TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Today, this Nana has a very grateful heart -- and a great big WHEW! This first photo is the leis given to Alexia and Winston when they first arrived in Kauai.

Last night, as Hurricane Lowell began bearing down on Kauai, our granddaughter Alexia messaged:

“Hi Nana. I know you’re asleep, but keeping everyone updated. We decided to go to a friend’s house a little farther inland. It’s very windy, but we still have power and shelter!”

And while they sheltered, we prayed.
And YOU prayed.
This morning came the message we had been waiting for.

Alexia said the worst hit around 1:00 a.m. Kauai time. She said it sounded and looked like they were in a tornado. All night they heard coconuts hitting the roof and trees and light poles snapping.

But then came these beautiful words:
“The house we were in was completely safe -- we, as well as our church community, are safe.”

THANK YOU, JESUS!

And then, after surviving her first Hawaiian hurricane, she added, “I think I’m going to take a nap.”

YES, SWEET GIRL! Nana highly recommends it! 😊

Today, we want to say THANK YOU to every precious friend who stopped what you were doing and prayed. You stood in the gap for Alexia and Winston, their church family, and the people of Kauai.

Some of you may have whispered a quick prayer. Others prayed throughout the night. God heard every one.

Alexia and Winston certainly didn't expect a hurricane during their first week of serving on Kauai. But perhaps this is another reminder that God doesn't always send us into comfortable places.

Sometimes He sends us right into the storm.

And now they have opportunities to love, serve, encourage, help clean up, and be the hands and feet of Jesus to their new community.

For such a time as this!

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)

The storm came.
God was there.
The storm passed.
God is still there.

And today, we give Him ALL the glory! ❤️🙏

P.S. The second photo is one of the roads broken to pieces and the third photo is Winston enjoying getting back to their apartment that suffered no damage! Thanks be to God!

#HurricaneLowell #kauai #alexiaandwinston

One Week

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

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

And then came Hurricane Lowell.

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

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

“We’re good.”

Oh, how this Nana needed those two words!

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

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

Sometimes ministry begins in a storm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Psalm 27:1)

Kauai, we are praying for you!

Before the Wedding, We Walked Through the Gospel

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

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

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

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

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

Even the details seem to preach!

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

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

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

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

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

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

To God be all the glory!

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR KAUAI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the powerful and precious Name of Jesus, amen.

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

#HurricaneLowell #SafeAndProtected #protection

And They Loved Happily Ever After

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#loveandmarriage #happilyeverafter #Godsblessings

Mirrors, Magnifying Glasses, and Mercy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#judgenot #fruitofthespirit #magnifyingglass

Once Upon a Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the Rains Came Down!

Austin and East Texas have endured a long, dry summer. At Epiphany Ranch in Alto, the thirsty fields, the upcoming grassy wedding areas, and seven-acre pond have all been crying out for rain.
And so have we!

My daughter, Staci, would send another text: “Please pray for rain!” With four wedding venues at the ranch -- including the rehearsal dinner and the wedding of our grandson Payton and his lovely Christiane Line -- we prayed, believed, and watched the skies.

Then came the video!

There were Staci and her soon-to-be daughter-in-love, Christiane -- dancing, jumping, and celebrating in a humongous downpour! No umbrellas. No worries about their hair. Just boots, laughter, and arms lifted toward heaven!

It reminded me of Noah.
God told Noah to build an extra-king-size ark on dry ground. Can you imagine what the townspeople thought? “Poor Noah has finally gone cray-cray!”

Still, Noah kept hammering. He obeyed God before he saw a single raindrop. He trusted God when the assignment looked ridiculous and the forecast looked impossible.

“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen -- built an ark to save his family.” (Hebrews 11:7)

Then the rain came -- and Noah and his family were safe aboard the M.S. Ark!

Faith doesn’t wait until the clouds gather. Faith keeps building, praying, and preparing while the ground is still dry. God’s answers don’t always arrive according to our timetable or look exactly as we imagined, but His timing is always trustworthy.

At Epiphany Ranch, the rain has finally come -- and word has it, more is on the way! PTL!

Today, we are thanking God for every drop, every puddle, and every blade of grass soaking it all in. And soon, we’ll watch Payton and Christiane begin their beautiful life together on ground that has been watered by heaven.

We prayed for rain – and Staci and Christiane danced in the answer! Sometimes faith means preparing on dry ground, just as Noah did, and trusting God before the first drop falls. Today, we’re thanking Him for soaked fields, a filled lake, and rain boots put to joyful use!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1EjZnZk5JJ/

Let’s Be the Chocolate Chip!

After returning home from Epiphany Ranch on my birthday, I quickly unpacked and we hurried to our church’s Wednesday-night family meal.

For only ten dollars, we enjoyed chicken-fried steak, cream gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, a roll, salad, AND dessert. Wowzer!

Apparently, our church believes in feeding both body and soul -- and making sure nobody leaves hungry!

Afterward, I joined about fifty to sixty women for our first Bible study of the new school year.

Then came my birthday surprise.

Carl carried in a huge box of homemade chocolate-chip cookies to share with my Bible-study sisters. Knowing I’m on a sugar-free fast, he made sure some were sugar-free. He also brought beautiful pink, full-sugar cookies for those whose fasting convictions were -- less restrictive!

I must tell you -- those were the best no-sugar chocolate-chip cookies I've ever eaten. AND, the extra joy -- was for our dear friend who has started her own cookie business -- to make the no-sugar cookies for the first time! They were a hit!

Chocolate-chip cookies hold a special place in my heart. I’ve tasted plenty in my lifetime, so I consider myself somewhat qualified in this field of research!

Think about the ingredients. Flour, butter, sugar, salt, and baking soda are mixed until they blend together. Once baked, we can’t distinguish one from another.

But the chocolate chips? We can still see them!

The book "Be the Chocolate Chip" by Jan Brewer and Amy Stucky uses that tasty illustration to remind Christians that we can live in this world without disappearing into it.

Like a chocolate chip, we should retain the distinctive nature God has given us and make what surrounds us better.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Being different doesn’t mean acting superior, strange, or holier-than-thou. It means being recognized by our kindness, integrity, joy, forgiveness, warmth, and love.

When culture becomes bitter, we bring sweetness. When conversations become cold, we bring warmth. When darkness gathers, we carry Christ’s light.

We don’t need to melt into the crowd or imitate every other “cookie” on the shelf.

Let’s be unmistakably His -- drawing others not merely to ourselves, but to the goodness of Jesus within us.

Be genuine. Be loving. Be light. Be the chocolate chip!

#chocolatechipcookies #BeTransformed #beachocolatechip

Step Into the Story

Last Sunday afternoon, many women gathered at our church for the kickoff of our new Fall session. What a beautiful reminder that God’s Word isn’t just something we read -- it’s something we live!

I especially loved the theme: “Step Into the Story.” And the Scripture? Psalm 107:2: “Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story.”

Oh, my friends. We surely have stories -- and plenty of them!

We’ve weathered storms, walked through valleys, cried bitter tears, felt forgotten, nearly gave up -- and then came those two beautiful words: BUT GOD!

Psalm 107 reminds us that God gathered His people from every direction -- east, west, north and south. Different roads. Different struggles. Different stories. Yet somehow, He brings us together so we can reach back and take the hand of someone who is still walking the road we once traveled.

I once sat at a table with a man who shared how God had changed his life. He spoke honestly about alcohol and medications and the difficult road he had traveled.

He was still waiting for a liver transplant, yet he was telling young people his story. Why? Because perhaps his “what was” could keep someone else from repeating it -- and his “what is now” could give someone hope.

As we talked around that table, we realized something. Every one of us have a story of God’s grace. He has kept us. He delivered us. He spared us. Healed us. Restored us.

And yes, this is one reason I defend those selfies! 😊 Maybe we aren’t always saying, “Look at me.” Maybe we’re saying, “Look what God is doing!”

So let's tell our stories!

Let's tell the youngsters about the miracles we’ve witnessed.
Let's tell someone how we nearly gave up -- but God.
Let's tell them how Jesus found us, changed us, carried us and gave us hope.

Because someday, someone may look at us and say:
“Because you told me your story, I didn’t give up.”
Let's tell our stories of God's amazing grace!

For Such a Time as NOW!

My recent birthday reminded me that I successfully made it around the sun in exactly 365 days. Honestly? What an achievement!

I’m even more convinced: God didn’t keep me on Planet Earth simply to occupy space, rearrange throw pillows, and wait for someday!

I’ve been reflecting on Dolly Parton’s life. God gave her extraordinary talent and resources, but she chose to use them.

She encouraged people, supported worthy causes, placed books into children’s hands, and scattered kindness wherever she could.

Her life reminds us that a gift becomes a legacy only when it is given.

God also had an intentional purpose for Queen Esther. When her people faced destruction, she could have protected her comfort, remained quiet, and decided someone else should handle it.

But Mordecai challenged her: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” — Esther 4:14

Esther recognized her moment -- and acted.

As God’s children, we also hold royal positions. We have been set apart, bought with a price, and placed here at this exact time. We may not wear crowns, but we carry Kingdom responsibilities.

It’s tempting to pull the covers over our heads when the world feels dark. We tell ourselves, “Someone else is more qualified,” “I’m too busy,” or “Maybe someday.”

But “someday” has a sneaky way of never appearing on the calendar.

What if we are God’s answer to someone’s prayer today? Perhaps we are meant to make the call, carry the meal, speak up for someone, offer forgiveness, mentor a child, calm a conflict, or remind a weary soul that hope remains.

We don’t need Dolly’s fortune or Esther’s palace. We need willing hearts, open eyes, and obedient feet.

Our assignment may not change the entire world -- but it could change someone’s world.

We are here to be peacemakers, solution finders, burden lifters, hope carriers, and lights in the darkness.

So, no more “maybe.” No more “someday.”

For such a time as this means right here, right now.

Let’s get moving!

When God Says "Go" -- Let's GO!

Sometimes God’s Spirit tells us to slow down, wait, and be still.

But other times, He says, “Move!”

Of course, we should prayerfully discern His leading and make sure it agrees with His Word. But once God’s direction is clear, we don’t need to form a committee, conduct a six-month study, or request three additional signs!

Delayed obedience is still disobedience.

Parents understand this. When we tell a child, “Please clean your room,” we don’t expect the reply, “Thank you for sharing. I’ll prayerfully consider it.”

We expect action!

Jesus said to two fishermen, “Come, follow Me.” That was no small request. He was asking them to leave their familiar work, routines, and security behind.

Their response?

“At once they left their nets and followed Him.” — Mark 1:18

They didn’t ask for a detailed itinerary, retirement benefits, or the location of their next meal. They trusted the One calling them.

Psalm 119:60 says, “I will hasten and not delay to obey Your commands.”

When God clearly tells us to encourage, give, serve, speak, go, or stop -- hurry is holy!

We should also move quickly when the Holy Spirit reminds us that a relationship needs mending. Jesus taught that if we come to worship and remember someone has something against us, we should first go and seek reconciliation. — Matthew 5:23–24

Ouch! God cares deeply about how we treat one another.

Resentment says, “Let them make the first move.”

Pride says, “I did nothing wrong.”

Love says, “This relationship matters more than winning.”

We may not be responsible for the other person’s response, but we are responsible for our obedience. We can apologize, forgive, extend grace, and leave the outcome with God.

Is there a net God is asking us to drop? A person we need to call?

A step of faith we keep postponing?

We shouldn't rush ahead of God -- but we shouldn't lag behind Him either.

When He says wait, wait faithfully.

But when He says go, let's lace up our shoes and move!

Obedience doesn’t need hesitancy. It needs a wholehearted YES!

Now, where did I put my running shoes?

God Is Not at the Bargaining Table

I heard someone say, “I’m negotiating with God.”

Negotiating with God? For what?

“Lord, if You answer this prayer by Friday, I promise to read my Bible every morning -- and I’ll even stop complaining about that certain person!”

We sometimes approach God as though we are sitting across a conference table, prepared to make Him a deal He can’t refuse.

“Here is my plan, Lord. I’ve included the schedule, desired outcome, and several excellent reasons why You should approve it.”

But -- whoa! God isn’t waiting for us to present a convincing argument. He already knows the beginning, the ending, and every detail in between.

Abraham respectfully pleaded with God for Sodom.

Moses interceded for Israel.

Jesus encouraged us to ask, seek, and knock.

There is nothing wrong with boldly bringing our desires to God. He welcomes our honest prayers.

But prayer isn’t twisting God’s arm until He agrees with us. Prayer is remaining in His presence until our hearts begin to agree with Him.

Jesus Himself prayed in Gethsemane, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me.” He expressed His desire honestly -- but then surrendered completely:

“Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39

That is not defeat. That is trust.

Surrender doesn’t mean we stop praying expectantly.

It means we stop demanding that God answer according to our script.

We trust that His “yes” is good, His “no” is protective, and His “wait” is purposeful.

God isn’t a used-car salesman, and prayer isn’t a bargaining chip. We don’t have to trade promises for His goodness. His love cannot be purchased, negotiated, or earned.

Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10

So, I’ll keep asking boldly, believing faithfully, and hoping expectantly.

But when all my preferred terms are on the table, my greatest prayer will still be:

"Father, I trust You. Not my deal -- but Your will be done -- on earth as it is in heaven!"