Devotions with Denise
Context Counts
Context matters. In fact, context makes all the difference in making sure we have the full intention of a statement.
He Keeps Us
We sometimes sing this song in church. It's called 'Awesome (My God Is)'. The chorus is, "my God is awesome.
It's The Little Things
Don't you love it when you catch all the green lights on the way to work? Or you are putting on a jacket you haven't worn since the Spring and find a $10 bill in the pocket.
Tuning Up
I played marimba and the chimes in our high school concert band. If you've ever heard an orchestra during the warm ups before the orchestra begins you know it can be a chaotic, jumbled fray of noise!
Finding The Best Deals
Sometimes you have to search for the best deals. From a very young age, my mom taught me not to let my eyes get caught up in the front of the store items.
Your Server Will Be Right With You
I love giving credit to great servers! The best experiences I've ever had at eateries are almost always connected to having a fantastic person taking care of me while I am dining in their establishment.
Be Specific
My mom and I were talking recently about someone we had seen listed in the obituaries. She shared a memory that she had of this man from more than 40 years ago. He was an answer to her prayer.
If My People
I love God's promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Most likely you've heard it quoted when the topic of conversation is about how bad things have gotten.
Taking Action
I bought my husband, Ken, a gift for his birthday and I wanted him to have it before his birthday. But he sat it on the counter, along with all the other cards that came in the mail before his big day...
Fully Known
We check our email, our voicemail, direct messages....and then we scroll. We scroll through what social media calls our 'news feed'.
The Fragrance of Time Well Spent
Nesting is one of my favorite things to do! When my husband, Ken, and I moved into our first home I began to make that house feel like home.
We Are Ambassadors
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be an ambassador in a foreign country? We would represent our country in a land that is not our homeland.
Just Ask
"There are two moments in life. Those you miss and those you seize." That wisdom came from an unlikely source...a Hallmark movie!
Fulfilling His Purpose
I had dinner with a friend the other night that I haven't seen in over 20 years. It was so good to catch up on our families and on life.
A Lesson From My Pop Pop
My grandfather died when I was about six years old. I only have a couple memories of him and this one made a very deep impression on me.
Beautiful & Battle Ready
Have you ever thought when you planted your feet on the ground first thing in the morning that they have a mission from on high? It's true!
My Japanese Maple
Years ago I made the comment to my husband, Ken, that I would love to have a Japanese Maple tree in our front yard. It just never happened when we lived there.
It's On The Way
While we sometimes long for simpler days, days before technology came to commandeer our attention all day and night, there are some things about it that I appreciate.
Better Together
When my kids were little they loved it when I was whipping up a cake. They always tried to patiently wait for me to disengage the egg beaters from the mixer out of the cake batter and since I had two kidlets...
Standing For Us
My son, Cody, spent a lot of time playing sports when he was younger. So we spent a lot of time on the bleachers!
Soaking It Up Like A Sponge
Imagine for a moment that you reach for a sponge in your kitchen to clean up a spill. You'd been drinking a glass of orange juice and it got knocked over and spilled out all over the counter.
A Catalyst For Growth
There's a funny thing about growth. Growth happens at such a slow pace that many times we just don't notice it.
Peace with God
You know that uncomfortable feeling of being in a room with someone with whom you've had a disagreement? That awkward silence. The tension.
Don't Forget To Whom We Belong
I am the daughter of great parents. Anyone who has known or worked with Charlie and Cathel Tanner are, no doubt, fond of them and love them too!
Who's Writing Your Story?
I love to read and I have a favorite author. Actually, I have several favorite authors. And every time one of them publishes a new book I am putting my order in as soon as it’s available!
Worship Like Breathing
If I were to ask “when is your worship service?” you would probably answer Sunday morning…at a particular time.
Service With A Smile
We went to dinner with my parents the other night at one of their favorite restaurants. I loved keeping company with my family so I was thrilled that we could do it and that was the best part for me.
Seasons Change
I love the fall season! Aside from the obvious…my fondness for Pumpkin Spice Latte(!)…I also love the feel of the crisp, cool morning air.
When Good Isn't Good Enough
That’s such a good movie! That restaurant serves incredibly good food! If you want a really good cup of coffee you have to try this coffee shop!
