Devotions with Denise
Conflict
I sat watching the television as one nation barraged another with multiple rounds of ballistic missiles as air rade sirens rang out.
The Messy Middle
If you've ever traveled to the mountains you know how spectacular the view can be. Whether you drive it or hike it, once you reach the top, you've earned the opportunity to take it all in.
Reframed
I was in my hotel room sitting at a desk before a work conference was to begin and the canvas hanging on the wall in front of me was so beautiful. So I took a picture of it.
Remnants
My mom loved to sew when we were kids. She made a lot of our clothes. I remember going to the fabric store with her and thumbing through the patterns while she was picking out fabrics.
Packing For Paradise
When you are going on a trip - when do you start packing? Do you throw things in your suitcase at the last minute or do you plan and pack days out from departure? I like to plan and pack a week out.
What's In Your Toolkit?
We've talked about the fact that even when we're grieving we can still have joy; however, there are two that cannot possibly co-exist.
The Grieving
When we suffer loss there is a process we must go through. Layers of emotions, decisions and memories to sort out. The grieving process is multi-layered.
Mourning Doves
We have a pair of light gray mourning doves in our yard every Spring and Summer. Beautiful, graceful birds that mate for life and I love watching them every day.
His Presence Is Better
I was having lunch with a friend recently and we were talking about getting up early in the morning to spend time with God. My friend blurted out, "The bed feels good, but the presence of the Lord is better!"
Stormy Weather
I was driving my vehicle through pouring rain recently. It was raining so hard I had to slow down to see where I was going!
Does Your Armor Fit?
I was thinking about armor recently. Not a thing that usually takes up space in my head, but, I was thinking about the armor of God.
The Mercy of the Wind
I had the opportunity to take a ride in a hot air balloon a number of years ago. It was one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had.
Scrapbooks and Stories
When my kids were young I discovered a passion for creating memory albums of their little lives. Their scrapbooks are full of pictures, momentos, and my notes about the milestones and the minutiae of their childhood.
Dying To Live
I've shared this before but it bears repeating. My daughter, Abby, has the green thumb in our family. I've called her 'the plant whisperer'...
Now And In The Future
Do you ever wish that you could be in two places at the same time? There are times when I wish that I could! It's either that I have so much to get done that I wish I could be working simultaneously to get it all accomplished; or, there are two things happening...
A Swing And A Prayer
There is something so fun about swinging our kiddos on a swing. I can remember wrapping their little fingers around the chains holding up the seat of the swing they were sitting on. I would wrap my hands around theirs to help them hold on.
He Is The Door
Did you know that a shepherd will care for a flock of about a hundred sheep? Because he stays with them all day, they recognize him. Because sheep tend to nibble themselves outside of their safe perimeter the shepherd will often call to them to bring them back together. They know his voice.
He Is Our Gift
Sometimes the sun is shining. The birds are singing. The bills are paid up. Everybody's up on the right side of the bed that morning. We don't get stuck in traffic and we're not late to work. We're all getting along - like one big happy family.
He Is Not Here
As believers, we know that Jesus is everywhere. He is always surrounding us and guiding us. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV), "Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there..."
Lord Have Mercy
"Lord have mercy!" That was a common saying when I was growing up and sometimes I still hear people say it.
It's Just Not Fair
One of my co-workers, Beth, recently shared with our team such a good word that I'll try to do her justice and share it with you!
The Desire and The Power
"I just don't feel like it!" If you're like me you've said that at least once. I think it begins in childhood and it's something we may deal with all of our lives.
Make A Trade
On a recent trip to Nashville, I had an opportunity to sit with several Christian music artists and hear them share their stories. I was struck by the number of people who have been dealing with panic attacks and depression.
Project: Today
If you've ever had to stop what you were doing to go get something you need to finish the task then you know how frustrating it can be and how much longer it takes to accomplish the work!
A Measure Of Faith
I love that God has given each of us a measure of faith. Hebrews 11 (verse 6) tells us it's impossible to please God without faith. Jesus told his followers that faith as small as a mustard seed could move mountains.
A Little Piece Of Chocolate
I opened up the wrapper on a piece of Dove Chocolate and not only did I find a delicious piece of milk chocolate I found a bit of encouragement on the inside of the wrapper!
The Rock
Remember the song you sang as a child in Sunday School about the wise man? The wise man built his house upon the rock and the rain came tumbling down. The rains came down and the floods came up...
Bitter Roots
I am sorry, but.... Have you ever uttered those four words and felt completely justified in whatever you filled in the blank afterward?
The Tuner
The space that you are in right now has something in it that you cannot see, taste or touch; but, with the right object it can bring you joy, make you laugh, lessen your anxiety and fill your heart with hope.
