Devotions with Denise
Plucking My Last Nerve
Unless you live in a bubble, you have likely had someone tell you something or do something that plucked your last nerve and made you want to react immediately.
The Gift of Purpose
One of my favorite quotes of all time was written by Mark Twain and that is this: 'The two most important days in your life are...
Beneath The Surface
There is something very calming for me to watch ducks on a pond. So gracefully floating around on the surface of the water it looks like they don't have a care in the world.
What Fascinates You?
When my son, Cody, was a baby he was fascinated by ceiling fans. Before it seemed even possible for him to be able to focus his little eyes on anything that far away he would watch the fan swirling around above us.
The Gift of His Presence
One of my favorite memories of when my children were little was hearing their little voices say, "mommy, would you stay with me?" Looking back, what I wouldn't give to hear them say that...
Be Careful Little Tongue What You Say
Remember that little song from Sunday School? O be careful little ears what you hear. There were multiple verses in that song and this is one I remember...
How Did I Get Here?
It is easy to fall into a pattern. Routines can be helpful. The negative side of routine activity is that we can become numb to our regular activities and interactions with others.
Old Faithful
Have you ever been to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming? It is home to some of the most amazing geysers that erupt on a fairly regular schedule.
Charging Before The Storm
I saw it coming. The limbs and leaves on the trees were beginning to sway more and more. The sky was getting darker by the minute.
The Conductor
When my kids were in middle school they each expressed an interest in learning to play an instrument. Our son, Cody, wanted to learn to play the trumpet, and our daughter, Abby, had aspirations to play the flute.
Pray And Vote
You've probably heard the story of two men walking along a shoreline that was covered with starfish that had washed ashore. Without help, these starfish would soon die...
How To Spot A Counterfeit
When I worked in retail one of the things they taught us was how to identify fake currency. You might think that staring at fake bills would help to spot other fakes but this is what they told us: study the real deal.
Creatures of Habit
We are creatures of habit, aren't we? Think about where you sit in your church service. We sit in the same area most of the time, within a row or two, right? And so does everyone around us.
Pre-Pairing
I know at times we long for more simple days. Less gadgets and things that distract us but I've got to say that there are certain inventions that I am really thankful for.
The Rims Of Mugs
I had coffee with a dear friend the other morning. Every time we get together we catch each other up on life, family, and work. There is always laughter... and always tears.
Motion Activated
There is no such thing as a coincidence in God's story. My brain cannot even begin to comprehend how He created everything, keeps everything in order and takes action at the precise moments we need Him.
Change Your Course
We are such creatures of habit! I'm convinced that routine is the comfort we relax into from day to day.
Talk About It Again
One thing I have come to count on over the years of being married to my husband, Ken, is that if we put something on our calendar, he will bring it up in our conversations nearly every day until it comes to pass!
Extra Strength
I reached for the extra strength head pain medicine and I wondered what we did before there was extra strength medication. At some point, someone decided, I think we can do better.
He Is Our Waymaker
My husband, Ken, and I went white water rafting...twice. I considered that I might be in over my head when I was required to sign a waiver before strapping on a life jacket.
Friday Nights
Something special happens on Friday nights in the fall months at high school football fields across the country. People of all backgrounds come together to cheer on the home team!
Who's Writing Your Story?
I love to read, and I have a favorite author. Every time they publish a new book, I put my order in as soon as it’s available!
Growth Measurements
When we moved into the home we had built for us - our kids were very young. In fact, our daughter was only 5 weeks old, and our son had just turned 6.
Bloom Where You're Planted
One of the best pieces of advice I've ever been given is 'bloom where you are planted'.
