Devotions with Denise
The Sustain Pedal
I was drawn to the piano from a really young age. My uncle, who played the piano, told my parents that when I was old enough he would give me lessons.
Stories From The Chaise
I loved to play in my grandmother's basement when I was a kid. She had all sorts of interesting things including a few antique furniture pieces that I loved to pretend were my formal sitting area.
The Sound of a Heavy Rain
Have you ever been so sure of something that you went way out on a limb to boldly say it to another? There have been a few times in my life when I had zero doubt that God was going to do something...
That's How We Learn
There is a phrase that I use sometimes. I typically say it when someone owns up to a mistake. "That's how we learn" is my way of saying...we all make mistakes.
The Fragrance
Remember the spices that the women prepared and took to the grave where Jesus' body had been laid? In those days, it was customary to use certain spices to prepare a body for burial to help overcome the smell of death.
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.
Faithful In Much
When my daughter, Abby, first started helping me in the kitchen she was only about 4 or 5 years old. I didn't hand her the recipe card and the oven mitts and tell her to figure it out for herself.
Comfortable Pain
Years ago I developed some severe back and neck pain. So I went to a chiropractor for help and he wanted me to come back three times a week for a while. I questioned having to come so often.
Changing Destiny
The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well is one of my favorite interactions written about in the Gospels. Jesus went where most would not - during the hottest part of the day when others might not...
The Ripple
You know what happens when you throw a rock into a lake? It creates a ripple. That ripple can travel for quite a while depending on the size of the rock and everything in its path will be touched by it.
Leftovers
When I was a kid, my mom and I would make biscuits. We would roll out the dough and use the rim of an upside-down water glass to cut out the circles.
Come Close
She came running up to me, tugging on my sleeve to get me to lean over so she could whisper in my ear.
In Process
One of my favorite coffee shops has a new board on the wall by the pick-up counter. It has three columns. One for new orders. One for beverages...
It'll Come To Me
Words matter. Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) is very clear. "The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences."
Morning People
This is how I know God has a sense of humor. I am a confirmed night owl. I'd much rather stay up til midnight and wake up when I'm done sleeping! Then, one day...
Eyes On The Road
Am I the only one who reacts to a movie or TV scene where two people, in a vehicle, are having a conversation and the driver, while driving...
Youth Camp
I remember my first trip to youth camp. My girlfriends and I were so excited that we were finally old enough to go to camp!
A Song In The Stillness
Some of my favorite memories with my kiddos include music. Concerts, cd's, tons of rehearsals and listening to the radio. Music has always been like a second skin to our family.
Hold Me Tight
The storm came up so fast so we took shelter under the pavilion. The rain poured down. There was thunder and lightning nearby and then it happened. Lightning struck the ballfield right next...
Mighty Savior
Consider this: the God of the Universe, Savior of the world, chooses to live in my heart and yours. The intimacy of His presence in us, knowing our thoughts and what our hearts long for, is such a precious gift!
He Is Right Here
Imagine what it must have been like in the days of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. Being the one who brought the message of God to the people. Being aware of the Lord's intentions...
Deep Is Calling Deep
Psalm 42:6-8 (MSG) gives us such a clear visual of life when things are not going well for us. Listen to how the Psalmist responds to hard days...
Cliff Notes
"I'll just read the Cliff Notes!" The ONE TIME in high school that I didn't read a book for English Literature that had been assigned reading...
Where Your Treasure Is
A friend of mine answered a phone call from someone she thought she knew. The caller ID even said the name of the company.
Jesus Was Hungry
Matthew 4:2 (NIV) reveals the measure Jesus took to prepare to be tempted by the devil. "After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry."
The Good Old Days
A friend of ours came to stay with us for a week recently and one night we started reminiscing about the years we traveled together in a music ministry. Oh the stories we told about those days. The good old days!
