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

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