Devotions with Denise
Memory Foam
Two years ago, my husband, Ken and I decided it was time to invest in a new mattress. Actually it was well past time to replace our old mattress but the choices online to select a new mattress were overwhelming...
An Inheritance or A Legacy?
The other day I walked in on a conversation that my husband, Ken, was having with our daughter, Abby. I don't know what prompted this topic but I overheard him tell her that if there were certain things she wanted to have when we were gone...
That Detour
I am positive that as soon you hear the word "detour" you are remembering a time when you were on your way somewhere and you met up with that dreaded sign sending you in a different direction than you intended to go.
Secret History
Sometimes I hear someone say something that intrigues me so much I jot it down so I can come back and think about it some more at a later time. Such was the case recently when...
Junk Drawers
I don't remember the last time I cleaned out the junk drawer in our kitchen. The stuff I found in there was unbelievable.
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.
What's New With You?
It seemed like everyone I visited over the holidays asked me the same question. What is NEW with you?
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.
Wite-Out
Is it just me or do you struggle with Wite-Out tape? You know the kind that has printed on its label "EZcorrect"? For me, it is anything but!
There Are Days
There are days. Days when nothing we do or say seems to be the right thing to do or say. Talk to God about it. Days when our heart aches so badly that we have to keep reminding ourselves to breathe.
As You Were
If you have served, or are serving, in the military you are very familiar with the command "as you were".
Godwinks
My friend, Gail, and I got to serve together in church for a number of years and she taught me a term for something that I'd seen often in my life but didn't know there was a name for it. Godwinks!
Look At The Birds
I awoke to about six inches of fresh fallen snow in our yard. It was beautifully breathtaking! The world looked fresh and new!
Roses and Barrenness
The first time I listened to a song by Need To Breathe called "Who Am I", there was a lyric that made me visualize such a powerful picture in my mind that I have never forgotten its impact.
Who's In The Room
One of my favorite women in the Bible is Dorcas, also known as Tabitha. The Word describes her as a believer who was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.
Look Again
I pulled up at a stop sign and as my gaze started to shift to check both ways for traffic I noticed a sign just below that read, "LOOK AGAIN".
Two Are Better Than One
Having worked in radio for many years, I have shared a good portion of my life on the air with my listeners. One of the greatest joys for me is when I am able to meet listeners for the first time...
God Is On Your Side
God sees you. When you are standing up and standing out for His purposes, He is directing your steps, helping you to walk on solid ground. And especially when you are feeling bereft of courage, wanting to isolate yourself...
What's On Your Sign
I always thought it was a cool thing to see limo drivers waiting and watching for their passengers while holding up a sign with their name on it. I've enjoyed watching a passenger's eyes light up when they see their name and then look up to catch the driver's eyes to signal the connection.
Limited Space
Space is limited. You hear it when you are invited to an event or a gathering and need to RSVP. A venue can only contain so many people. You think about it when you are packing for a trip.
The Journaler
Would you call yourself a journaler? For many, many years, I wanted to be one. In fact, the two most critical components for journaling, something to write with and something to write on, are among my most favorite things to buy and savor.
Collectibles
About the time that I became a mom these cute little stuffed animals, called Beanie Babies, became a hit! They were soft and floppy... and each one had a heart-shaped red tag attached that shared its name and birth date.
The Spare Room
When my husband, Ken, and I moved into our first home, we had already been married for almost two and a half years, but, until then, had been living on a bus as part of a traveling ministry with other young adults.
Created For Community
Community looks different everywhere... and also the same. It might be your neighbors in your own neighborhood or the community of believers you worship with together.
Details
Have you ever heard someone say, "God is in the details"? Don't you sometimes wish that He would share more of them with you?
The What and The How
I have had days that I call 'every minute has a name' days. Meaning that my day is so full of things I must accomplish...
The Shade of Answered Prayers
Have you ever had a dream that felt so real that when you woke from it, you wondered if it was more than a dream? Recently, I awoke from a dream so real...
Faith Over Fear
According to YouVersion - The Bible App, in the year 2025, the most engaged-with Scripture online, globally, was found in Isaiah 41:11.
