God Is NOT Pacing Heaven's Hallways!

WHEN, LORD? WHY? HOW MUCH LONGER?

Ever asked those questions? Oh, my goodness! Some days I think heaven must have a special department just for my questions!

Trouble. Turmoil. Heartbreak. Unanswered prayers. Life can feel like a storm that WON'T LET UP!

And when someone we love is hurting, waiting becomes especially difficult.

I think about precious families praying for healing, parents watching their children struggle, and loved ones pleading, “Please, God! SOONER rather than later!”

Then I read Psalm 29:10:

“The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.”

WAIT! GOD IS SITTING?

While we're pacing the floor, wearing out our knees, and checking heaven's clock?

YES! But here's the beautiful truth.

God isn't sitting because He doesn't CARE. He's sitting because He hasn't LOST CONTROL!

He's not nervously pacing heaven's hallways. He's not calling an emergency meeting of angels, wondering what to do next!

HE IS STILL KING!

But does that mean we won't experience heartbreak? No.

Does it mean every prayer will be answered on OUR timetable? Unfortunately, no.

And does it mean we shouldn't cry, question, or sometimes feel overwhelmed?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Even Jesus wept.

Faith isn't pretending the storm doesn't hurt. Faith is trusting that the One who rules over the storm is WITH US in it.

Psalm 29:11 ends with this beautiful promise:

“The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace.”

Notice, He promises STRENGTH and PEACE, even when answers haven't arrived.

Dear friends, perhaps you're waiting for a miracle, a breakthrough, or simply enough courage to face tomorrow.

KEEP PRAYING! KEEP BELIEVING! KEEP HOLDING ON!

The flood may be real, but it doesn't have the final word.

GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE!

And the God who rules over the waters is the same God who holds YOU close.

HEAVEN RULES! AND YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!

#KeepHoldingOn #JesusWept #heavenshallways

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FALL BACK! The Extra Hour Blessing!

HALLELUJAH! Today is November 1st -- a brand new month and we were given an EXTRA HOUR!

At 2:00 a.m., our clocks FELL BACK one hour, and suddenly, we were given the gift of 60 additional minutes! Whoohoo!

An extra hour of SLEEP! Can I get an AMEN?

Of course, no one advised my internal clock -- which wakes me daily to ensure my blog posted on time -- 5:00 AM. Please don't feel sorry for me -- it is one of my greatest joys to post a blog daily!

I've been thinking about those two little words: FALL BACK!

What if, instead of just falling back into our pillows, we fell back into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father? Fell back into His grace and mercy that is new -- not just this morning, but every morning.

Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that His mercies are NEW EVERY MORNING!

That we woke up -- especially considering the alternative! And, what if we woke up with gratitude in our hearts each morning!

And, what if our first thoughts were praise and worship to our Heavenly Father for His goodness and mercy that follows us each new day.

Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God." Aw! Giving God our first thoughts, our first praise, our first thanksgiving!

Oh, how we need that reminder!
Our lives are filled with schedules, appointments, responsibilities, and those never-ending TO-DO lists. Sometimes we're so busy running FORWARD that we forget to REST in the One who holds our tomorrows.

And here's something worth remembering -- God doesn't operate on Daylight Saving Time!

He never sleeps through our prayers. He never runs late with His mercy. And His love doesn't change when we change our clocks!

Maybe you've been running on empty. Maybe your heart is tired. Maybe you've been carrying burdens that were never yours to carry alone.

Here's your invitation......
FALL BACK into God's grace.
REST in His promises.
WAKE UP to His goodness.

And if you happen to sleep through that extra hour?
Don't worry! God's blessings will still be waiting when you wake up!

FALL BACK! REST EASY! GOD'S GOT US!

#fallback #daylightsavings #restinGodslove

A Vote, a Heart, and a Rainy Day Blessing

 

Yesterday, something happened at our early voting location that touched my heart!

After days of welcoming voters, checking IDs, and watching long lines of determined Americans, I thought I'd seen just about everything.

BUT THEN CAME THIS PRECIOUS COUPLE!

They arrived in a van, both facing significant physical challenges. The wife used a motorized wheelchair, and her husband had mobility difficulties of his own.

They were determined to VOTE!

My coworker and I went outside to assist with curbside voting.

The wife initially requested a paper ballot, but marking those tiny circles proved difficult. So we brought an electronic voting machine outside, where she could make her selections.

And wouldn't you know it? IT WAS RAINING!

But beneath that covered portico, something beautiful happened.

While her husband went inside to vote, this precious woman and I visited.

I admired her beautiful blonde hair. She admired my patriotic heart earrings.

And suddenly, I knew those earrings belonged to HER!

We talked about her years of writing, speaking, and teaching. Though writing has become difficult, she's still working on a book using recordings!

WHAT AN INSPIRATION!

Later, I watched her husband carefully position their van and prepare the wheelchair ramp.
Such determination! Such devotion!

They could have chosen another voting method, but they had come in person.

And I was reminded that what seems EASY for some requires extraordinary effort from others.
Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31)

Yesterday, my neighbor happened to be a beautiful woman beneath a rainy portico.

I went outside to help her vote.
But SHE came to teach ME something!

Voting is a privilege. Kindness is a calling. And love is always worth the extra effort.

With Election Day approaching Tuesday, November 3, I hope every eligible voter who hasn't voted will make a plan to participate.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS. YOUR VOTE MATTERS. AND SO DOES YOUR KINDNESS!

#Vote #LoveYourNeighbor #ElectionDay

Maybe God Is Just Staring!

Oh, the LOVE we have for our children!

I remember when my Ryan and Staci were little. Sometimes I'd stand beside their beds, watching them sleep, studying those precious faces, and wondering how I could possibly love two little people SO MUCH!

I'd kiss their foreheads, whisper a prayer, and thank God for choosing ME to be their mother.

Have you ever done that? Just stood there, completely captivated by someone you love?

Recently, I heard a beautiful message from a pastor who described standing beside his three-year-old daughter's bed, overwhelmed with gratitude that he got to be her daddy.

As he gazed at her, he sensed God reminding him of Psalm 139:
"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!" (Psalm 139:17)

And then came the thought that took my breath away.
What if God looks upon US with that same tender, adoring love?

What if those moments when heaven seems silent aren't evidence that God has forgotten us?

Maybe He's simply delighting in His child!

Oh, how often have we prayed, "Lord, where are You? Why aren't You answering?"

We mistake His silence for His absence.
But Psalm 139:18 assures us, "And when I wake up, you are still with me!"

WOW!
The same God who created the universe knows our names, hears our prayers, sees our tears, and loves us beyond anything we can comprehend.

And just as I didn't need my children to perform, accomplish, or even wake up to earn my love, we don't have to earn God's affection!

We are already HIS!

So, dear friend, if God seems quiet today, let's don't assume He's gone somewhere.

He may be working in ways we cannot see. He may be inviting us to rest in His presence.

And perhaps, just perhaps, He's looking upon you and me with the same overwhelming love we feel when gazing at our precious children.

HIS SILENCE DOESN'T MEAN HIS ABSENCE.
WE ARE SEEN. WE ARE KNOWN. We ARE DEARLY LOVED!

#SilenceIsNotAbsence #GodknowsOurnames #godstillseesus

When What We See Isn't What We Believe!

I look at these precious photographs of the Malouff family taken many years ago. There's Ryan, Dana, Emma, and young Jack — a family enjoying life, making memories, dreaming dreams, and looking forward to all the wonderful adventures ahead.

Oh, if only photographs could tell us what tomorrow holds!

Who could have imagined that years later, this same family would be facing one of the greatest challenges of their lives?

That little boy standing proudly in front of his family would grow into an adventurous, athletic young man whose life would change in a single moment.

And those loving parents? They could never have imagined the hospital rooms, sleepless nights, medical reports, and countless prayers that would become part of their journey.

But here's what moves my heart.

The God who was with them THEN is the very same God who is with them NOW!

Their circumstances have changed. Their daily lives have changed. Their dreams have been interrupted.

BUT THEIR GOD HAS NOT CHANGED!

And neither has their love for one another.

I look at these photographs and see yesterday's joy. Then I think about today's challenges and tomorrow's possibilities.

And I remember the words Jesus spoke to Jairus:

"Don't be afraid; just believe." (Mark 5:36)

Oh, Lord, we're holding on to those words!

We're believing for Jack's healing, strength, restoration, and a future filled with possibilities.

Because the God who held this family together in the sunshine is still holding them together in the storm!

Oh, how we're praying for a breakthrough for Jack!

Jack's father, Ryan, recently shared a powerful message about MERCY and GRACE.

Mercy is God withholding what we deserve. Grace is God giving what we could never earn!

Ryan reminded us that through Jesus, we can approach God's throne boldly, asking for mercy and grace in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

And THAT'S exactly what we're doing!

Faith doesn't mean ignoring medical realities. It means trusting God while pursuing every opportunity for treatment, rehabilitation, and healing.

Oh, how I long to see Jack walking, running, and telling the world what God has done!

But until then, we're grateful for every doctor, nurse, therapist, prayer warrior, and every little victory along the way.

Perhaps you're facing something that looks impossible today.

A medical diagnosis? A broken relationship? A dream that seems shattered?

Remember, what you see today doesn't have to determine what tomorrow holds!

God's mercy is everlasting. His grace is sufficient. His love NEVER fails!

We're not claiming to know exactly how or when Jack's healing journey will unfold.

But we know WHO we're trusting!
MERCY OVER JACK! GRACE OVER JACK!
And as Jesus told Jairus:

DON'T BE AFRAID. JUST BELIEVE!
FIGHT LIKE JACK! ❤️

Pumpkin and Spice and Everything Nice!

Oh, how I LOVE FALL! My home is decorated with pumpkins, colorful leaves, autumn figurines, and enough fall decorations to make you think a pumpkin patch moved into our living room!

After our long, HOT Texas summer, I'm ready for crisp mornings, cozy sweaters, and beautiful autumn colors!

There's just one problem. TEXAS hasn't received the memo!

Here in the Lone Star State, we're still wearing flip-flops, swatting mosquitoes the size of small birds, and celebrating when temperatures dip into the seventies!

But that's okay! We'll fake it till God makes it!

And then there's PUMPKIN SPICE!
Pumpkin spice coffee, donuts, candles, cookies, ice cream, and even pumpkin spice popouri!

But all this pumpkin spice got me thinking.

We love adding a little flavor to everything. And sometimes, we're tempted to do the same with God's Word.

We want to make it more appealing, more comfortable, or more acceptable to today's culture.

But here's the truth: God's Word doesn't need a seasonal makeover!

Jesus instructed His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations," teaching them to obey everything He commanded. (Matthew 28:19–20)

He didn't say to adjust His message according to popular opinion or whatever happens to be trending!

Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Seasons change. Fashions change. Opinions change. Even our favorite coffee flavors change!

BUT JESUS NEVER CHANGES!
His love remains constant. His promises remain faithful. His Word remains true.

And isn't that comforting in a world where everything seems to be changing faster than Texas weather?

So, enjoy your pumpkin spice latte! Decorate with pumpkins! Celebrate the beauty of autumn!

But when it comes to our faith, let's stick with the ORIGINAL RECIPE!

No artificial ingredients. No watered-down truth. Just JESUS!

And THAT, my friends, is sweeter than anything pumpkin spice could ever offer!

#autumn #fall #texasweather #pumpkinspice #JesusNeverChanges

God Will Calm Our Hearts

HEART TROUBLE! Oh, how many people are dealing with it today! Some have hearts that need medical attention. Others have hearts aching from grief, disappointment, anxiety, or broken relationships.

Whatever the cause, our hearts sometimes need a little CALMING!

I remember living in Tulsa, Oklahoma -- tornado country! One minute, beautiful blue skies. The next, sirens blaring, winds howling, and tree limbs flying!

Our family knew the drill. Head for the central closet and hunker down!

I didn't have the power to stop those storms, but I knew where to find shelter!

That reminds me of Jesus and His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee. Suddenly, a fierce storm erupted. Waves crashed into their boat. Water poured in. The disciples PANICKED!

And Jesus? He was SLEEPING!
"Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?" (Mark 4:38)

Jesus arose and commanded, "Peace, be still!" (Mark 4:39)

And immediately, the winds ceased!
Oh, how we long for that kind of instant peace when our hearts are troubled!

Maybe you're awaiting medical results, grieving someone you love, facing financial uncertainty, or lying awake wondering how everything will work out.

Jesus understands!

He said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (John 14:1)

Sometimes our storms don't disappear overnight. Medical treatments continue. Tears still fall. Difficult circumstances remain.

But here's our assurance. We don't have to face them alone!

God gives us wisdom to seek help, courage to face tomorrow, and peace that circumstances cannot manufacture.

Philippians 4:7 promises God's peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

So, dear friend, whatever is troubling your heart today, take it to Jesus. Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep breathing. And take the next step.

Sometimes God calms the storm. Sometimes He calms His child in the storm.

Either way, HE IS OUR SHELTER!

#GodsPeace #TrustInGod #keeppraying #shelter

Long Lines, Big Smiles, and a Little Red, White, and Blue!

Goodness! If there's one thing I've learned during last week's early voting, it's that Americans are showing up!

LONG LINES! And would you believe it? SMILING FACES! Instead of grumbling about the wait, voters are patiently standing in line, ready to exercise their precious right to vote.

And I LOVE it!

I've served as an election judge, alternate judge, and now an election clerk. This year, I'm checking photo IDs, verifying voter information, and helping people receive their ballots. I am proudly wearing my red, white, and blue attire daily!

Our team arrives before the polls open at 7 a.m., preparing equipment, setting up signs, and getting ready to welcome voters.

But what touches my heart most?

The veterans. The elderly with walkers and canes. Those in wheelchairs. People who could easily decide the lines are too long or the effort too great.

But they COME!

They understand something precious. Our right to vote is a privilege worth exercising!

I especially enjoy watching voters proudly wearing their "I VOTED" stickers. Those little stickers represent something BIG!

We may disagree on candidates, policies, and propositions, but we can respect one another's right to make thoughtful choices.

Voting gives us an opportunity to consider the issues affecting our families, communities, state, and nation. And those choices deserve our attention!

As a Christian, I also believe we have another responsibility — PRAYER!

First Timothy 2:1–2 urges us to offer prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving for everyone, including those in authority, so that we may live peaceful and godly lives.

And believe me, I've been doing some undercover praying while greeting voters!

I'm praying for wisdom, integrity, peace, and God's guidance for those who serve our country.

So, as our second week of early voting begins today, I hope we'll continue to appreciate this remarkable freedom.

Be informed. Be prayerful. Be respectful. And exercise your right to vote!

And when you see those election workers, give them a smile. They're happy to serve!

God bless America!

#vote #GodBlessAmerica #prayer

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Sometimes He Calms the Storm!

We're still waging war in prayer for our dear Jack Malouff, believing God for breakthroughs, healing, and miracles!

Recently, Jack was struggling with nausea. Then a light came on! His parents remembered stomach issues he'd experienced years ago and the physician who had helped him become pain-free.

Another possible door to answers! Thank You, Jesus!

I've been remembering our family trips to Cabo, watching my grandsons and Jack riding waves, water bikes, and wave runners.

They were having a blast while I watched safely from my lounge chair under a HUGE umbrella! This girl and the blazing Cabo sun aren't exactly best friends! Seriously!

Those boys learned that water is beautiful, exhilarating, and deserving of respect.

And my heart aches thinking about Jack, who loved water adventures. One tragic dive into shallow lake water changed everything.

I'm reminded of Jesus and His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee. Suddenly, a fierce storm threatened their boat. Waves crashed! Water poured in! The disciples panicked!

And JESUS? He was SLEEPING!

"Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?" (Mark 4:38)
Jesus arose and commanded, "Peace, be still!" (Mark 4:39 KJV)
And the storm obeyed!

Oh, how we long for those words over Jack's body! Over every nerve, every muscle, every challenge!

PEACE! BE STILL!

But here's what I'm learning. Sometimes Jesus calms the storm around us. Other times, He calms the storm WITHIN us.

We don't know how long this journey will be. We don't have tomorrow's answers. But we know WHO is in the boat!

And He hasn't abandoned ship!

Perhaps you're facing your own raging storm today. Fear whispers, "What if?" Faith answers, "BUT GOD!"

God is still God in every moment!

We're still praying, still praising, still believing for Jack's complete healing!

And while we wait for the winds to cease, we're holding tightly to Jesus!

Because even when the storm rages, our Savior remains our PEACE!
SOMETIMES HE CALMS THE STORM

And beneath it:
Sometimes He calms His child.

What a wonderful reminder for Jack's family and for every person waiting for a breakthrough. The storm may still be raging, but Jesus is still in the boat! ❤️🙏

When We Don't Know What to Pray

September 26th was my grandson's wedding day on the beautiful Epiphany Ranch. A day we had anticipated with joy!

But in the early morning hours of that day, my phone rang. My son was calling with heartbreaking news about our dear Jack Malouff's terrible accident.

At 3:30 a.m., my grandson Bryson, Jack's lifelong best friend, was on his way back to Austin to be beside him.

And what did we do? WE PRAYED!

Calls were made. Messages were sent. Family and friends began calling on heaven!

But here's something I've been thinking about. Sometimes we know exactly WHO needs prayer, but we haven't the slightest idea WHAT to pray!

Romans 8:26 says, "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."

Oh, praise the Lord -- the Greater ONE intercedes for us!

Can you imagine your pastor standing before the congregation saying, "Let's bow our heads. I haven't a clue what we should pray for!"

Yet, that's exactly what the Apostle Paul was teaching us!

We don't always have the right words. We don't know every medical detail, every challenge ahead, or even what tomorrow holds.

BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT DOES!

Romans 8:27 assures us that the Spirit intercedes for God's people according to God's will.

Oh, what comfort!

Since that September morning, we've prayed for Jack's breathing, his surgeries, his healing, his family, and his medical team.

Sometimes our prayers have been long. Sometimes they've been nothing more than, "Jesus, HELP!"

And every one of those prayers matters!

Then comes Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him."

We may not understand the HOW or WHEN, but we can trust the WHO!

Perhaps you're carrying someone on your heart today. You want to pray, but words won't come.

PRAY ANYWAY!
Whisper their name. Shed your tears. Call on Jesus.
Because when words fail, the Holy Spirit doesn't!

And THAT, my friends, is the power, protection, and purpose of prayer! So let's keep on praying and believing!

#AllThingsWorkTogetherForGood #JesusHelp #praying

Don't Let Go of the Rope!

I

It's been nearly a month since our dear Jack Douglas Malouff's tragic dive into shallow water changed everything.

Oh, how we wish we could rewind the clock! Go back to that moment and somehow change what happened. But life doesn't offer do-overs. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow remains unseen.

Meanwhile, the Malouff family has had to put their ordinary lives on hold and navigate a journey none of us could have imagined.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to peek into tomorrow and see Jack healed, walking, and traveling the world telling his miraculous story?

Oh, how we're believing for that day!

But here's the challenge. We want NOW answers from a God who sees the WHOLE picture!

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Sometimes I want to say, "Lord, could we PLEASE fast-forward to the good part? The healing! The celebration! The HALLELUJAHS!"

But faith doesn't come with a fast-forward button!

Instead, I hear that gentle reminder: "Be patient, My child. Trust Me."

Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

And THAT'S where we are!

Still praying. Still believing. Still trusting. Still holding on!

We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we know WHO holds tomorrow.

And while we wait, we're grateful for every little victory, every dedicated medical professional, every prayer warrior, and every evidence of God's sustaining grace.

Maybe you're waiting for your own breakthrough. A healing. A restored relationship. A financial miracle. An answer to a prayer you've whispered a thousand times.

DON'T LET GO OF THE ROPE!

Even when your hands are tired and your heart is weary, keep trusting the One who will never let go of YOU!

We're not giving up on Jack. We're not giving up on miracles. And we're certainly not giving up on GOD!

In due season, we will reap if we faint not!

Hold on, LIKE Jack!

Everything Has Changed. Nothing Has Changed.

Those powerful words came from Ryan Malouff, father of our dear Jack, who continues his healing journey at Craig Hospital in Colorado.

Twenty-four days ago, one terrible accident changed everything. Plans, schedules, dreams, and everyday routines were turned upside down. But Ryan's heartfelt tribute reminded me that while circumstances change, LOVE DOESN'T!

Ryan calls them his "GIANT KILLERS!" Three extraordinary people who stepped onto a battlefield they never expected and refused to retreat.

First, Dana — Jack's mother. For 24 days, she has been his constant advocate, encourager, and protector. When Jack couldn't speak, she learned to read his eyes. She's stayed through surgeries, sleepless nights, and even the flight to Colorado. Like Esther, she has stepped into her assignment "for such a time as this." (Esther 4:14)

Then there's Emma — Jack's sister. She put her New York life on hold to stand beside her brother. She's brought worship, prayer, encouragement, and even a little beauty treatment to his hospital room! She's loving him with everything she's got!

And then there's Bryson — my grandson and Jack's lifelong best friend. Since they were two years old, these boys have been inseparable. Bryson stepped away from college to stand beside his buddy. Through sleepless nights, he's watched Jack's eyes, understood his needs, and made certain his best friend still had a voice.

Oh, this grandmother's heart!

Ryan compared these three to David facing Goliath. They didn't know how big this battle would be, but they knew WHO would go before them!

And here's what touched me most. At 3 a.m., Ryan wasn't counting what they'd lost. He was counting the blessings standing beside his son.

What a lesson for all of us!

Life can change in a heartbeat. But God's faithfulness doesn't. Neither does genuine love.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

Everything has changed. Nothing has changed.

We're still praying. Still believing.
Still trusting our GREAT PHYSICIAN!

FIGHT LIKE JACK! ❤️

#nothinghaschanged #EverythingHasChanged #GiantKillers