Devotions with Denise
YOU ARE SPEEDING
We've all seen those radar speed signs typically in residential areas that flash your current speed up as you approach it. If it begins flashing your speed it's meant to be a reminder of the current speed and to slow it down.
The Old Orange Jar
I made a last-minute impulse buy when I was redecorating my daughter's bedroom a few years ago. On the way to the register, my eyes fell on this gallon-sized ceramic jar.
The Unforced Rhythms of Grace
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it...
Stuck In The Middle
The seat NO ONE wants to sit in?...the middle seat on an airplane! You know if you've flown before you either want the window seat or the aisle seat.
Unlikely Company
I watched a tender video of a dad brushing his little girl's hair as she is sobbing. When he asks her what's wrong she chokes out, "I don't know". So he sweetly asks her if she'd like something special done with her hair.
Who Touched Me?
"Who touched me?" Jesus asked while surrounded by a large crowd. Jesus' disciple Peter told him what clearly Jesus already knew. The whole crowd was pressing in toward Jesus as they walked. Yet Jesus asked the question for a different reason.
Not An Option
There are seasons in our life that we experience deep pain. It might be from loss or injury. Whether it was accidental, self-inflicted or intentional the pain cuts us deeply and can leave us staggering to hold up under the weight of it.
Results May Vary
Results may vary. It's the final sentence on advertisements we see on television and in magazines. Whether its fitness equipment, weight loss systems or skin care regimens, the manufacturer can put everything into it except for one thing: consistent usage.
Tasty Or Toxic
If there was a fountain near you that produced the most crystal clear, fresh water and you were able to stop and fill up your water bottle every day with refreshing water from this fountain you would probably stop by often, wouldn't you?
Finishing Our Sentences
You are loved. You were formed in the image and likeness of your Creator. Long before your parents laid eyes on you for the very first time...in fact, long before your heartbeat was heard or your mama felt you move for the first time in her belly...
The Giant Pickle Jar
I watched a man take a giant pickle jar and pour a bunch of sand into it. Then he added a tray of pebbles that filled the jar almost to the top. So when the man tried to add in the big rocks there was no room...
The Best Leaders
The best leaders I've ever worked with - were followers first. They learned to follow well and understood the importance of being a good follower. We can't be leaders until we are followers. Perhaps the better way to say it is...
Honor & Faithful Service
I received a call one day to audition for a Christian music group called Sound of Joy. The group was based in Pensacola, Florida and had gotten my name from a group I had traveled with previously. I politely declined.
Some Root Work
My husband, Ken, and I were sitting out on our back deck one afternoon enjoying a beautiful day when I pointed out how strange it was to see a variety of leaves on the giant pine trees that run along the back of our yard's property line. There were plenty of pine tree limbs...
Squeezing & Crushing
What do orange juice, coffee, peanut butter and lemonade all have in common? You can't get them without a lot of work first! There is a lot of energy that goes into the process before we are able to enjoy the finished product. The picking, inspecting, sorting, squeezing, crushing, mixing, tasting...
Today's Chapter
A friend of mine shared the most beautiful picture of a sunset from her vehicle's side window and it made me think about how glorious it is to watch the sunset on a day...and how breathtaking it is to watch the sunrise on a day.
It's Time
Waiting is an all too familiar place for us. It feels like such an enormous waste of time most often. Every day, it seems, we are required to wait for something or someone.
Filling Up the Space
The Apostle Paul told us to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." We know that it is easier said than done.
What's That Smell?
Years ago I heard a story about limburger cheese that I've never forgotten. I've never tried this kind of cheese but the way I've heard it described it smells like really dirty socks.
Remember the Promise
"You can't have a rainbow without a little rain." You've probably seen that saying before. Can you imagine what it must have been like to look up in the sky and see the very first rainbow?
The View From The Passenger Seat
My husband, Ken, is a professional driver. He is such a good driver that I hardly ever play backseat driver from the passenger seat.
Loaves And Fishes
You've got to hand it to the mama who packed her little boy's lunch with bread and fish. I mean think about that day when thousands of men, plus women and children, came to hear Jesus speak.
The Blessing Of The One Who Holds The Key
There is a lyric in the song by artist Seph Schlueter called "Counting My Blessings" that says, "the more that I look in the details, the more of Your goodness I find.
A Modern Day Parable
Have you heard the modern-day parable about the man who prayed to be rescued from the rising flood waters in his town? He earnestly asked God to save him. Soon after, a neighbor showed up in a canoe...
Stick And Shine
Not long ago I watched a sweet little girl dance around holding a sticker that someone had given her. I'm not sure if her joyful jig came from the fact that it was a doggy sticker or just that someone had given it to her.
Falling Asleep On God
Have you ever fallen asleep on God? It's a complete accident. We set out with the best intentions to designate a certain amount of time to reading His Word and spending time in prayer. And before we know it...
Because You Trust
Misplaced trust. When it happens to us we are offended. When we are the offender, it is very likely that we will need to make extra efforts to show that we can be trusted. Learning to trust...
What Is That Accent?
One of my favorite Christian music artists from the 90's was a group called FFH. Lead singer Jeromy Deibler is now helping people as a Life Coach and writes...
When The Wind Blows
When the wind blows, we cannot see the wind; however, we can see its effects. We hear the wind 'whistle' through the trees or 'howl' around buildings and bridges.
