God Is Not at the Bargaining Table

I heard someone say, “I’m negotiating with God.”

Negotiating with God? For what?

“Lord, if You answer this prayer by Friday, I promise to read my Bible every morning -- and I’ll even stop complaining about that certain person!”

We sometimes approach God as though we are sitting across a conference table, prepared to make Him a deal He can’t refuse.

“Here is my plan, Lord. I’ve included the schedule, desired outcome, and several excellent reasons why You should approve it.”

But -- whoa! God isn’t waiting for us to present a convincing argument. He already knows the beginning, the ending, and every detail in between.

Abraham respectfully pleaded with God for Sodom.

Moses interceded for Israel.

Jesus encouraged us to ask, seek, and knock.

There is nothing wrong with boldly bringing our desires to God. He welcomes our honest prayers.

But prayer isn’t twisting God’s arm until He agrees with us. Prayer is remaining in His presence until our hearts begin to agree with Him.

Jesus Himself prayed in Gethsemane, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me.” He expressed His desire honestly -- but then surrendered completely:

“Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39

That is not defeat. That is trust.

Surrender doesn’t mean we stop praying expectantly.

It means we stop demanding that God answer according to our script.

We trust that His “yes” is good, His “no” is protective, and His “wait” is purposeful.

God isn’t a used-car salesman, and prayer isn’t a bargaining chip. We don’t have to trade promises for His goodness. His love cannot be purchased, negotiated, or earned.

Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10

So, I’ll keep asking boldly, believing faithfully, and hoping expectantly.

But when all my preferred terms are on the table, my greatest prayer will still be:

"Father, I trust You. Not my deal -- but Your will be done -- on earth as it is in heaven!"

More Than Rhinestones

For many years, I followed the remarkable life and career of Dolly Parton. The rhinestones may have caught our eyes -- but her heart captured our affection.

Dolly could wear more sparkle than an entire craft store and still make us feel that the brightest thing about her was the joy shining from within!

Behind the glamorous hair, quick wit, and unmistakable voice was a courageous, hardworking, faith-filled woman. She rose from humble beginnings, used the gifts God gave her, and never seemed ashamed of where she came from or the faith that carried her.

She protected much of her private life, yet generously shared her talents, humor, compassion, and resources with the world. Through her Imagination Library, millions of children received free books -- and with those books, the opportunity to dream beyond their circumstances.

Dolly reminds me in many ways of the Proverbs 31 woman: industrious, creative, generous, wise, and caring.

“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” — Proverbs 31:20

She wasn’t a preacher standing behind a pulpit, but she often preached through kindness. She showed us that faith can wear high heels, joy can have a country accent, and generosity can become a lasting legacy.

Perhaps that is the lesson she leaves us -- we don’t need her voice, her wardrobe, or her talent to shine brightly. We simply need to faithfully use what God has placed in our own hands.

We can encourage someone who is discouraged. Feed someone who is hungry. Help a child discover a book. Make a lonely person laugh. Give generously and love sincerely.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

Dolly’s earthly song has ended, but the love she scattered continues singing.

May we leave behind that same kind of legacy -- not merely that we were talented or successful, but that because we lived, someone felt loved, found hope, and saw a little more of God’s light.

We Are Not Passengers -- We Are Carriers!

Okay -- this blog was inspired by my pastor.....again! I can't help myself! He speaks and bada bing bada boom -- another blog!

Yes, I really do have a vision: to lead people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. That's our church's slogan.

That slogan is why I write -- sometimes once a day and occasionally often enough to make my computer request overtime pay!

Through stories about family, church, community, and everyday life, I pray that every blog shines a humongous light on Jesus.

Last May, we thoroughly enjoyed being passengers on a cruise ship. Our responsibilities were incredibly demanding -- eat delicious food, enjoy entertainment, visit fascinating destinations, and decide whether we had room for dessert.

We were customers, and the crew served us. In fact it was all about US! But, I know -- we aren't built for cruising!

We are built to be battleships. Everyone aboard has an assignment. Its equipment must be maintained, its crew prepared, and its mission understood.

That sounds more like the Christian life.

We aren’t called to remain passengers who ask, “What can the church do for me?” We are carriers of the Gospel -- equipped, strengthened, and deployed to carry the love and light of Jesus wherever He sends us.

A well-known NASA story tells of President John Kennedy meeting a janitor during a visit. When asked what he did there, the man reportedly answered, “Mr. President, I’m helping put a man on the moon.”

He understood that his work mattered to the mission.
So does ours.

We may preach, prepare meals, welcome strangers, teach children, encourage prisoners, call someone lonely, or quietly pray. No assignment is insignificant when it serves God’s purpose.

“You are the light of the world.” — Matthew 5:14

What ship are we on? What team do we represent?

We have been enlisted into God’s Kingdom for such a time as this. We are not too old, too ordinary, or finished. We carry priceless treasure -- the hope of Jesus Christ.

So, Lord, choose us. Prepare us. Send us.
We're not merely along for the ride. We are part of the mission!

#NASA #cruiseship #battleship #LightOfTheWorld

Just Love

I had the most precious grandmother aka grandma, Mary Halbert -- known for loving everyone.

My grandfather, John Halbert, was an old-time Baptist preacher who could deliver a fire-and-brimstone sermon with the best of them! Then my sweet, gentle, polar-opposite grandmother would stand, look around the church, and temper the thunder with two simple words:

“Just love!” If her message was relevant then, how much more do we need it today?

In Luke 10, a lawyer asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered with the story of a man who was robbed, beaten, and left beside the road.

A priest saw him -- and passed by. A Levite noticed him -- and kept walking. But a Samaritan, someone considered an outsider, stopped. He treated the man’s wounds, carried him to safety, and paid for his care.

Jesus asked which man had been a true neighbor.
“The one who showed him mercy.”
Then Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.”

There is our answer.

Our neighbor isn’t merely someone who looks, thinks, votes, worships, or lives like we do. Our neighbor is the person God places before us -- including the wounded, overlooked, difficult, and different.

Loving people doesn’t mean approving every action or ignoring evil. It means we refuse to let hatred, bitterness, or revenge take possession of our hearts.

God offered grace to Saul, Zacchaeus, and the thief on the cross. And He offered grace to us -- not because we earned it, but because He is love.

In our own strength, loving some people may feel impossible. But Jesus said, “With God all things are possible.” -- Matthew 19:26

The cross frees us from malice and gives us courage to answer cruelty with kindness, injury with forgiveness, and evil with good.

We have choices every day: hater or helper, finger-pointer or forgiver, passerby or Good Samaritan.

The world is shouting loudly. Perhaps our strongest response is still my grandmother’s gentler one:
Just love!

#justlovethem #Godislove #LoveLikeJesus

Still Here -- So I’m Not Done!

It's my birthday today! Whoohoo!
I won’t dwell on the number. Let’s simply say I’ve accumulated considerable amounts of experience!

Special thanks to God and my precious, loving mama who truly impacted my life with loving and serving my Lord with all my heart.
My heart is overflowing with gratitude.

Yesterday, Tuesday, August 25th, we celebrated my Payton's bride-to-be, Christiane, with a beautiful, personal bridal shower.

Staci and I gave her a special token of love -- a dainty, gold necklace with a gold cross and a diamond in the middle. We want her to know how much we love her, and how much the cross represents the love our Savior has for her AND us!

Generations of women came together: the grand hostess and mother-in-love to be, Staci -- my daughter; Alexia -- my granddaughter -- flying in from Nashville; my daughter-in-love - Shawntel; the bride-to-be, Christiane; her mother, Christine; her grandmother, Nonna; and me, affectionately known as Nana and several other dear friends.

There was laughter, love, plenty of girly-girl excitement, and probably enough preparation to qualify us as professional event planners!

Staci poured her heart into welcoming Christiane as her soon-to-be daughter-in-love. What a gift to witness families joining together and a new chapter beginning.

I'm driving home today with a full heart -- replaying the joy, the travels, the friendships, the family moments, my Carl, the Bible studies, and every opportunity God has given me to encourage someone.

Has every year been easy? Mercy, no! There have been steep climbs, unexpected turns, painful goodbyes, and a few body parts that occasionally submit formal complaints.

But I’m still here -- so I’m not done!

God has given me strength for each day, peace beyond understanding, people to love, and purpose that continues calling me forward.

The song “Goodness of God” has become my testimony:
“All my life You have been faithful.”
I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days
I've been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God,

[Chorus]
'Cause all my life you have been faithful
And all my life you have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.

“Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.” — Psalm 23:6

My birthday prayer is simple:
Father, thank You for every year, every lesson, every person, and every new beginning. As long as You give me breath, help me use it to sing of Your goodness.

I’m not counting candles -- I’m counting blessings.
And I’m not finished yet!
Grateful for another year to celebrate the goodness of my God!

Celebrating the Bride -- Praying for the Marriage

Today is the day! The food is prepared, the decorations are lovely, and the personal bridal shower for our precious bride-to-be, Christiane, is about to begin!

I have now met her mother, Christine, and her grandmother, Nonna -- and we hit it off immediately. Nonna and Nana together at last!

Our girly-girl conversations have included plenty of laughter, but also the sweet presence of God as we’ve shared prayers, dreams, and hopes for the couple’s future.

A bridal shower is a big occasion, but the wedding is an even greater one. There are lists upon lists, details upon details, and enough “to-dos” to keep several people gainfully employed!

On September 26th, the wedding will take place right here at Epiphany Ranch. The skies are brilliant morning, noon, and night. Hummingbirds dart through the air, and the resident cats will soon discover that their peaceful domain has been invaded by wedding guests!

But that’s life: change, excitement, love, and great expectations for the future.

In only one month, two lives will be joined in holy matrimony. The decorations will eventually come down. The cake will be eaten. The photographs will preserve precious moments. But the marriage --that sacred covenant -- is what truly matters.

Jesus said, “What God has joined together, let no one separate.” — Matthew 19:6

So today, while we celebrate the bride, we also pray for the marriage.

Father, prepare their hearts even more carefully than we’ve prepared this shower. Teach them to choose one another daily, forgive quickly, laugh often, communicate honestly, and keep You at the center of their home. May their love remain tender in joyful seasons and steadfast through difficult ones. Let their marriage become a testimony of Your faithfulness. Amen.

Today we’ll enjoy food, gifts, memories, and plenty of girl talk.

But beneath every ribbon and bow is our greatest gift:

A family surrounding this couple with love -- and a future covered in prayer.

Now, let the celebration begin!

Feathering the Nest for Love

This morning, I am driving three-and-a-half hours to Alto, Texas, for some serious girly-girl business at Staci and Larry’s Wallace home and Epiphany Ranch!

Carl received a loving exemption from this trip. With bridal excitement, manicures, pedicures, and plenty of girl talk ahead, he was quite willing to stay home and attend his Bible studies and Rotary.

My drive will be filled with Christian music, perhaps an audiobook, and plenty of praise for God’s goodness and mercy. I also carried precious cargo: my “world-famous” cheese ball and crackers. That is my entire culinary assignment!

Meanwhile, Staci has been cooking, decorating, organizing, and preparing everything imaginable for tomorrow’s personal bridal shower honoring Christiane.f

Watching Staci reminds me of a mother bird feathering her nest -- gathering every twig, soft feather, and finishing touch so her soon-to-be daughter-in-love feels welcomed into the Wallace family.

Today, I’ll meet Christiane’s mother, Christine, and her grandmother, Nonna. Imagine that -- Nonna and Donna, also known as Nana, under one roof! There should be no shortage of love, laughter, or grandmotherly wisdom!

Occasions like this make my heart overflow. Our children have raised their children, protected them, prayed for them, and continually placed them into our Heavenly Father’s hands. Have there been ups and downs? Absolutely. Families rarely travel in a perfectly straight line.

But God!

Through celebrations, concerns, illnesses, victories, mistakes, and lessons learned, He has remained our driving force. Every difficult season has driven another strong peg of faith into the ground, teaching us what to do -- and occasionally what never to try again!

“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” — Psalm 126:3

Today isn’t merely about lovely decorations, delicious food, or beautifully polished nails. It celebrates the beginning of a marriage, two families coming together, and another love story entrusted to God.

I may have done plenty wrong along the way, but looking around at this family, I know God has multiplied every prayer, every act of love, and every step of faith.

Now, let the celebration -- and the cheese ball -- begin!

Hold On -- God’s Master Plan Is in Progress

Our Lamplighters teacher, Zack Dawes, loves God’s Word -- and it shows! Each Sunday, he passionately teaches up to 200 of us, using multiple screens so no one misses the lesson -- or has an excuse for dozing off!

His recent teaching about Ruth and Naomi stirred my heart.

Naomi returned to Bethlehem carrying unimaginable grief. Famine had driven her family away, and now her husband and two sons were gone. When old friends recognized her, she said, “Don’t call me Naomi -- call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.”

Naomi wasn’t faithless -- she was wounded. Pain had convinced her that her story was over.

But Ruth, her widowed daughter-in-law, remained beside her. Ruth grieved, too, yet she kept moving forward. She worried -- but she also worked. She wept -- but not without hope.

Ruth went to gather leftover barley, as Jewish law allowed the poor to do. “As it turned out,” she entered the field of Boaz -- a relative of Naomi’s late husband.

What appeared accidental was divine appointment.

Boaz recognized Ruth’s faithfulness, protected her, and eventually married her. Their son, Obed, became King David’s grandfather -- and Ruth, a foreign widow gathering scraps in a field, became part of the earthly lineage of Jesus!

Naomi, who thought everything had ended, held a grandson and dared to hope again.

After my father died, my mother was a young widow raising me alone. Our pastor told her, “This can make you bitter or better.”
Mama chose better.

She could have surrendered to fear and resentment, but instead, she embraced God’s peace. I am who I am today because she trusted Him when she couldn’t see how the story would unfold.

Bitterness says, “My life is over.”
Faith says, “God is still working.”

Choosing better doesn’t mean denying grief or pretending pain doesn’t hurt. It means refusing to let suffering write the final chapter.

Perhaps you’re standing in a barren field today, gathering only enough strength for the next step. Keep going. Your Boaz moment, new beginning, or unexpected restoration may already be growing beyond your sight.

Anxiety whispers, “It’s all over.”

But faith answers, “Hold on -- God’s Master Plan is still in progress!”

#ruthandnaomi #GodsMasterPlan #bitterorbetter

Comfort Came on Four Little Paws

 

I was about to get into my car when my dear friend called out, “Donna, come look—I have a new baby!”

Naturally, I hurried over. Her “baby” was Gracie, the cutest five-year-old Shih Tzu! When I said, “Hi, Gracie,” she immediately turned toward me. No barking. No whining. She appeared fearless, friendly, and quite certain she had arrived home!

Gracie’s previous owner could no longer care for her. Letting go of a beloved pet when health or circumstances make proper care impossible can be an act of deep, selfless devotion.

And what a blessing for Allie and Barry—two of the kindest, most caring dog parents I know.

A year and a half ago, their precious Maggie passed away, leaving an empty place in their home and hearts. They didn’t rush to fill it. They waited—and now a young, active, trained little dog has arrived, bringing companionship and sunshine with her.

I can already picture this new family of three walking Everleigh’s halls, just as they once did with Maggie.

Pets are among God’s tender gifts. They don’t replace people, and they certainly don’t replace Him, but they can ease loneliness, comfort hurting hearts, and give us a reason to get up, step outside, and greet another day.

Our dog park becomes a meeting place where neighbors visit while their dogs conduct serious squirrel investigations! Even our management team hosts gatherings for pets and their people.

Gracie now has grass beneath her paws, shade from tall trees, paths to explore, birds to watch, flowers to sniff—and two devoted people to love.

“You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.” — Psalm 36:6

Perhaps you’re feeling lonely today. Ask God to lead you toward companionship. It may come through a friend, a church family, a neighbor—or even four little paws padding across the floor.

God knows every empty place. Sometimes His comfort arrives with a Scripture, sometimes through someone’s embrace—and sometimes wearing a pink harness and wagging its tail.

Welcome home, sweet Gracie!

Celebrating the Bride -- Praying for the Marriage

Today is the day! The food is prepared, the decorations are lovely, and the personal bridal shower for our precious bride-to-be, Christiane, is about to begin!

I have now met her mother, Christine, and her grandmother, Nonna -- and we hit it off immediately. Nonna and Nana together at last!

Our girly-girl conversations have included plenty of laughter, but also the sweet presence of God as we’ve shared prayers, dreams, and hopes for the couple’s future.

A bridal shower is a big occasion, but the wedding is an even greater one. There are lists upon lists, details upon details, and enough “to-dos” to keep several people gainfully employed!

On September 26th, the wedding will take place right here at Epiphany Ranch. The skies are brilliant morning, noon, and night. Hummingbirds dart through the air, and the resident cats will soon discover that their peaceful domain has been invaded by wedding guests!

But that’s life: change, excitement, love, and great expectations for the future.

In only one month, two lives will be joined in holy matrimony. The decorations will eventually come down. The cake will be eaten. The photographs will preserve precious moments. But the marriage --that sacred covenant -- is what truly matters.

Jesus said, “What God has joined together, let no one separate.” — Matthew 19:6

So today, while we celebrate the bride, we also pray for the marriage.

Father, prepare their hearts even more carefully than we’ve prepared this shower. Teach them to choose one another daily, forgive quickly, laugh often, communicate honestly, and keep You at the center of their home. May their love remain tender in joyful seasons and steadfast through difficult ones. Let their marriage become a testimony of Your faithfulness. Amen.

Today we’ll enjoy food, gifts, manicures, memories, and plenty of girl talk.

But beneath every ribbon and bow is our greatest gift:
A family surrounding this couple with love -- and a future covered in prayer.

Now, let the celebration begin!

Timing is Everything

 

Love must be in the air because we have three family weddings coming up -- my grandson’s, my niece’s, and Carl’s niece’s!

That means coordinating outfits, shoes, and accessories. It also means Carl and I are taking dance lessons so we can join the celebration without becoming hazards on the dance floor! We’re having fun getting our groove on -- and discovering that dancing is all about timing.

So is life.

A basketball pass requires perfect timing. Musicians must keep time with one another. Parents learn that dropping children off at school on time is important -- but picking them up on time is even more important!

Recently, on TV -- I watched a young child struggling in enormous ocean waves. A young lifeguard saw the danger and rushed into the water, placing his own life at risk. The waves seemed strong enough to swallow them both, but he reached that precious child and brought him to safety.

His timing mattered. I couldn’t help but imagine heaven close by, strengthening every stroke and guiding them toward shore.

“There is a proper time and a way for everything." Ecclesiastes 8:6

God may place someone in our path who is being overwhelmed by waves of grief, fear, addiction, loneliness, or despair. We must keep our eyes open and our hearts sensitive. He may be asking us to become His “lifeguard” -- to notice, reach out, pray, speak hope, or simply stay beside someone until the waves settle.

Walking in the Spirit means learning God’s rhythm. Sometimes He says, “Wait.” Sometimes, “Walk slowly.” And sometimes, “Move -- now!”

Waiting isn’t wasted time when we are waiting with God. Nor should we delay when He prompts us to act.

We can spend our lives exhausting ourselves by making our own waves, or we can watch for the waves God is already creating -- and move with Him.

Father, keep us in step with You. Give us peace when it’s time to wait, courage when it’s time to move, and wisdom to recognize the difference.

When we follow God’s timing, we’ll always be in step -- even if we still occasionally stumble on the dance floor!

#WalkingInTheSpirit #timingiseverything

Crowding Prisons with Hope

 

For four years -- and three for Carl -- we’ve attended what we affectionately call “House Church” every Tuesday night.

Our friend Arlene opens her home to everyone, without distinction. Fifty to seventy-five people arrive from all walks of life. Arlene and many helpers fill crockpots, electric ovens, pots, pans and serving bowls for all kinds of meats, vegetables, salads and more desserts than can be imagined.

Then there are those who dress tables with lovely tablecloths and centerpieces that wait to welcome us. I help prepare the meal -- and have learned many cooking secrets along the way! BONUS!

After dinner, musicians lead us in worship. Then someone shares a story of God’s amazing grace. Many were once incarcerated. Others were imprisoned by addiction, abuse, shame, grief, or fear. Yet again, we hear the same testimony:
“I once was lost, but now I’m found.”

I shared my story, too. I was never arrested or imprisoned. I was raised by a faithful single mother who taught me to love and honor Jesus. But every testimony matters because every testimony points to our Redeemer.

Last Saturday, Carl and I attended a Prison Ministry Conference. One speaker introduced himself first by his former prison number: “44068.” He had served fifteen years -- but now helps restore families and build futures.

Another man spent six years in prison and has now spent six years returning as a chaplain.

One of the young men who was once incarcerated, plays his guitar and sings to the glory of God at House Church. A beautiful man -- father, gifted musician, a beautiful wife and four children show up each week to declare the glory of God!

And the good news for those who are still incarcerated physically have become free inwardly through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

That is why Carl and I have submitted our request to serve in Texas prisons.

We don’t know exactly what lies ahead, but God does. We are determined to be useful in this prime-time season of our lives. If He opens the door -- even a prison door -- we are willing to walk through it.

Jesus said, “I was in prison and you came to visit Me.” — Matthew 25:36

Our prayer is that prisons will become less crowded with repeat offenders -- and increasingly filled with servants carrying hope, restoration, and stories of grace.

Because behind every number is a name. Behind every sentence is a soul. And no one is beyond the reach of our chain-breaking Savior.

YOLO -- Faith Over Fear!

Last Sunday, my granddaughter, Alexia and her husband, Winston, were given a sacred launch into their new missions ministry in Kauai, Hawaii. Thier pastor prayed for their transition, their safety, and God using them powerfully to bring people into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

A wonderful adventure lies before them. And, speaking of adventures, this Nana has become rather nostalgic.

It was the yellow Mustang convertible! I had it for a week while my car was being repaired. It energized the idea of me, my daughter, Staci and 14-year-old Alexia to take to the road.

So what are three girls to do with that sweet ride? How about heading to Six Flags Over Texas?

Alexia was our master planner. Right away she let us know that she would not be going on the extreme rides. Oh contraire -- fearless Staci and me would not let fear get the final word.

Somehow we arrived at our first ride -- The Riddler -- a massive, green-and-yellow steel stand-up roller coaster.

Out of nowhere -- Alexia hollered, “Let’s go!”

That first courageous step awakened something in her. For the rest of the day, she wanted faster rides, repeat rides, and eventually the front seat! We laughed until our sides hurt and proudly declared, “YOLO -- you only live once!”

Today, this 24-year-old is preparing for a far greater adventure. Moving across an ocean to serve God requires more than roller-coaster courage. It requires faith -- the willingness to say, “Lord, I don’t know every turn ahead, but I trust You.”

“Fear not, for I am with you… I will strengthen you, I will help you.” — Isaiah 41:10

Courage doesn’t mean we never feel afraid. It means fear doesn’t get to choose our destination.

What step have you been avoiding? Make the call. Take the trip. Accept the assignment. Follow God’s prompting.

Let's choose faith. Take the first step. And when God says, “Let’s go!” -- let's hold on for the adventure of our lives!

Being God’s Masterpiece

Have you ever opened your phone’s camera, accidentally hit “selfie” mode, and suddenly found yourself staring into an extreme close-up?

Whoa! Who was that “slightly mature” woman looking back at me?

It couldn’t have been me. I had already dolled myself up that morning, and the mirror had been quite complimentary. But that camera -- merciful heavens! Apparently, it had invited my mother to the photo session!

Thankfully, God doesn’t examine us through an unforgiving camera lens. He sees His workmanship -- His beloved creation.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” -- Ephesians 2:10

The world constantly whispers, “You’re too young, too old, too ordinary, too wrinkled, too heavy, too inexperienced, or simply not enough.”

But our Creator says, “You are My masterpiece.”

A masterpiece isn’t mass-produced. It is thoughtfully designed, carefully formed, and created for a purpose. God didn’t make a mistake when He made us. He knew our personality, gifts, laugh lines, tender heart -- and yes, even those features the selfie camera insists on enlarging!

We don’t need the world’s approval when we already have the love of the One who created us. Our worth isn’t determined by our age, appearance, accomplishments, or number of social-media “likes.” Our worth rests securely in Him.

So, when you look in the mirror today, don’t concentrate on everything you would change. Thank God for what He created. Then take your gifts, experiences, compassion, and beautiful heart into the world and make your Heavenly Father proud.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.” Proverbs 31:30

That surprise selfie may reveal a few lines I hadn’t noticed -- but every one of them says, “God has been faithful!”

"You are beautiful to Me. You are My masterpiece."
Love, God

Back to School -- Back to Prayer

 

After attending our church service this morning, we drove to Georgetown for Celebration Church’s third service -- and held seats for our family of twelve!

The primary reason for our trip was my youngest grandson, nineteen-year-old Bryson. He and his best friend, Jack, are settled into the apartment they’ll call home while beginning their first semester at Austin Christian University.

When I learned about this Christ-centered university -- rooted in Jesus, His Word, and His mission -- I thanked God! Along with high academic standards, students are encouraged to discover their calling, follow Jesus’ example, and prepare to enter the workforce with both competence and character.

Today took me back to my two -- Ryan and Staci’s first day of first and third grades in Cleveland, Oklahoma. Like every mama, I wondered: "Would they like their teachers, make good friends, succeed academically, and avoid the wrong crowd?"

The faces and school supplies change, but parents’ prayers never graduate!

At Celebration Church, children in third grade and above led worship -- hands raised and hearts singing to Jesus.
What a precious sight!

Yet the pastor’s message wasn’t directed primarily toward the children. It was for the parents -- the ones responsible for cultivating faith and a hunger for Jesus at home.

“Let the little children come to Me…for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

The pastor spoke of Simeon and Anna in Luke 2:25–38. These two elderly, faithful servants recognized Jesus when Mary and Joseph brought Him to the temple. They saw what others might have missed -- God’s promise resting upon the next generation.

We must also recognize, encourage, and make room for those coming behind us. Children learn goodness, kindness, courage, honesty, and a “What Would Jesus Do?” mindset by watching us.

So, as another school year begins, let’s turn our worries into prayers and our examples into living lessons.

Father, protect our students. Give them wisdom, strong faith, godly friendships, and courage. Help parents and grandparents model Jesus well -- and recognize the God-given calling within the next generation. Amen.

School teaches lessons -- but faith teaches us how to live them.

When God Places a Paintbrush in a Child's Hand

What a day! More than twenty of us boarded a bus for the hour-long ride from Austin to Marble Falls. There was plenty of talking and laughter with dear friends from church -- but none of us could have anticipated the sacred experience awaiting us at Belóved Gallery.

We came to see Akiane: The Early Years, featuring fourteen original childhood paintings by Akiane Kramarik, along with her poetry and the extraordinary story behind Prince of Peace.

Akiane was only eight years old when she painted that now world-renowned portrait of Jesus -- an image she said came from recurring heavenly visions. Raised in a home without belief in God, she possessed a childlike faith that could not be explained away.

God had placed something inside her that demanded expression -- and she answered with paintbrushes, poetry, perseverance, and faith.

At eight, she painted Planted Eyes, expressing both the beauty and suffering of the Black race. It was her first oil painting, completed in only fifteen hours.

At nine, she painted Father Forgive Them, portraying the agony of the Crucifixion and the costly power of forgiveness.

And then there was Prince of Peace. The original painting disappeared from public view for nearly two decades before its remarkable recovery. Today, it hangs in Marble Falls, looking into the eyes—and perhaps the hearts -- of those who stand before it.

I couldn’t help thinking, “Nothing is impossible with God!” — Luke 1:37

Akiane’s story reminds us never to dismiss what God can place inside a child -- or inside any of us. A gift may begin as a quiet stirring, an unusual dream, or a desire no one else understands. But when surrendered to God, that gift can travel farther than we ever imagined.

We left the gallery carrying more than memories of beautiful paintings. We carried renewed wonder -- and the reminder that our Creator is still creating miracles through willing hearts and open hands.

Love Listens

I’m doing my best to become a better listener. But, oh my -- sometimes my own story is already standing backstage, tapping its foot and waiting for an opportunity to come out!

While someone is talking, I may be thinking, “That happened to me, too!” I want to share so they’ll know I understand. Yet, if I’m not careful, it may sound as though I’m trying to top their story with mine.

A few days ago a friend told me about her husband’s passing and the financial concerns and other challenges she now faces. My heart immediately connected with hers because, after my late husband passed away, her story was once my story.

But she didn’t necessarily need my answers. First, she needed my ears -- and my heart.

Romans 15:2 reminds us to be considerate of the doubts and fears of others. That kind of consideration begins with listening.

Hearing and listening are not the same. Hearing notices the words; listening notices the heart. Someone may say, “I’m fine,” while their trembling voice, tired eyes, or long pause tells an entirely different story.

Real listening hears what isn’t being said.

It means putting ourselves in another person’s shoes. It means listening without interrupting, preparing our response, or rushing in to fix everything. Sometimes people don’t need a solution -- they need a safe place to hurt.

And sometimes, after we have truly listened, God may prompt us to gently share part of our own story. Not to take over the
conversation, but to whisper, “You’re not alone. I’ve walked through something like this, and God carried me.”

When people are hurting so deeply that they don’t know what to believe, they need the devotion of a loyal friend -- someone willing to sit beside them and help carry the weight.

That is my prayer: “Lord, make me a better listener. Help me know when to speak, when to remain silent, and when my story might bring hope.”

May we become beacons of light who lovingly say, “I’m here. I’m listening.”

And even better: God is listening. He understands every unspoken fear, and He has the wisdom, comfort, and answers we need.

WWMD?

 

My one and only granddaughter, Alexia, grew up surrounded by five grandsons. Naturally, when we finally had a girl, she had a pink room, pink everything -- and perhaps a few special privileges!

Alexia learned early that a well-timed pout could open doors. Sometimes it opened the door to a tasty treat. Sometimes it meant a trip to Dollar Tree with five whole dollars burning a hole in her pocket.

And somehow, that sweet little face often secured the soft, gooey middle cinnamon roll -- the prized piece in the pan!

There were even moments when her brother received the blame for something she had done. Her childhood motto might have been: “WWMD? What Would Mommy Do?” Or perhaps, “What will make Mommy give in?”

But that little girl sitting on our stairs is now a beautiful, married woman. She and Winston Rose have been married for ten months, and together they are asking a far more important question:

“What Would Jesus Do?”

After prayer and listening for God’s direction, Alexia and Winston believe He is calling them to move to Kauai, Hawaii, where they will help serve in a church plant and share the love of Jesus.

Now, Hawaii sounds like paradise -- until you’re the Nana thinking about how many miles away it is!

My heart feels both the tug of distance and the joy of seeing them obey God. I would rather have them across an ocean in the center of His will than next door outside of it.

When the Lord asked, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah answered:

“Here am I. Send me!” — Isaiah 6:8

That is what Alexia and Winston are saying with their lives.

The little girl who once knew how to pout her way into the middle cinnamon roll is now willing to leave what is comfortable and familiar to help lead others to the Bread of Life.

This Nana may shed a few tears, but they will be tears of love, pride, and gratitude. Our girl has grown up -- and she and Winston are answering God’s call with a wholehearted “Yes!”

WWJD? What would Jesus Do? They’re finding out -- one faithful step at a time.

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If you, our friends and family sense the Lord prompting you to support this mission, whether through a one-time gift or monthly contribution, any and every seed will help make this season of ministry possible! A ministry fund is set up through "Epiphany Global". To give, simply visit the link below and select: "Kauai, Hawaii Missions" under the designation options. Any funds given through that designation will go directly toward supporting their mission and the work they will be doing in Kauai. https://epiphanyglobal.org