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The Busy-ness Disease

In this season of life, I’m grateful to share time with other “seasoned” folks who say, “We’re still here, so we’re not done!” But no matter our age, busy-ness has a way of hijacking what’s most important. When I was a kid, life moved slower. My parents made time to sit with people they loved and talk — not about the weather or sports — but about the heart and soul. Those conversations had…

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Soul Rest

A dear friend — a loving wife, sister, mother, and grandmother — was recently diagnosed with cancer. Just weeks before, she was in full mom-mode, helping her daughter prepare for the wedding of her dreams. The photos were pure joy: decorating the venue, fixing every detail, and beaming with love. Then came the diagnosis. Life can screech to a halt like that — one unexpected turn, and the road…

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Our Knee-Jerk Reactions

I’ve had my share of knee-jerk reactions — literally and figuratively. Years of long-distance running, pickleball, and other knee-abusing activities caught up with me. I didn’t realize the damage until much later in life, when I finally went to see an orthopedic surgeon. His advice? Stop running, use the elliptical, take easier walks, and wear knee braces when needed. Thankfully, I listened. My…

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God Makes Masterpieces

God doesn’t do “average.” Just take a look at His portfolio: the rainbow stretching across the sky, the puffy white clouds drifting lazily on a summer day, the majestic trees swaying here in Austin’s green country. And then, take a look at His finest creation — you. Now, if that makes you squirm because you’re not feeling especially beautiful, talented, or confident right now — it’s time to get…

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Staying Positive in a Negative World

Years ago when I lived in Tulsa, I walked out of the grocery store, minding my own business, when a TV reporter swooped in with a microphone and a cameraman in tow. Before I could say “no comment,” she was asking what I thought about all the new traffic in our area. Now, I hadn’t exactly freshened my lipstick (because, of course, the one day you don’t is the day you end up on the evening news).…

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Let Go and Let God

Letting go isn’t easy. Whether it’s treasured times, treasured people, treasured routines, or treasured traditions — there’s a little tug at the heart every time. But here’s the truth I’ve come to know: those treasures — good and not-so-good — are threads in the fabric of our lives. Without them, the tapestry wouldn’t be the same. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, and a…

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"To Be Honest...."

I overheard someone start a sentence with, “To be honest…” and it made me pause. I know it’s just a figure of speech, but if you think about it — does that mean the rest of the time they’re not being honest? Should I start being concerned about all the conversations before this one? We all want to be known as people whose words carry weight — not because we shout the loudest, but because we’ve…

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From West Texas to the Kingdom of God

Carl and I are back in Lubbock — old stomping grounds and the heartland of all things Texas Tech Red Raiders. Guns up! But the real celebration this time is another family reunion.Last June, we hosted the Noble Family Reunion in Fort Worth — Carl’s dad’s side. We wrangled about 130 kinfolk together — toddlers, teens, retirees, and everyone in between. And yes, Carl and a few of his cousins…

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WANTED. CHOSEN. LOVED. ADOPTED.

There’s a little boy in our family whose back tells a beautiful story. His shirt says it all:WANTED. CHOSEN. LOVED. ADOPTED. And that’s exactly what happened. After years of waiting, praying, navigating challenges and red tape, my determined niece — an incredibly successful district attorney — never gave up. She could have looked the other way. Life is full, demanding, and messy. But love…

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Time Is Not on Our Side… But God Is

Carl and I mark our second anniversary today, August 8th. Now, that might not make headlines — especially for those inching toward 50 or more years — but to us, it’s a BIG deal! Who would’ve thought, after I spent over 13 years as a widow and Carl spent 7 years missing his sweetheart, that God would bring us together? What started as “sweet friendship” quickly bloomed into something deeper —…

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Leave It in God's Hands

We grandmothers are a special breed. We carry tissues in our purses, candy in our pockets, and a prayer list that’s longer than a CVS receipt. And at the very top of that list? Our grandchildren. Of course, I am also acknowledging you dear loving and adoring mamas who love so deeply — even before grandparenting! We’ve all prayed over their first cries and college choices. We’ve worried over…

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Shut THAT Door!

Years ago, my daughter dated a hockey player who had a comeback for everything. As I headed out the door one day, he shouted, “Don’t let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya!” I laughed then — and now, all these years later, I think we all need to shout that at the ugly lies trying to move into our heads! Remember the old chant? “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will…

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Our Minds Matter – and that Might include a Reboot

Ever feel like your brain is stuck buffering?I get it. Our minds are a lot like computers — except with a whole lot more tabs open! Guilty – even as I type this blog – I have ten tabs open! We upload thoughts, download memories, run endless mental “programs” like grocery lists, birthdays, and “Did I leave my curling iron on?” moments. And just like a computer, when our minds get overloaded,…

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 Be the Storm… or Be the Eye of It

Some days it feels like the world’s in a full-blown hurricane — political unrest, wars of words and weapons, literal floods and rising tides, not to mention our personal storms swirling in the background. But here’s the truth I’ve lived and learned: there is a calm in the chaos. It’s not always outside of us, but it can be in us. That’s what the “eye of the storm” is. A still, quiet space in…

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The Case of the Lost Driver's License

A few days ago, I was a woman on a mission — a DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) mission. My sweet friend, recovering from back surgery, needed a new handicap placard – the others had expired. Easy enough. I headed to the Williamson County DMV, took a number, waited patiently, and voila — mission accomplished! Placard in hand, I delivered them to my friend. Hugs, thanks, and smiles…

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Is Your Life a Little...Bland?

I took a bite of my yogurt, tossed in a few blueberries, crunched some granola, and followed it up with a long sip of coffee. Ah, the breakfast of champions. Except—yuck. The coffee was bland. No coconut flavor. No French vanilla joy. Thirty minutes into breakfast, it hit me. Did I even put a pod in the Keurig? I marched back to the machine. Sure enough — no pod. Just hot water pretending to be…

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Flip the Switch -- Light the Way

Carl and I have reached that golden age where extra lighting is more necessity than luxury — especially in the early morning hours when we’re reading the Word together. The other day, while clearing out my dresser drawer (you know, that one where everything gets tucked away for “later”), I found two little battery-operated light switches I hadn’t used in years. Well, I popped in some new…