Early in the morning, in the pre-dawn gray light, I wander around the retreat center. As I meander past the ghostlike trees, my feet crunch in the gravel path. The wind sighing high above in the treetops provides an oasis of peace and quiet away from the noise and bustle of the city. While theContinue reading “The Rising Son”
Category Archives: short devotional
God’s Embrace
A tickle deep in my throat prompted me to leave the sanctuary during the sermon. I got a drink, coughed, and blew my nose where the noise wouldn’t disturb others. Standing outside the nursery, I heard several little ones crying. On an impulse, I opened the door, ready to help. As soon as IContinue reading “God’s Embrace”
Healing What Ails You
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 bathroomContinue reading “Healing What Ails You”
A Box of Chocolates
A Box of Chocolates Imagine that someone has given you a big box of chocolates! What is the first thing you do? Most would probably say Thank you, open the box, and graciously offer the first piece to the giver of this scrumptious gift. Would you begrudge giving that first piece of chocolate to theContinue reading “A Box of Chocolates”
Expand the Vision
Expand the Vision In Mark 11:22-24, Jesus speaks about faith to his disciples. “Have faith in God….I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore,Continue reading “Expand the Vision”
The Unopened Gift
Remember the last time you received a gift-wrapped package from someone? Picture the box, wrapped in iridescent white paper, and tied with a beautiful bow. When you were handed this gift, what did you do? Did you open it immediately, eager to see what was inside? Did you want to personally thank the one whoContinue reading “The Unopened Gift”
The Potter
Have you ever watched the potter at work? He centers a lump of clay on the wheel, creates a small indention in the middle, then pours water over the clay. As the wheel spins, his hands deftly shape the clay until he has created his pot in the shape he wants. In scripture God isContinue reading “The Potter”
A Child’s First Walk
Do you remember watching a baby learn to walk? First, she holds Mom’s hand tightly, walking with the reassurance of that grip. Soon she lets go, taking tentative steps on her chubby legs. Back and forth she walks, from Mom to Dad and back to Mom. She has complete confidence; her parents will protect her. Continue reading “A Child’s First Walk”
A Blanket of White
A Blanket of Snow It’s snowing! I love to watch the snow fall from the heavens, especially the way it falls today. There is no wind, so the flakes drift lazily downward. The flakes are big and fat, my favorite. Standing by my dining room patio window, I watch them descend in the light ofContinue reading “A Blanket of White”
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”
Growing Our Faith Together 