JESUS SHOWED UP — EVERYWHERE!

What a joy it is to turn everyday adventures into stories of God's extraordinary faithfulness! What a whirlwind of Jesus moments these past few days!

First, my niece Karlei's bridal shower! Women gathered around this precious bride-to-be, speaking blessings, praying over her upcoming marriage, and celebrating LOVE! Jesus was there!

Then yesterday, Carl and I headed to the Ellen Halbert Prison Unit in Burnet, Texas, with our dear friends Ron and Katie Brigmon.

About 75 women gathered in the chapel. A choir of 15 sang worship songs AND Christmas carols! Ron played his instruments, Carl brought his humor, and we shared the hope of Jesus.

Some women listened intently. Others? Well, let's just say they weren't quite ready for the choir!
BUT GOD! No heart is beyond His reach!

Yesterday morning, four precious church friends and I met for brunch at First Watch. Our delightful young hostess wore a cross necklace. I asked if she knew Jesus.

Her face LIT UP!
"YES! I was baptized last week, and so was my friend! We LOVE Jesus!"
Talk about a breakfast blessing! Pass the pancakes AND the praise!

Then came my weekly Mahjong game with three friends.
Tiles were clicking, snacks were waiting, and conversations were flowing. But suddenly, something stirred in my heart.
"Let's pray!"

One friend was concerned about a seriously ill neighbor. Another had a swollen eye. So, right there around the Mahjong table, we held hands and prayed!

No sermon. No stained-glass windows. Just four women inviting Jesus into their concerns.
And when I left? Hugs all around!

Here's what I'm learning: We don't have to WAIT for a ministry opportunity. We're already IN one!

A bridal shower. A prison chapel. A restaurant. A Mahjong table.
Different places. Different people. SAME FAITHFUL GOD!

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world." (Matthew 5:14)
And light doesn't need a special invitation to shine!

I'm so thankful God keeps giving me courage to speak His name, share His love, and follow His lead.
Let's make JESUS the STAR of our everyday stories!

And I keep smiling about that Mahjong table! Who knew a handful of tiles, some snacks, and four friends could turn into a little prayer meeting? That's what happens when we make room for Jesus!

After all, wherever we go, He's already there!

#mahjongg #FaithfulGod #LightOfTheWorld #jesusshowedup

Behind Bars – But Not Beyond Grace!

Yesterday, Carl and I went to prison! No, we weren’t arrested! Though – full disclosure -- my heavy foot has earned me a speeding ticket or two or three! Lord, help me!

We headed to Ellen Halbert Unit - Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in Burnet, Texas, alongside our dear friends Ron and Katie Brigmon, who have faithfully ministered to prisoners and their families since 1981.

Ron, affectionately known as "Rappin' Ron," (and I’m not kidding – he is an incredible rapper – and it’s all from God’s Word) -- uses his musical gifts, humor, and God's Word to reach hearts behind bars. And Katie? She's right there beside him, sharing the love of Jesus!

A few months ago, Carl and I attended a prison ministry conference that stirred something deep within us.

One speaker introduced himself by his former prison number: 44068. Fifteen years incarcerated! Today, he's helping restore families and rebuild lives.

Another man served six years behind bars. He's now spent six years returning as a chaplain!

And at our weekly House Church, a formerly incarcerated young man plays his guitar and sings God's praises, surrounded by his beautiful wife and four children!

THAT'S REDEMPTION! THAT'S RESTORATION! THAT'S OUR JESUS!

I'll admit I was a little nervous going into the Halbert Unit. I've known heartache, loss, and struggles, but never imprisonment. Yet I've learned that every testimony matters because every testimony points to our Redeemer, Jesus.

Jesus said, "I was in prison and you came to visit Me." Matthew 25:36 – Not because He harmed anyone or made mistakes – but because He paid the price for our salvation.

Carl and I were two heart-filled, excited and a little nervous because we didn’t know exactly what awaited us, but God did! Being able to speak about God's faithfulness and give those women hope for their future was such a blessing -- first by Carl and then, me.

I looked into those women's faces and saw brokenness -- yet hope for their future.

We have been approved to serve in Texas prisons because we're determined to make this prime-time season of our lives COUNT!

If God opens a door — even a prison door — we're willing to walk through it!

Our prayer? Fewer repeat offenders. More restored families. More lives transformed by God's amazing grace!

Because behind every number is a NAME. Behind every sentence is a SOUL.

And behind those prison walls are people Jesus loves enough to have died for!
NO ONE is beyond the reach of our chain-breaking Savior!

#Redemption #GodsAmazingGrace #restoration

Veteran's Day -- Gratitude Doesn't Have an Expiration Date

 

Oops! I missed it! Yesterday's blog should have been today's, and today's should have been tomorrow's! Goodness! My calendar needs a little course correction!

But here's something that NEVER needs correcting — our gratitude for America's veterans!

Yesterday, was Veterans Day! And while we set aside November 11th to honor our military heroes, shouldn't EVERY day be a day of thanksgiving for those who served and sacrificed for our freedom?

I'm especially proud of my Carl, who served over 21 years in the United States Army! When I look at him, I don't just see my handsome husband. I see a patriot who answered his country's call!

Sunday, in our Lamplighters Bible Class, we honored Virginia Kreimeyer, a United States Air Force veteran. What a privilege to hear her heartfelt prayer for our living veterans and for the families of those who gave their lives in service to our country.

FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!

Behind every uniform is a story. Behind every deployment, a family waiting. Behind every folded flag, a sacrifice that words can scarcely express.

President John F. Kennedy challenged Americans: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."

Our veterans ANSWERED that call!

Jesus said, "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

So, let's do more than wave flags one day a year! Let's shake a veteran's hand, pray for their families, advocate for their care, and teach our children what those stars and stripes REALLY represent!

And when we sing our National Anthem, may our hearts swell with gratitude for those who stood watch while we slept peacefully.

To my Carl and every American veteran — THANK YOU! WE HONOR YOU! WE REMEMBER!

God bless our veterans, their families, and the United States of America!
Because gratitude doesn't end when Veterans Day does! 🇺🇸

#VeteransDay #GodBlessAmerica #GreaterLove

This is My Story! What's Yours?

"This is my story! This is my song! Praising my Savior all the day long!"
Oh, how I love that old hymn, Blessed Assurance!

I HAVE a story! YOU have a story! And goodness gracious, some of us have enough chapters for a bestseller! Maybe even a movie! Pass the popcorn!

Speaking of stories, my nieces, sisters Karlei and Tynessa, have exciting new chapters in Austin! Karlei moved from North Dakota into an incredible law position, while Tynessa arrived from Winnipeg, Canada, and now serves as their church's Children's Director.

But here's the icing on the cake!
Karlei met a wonderful, godly man, and their romance blossomed while comparing notes from their pastors' Sunday sermons! Talk about a match made in Heaven!
Who knew Bible notes could become love notes?

Now there's a wedding on the horizon -- in fact, next week!

Over 30 women gathered for Karlei's bridal shower, enjoying delicious brunch delicacies, lovely and very practical gifts, and a hilarious Newlywed Family Feud!

But the sweetest moment? Surrounding our bride-to-be with prayers, blessings, and encouragement for her next chapter. Stay tuned!

Recently, I listened to women share jaw-dropping testimonies of heartbreak, struggles, and seemingly impossible circumstances.
These are some of the godliest women I know!

BUT GOD!
Two words that can rewrite an entire story!

Some were lost and found. Others broken and restored. Yet today they're loving Jesus, serving others, and overflowing with gratitude!

Joseph knew about unexpected chapters. Betrayed, enslaved, imprisoned, yet ultimately restored, he declared, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." (Genesis 50:20)

What a plot twist!

Dear friends, don't underestimate YOUR story. You don't need a microphone, publishing contract, or bestseller.

Sometimes the chapter you hesitated to share becomes someone else's lifeline.
God isn't finished writing your story!

So, what's your story? Who needs to hear it? Maybe I need yours, and you need mine!
Someone may find hope in the chapter you almost kept to yourself!

#thisismystory #autobiography #testimony

MAN UP! MEN NEED MEN!

 

Every Wednesday morning, while some folks are still negotiating with their alarm clocks, my Carl is up and ready to go! At 7:00 a.m., he's gathering with other men for MANUP — a Bible study that's become an important part of his life for over two years.

And let me tell you, these men aren't just gathering for breakfast tacos! Although, I suspect those tacos are a pretty good incentive!

They're gathering for something far more nourishing — God's Word, friendship, accountability, and brotherhood.

Their 75-minute meetings include fellowship, Bible teaching, and small-group discussions. Most men sit at the same tables each week, building relationships that go far beyond Wednesday mornings.

Last Sunday evening, Carl and I attended MANUP's Annual Celebration Fundraiser. What a night! Delicious hors d'oeuvres, scrumptious desserts, and wonderful fellowship! Then we gathered in the auditorium for powerful praise and worship and an inspiring message from MANUP's original founder, Jay Huffman.

What began as a vision to strengthen men through God's Word has now reached 67 countries around the world! WOW! Talk about a little seed producing a mighty harvest!

As I looked around that auditorium, I saw men of different ages and backgrounds, single and married, some accompanied by their wives. But they shared something precious — a desire to become the men God created them to be.

Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

That's MANUP!

Men encouraging men. Praying for one another. Growing stronger in faith. Becoming better husbands, fathers, grandfathers, friends, and followers of Jesus.

And here's my encouragement to every man reading this: Don't do life alone! Find your tribe. Find your brothers. Find a place where you can grow in God's Word and encourage others along the way.

Because real strength isn't about going it alone. It's about standing together — with God leading the way!

MAN UP! God's got great things in store for you!

The Victories and the Fight Continue!

Oh, friends! Our precious Jack continues to give us reasons to PRAISE GOD!

The victories? They're happening one tiny step at a time!

For the first time since his accident, Jack felt HUNGRY! After weeks of stomach troubles, that's HUGE! He's experiencing new sensations around his neck, feeling stretches through his hips, and even turning his head slightly from side to side!

Little things? NOT TO US! We're celebrating every inch!

And there's more! Doctors are planning a diaphragm pacing procedure, a breathing pacemaker that could help Jack depend less on the ventilator. We're praying for wisdom for his medical team and believing for restored breathing, movement, and strength!

Are there hard days? Absolutely! Some days bring encouraging progress. Others bring discomfort, uncertainty, and setbacks. Sometimes it's one day at a time. Sometimes one HOUR!

And, this Nana couldn't be more proud as I see my grandson, Bryson, Jack's loyal best friend, continues to be there for his best bud!

Here's what I KNOW!
Our Great Physician hasn't stepped away from Jack's bedside!

He's there through every procedure, every therapy session, every sleepless night, and every little victory!

And that beautiful Colorado sunset Jack watched recently? What a reminder that the God Who created the heavens is still writing Jack's story!

"Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10

To everyone praying, giving, visiting, and encouraging this precious family, THANK YOU! Please keep praying and sharing Jack's story. The journey ahead includes significant medical and rehabilitation needs.

We're believing for the day when Jack walks, jumps, dances, and PRAISES THE LORD!

Until then, we'll keep trusting, thanking, and believing!

FIGHT LIKE JACK! PRAY LIKE NEVER BEFORE!

Our Great Physician is STILL in charge!
And His mercies are NEW every morning!

#victories #onestepatatime #GreatPhysician

Follow the Leader

Remember playing "Follow the Leader" as children? We marched, hopped, skipped, and sometimes acted a little "off" as we tried to imitate whoever was leading the parade!

Well, friends, we're still playing "Follow the Leader"! Only now, the stakes are considerably higher!

After last week's elections, some Americans are celebrating while others are scratching their heads, wondering, "What in the world just happened?"

But here's my GOOD NEWS! Our God is still on His throne! Heaven hasn't called an emergency meeting. God isn't wringing His hands over election results. And His plans for America haven't been canceled!

Romans 13:1 reminds us: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God."

Our responsibility isn't simply to cheer for leaders we agree with or criticize those we don't. It's to PRAY for them, respect the offices they hold, and ask God to give them wisdom, integrity, courage, and compassion.

And perhaps, just perhaps, the revival we're praying for in America needs to begin with the person looking back at us in the mirror!

That's YOU and ME!

We can disagree without being disagreeable. We can stand for truth without abandoning love. We can be patriotic without forgetting that our ultimate citizenship is in Heaven.

And those sunny days we're longing for? They aren't dependent on who's sitting in the White House, Congress, or the governor's mansion. Our hope rests in the ONE Who created the sun in the first place!

So, let's lift our heads, roll up our sleeves, love our neighbors, pray for our leaders, and keep shining God's light.

America's future isn't beyond God's reach. And neither is ours!

Lord, guide our leaders, heal our divisions, and awaken our hearts to Your truth. Let revival begin with us!

FOLLOW THE LEADER? Absolutely! I'm following JESUS!

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it.'" — Isaiah 30:21

#followtheleader #peaceonearth #thisistheway

LOOK UP! God's Got the Whole Universe!

 

LOOK UP!

That's exactly what I did a couple of years ago when the moon decided to photobomb the SUN!

Remember that spectacular solar eclipse?

Carl and I joined neighbors, doctors, nurses, and caregivers on the rooftop of Texas Children's Hospital to witness the heavens putting on quite a SHOW!

WOW! Talk about FRONT-ROW SEATS to God's magnificent creation!

But I've discovered something. Sometimes we're so busy looking DOWN at our problems that we forget to LOOK UP at our GOD!

Isaiah 40:26 says:

“Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?”

In other words, STOP pacing the floor! STOP rehearsing every worst-case scenario! Go outside and LOOK UP!

I remember standing outside at Epiphany Ranch in East Texas, where my daughter and son-in-law live.

STARS EVERYWHERE!

Honestly, I wondered if they'd been multiplying like RABBITS while I slept! LOL!

Without city lights competing for attention, the heavens were absolutely breathtaking.

And here's the AMAZING part.

Isaiah tells us that God brings out the stars one by one and CALLS EACH BY NAME!

Can you imagine?

I sometimes walk into a room and forget WHY I went there, and GOD remembers the names of countless stars!

THAT'S OUR GOD!

Now, think about whatever is weighing on your heart today.

A medical report? A struggling child? Financial worries? A prayer that seems to be taking FOREVER?

Dear friend, the God who holds the universe together hasn't misplaced YOU!

Psalm 121:1-2 reminds us to lift our eyes and remember that our help comes from the LORD, Maker of heaven and earth.

That doesn't mean every problem disappears overnight.

But it DOES mean we never face our problems alone.

So tonight, step outside. Take a deep breath. LOOK UP!

And remember:

IF GOD CAN KEEP TRACK OF EVERY STAR, HE CERTAINLY KNOWS WHERE YOU ARE!

LOOK UP! YOUR HELP ISN'T COMING FROM THE STARS. IT'S COMING FROM THE ONE WHO MADE THEM!

ON THE WAY THERE!

Don't Miss the Divine Appointments!

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9

I've been thinking about Jesus and all the places He went. Villages, hillsides, synagogues, lakeshores, and homes. He was always ON THE WAY somewhere!

But here's my AHA moment! Some of His greatest miracles happened ON THE WAY THERE!

Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem with the little children ran to Him. He was on His way to Jairus' house to heal his dying daughter when a woman who had suffered for twelve years reached out and touched His garment. Jesus STOPPED!

He healed her, called her "Daughter," and restored her dignity. Then He continued to Jairus' house and raised his daughter from the dead!

Talk about a divine appointment!

And remember Lazarus? Martha thought Jesus was four days too late! But Jesus wasn't operating on Martha's timetable. He was operating on GOD'S!

Jesus never seemed hurried, harried, or frantic. He had places to go, people to see, and a mission to accomplish. Yet He always had time for ONE MORE!

Now, let's talk about US!

We have schedules, appointments, grocery lists, deadlines, and places to be. We're so focused on GETTING THERE that we sometimes miss what God has planned ALONG THE WAY!

Ouch! I'm preaching to myself!

What if that unexpected conversation isn't an interruption? What if the person who needs a listening ear is our assignment for today?

What if God wants to use OUR smile, OUR kindness, OUR encouragement, or OUR prayer to help heal someone's broken heart?

Maybe the greatest thing we accomplish today won't be on our TO-DO list!

Jesus said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." (John 20:21)

So today, I'm asking God to help me slow down, look around, and listen for His gentle nudges.

Because sometimes the most important part of getting THERE is what God wants us to do ON THE WAY!

#onthewayhome #todolist #slowdown #ontheway

Holy Sheep! 🐑

The Joy of Belonging to the Good Shepherd

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” — Psalm 23:1–3

HOLY SHEEP! Yep, I said it! And I'm delighted to be one of them!

For years, I've used the initials "HS" for Holy Spirit. But today, I'm thinking those letters could also stand for "Holy Sheep!" After all, we're the sheep of HIS pasture! (Psalm 100:3)

And how could life get any better than belonging to the GOOD SHEPHERD?

Before David wore a crown, he carried a shepherd's staff. He knew sheep weren't exactly the brightest animals in the barnyard! They wandered, got distracted, and sometimes headed straight for trouble. Sound like anybody we know? (I'm raising my hand!)

But David also knew something wonderful. Sheep don't have to know everything. They just need to know their shepherd!

Our Good Shepherd knows where the green pastures are. He knows where the still waters flow. He sees the wolves, the pitfalls, and those sneaky varmints waiting to lead us astray.

And here's the BEST NEWS! We aren't just ordinary sheep. We're CHOSEN, LOVED, and CALLED BY NAME!

Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27)

That's our assignment! LISTEN! FOLLOW! TRUST!

When He says, "This way," we follow. When He says, "Rest," we quit running ourselves ragged. When He says, "Stay close," we don't go investigating every tempting patch of grass beyond the fence!

And let's not forget the other sheep! Some are hurting, some have wandered, and some need a little nudge back toward the fold. That's where we come in — loving, encouraging, praying, and helping each other stay close to Jesus.

Today, I'm thanking God that I belong to HIS flock.

No wandering necessary. No wolf too frightening. No valley too dark.

The Shepherd is watching. His voice is calling. His love is everlasting.

HOLY SHEEP! What a wonderful life!

The Votes Are In — But God Is Still On the Throne!

WHEW! What an election! Yesterday, Carl and I were on our feet from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m., serving as election officials. Lines out the door! Passion in the air! Folks determined to make their voices heard!

And these two senior citizens? Well, let's just say our feet were voting for a recliner!

Today, some folks are celebrating. Others are disappointed. And some are simply shouting, "THANK YOU, JESUS! No more political commercials!"

But here's the GOOD NEWS! God is still on His throne!

No election results surprised Him. No political party holds His future hostage. No candidate can outvote His sovereignty!

Proverbs 21:1 reminds us that the Lord directs the hearts of kings like streams of water. In other words, God hasn't lost control of the steering wheel!

Jeremiah knew something about troubled times. Yet, amid heartbreak and uncertainty, he declares:
"His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Did you catch that? NEW MERCIES! Not recycled leftovers from yesterday! Fresh, heaven-sent mercies for TODAY!

So, whether your candidate won or lost, here's our assignment: PRAY MORE. WORRY LESS. LOVE BIGGER.

Pray for our leaders. Respect our neighbors. Refuse to let political differences steal our friendships, our kindness, or our witness for Christ.

After all, we're citizens of a Kingdom that cannot be shaken! (Hebrews 12:28)

And here's something worth celebrating: While ballots determine earthly leadership, they don't determine heaven's authority!

God's promises aren't up for reelection. His faithfulness doesn't have an expiration date. And His love doesn't depend on which side of the aisle we're sitting!

So, dear friends, take heart! Lift your eyes! Choose peace over panic and prayer over despair.

The votes are in. The people have spoken. But our King still reigns!

And THAT, my friends, is a victory worth celebrating!

God bless America! And God bless YOU!

We're Bible Women, Too!

Move over, Hollywood! The RED CARPET was rolled out last Wednesday night for some VERY SPECIAL LADIES!

Mrs. Noah, Sarah, Deborah, Delilah, Martha, Lydia, and the Widow with her two mites made their grand appearances at our Women's Bible Study!

And yours truly? I was Kiane Sawyer, reporting on the remarkable lives of these Bible women! Our very own Barbara Wilters (aka Allison D'Alfonso) interviewed each celebrity while our Bible Study leaders became ACTRESSES! We laughed, applauded, and even had husbands show up to video our production!

But here's the BEST PART!

I wrote this play in 2004 when I was President of Women's Ministries in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Twenty-two years later, God dusted off that script and gave it NEW LIFE in Austin, Texas!

After eight weeks of studying significant women of the Bible, we brought other Bible women's stories to life!

Mrs. Noah taught us perseverance. Sarah reminded us that God's promises are worth waiting for. Judge Deborah demonstrated courage. Martha showed us the importance of choosing what matters most. Lydia modeled hospitality and generosity. And the poor widow? She gave EVERYTHING she had!

Even Delilah reminded us that our choices have consequences!

But here's what struck my heart.

WE ARE BIBLE WOMEN, TOO!

No, our names aren't written in Genesis, Judges, or Acts. But we're writing our own faith stories every single day!

We're praying grandmothers, serving mothers, faithful friends, encouragers, caregivers, givers, and women who keep showing up when life gets HARD!

Hebrews 12:1 reminds us we're surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Those faithful women who walked before us are cheering us on!

And the SAME GOD who equipped, noticed and blessed the women of sacred scriptures, notices, sees and loves YOU and me!

Our Red Carpet may be a grocery aisle, hospital hallway, church kitchen, or a neighbor's doorstep.

But wherever God places us, we can walk in FAITH, LOVE, and PURPOSE!

The Bible women had their stories. We're still writing ours!

And oh, what a story God is writing through YOU, too! So thankful for those who went before us to show us the way of living our lives with true grit, determination, and all out service for our Lord!

Carry on good and faithful servants!

#walkoffame #redcarpet #witnesses #praying #ServingGod