Food for Thought

Here’s some food for thought on this Tuesday in October. “…the deepest spiritual lessons are not learned by his letting us have our way in the end, but by his making us wait, bearing with us in love and patience until we are able to honestly pray what he taught his disciples to pray: ThyContinue reading “Food for Thought”

The Son’s Warmth

The Sun’s Warmth I love to feel the sun shining on my face. Its rays soak into my skin, leaving me warm, mellow, and comfortable. In the sunshine my spirits lift, energizing me for the day’s tasks. On a cloudy, windy day, the chill penetrates my body, leaving me cold and shivering. The sunless, grayContinue reading “The Son’s Warmth”

Be Nice to Your Brother

I wrote this several years ago for “The Secret Place.” It seems we need this reminder even more today than we did then. When my grandsons were younger, they loved to torment one another: A poke here, a kick there, and a headlock for good measure. I had a mantra for them, “Be nice toContinue reading “Be Nice to Your Brother”

Through the Psalms, 32

Have a beautiful Friday, everyone! Psalm 32: 5 “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” Lord, thank you for sending your son to earth to live among us. Thank you,Continue reading “Through the Psalms, 32”

Flowing Over Obstacles

The stream meanders, making its way through fallen leaves, gray, broken branches, and rich, fertile earth.  My feet crunch the dried leaves as I approach the stream. Bending and twisting, it flows around rocks and under the narrow walking bridge. Algae flourishes just beneath its green water. I find a large, flat rock and sitContinue reading “Flowing Over Obstacles”

Through the Psalms, 30

Psalm 30:11 & 12 “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” How well David has expressed this, thousands of years ago. How beautiful and amazing is the Lord’sContinue reading “Through the Psalms, 30”

Love Your Enemies

Okay, this verse seems quite strange in our culture, but Jesus is the one who said it. Perhaps we should listen and do what he says, right? Lord, you know this goes against my natural thoughts and ideas of what is right. Teach me to do and say what is right and good in yourContinue reading “Love Your Enemies”

Fields of Grace

Good morning! Here’s your Wednesday devotion. Enjoy! Fields of Grace During my morning walk on the nature trails, a song kept running through my head: “Dancing with my Father God in fields of praise.” But my mind changed “praise” to “grace.” Over and over I heard those words in my head: “Dancing with my FatherContinue reading “Fields of Grace”

The Spiritual Life

Here you go–your Tuesday’s food for thought: “The spiritual life is not a life before, after, or beyond our everyday existence. No, the spiritual life can only be real when it is lived in the midst of the pains and joys of the here and now.” — Henri Nouwen Lord, keep us always aware ofContinue reading “The Spiritual Life”