Made for Friendship

 

This past weekend I slipped away to a women’s retreat with the perfect theme -- Made for Friendship. And let me tell you -- it was posh, precious, delicious, sacred -- and sprinkled with laughter.

Over 110 women -- from the ages of 23 to 91, gathered at the gorgeous Vintage Villas in Lakeway, Texas. The view was stunning, the food was extraordinary, and the cookies, cakes and treats were clearly made by someone who understands spiritual giftings.

We made friendship bracelets, snapped photos with instant cameras, then decorated frames to hold them -- because nothing says “we’re bonding” like glitter and glue at a grown-woman table.

And all around the room, conversations bloomed. Women talking. Listening. Encouraging. Laughing. Sharing real life.

It reminded me that God created us for friendship. That’s why Adam had Eve. Not because he needed someone to hand him a sandwich, but because we were never designed to do life alone.

I’m blessed that my best friend is my husband. I can talk to Carl about anything and everything. That kind of friendship is rare and beautiful. But God also gives us sister-friends -- women who strengthen us, steady us, and show up when life gets wobbly.

Proverbs 18:24 says, “A friend sticks closer than a brother.” And Jesus modeled true friendship. He called His disciples friends and loved them all the way to the cross. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Our speaker reminded us that biblical friendship begins with our friendship with God. Then it overflows into our relationships with others -- especially when we “put on” the clothing of love:

“Compassion… kindness… humility… meekness… patience… forgiveness… and above all, love.” (Colossians 3:12–14)

The truth is simple -- If we want a friend… we must show friendship.
And that’s exactly what God made us to do. 💗

This weekend reminded me that we were never meant to do life alone. God knits hearts together with love, laughter, grace, and forgiveness -- and oh, what a gift it is. 💕

#madeforfriendship #friendship #FriendsofGod

The Day After the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is over. And this year? Our Seattle Seahawks are the champions! Hooray!

My son Ryan and my precious bonus daughter Shawntel hosted a Super Bowl party that will be remembered for a long time. Over twenty of us packed into their home -- cheering, laughing, and eating like we were personally training for the playoffs. The seating was comfy, the food was delicious and it was great to have front row seats!

The Seahawks didn’t disappoint. They played hard, stayed strong, and brought home the win. Congratulations to the champions -- and honestly, congratulations to every team that gave their hearts, bodies, and souls to the sport all season long. That kind of grit deserves applause.

But today is Monday. All that confetti falling on the winning team is gone. The footballs are put away. And whether you’re celebrating or recovering, here’s the truth:

"This is still the day the Lord has made -- so, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" (Psalms 118:24)

Sure, it’s fun to be on the winning team. But the losing team still trained, sacrificed, endured pain, stayed disciplined, and showed up. They left it all on the field. And isn’t that what life is about? Giving our best. Finishing our race. Staying faithful.

Because life isn’t one big Super Bowl. It’s a series of ordinary Mondays where faith is tested, character is built, and hope is chosen.

And speaking of hope -- there’s a whole lot of darkness out there. The news can feel heavy. Social media can feel toxic. Opinions fly like footballs -- fast and sometimes aimed right at our heads.

But we don’t have to become part of the darkness.

We get to wake up and be light.

Isaiah said it best: “Darkness shall cover the earth, but the Lord will arise over you.” (Isaiah 60:2)

Two teams are playing in this world -- light and darkness. And we already know who wins. Aren't we so grateful that we are on the winning team? We've read the back of the Bible -- AND, we Win! Hallelujah! In the meantime -- let's keep our lights shining bright!

What are YOU Passionate About?

"This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:24) I want THAT passion of a daily attitude of gratitude and joy, recognizing each day as a precious gift from God,

Oh, yes – we are passionate God-fans every day. AND, also, on this particular day –- we carve out some “hearts full” feelings because it’s Super Bowl Sunday.

It's the rare, collective moment where many sports fans slow down, and focus on shared excitement rather than differences.

AND -- whether it’s a house divided by teams, a gathering of die-hard fans, or cheering for our favorite team's history, the day is about feeling connected.

And, connected we'll be at the Wuerch's home here in Austin!
Not everyone cares about who wins between the Seahawks and the Patriots. But, for many diehard fans, this isn’t just a football game -- it’s a full-body emotional experience.

Ask my son’s family. They may live in Austin now, but their hearts still beat in Seattle. They’ve got Seahawk jerseys, the décor, the flags, and the plates for the party. And they’ve got Carl and me – wearing our blue and lime green colors! Side note -- I outgrew my old Seahawk's jersey.....sigh!

It is amusing to watch wildly passionate sports fans cheer, shout, cry, high-five strangers, and defend their team like they are family.

So, what are you passionate about? What gets you out of bed in the morning? I mean, what lights a fire in your soul? What do you love so much you’d do it even if nobody applauded?

Here’s what I’ve learned -- a personal encounter with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ -- becomes the REAL thing – the love-factor in a person’s life.

When God is our greatest passion, everything else falls into place -- family, work, friendships, serving others, even cheering for our favorite teams.

Because this day will pass. The score will be history. But in the light of eternity, only one team truly matters -- I’m talking about the Kingdom team.

Joshua said it plainly: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

I’ve read the Playbook and I’ve read the back of the Book. And I can tell you this -- the final victory is already settled.

“With God on our side we will win; He will defeat our enemies.” (Psalm 108:13)

So yes -- let's enjoy the Super Bowl! But let's not forget the bigger win. It's the one that loves God boldly and lives with passion!

Go Seahawks! Go Patriots!

Staying in Step with Our Father

 

I know some really good “steppers.” You know the type -- people who seem to succeed at whatever they set their feet toward. I once heard a good old boy say, “Ain’t no step for a stepper!” Translation: Stop staring at the mountain. Start climbing.

That phrase makes me smile, but it also makes me think about something even better:

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)

And yes, that includes women. God is an equal-opportunity step-orderer.

King David wrote those words late in life -- after victories, failures, bad decisions, good decisions, and everything in between. David knew something we learn the hard way -- we don’t discover much about ourselves on mountaintops. We discover who we are in valleys -- when the only way out is to keep walking.

God never saved us so we could wander around aimlessly like spiritual tumbleweeds. He has plans. Direction. Purpose. But those plans unfold when we align our steps with His.

I love the picture of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and us as His sheep. Sheep aren’t known for brilliance. They’re known for wandering. But the Shepherd leads, protects, corrects, and keeps us from straying into the enemy’s territory.

And in these times? We need a cavalry of steppers.

The world is loud. Values are wobbly. Families are under pressure. Truth is being traded for opinions. It’s not the time for good people to sit back and watch the chaos like it’s a reality show.

It’s time to lace up our boots and walk in step with God -- boldly, lovingly, wisely.

Because with God ordering our steps, we’re never just wandering. We’re advancing.

So let's step it up, dear friends.

Ain’t no step for a stepper.

And if God is leading -- we can trust the path.

Lord, please order our steps. Keep us close to You. Help us walk with courage, love, and purpose. Amen.

#stepitup #OrderOurSteps #stayinginstep

And Let the Games Begin!

Cue the flags. Light the flame. Grab the popcorn.
Though some of the games began on February 4th, the 2026 Winter Olympics officially opens today, February 6, and my heart is already racing faster than a downhill skier.

From Milan to the peaks of Cortina d’Ampezzo, multiple cities in Italy will witness history as the opening ceremony begins.

More than 2,900 athletes from across the world are welcomed by six different Olympic Villages, including Milan, Cortina, Livigno, Predazzo, Bormio, and Anterselva.

As of this week, a record-breaking 1.2 million tickets have been sold. It is confirmed that Ice Hockey is the top-selling event due to the return of NHL players.

Athletes from around the world will march, music will soar, and the Olympic flame will remind us why we love this global gathering of grit and grace AND harmony. Oh that our world captured the harmony part -- where peace can prevail!

I can’t help it -- I love the Olympics. From the comfort of my sofa, I get a front-row seat to the world. I’m inspired by athletes who have given their lives -- early mornings, late nights, aching muscles -- to pursue excellence.

I’m moved by stories of heartbreak and perseverance, of joy and tears, of simply making it to the Games. These competitions are dreams come true, earned through discipline and daring faith.

The Winter Olympics are especially close to my heart. Years ago, our family took a 100% faith venture to Canada -- no guarantees, just trust.

While living there, our daughter Staci, at age 18, was chosen from thousands to represent Canada, singing a solo at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Yes, that’s 38 years ago -- and yes, I still smile every time the torch is lit. God has a way of weaving our past into present joy, turning every step into hope for what’s next.

Back then, we stood in 13-degrees weather, languages swirling, cultures mingling -- yet united in spirit. Today, I’m a happy homie, cheering from ringside TV seats, celebrating athletes who run, ski, skate, and soar.

Is it okay to want to win? I think so. God didn’t call us to be mice. He called us to run our race with perseverance -- eyes fixed on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:2–3) He gives gifts, grit, and a love for excellence so we can represent our Divine Coach well.

So here’s to courage, competition, and great expectations!
Go Team USA! Go Team Canada!
And let the Games begin!

#2026Olympics #Olympics #RunWithPurpose

Heart and Soul

Did you ever play that old 1938 piano tune “Heart and Soul”? Two people, one piano, laughing their way through a duet. Simple. Joyful. In sync.

It turns out, that’s how hearts are meant to work, too.

It’s still Heart Month -- and I’m loving one heart in particular -- my dear husband’s. He’s had a front-row lesson in just how powerful a heart can be. Apparently, those beats are meant to stay in rhythm, and when they don’t, everyone pays attention. Beeps grow louder. Prayers get shorter. Trust stops being theoretical and becomes very real.

When a heart slips off rhythm, it goes a little off-hinged. That’s when you remember -- quickly -- that God is the Great Physician. And that He also provides skilled, compassionate hands in doctors who help heal and restore.

Tuesday’s pacemaker implantation for Carl was a complete success. Our cardiac electrophysiologist -- the heart’s electrical expert -- was a delight. We met him by phone first, and yes-sir-ee, I did my homework. Credentials checked. Experience confirmed.

Then I saw a short video where he said his goal was to bring hope -- to relieve fear and walk with people through suffering. He explained that while we can’t always stop suffering, we never have to suffer alone.

I smiled. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he sounded a lot like our Creator.

God often works that way -- through steady hands, thoughtful minds, and modern technology that keeps hearts in rhythm. Through moments that remind us love isn’t just a feeling -- it’s a faithful Presence.

But there’s another heart that matters just as much -- the spiritual one. The heart that trusts when circumstances don’t make sense. The heart that finds peace in recovery rooms and courage when fear knocks.

God doesn’t just fix hearts -- He guards them -- “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)

So here we are, in Love Month and Heart Month -- celebrating a new and improved pace. Stronger rhythm. Steadier steps. And deep gratitude for a God who heals, restores, and walks with us through every beat.

Turns out, matters of the heart are in very good hands.

Lord, steady our hearts, calm our fears, and help us trust You with every beat. Amen.

When the Beeping Gets Loud

It all began with a simple B-12 shot. No drama. No concern. Until the nurse checked Carl’s vitals and calmly said words that are never calming:
“Your heart rate is 33.” Thirty-three. That’s not a typo.

Within minutes, he was gently -- but firmly -- sent straight to the emergency room. Wires. Monitors. IVs. Machines doing what machines do best -- beeping with authority. After everything was hooked up, Carl decided it might be a good time to call his wife.

I answered and heard a voice I rarely hear -- emotional, unsettled, unsure. I was in my car in seconds.

Tests followed. Screens blinked. EKGs behaved -- then misbehaved. Normal -- then that blip. The kind that makes doctors lean in closer. Four hours later, we were sent home with instructions to see the cardiologist. Soon.

That appointment confirmed what the screens were hinting at. Carl’s heart rhythm was playing hopscotch -- sometimes steady, sometimes not. The doctor was honest. This could continue for a while -- or it could stop. Those words woke us right up!

So there we were -- yesterday, arriving before sunrise for what’s called a pacemaker implantation, guided by a cardiac electrophysiologist -- one of those brilliant minds who understands the heart’s electrical wiring when it misfires.

And here’s where peace settled in.

Modern medicine and faith are not rivals. Technology is a gift. Skill is a calling. Wisdom is learned. But God remains sovereign over it all. Scripture whispers steady truth into loud moments:
“The Lord will keep you from all harm -- He will watch over your life.” (Psalm 121:7)

We can bow to fear when machines start singing -- or we can trust the One who designed the heart in the first place. God works through trained hands and faithful hearts to sustain life.

I’m grateful for pacemakers and doctors.
But most of all, I’m grateful that our lives -- paced or not -- are held in the steady hands of our faithful God.

Fear doesn’t get the final word. God does.

BTW -- Carl is doing great with his new pacemaker! In the middle of Valentine’s Month -- also known as Heart Month -- it turns out he’s been given a new and improved pace. How fitting. Stronger rhythm. Steadier beats. A gentle reminder that God cares deeply about our hearts -- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We’re grateful beyond words!

For Everything There is a Season

From the very beginning, I loved babies and little ones. I officially entered the workforce as a babysitter -- at 12 years old. I earned a whopping 50 cents an hour. I felt rich walking home with two whole dollars in my pocket. Big time!

Today I hear babysitters earn $10 to $20 an hour. Jackpot indeed!

Then came a new season: motherhood. These babies were mine. I rarely left them with anyone except their grandmothers -- women whose love ran deep and whose kitchens were always stocked with treats. We could leave for hours, even days, knowing our children were safe, cherished, and probably a little spoiled.

And then -- another season. Our children became parents, and we stepped into the wonder of grandparenting. No words really do it justice. It’s a love that sneaks up on us and settles in for good. Time with them -- our home or theirs -- was always time well spent.

King Solomon reminds us that life unfolds in seasons, not just the ones we frame and hang on the wall: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Some seasons are joyful. Others are quiet. Some feel like winter.

And maybe that’s necessary -- a changing of the seasons for God's good will and pleasure placed in us!

Fields need winter to heal. So do hearts. Winter slows us down. It invites reflection. It gives God space to examine what we carry -- hurtful words from long ago, secret fears, worries over children and grandchildren, sins we wish we’d avoided, habits we’d rather not admit.

I picture our hearts like a field. If Jesus stood beside us, He’d leave no stone unturned. Solomon even speaks of “a time to gather stones and a time to cast them away.” (Ecclesiastes 3:5)

What a picture -- Jesus gathering the stones that clutter our hearts, clearing the ground for new life.

After all, He specializes in rolling stones away -- even the one sealing His own tomb.

So let’s slow down, dear friends. Let's let winter do its work.

Jesus is already in the field, making all things new.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are new creations; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

2 Corinthiians 5:17

Choosing Faith Over fear

We’re already into February. Blink twice and -- poof -- it’ll be 2027. Time flies. The real question is this: How will we look at what’s ahead -- through fear or faith?

Fear has a sneaky habit. It buries the gifts God intended us to use. It whispers you can’t do that and calls it wisdom. Faith, on the other hand, rolls up its sleeves and says, "Let’s see what God can do!"

Remember the scouts Moses sent into the Promised Land? Ten returned with trembling voices: “We can’t do this. They’re stronger than we are.” (Numbers 13:31). Two optimistic souls -- Joshua and Caleb -- saw the same Promised Land and said, “We can certainly do it.” Same giants. Same terrain. But, different lenses.

Here’s a truth worth taping to our refrigerator -- people who always say, “I can’t” and people who always say, “I can” are often both right.

Fear has a way of fulfilling its own gloomy predictions. Job even admitted it: “What I feared has come upon me.” (Job 3:25)

A fear-based vision shrinks possibilities. It misses chances. It wastes talent. It turns us into grasshoppers in our own eyes and sometimes we convince others to see us that way, too. That’s the trouble with fear -- it’s contagious.

But faith? Faith sees milk and honey where fear sees only obstacles. Faith looks at giants and remembers God’s track record. Joshua and Caleb didn’t deny the giants -- they simply trusted God more than their worries.

That’s the crowd I want to run with -- the in-it-to-win-it believers who know this unshakable truth: “Nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

So let’s not underestimate what God can do through willing hearts. If He’s called us to it, He’ll carry us through it.

I’m choosing His team. Faith over fear. How about you?

Welcome to February -- the Love Month

If only we would keep it going -- “You mean the world to me, and my life wouldn’t be the same without you.” Now that is a sentence worth repeating.

February rolls in -- wrapped in hearts and chocolate, and I like to call it Love Month. If only all the nastiness and noise would take a sabbatical for twenty-eight days.

My smidgen of decor' at our front door is a reminder for our friends and us -- to do our best to love -- no matter the who, the when and the where! When we show love -- we are imitating our God -- Who loved so greatly that He gave His only Son to us. (John 3:16) And best of all is when we show His love to others!

Imagine it -- unkind words taking a break, harsh opinions softening, and love getting a little more airtime. Who knows? We might decide to keep it going.

We all know a few folks who are -- let’s say, challenging. I once crossed paths regularly with a man whose pessimistic attitude could bring dark clouds. Pessimism was his gift -- and not a good one. Bless his heart -- he could find a rain cloud in the Sahara.

I used to dodge him like a pothole. But one day, courage won. With a smile and a deep breath, I said, “Do you realize how negative you sound when there’s so much to be thankful for?”

I braced myself. Instead, he apologized. Truly. And word on the street is, he became a better version of himself. Turns out, he didn’t need avoiding. He needed loving truth.

That’s how God designed us. We shape one another.
Look at what we share:
• We are all God’s children.
• We all want to love and be loved.
• We’re made in His image.
• We carry hopes, hurts, gifts, and dreams.
• And yes -- we’re all works in progress. (Please be patient. God’s not finished yet.)

Scripture reminds us, “Two are better than one… if one falls, the other can help them up” (Ecclesiastes 4). And Jesus made it unmistakably clear: “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15)

We really are better together.
So this Love Month, let’s resist crossing the street to avoid the cranky souls. Maybe -- just maybe -- God wants to use us to help someone remember who they are becoming.

After all, love is what He does best. And He invites us to do the same -- every day and every month of the year.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

Still on the Wheel

 

Yes, that's me. I know when I know that the Potter is working on me -- smoothing out my rough edges and making my lop-sided vessel into something He can use. Not that I'm complaining -- but I sure want my vessel to be honorable, pure, and holy.

It takes three things to make something beautiful on a potter’s wheel -- the wheel, the clay AND the potter.

Take any one of them away, and nothing happens. A wheel without clay just spins. Clay without a wheel sits there -- lumpy and unmoved. That lumpiness is often my grumpiness. So, what does the third component do? The POTTER? He is refining, shining and making me a purpose-filled vessel.

Here’s our issues -- we want instant results. Quick fixes. Microwave miracles. But the Potter works slowly -- hands steady, eyes focused, never rushed. Sometimes the clay is too hard. Sometimes it is too soft. Sometimes it collapses altogether. And yet -- the Potter doesn’t toss it aside.

In 1952, a Miami Beach shop owner famously posted a sign that read: “You break it, you buy it.” A warning. A threat. A final word.

Oh, but not our Potter – his sign would read:
“If you break it, I’ll make it into something even better.”

That’s exactly what the prophet Jeremiah saw when he visited the potter’s house. The clay was marred – flawed and imperfect.

So, the potter did what a master does. He didn’t quit. He didn’t scold the clay. He simply reshaped it -- into another vessel, as it seemed best to him (check out Jeremiah 18).

God does the same with us. He doesn’t see our mistakes as deal-breakers or our brokenness as wasted material. In His hands, nothing is useless. He applies pressure where needed, water when required, patience always. And when life collapses us? He starts again -- using the same clay.

We are never thrown away.
Never beyond repair.
Never too broken for beauty.

The wheel keeps turning.
The Potter keeps shaping.

And the clay -- well -- it learns to trust, surrenders to the Potter's will, and we become the vessel of honor that He destined us to be!

Because in the hands of a loving Potter, even the broken pieces become something beautiful. Lord, please make us your vessels.

Please watch this video as a prayer for you AND me!

https://youtu.be/3gOUijdNDJo

Don't Torch the Tree

 

This winter storm has taught us many things -- one of them being that love sometimes shows up in unexpected forms. Like worrying more about trees than thermostats.

While my children were without electricity in the East Texas tundra, bundled up like Arctic explorers, their biggest concern hasn’t been themselves. It’s been their beautiful live oak trees.

One young oak -- just three years old -- bowed under the weight of the ice. A limb bent low, touching the ground, but it didn’t crack. Still attached. Still alive. Still fighting.

My daughter called with a question born of care and urgency: "Should we use torches to melt the ice?"

So I did what any techy mother does -- I consulted the internet.

The answer was a firm NO!! No heat. No flames. No quick fixes.

Why? Because rapid heat causes shock. It damages what’s alive beneath the surface. Bark may look fine now, but the injury shows up later -- when leaves don’t return, when growth stops, when what seemed helpful actually harms.

Instead, the advice was simple and hard -- WAIT!

Let the ice melt naturally.

Don’t shake the limbs.

Don’t force recovery.

Trust the tree’s resilience.

And just like that, the lesson landed squarely on my heart.

How often do we try to “torch” ourselves -- or others -- through heavy seasons? We rush healing. We push answers. We apply heat where patience is required. We mean well. We want relief. But sometimes, love looks like restraint.

Trees, like people, need time after a hard storm. What bends isn’t always broken. What looks alarming today may straighten itself tomorrow.

Live oaks have survived centuries of storms. So have we.

No torch required. Just time, care, and trust that warmth will return -- right on schedule.

“He shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which yields its fruit in its season, and whose leaf does not wither.” Psalm 1:3

Power Out -- Peace On

My mama heart has been doing a little pacing lately.

My precious daughter, Staci, and her amazing husband, Larry, steward a beautiful 62-acre ranch in Alto, Texas -- wide skies, tiny homes for retreat and restoration, and a magnificent lodge where lives and businesses are built God’s way. It’s a place where peace feels intentional.

But this week? East Texas turned tundra.

Ice. Snow. Slick roads. And -- just to keep things interesting -- no electricity. When the sun goes down, so do they. Layers upon layers of clothing. Candlelight. Early bedtimes while they wait for a better morning.

Now, if you’re wondering -- yes, this mama offered wisdom.

I reminded my daughter that people survived the 1800s without electricity. That suggestion was received -- politely. Then I offered my best idea yet: -- the Eskimo method. Bundle up. Cozy close. After all, isn’t body temperature 98.6 degrees? Sounds like a heater to me.

She laughed. I felt helpful -- and prayerful for my children. No mama wants to see her children uncomfortable!

But beneath my comedy relief - humor, I hear something beautiful in my girl's voice: peace. Not panic. Not fear. Just a steady confidence that this too shall pass.

And it will. The lights will come back on. The roads will thaw. Ministry will continue. Life will resume.

Storms have a way of reminding us what truly sustains us. Power can fail. Temperatures can drop. Plans can pause. But God remains steady, present, and faithful -- right there in the cold, right there in the dark.

Winter storms come and go. God’s peace abides.

And sometimes, surviving the storm looks like layered socks, shared laughter, and trusting that morning is already on its way.

This mama is praying -- and smiling -- knowing God will carry them through the winter storm of 2026 -- one warm hug at a time.

"For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'" Isaiah 41:13 P.S. So thankful that yesterday afternoon, Staci & Larry's electricity came on! Oh happy day!

A Holy Pause on Icy Roads

Last Sunday -- church came to us.
Our pastor preached beautifully to an empty sanctuary, his words traveling through cables and screens and landing right in our cozy living room.

The choir sang in clipped perfection -- thanks to editing -- and one sharp-eyed congregation member quipped, “Wow! The choir had a lot of outfit changes!” Laughter, it turns out, streams just fine.

Outside, winter had iced the world into stillness. I stepped out briefly for photos, breath puffing like a steam engine, while Carl provided comic relief -- holding up his handmade protest sign: “I am against ICE. Keep the temp above 32 degrees!” The man has a gift.

Later, we watched the Patriots and Broncos play in swirling snow. A championship game on an ice rink? Seems a little unfair -- like running a marathon in flip-flops.

But there they were, pressing on, slipping and sliding, reminding us that grit sometimes wears cleats.

And, then our Seattle hometown favorite -- according to my son and family who lived there and still call the Seahawks their team. And, who, once again, will be making their trip for the Super Bowl!

The day felt oddly familiar -- like the stay-at-home seasons of 2020–2021. The difference? This time we chose to stay in. The house was warm. The pantry was full. Peace sat with us like an old friend.

That’s when Carl launched into his “what if” questions. What if this? What if that? I finally smiled and said, “Please stop. I am not your Wikipedia.” Grace prevailed.

Here’s the truth. This icy interruption is just a blip on the screen of life. Tomorrow -- or the next day -- the roads will clear. Cars will roll. Stores will open. We’ll gather again, in pews and parking lots -- singing with one voice and one coat.

Seasons come and go. Ice melts. God remains.

And sometimes, His greatest gift is a holy pause -- an unexpected Sabbath wrapped in frost -- reminding us that home is a blessing, laughter is medicine, and His goodness doesn’t freeze when the temperature drops.

Stay warm, dear friends. Spring knows your address. 🌤️

The Secret Place

When I was a child, my secret place was under the covers.
Silly? Maybe.
But in that small cocoon of sheets and shadows, I felt safe. Protected. Untouchable.

Those days are long gone. Life has a way of pulling back the covers and reminding us how vulnerable we really are. Late nights walking from the garage. Driving through sheets of rain you can barely see through. Waiting rooms. Diagnoses. Standing backstage before stepping into the light.

And yet -- my secret place still exists.
It turns out it was never really a "where" at all.
It has always been a "Who".

I still remember singing:
“There is a quiet place, far from the rapid pace,
Where God can soothe my troubled mind…”

That quiet place wasn’t defined by geography -- garden or mountain, chair or traffic jam. It was defined by presence. God’s presence.

When vulnerability creeps in, I reach for what I call my “big-girl antidote” -- I pray. Not long prayers. Not fancy prayers. Just honest ones. I ask for peace from the One who is peace.

Psalm 91:1 says, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
Not visit.
Not pass through.
Dwell.

David understood this long before he wore a crown. A shepherd boy learned early that safety isn’t found in surroundings -- it’s found in surrender.

So when fear whispers, I don’t argue with it. I relocate. I step into the Secret Place. I place my worries into God’s hands and let Him do what He does best -- restore peace.

This isn’t mind over matter.
It’s God over matter.

And wherever we are -- stuck in traffic or settled into a comfy chair -- He leans close and reminds us, “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20)

Why worry…when our God of peace invites us to come and hide ourselves in Him?

God Knows What Tomorrow Holds

The weather app keeps changing its mind.
Ice -- no, rain. Wait -- maybe snow.
By the time we finish our breakfast, the forecast has already repented twice.

And that’s a fair picture of life, isn’t it?

We plan. We pencil in expectations. We line up tomorrow with our best guesses. And then -- SURPRISE! Roads close. Schedules shift. Plans melt, freeze, or disappear altogether.

But here’s the good news we tend to forget. When uncertainty taps us on the shoulder -- God is not guessing!

Tomorrow may feel unpredictable to us, but it is not unknown to God. He has not stepped off His throne to check the radar.
He hasn’t misplaced His authority or lost track of His people.

While we refresh news feeds and weather alerts, heaven remains calm.

Great expectations are wonderful -- when they’re built on the right foundation. If our peace depends on perfect conditions, we’ll always be one storm away from discouragement.

But when our trust rests in God’s character and His faithfulness, His presence, His promises -- we’re anchored, no matter what blows through.

God goes before us. Not behind. Not scrambling to catch up. Before us. He’s already standing in tomorrow, holding what we cannot see.

So if this Monday feels uncertain, take heart.
If plans are shaky, breathe deep.
If the road ahead looks unclear, remember this......
God knows what tomorrow holds -- and He’s already there.

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge." Psalm 18:2.

When the World Pauses -- God Doesn’t

Storms have a way of slowing everything down. Schools close. Churches move online. Stores lock their doors early. Volunteer centers hit the pause button. Roads ice over. Plans unravel. Flights canceled. Uncertainty commences.

Here in Texas, weather like this can feel dramatic. We’re not built for ice, and we don’t pretend to be. When forecasts start sounding ominous, we prepare the best we can -- blankets, flashlights, snacks, charged phones -- and then we wait.

What strikes me most during moments like these isn’t what stops, but what remains.

God is still on the throne! Hallelujah!

The elements may be unpredictable, but He is not. Closures and cancellations are not signs of fear. They’re signs of wisdom.

Our pastor chose safety over gathering. The family center chose care over convenience. Sometimes faith looks like stepping back instead of pushing through.

These “blips on the radar” of life -- storms, disruptions, disappointments -- become quiet invitations to trust. Trust when plans change. Trust when routines break. Trust when we’re reminded just how little control we actually have.

And isn’t that true beyond the weather?

Homes go through seasons. Relationships face pressure. Health wavers. Emotions freeze or overheat. Yet in every condition -- good or not so good -- God remains faithful.

We don’t conquer life by controlling it. We conquer by leaning into the One who already holds it.

Storms test our foundations. But they also reveal them.

So whether the ice comes or passes us by, whether lights stay on or go dark, whether Sunday feels ordinary or unusual -- God is still near. Still watching. Still providing peace in the middle of uncertainty.

And when the world pauses, we remember -- He doesn't!

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea," Psalm 46:1-2

Battan Down the Hatches

This photo made me smile! It perfectly captures life in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada -- lived there for seven years.

But now here in Austin TX -- known for its mild climate almost year round. But, when the weather man starts talking about ice, we Austinians get our water dripping from the the taps and pull out our warmest clothes.

Yesterday’s weather report sounded serious enough to make even seasoned Texans hunker down. A Winter Storm Warning. Ice. Dangerous roads. Travel discouraged.

Here in Austin -- we do mild. We do warm. We do “should I bring a jacket?” But ice? That’s when we panic-shop -- get extra water, snacks, and flashlights.

Six feet of snow up North is just another day for them. For us? It’s headline news.

What awaited me when I moved to Austin was a monumental winter storm! Trees bowed under the weight of ice, limbs snapped like matchsticks, electricity disappeared, water vanished, neighbors bundled up and drew water from the pool for flushing their toilets. It was unforgettable -- and humbling.

Last Wednesday at our women’s Bible study, Anita, our faithful leader, asked, “How will you prepare?” One woman plans on filling her bathtub with water in case her toilet needs water for flushing.

Another had a generator ready and planned to open her warm home to neighbors. Prepared hearts. Open hands. That’s community.

Preparation matters. But so does perspective. This winter storm is just a blip on the radar screen!

And knowing God is present in every season. we can conquer whatever comes our way. Our Lord doesn’t go offline when temperatures drop. He doesn’t panic when power grids wobble. He is steady, faithful, and near.

Storms remind us of something important -- our control is limited, but God’s care isn't. We stock up on blankets and batteries, yes -- but we also rest in His promises.

So if the ice comes, we’ll be ready. And if it passes us by, we’ll be grateful. Either way, we trust the One who never leaves us shivering alone.

How blessed we are to have God’s care, presence, and faithfulness in every season, especially during uncertainty or storms.

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help. "

Following Jesus Means Loving Everyone

If we’re honest, loving everybody sounds beautiful -- until we meet everybody.

Love the kind. Sure.
Love the grateful. Of course.
But love the ones who mock faith, roll their eyes at truth, or treat believers with open hostility? Lord, are You sure You didn’t mean most people?

And then -- quiet as a whisper -- I imagine God saying:
“Loving others means accepting them completely, loving them unconditionally, forgiving them totally, and seeing them as extremely valuable -- whether you like them or not.”

That’s not a suggestion. It’s a command. And, it sure doesn't make sense when we see the outrage and ugliness in our world!

But, Jesus didn’t leave loopholes when He said,
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)

That kind of love doesn’t come naturally. It comes supernaturally.

1 Corinthians 13:7 says: "Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up.” (1 Corinthians 13:7)

That’s how God loves us. On our best days -- and especially on our worst. He doesn’t sigh and say, “I’m done.” He leans in and says, “I’m still here.”

Love never stops being patient. It gives grace when patience runs thin.
Love never stops believing. It keeps faith when others disappoint us.
Love never stops hoping. It expects the best, even when history suggests otherwise.
Love never gives up. It endures when walking away would be easier.

This kind of love transforms relationships -- not because people suddenly change, but because we do.

So if what you see on the evening news seems reckless and hateful -- maybe the prayer isn’t “Lord, fix them,” but “Lord, change me.”

Because when fear loosens its grip, love finds room to grow.
When grace leads, walls fall.
And when Jesus sets the standard, love becomes our loudest witness.

Loving everyone may feel impossible -- until we remember: we’re not loving alone. We’re loving with Him.
And that makes all the difference.