Stolen Jewelry and a Stubbed Toe
It was a typical Wednesday at the Vincentian Family Center — laughing with volunteers, helping shoppers find treasures, and watching joy unfold in unexpected places. Whether someone came looking for a bargain or just curiosity brought them in, one thing was certain: needs were being met, and hearts were being lifted. Where else can you…
Love Has No Limits
Love Has No LimitsVolunteering at the Vincentian Family Center brings me joy. Every Saturday, nearly 1,000 families receive food, and I serve in the thrift store, where people from all walks of life come through the doors — some searching for bargains, others for basic necessities. There’s a homeless man who comes directly to me…
A Heart for Giving
Did you get as many emails and text messages as I did for giving on Black Friday, Giving Monday, and Giving Tuesday? I wish that I were such a cheerful giver that I replied with big donations for each one. I didn’t, but I should have. The season of giving is here. We shop, we…
Our Identity is Clear
My dear friends and colleagues, Jolene Boyer and Gerald Boyer, gave a most delightful “Ice Cream Sundaes on Sunday” wedding celebration for us. I volunteer with them at the Vincentian Family Center here in Austin. Several other co-workers were also at this yummy and lovely celebration and it blessed Carl and me so much. We…
Ours are the Hands
At the Vincentian Family Center last Saturday, I was privileged to share the morning devotion with the “team”. Those who follow me on Facebook or my website know that I am a deep well and drawing from that well is way more than anyone would need to hear. “Little” said often comes with a “bigger”…
Serving God by Serving Others
My daughter’s prayer as soon as she awakens each day, is “How can I serve you today, Lord?” I’m sure God loves when we come to Him in prayer, but usually, when we check in with Him, it is only to give Him our long prayer request and wish list. Can you imagine how He…
A Holy Moment and a Lost Phone
I’m at the Vincentian Family Center on Saturday. Just before the store opens, I see a co-worker standing in the middle of the floor, gazing straight ahead and mumbling. I look to the right and see no one standing in front of him. I ask: “Who are you talking to?” His reply: “I was having…
You Are Now Entering Your Mission Field
My two youngest grandsons are in Gitega, Burundi Africa with the Mission SOS team for nine days. Each day they go out in teams to share the love and good news of Jesus, and invite people to a nightly festival where the Gospel is shared and people are being healed, delivered, and baptized. I know…