Author Pam Frame

Pam Frame

Pam Frame's "Wending Our Way" Devotions

Enjoy these selections from the last 90 days of Pam's "Wending Our Way" devotions. The devotions are listed in descending order by date with the most recent devotion at the top. Click here if you would like to read the Walter Mouse devotions.

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Wending Our Way...

Without A Plan?

April 22, 2026

Isaiah 5:19 ...let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come....
We recently had a meeting here at our retirement community. During the ensuing sixty minutes, various administrators told us of future plans for upcoming building and renovation, plant management and spring tree removal or trimming. The on-going planning merges physical, financial and manpower resources while considering time constraints and weather conditions. As one fellow said, "We have to avoid working without a plan."
God does the same thing. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, "For I know the plans I have for you.... Plans to prosper you...Plans to give you hope and a future."
Our world looks awfully rocky at times, but through it all, God's Divine Plans are unfolding around us, carrying us, eventually, to the Peace and Beauty of our Heavenly Home.
Wending Our Way...

Staircase To Nowhere

April 21, 2026

Genesis 28:12 ...Jacob...had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
I was talking recently with a fellow from a different retirement community. He mentioned that his facility had a "Stairway to Nowhere." It's an old stairway tower that was never removed when a nearby campus building underwent major renovations. The stair tower is out in an open field, connected to nothing. It just stands there.
Thankfully, our Christian journey isn't a Stairway to Nowhere. It connects countless people to God's Love and Provision and guides us straight to heaven when our work on earth is done.
Wending Our Way...

Give It All Away?!

April 20, 2026

John 14:2 ...In my Father's house are many rooms.... I am going there to prepare a place for you.
This week I chatted with three women who were in the process of moving. One's moving from a large single home to a two-bedroom apartment. One's moving from a five-room house to a one-bedroom apartment. And the third is moving from a roomy apartment to a two-room "suite" in our Personal Care unit. All are immensely saddened and challenged by the amount of stuff they have to get rid of in order to fit into their new residences. As one of the women said, "Eventually, you have to give it all away."
Of course, this reminded me of Our Jesus because, after all these years, He has never given a single soul away--and He has invited each one of us to live with Him forever in His mansion above. We're His forever! How wonderful is that??!!
Wending Our Way...

Performance!

April 17, 2026

Isaiah 30:15 ...in quietness and trust is your strength....
I once met a darling dog, but one who became a real pain at meals. She'd learned to beg for food and sat beside me one time during an otherwise pleasant luncheon. During the entire meal, she stationed herself beside me and went through her repertoire of FEED ME!" tricks. She did beg, dance, twirl, pray, paw the air, whimper, speak and walk on back feet. It got awfully annoying really fast. She didn't need food and she was certainly well cared for. She simply felt the need to perform.
That little dog reminded me of myself sometimes. I was brought up in a household where Performance and Appearances were prime. I got an "A" in both courses! Naturally, this also made me feel that I had to Perform for God, too. It has taken me many years, but now I realize that God isn't looking for my Best Performance. He's looking for kind-hearted service to others and quiet companionship with me.
Take-Home: There's no need to impress or entertain God. His fondest desire is to dwell in peaceful companionship with each of us. He doesn't need to see yet another Performance.
Wending Our Way...

Sequins Of Grace

April 16, 2026

Zechariah 9:16 ... [God's people] will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.
I was sitting in church a few weeks ago and slowly became aware of a golden twinkle on the carpet in front of me. No matter how I moved, the ceiling lights above me made that one tiny spot sparkle amid the darkness of the navy carpet. A closer look (after the service) revealed a tiny gold sequin, which probably had dropped off a recent entertainer's festive jacket. The navy carpet reminded me of the dark days, long walks, unstable footing and often veiled eyesight that often accompany us as we plod along on our earthly journeys.
How easily a smile, a kind word, a note, a gentle touch, a moment of simple companionship becomes a "Sequin of Grace"--sent from God, moving through us, and winging off to touch another weary pilgrim who's struggling along life's convoluted pathways.
We can each be a "Sequin of Grace," powered by His Love and spreading His Light. That looks pretty cheery here on earth but just think what it'll look like when we all sparkle together in heaven!
Wending Our Way...

Haiku ... " I Found:"

April 15, 2026

Isaiah 28:12 ...This is the resting place, let the weary rest....
A scrap of silence~
It's soothing my weary soul~
I'll rest here a while.
Wending Our Way...

Picking Up Sunbeams

April 14, 2026

Ephesians 6:24 ...Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ....
We've only been in our cottage for a year, and our carpeting was new when we moved in. That means it's still shedding little mini tufts that look like some larval insect form. The other day I went to pick up yet another of these little sand-colored treasures, but I couldn't seem to get a grip on the darn thing. No matter what I did, it stayed put on the floor.
It finally dawned on me that it wasn't carpet fuzz. It was a mini sunspot, a bit of a sunbeam resting on the living room floor.
Hmmmm...I wonder how many sunspots (or Sonspots) grace my days, but I miss them because I'm not looking for them. I think I'll keep my eyes open for God's inevitable "Sparkles of Grace" that brighten my path. I bet they're all over the place, waiting my discovery!
Wending Our Way...

Let Me In!!

April 13, 2026

John 14:23 ...we will come to him and make our home with him.
Back in early spring our local birds were house hunting. They started by scouting out good nesting sites and then stood guard over "homes" that seemed appealing. Our Triune God does the same thing: He's always searching for living souls who will open their hearts to the Divine Presence. And when they do, He, too stands guard...forever.
Rev. 3:20 reminds us of God's quest: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."
Keep listening for His Knock...and His Voice! Let Him live within you... both now and throughout Eternity.
Wending Our Way...

Whoever Shows Up

April 10, 2026

Psalms 81:2 ...play the melodious harp and lyre....
My sister plays a dulcimer and leads a group who plays at local nursing homes and area open houses. One day recently, the group held a practice session, but only a few people attended. "That's OK," my sister said. "We work with whoever shows up."
Jesus says the same thing. He certainly invites many people to be active in His service, but some folks just don't respond to His Call. So, He, too, works with whoever shows up.
Aren't you glad you accepted His Invitation to work for The Kingdom??! Aren't you glad you showed up?!
Wending Our Way...

Chips And Chocolate Cake #2

April 9, 2026

1 Corinthians 13:4 ...Love is patient, love is kind.
Yesterday I mentioned how much I enjoy chips and chocolate cake. They're both wonderful, even though they have different tastes and textures.
Different people have different "tastes" and "textures," too. This might depend on inherited traits, but is also influenced by life events, education, resources, health concerns, etc.
So--every person will inevitably have a slightly different "taste" and "texture" from me--and that's OK. One of the pleasures (and challenges) in life is to work at loving others who are different from me.
Wending Our Way...

Chips And Chocolate Cake #1

April 8, 2026

Romans 5:1 ...we have been justified through faith....
I was munching on chips the other day and got to thinking about chips and chocolate cake--two of my favorite treats. As I happily chomped away, it occurred to me that though I adore both chips and chocolate cake, they each have different tastes and textures. One's salty and crunchy and one's sweet and soft.
This naturally led me to thinking about my faith, which I suspect also has different "tastes" and "textures" as I move through life. I think my faith has changed as I've grown, gradually deepening over time; but it also seems to shift in response to what I'm facing day-to-day.
This isn't a bad thing. I suspect it's a normal human response from a living and active soul traversing the world with Jesus.
Wending Our Way...

The Good Lord Helped Me Out!

April 7, 2026

Deuteronomy 33:26 ... There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens to help you. ("Jeshurun" means "The Upright One" and refers to Israel.)
One day back in mid-winter, we had yet another major snowstorm. A combination of snow, wind and sun caused major drifting and lots of dripping and refreezing. Larry went out the next afternoon to clean off the cars, but he came back in fairly quickly, so I figured the cars were too frozen over to work on. But no! He popped into the cottage with the wonderful news that, "The Good Lord helped me out with the wind and the sun!" (The wind had blown the snow off the vehicles, and the sun had melted the ice!)
Here I was picturing the wind and sun as the problem, but Larry found the blessing in them. I wonder how many times in the past I've done that: missing God's goodness amidst life's problems and struggles.
We know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him. (Rom. 8:28) This doesn't mean that all things are good. It means that God weaves His Goodness into everything and hopes that we will spot His Tender Mercies popping up (like crocuses in the snow) all around us, even on the most difficult days.
Wending Our Way...

Footprints In The Snow

April 6, 2026

Psalms 119:133 ...Direct my footsteps according to your word.
One day back in February we had about an inch of light, powdery snow. The stiff wind accompanying it blew the cold, white fluff all over our front porch. At one point, I looked out and saw numerous little bird footprints in the snow--juncos, probably, as they hunted for breakfast--and right beside them were Larry's larger footprints, left behind as he, too, went for breakfast.
As I looked down at the big footprints, and the much more numerous little footprints, I got to wondering how many Little Footprints have walked beside me as I navigate life. These could be literal children, exploring the world for the first time; or struggling or shattered souls, looking for their way in a turbulent world; or people carrying grave fears or uncertainties and just hunting for a bit of reassurance; or those simply weary from life's incessant demands.
Often, just a smile or brief conversation helps shore up a flagging spirit and eases a burden others cannot begin to visualize.
Wending Our Way...

My Heart Is In My Hands #7

April 05, 2026

Psalms 24:10 ...Who is he, this King of Glory? The LORD Almighty--he is the King of Glory.
My Heart is in My Hands today. God's Glory shines above.
I welcome you with open arms~ To God's Eternal Love.
Wending Our Way...

My Heart Is In My Hands #6

April 4, 2026

Isaiah 43:1 ...I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
They sent Me off; they thought I'd gone. They left the world askew.
But I returned to claim My Own~ And I'll come back for you!
Wending Our Way...

My Heart Is In My Hands #5

April 3, 2026

Psalms 25:10 ...All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful....
My Love cannot be trampled on~ Or stabbed or nailed or lost.
It carries on in Silent Trust~ Shouldering all the cost.
Wending Our Way...

My Heart Is In My Hands #4

April 2, 2026

Luke 23:33 ...When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him....
They nailed Me up and walked away. They thought The Light had gone.
But I returned enrobed in Love~ And I will carry on!
Wending Our Way...

My Heart Is In My Hands #3

April 1, 2026

John 16:33 ...I have overcome the world.
But my heart is in My Hands today~ As bravely on I plod.
I carry Peace and Love and Hope~ From Our Triumphant God.
Wending Our Way...

My Heart Is In My Hands #2

March 31, 2026

Luke 23:27 ...A large number of people followed him....
The pain of Sin and Cross I bear. I struggle as I walk.
My earthly burden scars My Soul. The crowds have come to gawk.
Wending Our Way...

My Heart Is In My Hands #1

March 30, 2026

Mark 15:20b ...Then they led him out to crucify him.
My path is rough, the pleasures few~ I stumble as I roam.
My Heart is in My Hands today. I'll bring My people Home.
Wending Our Way...

Haiku....Goodbye

March 27, 2026

Psalms 89:48 ...What man can live and not see death....
Life's ever-changing.
Everyone leaves at some point.
Treasure your people.
Wending Our Way...

Neuropathy Of The Soul

March 26, 2026

Ephesians 4:22 ...be kind and compassionate to one another.
I've had a Band-Aid on my right thumb all winter, it seems. I have one of those painful, annoying splits that just won't heal. The worst of it is that the Band-Aid keeps me from feeling things I touch or pick up. It's like having neuropathy in my thumb.
This brought me to the realization that some people seem to have trouble feeling things--particularly things like compassion, affection and caring. It's like their feelings are all wrapped up in some protective defenses that prevent others' plight from touching them. It's like they have Neuropathy of the Soul.
When I run into people who seem to have Neuropathy of the Soul, I try to reduce my time with them (lest they wear me out), and then I move on toward companionship with kinder souls. That's much more uplifting!
Wending Our Way...

Earthquake!

March 25, 2026

1 Kings 19:11 ...after the wind there was an earthquake....
Back in February of 2003 a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the area of Antioch, India, destroying almost 80% of its buildings. Inspectors found that the destruction was so great partly because many of the buildings were constructed with faulty plans and low-quality materials.
Doesn't that sound like out Christian walk sometimes? If we don't plan for enough prayer time, solitude, relaxation, Bible reading, and personal contact with trusted others, our foundations aren't solid when trouble hits. If we rely solely on words from actors, sports figures, politicos, sales people, influencers and advertisements, our foundations will be shaky at best. When disaster strikes, our foundations may crumble from the impact, just as India's buildings did.
Isaiah 33:6 reminds us that ..."the LORD will be the sure foundation for [our] times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge." Who needs anything more?
Wending Our Way...

Enjoy!!

March 24, 2026

Psalms 37:3 ...dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Frankie Fingerpaint, the farm's black and white pinto pony, was quietly munching on new grass in the fragrant meadow, when he stopped for a brief chat with Old Groundhog, who was out searching for breakfast. "Gosh!" grumbled Groundhog. "My burrow is so cold in the morning, this food's tasteless, and there's nothing to do once I'm up." Frankie agreed that must make for unpleasant days for Groundhog; then he wandered off to snooze in the sun.
The spot he chose for a nap was beside the old stone wall which ran along one side of the farm field and was always warmed by the morning sun. As he approached the wall, he saw Queenie Buttertoes, the farm's gray and yellow barn cat, draped over the warming stones. "Boy!" purred Queenie, twitching her whiskers gently. "Isn't this the life? A sunny spot, a peaceful nap, beautiful weather and a good friend. How delightful!!" Frankie agreed wholeheartedly and the two soon drifted off into restful silence.
Take-Home: Enjoy where you are while you get where you're going.
Wending Our Way...

Only The Good Parts?

March 23, 2026

Romans 8:39 ...[nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I remember shopping for fresh produce with my first husband's mother. She had an unerring ability to select the most perfect fruit and vegetables. Anything less was simply rejected as not good enough.
That memory made me think of love and people and Jesus. When it comes to humans, be they parents, spouses, siblings, co-workers, friends or neighbors, we don't get to select only the good parts of those we love. We get to love others in spite of their faults and failures.
It works the same way with Jesus. He doesn't reject us earthlings because we're less than perfect. He loves the mixture of saint and sinner that makes us human. We're safe in His Arms here below and will remain so-- forever-- once we get to heaven.
Wending Our Way...

I'm Glad He Died!

March 20, 2026

John 14:21 ...He who loves me will be loved by the Father, and I, too, will love him and show myself to him.
I spoke with an elderly woman a while ago. I'll call her Charlotte. In years past, she had a dear aunt who she positively adored and visited frequently. Unfortunately, Dear Aunt was married to an absolute bastard of a man who abused her unmercifully, stole her money and then blamed her for their subsequent meager existence. When Absolute Bastard died, Charlotte went to identify the body, partly because Dear Aunt was too frail to go herself and partly because none of his kids could stand him and refused to handle that aspect of his death. (None of his kids showed up for his funeral, either.) As Charlotte said to me so recently, "I only went to be sure he was dead. I hated him! He was so cruel to my aunt. I'm glad he died!!"
This situation reminded me of another death 2000+ years ago. Surrounded by adversaries, but also by devoted followers, Jesus died and rose again, which provided eternal salvation for all believers down through the ages, and enabled countless numbers of faithful followers to love Him here on earth and look forward to being with Him in heaven.
How wonderful that Jesus left this earthly life but left all His Wonderful Love swirling around us as onward we go. I'm glad He died, because His Death bought my Forever-Home.
Wending Our Way...

Housebound!

March 19, 2026

Luke 16:9 ...you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
We've had such a hard winter! We've gotten got housebound several times until we could get dug out after heavy snowstorms.
Being stuck in one place for several days made me think of Eternity. In a way, we're all going to be "housebound" for Eternity, but where will that be: in heaven or in hell?
Those who make the wrong choice will have no one to "dig them out" and they'll be stuck in their over-heated eternal dwellings forever.
Wending Our Way...

My Larry...Your Larry

March 18, 2026

Ephesians 6:24 ...Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.
We live in a cottage right next door to a woman and her husband, who is also Larry. When we chat, I sometimes have to ask her if she's referring to "her Larry" or "my Larry." It's kind of comical.
After a recent conversation with her, it occurred to me that we don't have to worry about "your Jesus" and "my Jesus"--because he's Our Jesus--forever!
Wending Our Way...

Welcome!

March 17, 2026

Job 31:32b ...my door is always open to the traveler.
I read an inspiring story during the days before Christmas. Three sisters were running a charming, quaint, old Bed and Breakfast in one of the northern states and always put candles in the windows of their inn during the holiday season. (Christmas Recollections at Grace Chapel Inn, Guideposts, 2020.) As one sister pointed out to arriving guests, the candles are an old-fashioned notice that "travelers are welcome here." Can you imagine a traveler's relief when gazing at such a sight on a cold, wintry night?
Here's another welcoming sight: John 3:19..."Light has come into the world ." Jesus came into the world to bring salvation, of course, but also to invite weary travelers into His Heart and into His Eternal Home. What a relief to know that we're welcome here for now and in the heavenlies forever!
Wending Our Way...

Haiku Winter In Pennsylvania

March 16, 2026

Psalms 104:12 ...The birds of the air nest by the waters....
Little frozen nest~
Waiting in my dogwood tree.
Piled high with snow.
Wending Our Way...

Back Exercises #3

March 13, 2026

2 Corinthians 6:16 ...we are the temple of the living God.
Sometimes I go mindlessly about my exercises, going through the motions but not paying much attention to how my body is reacting. I can think of at least two occasions when I paid no attention to a mild muscle tingle as I was exercising, moved the wrong way and wound up with a full-scale pulled muscle. So, here's another rule: LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.
Here are a few questions I try to ask as I go about exercising: Am I in balance? Am I tired and in need of a break? Am I able to move freely, and if not, what's holding me back? Do I need extra support (like a pillow)? Do I need someone else to help (like a therapist or doctor)?
I've found that asking these questions helps me in my Christian walk, too. Exploring the answers as I go along increases my effectiveness and efficiency when I'm exercising. I also find that answering these questions often guides and strengthens my service to God and His people.
Wending Our Way...

Back Exercises #2

March 12, 2026

Psalms 17:2 ...may your eyes see what is right.
Here's another cornerstone of effective exercising: WATCH YOUR FORM. If I do my exercises in a sloppy manner, I might unintentionally pull a muscle or could reduce or negate the positive effects I'm trying to achieve.
If I lose my spiritual form (Think of Galatians 5:22...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.), I stand in danger of losing my Fruit of the Spirit which happily burbles along with me every day. Without the form of these nine characteristics, my service can be hollow and ineffective.
In order for my efforts to be effective when exercising and in Christian life, I need to watch my form.
Wending Our Way...

Back Exercises #1

March 11, 2026

Genesis 33:14 ...I move along slowly at the pace of the droves....
I have on-going back issues stemming from a car accident back in the eighties. I do exercises every day. Some are for stretching and range of motion and some are for strengthening supportive muscles. This morning, I realized that three cornerstones of exercise also apply to Christian life.
First of all: GO SLOWLY. I can't race through my exercises lest I hurt myself or have my efforts count for movement but not exercise. Likewise, racing through life can lead to injury, missed opportunities, exhaustion and activity that might look impressive but is actually useless to God's Kingdom.
Exercising and serving God work best when done at a moderate pace.
Wending Our Way...

Rent This Sign!

March 10, 2026

Matthew 21:41 ...he will rent the vineyard to other tenants....
A short time ago, I drove past two billboards. One advertised a local roofing company and the other was blank--with big lettering: "Rent This Sign!" 'Rent' usually means that we pay to use something for a specified period of time, then return it to its owner.
Of course, we can rent vineyards and power equipment and cars, but we can't rent Jesus. He's not for hire and He's already paid for our salvation. All we can do is accept Him and enjoy His Presence. I kind of suspect that some people sort of do "rent" Jesus. They bring Him out when they hit hard times or need something desperately, but then they put Him back on a shelf or in a drawer so He's handy the next time a crisis hits.
People who "rent" Jesus this way certainly receive His help at times, but they also miss out on His assurance, companionship, guidance, love and strength on a daily basis. I'm hugely blessed to have Jesus in my heart full-time!
Wending Our Way...

Sold Out!

March 9, 2026

1 Corinthians 6:20 ...you were bought at a price....
A while ago Larry and I drove past a 65+ community. A big sign out front declared that "Our Community is Currently Sold Out." I'm sure that's great for the financial security of the place, but what about anyone who wants to get in? It doesn't sound too hopeful.
That's a sign that won't appear for a long time yet (I presume) here on earth. Jesus is always looking for lost souls and lives to invite them to His Celestial Home.
But at some point, "Our Community is Sold out" will hang outside the Pearly Gates. At Christ's Second Coming, non-believers will face a long, lonely, tormented Future as they're closed out of Eternity and welcomed into Hell. Those who don't "sign up" with Jesus "sell out" for Satan...forever.
Wending Our Way...

Zero Refills

March 6, 2026

Romans 15:13 ...May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
After ten years of being on an estrogen-blocker (due to my two bouts with breast cancer), I'm finally approaching the end of my treatment. I just picked up my last prescription--and the bottle says, "No Refills." Hallelujah!!
Which made me think of Jesus, because He'd NEVER offer "No Refills." Here on earth and on into eternity, we can fill up on Jesus whenever we want to. "Zero Refills" is a human concept. It has no meaning in the heavenlies.
Wending Our Way...

Snowstorm Blessings #2

March 05, 2026

John 6:58 ...he who feeds on this bread will live forever.
Back in late January we had what one source called a "historic" snowfall. We got 12" on top of the 8" already on the ground. In order to keep folks safe within our retirement community, the powers-that-be asked everyone in cottages and villas to stay in their homes until the roads and sidewalks were cleared. I was telling my sister about the situation, and since we eat most of our meals at the cafeteria, she asked, "Where will you eat?" "Here, at our cottage," I replied.
Her question stayed with me throughout the day: "Where will you eat?" Hmmm...am I going to eat from sources of Love, Faith and Insight? Or am I going to feed on Power, Fame, Financial Gain, Popularity, and the like?
Life will often "snow me in" with challenges and difficulties, but my ability to cope and to bless others depends in large part on what I'm feeding on as I go along.
Wending Our Way...

Snowstorm Blessings #1

March 4, 2026

Matthew 26:26 ...Take and eat; this is my body.
Back in late January we had an 8" snowfall. As I looked out at our white and sparkly landscape, a robin and several juncos appeared. They bopped around our courtyard, finding tiny morsels in places where snowplows and shovels had exposed grassy patches.
In a way, the birds reminded me of how I "feed on Jesus." Like the birds, I often feed in small bites, but I eat frequently. Sometimes I gorge myself on some especially appealing idea or inspiration, and sometimes I just peck my way along, absorbing tidbits as they appear.
The birds always know where to find their food--just as I always know where to find My Jesus. We each find our food amidst the snowstorms of life.
Wending Our Way...

Threesomes

March 3, 2026

Jude 2: ...mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.
I've always been drawn to words that come in threes. I have no idea why. Maybe they just feel strong and peaceful to me. Anyway, here are some of the threesomes I especially like:
1. May you find peace, beauty and contentment each day. 2. If you must correct someone, be direct, kind and specific. 3. Stop, look and listen before you cross the street--and as you go through life.
Enjoy your day!!!
Wending Our Way...

Perfect Leaf

March 2, 2026

Proverbs 11:28 ...but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
I recently read a fascinating book (Healing Words, by Larry Dossey). Larry mentions somewhere along the way that he and his younger sister, when they were quite young, invented a game called "Perfect Leaf." Both kids hunted all over their yard for a perfect leaf. Any tree or shrub could be part of the game. The winner was the first one to find a perfect leaf. The game could continue for quite some time, especially in late summer and fall when most leaves were damaged by insects or birds, had gotten dried out and shriveled, or were torn in some way.
The game taught them that beauty and ugliness can co-exist. Of course, it reminded me of Our Jesus, because He's the only Perfect Leaf we'll ever find. Nothing we do this side of heaven can make us perfect, but even so, Jesus hunts around His earthly garden, collecting all of us "imperfect leaves"--and escorting us onward into our Heavenly Home.
Wending Our Way...

Trailblazing #5

February 27, 2026

Psalms 3:3 ...you bestow glory upon me and lift up my head.
This National Geographic article was titled "How to Build the Perfect Hike." This is exactly what the Good Lord has done for each of us. He's hand-made the paths we walk and leads us onward every step of the journey. Love abounds as we navigate our way along, even when the terrain is rough and steep. God's Beauty shines through at various points along the way as we're led unerringly forward on "The Perfect Hike" here on earth and then on to our Eternal Home.
Wending Our Way...

Trailblazing #4

February 26, 2026

Genesis 49:25 ...the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above....
Some hiking trails provide easy access to nature's vistas, while others offer greater challenges. Talbot and Bitner mentioned that when a trail gets rough, hikers watch their feet (naturally!) and may miss the beautiful landscape around them. This reminded me of how we humans respond to the rough patches in our lives: we, too, watch our footing as we clatter along, sometimes missing the small blessings that pop up along the trail.
Scouting out life's blessings is often the last thing we feel like doing when the road gets rough, but taking moments throughout the day to notice God's small blessings--something I once heard called "gracelets"--reminds us that God loves us and longs to refresh our withering spirits as we continue advancing along life's rocky pathways.
So--take a few moments here and there throughout your day and look out for the gracelets God lays in beside your path! You'll be tickled at what you find.
Wending Our Way...

Trailblazing #3

February 25, 2026

Proverbs 4:12 ...your steps will not be hampered.
At one point along the trail, Talbot and Bitner discovered a spot where hikers were deliberately walking around a short, man-made staircase on a steep incline. Further investigating showed that the steps were about one and a half strides deep but should be only one stride deep. The fellows fixed the stride depth and hikers gradually began using the staircase again, which allowed the native grasses to re-grow along the previously trampled pathway.
Somehow, our All-Knowing God has matched each of our steps to our individual journeys. Sometimes we stretch, sometimes we take hesitant or baby steps, and sometimes we march or stand in place; but through it all, our Forever Trailblazer is with us all the way, leading us into a Glorious Future at Trail's End.
Wending Our Way...

Trailblazing #2

February 24, 2026

Isaiah 54:13 ...Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.
One of the intentional trail design features created by Talbot and Bitner was "gateways" along the trails. These are places where the trail wends its way between two fixed objects--perhaps two trees or a pair of boulders. To hikers, a gateway often feels like a portal, an opening into something new.
God builds "gateways" into our lives, too. Sometimes, what looks like an obstacle as we approach it, becomes a portal as we pass through it and move on into whatever is newly before us.
Trusting in God's leading and following the path before us leads into the future God has already prepared for us.
Wending Our Way...

Trailblazing #1

February 23, 2026

Colossians 3:16 ...sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
I just read an interesting article in the January 2026 National Geographic magazine. It was titled "How to Build the Perfect Hike" and dealt with global efforts to design hiking trails that provide awe-inspiring vistas while protecting the land. Jed Talbot and Willie Bitner joined forces to create hand-built, sustainable trails in southern Patagonia. Many of their experiences mirror our Christian walk.
One observation by Talbot stayed with me. He mentioned that without variety in our lives, we humans tend to lose our feelings of gratitude, so building trails that lead to a variety of natural scenes guides their trail-building efforts.
'Grateful', with Latin origins, originally meant 'pleasing' and 'thankful' blended together. We've all had plenty of decidedly unpleasant stuff happen in our lives, but we've also had lots of pleasing things occur as well. I invite you today, even amongst the most difficult times, to seek out the endless variety that God has sprinkled into your life--and then to express your gratitude to the LORD above. If you're not much of a singer, offer up a word or a thought or a prayer expressing your thankfulness. God loves a grateful heart!
Wending Our Way...

Good News!!

February 20, 2026

Acts 10:36 ...You know the message of God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ....
Here's another comical kid interaction from the internet. Mom was driving her eight-year-old son to school when he happily announced that his pockets were full of confetti. Naturally his mom asked why he had confetti in his pockets, and he cheerily replied, "So I'm ready whenever I hear good news!"
Isn't that a great outlook?! We can't very well fill our pockets with confetti and toss it around all day, but we CAN fill our spirits with it and toss invisible handfuls of the stuff when we hear of peaceful, loving things occurring around us.
Wending Our Way...

Origami And Life

February 19, 2026

Proverbs 3:5 ...Trust in the LORD with all your heart.
I've always been fascinated by origami--Japanese paper folding. Its most familiar figure is the paper crane but there are countless others. Many are quite simple while others are amazingly complex.
Origami always reminds me of our Christian walk. Both are filled with twists and turns, folds and creases, turn-overs and surprises; but through it all, origami crafters and Our Good LORD all work to create things of lasting beauty and inspiration.
Wending Our Way...

Haiku...Ash Wednesday

February 18, 2026

Genesis 18:27 ...though I am nothing but dust and ashes....
From dust I have come~
And to dust I shall return.
Yet You care for me.
Wending Our Way...

Exploding Carrots

February 17, 2026

Luke 1:79 ...guide our feet into the path of peace.
The other day I put some chicken, pasta and carrots in the microwave to heat up for a quick meal. The chicken and pasta fared OK, but several of the carrots blew up and made an awful mess (I did have a lid on things, thankfully). I'd forgotten that carrots in the microwave do better with less heat and shorter cooking times.
I know people who are a lot like those carrots: they blow up easily. They remain calm longer if I interact with them with less pressure and for shorter periods of time. Some folks just need less external stimulation in order to remain at peace.
Wending Our Way...

Anchored

February 16, 2026

Mark 6:53 ...they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there.
I loved the movies Grumpy Old Men and Grumpier Old Men. In both movies, Walter Matthau played Max Goldman and Jack Lemmon played John Gustafson--two next-door neighbors involved in a long love-hate relationship. These two guys were always at each other's throats verbally and constantly played tricks on each other. At one point, Max goes off to their favorite lake to go fishing, finds an appealing spot and drops his anchor. The anchor rope lazily uncoils from the bottom of the boat as the anchor slowly heads downward.
Then it happens: part of the rope remains coiled in the bottom of the boat as the other part slips off the side of the boat and follows the anchor to the bottom of the lake. John has cut the anchor rope, and the anchor can't do its job because it's no longer connected to the boat.
It works the same with relationships. We're most effective in our relationships with others if we're connected to them in some way. Take-Home: You can't be an anchor if you're not connected.
Wending Our Way...

Feeding On Resentment

February 13, 2026

Job 36:13 ...The godless in heart harbor resentment....
I just finished a fascinating book about "my life in the restaurant business." It described a young man's journey from waiter to captain to maître d...and finally to owning his own restaurant.
When I started the book, I read his bio, but I must've been tired because instead of "my life in the restaurant business" I read "my life in the resentment business." Heavens! Who'd want to read about THAT?! But come to think about it, I HAVE known several people who did seem to live mostly in the resentment business. (I know one fellow who always felt that his parents shortchanged him; he lived to keep that wound festering. I knew another young woman who refused to go to any continuing-ed classes and was eventually let go by her company. She always resented the company's "unfair treatment" and would complain to anyone she could buttonhole.)
I suspect that such resentment feeds the one who's constantly aggrieved. It might also feed those who thrive on drama and blame, but resentment provides a poor diet at best and attracts unhappy companions as well...which makes it hard to enjoy the good things in life and quickly creates a hugely negative environment.
Wending Our Way...

Haiku...Silence

February 12, 2026

Job 37:6 ... [God] says to the snow, "Fall on the earth...."
Snow fell overnight.
The world is white and silent.
It sounds just like God!
Wending Our Way...

Get Understanding #3

February 11, 2026

Proverbs 13:20 ...There is...joy for those who promote peace.
Larry and I are almost compulsively neat. The house is always clean and tidy, things are put away after use, the cars are washed, the beds are made....A friend of mine from many years ago had a much more casual outlook on neatness. She left out whatever she was going to use again, she had a good bit of clutter around, she tended to dust around things, and her car was filled with dog hair, kids' toys and food wrappers.
When my friend came to visit, I realized that her stuff would always be more visible than mine (she usually brought several craft projects to work on while we visited and they tended to fill up the space around wherever she was sitting.) And, because her car was always so messy, we'd go places in my car instead of hers. It worked out just fine. I've always enjoyed her company and so made allowances for her preferred lifestyle.
Take-Home: Sometimes we don't need to change our realities, but we might need to make room for others' realities as well.
Wending Our Way...

Get Understanding #2

February 10, 2026

Proverbs 1:5 ...let the wise listen and add to their learning....
I've read some amusing stuff on the internet. One elementary school scholar, who was a whiz at spelling, purposely spelled the last word wrong so she'd come in second. When her parents asked her about it, she said if you come in second you get a candy bar, but if you come in first all you get is a dumb old medal. I also saw a video clip of a toddler who had a total meltdown because his dad gave him the wrong color spoon at lunch.
I suspect that both of these kids navigated childhood's difficulties successfully and came to understand that competitive people value medals over candy and that proper nutrition is more important than utensil color. These kids are perfect examples that time, experience and widening perspective work together to build understanding.
Take-Home: When we gain different information, we make different choices.
Wending Our Way...

Get Understanding #1

February 9, 2026

Proverbs 23:23 ...get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
I remember visiting my grandmother when I was a teen. She seemed quite elderly. At one point, she mentioned that she couldn't see to drive at night anymore. This was a complete mystery to me. I wondered if maybe she'd tried driving at night without turning on the headlights.
Since I've been stomping around the planet for over three-quarters of a century (ye gods!!!), I understand completely. I now don't drive at night, either.
Take-Home: You can't fully understand what you haven't experienced.
Wending Our Way...

Nibbles

February 6, 2026

Luke 5:7 ...So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them....
Don't point fingers---lend a hand.
Wending Our Way...

Chickens And Ducks...and Christians

February 05, 2026

John 17:20 ...I pray for those who will believe in me through [the disciples'] message....
My sister invited a friend (I'll call her Sally) for dinner on Christmas Day. Dinner wasn't until five o'clock because Sally, a huge animal-lover, had to put her chickens and ducks into their respective shelters before she left. If those flocks are left to roam overnight, predators get them.
The chickens are agreeable souls, willingly going in for the night whenever asked to do so; but the ducks are another story. They like to stay out until the last trace of sunlight remains and are very stubborn about going in for the night before it's actually night.
People often operate the same way. Some come to Christ easily and early on, but others hold onto their "freedom" until the last moment. Even so, Jesus prays for us all. (Check out Jn. 17:6-20.) Jesus wants "complete unity" amongst Himself, God, the Holy Spirit and all believers (Jn. 17:23). Even those who come to Him at the last moment, find that He's there, holding the door open for them and inviting them into a long-awaited place of safety and rest.
Wending Our Way...

Ice Removal And Disciple-Making

February 4, 2026

Matthew 28:19 ...Therefore go and make disciples of all nations....
On December 27, we awoke to the results of an overnight ice storm. It was beautiful out, but treacherous. Our campus snow-removal team appeared around dawn and began the arduous task of salting, chipping and shoveling the stuff.
As I watched a group of three shovel our sidewalk and then move on to deal with the sidewalks around our courtyard, it occurred to me that snow and ice removal has a lot in common with making disciples. (1) Working as a team makes the job easier on everyone. (2) At one point, our snow-removal team put down a good bit of salt, then left to shovel elsewhere while the salt did its work. Sometimes, we disciple-makers too, must lay the groundwork and then move away to give time--time. (3) Our faithful workers had to move slowly in order to avoid falling on the icy sidewalks. We often have to go slowly when making disciples. Too much forward momentum can overwhelm newbies or seekers as we guide them toward the Beautiful Place we already inhabit.
Whether shoveling snow or making disciples, we must move in tune with the realities of the situations we inhabit.
Wending Our Way...

Thorns--and Service

February 3, 2026

2 Corinthians 12:7 ...there was given me a thorn in my flesh....
I write these devotions in small notebooks I get at the dollar store. They're cheap--and cheaply made--but that's okay. They still do the job I need them for. As I began writing this devotion, I noticed a tiny brown fleck on the notebook page. I suppose it was a bit of wood pulp that was left in the mix. It didn't hurt anything. I just worked around it.
It works the same way with us humans. We all contain odd bits of detritus (bad memories, unkind words aimed at us, jealousies, lusts, self-doubts, to name a few).
None of this bothers God. He just works around our thorns--and accomplishes wonders by using our imperfect souls.
Wending Our Way...

Never-Ending Love

February 2, 2026

Psalms 136:1 ...His love endures forever.
I just read that most forms of energy weaken at a distance. Think about how the force of water in a garden hose diminishes as it gets to your farther-away flowers; or how the cooling effect of a fan on a hot day weakens as it crosses a large room; or how about the way human energy flags at the end of the day.
One thing that doesn't diminish because of distance is God's Love. No matter how far from heaven's gates we are, or how far away we feel, God's Love is a constant in our lives.
Psalm 136: 1 contains a blessed promise we can rely on from now through eternity.
Wending Our Way...

Blessings!!

January 30, 2026

Psalms 91:11 ...For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
May blessings flood your path today. May angels guard your door. May heaven's gates reveal their Love And guide you safe to shore.
Wending Our Way...

Wisdom's Origin

January 29, 2026

Job 28:20 ...Where does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell?
I love the above question. Wisdom is generally gained through experience, by acquiring knowledge, learning from our mistakes, using good judgment and adhering to sound principles. It's mostly made visible in our actions, thoughts and words. I ran into an interesting slant on wisdom this week. I was discussing the concept with a fellow pilgrim who said, "Wisdom isn't so much wise words as much as a wider perspective."
Wow! How insightful!! Our perspective refers to the way we see things, our way of regarding things, our point of view. If our perspective is narrow, our wisdom may be also. As we gain experience and knowledge, our perspective often widens and we become more patient, kind, understanding and compassionate--more Christlike.
Part of growth involves being open to new perspectives, then enlarging our territory* by allowing these new perspectives to generate wisdom within us. *(Isa. 54:2...Enlarge the place of your tent...NIV)
Wending Our Way...

Drone Salvation

January 28, 2026

Psalms 119:45 ...I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.
I recently watched a fascinating video about a doe and her two fawns who had gotten trapped in the ice on a large lake. I felt so sorry for them!! They were soaked, scared, deathly cold (the poor things were shivering violently) and in a hopeless situation. The lake was in the process of freezing over and they'd gotten trapped in the forming ice and were now too exhausted to break through the ice and swim to safety.
The local police arrived--with a drone, of all things! The drone flew in low and behind the deer and scared them so badly that they found a new surge of energy, thrashed through the icy mixture entrapping them and swam toward shore. The doe and one fawn made it to dry land and climbed out, racing toward the nearby woods. The second fawn got to the rocky shore but was so exhausted that it couldn't climb out of the water. It just laid there, kind of draped over the rocks, still half in the water. One of the officers managed to get a rope around its neck and pulled it out of the water, whereupon it, too, dashed off to the safety of the woods.
Take-Home: Sometimes what scares us is really the road to freedom.
Wending Our Way...

10% Discount??

January 27, 2026

Jonah 2:9 ...Salvation comes from the LORD.
Here's another computer ad devotion. I was nosing around on the internet, not really looking for anything in particular, when an ad popped up: "10% Discount On Your First Order!!" That'd be nice--if I really wanted to buy anything.
Not surprisingly, it reminded me of Jesus and salvation. That's because Jesus never offers a discount on salvation... because it doesn't cost us anything...and you can't take 10% off something that's already free.
Hallelujah!!!
Wending Our Way...

Free Shipping!!

January 26, 2026

Philippians 3:20 ...our citizenship is in heaven.
I recently received an email ad from a clothing retailer. I guess they're looking to boost post-Christmas sales because the ad boasted: "Free Shipping Has Been Extended! Buy Now!!!" (I didn't.)
The ad reminded me so much of salvation. For one thing, salvation always includes free shipping, so a "free shipping" offer would be meaningless. Another thing: "Free Shipping Has Been Extended" would also be meaningless with salvation because you can't extend something that already has no earthly expiration date.
And finally: Jesus isn't interested in post-Christmas sales. He just wants all His people to get Home.
Wending Our Way...

No Jesus??!!

January 23, 2026

Luke 2:12 ...a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Our retirement community has a lovely manger scene displayed near the front lobby. It's a good-sized set-up. The people are 20" tall or so and the animals are pretty big, too. It's an inspiring sight.
The only disturbing thing is the manger. It was empty most of December. It made me sad to see it that way. I realize why Baby Jesus wasn't there. He didn't arrive until Christmas Day, consequently many churches wait until Christmas Eve to put Him in the manger. Makes sense.
In reflecting on the early-December creche, I came to wonder: Wouldn't it be awful if the manger just stayed empty all year? Love and Light and Hope and Kindness would diminish in our world or maybe they'd vanish entirely. Then we'd have a cold, dark, empty world at best and no joyful Christmas celebrations.
Wending Our Way...

My Salvation

January 22, 2026

Psalms 18:2 ...He is my shield and the horn of my salvation....
Each of our bathrooms and bedrooms have one of those emergency call boxes. Each box has a pull-cord to summon help, should we need it. The system works well, but we have to pull the cord to get help. We can't just sit there (or lie around) thinking how nice it'd be if someone came to the rescue.
Salvation works the same way. Jesus is right there, waiting to be of service, but we have to initiate contact. We have to ask for His intervention.
Emergency call systems and Jesus--both require a "request for service" before help arrives. Neither one forces their way into a relationship. They connect by invitation only.

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