Radical Hospitality
Hospitality can be defined as “Love to strangers.” It’s the practice of welcoming, feeding, and sheltering travelers - those who come to your door - with no thought of personal gain. The following is one woman’s story of the surprising joy she experienced from simply...
When Prayer Delights
My dad describes a surprising encounter with the Lord, years ago, when he was attempting nighttime prayers. He was lying in bed, going through a mental checklist of all the people and things he needed to pray for, and time and again his prayers were distracted by...
Basden’s Wise Heart ~ love, Cappy
Dear Basden ~ in keeping with Cappy's encouragement to Hud, here are his words penned to you as an eight-year-old. And we couldn't agree more. Happy TWENTIETH birthday, Little Joy! Basden- You have a wise heart. It shows in the way you really want to help Aunt Crystal...
To Hud ~ A Grandfather’s encouragement
Hudson James, just a couple days shy of your 22nd birthday... a little encouragement from Cappy's email to your ten-year-old self. Twelve years later, I'm encouraged by his words here, along with the joy of reminiscing over this exchange. The power of words on a page,...
Happy Hoco to me
Months ago when our SCS Homecoming date was released, we cleared all the kids' calendars and bought plane tickets to get them home. After 17 years in the stands cheering on her older siblings, the big kids showed up to support Essie in her senior Hoco pep rally and...
Practicing Gratitude 9.16.23
Bran's new job with InBox, amazing group of men, and a couple of weeks in Vancouver as a kick off Sunday afternoon Rangers game! This last fall of SCS pep rallies and Friday night lights, Saturdays for college football and BU games, repeat... Habakuk 3:19 -...
Practicing Gratitude 8.27.23
SENIOR YEAR here she goes (photo creds Morgan Gribble!) Sneak peek on senior pics, can't wait to see more Cheer pic creds Essie - ha! . Last First day Lord, I'm grateful for your gifts. But help me to be more grateful for YOU. You are our delight, you are our portion,...
Podcast up ~ Ready to Fly with Stephanie Richardson
For all the mommas sending their kiddos to college (or any grown-up adventure), give a listen to Episode #3 Ready to Fly - The Emotional Rollercoaster as you have a few minutes between dorm room shopping and college orientations. Thank you, Stephanie, for having me...
Practicing Gratitude 8.5.23
K2 summer Provision of energy, wisdom, patience, problem solving for Hud and Basden during their time working at Kamp Hud and Hooper's handiwork Connecting with Tulsa James crew at Kamp Essie's two weeks at K2, O'nealsons, her siblings and friends. And a...
Heart Languages
Working in admissions, one of the things I love most is getting to engage with families as they come visit our school. When we tour families around our campus, we’re not only sharing about our school’s culture, academics, fine arts and athletic programs, but we’re...
Practicing Gratitude 7.7.23
Three weeks in June with this one - she is remarkable. Easy to be with, and yet pushes me to obedience This little Cheer Captain kicking off the summer with SCS Cheer camp. Here comes senior year Getting to be married to this guy. Full of joy and service Whew a month...
Ruby Girl
Ruby girl, we are just so surprised that you’re gone. You didn’t give us any warning, and that high-voltage personality of yours has left a huge vacuum in our home and in our hearts. We’ve been nursing Cross through some old-age symptoms lately but you hadn’t shown...
Gravel Paths
Each step elicits a crunch as my feet steady the slightly shifting gravel under my sneakers. Each step on this wooded, gravel path across from our home. Like opening an old perfume bottle, spring and summer walks usher in the memories of my college summers at Kanakuk,...
Practicing Gratitude 6.02.23
GORGEOUS weather, oh my goodness. Cool front, just lovely Sweetest grad party last weekend - Just amazing people from all facets of our life, reminded me how many neat kids we know. Essie and Basden had so much fun, we all did. Helped lift my heart to remember how...
Practicing Gratitude 5.20.23
God’s sovereign control is the guarantee that you will have everything he has promised you. God is involved in every detail of our lives, and he is near. Max's steady encouragement. Can I ready this every day please. Essie taking Liv's senior pics That the Holy Spirit...
Practicing Gratitude 4.30.23
Prom season! So fun AND it's done 🙂 Just the most amazing weekend in Georgia for with Adeline’s wedding - staying with Trey and Amy and their fabulous kiddos, time with Hills, Moffatts, Lawrences, Brogdons and many more Trey has always been my hero Charlotte is...
What I Cannot Do
**In light of Mother's day (and Father's day) around the corner, I'm reposting this from a few years ago. It's a a lesson I need to keep learning, still need to be reminded of. If I could give one gift to myself and to friends in the trenches of parenting, it would be...
Fort Worth Zoo by Day… and by Night
Feeling extra proud to live in this city. Extra proud and extra grateful. Corbin and I got to spend ALL of Saturday at the zoo. And with this fabulous weather, there was no better place to be. Never mind that all of DFW also decided to spend the gorgeous April day...
Practicing Gratitude 4.15.23
Easter in Auburn! Our whole family and lots of friends Our fam text thread as we boarded the plane for Auburn - had me in stitches All of our health - just incredible - everyone healthy, lots of hope and vision for what’s ahead Basden Joy. She really is JOY. I have...
Practicing Gratitude 4.7.23
- Auburn Young Life placement - Essie's friends getting baptized, and her photos - ACC college retreat at Sharptop Cove, Auburn date parties, all the fun . . - Max's wisdom - Take me out to the ballgame - These two - Surprising Jessica for her 50th birthday weekend...