Not All Warriors Wear Combat Boots

We’ve been thinking lately about brave men and women who put on combat boots, leave home and step into dangerous places to defend others.

And...that is courage.

But last week, I discovered another kind of warrior.

I accompanied a dear friend to a dialysis appointment. My friend’s kidneys no longer function, yet instead of living in complaint, this precious person keeps showing up -- with humor, determination and a conquering spirit.

Then I looked around the waiting room.

One by one, people arrived for dialysis. Some carried blankets because the treatment room gets cold. They would spend four-plus hours connected to machines doing what their kidneys can no longer do.

Four hours.

Then they would leave -- often exhausted -- only to return and do it again.

Suddenly, I saw warriors everywhere.

Some warriors wear combat boots. Others carry blankets into dialysis centers.

Some battles make the evening news. Others are fought quietly in hospital rooms, cancer centers, rehabilitation facilities and homes where someone is simply trying to make it through another day.

I left there changed.
More tenderhearted.
More grateful.
And more determined to pray.

Jesus came “to bind up the brokenhearted” (Luke 4:18), and Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Maybe we can't heal the person sitting beside us. But we can notice them. We can listen. We can encourage. We can pray. We can give a caregiver a break. We can thank the medical teams who serve day after day.

And perhaps we can complain a little less about our inconveniences.

There are warriors all around us fighting battles we know nothing about.

Today, I’m praying for them.

"Lord, strengthen the weary. Comfort the hurting. Guide the doctors and nurses. Give patience to caregivers and families. And help us never become so busy that we fail to notice someone who needs a little kindness, a little hope and a whole lot of prayer. Amen.

A Museum That Made Us Stop and Remember

Last Saturday, we headed to Fredericksburg, Texas, expecting a pleasant day in the Hill Country.

One of our first stops, just across from the Visitors Center, was the National Museum of the Pacific War.

We were drawn in like a magnet.
We had no idea how deeply it would affect us.

The museum is in Fredericksburg because Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during World War II, was born there. But this museum is about far more than battles and military strategy. It is about people.

We saw aircraft, uniforms, weapons, photographs and personal stories from Pearl Harbor, Midway, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and beyond. But behind every display was something more sobering: a life.

Someone’s son. Someone’s husband. Someone’s father. Someone who left home and never returned.

And then there were the millions of innocent people around the world whose lives were forever changed -- or ended -- because of war.

I found myself thinking, How often do I enjoy the blessings of freedom without considering the tremendous price others paid for it?

We aren’t typically “museum people,” but lately history has been getting our attention. First, the Titanic story touched us deeply.

Now, this museum reminded us again that history isn’t merely dates in a book. History is people.

I walked out grateful for America, grateful for those who served, and especially grateful to God for the peaceful life I am privileged to live today.

But I also walked out wanting to pray.
Our world still desperately needs peace.

“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray…then I will hear from heaven.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14

May we remember those who gave so much. May we treasure the freedoms we have. And may we never stop praying:

Lord, let there be peace -- and let it begin in us.

#NationalMuseumOfThePacificWar #IfMyPeople #freedom

There’s a Whole Lot of Life Out There!

Carl and I are what I call movers and shakers. Not necessarily because we’re shaking up the world -- but because we don’t sit still very long!

Last Saturday was beautiful, and staying home just didn’t seem right. So we pointed the car toward Fredericksburg, Texas, about two hours away, and off we went.

Fredericksburg has quite a story. Founded in 1846 by German immigrants, those early settlers planted crops, built homes and businesses, and established a community that still proudly celebrates its heritage today.

One fascinating part of its history occurred in 1847 when John O. Meusebach met unarmed with Comanche leaders and negotiated a peace treaty. Imagine the courage required to sit down, listen, talk, and seek peace instead of conflict.

There might be a lesson for us there!

We started at the Welcome Center, watched a film about Fredericksburg’s history, and then did what movers and shakers do -- we WALKED!

And, of course, we continued one of our favorite traditions -- taking photos of beautiful churches.

Wherever we travel, church steeples seem to catch our eyes and our cameras! There’s something special about seeing houses of worship standing as reminders that generations before us gathered there to pray, worship, marry, grieve, celebrate -- and trust God.

Then came lunch at Der Lindenbaum. Carl chose pork schnitzel, cabbage and potato salad, while I enjoyed delicious beef stew.

It was a MUST -- all that walking requires nourishment! 😊

Fredericksburg is filled with shops, restaurants, history, friendly people -- and evidence of a community that continues to thrive.

It reminded me that we can become so comfortable with our routines that we forget there is a whole lot of life out there waiting to be enjoyed!

“This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

So let's keep moving. Keep learning. Keep noticing those church steeples. Keep rejoicing.

God’s goodness is everywhere. Sometimes we just need to get out and go see it!

#fredricksburgtx #thisisthedaythelordhasmade #keepmoving

Two Birthdays, One Beautiful Day

 

September 16th isn’t just another square on my calendar. It is a DOUBLE CELEBRATION DAY!

It belongs to two of my precious girls -- my daughter-in-love, Shawntel, and my one granddaughter, Alexia -- amongst those five grandsons.

And God tied their stories together in the sweetest way.

Years ago, when we lived in Tulsa, OK -- we were celebrating Shawntel’s birthday. She had already captured our hearts, and we had prayed she would someday become our son Ryan’s wife.

Well, that birthday came with an extra-special surprise -- Ryan asked her to marry him!
Talk about a birthday present!

While we were still floating somewhere between birthday cake and wedding bells, the phone rang.

My daughter, Staci, was calling from Dallas -- “Mom, come quick! The baby is coming!”

And when your daughter says “come quick,” you don’t ask questions. You GO!

So, off we raced from Tulsa to Dallas, arriving just in time for another celebration.

Alexia had made her grand debut -- on Shawntel’s birthday!

Five grandsons would eventually surround our family table, but Alexia was our GIRL -- the bows, the pink, the sweetness, and, yes, just enough sass to keep those boys in line!

Today, both of these beautiful women love God deeply.

Shawntel has been an answer to prayer -- a loving wife to Ryan, devoted mother to four boys, and my precious “bonus daughter” who has always called me Mom.

And our Alexia is now married to her Winston and serving God in Kauai, Hawaii, beginning a beautiful new chapter of faith and purpose.

What a reminder that God doesn’t simply give us days on a calendar. Sometimes He fills one date with so much goodness that it becomes a family landmark.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” — James 1:17

Happy Birthday, my beautiful girls!

September 16th gave our family two very good reasons to love even greater -- and to celebrate two beautiful might women of God! ❤️

God Was in the Details

Leaving church last Sunday, Carl and I decided to try a restaurant we had never visited. And voilà! The first one that caught our attention was PickleDilly’s in Cedar Park -- not far from home.

The restaurant sits above the Apex Pickleball Club, so while enjoying delicious food, we were entertained by players serving, volleying, and competing below. Dinner and a show -- without buying theater tickets!

Just as we were about to leave, my daughter Staci called. She had found the perfect punch bowl online for Payton and Christiane’s wedding on September 26th.

Staci and Larry are preparing their beautiful 62-acre Epiphany Ranch in East Texas for the celebration. She had searched and searched, but the punch bowls were either too expensive or too far away.

Then came the God-wink.

This beautiful sterling silver punch bowl -- with 20 cups -- was priced below what she had planned to spend. And where was it located? Twelve minutes from where Carl and I were eating and just a few miles from our home.

Coincidence? I think not. Sometimes God’s plans arrive disguised as an unexpected restaurant choice!

We picked it up and made it home just in time for a Sunday afternoon nap. When I awakened, my eyes landed on a calligraphy painting Staci made for us years ago:

“Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me…” (1 Chronicles 4:10)

God has certainly enlarged their territory. Those 62-acres have become a place where people receive healing, restoration, counsel, and encouragement -- and soon, where two precious lives, Payton and Christiane, will become one.

Maybe you are waiting for a breakthrough, an answered prayer, or a dream to unfold. Keep trusting our Great Organizer. He knows where you are, what you need, and how to arrange details you cannot see.

Surely goodness and mercy -- and sometimes even a punch bowl -- will follow us all the days of our lives!

#pickleball #Enlargeourterritory #goodnessandmercy

Let's De-Comparmentalize

We’ve all heard the saying, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

Well, somewhere along the way, some Christians may have adopted another version:

“What happens at church, stays at church.”

Uh-oh!

We can sing “How Great Thou Art” on Sunday and then, by Monday morning, forget how great He is when traffic is backed up, the computer won’t cooperate, or somebody gets on our very last nerve!

Our faith was never meant to live in a Sunday compartment.

Jesus didn’t say, “Follow Me when it’s convenient.” He simply said, “Follow Me.”

That means Jesus goes with us everywhere—to the grocery store, workplace, neighborhood, dinner table, social media, and even into difficult conversations.

We don’t have to preach a sermon everywhere we go. Sometimes the loudest testimony is a gentle answer, an unexpected kindness, forgiveness when it isn’t deserved, patience when ours is wearing thin, or joy when circumstances aren’t particularly joyful.

Paul wrote, “We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8)

There it is!

They didn’t just tell people about Jesus. They let people see Jesus through their lives.

And that brings us to the fruit inspection!

Are people seeing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in us? (Galatians 5:22-23)

Notice there isn’t a footnote saying, “Fruit available Sundays only.” 😊

Our faith is a 24/7 way of life. It shows up when people are watching—and when nobody is watching.

So maybe it’s time to knock down a few walls between our “faith life,” “family life,” “work life,” and “everyday life.”

It’s all ONE LIFE—and God wants to be right in the middle of it!

Let’s de-compartmentalize our faith and live it OUT LOUD—not merely by what we say, but by how well we love.

Jesus isn’t just part of our lives. He is the center of them!

I'm a Fisher-Woman!

Fishing has been part of my life since I was a little girl. I grew up loving it, passed that love along to my children, and now my grands are carrying on the tradition. Nothing makes this Nana smile quite like receiving a photo of one of them holding up a “trophy” fish!

But my favorite fishing story isn’t really about fish.

Years ago, I traveled to Israel and stood beside the Sea of Galilee. Oh my! To realize I was standing where Jesus walked—and near the waters where He called Peter and Andrew -- still touches my heart.

Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)

I even have a James Avery “Fishers of Men” bracelet that resembles a fishing swivel. I wear it as a reminder: I’m still fishing!

Not necessarily with a rod and reel, but with words, encouragement, kindness, prayer, and these daily blogs.

Remember when experienced fishermen worked all night and caught NOTHING? Empty nets! Then Jesus told them where to cast their nets, and suddenly they had more fish than they could handle.

There’s a lesson in that net!

Sometimes we work, worry, plan, push, pull, and try everything we know to do—only to come up empty. Maybe Jesus is saying, “Let Me in the boat.”

Need patience with your family? Ask Him.

Need wisdom for a difficult decision? Ask Him.

Need the right words for someone who is hurting? Ask Him.

When Jesus gets involved, empty nets can become overflowing ones.

My “fishing net” happens to include this blog. Every morning I cast it out, praying that somewhere, someone who is weary, discouraged, lonely, or searching will find a little hope—and ultimately find Jesus.

I’m still a fisher-woman.

And the best part?

The Greatest Fisherman of all is right here in my boat!

So, what does YOUR fishing net look like?

A House Like No Other

Before attending our niece’s wedding last weekend, we had a little time on our hands. We had heard about an unusual Steel House near Lubbock, beside Lake Ransom Canyon. But seeing is believing -- and, mercy, what a sight!

Perched on a hillside, it looks like a spaceship, a giant insect, or perhaps the home of a James Bond villain who decided to retire in West Texas!

The Steel House was the life’s work of sculptor Robert Bruno. For more than thirty years, he dreamed, welded, shaped, and labored over this extraordinary structure.

He even moved into the unfinished home during the final months of his life so he could experience what his imagination and perseverance had created.

Today, it is an Airbnb. For about $2,724 a week, you too can sleep inside a steel sculpture -- though I’m not sure room service includes oiling the hinges!

As I looked at that one-of-a-kind house, I thought about the dreams God places within us. Robert Bruno could see something long before anyone else could. Piece by piece, year after year, he kept building what he had first imagined.

Then my thoughts traveled from a steel house in West Texas to my eternal home.

Jesus said, “My Father’s house has many rooms. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

After celebrating another birthday, heaven sometimes feels a little closer -- and more glorious than ever. I can imagine streets of gold, joyful reunions, and beauty beyond anything human hands could build.

But here’s the truth -- heaven’s greatest treasure won’t be the mansion, the golden streets, or even the angels -- harps and all!

The joy of heaven will be Jesus!

One day, I hope to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)

The Steel House is certainly worth seeing. But the home Jesus is preparing?

That one will take our breath away -- and best of all, He will be there to welcome us home.

#HouseofSteel #MyFathersHouse #WelcomeHome

Twenty-Five Years Later -- We Remember

September 11, 2001.

Twenty-five years have passed, yet those images remain etched in our memories. We remember where we were, what we were doing, and the disbelief we felt as we watched our nation endure the unthinkable.

Most importantly, we remember the nearly 3,000 precious lives lost that day. They were husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, friends and coworkers who never came home.

For their loved ones, September 11th isn’t simply history. The empty chair, the missing voice, and the milestones experienced without them remain deeply personal. Today, we pause to honor them and pray for the hearts that still carry that loss.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” —Psalm 34:18

We also remember the stories of those whose lives were spared because of seemingly ordinary interruptions -- a headache that required a stop for medicine, a broken shoe, an illness, a delayed train, or a child who made a parent run late.

Ordinary inconveniences became unexpected protection.

How often do we grumble over a delay, never realizing that God may see what we cannot? Sometimes the detour we resent may be the very thing that protects us.

September 11th also revealed extraordinary courage. Firefighters, police officers, first responders, military personnel, medical teams, and ordinary citizens ran toward danger to help people they had never met. In one of America’s darkest hours, love turned on the light.

A dear friend, Kathryn Grant, once issued a beautiful challenge to older generations: “Take up arms” -- not weapons of anger or revenge, but loving arms placed around our children and grandchildren. Arms that reassure, comfort, pray, and remind them not to be afraid.

We have lived through grief, upheaval, and uncertainty. Yet God has sustained us. We are still here, and that means we still have a purpose.

Today, let us remember. Let us pray. Let us thank God for another day -- and use it to become hope-bearers.

When hatred shouts, may love speak louder. When fear rises, may faith rise higher. And when sorrow lingers, may we lovingly put our arms around the hurting and remind them:

God is still with us.

#September11 #courage #Godiswithus

Miley Cyrus Drops Her Last Name

Dr. Jim Denison of the “Denison Forum” (great daily blogs) recently wrote that singer and actress Miley Cyrus is dropping her last name professionally and will simply be known as “Miley.”

Her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, applauded the decision, mentioning other famous one-name stars like Dolly, Cher, Elvis, Madonna, Liberace, Prince, etc.

At first, I smiled. Apparently, when you become famous enough, one name is all you need! But then my thoughts turned to THE Name -- the Name ABOVE every name: JESUS!

His is the name I cried out to when my granddaughter, Alexia, and Winston were in perilous circumstances when Hurricane Lowell was coming their way! "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!!!!"

Oh, He has many magnificent titles: King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Emmanuel, Messiah, Redeemer, Savior, Good Shepherd, Bread of Life, Light of the World, Lamb of God, Alpha and Omega, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

The longer I considered His names, the more my thinking became worship!

Every name reveals something precious about His character.
When we are lost, He is the Way.
When darkness surrounds us, He is the Light of the World.
When our souls are hungry, He is the Bread of Life.
When we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is our Good Shepherd.
When our hearts feel hopeless, He is our Blessed Hope!

His Name isn’t a brand created for recognition. His is the Name that saves, heals, comforts, restores, and changes lives.

“God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name.” (Philippians 2:9)

At any moment, in any place, we may whisper, speak, sing, or cry out the Name of Jesus. No appointment is required. No impressive vocabulary is necessary.

Sometimes all we can pray is, “Jesus!” -- and that one Name carries heaven’s hope into our deepest needs.

Celebrity names may become famous for a season, but the Name of Jesus will be worshipped forever.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

Jesus -- not just a name.
It is the Name that changes everything!

#JesusName #NameAboveAllNames #MileyCyrusMusic

Staying in Peace

May God bless every precious friend who reached out -- and reached up -- as we prayed for my granddaughter Alexia, her husband Winston, and everyone in Hurricane Lowell’s path.

As reports warned of a potentially devastating hurricane approaching Kauai, this Nana went into high-energy prayer mode!

More than 500 social media friends and loved ones joined us, forming a united front of faith and intercession.
God answered!

Friends invited Alexia and Winston into their safer home farther inland. Outside, fierce winds roared, coconuts struck the roof, trees and power lines fell, roads were damaged, and homes were battered.

Yet they were protected. When they returned to their apartment, they found no damage. We are also deeply grateful that no lives were lost on Kauai.

Now Alexia and Winston are helping others recover -- restoring homes, assisting neighbors, and working alongside their church community as electricity and cell service return.

That is grace in action: receiving God’s care, then carrying it to someone else.

During those anxious hours, an old hymn came to mind:
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.”

Peace does not mean pretending the storm isn’t raging. It means knowing where to look while it does.

The world’s peace depends upon calm seas, favorable circumstances, and everything going according to plan.

Jesus offers another kind:
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you -- do not let your hearts be troubled.” (John 14:27)

His peace isn’t based on what is happening around us, but on WHO lives within us.

Storms -- whether hurricanes or storms of the soul -- can shake everything except the One holding us. When fear rises, we draw near to God, and He draws near to us.

Today, my heart is filled with gratitude. God protected our precious ones, friends opened their home, hundreds prayed, and now willing hands are helping Kauai recover.

Amazing grace brought them through -- and amazing grace is helping them serve others on the other side of the storm.

Thanks be to God!

#HurricaneLowell #ProtectedByGod #kauaihawaii

Everybody Needs a Little Jesus

AND, a whole lotta Jesus! We have a dear 94-year-old friend who is spunky, active, and always looking for someone who needs “a little Jesus.” And at 94, she isn’t slowing down -- she is still passing out Jesus wherever she goes!

She gave me two tiny Jesus figures along with the cheerful reminder: “Everybody needs a little Jesus!”

These little figures have become a lighthearted way for believers to brighten someone’s day. They are tucked into shopping carts, placed on desks, or handed to friends and strangers as tiny tokens of encouragement.

Of course, that little rubber figure isn’t Jesus. It is simply a small reminder of a very BIG Savior!

Sometimes a little reminder is all it takes to turn our thoughts toward Him.
A tiny Jesus on the dashboard may prompt a hurried prayer.
One sitting beside the kitchen sink might remind us to thank God -
even while tackling a mountain of dishes.
And one handed to a discouraged stranger could open the door to a much-needed conversation.

A “little Jesus” can plant a seed -- but once we truly know Him, we discover that we need a whole lotta Jesus!

We need Jesus in our prayer life when words won’t come.
We need Him in our family life when patience runs thin and opinions run long.
We need Him in our serving life so we can love people without keeping score.
And we need Him in the ordinary moments when no one is watching.

Jesus said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
But with Him, little things become great things: a smile, a prayer, a meal, a kind word, or a tiny gift placed into someone’s hand.

We don’t have to preach a sermon everywhere we go.
Sometimes we simply show kindness, offer encouragement, and let the love of Jesus do the talking.

So, yes -- everybody needs a little Jesus.

But I’ll gladly take a whole lotta Jesus -- every day, in every situation, for the rest of my life!

#LittleJesus #WeNeedJesus #plantaseed

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Today, this Nana has a very grateful heart -- and a great big WHEW! This first photo is the leis given to Alexia and Winston when they first arrived in Kauai.

Last night, as Hurricane Lowell began bearing down on Kauai, our granddaughter Alexia messaged:

“Hi Nana. I know you’re asleep, but keeping everyone updated. We decided to go to a friend’s house a little farther inland. It’s very windy, but we still have power and shelter!”

And while they sheltered, we prayed.
And YOU prayed.
This morning came the message we had been waiting for.

Alexia said the worst hit around 1:00 a.m. Kauai time. She said it sounded and looked like they were in a tornado. All night they heard coconuts hitting the roof and trees and light poles snapping.

But then came these beautiful words:
“The house we were in was completely safe -- we, as well as our church community, are safe.”

THANK YOU, JESUS!

And then, after surviving her first Hawaiian hurricane, she added, “I think I’m going to take a nap.”

YES, SWEET GIRL! Nana highly recommends it! 😊

Today, we want to say THANK YOU to every precious friend who stopped what you were doing and prayed. You stood in the gap for Alexia and Winston, their church family, and the people of Kauai.

Some of you may have whispered a quick prayer. Others prayed throughout the night. God heard every one.

Alexia and Winston certainly didn't expect a hurricane during their first week of serving on Kauai. But perhaps this is another reminder that God doesn't always send us into comfortable places.

Sometimes He sends us right into the storm.

And now they have opportunities to love, serve, encourage, help clean up, and be the hands and feet of Jesus to their new community.

For such a time as this!

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)

The storm came.
God was there.
The storm passed.
God is still there.

And today, we give Him ALL the glory! ❤️🙏

P.S. The second photo is one of the roads broken to pieces and the third photo is Winston enjoying getting back to their apartment that suffered no damage! Thanks be to God!

#HurricaneLowell #kauai #alexiaandwinston