simply me and jeans

A new year can bring so many things.  Joy and pain. Loss and gain. Excitement and boredom.  It can also change us, our perspective, and our expectations.  It can make our hearts harder or softer.  Gracious or judgmental.  Hopeful or hopeless. It can even bring life or death. It’s surprising to me, that I don’t […]

Correction and discipline aren’t fun but they are necessary to become more like Jesus.  Feeling the stab of conviction while reading a passage of Scripture and recognizing how far I fall short of it may be painful for a moment, but it’s a beautiful sign of God’s love for us as His children. With that […]

I forgot that it was my Daddy’s birthday last week. It was the first birthday without him and I didn’t call my Mom to check on her.  In fact, I only remembered because I went to see her that evening and she mentioned a call from her best friend because of it. That’s pretty bad! […]

We’ve had multiple times over the past few years when one of our kids had to move back home for a short time. I love the life that Steve and I have together, but I also love being with my family. The fact that they know we’re here for them and that they like us […]

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) Over the last […]

Melancholy is as certain in my life as breathing. Learning to trust that it won’t last forever and riding the wave with grace instead of struggling against the feelings has been a lesson that has been a longtime coming. I’ve experienced years of God’s faithfulness to teach me and carry me through these melancholy storms […]

I’ve been married 30 years to an amazing man and, truthfully, it’s hard to believe. Our family was lucky enough to celebrate together by going on a short vacation for the first time since we’ve gained two sweet granddaughters.  Sand, waves, sun, babies, kids, endless food and hammocks were the stuff of memories. At least […]

We build walls so easily. So naturally. Without realizing it, our hands pick up stones and mindlessly lay them one upon another.   One for grief. Another for betrayal.  Another for shame, abandonment, loss, disappointment,,,  Year after year these walls reach higher and higher though we instinctively know what we truly need and what we […]

Spring has begun to show itself here in Texas and, although the winter has been mild, it’s a welcome friend. I love Spring with every part of my being.  I love the fragrance of fresh-cut grass, newly budding flowers and spring rains.  I love the vibrant colors of our Texas sunsets and the various shades […]

Do you know how special you are to me, Sugar? You’re my treasure. My daughter. I love it when you walk in my footsteps. I’m absolutely blessed as you try to imitate me. I smile at your attempts… no matter how weak they may be. You’re so fun to be with and I’m so proud […]