Rotterdam: Rebuilt on Purpose

A couple of days ago -- we left London via rail (what an enjoyable way to make our next destination to Dover, England).

We boarded the cruise ship, the Holland America Nieux Statendam Ship. It will be our home for the next 15-days.

Yesterday our excursion took us through Rotterdam, The Netherlands -- a city unlike London’s historic beauty of ornate buildings, royal landmarks, and centuries-old streets.

Rotterdam tells a different story.

During World War II, Hitler’s forces bombed the city center on May 14, 1940. In about fifteen minutes, much of historic Rotterdam was completely leveled.

Homes, churches, schools, stores -- gone. Thousands were left homeless. The city was wounded deeply.

But here is what stirred my heart -- Rotterdam did not stay in ashes.

After the war, the people made a bold decision. Rather than rebuild everything exactly as it had been, they looked forward.

Their vision became “light, air, and space.” Wide streets. Open plazas. Modern buildings. Strong lines. Creative architecture. A city once crushed by destruction began to rise again with purpose.

As our bus moved through the streets, I kept thinking of Isaiah 59:19 -- “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.”

Isn’t that what God does?

The enemy may come in with loss, fear, sickness, grief, betrayal, war, or disappointment. He may try to flatten our hope and leave us standing in rubble. But God raises up a standard. He raises courage. He raises faith. He raises people who refuse to let devastation have the final word.

Rotterdam reminded me that rebuilding may not look like returning to what was. Sometimes God builds something new -- stronger, wiser, roomier, brighter.

Jesus told a parable about servants who were faithful with what they had been given. To the faithful servant, the master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)

Maybe that is our call, too.

When life crumbles, we don’t sit forever in the ashes. We grieve, yes. We remember, yes. But then -- by God’s grace -- we rise. We rebuild. We carry on. We become living proof that destruction is not the end of the story.

Rotterdam stands today as a testimony.

The enemy came in like a flood.

But God still raises up a standard.

Rotterdam reminded me -- what is destroyed can still be rebuilt. With God, ashes are never the end of the story.

So, let's stop the hate, the anger, the loses AND let's be those good and faithful servants who keep carrying on -- building stronger -- loving longer!

#LoveWinsAgain #buildit #lifeBrandNew

More Than a Stay -- A Divine Appointment

On our final day in London, before we make our way to board the beautiful MS Nieuw Statendam, Carl and I did something we had been looking forward to --

We took a tour of our hotel -- The Royal Horseguards Hotel. It gets its name in honor of the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues), a distinguished cavalry regiment responsible for guarding the monarch since 1660. The literal Changing of the Guards comes from military history and its proximity to the historic site where the Changing of the Guard takes place.

Oh my -- what a place!

Perfectly positioned along the River Thames, we could walk to so many iconic sights -- the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and even catch a glimpse of Big Ben standing tall in the distance. We truly felt like we were right in the heartbeat of London.

But what we didn’t expect -- was what happened next.

Our guide, a kind and gentle man named Stamatios, walked us through the rich history -- marble staircases, portraits of royalty, stories of leaders and legends.

This building dates back to 1884, once luxury apartments, later becoming headquarters for intelligence agencies like MI5 and MI6, even holding secret tunnels used during World War II.

Fascinating? Absolutely.
But then -- something even more meaningful happened.
Stamatios paused -- looked at me -- and said, “Are you Christians?
I see your cross.” (The one Carl gave me on my birthday.)

And just like that, the tour became something holy.
He shared about his illness -- the long road, the uncertainty -- and I asked if we could pray for him.

Oh -- right there -- in a place where history was made -- God made a moment. We didn’t hesitate.

We prayed right there in that grand, historic space. Not rushed. Just real. Asking our Great Physician to touch his body, to bring healing, to bring peace.

In that moment, it didn’t matter who had walked those halls before us. What mattered -- was that God had walked us right to him.

We exchanged cards, hugged like old friends, and went on our way -- but not unchanged.

Because sometimes the greatest part of a trip isn’t the places we see -- it’s the people God places right in front of us.

And I can tell you this -- that moment? It was worth the entire trip.

A Palace, A King, and a Higher Calling

How could we come to London and not visit Buckingham Palace?

Carl and I joined the long line of eager visitors, shoulder to shoulder with people from all over the world. There was a sense of anticipation in the air -- a shared understanding that we were about to witness something grand.

The gates, the guards, the gold, the history -- it all speaks of royalty, tradition, and honor.

And yet, I couldn’t help but smile at the irony.

Here we were -- standing outside the palace of a king and queen, while King Charles III and Queen Camilla were across the ocean in the United States. It seems even royalty travels.

But isn’t that just like life?

We chase after moments, places, and people we think will fill us -- only to find that what we’re truly longing for isn’t found behind palace gates.

Oh, the beauty of Buckingham Palace is undeniable. The architecture is stunning. The pageantry is precise. The crowds are captivated -- and yes, Carl and I were right there with them, taking it all in like wide-eyed Texans in a city steeped in history.

But as magnificent as it is -- it’s still just a residence.

Because there is a King -- the King of Kings -- who is never absent. Never traveling. Never unavailable. His throne isn’t guarded by gates or long lines. His presence isn’t reserved for a select few.
He is near. Always. No ticket required. No waiting in line.

And as I stood there, taking in all the pomp and circumstance, my heart gently shifted. What if the same awe we feel for earthly royalty could be turned toward our Heavenly King?

What if we stood in wonder -- not just at palaces made by human hands -- but at the love, grace, and mercy extended to us daily?

Oh that our world would come together -- not just in diplomacy or headlines -- but in humility -- in love -- in turning our hearts toward the One who reigns forever.
Now that -- is a kingdom worth standing in line for. AND, our KING is always near!

#londonmoments #KingOfKings #FaithJourney

A Glimpse of Glory at Westminster Abbey

Today felt like stepping into a sacred pause… a moment where time slowed and heaven felt just a little closer.

We made the short walk from our hotel to Westminster Abbey, and from the moment we entered, there was a hush—holy, reverent, almost as if the walls themselves were whispering stories of faith, legacy, and lives well lived.

With our headsets guiding us, we listened and learned—but what made it come alive was one dear woman, an Honorary Steward, dressed in her distinctive uniform. She was warm, passionate, and so knowledgeable. You could see it in her eyes—this wasn’t just history to her… it was a calling. We even took photos with her, a sweet reminder that sometimes the greatest treasures in these grand places are the people who bring them to life.

The towering arches, the stained glass catching the light, the intricate craft

smanship—all of it lifting our eyes upward. Founded in 960 AD, this sacred place has witnessed over a thousand years of worship, 40 royal coronations, and the honoring of more than 3,300 souls—kings, queens, poets, and leaders.

Names we’ve long known—Elizabeth I, Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens—rest here. Yet the greatest presence wasn’t found in the names… it was found in the overwhelming sense of God’s majesty.

I was reminded of Psalm 27:4:
“One thing I ask from the Lord… that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.”

I felt that today.

I thought back to standing in St. Peter’s Basilica years ago… and now here again, seeing how human hands can create beauty that points heavenward. And still, this is only a glimpse.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard… what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

If this is what we can build for Him… what must heaven be like?

We walked out grateful—for the lives remembered, for the faith that endures, and even for that kind steward who reminded us that history is best shared heart to heart.

And with quiet joy, I thought…

We’re walking with the saints.
Before us. Beside us. And one day—face to face.

Hallelujah.

A Heart Full of Gratitude --- to be in London

We are so happy to be here -- what a beginning it has been!

After arriving yesterday morning, we made our way to the historic The Royal Horseguards Hotel, overlooking the River Thames.

From the moment we stepped inside, we were met with such gracious hospitality -- true English gentlemen welcoming us with warmth that made us feel right at home.

This grand 19th-century building sits in the very heartbeat of London, within sight of Parliament, where so much history has unfolded.

We spent the entire day soaking it all in -- walking streets where monarchs once ruled and history was shaped.

We listened closely to those delightful British accents and carefully remembered to walk on the left side of the street (a small victory in itself!). Renting a car? Not a chance -- we’re quite content navigating on foot!

And walk we did -- a lot! Thankfully, we had fish and chips at the Sherlock Holmes diner and pub! Yum! It kept us going -- delicious, comforting, and absolutely worth every step.

The highlight of our day was stepping into one of the glass capsules of the London Eye. Slowly rising above the city, we were treated to breathtaking, 360-degree views -- seeing landmarks like Big Ben in a way that felt almost surreal. Thirty minutes suspended above London… and yet it felt like time stood still.

From the views atop the London Eye to quiet moments watching families laugh and love in the many park areas -- our hearts are full.

But as beautiful as the landmarks are, what touched my heart most was something simpler. Families. Children laughing, parents holding hands, loved ones sitting together on the grass -- sharing life, love, and connection.

It reminded me of Psalm 127:3, “Children are a heritage from the Lord.” And Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” No matter the country, language, or history, the thread of family -- held together by love and faith -- remains the same.

Standing in a place once tied to the early history of our own nation, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful for where we’ve been -- and for the freedom, faith, and family we carry forward.

What a gift this journey is. And through it all, we are reminded of our Texas roots back home AND England's brothers and sisters (oh, how we love their accents). "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything (and everyone) in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

And oh, what a beautiful world He has made.

Different country, familiar truth -- faith, family, and love look beautiful in every language.

Grateful for this journey -- and the One who walks every step with us. ❤️

Hello, London! Good Morning, Lord!

An early “good morning” to our dear friends and family. Yesterday, at noon – Austin time, we flew to Dallas/Fort Worth for our flight across the ocean!

Since we’re six hours ahead of Austin’s time – we arrived at 8:30 a.m. in London's Heathrow Airport! What a dream come true for us!

Yes, this is a whole new experience for us! First stop after deboarding -- we picked up our luggage. Then it was "game-on". We decided to do what the locals do -- we took the Heathrow Express (train) to Paddington Station and then took a taxi to our Royal Horseguards Hotel.

Oh my goodness! We stepped into London – all new for us -- new streets, new sounds, a different rhythm of life. The gentle hum of the city, the roll of the Thames, the history written in stone.

It all feels so grand with so much grandeur! But what comforts us most? The same God who walks with us back home in Texas is already here.

“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me…” (Psalm 139:9-10)

Even here. Even now. There’s something sacred about seeing the world and realizing -- God was here first. Before our plane touched down, before our feet hit the pavement, before we ever said, “We made it” -- He was already waiting.

And oh, what a gift to explore His creation.
We’ll walk where kings and commoners have walked. We’ll hear accents that make us smile and maybe pause to figure out what was just said.

We’ll sip tea, snap photos, and probably take a wrong turn or two (because let’s be honest… we will). But in every step, we want to remember this isn’t just a trip -- it’s a testimony.
A testimony that life still moves forward.
A testimony that joy still shows up.
A testimony that God’s goodness stretches far beyond our zip code.

So today, here we are in London!
Not just to see the sights -- but to see our Savior in every detail.
In the beauty.
In the moments.
In the quiet pauses between the busy.

And if we get a little lost along the way? That’s alright.
God was in London before we arrived -- and He’ll be in every step we take.

Stay tuned – we intend to take you along with us – from there to here!
Much love and blessings to all our family and friends!

#TravelWithGod #LondonBound #FaithJourney

The Best Thing

 

Last Sunday, we sat in our Lamplighters’ class – listening to the story of Mary of Bethany – Martha’s sister, Lazarus’ sister – and suddenly, it wasn’t just a story anymore. It was an invitation.

I found myself reaching for Carl’s hankie. Not because something was wrong – but because something was so right.

Once I was on Martha’s side – you know – the one who wanted to achieve perfection for her Master – with all the hospitality she could provide. I WAS her – busy to the point of weariness. But I have recanted. I have learned so much. And it’s Mary that I want to be like.

Mary had a way about her.
While others hurried -- she paused.
While others served -- she sat.
While others talked -- she listened.

Three times we find her in the same place -- at the feet of Jesus.
And Jesus said it best: “Mary has chosen what is better.” (Luke 10:42)

Then came that unforgettable moment – another day – another time of worship beyond degree.

Mary brought an alabaster jar of perfume -- costly beyond reason. A year’s wages. Not a few drops – but this jar -- she broke it. Poured it all on her Lord's feet. Gave it all to her Lord.

Can you imagine the room? Dusty feet -- crowded space -- and then suddenly -- fragrance. Sweet. Overwhelming. Holy.

Oh, there are those – like Judas – who only saw the extravagance – while Mary saw the Holy One who was her Savior and Lord.

Worship has a way of changing the atmosphere. Some called it a waste. But Jesus called it beautiful.

And isn’t that still the tension today? The world says, “You’re doing too much.” Jesus says, “You’ve chosen the best thing.”

It was Mary and her worship that brought Jesus first to her when He rose from the tomb. (John 20:11-18)

Oh, I want to be like Mary. Not distracted. Not hurried. Not measuring what I give. Just present. At His feet.

Because the greatest gift we bring isn’t what’s in our hands -- it’s our heart, poured out in love.

So today, let’s set aside the noise.
May we let go of the to-do list (at least for a while) and come sit with Him.

Oh, the glory of His presence. Open His Word. Whisper His name.
May our lives become that fragrance -- filling every room we enter.
Not because it’s required -- but because He’s worthy.

The Great Multiplier

 

Do you remember learning your multiplication tables?
9x9=81… 6x7=42…4x8=32 -- and somehow that information is still tucked away in our brains! No calculator needed!

But there’s a kind of multiplication that no classroom ever taught us -- the kind only God can do. Remember those words: "Little is much when God is in it!?

Picture this? A crowd of thousands, miles from the nearest “drive-thru,” stomachs growling. Jesus' disciples are panicking and say, “Send them home!!!” Sounds reasonable, right?

But not with Jesus. He already had another plan!

A little boy shows up with a little lunch -- five loaves and two fish. Not exactly catering for 5,000. But Jesus takes that little, blesses it, and suddenly -- it’s more than enough. Everyone eats. And there are even lots of leftovers!

Only God can do that. And, here’s what I love -- Jesus didn’t need a feast to start -- He just needed a willing heart and a small offering from a little boy!

And He’s still doing that with our "littles"!
What if, today, we present Him with what we have?
Maybe a LITTLE prayer, a LITTLE donation, a LITTLE kind word, a LITTLE love, a LITTLE comfort, a LITTLE care, a LITTLE meal, a LITTLE act of service.

No matter what the LITTLE is – as God's partners, our LITTLE just might be what God uses to multiply many blessings to others.

It may seem little to us, but BIG to them. Yes, little becomes BIG when we accept our partnership with our Master MULTIPLIER!

Because little -- becomes much -- when God is in it.

And who knows? That small act we almost overlooked might be the very thing God uses to bless someone in a big way -- TODAY!

Just Ordinary or Holy?

Isn’t it something how life can feel like a repeat button?

Grocery store -- again.
Laundry -- again.
Same routines -- every day.

And somewhere in between -- we see someone else’s “big” moment and quietly wonder -- am I making any difference at all?

We feel it deep down -- that tug toward something more. Ecclesiastes tells us God set eternity in our hearts. And oh, we know it’s there. That gentle stirring that whispers, There’s purpose here -- even now.

But what if the “more” we’re looking for is already sitting right in the middle of our ordinary day? What if holy isn’t found in the spotlight -- but in the small?

A kind word in a checkout line.
A phone call when someone needs it most.
A quiet prayer no one else hears.

Those don’t look like headline moments -- but heaven sees differently.

I have a feeling when we stand before the Lord, we’ll be surprised. The moments we thought were small may be the very ones He calls significant.

“Well done -- remember that day you encouraged someone? That mattered.”

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us we were created for good works -- prepared in advance. Not someday. Today.

So maybe nothing about our days are wasted. Not one errand. Not one conversation. Not one act of obedience.

So today, let’s place our “ordinary” into His hands.
Let’s ask our Lord -- who needs a little encouragement today?

Because what feels small to us -- may be eternal in His hands.

#eternity #welldone #OrdinaryToExtraordinary

Quick!!! Write It Down!!!

Ever walk into a room and forget why you went there? Oh goodness -- welcome to the club.

That’s why I write things down. Not just grocery lists -- but the things God whispers to my heart. Because what He gives us today -- we may need tomorrow.

And at this season of life – it’s a MUST-DO – otherwise, it’s gone.

Our pastor, just recently, with our bulletins, has been giving out a page of blanks that we fill in while he is ministering. It has been a beautiful way of writing down so we’ll remember. Thank you, Pastor Jonathan!

And, if you’re a little savvy with your i-phone, use the app, UpWord, and type those words in. I use it almost daily for keeping up with a word, a sentence, an idea – that might be my next blog!

There’s something powerful about putting words on paper (or our phone). It slows us down just enough to really hear what we’re learning. Whether it’s a sermon, a quiet moment with the Lord, or even a grocery list -- writing it down helps it settle into our hearts and minds.

Scripture tells us repeatedly -- to remember -- and to forget not. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Psalm 103:3)

That tells me something -- we are prone to forgetting. But God, in His kindness, gives us simple tools to help us hold on.

Sometimes what we write today -- is exactly what we’ll need tomorrow.

And don’t you love this thought? The Holy Spirit reminds us of truth (John 14:26), and those little notes we scribble can become the very place He points us back to.

I’ve gone back through old journals and laughed – cringed -- and thanked God all over again. What felt overwhelming then -- now shows me just how faithful He has been.

So, here’s a gentle nudge -- grab a notebook or your phone. Nothing fancy. Just start.
Write the verse.
Write the thought.
Write the prayer.
Oh, the treasure we’ll have when we do!

#writeitdown #Godisfaithful #FaithJourney

This Beautiful Place We Call Home

I’ll be honest -- Earth Day hasn’t always been circled on my calendar.

But this year -- especially after witnessing our astronauts take the trip to the moon and returned to their home sweet home on earth, I find myself pausing.

Looking around. Breathing a little deeper.

And thinking -- what a marvelous place God has given us.

Over a billion people across the globe pause today -- April 22nd -- to celebrate this planet. That’s a lot of folks picking up trash, planting flowers, and hugging trees. (I might stop short of hugging a tree -- but I’ll admire a good one!)

But caring for the earth didn’t start with Earth Day -- it started with God.

In Genesis, we see Him as the ultimate Artist -- painting skies, shaping mountains, rolling out oceans like a vast blue carpet.

Then He planted a garden. Not just functional -- but beautiful. Lush. Life-giving.

And then -- He handed it over to us. “Take care of it.”

What trust and what a gift!

Even now, long after Eden, God still tends His creation -- watering the earth and here in Austin -- lots of watering -- filling fields with abundance (Psalm 65:9). And He invites us to join Him. Not out of duty -- but gratitude.

Because when we look around -- at a sunrise and a sunset – we see God at His finest! This isn’t one of His random creations – it’s intentional! It’s personal.

So, whether we live in a home in a neighborhood or a senior apartment complex, a mansion, or a motor home -- there’s something in our care. A patch of grass. A neighbor. A moment to choose kindness over carelessness.

Maybe Earth Day isn’t just about the planet. It is a reminder that we’ve been placed here --on purpose, in this time, in this place -- to tend what God has made and treasure what He’s given.

And that -- is a gift and a beautiful way to live. Let’s care for it with grateful hearts!

#motherearth #Godscreation #EarthDay

God's Plan A

 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if life came with a reset button?

One wrong turn -- one wrong mistake -- click -- back on track.

No matter what mistakes we've made, we’re still on God’s “Plan A” for our lives. He hasn’t revoked His original dream for us. It doesn’t matter what other people did to us, what we’ve done to others or ourselves, or what mistakes or poor decisions we’ve made.

We can still fulfill God’s dream for our lives. He doesn’t have a Plan B or an alternate file. There is no backup version labeled, “she/he tried.”

We are still -- right now -- God’s Plan A.

Even with our missteps.

Even with our regrets.

Even with those “what was I thinking?” moments that we’d rather not revisit.

We’ve all had them. (Some of us more than we’d like to admit!)

But here’s the grace-filled truth: God doesn’t discard broken pieces -- He redeems them.

"All things God work together for good…” (Romans 8:28)

All things!

Not just the polished parts. Not just the Sunday-best moments. But the messy middle, the hard chapters, the choices we wish we could redo.

Not everything is good. We know that. We’ve lived that.

But God is so good -- He can take everything and weave it into something meaningful.

So those whispers that say, “You’ve messed up too much -- you’ve missed your chance!"

Those aren’t from our Father God. Because He is still writing our stories.

Still restoring. Still rebuilding.

Still inviting us into His dream for our lives. Truly -- we haven't missed it. We're in it! Right here. Right now.

So let's take a breath and take a step forward.

Because the Author of our stories hasn’t changed His mind about you and me.

And He never will.

#reset #doover #Godisgood #stepforward

It Was There All Along

Getting ready for our trip outside the U.S. adventure -- I bought myself a sturdy suitcase -- one that could survive the bumps, bruises, and “flying lessons” of baggage claim.

Feeling quite accomplished, I packed it full -- and then decided to do the responsible thing -- register it. Easy enough, right? Well -- not quite!.

The form asked for a number “inside the suitcase.” OH NO!
My neatly packed suitcase? Emptied. Clothes everywhere. Oh me!

So I did what any slightly frustrated traveler would do -- I sent an online message. No response. Then I emailed the company the next day.

And then -- the answer came. “Rub the label against the label behind it. The number is hidden behind it.” Wait -- what? Two labels?

I tried it -- and there it was. The number had been there all along. I just didn’t know how to see it. And isn’t that just like us?

We search. We strive. We sigh. “All I need is an answer, Lord!” And He gently speaks: “Seek -- and you will find. Knock -- and the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7)

Sometimes the answer isn’t missing -- it’s just hidden beneath the surface, waiting for us to pause, ask, and look again.

How wonderful to know that God isn’t playing hide-and-seek with our lives. He’s inviting us closer. "Come to me -- all who are worry and burdened -- and I will give you rest!" (Matthew 11:28)

So when you (and me) feel like we’ve come up empty -- let's press on -- never give up! Lean in. Ask again. Trust Him.

Because more often than not, like that tag I couldn't find -- the answer was there all along!

#LuggageTag #seekandfind #nevergiveup