Devotions with Denise
Stormy Weather
I was driving my vehicle through pouring rain recently. It was raining so hard I had to slow down to see where I was going!
Does Your Armor Fit?
I was thinking about armor recently. Not a thing that usually takes up space in my head, but, I was thinking about the armor of God.
The Mercy of the Wind
I had the opportunity to take a ride in a hot air balloon a number of years ago. It was one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had.
Scrapbooks and Stories
When my kids were young I discovered a passion for creating memory albums of their little lives. Their scrapbooks are full of pictures, momentos, and my notes about the milestones and the minutiae of their childhood.
Dying To Live
I've shared this before but it bears repeating. My daughter, Abby, has the green thumb in our family. I've called her 'the plant whisperer'...
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.
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...
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.
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...
Now And In The Future
Do you ever wish that you could be in two places at the same time? There are times when I wish that I could! It's either that I have so much to get done that I wish I could be working simultaneously to get it all accomplished; or, there are two things happening...
A Swing And A Prayer
There is something so fun about swinging our kiddos on a swing. I can remember wrapping their little fingers around the chains holding up the seat of the swing they were sitting on. I would wrap my hands around theirs to help them hold on.
He Is The Door
Did you know that a shepherd will care for a flock of about a hundred sheep? Because he stays with them all day, they recognize him. Because sheep tend to nibble themselves outside of their safe perimeter the shepherd will often call to them to bring them back together. They know his voice.
He Is Our Gift
Sometimes the sun is shining. The birds are singing. The bills are paid up. Everybody's up on the right side of the bed that morning. We don't get stuck in traffic and we're not late to work. We're all getting along - like one big happy family.
He Is Not Here
As believers, we know that Jesus is everywhere. He is always surrounding us and guiding us. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV), "Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there..."
Forget Not
When we receive Jesus into our hearts as our Lord and Savior something so miraculous happens. We trade our death sentence for an eternity with God our Creator and Redeemer.
Along About Midnight
I've never been beaten or put in prison for sharing the Gospel, but there are places in the world today, where that still happens. What would we do if we found ourselves in that situation?
Lord Have Mercy
"Lord have mercy!" That was a common saying when I was growing up and sometimes I still hear people say it.
It's Just Not Fair
One of my co-workers, Beth, recently shared with our team such a good word that I'll try to do her justice and share it with you!
The Desire and The Power
"I just don't feel like it!" If you're like me you've said that at least once. I think it begins in childhood and it's something we may deal with all of our lives.