Devotions with Denise
Remember the Promise
"You can't have a rainbow without a little rain." You've probably seen that saying before. Can you imagine what it must have been like to look up in the sky and see the very first rainbow?
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'.
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.
The Heart Of A Mom
Being a mom is the easiest... and the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life!
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...
Today's Chapter
A friend of mine shared the most beautiful picture of a sunset from her vehicle's side window and it made me think about how glorious it is to watch the sunset on a day...and how breathtaking it is to watch the sunrise on a day.
It's Time
Waiting is an all too familiar place for us. It feels like such an enormous waste of time most often. Every day, it seems, we are required to wait for something or someone.
Filling Up the Space
The Apostle Paul told us to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." We know that it is easier said than done.
What's That Smell?
Years ago I heard a story about limburger cheese that I've never forgotten. I've never tried this kind of cheese but the way I've heard it described it smells like really dirty socks.
You Are Comforted
The word comfort is used in a number of ways. Are you comfortable? What is your comfort level with this? I've resorted to comfort foods. This has all the creature comforts you could want!
You Are A Friend Of God
We were trying out a brand new restaurant and we scored BIG. Fabulous ambience. Amazing food. Great service. Oliver was our server and he was always there when we needed something.
You Are Secure In Christ
I grew up in the era of 'Layaway Plans'. Mom picked out the item or items she wanted, like Christmas presents, or big-ticket items like a new stereo system.
You Are A New Creation
From the time we can stand up in our mama's high heels, dress up in something sparkly and sneak into her makeup kit to add the boldest, brightest lipstick to our smile it becomes a fascination...
You Are Sealed
We can definitely be swayed by a seal. Let's talk bananas for a minute. You could see a bunch of bananas that look pretty good. You start to reach for them ...
You Are Free
There is so much in this life that can imprison us. We are not just bound by physical confines. Many of us are held captive by fear, by our past, by our sins.
You Are Known
The first time my husband, Ken, and I heard our baby's heartbeat, our hearts flooded with so much joy. We didn't know if it was a boy or a girl. In fact, we didn't really know anything about this little gift except that he or she was filled with possibilities and promise.
You Are Resilient
I started reading an article about the strategies of being resilient. The word 'strategies' made me expect monumental steps to achieve resiliency. To my surprise I saw things like "be mindful to breathe, to eat, to move...
You Are Chosen
Auditioning for a part in the choir or a role in the play. Are you having flashbacks yet? How about gym class in fourth grade when you were selected halfway through...or maybe left til last?
You Are Priceless
Have you ever heard someone say 'God knows the number of hairs on your head.'? If you're fairly new in your relationship with the Lord you might not have heard that yet. But I can remember when I was a kid thinking that was an odd thing to say.
You Are Protected
When I was a kid I remember walking in a crowded parking lot of the shopping center with my mom. She would want me to walk closest to the parked cars in the lot.
You Are Equipped
I have had this recurring dream over the years. I walk out onto an empty stage with a spotlight on me and a room full of people and I can't remember anything that I'm supposed to say. Not. one. word. Talk about stage fright!
You Are Safe
What does 'safe' mean to you? The more I've thought about what it means to feel 'safe', I'm realizing that there is an action that must occur first. We must trust. Trust in something or someone must occur in order for us to feel safe.
You Are His
There's nothing wrong with being independent. We should know how to take care of ourselves. It's what our parents teach us and what we, in turn, teach our children if we have them.
You Are A Citizen Of Heaven
My first passport arrived and I was so excited! Other than the inside front page, which had my photo ID along with who I was and my citizenship details, the book was empty.