Yesterday before we headed to the sanctuary, our choir director prayed. After the prayer, she said to be with our downtown merchants as they prepare for this holiday season. It was the day when everyone goes downtown to begin shopping for Christmas gifts. As we walked out of the choir room, I thought about the word gifts. And yes, I do shop, and I do buy gifts; however, the longer I pondered on the word, I thought WHAT GIFTS MATTER? I decided we needed to discuss GIFTS T

DO YOU BELIEVE? It is the time of preparation for Christmas. I know we haven’t gotten through Thanksgiving, but I’m preparing early this year. Barrett and I were getting decorations out, and he said, “Cupcake, we are really working hard!” Yes, we are, I replied. Then he said, “Santa is working hard too!” Think of the many children all over the world that believe in Santa. They believe that Santa will deliver toys all over the world in one night. They believe, and they h

First, I would like to thank all of you who have been here for me and understood my absence during this time. I have felt your presence through your text, your love, and your prayers. This writing piece I wrote one night while I sat with my mom in the hospital, but since then, I have changed it a bit. Have you ever thought about who is riding on your bus? Who would you ask? Who would get on? Who is on for the ride and not getting off? Who is there for the good, the bad,

As many of you know, my momma was placed in hospice care on October 17th. She passed away, holding my hand on October 26th. It has been a whirlwind of a week. At her service I wrote memories that I shared with everyone. My mom was a part of a generation that we are losing. I hope you will enjoy reading and if you know any older people from this generation invest time in hearing their stories. Once they are gone, so are their stories. Momma, Granny, Nenee, Jean, Mrs. Pol

THE TRUE FAN Last week I had the opportunity to speak at the Hope Lodge. I began by explaining to them our book Game On. In our book, we look at the cancer team in this way: It is like a bullseye with the cancer patient in the middle. In the center with the cancer patient are all the medical personnel. This makes up the huddle. Then you begin to work your way out, starting with the caregiver, then the cheerleader, and then the fan. Most of our lives, we will be most oft

Have you ever really just not wanted to do something? You dreaded whatever it was you were to do? But after you did it you were so glad you did. We are like this so many times with God. He wants us to do something, He speaks to us and tries to lead us, but we shut Him out. Every morning I read Jesus Calling. I have read it for several years, and I still learn something new every time I read them. Yesterday this was the devotional: Be willing to follow wherever I lead.

DON'T BE EMBARRASSED Brother Bryan has been doing a sermon series about God speaking to us. We end every Sunday worship service with the song, "Word of God Speak." Word of God Speak is compelling and moving. Yesterday it seemed like no one was singing. Lauren was at church and was disappointed. She said she wanted to put her hands in the air and praise Jesus, but as she looked around, everyone was like a bump on a pickle. As Lauren and I were discussing the song, she to

CALL THE PLAY Lauren sent me a picture Thursday night of Stringer sitting in the press box calling the plays for the football game. A little bit about football: The coach in the press box communicates with the sideline coach on the field to what adjustments need to be made. The sideline coach then relays this to a player. The player runs into the huddle and tells his teammates the play. The plays that are called are mental blueprints or diagrams for every player on the fie

ANGRY AT GOD I spent several hours researching and preparing for Coffee with Cupcake. My three little words GET TO KNOW were prepared and everything ready to go. I was getting ready for bed, and God spoke. JUST TELL THEM. No, I can't do that, nor do I have time to write and research another three little words. I can't do it. Yes, you can you have to tell them. I argued with God. I got in bed and tossed and turned all night. I knew what I needed to do. I needed to ob

Have you ever had to make a decision that wasn’t the popular one? As I parent, I have several times. One time not too long ago, I made the decision that our daughter questioned, and at first, Jay did. After I gave Jay my reasons and stood firm, even though I knew our daughter was going to be so mad at first, Jay agreed, and we followed through with my plan of action. It ended up being one of the best decisions we have ever made, and our daughter will tell you that also. Ho

I was reading the UPPER ROOM devotional, and on August 23rd, a lady wrote about sheep that she saw while driving down the road. All the sheep were on one side of the fence, and this one little lamb was on the other side by the highway. She was worried so she went for help and a gentleman got the lamb back over the fence to safety. On Saturday as I was cleaning out all of my books, I came across one of my favorite books that I used when I taught 7th grade English. “The Othe

COME ON IN Before every doctor visit or test at MD Anderson, we visit the chapel for prayer.  We walk up to the door, and Lauren presses the silver button and the doors open.  Usually, there is no one there.  If someone is there, it may be only one sitting on a pew praying or reading a bible. This time when the doors open, they had mass.  Oh no, what do we do?  One of the priests motioned for us to come on in.  So in we went. We were a little nervous settling into our seats;

A NEW WINE Wine has been all around me this week, and I don't even like wine.  My niece and her husband just spent a year in New Zealand working, traveling, and learning about wine.  In New Zealand, they have vineyards and wineries.  Many of our wines come from there. Wine comes from grapes that have been crushed to release the juice called "must" that is then placed in the fermentation container.  The wine yeast meets the grape juice, and the natural process takes action. I

EMBRACE BEING DIFFERENT I'M A WEIRDO JUST BE YOU You are probably thinking where in the world did she come up with these 3 Little Words; she is a weirdo!  There are several different reasons. One is that Tyler and Barrett have a song they sing or maybe let's call it a chant.  They dance around doing this little dance and say I'm a weirdo, I'm a weirdo!  At first, I would always say, "Barrett, you aren't a weirdo!" But now I say, "We are weirdos, we are weirdos!" Another time

I started this writing at first with the title I DO STRUGGLE but then thought no WE ALL STRUGGLE, even if you don't want to admit it. No matter how someone's life looks on the outside everyone has something — financial, health, family dysfunction, depression, dissatisfaction with life, insecurity, unmet expectations relational conflicts. Just what is a STRUGGLE- • forceful or violent effort to get free of restraint or resist attack • make forceful or violent efforts to get

One of our new favorite song’s is Don’t Give Up on Meby Andy Grammer. This song is the theme song for the movie Five Feet Apart. If you haven't seen it, you need to watch it. It is awesome. The lyrics of the song go like this: I will fight I will fight for you I always do, until my heart Is black and blue And I will stay I will stay with you We'll make it to the other side Like lovers do I'll reach my hands out in the dark And wait for yours to interlock I'll wait for you I

I love the author Jon Gordon. I have read many of his books that always uplift and teach you how to shift and transform into being the best you. The latest book I read of his was the Coffee Bean. I am sure you have heard this story before. You have a choice to make in life. Life is difficult, harsh, and stressful. Situations can do one of three things to us. They can weaken us, harden us, or transform us. Jon visualizes this for us by comparing three items placed in boi

Last week our family of eight when on vacation. It was a week filled with lots of memory making. While there one of my dear friends sent me a text and suggested I go watch a movie about a young mother of 4 named Kara Tibbett. That night I crawled into bed after everyone else had gone to sleep, and I watched the movie. WOW. The movie is called The Long Goodbye. Grab your tissue and go watch. Kara had been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer; her children ranged in age fro

Sometimes in the afternoon I need a little pick me up. What I will do is put a splash of tea in my cup and dilute it with water. It is just enough to get me going. This tea isn't strong at all, but it is just a hint of taste that wakes me up. In the morning, however, I go for strong coffee. It is bold and powerful. It perks me up and sets my soul on fire. Would you rather be like the diluted watered-down tea or strong like the morning coffee? Last week in our bible stud

Last week I was leaving a store, and my trip had not been enjoyable. As I made my way out of the store, and into the parking lot, I met one of my Christian friends. We stopped started to visit about her new venture, which led to some other discussions about our lives. By the end of the conversation, my attitude had shifted from that of upset and displeased to joyful and blessed. My heart had taken on a new status, and my mindset was in a positive place. Many opportunities