Category Archives: Christian devotion

Swinging the Sword

The story is familiar. On the night Judas betrayed Jesus, an armed crowd came at night to arrest him. To protect his master, Peter “reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear” (Matthew 26: 26:51). The loyal disciple attempted to save Jesus with violence.Continue reading “Swinging the Sword”

Spiritual Wrestling

Spiritual Wrestling The once gray skies have cleared, and the dome above me is bright blue. I look away from the mirror-like lake, up at the trees. The thin white branches dotted with their remaining yellow leaves highlight the brightness of the blue autumn sky: a 65 degree treat on a fall day. Lying onContinue reading “Spiritual Wrestling”

Walking the Nature Trails

Walking the Nature Trails The path opens to a clearing larger than a football field.  Waist high brome grasses sway slightly in a gentle waltz with the faint breeze.  Nearby branches merely watch, too heavily laden with yellow-green hedge apples to dance.  On the far side of the field lies a painter’s palette of treesContinue reading “Walking the Nature Trails”

Beyond the Spilled Milk

            Beyond the spilled milk. That was my prayer for my children when they were small. “Lord, help me to see beyond the spilled milk.” As a parent, it is often easy to get caught up in the moment, and react with irritation or anger. Spilled milk would be just one small example. Instead ofContinue reading “Beyond the Spilled Milk”

Whispering Wings

In the beginning, you hovered over the waters, wings beating like a mother bird watching her young. Wings strong, silent, stirring the waters, whispering to all of creation, bestowing life. You who hovered in the beginning, you who made the heavens and the earth, you also made me. Your wings beat and the “breath ofContinue reading “Whispering Wings”

Reflected Glory

The small lake shimmers smooth as glass, its dark greenish-brown surface reflecting the surrounding autumn world.  Dark, straight tree trunks and branches protect the lake’s perimeter, the yellow, green, and orange leaves doubled in their reflected beauty.  The contour of each billowy cloud clearly shows in the dark water.  An occasional soft “pop” punctuates theContinue reading “Reflected Glory”

I Love Fall

I Love Fall I love fall! Everything about it appeals: the crisp early mornings, the crunch of dead leaves beneath my feet. Who can resist pumpkin spice and hot apple cider? The cooler weather is invigorating and makes me want to go outside and be more active. I love the deep red and orange ofContinue reading “I Love Fall”

So Many Souls

So Many Souls One Sunday morning the members of my Sunday school class went prayer walking.  Several small groups walked the nearby neighborhoods.  Some stopped at each intersection to pray aloud together.  My group walked silently, praying as we went.  As my two partners and I walked our route, for me the recurring thought wasContinue reading “So Many Souls”