Happy December

December–a time of decorating, cooking, baking, shopping, and wrapping. May this December be a time of reflection, joy, love, and spiritual growth. Anticipate the birth of the Savior of the world. Rejoice in the love He has shown for all of us. Share that love with others. This December, may we be more intentional aboutContinue reading “Happy December”

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”

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”

Millions of Raindrops

This is longer than usual, but something worth thinking about. Have a wonderful Wednesday! I’ve always wanted to do big things—you know, travel to a foreign country and help needy people. Feed and clothe those who are hungry and lack adequate clothing. I want to change the world. But I am just an ordinary person.Continue reading “Millions of Raindrops”

A Fragrant Offering

This beautiful little tree stands just outside the front door to my church. Sunday morning, my husband and I stood outside the church, greeting worshippers as they entered the building. The lilac fragrance of the flowers wafted toward us on a gentle breeze. It was so delicious and made me think of the following verses.Continue reading “A Fragrant Offering”

Compassion

Zechariah 7:9 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’” Often we study the bible in passages, or stories that are sectioned off by the editors.  This sectioning is helpful to the reader, and helps to identify separate incidents and unify them in the readers’ minds. Continue reading “Compassion”

The Eyes Have It

The Eyes Have It                As I taught the simple rhythm game, dozens of pairs of dark brown eyes danced with glee. Huge smiles covered the faces of the beautiful children sitting on the floor with me in this church in the poorest section of Matamoros, Mexico. In spite of the language barriers—the children spokeContinue reading “The Eyes Have It”

Choices

Every morning as I prepare for my day, I decide what to wear.  Looking in my closet, I have choices.  Do I wear a skirt today?  Slacks?  Jeans?  What top coordinates with the skirt or pants?  Both must match in color and appropriateness for the weather and occasion.  Next, I decide on appropriate accessories.  WhichContinue reading “Choices”

The Eyes Have It

The Eyes Have It                As I taught the simple rhythm game, dozens of pairs of dark brown eyes danced with glee. Huge smiles covered the faces of the beautiful children sitting on the floor with me in this church in the poorest section of Matamoros, Mexico. In spite of the language barriers—the children spokeContinue reading “The Eyes Have It”

Friday Prayer Challenge

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”Colossians 3:12-14Oh,Continue reading “Friday Prayer Challenge”