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

One Week

That’s how long our precious granddaughter, Alexia, and her husband, Winston, have been on the beautiful island of Kauai.

They arrived with suitcases, dreams, willing hearts, and a calling to serve alongside a church there. They found a lovely apartment with an upstairs loft and were settling into their new life.

And then came Hurricane Lowell.

Suddenly, “Welcome to Kauai!” became “Move everything upstairs!”

Late last night (5 hours behind us) -- Alexia messaged us that they are safe at a friend’s home near a school. They have their own room and had power because they are on the same electrical grid as the hospital. Then the power went out. Something had blown nearby, but she assured us:

“We’re good.”

Oh, how this Nana needed those two words!

They have flashlights. They have shelter. They have friends. And, most importantly, they have God.

This surely wasn’t how they imagined their first week of ministry. But perhaps ministry doesn’t always begin behind a microphone, inside a church, or with carefully made plans.

Sometimes ministry begins in a storm.

Sometimes it looks like checking on a neighbor, sharing supplies, offering shelter, calming someone’s fears, or simply being the light of Jesus when everything else goes dark.

Maybe Alexia and Winston arrived on Kauai at exactly the right time.

“For such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14)

So, dear friends and faithful prayer warriors, would you stand in the gap with us?

Please pray for Alexia and Winston -- but also pray BIG. Pray for every precious soul on Kauai. Pray for protection over homes and families, for emergency personnel, hospital workers, utility crews, churches and community leaders.

Pray for the winds to weaken, the waters to recede, the power to be restored, and peace to replace fear.

And may the LIGHT of Jesus shine brightly -- even when the lights go out.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear?”

(Psalm 27:1)

Kauai, we are praying for you!

Before the Wedding, We Walked Through the Gospel

Before our hearts became wrapped up in wedding-day joy, Carl, his daughter Veronica, and I had a few hours for sightseeing around Lubbock.

Friends in Austin had highly recommended the short drive to Ransom Canyon Memorial Chapel -- and they were right!

Before we even reached the chapel, we discovered the Life of Christ Memorial, a breathtaking walk through the Gospel surrounded by native stones, flowers, waterfalls, benches, and a peaceful spring-fed pond.

What began in 2012 as an erosion-control project became something far greater. Isn’t that just like God? We see damaged ground -- He sees holy possibilities!

Along the winding brick pathway, scenes portray the birth, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and promised return of Jesus. There is a manger, three crosses on Calvary, an empty tomb, and Scripture plaques telling the greatest story ever told.

Even the details seem to preach!

Wildflowers push through the rocks, reminding us that hope can bloom in hard places. A surviving thornbush grows behind the cross of Jesus. And a stairway built to stabilize the hillside has exactly thirty-three steps -- the age traditionally associated with Jesus at His crucifixion.

At certain times of the year, sunlight reflected from a distant window illuminates the cross and the tomb -- a beautiful reminder that Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)

Perhaps the most touching picture is the land itself. What was once wounded by erosion is now being restored and used to point hearts toward Christ.

God still does that! He takes the worn, broken, and washed-away places in our lives and rebuilds them into testimonies of His grace.

The manger says, “He came.”
The cross says, “He gave His life.”
The empty tomb says, “He is risen!”
And the upward light says, “He is coming again!”

We arrived expecting a lovely sightseeing stop. Instead, we walked through the beautiful story of our Savior -- surrounded by creation, peace, and reminders that with God, even damaged places can become sacred ground.

To God be all the glory!

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR KAUAI

Dear friends, our precious granddaughter Alexia and her husband, Winston, arrived on Kauai just one week ago to help bring the light and love of Jesus to the island.

Now, with Hurricane Lowell approaching, we are asking you to join our family in prayer -- not only for them, but for every person and family in the storm’s path.

Heavenly Father, we place Alexia and Winston into Your loving, capable hands. Surround them with Your protection and fill their hearts with peace. Guard their home, guide every decision they make, and help them remain calm, wise, and prepared.

Lord, stretch Your mighty hand over Kauai and the surrounding islands. We ask You to weaken this storm and redirect its most dangerous winds, rains, and waves away from people and property. Protect children, seniors, families, visitors, animals, homes, churches, and businesses.

Give wisdom and strength to emergency workers, weather officials, utility crews, pastors, and community leaders. Help neighbors care for one another and provide safe shelter for everyone in need.

Jesus, You spoke to the wind and waves and said, “Peace, be still!” (Mark 4:39) We ask You to speak peace over this storm and peace into every frightened heart.

May Alexia and Winston continue to shine Your light -- even in the storm -- and may Your presence be felt throughout Kauai.

“The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

In the powerful and precious Name of Jesus, amen.

Thank you, dear friends, for standing with us in prayer! ❤️🙏

#HurricaneLowell #SafeAndProtected #protection

And They Loved Happily Ever After

What a joy it was to make another trek to Lubbock, Texas -- Carl’s hometown -- and this time for a wonderful reason: a wedding!

Carl’s niece, Maryn, married her sweetheart, Nicholas -- “Nick” -- in a beautiful Western-style celebration at the Kitalou Gin, a former cotton gin. Only in Texas can an old cotton gin become the setting for a love story! Boots, smiles, family, laughter, and love filled the room.

Maryn and Nick were surrounded by those who cherish them, including their precious daughter, seven bridesmaids, seven groomsmen, and a whole gathering of family and friends cheering them onward.

I have always loved the story of Cinderella. The prince searches the kingdom for the one who fits the glass slipper -- and once he finds her, we hear those treasured words: “And they lived happily ever after.”

Of course, Maryn didn’t lose a glass slipper, and Nick didn’t have to search an entire kingdom -- but they found each other. That is certainly worth celebrating!

Our prayer is that their “happily ever after” will be filled with faith, friendship, laughter, patience, and a love that continues to grow through every season.

Marriage is a beautiful adventure when two people choose each other again and again -- and invite God to be at the center of their home.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

Maryn and Nick, may you always laugh together, pray together, dream together, and remember the joy shining on your faces on your wedding day.

May your home be a place of peace, your family a source of delight, and your love a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

Fairy tales may end with “happily ever after,” but a God-centered marriage begins there. The wedding was one glorious day. Now comes the beautiful lifetime!

Here’s to Maryn and Nick -- and to their joyful new beginning!

#loveandmarriage #happilyeverafter #Godsblessings

Mirrors, Magnifying Glasses, and Mercy

An unexpected message arrived in my Messenger inbox -- one that seemed more focused on examining another person’s faith than celebrating God’s grace.

It reminded me how easy it is to carry a magnifying glass, searching for the specks in someone else’s life, while completely overlooking the plank sticking out of our own!

Jesus said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1–2)

Yikes! That makes me want to put down my own magnifying glass and pick up a mirror!

Jesus wasn’t telling us to abandon wisdom or pretend that right and wrong don’t matter. He was warning us against assuming we know another person’s heart or standing before God.

We see a moment, a statement, or an action. God sees the whole story -- the wounds, prayers, private conversations, doubts, growth, and faith that we may never witness.

There is only one Savior -- and thankfully, He is Jesus -- not us!

When someone appears to be wandering -- our first response should be prayer, not condemnation. We can speak truth, but truth should always travel with love, humility, and grace.

Before correcting someone else, we might ask, “Lord, is there something in me that needs correcting first?”

Perhaps we should spend less time inspecting another person’s fruit and more time allowing the Holy Spirit to cultivate ours: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)

A critical word may close a heart, but a gracious word can open a door.

Today, let’s trade our magnifying glasses for mirrors, our assumptions for prayers, and our judgment for mercy. We don’t know every person’s story -- but we do know OUR assignment!

Let's speak the truth in love. Let's pray without ceasing. Let's encourage one another. And leave the final judgment to God.

#judgenot #fruitofthespirit #magnifyingglass

Once Upon a Time

I am still wrapped up in telling our stories! Those "Once upon a time" words once carried us into stories of castles, villains, heroes, and endings where everyone lived happily ever after.

But there is a beginning I love even more:
Once upon a tree, the Creator gave His life for His creation.

This isn’t a fairy tale. It is the greatest rescue story ever told -- and it never ends.

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

Last Sunday at church, I was reminded how important it is to tell our stories. We are mature men and women who have lived through heartbreak, healing, loss, restoration, failure, forgiveness, and amazing grace.

Our stories may help someone realize, “I’m not alone. God carried them -- and He can carry me.”

We don’t need a cape, theme music, or a Marvel-sized crisis to become part of God’s rescue work.

Once upon a phone call -- someone heard the encouragement needed to keep going.

Once upon a greeting card -- two hurting hearts found strength in God’s faithfulness.

Once upon a car ride -- a friend became God’s chauffeur and drove someone to a doctor.

Once upon a prayer -- a weary soul discovered that heaven had not forgotten them.

Once upon a social-media post -- someone read about Jesus and hope entered the room.

These acts may seem small, but placed in God’s hands, they become chapters in His great story of love.

Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” Then He said, “Feed My sheep.” — John 21:17
Those words are for us too.

Our testimonies aren’t trophies displaying how strong we are. They are windows showing how faithful God has been. Even our heart-wrenching chapters can help someone else believe that the Author is still writing.

So, tell your story. Make the call. Send the card. Give the ride. Offer the prayer. Share the post.

Someone may be waiting to hear that the same God who rescued, restored, and sustained you is reaching for them too.

Once upon a tree, Love gave everything -- and invited us into His never-ending story.

Now that is a story worth telling from here to eternity!