Happy-3rd-Face-To-Face-Anniversary, My Max

December 20, 2023

Three years ago TODAY.....I met this man in person for the first time. Happy-3rd-Face-To-Face-Anniversary, my Max Lucado.

Each passing day brings me more and more joy and a deeper and deeper love for you. I am beyond grateful to God for intersecting our lives and gifting you to me at this time in my life.

*

I love you, Chief.

Who Is In Charge Of Our Paths?

December 15, 2023

Two years ago, while honeymooning in St. Augustine—the oldest city in the U.S.—we ducked into a tiny gift shop in search of souvenirs.

The first thing that caught our eye was a rotating kiosk filled with personalized pocket knives, each etched with a different name.

As we scanned the display, we spotted one labeled “Chuck”—but strangely, it was filed under the name “Cynthia.”

Wayne and I looked at each other, speechless.

Moments like these remind us Who's truly guiding our steps. I can almost see Him smiling.

Tuesdays With Pappo - Eucharisteo....The Act of Giving Thanks

Eucharisteo - The Act of Giving Thanks

December 14, 2023

The highlight to Thursdays With Pappo is witnessing his excitement in leaving a personal note to the waitress. He might be inching towards 96, but he’s (usually) got it going on with his iPad….he teaches his youngest a thing or two on a regular basis.

FUN FACT: Dad speaks Arabic. Bet you didn’t know that!

#tuesdayswithpappo

That Still Small Voice.....of God

"We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps."

Proverbs 16:9

Sometimes....you find yourself where you never expected to find yourself.

Last year, Wayne and I sold both of our houses.....built a sweet home in an adult community in Mansfield near friends and family we loved and wanted desperately to live near. We carefully picked out the perfect lot....picked the perfect floor plan...picked the perfect light fixtures and picked the perfect scriptures to write on the studs of this new house in this chapter of our lives.

But there were problems with the construction....problems with the build....and one night, in a hotel bathroom with the cat, the dog and a litter box after 5 closing delays and 2 days before the 6th scheduled closing on this house we had spent a year building, we said "No". This isn't right.

And we found ourselves moving back near where we had just come from. An adult community near McKinney....an hour away from where we had dreamed and planned for a year to live.

It's been a crazy year and .we have dealt with many things....i.e., those who didn't understand and agree with our decision to move back....remodeling a 16 year old house....finding a new church and building a new life. But I am beyond proud of us for doing the "hard" thing...for walking away when we knew it wasn't right. We heard clearly that still small voice of God.

And this is our first Christmas in "our" new home. A place where "community" is greater than the "house"....and we are discovering that community turns any house....into a HOME.

Merry Christmas from our Home to Yours.

1st Christmas Heritage Ranch

May You Live All The Days Of Your Life

 “May you live all the days of your life.”

— Unknown

December 5, 2023