A Little Each Day

July 6, 2026

Doing a little each day can make a huge difference. Have you ever heard the saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”? The meaning is simple: great things take time, patience, and steady effort.

I was recently talking with my sweet niece about reading the Bible. I’m now in my seventh year of reading it from cover to cover. The Bible is a big book, and reading through it isn’t for the faint of heart — especially when you get to the Prophets. Those books are difficult!

Over the years, I’ve found that if you read just three to four chapters a day, you can get through the entire Bible in a year. The wonderful thing is that there are several resources available if you want to change things up each year instead of reading it straight through from Genesis to Revelation.

I’ve been doing it for so long now that I can hardly imagine not reading it. It isn’t just because it has become a habit; it’s because of the blessings I receive from it. I’m addicted to having a good day! My days are usually long and exhausting, but with Jesus, they are easier and full of silver linings that make them worthwhile.

Reading the Bible isn’t the only thing we can do a little each day that can make a big impact. Truly, the options are limitless. Take a moment and ask the Lord what He would like you to do a little each day. You might be surprised by His answer.

When I was writing Hope in a Hurricane, I usually wrote on Saturday or Sunday for about two hours. That is one reason it took me seven years to finish. The next one will go much faster!

I want to conclude by sharing a few thoughts about Saint Mother Teresa. She is known for doing “small things with great love.” Every day, she gave warm smiles, held the hands of the sick, and fed the hungry. She understood that many people suffered not only from physical ailments but also from feeling unwanted, forgotten, or abandoned.

Her small, daily acts of love grew into the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. Today, that organization is global, serving in roughly 130 countries.

You see, you don’t have to be the smartest, the most talented, or the wealthiest person to make a positive difference in your own life or another’s. You only have to be willing. A little each day, offered faithfully and with love, can grow into something far greater than you ever imagined.

Is the Bible reliable?

June 7, 2026

A few weeks ago, I had a wonderful conversation with a friend about whether we can trust the Bible. It’s wonderful to me because I love any excuse to talk about Jesus, even when the questions are difficult and the answers complicated. (And I certainly don’t have all the answers.) Some people may be offended by those kinds of conversations, but honestly, I think they are a great place to be. They give us an opportunity to defend our faith, and it brings me joy when someone is seriously considering their beliefs. It’s important to know what you stand for—and to know that it’s true. We live in a world that often twists truth just enough to make it challenging to tell what is real.

Now, back to the point. The Bible was written by more than 40 authors over a span of 1,500 years, across three continents and in three languages. On the surface, that sounds like plenty of room for error. While there are minor inconsistencies, most can be explained, and the overall message remains unified and consistent.

Here’s another fascinating fact: more than 25,000 archaeological digs have taken place in areas mentioned in the Bible, and not one has uncovered evidence that contradicts it. Friends, that is huge!

Still, one valid concern remains: the Bible was not written in English, so can we really trust the translation? That’s where the Dead Sea Scrolls come in.

The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of about 1,000 ancient manuscripts dating from the third century BCE to the second century AD. They were discovered between 1947 and 1956 in eleven caves near Qumran, on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea. After being carefully pieced together and studied, they confirmed that the Bible we have today has been translated accurately. The differences that do exist are generally matters of word choice, but not changes to core meaning.

Take the Greek word “love,” for example. In Greek, love has three words—agape, eros, and philia—while English uses just one. Agape refers to unconditional, self-sacrificial love. Eros describes romantic love, and philia means brotherly love. As you can see, sometimes translation differences reflect the limits of English rather than the message.

So yes, we can trust that the Bible has been translated truthfully. Even so, I still have questions sometimes, and maybe you do too. But take heart: one day we will get to ask Jesus our questions face-to-face.

Those less fortunate

May 11, 2026

In "Hope in a Hurricane," we see many characters grappling with significant challenges who have a history of childhood trauma. The Bible teaches us that we are born with sinful desires. However, that doesn’t mean we are born inherently broken. For those who do experience profound brokenness, it is often the result of troubling circumstances in their environment. The formative years of childhood play a crucial role in shaping individuals: most find love and support, while others endure unspeakable hardships that can leave lasting scars.

I hold a deep concern for these vulnerable children. It is vital to acknowledge the impact of such trauma and seek ways to support their healing and recovery.

One organization that I have been proud to support is Upbring. This foundation has been dedicated to providing care and refuge for children who have faced trauma for over a century, operating several homes across Texas. Upbring offers a safe environment where children can begin to heal and find hope for a brighter future. If you would like to learn more about their important work, please visit Upbring.org.

He is Risen!

April 13, 2026

Easter has passed, and I hope it was a special day of remembrance for you and your family. As members of Grace Fellowship, we had the opportunity to hear from experts about the death and resurrection of Jesus, and it was truly amazing. One of the speakers was Dr. Scott Stripling, and the other was Dr. Jeremiah Johnston. Their presentations were enlightening, and I was deeply moved by the information they shared.

For instance, they explained that Jesus was crucified at 9 AM and died at 3 PM, which coincides with the time the Pharisees offered the Passover lambs. Jesus is the ultimate sacrificial Lamb. At His crucifixion, he endured severe scourging and beatings, resulting in hundreds of wounds across His body. Pontius Pilate inflicted this punishment in an attempt to dissuade the Jews from wanting Jesus executed, but unfortunately, it did not work. By the time Jesus had to carry the heavy wooden beam to the crucifixion site, He was weak, had lost a substantial amount of blood, was concussed, and severely dehydrated. He fell three times during the journey while wearing a ‘helmet’ of thorns. Once on the cross, He died in six hours.

When the soldiers pierced Jesus' side to confirm His death, both blood and water flowed out. This detail is significant as it indicates that He had indeed died long enough for His plasma and red blood cells to separate.

After Jesus’ death, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took His body and buried it in a tomb, wrapping it in an expensive shroud measuring fourteen feet long. Three days later, only the shroud remained. It is believed that the shroud Jesus was buried in is currently housed in Turin, Italy. For years, it has been studied extensively by experts. Through research and testing, we know it contains pollen from the region at the time of Jesus' death, dust from the type of rock found in the burial caves of Jerusalem, and linen fibers from that era. Notably, no paints, pigments, or dyes are present. Despite this, the shroud showcases a remarkable impression of a scourged man with abrasions on His back (from a wooden crossbeam), dirt on His knees (from falling), and blood stains from where Jesus was speared, as well as at the wrists, feet, and around the head.

The markings on the shroud are not merely blood; they are an impression left behind from a bright light that traveled so quickly and so powerfully through the cloth that it chemically altered its composition. Friends, only God possesses such power!

But don't just take my word for it—watch this video and hear it for yourself!

Jeremiah Johnston on The Shawn Ryan Show

Even if you don’t believe the shroud is proof of Jesus’s resurrection, know this: There are more historical documents written by direct eyewitness testimony on the death and resurrection of Jesus than any other historical event in human history that is accepted as fact. Let that sink in.

You might be wondering what this has to do with my latest book release. While it may not seem connected, if you have read Hope in a Hurricane, then you understand that its purpose is to inspire hope—much like the hope we have as believers in Christ, because one day we will see Jesus face to face, and all of our present struggles will be worth it.

Easter is around the corner!

March 2026

As Easter approaches, I am super excited about the release of Hope in a Hurricane! What a divine coincidence that it aligns with such a meaningful time of year.

When Jesus chose to die on the cross, He did so as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, granting us the gift of eternal life in heaven with Him. During His time on Earth, He opened the eyes of the blind, made the deaf hear, healed the sick, forgave the corrupt, granted second chances to the wayward, and so much more. That was just the beginning! After His departure, He gifted us the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, a constant reminder of His love and very present help. What a beautiful love story we get to be a part of!

As we celebrate my favorite holiday, I hope you enjoy this special time with your loved ones. On a personal note, I also pray that my book brings you a renewed sense of faith, hope for overcoming difficult circumstances, and peace in knowing that your heavenly Father is always with you.

Wishing you and your family a joyful and uplifting Easter!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

More to the Story

February, 2026

What is the magic ingredient that keeps us turning pages? Let’s take a cue from Disney for a moment. Have you noticed how most of their stories begin in a similar way? This is no accident; it’s a clever strategy. Disney understands that young audiences often have short attention spans, so they must hook readers from the beginning to keep them engaged until the end.

The magic ingredient is surprisingly simple: create a reason for the audience to care! It’s how we are wired. When we care about a character and desperately want them to succeed, we need to know how the story ends. Every great story has this at its core. Additionally, the characters need to be relatable, the plot should be complex, and the conflicts must go deeper than the surface. After all, real life is messy. 

Skeptical? Just wait until you dive into Hope in a Hurricane – you’ll see exactly what I mean!

The Writing Process

January 6, 2026

Before "Hope In a Hurricane" began to take shape, I already envisioned its powerful ending and the audience I wanted to reach. The journey of writing it was a delightful whirlwind of ideas, all leading to that impactful conclusion.

As I reflected on the countless people, moments, and experiences that have profoundly influenced my life, I realized that each of us carries a unique story waiting to be told.

Writing this book wasn’t a straight path; it was more of a zigzag filled with detours and unexpected turns. As the years went by, I found myself fully absorbed in a vibrant world of characters and plots. The characters in “Hope In a Hurricane” resonate with people I know: some blend traits from several individuals, and others reflect different aspects of me. Because the backdrop of "Hope In a Hurricane" is Hurricane Harvey, I was able to include factual information about the storm and weave true stories into the plot, giving the story greater depth and meaning.

Ultimately, the book is meant to share a message inspired by the Lord: He loves you and is always with you. We’re called to seek Him above all else, and to love and uplift one another throughout our journeys.

So I challenge you to do two things: embrace your personal, unique story and go out of your way today to brighten someone else’s day!

The Brand

November, 2025

It's hard to believe it's been a month since I opened up and shared the book I’ve been pouring my heart into. There's a vulnerability that comes with sharing something you’re passionate about, and yes, it can be daunting to put your work out there, knowing not everyone will resonate with it. But as the saying goes, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

In this letter, I want to delve into my brand and vision. If you've followed my blog, you might already have a glimpse of where I'm coming from. Life is a journey filled with both valleys and peaks. Those valleys can be harsh and painful, but oh, the sweet joy that comes from reaching the peaks! Our struggles can change us in profound ways. Yet, I’ve come to understand a vital truth: none of us walks this path alone. God is with you and me.

When social media often presents a façade of perfection, it’s easy to forget that we are also surrounded by others facing similar battles. We were created for connection and to uplift one another.

That's where Hope In a Hurricane, and the other books I am working on, come into play. My goal is to inspire unwavering faith in our Creator, provide a hope for your future, and guide you toward healing through forgiveness, fresh perspectives, and so much more.

As we journey together, I’ll leave you with this thought:

Proverbs 16:24: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

May your day be filled with joy and strength!

A calling is born!

July 25, 2025

For the sake of time, let's start in 2012. I was sick for the third time in two months. The previous illness, a simple cold, had led to a 911 call when I lost consciousness on the cold floor of a grocery store checkout line. I was utterly drained, as if every ounce of energy had been zapped from me. Fortunately, I regained consciousness with the help of a few EMTs and a loud, persistent man who could rouse even the dead. Nevertheless, I picked myself up and pressed on.

Overwhelmed and lost as to where to seek lasting help, I knew something needed to change, but I hadn’t quite had enough yet.

When the next cold hit me, I went to the doctor again, determined to get better by addressing the cold rather than its root cause.

However, that particular day was different. For starters, I was emotional. From the time I woke up, tears wouldn’t stop flowing. I consider myself tough and never cry in front of even my closest family members. At the time, I thought showing emotion was a sign of weakness, or worse, failure. As far as I was concerned, neither was an option.

By 10 am, I encountered the phrase "God bless you" three times in different places: first at the local CVS, then at the grocery store, and finally at the doctor's office. It struck me as oddly coincidental, especially considering that it wasn’t appropriate in a doctor's office.

So there I was, explaining that I was feeling unwell and needed something, anything to get me back on my feet. After all, it was just a minor cold. The doctor looked at me with compassion and then excused herself. Minutes later, she returned with a "prescription."

She handed me a piece of paper with three Bible verses written on it. Wow! She was really breaking the rules.

Deuteronomy 31:6

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

“…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

By that point, I knew something was definitely going on.

A few minutes later, I found myself sitting in my car, trying to collect my thoughts. I pathetically attempted to hide my face with my hands as I became a sobbing, wailing mess. Fortunately, the windows had fogged up enough to provide me with some privacy. In that moment, I had hit my lowest point.

Rock bottom can be different for each person, so don't judge me. In that moment, I was broken. My worst fears had come true. Perfection had always been my top priority, and now I was unable to function, let alone fulfill my responsibilities as a mom, wife, and professional. I cried and cried until there were no more tears left.

During this time in my life, I honestly didn’t know Jesus; I only knew of Him. Unfamiliar with His character and ways, I certainly didn’t realize that He was alive and right beside me. After all, I wasn’t anyone special. I didn't come from royalty or wealth, and I hadn’t achieved anything worthy of Jesus’s attention. I was just an ordinary woman, filled with sin and fierce independence like so many others.

Eventually, silence fell in that stuffy car, and my mind finally stopped scrambling. Then I heard an audible voice in my head say, “Now, are you ready for my help?”

Of course, one might think I was hearing things, and I certainly was. It's hard to explain, but when the Creator of the universe speaks, you listen. Your soul stands at attention, and your brain has no choice but to follow.

Through snot and tears, I finally said yes, “Yes, Lord. Please help me. I surrender. I admit that I can’t do this on my own. This life and this world are too big for me. I thought I could manage by myself, but I can’t, and I stand to lose everything. I beg you, please help me."

I wish I could say that life became perfect from that day forward, and I lived happily ever after, but that wasn’t the case. He did pick me up that day. He healed my cold and gave me supernatural strength to continue where I had none. Each passing day became a little easier, but the difference was that I now understood I wasn’t alone. You see, when Jesus spoke to me that day, it was another attempt to grab my attention and draw me to Him: the one true God, who loves and saves powerfully.

Stumbling by taking on too much and having too high expectations of myself and others, trying to do everything in my own power, and by assuming that if it seemed right to me, then God’s will would align, still happened. When you are as stubborn as I am, you have to learn the same life lessons the hard way, repeatedly, before they truly stick. Some habits are difficult to break.

My path to Jesus has been a long one; in fact, it began long before that significant event. It has been marked by twists and turns, filled with challenges, victories, and setbacks. I’ve had my foundation rocked, my beliefs questioned, and made a fool of myself a time or two. Once again, it seems I prefer to learn the hard way.

Ultimately, the downward spiral of my life evolved into a rollercoaster, where progress could only be measured by the overall trend, much like observing the stock market over an extended period. Jesus has revealed many Truths to me thus far, yet I have barely scratched the surface. Along that winding road, a deep hunger to know Him was ignited, and I pray that it never fades. Jesus showed me my brokenness and my need for a Savior. He healed me in many ways, although I still have a long way to go.

As I continued on this journey of growth and discovery, I began to feel a call to action. By 2019, one resounding notion had risen above the noise: Jesus saves, and I can help or stand by and watch. So, with lots of grace and courage, the calling to write my first book was born.