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 trees showing their colors—green, yellow,Continue reading “Walking the Nature Trails”
Category Archives: short devotional
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”
Through the Psalms, 33
As the leaves turn color, we rejoice in the cooler weather and the autumnal colors. Even though we know that those colors signal the coming of winter, of cold weather and bare trees. But even so, we have hope, for we know our Lord is faithful. Yes, the autumn leaves will fall, and winter willContinue reading “Through the Psalms, 33”
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”
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”
Healing What Ails You
Earlier, I caught a nasty virus, the kind that plays havoc with your digestive system. Of course, we were out of town when it hit. During our granddaughter’s dance competition, we sat in the balcony watching so many beautiful dancers. While waiting for her solos, it hit hard. The closest bathroom was upstairs. I hadContinue reading “Healing What Ails You”
Parched
Parched Before my morning walk I guzzle 16 ounces of water, trying to adequately hydrate before walking in the heat. Summer heat is definitely not my favorite. Even though much of my walk is shaded, I slather on sunscreen and head out the door. Walking on the nature trails is relatively cool—the trees’ dappled shadeContinue reading “Parched”
Growing Our Faith Together 