How different the forest is in the winter! Looking around the deciduous forest, I notice the tall, dark tree trunks with their branches reaching outward and upward. Without their covering of green finery, the trees stand like silent skeletons, dominating the landscape. The air is tomb-like, for many birds have flown south for the winter. Continue reading “Winter in the Forest”
Category Archives: short devotional
Hope
Hope is the thing That pushes its head through the earth, Unfurling its pale green For all to see. It’s the expectation of blooms, Unwinding from a tiny bud, Blooms more vibrant and colorful Than imagination. Hope is the realization that dead, shriveled things, long buried in the ground, Will one day rise again toContinue reading “Hope”
A Thunderous Voice
The bible tells us that God speaks in a still, small voice. But sometimes when I enter a still, small state, His voice shouts and thunders: How can my people be so blind? How can you be so deaf? Open your eyes! Open your ears! My glory is all around you and you ignore it.Continue reading “A Thunderous Voice”
A Blanket of White
A Blanket of White Light streaming through my window awakened me. Like a child, I jumped out of bed and hurried to the window. Sparkling in my back porch light, snow blanketed the yard. Winter’s drab landscape changed to a fairyland. The dead, brown grass disappeared under the snowy blanket, and the barren trees woreContinue reading “A Blanket of White”
The Rock
I took advantage of the late December 60 degree afternoon by walking along the nature trails in Pawnee Prairie Park. The ground is soft beneath my feet, and the view is fantastic. The various paths meander through scenic routes. One can walk through short grass, cedar forests, deciduous trees, or beside the curving Cowskin Creek. Continue reading “The Rock”
Inheriting the Treasure
Inheriting the Treasure When my parents died, they left my brothers and me all their worldly treasures. Fortunately for us, they had planned well. They left a will, named an executor, and had their investments and savings earmarked as payable on death to us. Even though they planned carefully, we have waded through rivers ofContinue reading “Inheriting the Treasure”
Putting Away the Decorations
The holiday season is over. The tree is down, the lights are off, and the decorations are packed. But what do we do with the Christ child? Do we wrap him in bubble wrap and place him in storage until next December? If we do, then we’ve missed the whole point of Christmas. EveryContinue reading “Putting Away the Decorations”
New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s Resolutions Many of us make New Year’s resolutions every year. We resolve to lose weight, eat healthier, exercise more, keep our house and office clean, and be kinder to family and friends. People make all different types of resolutions, intending to keep them. How often do you keep your resolutions? How often doContinue reading “New Year’s Resolutions”
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, wintry day, the chill penetrates my body, leaving me cold and shivering. The sunless, gray sky reflects myContinue reading “The Sun’s Warmth”
Hear the Crying
Imagine if you will, Christmas day more than 2000 years ago in the town of Bethlehem. Jesus is born. Do you feel the crisp morning air? Do you smell the animals and the hay? Listen. Do you hear the newborn crying? Can you see Mary, seated on the floor of the stable, holding her tinyContinue reading “Hear the Crying”
Growing Our Faith Together 