Blog/Devotionals

The Murres Are Jumping

God’s advice is always good and right, isn’t it?   A few months ago, Dave and I traveled to the coast. There was no practical reason to make the trip, but heeding the inexplicable stirring of the Holy Spirit, we set out. We stopped by a small bookstore an hour before it closed. The owner’s husband and dog waited at…
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Roses on the Beach

To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.- Saint Augustine Recently my husband and I ran away to the coast for an overnight trip. We needed to escape the valley’s intense heat. With no plans made, we left the entire holiday in God’s hands, knowing…
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Nothing But …

A dear friend recently confided in me. “I’m nothing but an alcoholic.” I was stunned. Not by the fact that she called herself an alcoholic, though I’ve never considered her one, and it wouldn’t have altered my feelings for her. No, the shock came from the “nothing but” part. My friend is highly intelligent, kind, generous, and faithfilled. She’s a…
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Sowing Seeds, Growing Self

The best place to find God is in a garden. You can dig for Him there. ~ George Bernard Shaw ~ Spring is almost here. I just started some tomato seeds and set them to sprout on the kitchen windowsill. I do this every year in February, for a couple of reasons. One, by this point in winter I need…
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Small Miracles

Yesterday I faced a challenge, something I felt unsettled about. I’m a quiet person and not always comfortable in crowds. But I’m also a believer, and when God asks me to do something for Him, I obey. I was called unexpectedly to lead a group of unfamiliar women through a Bible study lesson. It didn’t sound difficult. I’ve spoken in…
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A Bouquet of Souls

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. – Luke 11:17 These past few months, I’ve spent a lot of time praying to the Father about getting along with others. Between individuals and countries, there’s a lot of animosity swirling around, pulling many of us into…
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As Good As It Gets

“Would you like another slice of ham?” I pushed the plastic bag of lunchmeat toward my husband David. "No, thanks, but pass the pickles.” I slid the food storage container closer to him and popped the seal. The tangy fragrance of homemade refrigerator pickles greeted my nose, displacing the pungent scent of mixed evergreens and deciduous trees surrounding our table.…
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Fall’s Gift

Autumn is here. Leaves are spinning and dancing their way to the earth in droves. Piles accumulate roadside, their brilliant colors daring snowdrifts to replace them. I stare out the window, a thrill rippling along my spine. I can’t justify the excitement I feel, as I watch nature lower her curtain. I don’t understand why the chill air heightens an…
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Lessons Learned from my Massage Therapist

Lessons Learned from my Massage Therapist

Driving into the historic center of town, I pull up to the curb. Stepping from my car, I pass metal hitching rings on the sidewalk, provided for tying horses long ago. The tall 1900s brick building, several stories tall, reminds me of a benevolent great-uncle, wizened, commanding respect. Intimidating. Turning the ornate doorknob, I go in. That’s where old and…
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