Never Too Old

A few days ago, I wrote about our adventure at Legoland in California. We spent the day laughing, riding rides, admiring giant LEGO creations, and rediscovering our inner child.

Little did I know the fun wasn't over.

On Tuesday nights, Arlene, a most precious Godly woman, in her eighties, opens her home, prepares a feast and welcomes people in from every walk of life.

We call it House Church – but it’s really about coming together to feast on delicious food, praise the Lord in song and hear a beautiful testimony of God’s amazing grace – often people once incarcerated or lived a life without Jesus give their testimony.

This week, we had wonderful speakers, Ron and Katie Brigmon, weekly attenders and ministers in prisons and leading people to the love of Jesus.

Ron is known as "Rappin' Ron." At eighty years young, he carries his Bible everywhere, ministers in prisons, and shares the Gospel with passion, poetry, and plenty of joy. Ron is also an incredible musician (clarinet and saxophone) – that started way back before “Jesus”.

When I heard he and Katie were going to be our speakers – I was inspired to write a rap honoring Ron and Katie's 56 years of marriage and ministry. So I got my game on – and before they spoke, I rapped! Oh yes I did! It was time to get my game on.

Now picture this.

This grandmother who had recently survived the Galacticoaster at Legoland giving a rap performance!

The room erupted with laughter, smiles, and clapping to the beat!

And in that moment, I realized something.

We are never too old to have fun.

Never too old to laugh.

Never too old to encourage someone.

Never too old to try something new.

The world says growing older means slowing down. God says growing older means growing wiser, deeper, and more grateful.

Psalm 92:14 says, "They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green."

Whether we’re riding a roller coaster, sharing a rap, teaching a Bible study, rocking a grandbaby, or simply encouraging a friend, God still has purpose for our lives.

So let's keep celebrating His goodness.

Let's keep laughing and serving -- with joy in our hearts.

After all, we're not getting older -- we're getting better at living.

Here’s the “rap” honoring Ron & Katie:

A match ordained by God above,

A lifetime built on faith and love.

Fifty-six years they've walked as one,

Trusting Jesus till their race is run.

Some said it never could endure,

One raised in church, one less secure.

But God delights in showing grace,

And wrote a love story time can't erase.

Ron is known as "Rappin' Ron,"

Still preaching Christ and pressing on.

At eighty years, he's young at heart,

With Bible in hand, he's set apart.

His laughter brightens every room,

His faith brings hope where fears may loom.

Whether behind a pulpit stand,

Or sharing Jesus hand in hand.

And Katie, faithful by his side,

His greatest cheerleader and bride.

Her gentle strength and steadfast care

Reflect God's love everywhere.

Together they've seen lives transformed,

Broken vessels rebuilt and reformed.

Their "turf assignment" has been clear:

To share God's love both far and near.

From prison walls to open seas,

They've pointed countless souls to peace.

On cruises, too, they laugh and roam,

For where they're together, there is home.

When future generations tell

Of lives lived faithful, lived so well,

They'll speak of Ron and Katie's way --

Of serving Jesus day by day.

And when their story here is done,

They'll hear the words, "Well done, well done."

For lives that showed God's faithfulness true,

And hearts that loved as Christians do.

The years have flown, but one thing stays:

God's hand upon their lives always.

A beautiful journey, rich and long,

Still singing Heaven's faithful song.

Let's Eliminate "Just a"

Have you ever noticed how often people downplay themselves?

I asked a young woman what she did for a living. She smiled and said, "Oh, I'm just a stay-at-home mom."

I immediately replied, "There is no such thing as just a stay-at-home mom!"

After all, she was raising future adults, settling disputes, managing schedules, preparing meals, teaching life lessons, finding missing shoes, and somehow keeping everyone alive. That's not "just" anything -- that's superhero work without a cape!

The truth is, I think we should eliminate the phrase "I am just a..." from our vocabulary.

"I'm just a volunteer."
"I'm just a cashier."
"I'm just retired."
"I'm just a student."
"I'm just a receptionist."

No, you're not!!!!!
God never created a "just a" person.

David could have said, "I'm just a shepherd boy." Instead, he faced a giant.

Paul could have said, "I'm just a tentmaker." Instead, he helped change the world with the Gospel.

Mary could have said, "I'm just a young girl." Instead, she became the mother of our Savior.

And what about us?

The Bible says we are children of God, heirs of His promises, and members of His family. That's a pretty impressive job description!

Sometimes we compare ourselves to others and think our contribution is small. Yet God specializes in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

A kind word, a meal delivered, a prayer offered, a grandchild encouraged, a friend called at just the right moment—these may seem like little things, but God uses them in powerful ways.

So the next time you're tempted to say, "I'm just a..." stop right there.

Stand a little taller.
Lift your head.
Square your shoulders.
You are a beloved child of the King of Kings.
And there is absolutely nothing "just" about that.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1)

Embrace the greater truth -- God has never created a single "just a" anybody! Let's own who we are -- hand made by the Creator. Now that's what I call a SOMEBODY!

Young at Heart

Our family reunion in Carlsbad, California ended with a "Let's go to Legoland"! There I said it and we did it. WHAT? A couple of oldies and a middle-age daughter took to adventure.

Hold it!! I need to explain!

The grand finale at the family reunion was the annual Silent Auction. Family members spent the morning bidding on everything from treasures to treats, with proceeds helping celebrate graduates, new babies, and other special family milestones during the year.

Oh, but it didn't stop there -- Carl saw four auction items that stated: Legoland California -- 3 tickets each. Carl's thought and action was: "Why not?" Determined to stay as young as possible, he placed a bid on one of those 3-tickets' auction items to Legoland. AND, he won his bid.

I thought, "How cute!" After all, I remembered taking my grandchildren to the Legoland Discovery Center in Grapevine, Texas -- a wonderful indoor world of LEGO creations.

But this was different -- uh, not just different -- it was above and beyond what we expected -- a 128-acre theme park!

A gorgeous 75 degrees outing awaited us! Carl, our daughter Veronica, and I found ourselves wandering through an enormous park filled with life-sized animals, cities, landmarks, and creatures -- all built from millions of colorful LEGO bricks.

We took a jungle boat ride past giant dinosaurs and marveled at the creativity everywhere we looked.

Then I had what some might call a questionable idea.

"Let's ride the roller coaster!"

A few minutes later, we were strapped into the Galacticoaster, a space-themed adventure that launched us through twists, turns, and enough excitement to wake up every creaky joint in my body.

As we blasted through the darkness, I laughed and wondered, "Lord, is this ride taking me straight to Heaven?" Not this time! LOL!

For a couple of hours -- we were children again. It was wonderful -- the awe and wonder of everything we saw and did!

And perhaps that's exactly what Jesus had in mind when He said, "Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)

Jesus wasn't talking about childishness. He was talking about childlike faith -- humility, trust, wonder, and complete dependence on our Heavenly Father.

Children don't spend their days worrying about tomorrow. They trust. They believe. They receive joy freely.

Maybe that's a lesson some of us need to relearn.

No matter our age, God invites us to approach Him with the faith of a child, the wonder of a child, and the trust of a child.

So let's go ahead -- laugh a little louder, enjoy the ride, and embrace the joy God gives us today.

After all, growing older is inevitable.

Growing old at heart is optional.

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A Humility Checkup

Every now and then, it's good to stop and take a spiritual checkup.

The Bible gives us a simple prescription:
"If my people, who are called by my name, will HUMBLE themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Notice that God starts with humility.

That's not always easy for us. We live in a world filled with opinions, predictions, advice, and enough social media commentary to last several lifetimes. It's easy to think we have all the answers for our nation, our neighbors, and even our family members.

Then God gently reminds us, "You're not in charge. I am."

I've discovered that humility is a lot like vegetables. I know it's good for me, but sometimes I'd rather have dessert.

Unfortunately, one of God's favorite desserts is Humble Pie.
I've eaten more than a few slices over the years.

Just when I start feeling pretty confident about my health, my wisdom, or my ability to juggle life's responsibilities, something creaks, squeaks, or quits working altogether.

One day I'm walking on sunshine, and the next day I'm looking for my reading glasses while they're sitting on top of my head!

Humility reminds us that every good thing in our lives is a gift from God. Our health. Our strength. Our families. Our opportunities. Even our next breath.

Humility isn't weakness. It's recognizing where our true strength comes from.

Jesus modeled this perfectly. He said, "I can of mine own self do nothing" (John 5:30). If the Son of God depended on His Father, how much more should we?

So today, let's keep our hearts teachable, our prayers sincere, and our dependence on God strong.

And maybe -- just maybe -- we can avoid another serving of Humble Pie.

Although if God decides we need a slice, we can trust that it will be exactly what we need.

After all, humility looks good on every one of us.

Remembering Our Roots

This last weekend, we attended yet another family reunion -- this time celebrating Carl's grandfather and grandmother, Russell & Ruth Noble. They have long passed on but the family carries on -- and this time it was in Carlsbad, California.

What a weekend!

Family members drove and flew in from near and far -- ages from 92 years old to 3-months old. There were hugs that lasted a little longer, laughter that echoed a little louder, and stories about Grandpaw Russell Noble's mischievous adventures that somehow seem to get funnier every year.

The theme was simple but powerful -- "Remembering Our Roots."

And underneath those words was this beautiful reminder:

"Our family is a circle of strength, founded on faith, joined in love, kept by God -- together forever."

The hosts went above and beyond. There were welcome bags, coasters, bookmarks, keychains, pens, water bottles, and even hand lotion—all carrying messages about family, faith, roots, and love.

The coasters read: The Noble Family Reunion -- 2026, Carlsbad, CA
Where Life Begins and Love Never Ends,
To our dearest family -- we extend our heartfelt gratitude for joining us in Carlsbad. The laughter, stories, and memories shared are priceless. Though miles may separate us, the "Noble" bond unites us. Until we meet again. Noble Family 2026.
One favorite read:

On the water bottles, the label said: "Our roots run deep -- our love runs deeper." Everything given to us carried the message of this family's forever love for each other.

As I looked around the room, I realized something. Family isn't really built around the souvenirs we take home. It's built around the memories we make together.

It's grandparents rocking babies.
It's cousins laughing until tears roll down their cheeks.
It's listening to stories we've heard before and loving them even more this time.

It's sharing meals, desserts, prayers, and precious moments that become part of the family story.

God designed family long before He designed governments, businesses, or social media. He knew we would need roots to steady us and relationships to sustain us.

Psalm 145:4 says, "One generation shall commend Your works to another."

That's exactly what happened this weekend.

The older generation passed along stories, values, faith, and love. The younger generation listened, laughed, and created memories of their own.

One day, these children and grandchildren will be telling these stories to their children.


And that's the beauty of roots.
They grow deeper with every generation.

Thank You, Lord, for family -- the place where life begins, love never ends, and Your blessings are remembered for generations to come.

The Little Things are the Big Things

Someone once wrote, "Enjoy the little things in life because one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things."

And, oh, how true that is.

I remember the little people in my life -- my children and grandchildren when they were small. Back then, my days were filled with wiping sticky faces, washing tiny hands, picking up toys that would be scattered again within minutes, and tackling laundry piles that seemed to multiply while I slept.

At the time, those tasks felt ordinary. Sometimes exhausting!

Now our youngest grandchild is 19 and the oldest is 34. Those "little things" have become some of my sweetest memories.

Life still presents plenty of little things. Listening patiently to a loved one tell a story I've heard before. Letting someone merge into traffic ahead of me. Answering the phone when an aching heart needs a listening ear.

If I'm honest, I sometimes want to skip ahead to the things that seem important -- the measurable accomplishments, the big projects, the impressive results. Yet God continually whispers, "Slow down. Pay attention. Savor this moment!"

The Bible says, "Do not despise these small beginnings" (Zechariah 4:10).

Our God has always loved small things. A widow's tiny offering. A little child sitting on Jesus' lap. A few loaves and fish. A baby born in a manger.

God often does His biggest work through what appears to be small and insignificant.

And isn't that good news for us?

Because most of life isn't lived on grand stages. It's lived in kitchens, phone calls, waiting rooms, family gatherings, and quiet acts of kindness no one else notices.

The little things matter because people matter.

So today, let's not rush through the ordinary moments. One day we'll look back and realize that the interrupted schedules, the repeated stories, the hugs, the prayers, and the simple acts of love were never little at all.

They were the big things.

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." (Luke 16:10)

#LittleIsMuch #littlethingsmatter #smallbeginnings

God's Hidden Training Ground

 

Many years ago, I spent my days taking shorthand, typing letters, writing board meeting minutes, and helping put together newsletters.

At the time, I was helping support my family, but I often found myself asking God, "When will I do what You've really called me to do?"

Looking back, I smile at my impatience. What I thought was a boring job was actually God's training ground.

Isn't that just like Him?

Sometimes we dream of doing something great for God, imagining that one day we'll wake up with a sudden talent, a perfect opportunity, and a heavenly spotlight shining on us.

Instead, God quietly develops us through ordinary days, routine tasks, and even difficult seasons.

The Israelites experienced something similar. After leaving Egypt, God instructed them to build a beautiful sanctuary. Scripture says He equipped skilled workers like Bezalel and Oholiab for the task (Exodus 36:1).

I doubt they woke up one morning in the wilderness suddenly knowing how to work with gold, carve wood, or weave intricate designs. More likely, those skills were developed during years of slavery in Egypt.

What seemed like wasted years were actually preparation years.

The same is true for us.

Maybe you're caring for aging parents, working for a difficult boss, volunteering behind the scenes, or simply trying to make ends meet. It may feel ordinary, but God never wastes experience.

Trust me, even writing a daily blog comes with plenty of do-overs! My readers see the finished version, but they don't see the paragraphs deleted, the sentences rewritten, or the occasional battle with spell-check that seems convinced it knows better than I do.

Yet God uses it all.

Dear friends -- you may feel stuck in a season of preparation. Don't lose heart. The Lord is shaping your character, strengthening your faith, and refining your gifts.

The clay doesn't always understand what the Potter is doing, but the Potter always knows.

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)

Keep trusting. Keep growing. Keep showing up.

God is preparing you for something beautiful.

#SeasonOfPreparation #ThePotter #theclayway

S

It's All About Him

If we want God to use us, we need to remember one important truth -- it's not about us. It's all about Jesus.

That idea runs completely against our culture. Everywhere we turn, we're told, "Put yourself first. Follow your heart. You deserve it!" Yet the more we make life about ourselves, the more frustrated and empty we become.

The truth is, we were never meant to be the center of the story. God is.

The Apostle Paul understood -- he said: “Our message is not about ourselves. It is about Jesus Christ as the Lord. We are your servants for His sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5

We may achieve success, receive applause, and check every box, but if our motives are pride, greed, envy, or competition, we've missed the point.

On the other hand, we may stumble, make mistakes, and occasionally forget a key ingredient in life -- or in banana bread. (Speaking from experience, sugar is apparently important!)

Yet when our hearts are motivated by love for Christ, God can still use our imperfect efforts for His glory.

I'll admit it -- clearly I am still on the Potter's wheel. He's still working on me and I'm still working on me. Oh, I'd like to think I've arrived -- but not so. But, I'm not giving up!

Every day, I choose to press onward and purpose in "whatever I do, whether in word or deed -- to do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus." Colossians 3:17

What if today we made Jesus our motivation? Not success. Not recognition. Not comfort. Just Jesus.

Most of us won't preach to thousands today, but we can encourage those in our sphere of influence. And that's exactly where the Lord meets us.

May we see ourselves in the stories that point to Jesus. That's the beauty of the Gospel -- it takes ordinary moments and fills them with eternal meaning.

And, really -- this life isn't about making much of us. It's about making much of our Lord.

Now, that's a message worth carrying into every day.

#pressonward #ItsAboutJesus #OrdinaryMoments

Oh Happy -- Sweet Family Reunions

Last weekend, we traveled to Lubbock, Texas, for Carl's mother's side of the family reunion. We drove nearly six hours through dark clouds, pounding rain, and weather that made us wonder if Noah might be building another ark nearby!

But God saw us safely there -- and it was so worth it!

Carl enjoyed showing me the modest homes where he grew up and sharing stories of his younger years. There's something special about walking through the places that helped shape the people we love.

His brother Brent and wife Cathy hosted the reunion at their beautiful home -- an oasis filled with shade trees, laughter, splashing children, and lots of love.

The little ones practically lived in the swimming pool while the adults caught up on a year's worth of stories. We held babies, admired how much the children had grown, sampled enough desserts to last us till next year's reunion and celebrated the blessing of family.

One of my favorite moments was seeing cakes decorated with edible photos of parents and grandparents who have gone on to heaven. Their pictures reminded us that while they may be absent from our gatherings, they are never absent from our hearts.

"One generation shall praise Your works to another." (Psalm 145:4)

Before heading home on Sunday, we attended City Church with Carl's sister, Beverly. The sanctuary was packed with joyful worshippers lifting their hands in praise. The message centered on Jonah and God's gift of second chances.

What wonderful news!
Most of us have needed more than a second chance. Some of us are living on chance number 47! Yet God's grace continues to meet us where we are.

As I looked around at all the generations represented during the weekend, I couldn't help but think of another reunion that awaits believers.

What a day that will be!
No goodbyes. No passing years. No empty chairs.
Just the redeemed of every generation gathered around the throne of God.

Until then, let's cherish our families, strengthen our relationships, extend grace freely, and keep pointing one another toward Jesus.

The greatest reunion is still ahead

#FamilyReunion #loveatallcost #GodsGrace

Let's Put a Stake in the Ground

Have you ever wondered why God put you on this earth?

Here's a clue: it wasn't just to take up space, pay bills, and figure out what's for dinner every night.

God created each of us to make a contribution -- not merely an appearance.

The Apostle Paul wrote, "Since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart." (2 Corinthians 4:1)

Notice Paul didn't say, "Since I'm talented..." or "Since I'm successful..." He said, "Through God's mercy."

That's good news because it means our value isn't based on our performance.

I spent years believing that the harder I worked and the more I accomplished, the more valuable I would become. But eventually I learned that my worth wasn’t found in what I do. It's found in Whose I am.

God made me.
God loves me.
Jesus died for me.
That settles my value once and for all.

The second gift of God's mercy is that we don't have to stay stuck in our mistakes. If perfection were required, heaven would have a very short guest list!

Just look at the people God used. Jacob was a liar. Jonah ran from God. Martha worried. Peter was impulsive. Moses, David, and Paul all had serious failures in their pasts.

Yet God used every one of them.
Why?
Because God isn't looking for perfect people. He's looking for willing people.

The same is true today.
Your ministry may be a classroom, an office, a hospital, a kitchen table, a community center, or even social media. Every act of kindness, encouragement, service, and love can point someone toward Jesus.

So don't give up.
Keep showing up.
Keep serving.
Keep loving.

God has placed you and me here on purpose for a purpose. And as long as He gives us breath, He still has a calling on our lives

So, today, let's put that stake in the ground and declare our reason for being here on planet earth. We were called, are called and will continue to be called God's ambassadors -- His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs hope.

We are here on purpose for the purpose of carrying out God's calling on our lives.

Let's own it and live it.

Let Love Broke Through

I heard someone say “Summer is here”! I didn’t correct him, but I know that summer doesn’t officially begin until Sunday, June 21, 2026.

Oh, but bring on summer -- longer days, brighter skies, neighbors out walking. There's something about a new season that makes us hope for fresh beginnings.

What if this summer became a season of love breaking through?

Not the sentimental kind of love we find in greeting cards or old songs. I’m talking about the life-changing, world-shaking love of God.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” (John 3:16)

Love broke through.

It broke through heaven and entered a broken world. It broke through sin, shame, fear, and hopelessness. It broke through the darkness of a tomb and brought resurrection life.

And amazingly, that love reached you and me.

Now here’s where Jesus turns our thinking upside down. He didn’t just tell us to love people who are easy to love. He said:

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)

Honestly, that sounds impossible. Love those who hurt us? Pray for those who criticize us? Bless those who wound us?

Not in our own strength.

But when God’s love fills our hearts, something remarkable happens. We begin to see people through His eyes. The sharp edges of bitterness begin to soften. The urge to get even gives way to the desire to show grace.

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wisely said, “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Jesus proved it. He was rejected, mocked, beaten, and crucified. Yet from the cross He prayed for those who harmed Him.

That kind of love still changes lives today.

Maybe the breakthrough our world needs isn’t another argument, another opinion, or another angry facial expression. Maybe it’s believers who choose love over resentment, prayer over retaliation, and grace over grudges.

So today, let’s pray:

Lord, let Your love break through our hearts, our homes, our communities, and our world. Teach us to love as You love. Shine Your light into every dark place and draw people to Yourself. Amen.

I’m praying for love to break through. Will you join me? ❤️