Dress for Success

(This devotion was first published in “The Secret Place.” Every morning as I prepare for my day, I decide what to wear.  Looking in my closet and dresser, I have choices to make.  Do I wear a skirt today?  Slacks?  Jeans?  What top coordinates with the skirt or pants?  Both must match in color andContinue reading “Dress for Success”

Dropping the Stones

Caught in the act, they dragged her into the temple courts. Head down, hands trembling, she avoided the eyes of the angry men surrounding her. The men couldn’t wait to pass judgment on her. Their faces turned hard as the stones they longed to throw. After all, that was God’s law. But the man whoContinue reading “Dropping the Stones”

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”

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”

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”

At a Snail’s Pace

At a Snail’s Pace During a recent walk, I noticed a tiny snail, its shell no bigger than a dime. It appeared motionless, but when I knelt down for a zoomed-in photo, I could see its forward progress. Ever so slowly, it traveled, a millimeter at a time, across the sidewalk. Satisfied with my photo,Continue reading “At a Snail’s Pace”

After 9-11

I wrote this in 2001. It was my way of dealing with all the fear and negative emotions I was experiencing. It brought me peace. In light of recent violence and tragedies and in memory of 9-11, I’m sharing it today. I hope it brings you peace. After 9-11 Television reveals the horrors:  smoking ruins,Continue reading “After 9-11”

A Prayer for You

When life is chaotic and you feel stressed, may God grant you peace. When you feel alone and unloved, may God fill you with His love. When you are overwhelmed with grief, may God give you comfort. When you struggle with what to do, may God share His wisdom. When you feel lost and confused,Continue reading “A Prayer for You”

Working with My Hands

One pastime from which I derive much pleasure is making things with my hands.  To take a piece of yarn and make an afghan is very satisfying.  It is amazing that a flat piece of fabric becomes a dress, or colored thread makes a beautiful picture.  After I finish making something, I take great prideContinue reading “Working with My Hands”