When the World Pauses — God Doesn’t
Storms have a way of slowing everything down. Schools close. Churches move online. Stores lock their doors early. Volunteer centers hit the pause button. Roads ice over. Plans unravel. Flights canceled. Uncertainty commences. Here in Texas, weather like this can feel dramatic. We’re not built for ice, and we don’t pretend to be. When forecasts…
Self-Doubt, Angels, and Trust
When Mary received the astonishing news that she would carry the Son of God, Scripture tells us she rushed to Elizabeth, her much older cousin. Every girl needs a safe place to land when life turns upside down — and Elizabeth, was just that. A woman of faith. A woman who knew something about waiting…
“Do Not Fear” — Seems to Be a Theme Here
If we’ve learned anything from the Christmas story so far, it’s this –God must know we humans can be skittish aka jumpy aka nervous. Three scenes in and we’re already batting three for three on angelic fear warnings. Mary? “Do not be afraid.”Joseph? “Do not be afraid.”Shepherds? “Do not be afraid.”(Translation: Breathe. Heaven is speaking.)…
The Father’s Arms are Open Wide
I saw this photo of a father with arms stretched wide. It stopped me cold. A young boy sprinting toward his dad, joy exploding on his face. His father had just been released after six months held captive in Syria. And now — freedom, reunion, relief. If we want a picture of the gospel wrapped…
The Marvel of a Man Willing to Trust
Yesterday, in my blog, I focused on the news from the angel, Gabriel to Mary — and the awesome yet trepidatious knowledge of carrying Baby Jesus in her womb — “and the Holy Spirit came upon her.” (Luke 1:35) In the meantime — Joseph had plans. Good plans. Solid plans. He was established, respected, engaged…
Don’t Worry — Be Happy!
One of the greatest joy stealers in our lives is worry. Worry sneaks in like a thief, sets up camp in our minds, and before we know it, our peace has packed its bags and left the building. God knows this about us — that’s why He reminds us again and again: “Do. Not. Worry.”…
I Once Was Blind but Now I See
Life with God really isn’t as complicated as we sometimes make it. At its core, it’s two things: faith and love. Jesus summed it up in Matthew 22: “Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” That’s the foundation. Everything else is just home décor. Hebrews 11:6 reminds…
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…
“To Be Honest….”
I overheard someone start a sentence with, “To be honest…” and it made me pause. I know it’s just a figure of speech, but if you think about it — does that mean the rest of the time they’re not being honest? Should I start being concerned about all the conversations before this one? We…
Leave It in God’s Hands
We grandmothers are a special breed. We carry tissues in our purses, candy in our pockets, and a prayer list that’s longer than a CVS receipt. And at the very top of that list? Our grandchildren. Of course, I am also acknowledging you dear loving and adoring mamas who love so deeply — even before…