Devotions with Denise
Peekaboo
Peek-a-boo! I SEE you! Remember playing that game with your little ones? Even when my kiddos were babies they picked up on the fascination of the game.
A Bitter Root
My husband, Ken, and I learned an important lesson about dealing with conflict. We learned it ... the hard way.
God Keeps His Promises To Us
There was never a time that God didn’t have a plan. His Holy Word begins with, “In the beginning, God…”
The Echo Of God
Have you ever stood at the edge of a canyon and hollered? If you listen, you'll hear the words you hollered echo...
Carry The Hope
Time does not heal all wounds; and, when the counselor asked my friend if she had hope that things could be better my friend admitted that she didn't know.
Don't Look Back
You got this. Follow your dreams. You are loved. Three-word phrases that we've heard and, likely, found inspiration and encouragement in when we've heard them spoken to us. In Luke 17:32, Jesus cautioned...
Dreams I'm Dreaming
Many of my dreams are such a crazy, jumbled mess of people, places and things that aren't even connected. It's as if my subconscious is trying to file random thoughts I've had into Act 1, Scene 1...
Follow The Leader
So often I have thanked God for going with me. I'm so thankful for the presence of God that lives in me. And if you've asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior - His presence lives in you too!
Inching Up At The Intersection
We were traveling through town waiting at an intersection for the traffic signal to turn green. We happened to be in the lane going straight and we had vehicles to our left, in the turn lane, waiting for a green arrow.
I Didn't Want You To Get Your Hopes Up
"I didn't want you to get your hopes up." It was part of a conversation that I heard a mom say to her daughter recently...
No Guac
No guac. That's the end of my order at every Mexican restaurant. I am not a fan of the avocado so guacamole is NOT something I want dolloped out on top of my meal.
Hidden
I've shared about my great-grandmother's trunk before. It is a priceless heirloom that my husband Ken secretly had restored for me one year as a Christmas gift.
Do As I Do
One of the quotes I remember hearing as I was growing up was this - don't do as I do - do as I say.
My List
I was fully engaged in worship at a camp meeting service one evening. My eyes were closed and I had no idea what was happening around me. When the music ended and I opened my eyes...
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.
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.
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.
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!
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...
