Get Ready for YOUR Comeback

At just 20 years old, Alysa Liu didn’t just skate beautifully -- she staged a comeback for the history books. The first American woman in 24 years to stand atop the Olympic podium. Gold around her neck. Tears in her eyes. Her father, Arthur Liu, celebrating wildly in the stands.

Twenty-four years is a long drought.
But droughts don’t cancel destiny.
That's what stirred my heart. A comeback doesn’t begin on the podium. It begins in the dark. In early mornings. In falls and failures. In moments when the spotlight is nowhere to be found.

Micah 7:8 whispers what the ice declared: "Rejoice not over me, my enemy; when I fall, I shall arise.” -- Micah 7:8

Notice it doesn’t say if I fall. It says when I fall. Truthfully, falling isn't the end of our stories. Stepping back isn’t our calling.
Getting ready for our comeback? That’s faith.

Maybe someone reading this feels like they’ve been in a 24-year winter season. Prayers unanswered. Dreams delayed. Strength stretched thin. But hear this:

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” -- John 1:5

Our God does His best work in dark rinks and dim seasons. He doesn’t panic when we slip. He doesn’t abandon us when the scoreboards look unimpressive.

He says: “For the righteous fall seven times and rise again.” -- Proverbs 24:16

Aw! Rise again. Not limp forward. Not retreat quietly. Rise.

And when we step into God's Light, we don’t just survive -- we stand tall. We stand steady. We stand on the podium He prepared long before we ever laced up our skates.

Because our comeback isn’t powered by applause.
It’s fueled by God's presence.
So don’t take a step back.
Get ready.

Our God who walked us through the valley is the same God Who will call us forward into the spotlight.

And when we stand there -- strong, grateful, unshaken -- heaven will celebrate louder than any Olympic crowd ever could.

So -- let's forget the step-backs. Let's get ready for our comeback.

When we fall -- we rise. When it’s dark -- we step into His Light. Our God is writing a victory better than what we can even see!

#2026WinterOlympics #ComebackStory #GodsPresence

We Love So Much… We Give ❤️🎁

What would a Month of Love be without the usual parade of red hearts, chocolate boxes, balloons, roses, and greeting cards that say, “I love you”?

Sweet as all that is, it can’t hold a candle to the greatest love story ever told.

Because the greatest Lover is not found in a jewelry store.

He is found on a cross.

“For God so loved the world… that He gave His only Son…”

John 3:16

Now that is love. Not Hallmark love. Not “flowers and dinner” love. But sacrifice love. Heaven-gave-its-best love. A love that didn’t just speak -- it acted.

And when I think about that kind of love, I have to ask:

How can we possibly love like that?

What did the Apostle John say about it? “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God…” 1 John 4:7

When we belong to God, we begin to resemble Him. Like children picking up the expressions of their parents, we start to carry His heart -- especially His compassion.

Compassion is love with its sleeves rolled up.

It’s the gentle tug we feel when someone is hurting. It’s the quiet nudge to call, to help, to give, to show up. And sometimes we can’t even explain it -- we just know we’re supposed to do something.

That’s not random emotion. That’s God’s love flowing through us.

And here’s the beautiful part: love doesn’t always begin with a grand gesture or a dramatic moment. Most of the time, love begins with one simple act of obedience -- one quiet “yes” to the nudge of the Holy Spirit.

At church last Sunday, we were handed a list of food items needed for families who are desperately struggling right now. I didn’t have to pray long about it. All I had to do was open my pantry. And there it was -- shelves lined with more than enough.

It was no sacrifice on our end. No hardship. No big deal.

But to someone else?

It might be dinner.

It might be hope.

It might be the answer to a prayer whispered through tears.

And isn’t that the way God works? He takes what seems ordinary to us and turns it into a lifeline for someone else.

Because when we reach out and touch those precious souls, they don’t just feel the help -- they feel the love behind it. Real love. God’s love.

And the funny thing is, we walk away feeling blessed too -- because when love is given away, it never leaves us empty. It fills us right back up.

Isn’t that just like God?

When we give love away, we never lose it -- we multiply it.

So let’s do it.

Let’s love big. Give freely. Touch lives. Speak kindness.

Because our Father gave to us -- BIG TIME.

And we are simply passing it on.

#welovemuch #wegivebecauseweweregiven #weGiveGodAlltheGlory

So Heavenly Minded, So Much Earthly Good

“So heavenly minded, she’s no earthly good.”
Clever little cliché, isn’t it? I confess… I used to say it.

Years ago, I knew a super-pious Bible college student who fasted, prayed, and studied Scripture all day long. Admirable -- except for one little detail. She hadn’t paid her rent. Or her college fees. She didn’t work. She believed God would provide because she was “devoting herself fully.”

And I judged her.
Not out loud, of course. I’m not that holy. But in my heart, I thought, Bless her -- she’s so heavenly minded she can’t even find her checkbook.

Then God gently corrected me.
Because the truth is -- being heavenly minded is not the problem. The problem is when we confuse spirituality with irresponsibility. Heaven is not an excuse to ignore earth. Heaven is the reason we serve well on earth.

Colossians 3:2 says: “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Now think about how we act before a vacation. We count the days. We plan outfits. We make lists. We clean the house. We ask someone to get the mail. We even buy travel-size toothpaste like it’s a sacred ritual.

We prepare -- because we know we’re going somewhere.
So why wouldn’t we prepare for the greatest destination of all?

Heaven isn’t a fantasy for someday. It’s the future home of every believer. And the more we think about heaven, the more we should live with purpose here -- loving deeper, forgiving quicker, giving more, serving better, and holding tighter to what matters.

C.S. Lewis said it well:
“Aim at Heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither.”

When we live in the light of eternity, our priorities shift. We stop sweating the small stuff -- and we start shining in the important stuff.

So no, I don’t say that phrase anymore.
Instead, I want it said of me:
“She was so heavenly minded -- she did a whole lot of good on earth.”
How about you?

#HeavenlyMinded #aimatheaven #HeavenIsOurHome

Lent Means Course Correction ✈️✝️

Back when I was a private pilot, I learned something quickly: flying isn’t just about getting off the ground. It’s about staying on course.

We had a single-engine Cessna 182 -- a sweet little ride. And I still remember the truth every pilot learns -- wind changes everything. Wind speed and wind direction can quietly push us off track. Sometimes only a few degrees. But over time, those few degrees can land us somewhere we never intended to be.

I learned that the hard way on my first solo cross-country flight. Let’s just say -- I got a little too close to “Timbuktu.” Yikes!

But isn’t that life?

The winds of worry, doubt, fear, temptation, bitterness, and busyness can shift our hearts little by little. We don’t wake up one day far from God -- we drift. We compromise. We get distracted. We get tired. We start living on autopilot.

That’s why Lent matters.

Today, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Lenten season begins --the 40-day journey leading up to Easter.

Lent is not about religious performance or trying to impress God. It’s about intentional focus. It’s about stepping away from the noise long enough to hear the heartbeat of Jesus again.

It reflects the 40-days Jesus spent in the wilderness, and it invites us to examine our own hearts. To repent. To reset. To realign.

Lent is course correction. It’s a season to trade “What do I want?” for “Lord, what do You want?”

To exchange distractions for devotion.

To fast from what dulls our spirit and feast on what strengthens our faith.

Maybe for the next 40-days, we pray more. Read the Word slower. Speak kinder. Forgive quicker. Serve quietly. Worship deeper.

Because when we correct our course now, Easter becomes more than a holiday.

It becomes a resurrection—of our hearts.

And that is worth taking seriously.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

The Love Test

Valentine’s Day fell on Saturday this year, and we were in Lubbock. I woke up to a sweet surprise -- Carl had left me a beautiful card and a pair of sunflower earrings.

Now, if you know our story, you know sunflowers are special to us. They were the flowers at our wedding. So those earrings weren’t just jewelry -- they were a sweet memory. A reminder. A quiet little whisper that said, “I still choose you.”

Later that day, Carl and I shared coffee with his sister at -- Starbucks -- just the three of us, tucked away in a sweet little area and reminiscing about life and treasuring the goodness God has woven into our days.

And then came entertainment. We spent time with Carl’s brother and family -- first a delicious barbecue lunch (Texas does not play around with brisket), and then we watched our 10-year-old great-niece play basketball.

Oh my goodness -- what a joy!

Those precious kids dribbled like pros -- until they didn’t. They traveled. They lost the ball. They shot with all their might -- some went in the basket and others barely made it halfway to the hoop.

But nobody cared. They were having the time of their lives, and we were cheering like it was the NBA Finals.

By the time we headed back home to Austin, our hearts were full.

And I can’t talk about love in this Month of Love without mentioning the famous wedding scripture:

“Love is patient and kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

That chapter is beautiful -- but whew -- it’s also a boatload.

So I tried something brave. I replaced the word love with my name:

“Donna is patient and kind. Donna does not insist on her own way…” Well -- that's a workout and it sure makes me sit up straight! Oh how wish Donna was always patient and kind!

But -- what if we actually lived those words? What if we spoke them before our feet hit the floor every morning? How many marriages would heal? How many friendships would survive? How many homes would be filled with peace?

And then comes the greatest love of all:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave…” (John 3:16)

That’s not romance. That’s rescue. And when we ask God to fill us with His agape love, we can love beyond our human limits.

Lord… love through me.....plllease!

#lovethroughme #loveispatient #sunflowers

So the Rocks Don't Have to Sing

Carl and I have been in his hometown of Lubbock, Texas for the last few days.

We came on a mission.
Well -- a Lubbock Christian University homecoming.
I watched him walk onto the campus where he once carried books, dreams, and confidence that said: “I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m sure going to conquer it.”

Now, the school that was once a two-year college has grown into a thriving four-year university. New buildings. New programs. New students rushing by like they’ve got a divine appointment and a pop quiz.

But the sweetest moment came when Carl -- my proud honoree -- received his 60-year alumni medal for the class of 1966. That medal around his neck made me pause. I looked at him -- still standing. Still shining. Still not done.

Several of Carl’s college buddies received their medals too, and I watched those men grin like boys again. It was precious.

That evening, we attended the LCU Choral Reunion Dinner, and my heart just about floated out of my chest. Carl was one of those choral members, belting out music that sounded downright angelic. And let me tell you -- he still has a voice that could rival the best of them.

No instruments. No piano. No organ. No guitar.
Just voices.
Sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses rising together in pure harmony -- like heaven leaned down, cracked the door open, and let us overhear a rehearsal.

I’ve worshiped with instruments all my life. I’ve played them, loved them, and been moved by them. But there was something holy about hearing nothing but human breath and human hearts praising God. It reminded me that worship doesn’t require equipment -- it requires surrender.

And as those voices filled the room, I thought of Jesus’ words:
“If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (Luke 19:40)

Isn’t that something?
Creation is on standby, ready to shout if we don’t.
The mountains are prepared to sing.
The trees are poised to clap.
Even the rocks are ready to testify.

But God didn’t create stones to be His loudest worshipers.
He created us.

So let’s not hold back. Let’s praise Him until worry can’t breathe. Let’s worship Him until discouragement packs its bags. Let’s sing -- even if it’s off-key -- because heaven listens to hearts, not vocal range.

And if Lubbock sounded like that -- oh my goodness -- what will it sound like when we all join the heavenly choirs?

Dependence and Independence

Somewhere along the way, we were taught that independence is the goal:
Be strong. Be courageous.
Handle it yourself.
Don’t ask for help. You can do it.
Don’t cry. Don't whine.
Don’t need. Be independent.

And if we’re honest, many of us wear independence like a badge of honor -- even when it’s quietly breaking our backs.

We say, “I’ve got it.”
But our tired eyes tell a different story.

God never designed us to live like self-powered machines. He created us to be people who breathe -- who rest -- who receive -- who depend.

The world applauds independence.
But Heaven celebrates dependence -- on our Burden Bearer, our Strong Tower, our Rock in the time of storms.

Jesus never said, “Come to Me, all you who have it all together.”
No… He said:
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

That’s not a command for the strong.
That’s an invitation for the weary.

There’s a difference between healthy independence and stubborn self-reliance. Independence says, “I can do my part.”
But prideful self-reliance says, “I don’t need anyone.”

And that’s where we get into trouble.
Because even the strongest among us have moments when the bills pile up, the phone won’t stop ringing, the doctor gives us a scary report, or loneliness settles in like fog.

That’s when God whispers, “Let Me carry what you were never meant to hold.”

Dependence isn’t weakness. Dependence is wisdom.
It takes courage to pray when we don’t have answers.
It takes humility to ask for help.
It takes faith to admit we’re not enough and believe God is.

So yes -- let's be responsible -- wise -- deligent.
But, for goodness sake -- let's not try to be our own Savior!

Because the truth is this:
Independence may build confidence -- but dependence on God builds peace -- calm -- rest -- comfort.

And all those sweet words are what our souls have been craving all along. And doesn't that give us assurance that THE ONE Who rested during the storm gives us the invitation to rest and be at peace like Him, too?

#dependence #independence

Happy Valentine's Day

Ah… love sweet love! And thank you, Burt Bacharach, for giving us a song that still feels like a warm hug wrapped in a melody.

🎶 “What the world needs now is love, sweet love.
It's the only thing that there's just too little of.” 🎶
And isn’t that the honest-to-goodness truth?

The world doesn’t need more opinions, more arguing, more “I’m right and you’re wrong.” It needs love. Not the syrupy kind that melts like chocolate in the sun -- but the sturdy, sacrificial kind that shows up when life gets messy.

And speaking of love -- let’s give credit where credit is due. Valentine’s Day didn’t begin in a greeting card aisle beside the glittery teddy bears and overpriced roses. It began with a man of faith.

St. Valentine was a Christian priest living near Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II -- who was not exactly handing out “Jesus loves you” bumper stickers. Claudius despised Christianity. He outlawed Christian marriages. But Valentine -- bless his brave heart -- kept marrying couples anyway. Quietly. Boldly. Faithfully.

That kind of love will cost something.

Eventually, Claudius had him arrested, tortured, and sentenced to death. And according to tradition, Valentine prayed for the blind daughter of his jailer, and her sight was restored. Before his execution on February 14th, 278 A.D., he wrote her a farewell note and signed it:
“From your Valentine.”

And just like that -- a tradition was born.

Now I have to wonder -- if St. Valentine could see today’s version of his holiday -- would he laugh at all the candy hearts and heart-shaped everything?

Or would he weep at how easily love gets reduced to a temporary feeling -- instead of a daily decision?

Maybe he’d simply remind us of the Word --
“Love must be sincere.” (Romans 12:9)
Because love isn’t just a card.
It’s patience. Forgiveness. Kindness. Loyalty. Prayer.

And if we are children of God, we are living in the greatest love story ever written --
A Savior who didn’t just say “I love you”…
He proved it with a cross.

Happy Valentine’s Day, dear friends.
God loves you… and so do I. ❤️

❤️❤️ Love is an Action Word ❤️❤️

I’ve become a speed reader.
Not just with emails and text messages -- but with my Bible. And that’s when I have to stop and scold myself a little -- because the Word of God is not a checklist. It’s not a “get-it-done” assignment. It’s a love letter from the One who knows my name.

But if I’m not careful, I’ll skim through holy words like I'm scrolling through social media.

My Bible is my “go-to” place for wisdom, comfort, and direction. I have favorite passages marked, highlighted, and even memorized. And that’s the problem -- familiarity can breed carelessness.

Sometimes I read a verse and think, Yep, Got it. Next.
And somewhere in the unseen realm, the enemy whispers, “Perfect. Don’t slow down. Don’t let that sink in.”

BUT -- if we actually soaked in God’s words… we’d be changed.

That’s why I’m stirred up about 1 Corinthians 13 -- the greatest description of love ever written. We hear it at weddings, usually while someone is crying into a tissue and the photographer is snapping pictures like paparazzi.

But these words aren’t just wedding poetry. They are marching orders.

“Love IS patient and kind…”
Not love feels patient. Love acts patient. Love shows up!
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast"
"Love is not arrogant or rude."
"Love does not insist on its own way (oh me, how many times did I miss that one?)
"Love is not irritable or resentful"
"Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth" "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."

And then Jesus takes it even further and says, “Love your enemies.” (Matthew 5:44)
But He didn’t just command love -- He demonstrated it.

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

So when people are difficult, rude, ungrateful, or downright hurtful -- we may not feel love, but we can still DO love.
Love isn’t just something we feel… it’s something we DO.
God didn’t just talk about love -- He proved it.

Love is an action word. Today, let’s show up with love -- even when it's not easy! ❤️

#lovemonth #LoveIsAnActionWord #1Corinthians13 #MYPEACEZONE

Take Joy, My King, in What You Hear

Ah… love songs.

Love songs to our babies. Love songs to our spouses. Love songs that linger in the kitchen while we stir soup or fold laundry. Songs that carry memories like perfume -- one note and suddenly we’re back in a moment we thought we’d forgotten.

And then there are the love songs we sing to the Lord.

Isn’t it something that God -- our Creator of melody, rhythm, harmony, and every bird that ever chirped at sunrise -- still leans in to hear our voices?

Christianity is a singing faith because it isn’t merely a religion. It’s a relationship. A love affair. God loved us first, and He still desires to hear love poured back toward Him.

One of my favorite worship songs says it best:

“I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice.
To worship You, O my soul, rejoice.
Take joy, my King, in what You hear.
May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.”

I can almost picture heaven getting quiet as God listens. Not because we sing perfectly -- goodness knows I don’t -- but because love always sounds beautiful to the One Who is love.

Now… confession.
How often do I let my tongue slip into sounds that are not exactly “worship”? Complaints. Worries. Whining. A little “poor me” melody. I imagine God gently covering His ears like a parent listening to a toddler bang on pots and pans and calling it a concert.

But when we praise Him? Oh, how He must smile.

Psalms 22:3 says, “He inhabits the praises of His people.” He moves in. He makes Himself at home in our worship.

And for those who say, “But I can’t sing…” don’t worry. God isn’t looking for a Grammy. He simply says, “Make a joyful noise!” Psalms 66:1

If we can shout at a football game -- (oh me -- that was me and my family on Super Bowl Sunday), we can surely sing to our King of Kings!

Because when we truly remember what He’s done for us, love rises up like a fountain. Words turn into worship. Gratitude becomes a melody.

And once again we sing: "Take joy, my King, in what You hear…
May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear."

See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil?

It doesn’t take much these days to realize there’s a whole lotta darkness out there. But that shouldn't surprise us -- it's been around for hundreds of years.

But, in our day and time, all we have to do is open our phone, turn on the TV, scroll social media, or listen to someone who “just tells it like it is.” Before we know it, our spirit feels heavy and our peace has packed its bags.

But here’s the good news -- we can purpose to live in the LIGHT and be the LIGHT. We can choose to avoid the dark. We don’t have to become part of the darkness.

Isaiah said it long ago, and it’s still true today:
“Darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:2)

That verse doesn’t deny the darkness -- it declares who rises above it!

I thought about those three wise monkeys: one covers his eyes and sees no evil. One covers his ears -- he hears no evil. One covers his mouth -- he speaks no evil.

Sounds like a great plan -- until we realize we can’t live in a cave 24/7. Evil will still show up. We will still see it. We will still hear it. And some days we may even the one who speaks it!

So what do we do?

We don’t pretend darkness isn’t real -- we just refuse to let it take over our minds.

If we feed only on headlines and hot opinions, we’ll believe the whole world is falling apart. But if we start our day with the Good News, our hearts get anchored in truth.

John 5:4 says: “Everyone born of God overcomes the world -- this is the victory -- our faith.” (I John 5:4)

We can be overcomers. Not by ignoring evil -- but by choosing faith -- choosing hope -- choosing peace!

Aren't we so thankful that Jesus was, is and will always be the Light of the world?" (John 8:12)

Two teams are playing in this world -- light and darkness.
And we already know who wins.

So let’s stop spreading gloom like it’s a hobby. Let’s speak hope. Let’s shine. Let’s be the kind of people who walk into a room and make it brighter.

Now that’s wisdom worth monkeying around with. 🐒✨

#Monkeysee #monkeydo #LightoftheWorld

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