Generation to Generation
Heritage: valued objects and qualities like traditions, that have been passed down from previous generations; legacy. Check out these photos! They represent many lifetimes of memories — aunts and uncles reminiscing “the good old days”, memories of cousins playing together, of grandmas’ and grandpas’ stories of faith that sparked faith in their children and grandchildren.…
How the Tides Can Change
Home at last after a remarkable week cruising Eastern Canada and New England. Still, there truly is no place like home sweet home. The joy was doubled as my East Texas family journeyed to Austin to celebrate Mother’s Day with us. Big brother Ryan and sister Shawntel opened their welcoming, spacious home to everyone, while…
Let’s Launch this Baby!
Yesterday, I spoke of a life of “cruising with Jesus”— a phrase that tickles my soul with joy. For years, the cruise ship has served not only as a vessel of choice but also as a vivid metaphor for my spiritual journey alongside the Lord, charting the waters of life. This afternoon, metaphor merges into…
Just a Little Love Song
Valentine’s Day was yesterday and sweet love songs continue to ring in my ears. Love songs went to a new level when my babies came into my life. I didn’t realize I had the capacity to love so deeply as I did when my first child, my baby boy Ryan was born. I knew I…
Welcome, December!
Aw! The month of Advent and Christmas, and for my Jewish friends, the beautiful, upcoming days of Hanukkah — The Festival of Lights. You may be one not-so-invested in the holidays when it seems everyone else is getting their holly-jolly-selves on! They’re cheerful, happy, all caught up in their blessing moods while you are in…