Devotions with Denise
Fruit That Lasts
One of the beautiful benefits of summer is all of the scrumptious, fresh fruits and vegetables we have access to eat. I know what I love but I'm not very good at judging the ripeness of them.
Putting Practice
Over the years our family vacations have often included a round or two of miniature golf. It's something the whole family can play.
Stored or Sown
You can count the number of seeds inside of an apple. But you cannot count how many apples are inside of a seed. You know what that is called? Potential! And potential....is powerful!
The Planner
What do you write on your calendar? Birthdays and anniversaries...special events...doctor appointments, date nights and coffee dates? Some of us are not just calendar keepers.
Speechless
Rarely in my lifetime have I ever found myself 'speechless'. Let's just say I was very zealous with my gift of gab when I was younger.
Potholes And Pitfalls
One of the shopping areas in my hometown, the one I frequent most often, has a main thoroughfare that has several really rough potholes in it.
Effects Of The Wind
We can't see the wind. But we can definitely see and feel the effects of the wind. I have literally watched as the wind shifted and left behind paths of destruction through corn and wheat fields and wooded areas.
Pockets
Have you ever found yourself dragged into a conversation that you really didn't want to be in? Perhaps someone made a personal comment to you...
Advice From Dad
What’s the best advice your Dad ever gave you? Since we just celebrated Father's Day I was thinking back over things that my Dad taught me.
A Little Time Away
The first computer that we bought had a screen saver on it with a man on a little island surrounded by water. At first glance it looked like a nice little get away.
What's Holding Us Back?
What holds us back? I used to think it was all the hard things we've been through in our life. Past experiences that scared us, hurt us, and hindered our growth in one way or another.
What I've Learned About Grief
It's been two years since my brother, Brent, went home to be with Jesus. I've gone to several funerals in the past couple of months and I confess...
Where Do We Put Our Trust?
Let's talk about trust for a minute. The other day I was riding behind an enormous vehicle transport truck. You know the kind that can transport about six or eight SUV's at a time?!
Stain Remover
I have a terrible habit of spilling things. No matter how hard I try not to...something often makes its way onto my shirt.
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?
Your Server Will Be Right With You
I love giving credit to great servers! The best experiences I've ever had at eateries are almost always connected to having a fantastic person taking care of me while I am dining in their establishment.
Be Specific
My mom and I were talking recently about someone we had seen listed in the obituaries. She shared a memory that she had of this man from more than 40 years ago. He was an answer to her prayer.
If My People
I love God's promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Most likely you've heard it quoted when the topic of conversation is about how bad things have gotten.
Taking Action
I bought my husband, Ken, a gift for his birthday and I wanted him to have it before his birthday. But he sat it on the counter, along with all the other cards that came in the mail before his big day...
Fully Known
We check our email, our voicemail, direct messages....and then we scroll. We scroll through what social media calls our 'news feed'.
The Fragrance of Time Well Spent
Nesting is one of my favorite things to do! When my husband, Ken, and I moved into our first home I began to make that house feel like home.
We Are His Ambassadors
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be an ambassador in a foreign country? We would represent our country in a land that is not our homeland.
Just Ask
"There are two moments in life. Those you miss and those you seize." That wisdom came from an unlikely source...a Hallmark movie!
Fulfilling His Purpose
I had dinner with a friend the other night that I haven't seen in over 20 years. It was so good to catch up on our families and on life.
A Lesson From My Pop Pop
My grandfather died when I was about six years old. I only have a couple memories of him and this one made a very deep impression on me.
