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...

Water Heater Drainage

August 25, 2025

Luke 11:22 ...but when someone stronger attacks and overpowers them....
Back in June, our water heater died. It was ten years old, and I guess the bottom rusted out because it started leaking. We got it replaced quickly, thankfully.
Before the guys could haul the old water heater away, they had to unplug it, disconnect a few pipes, turn off the taps and drain the tank. It all took time--longer than I'd expected.
What took longest was draining the tank, but it gave me an idea for a devotion! Just as a hot water heater sometimes needs draining, our emotions sometimes need it, too. Negative emotions with no outlet have a way of overpowering relationships with God, self and others. Draining emotions as needed (when they start to leak out) helps reduce their destructive energy and influence.
Wending Our Way...

Squirrels--and Satan Lurking

August 22, 2025

Mark 8:33 ...Get behind me, Satan!
I used to watch a neighbor chase squirrels away from his birdfeeders. He'd run toward them, flapping his arms and yelling. He'd throw tennis balls at them and bang on trees with a stick. He didn't want to hurt them. He just wanted them to leave some seed for the birds. But squirrels are crafty. They always kept one jump ahead of him--and they always came back!
This reminds me of Satan. He's always lurking somewhere, too, but his aim is to hurt us and to drive us away from God. We have to keep vigilant. Squirrels--and Satan--are tenacious!!
Wending Our Way...

Fern Pot--and Jesus

August 21, 2025

Psalms 55:22 ...cast your cares on the LORD....
I have an indoor fern that got too big for its pot. The pot was a heavy ceramic one, so the whole thing had gotten too heavy for me to lift comfortably. I transplanted it into a larger plastic pot. I can now easily lift it and carry it to the sink for its weekly watering.
That reminded me of Jesus, because He wants to help us carry stuff, too. He doesn't want us to struggle with heavy burdens. Sharing life's burdens with Jesus doesn't always make them go away, but it certainly makes them easier to carry.
Wending Our Way...

Traumatic Shrapnel

August 20, 2025

Proverbs 16:24 ...Pleasant words are a honeycomb....
I read an interesting description a month or so ago--"traumatic shrapnel." 'Traumatic' refers to anything that deeply wounds us; and 'shrapnel' refers to small particles from an exploding bomb, shell or mine. How about words? They can produce "traumatic shrapnel", too. Years ago, I heard a very insightful comment: "The words you give to me are mine to keep forever." Wow! That's great if the words are a blessing, but what if they're mean or brutal or near-fatal shots? Words have a long shelf-life!
My point is this: If I think my words are going to explode into tiny bits of hurt, I try to file the sharp edges down a bit before I send them on their way. Prayer helps to do this. So does talking to a trusted other person, doing something physical and trying to understand where the other person might be coming from. I want my forever-words to be as kind as possible.
Wending Our Way...

Power Failure

August 19, 2025

Psalms 147:5 ...Great is our Lord and mighty in power....
One day back in June we had four power failures--probably due to high heat and the increased demand for electricity to run air conditioning. PECO not only has to provide electricity constantly; they also have to keep generating it in order to meet demands. That must be a real challenge at times.
This whole episode reminded me of God...because God doesn't have to keep producing energy. He IS a constant energy flow--an inexhaustible source of Presence and Power. We'll never have a power failure with God.
Wending Our Way...

Moth Salvation

August 18, 2025

Jonah 2:9 ...Salvation comes from the LORD....
When I stopped at my bank last week, a young woman was just leaving. She was walking kind of funny and was holding a slim, red object out in front of her. As I neared the bank's door, I could see that the red thing was a plastic fly swatter, and she was walking slowly so as not to dislodge a small white moth that was on the swatter. She got just a few steps beyond the bank's doors when the moth joyfully (I presume) took flight and sailed off across the parking lot.
As we walked back into the bank together, she explained that she just can't kill things. (Me, neither!) Jesus feels the same way. He can't bear to see His people get stomped on, so He carries us to freedom, just as this young woman carried the moth to freedom. Hallelujah!!
Wending Our Way...

Immaculate...or Not??

August 15, 2025

Psalms 51:5 ...Surely I was sinful at birth....
'Immaculate' comes from an Old Latin word (macula), meaning 'spot' or 'stain.' (It also meant a hole in a net.) Anything that's immaculate is thus spotless or perfect. Luke 1:28 implies Mary's perfection and her part in the Immaculate Conception. (The word 'immaculate' isn't in the NIV Bible.)
'Immaculate' got me wondering if 'maculate' is a word. It is!!! It's outdated, but it means 'spotted,' 'impure,' 'blotched,' 'soiled,' 'besmirched,' or 'blemished.' Of course, Mary was none of these and neither was Jesus. But humans are all those things. We get besmirched by life and its many spots, stains and blemishes.
As Christians, we know we won't stay maculate forever. Ps. 51:7..."wash me and I will be whiter than snow," reminds me that we, like Mary and Jesus, will at some point be pure and spotless, guided by Grace into the Heavenly Realms--forever.
Wending Our Way...

Snap! Snarl!! HISS!!!

August 14, 2025

1 Kings 22:34 ...Get me out of the fighting. I've been wounded.
Many years ago, I patted a dog that had always been friendly, but she snapped at me that day. It turned out that she had the start of an ear infection and the owner didn't know it. (The dog got on meds and was fine in a few days.)
Heaven only knows why I was reminded of that incident today, but it's a prefect illustration for today's devotion. In reflecting on that dog's response, I've come to realize that sometimes, when someone snaps at me, they're probably not attacking me personally; they may be reacting to an internal trigger that is hurtful for them but has nothing to do with me.
Sometimes, people's anger may be due to a painful wound I didn't inflict. If I can respond to their pain, instead of defending myself, peace can often be restored more quickly.
Wending Our Way...

Just Hi--Really?!

August 13, 2025

John 15:9 ...Now remain in my love....
I got to thinking that maybe it's hard for some folks to "just say hi" to God, so, here are a few ideas.
1.Whenever you see something waving (flags, banners, trees, people's hands, ornamental grasses), stop and whisper "Hi!" to God. 2. Gaze up at a huge, fluffy white cloud on a sunny day and whisper, "Just Hi!" (I always think maybe Jesus is sitting on the edge of fluffy clouds, just watching over us.) 3. Stand, sit or lie down wherever, and whisper "Just Hi!"...and wave to God. 4.Close your eyes and think, "Hi!"
I've found that "Just Hi" moments are amazingly peaceful for me, and they're probably cherished by God.
Wending Our Way...

Just Hi!

August 12, 2025

Psalms 18:1 ..I love you, O LORD, my strength.
The other day I received an email from a friend. "Just Hi," it began, and then meandered off into a short, newsy sort of message.
"Just Hi" reminded me of Jesus. I bet He loves it when we stop in and just say "Hi." No formal prayers, no requests, no meditation, no heartfelt praise or worshipful silence--just pure companionship and love.
Wending Our Way...

Today Only!!

August 11, 2025

Romans 6:23 ...the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Last week I got a sale notice on my computer. "Today Only!" it read and went on to display the sale items and their prices.
You'll bever see anything like that with Jesus. For one thing, salvation isn't "for sale." You can't buy it or even earn it. And--it's not available "today only." It has been available 24/7 for over two thousand years and will continue to be so for many years to come.
Annnnd---I've never seen or heard of Jesus posting any advertising for salvation. Salvation comes through relationship with Christ--not through answering an ad.
Wending Our Way...

Haiku..... Summer Hallelujah!!

August 8, 2025

Psalms 66:5 ...Come and see what God has done....
The birds are singing~
The rabbit is munching grass~
Beautiful weather!
Wending Our Way...

Drama Club

August 7, 2025

Romans 8:29 ...neither height not depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I recently talked with a 90+ year-old woman. She said she belonged to a drama club for seniors. They put on short skits for local churches and nursing homes. She said the rehearsals were a riot. People dropped their scripts, forgot where they were supposed to be on-stage, ran off to the bathroom in the middle of things and wound up being unable to hear each other. (Their director just laughs and carries on.) Even so, she said they had a blast and their skits generally turned out just fine.
That sure sounds like a description of my life! Sometimes I lose my words right when I need them most; sometimes I have the right words but at the wrong moment; I'm sure I wind up in places God didn't direct me to; I get pulled away by varied demands of life; and I KNOW I don't hear well anymore.
I suppose God often laughs at my bumbling steps down here, but, like that skit director, He knows things will turn out OK in the end....so I just try to relax and go with the flow!!
Wending Our Way...

Origami Dog

August 6, 2025

Romans 8:28 ...in all things God works for the good of those who love him....
Last week I watched as a woman told a short story while she folded a paper square into a figure. Her story told about a young boy who desperately wanted a dog. As she meandered through the story, she repeatedly folded the paper square--and when her story ended, she'd folded the paper into a sitting dog! It was fascinating!
As I reflected on the Origami dog, I came to realize that it's a great symbol for life: No matter how many folds, creases, crinkles or turns occur in my life, God's using it all for good.
Origami figures don't look like much when they're being folded, but the end result is impressive. I suspect our Christian lives will be the same.
Wending Our Way...

No Warning!

August 05, 2025

Numbers 26:10 ...The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them...and they served as a warning sign.
A few weeks ago, we had a fire drill here at our retirement community. As I was walking down a hallway inside the main building, the obnoxiously loud buzzers went off, nearly deafening even those of us with hearing loss. We had to exit the building quickly, stand a certain distance from the building, then return to the inside once the coast was clear. I know it was a drill, but it felt good to know that there'd be such a warning if anything serious ever happened.
It all reminded me of Satan--because this was so unlike him. He doesn't set up warnings. He happily leaves dangers and temptations lying around and hopes that we'll stumble over them. We have to pay close attention to avoid falling for his ploys.
Wending Our Way...

Baby Rabbit Food

August 4, 2025

Isaiah 44:9,20 ...All who make idols...[feed] on ashes, a deluded heart misleads [them]....
Last evening Larry and I watched as a baby rabbit nibbled at a large violet leaf growing near our porch. All seemed well until I noticed that it was eating a plant that had been sprayed with weed killer. Sheesh!! That couldn't be good for the bunny!!
But don't I do the same thing in life? I eat one chip, knowing that'll lead to another...and another....I read the next exciting chapter in my book--and forget my Bible reading for the day. I listen to a juicy tidbit about So-and-So and miss a chance to offer a quick prayer for her.
The bunny is probably still learning what will safely feed it, unlike me. I know what's "Good to Eat." I just have to stick to a healthy menu.
Wending Our Way...

Recalculating Route

August 1, 2025

Matthew 2:12 ...they retired to their country by another route.
Larry and I were driving somewhere recently. The GPS was plugged in, and our AI Guide was merrily leading us onward. At one point, Larry took a shortcut he knew well--and "AI Alice' quit talking as the GPS screen posted the words: "recalculating route."
Gosh! THAT sounds familiar! How often in life do we have to stop what we're doing, take a deep breath, recalculate our route, and get going again?
Lots of life events challenge us to change course, but keep going. It's comforting to know that even when life throws wrenches into out plans, God has our whole journey mapped out and provided for. We may have to recalculate, but He never does. Our future is secure, even if it looks a bit wobbly to us.
Wending Our Way...

Winebibber

July 31, 2025

Matthew 11:19 ...they said, "He is a glutton and a drunkard."
The word 'bibber' probably came from an Old Latin word simply meaning 'to drink.' In the King James version of the Bible, Jesus is accused of being a winebibber. ("Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber.") This accusation attempted to describe Jesus as a drunkard--one who habitually drank wine to excess.
This brings me to an odd thought: Are all Christians then Jesus-bibbers? Sounds like it!
Wending Our Way...

Unplugged?

July 30, 2025

Isaiah 40:29 ...He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
My sister was here for a visit back in May. At night, she charged her hearing aids, which involved leaving them plugged in overnight. I thought that might damage them, but she said they start discharging as soon as they're unplugged, so it's better to leave them plugged in. Interesting!
Isn't that just like us ? If tight schedules, distractions, fatigue, temptations or interruptions keep us unplugged from Jesus, we'll soon start discharging, too. Staying plugged in to Christ gives us the energy to keep going.
Wending Our Way...

Jacquard...or Printed

July 29, 2025

Exodus 28:4 ...These are the garments [skilled men] are to make: a breastpiece ,an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. (These were for Aaron to wear when he served as a priest.)
I was looking over my summer clothing today and noticed that most of my tops have designs printed on them. This means that the outside of the cloth has a vibrant, definite pattern while the inside has a more muted rendition of the pattern.
A few of my tops are jacquard--woven so that the inside and outside of the cloth are identical. Jacquard cloth is much more sturdy than printed cloth. It's more durable and doesn't fade as easily.
All this reminds me of Jesus because He doesn't want to be just printed on our surfaces. He wants to be woven into the very fabric of our lives, into our entire being. That keeps us sturdy and vibrant, too.
Wending Our Way...

New Home/Old Challenges

July 28, 2025

Acts 14:22 ...We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God....
Quite a while ago I watched a video showing a hermit crab searching the ocean floor for a new, bigger shell; when he'd found one, he quickly moved his soft hindquarters into his new home. He had one slightly damaged claw, but that didn't hamper him. He just kept on keeping on with his hermit crab responsibilities.
Once he'd moved, his damaged claw and other difficulties remained. He was living in a different place now, but he'd carried his challenges with him. He still had to find food and a mate, defend himself, get adequate rest, deal with the realities of aging, and manage whatever housekeeping requirements hermit crabs have.
So it is with us humans, too. As we move along in life we sometimes find ourselves faced with new opportunities or responsibilities, but the old challenges cling to us like barnacles. Life won't get easy until we get to heaven.
Wending Our Way...

Nibbles

July 25, 2025

Jeremiah 6:16 ...ask where the good way is and walk in it....
Wring all the good you can out of life's troubles!
Wending Our Way...

Open Sesame

July 24, 2025

Revelation 3:20 ...I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in....
I had a fascinating conversation with a woman from our apartments the other day. She'd gone to the Jersey shore for a few days and was looking forward to having her son join her later in the week. Since he lives near here, he stopped at her apartment to pick up something she'd forgotten.
Here's the fascinating part: Her son doesn't have a key to her apartment, so, when she's at the shore, he calls her on her cell in Jersey, she pushes a button on her phone and her apartment door unlocks!!! How cool it that?!
Jesus kind of operates the same way. Heaven's a whole lot farther away than the Jersey shore, and yet, at some point in the past, Jesus "pushed a button" and opened each heart that knows Him and follows His ways. How cool is that??!!
Wending Our Way...

Table Of Grace

July 23, 2025

Ephesians 6:24 ...Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ....
One day recently Larry experienced a mix-up in our cafeteria. He'd ordered a burger and fries but got a hot turkey Reuben instead. He ate it anyway and found out it was really good! I wonder who got his hamburger.
This mix-up reminded me of Communion. Larry could eat a meal that wasn't his, but you can't do that with Communion. Each person has to come to the table himself. You can't take Communion for someone else. Jesus wants each of us to come--personally--to His Table of Grace.
Wending Our Way...

Saved By...

July 22, 2025

Luke 19:9 ...Today salvation has come to this house....
Maybe yesterday's drone story got me thinking about how stuff gets saved. Over the years, I've used tapes, CDs, floppy discs, flash drives, the Cloud, savings accounts, safe deposit boxes, carbon paper, folders, drawers....Things get saved in lots of ways and those ways tend to change over time.
Amazingly, Christ's method of Salvation hasn't changed in over two thousand years. The Cross took care of things back then, it still takes care of things today and it will continue to take care of things in the future. Salvation is unchanging. Hallelujah!
Wending Our Way...

Drone Salvation

July 21, 2025

Psalms 119:81 ...my soul faints with longing for your salvation....
Back in May I heard about an exhausted woman at the shore who got caught in a riptide and was being steadily pulled out to sea. She was too far from land for anyone to offer aid. A quick-thinking observer on the beach, who was flying a drone at the time, sent the drone to the lifeguard chair; had it pick up a life preserver, fly it out to the woman and drop it down to her and then return to land. She was thus able to hold on until rescue crews were able to reach her. What an inspiring event!
Isn't life like this sometimes? We can get caught in the overpowering currents of life and can be dragged farther and farther away from familiar, safe territory. Sometimes we need some astute and caring observer to step in and get us to safety.
In this scenario, the riptide is like life at its worst. I think of Jesus as my Drone, Who appears from above, bringing Grace and Salvation. And I think of the human rescue team as those kind souls who accompany me through life, assuring that I get where I'm supposed to be in my earthly ventures.
Wending Our Way...

Painting The World

July 18, 2025

Psalms 19:1 ...the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
The word 'paint' has an interesting past. Its base is Indo-European and it originally meant 'to cut.' At some point, its meaning changed to "decorating with cut marks' (as you would with damp clay). Next, it meant 'to decorate,' and finally it came to mean'to decorate with color.'
I got to thinking about all the painters in the world. Some of us do it with words. I have a friend who does it with magnificent watercolor paintings. Several women here produce lovely garments by knitting or crocheting or embroidering. Some folks here make artificial arrangements; some work with beads; and some do quilting. And how about smiles, which bring a beauty all their own. There are lots of ways to decorate the world.
And think of God, who paints the skies at dawn and dusk, who colors the fields and flowers and trees, the snowy landscapes and sunny days and moonlit nights. And especially think of His Provision--which paints our world with His Love and Grace.
Wending Our Way...

Singing Washer

July 17, 2025

Zephaniah 3:17 ...God is with you...he will rejoice over you with singing.
Our washer plays a cute little ditty when it finishes up. It's an electronic Deedle-Dee, Deedle-Dee, Deet-Dah-Deet!!" sort of tune. It's kind of cheery, actually.
It only does this when it has finished its designated job. I wonder: Does all of heaven sing when we've finished our designated jobs down here and wind up at the Pearly Gates? I wonder what tune they'll play when I arrive.
Wending Our Way...

Generations

July 16, 2025

Genesis 48:4 ...I will make you a community of peoples....
We have quite a few high school seniors working in our senior living community. I'm most connected to those bright young folks who serve in our cafeteria, since Larry and I seem to eat a lot! Quite a few of them have graduated now and are off on the next segments of their journeys.
Many of my experiences in life will be outdated as far as connecting points in their lives, but what doesn't become outdated is feelings. Although our experiences may vary vastly, our feelings don't. All the feelings they've had (regardless of the situations that created them) are the same feelings I've had somewhere along the line; and it's the same feelings felt by generations before us. Even the folks we read about in the Bible had the same feelings we do.
If I'm trying to connect with someone else, especially with someone whose experiences are quite different from mine, I find that if I look at the feelings others are expressing, I can often build connections (and community) more easily. That's because one of the strongest bonds we have with others is our feelings.
Wending Our Way...

Check The Verbs

July 15, 2025

Genesis 1:1 ...In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Have you ever paid specific attention to the verbs in scriptures? Doing so can bring new insights. I came up with five ways verbs function in scripture.
1. Verbs can describe a past event. (See today's scripture.) 2. Verbs can encourage an on-going activity. (2 Chr. 20:17...Take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance God will give you.) 3. Verbs can remind us of a promise. (Mt. 28:20...And surely I am with you always....). 4. Verbs can give us direction or instruction. (Mt. 19:19...love your neighbor as yourself....). 5. Verbs can remind us of God's love, power, grace and provision. (1 Cor. 15:2...By this gospel you are saved.)
Check out the verbs in scripture and you might discover fresh blessings in His word!
Wending Our Way...

Esculent Christ

July 14, 2025

Matthew 26:26,28 ..."Take and eat; this is my body....Drink. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
I'm reading The House of the Seven Gables. It's positively ancient and uses many obscure words and extremely long sentences. It's mostly interesting but difficult to read.
I learned a new word along the way: esculent. I'd bever heard of it before. A young woman in the book spoke of esculent vegetables that were growing in an untended garden. 'Esculent' simply means 'edible,' so...red ripe tomatoes are esculent but hard green ones aren't.
Naturally, this reminded me of Jesus, because He's edible, too. Vegetables don't ask to be eaten, but Jesus does. Just as food and drink feed and nourish us, feeding on Jesus does the same. That's kind of exciting!
Wending Our Way...

Anger # 4...Grief

July 11, 2025

Job 7:17 ...My eyes have grown dim with grief....
'Anger' indicates a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure or hostility. Interestingly enough, it descends, in part, from an Old Norse word meaning 'grief,' from German and Dutch words meaning 'constriction' or 'narrowing', and from a Greek word meaning 'strangle.'
I can see how anger feels constricting and strangling, but I never associated grief with anger. It makes sense, though, because grief indicates deep sorrow and some of the underlying feelings behind anger could cause us grief. Actually, I can see how a touch of anger could lead us through a shortened version of the kind of grief caused by the death of a loved one. (My devotion of 6/20/25 covers grief's hallmarks.)
Next time anger hits, try exploring how the grief stages might apply to your situation. If your anger is based on something you view as a loss, this might be helpful.
Wending Our Way...

Anger #3...Anger As A Cover

July 10, 2025

Isaiah 48:6 ...From now on I will tell you of new things, of hidden things unknown to you.
One interesting thing about anger is that it often covers over another emotion. Anger may be the most visible emotion to others and the most readily discernable emotion we feel, but there's often another emotion hiding beneath it.
We might be angry that another driver cut us off abruptly, but beneath the anger is genuine fear for our safety. We might be angry at the mess the kids made, but our hidden emotion is frustration at their carelessness. We might be angry that a friend forgot our lunch plans, but the underlying emotion might be the anguish of being discarded or not cared about.
Sometimes it helps to explore what other feelings are driving anger. This can help us spot what our triggers are and can help us vent our deeper feelings while we find new ways to cope.
Wending Our Way...

Anger #2... Function

July 9, 2025

Matthew 21:12 ...Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there.
Anger has a number of functions in our lives. 1. It can help us detect threats. 2. It can provide motivation and energy. (Jesus' anger at the "den of robbers" gave Him the energy to address the situation.) 3. Anger can help us get our needs met. 4. Anger can help resolve conflict when both parties address anger effectively. 5. Anger can help move us into spiritual and emotional growth via insight into our own and others' needs, motivations and faults. 6. Anger can increase cooperation if people work together to generate compromises.
As we reflect on our own anger episodes, it's often helpful to consider the function anger is serving in our lives. This can help create greater self-knowledge and can foster the resolution of relational issues.
Wending Our Way...

Anger #1...It's OK

July 8, 2025

Psalms 4:4 ...In your anger, do not sin....
Growing up, I was always taught never show anger. It was considered unchristian, poor form, something to be squashed immediately in favor of "nice" behavior. (I got an A in the course, as did many women my age.)
Actually, nowhere in the Bible does it say that anger should be squashed. God gave us feelings for a reason, and He wants us to notice our feelings, name them and express them in healthy ways.
I've finally learned to express anger (well, sometimes anyway!) to "safe people". Safe People are those who can hear my thoughts and feelings without criticizing, manipulating, interrupting, negating, attacking, downplaying my feelings, trying to fix things, threatening or gossiping. Safe People can help me vent without worrying about consequences.
Wending Our Way...

Stuck Yarn

July 7, 2025

Job 18:10 ...A trap lies in his path.
I was knitting today and my yarn got stuck. No matter what I did, it wouldn't pull out of the skein. It was kind of irritating. I thought maybe it had gotten a knot in it, but I soon discovered that I was in my favorite rocking chair and the yarn had gotten caught under the rocker. I moved it and things straightened out fast!
As I continued knitting, it occurred to me that with the yarn under my rocker, I was sort of getting in my own way. Then I started thinking about other behaviors that could indict that I'm getting in my own way. How about faulty thinking, impatience, judgmentalism and an overly busy schedule?
It often helps, I've found, when I'm feeling irritated, to explore my own input into the situation. Sometimes a change in my own thoughts or actions eases life's difficulties.
Wending Our Way...

4th Of July

July 4, 2025

Psalms 18:2 ...the LORD is my light and my salvation....
I heard a comment years ago. I never forgot it:
There are only two people who have ever offered to die for you: the American GI and Jesus Christ.
Wending Our Way...

God Is Light

July 3, 2025

Isaiah 2:5 ...Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Our retirement community is very well-lit at night. Anyone walking between the main building and their residence can see clearly to find their way home. This reminds me of my Christian journey--because it doesn't seem to be very well lit! I can see dimly at best and must go forward in faith much of the time.
This is God's way it seems--to guide me with gentle nudges, quiet inspirations and lingering interests or desires.
When it comes to finding my way, I've come to realize that God often wants me to stick around wherever I happen to be, to observe the local people and interact with them, and to respond to the needs I can fulfill. God'll use me, wherever I'm at!
Wending Our Way...

Galilee

July 2, 2025

Matthew 26:32 ...I will go ahead of you into Galilee.
In the Bible, Galilee refers to the northern area of ancient Palestine. The name meant 'circle' because Palestine encircles the Sea of Galilee. Jesus' ministries began there, and He performed many miracles there. Because it had a reasonably large fresh-water lake, it provided for a flourishing fishing industry, and abundant streams flowing into the area created fertile land for supporting dense populations.
In today's scripture, Jesus is telling His disciples that they would be scattered after His arrest and crucifixion, but that He would return and go ahead of them into Galilee. (See also Mt. 28:7...where the angel at the tomb tells the women, "He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.')
Beloved, everything this side of heaven is your Galilee. Christ is ALWAYS before you, no matter where you go. He reminds you of this in Jn. 14:2..."I am going there to prepare a place for you." Christ has prepared our final resting place and is preparing each of us, now, to deal with all that comes our way as we journey heavenward. Thanks be to God!
Wending Our Way...

Floriferous

July 1, 2025

Song of Solomon 2:12 ...Flowers appear on the earth.
I learned a new word today: floriferous. It means "many flowers" or "blooming freely." I'd read about it in an article about geraniums. It said you should pinch off dead flowers to keep the plant floriferous.
That made me think of our Christian journey. We're supposed to be floriferous, too. 'Flower,' the seed-bearing part of a plant, comes from an Old English word meaning 'to swell'--as a bud swells with nutrients and becomes a flower. 'Bloom' means 'to come into flower.' If we contain seeds, we'll be working at planting God's Love and Presence in the world. If we're blooming, we're bringing Grace and Beauty into the world.
As Followers of Christ, Floriferous is second nature to us.
Wending Our Way...

Reduced Speed Ahead

June 30, 2025

Mark 6:31 ...Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.
I was driving somewhere recently and came upon a sign saying, "Reduced Speed Ahead." I think it was as we exited the PA turnpike at Quakertown. It was a welcome notice after rolling along at 70 miles per hour for a while.
I think there's a "Reduced Speed Ahead" sign at the Pearly Gates, too. I sure hope so. I'm tired of the rat race down here!!
Wending Our Way...

Nibbles

June 27, 2025

Zechariah 6:2 ...The first chariot had red horses....
You can't ride in all directions at once.
Wending Our Way...

Chiriatric Care

June 26, 2025

1 Corinthians 3:16 ...you yourselves are God's temple....
I think I just made up a new word: chiriatric. I was telling Larry about a book I was reading and said that one woman in the story was under "chiriatric care." (She was actually under chiropractic and psychiatric care.) Chiriatric does kind of sound like it could be a medical specialty though!
As I was reflecting on the word, it occurred to me that it suggests that we should take care of ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally, even as we ride herd on all our pressing responsibilities.
I was always taught to take care of everyone but myself. Self-care was considered bold (God forbid!), selfish (YE GODS!!!), and rude (Oh my!!!). Now I know that if I don't take care of myself, I won't be able to take are of anyone else for long.
Wending Our Way...

Steering

June 25, 2025

James 3:4 ...ships...are steered by a very small rudder....
For some reason I got to thinking about steering today. 'Steer' comes from an Old English word and means 'to control direction.' I think of things like steering wheels, rudders, joysticks, reins, oars, train tracks, dams, wires, the GI tract, sidewalks, traffic signs and lights, pipelines....These things, and many others, control the movement of other things.
How about words? Words can steer our thoughts, behavior, self-esteem, motivations, reflections, health decisions...and our faith.
God often steers our faith with words--words from the Bible or words from others. I suspect that His steering can be gentler as we draw closer to Him and find ourselves responding to quieter touches of His Love.
Wending Our Way...

Beauty And Possibility

June 24, 2025

1 Peter 3:4 ...the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit....
I was speaking with an elderly woman recently. Beset by all the limitless difficulties of senior living and the odious constraints that brings, the woman never-the-less maintained a cheerful and loving outlook.
As I got to know her a bit, I felt comfortable asking her how she managed to stay so up-beat all the time. "Oh," she replied with a gentle smile, "I keep looking for the beauty and possibility still left in my world."
What a wonderful outlook!! I think I'll try it.
Wending Our Way...

A Bug's Understanding

June 23, 2025

Isaiah 55:8 ...my thoughts are not your thoughts....
Larry and I were going somewhere yesterday. He was driving and I was riding shotgun. At one point, I noticed a small bug was perched on the inside of the windshield, right in front of me. It just sat there for a while and then started motoring around kind of aimlessly. (Do bugs do "aimless"?) I wondered whether the poor thing was trying to figure out why it couldn't get to the trees because of the solid windshield. With my greater intelligence, I could easily understand what was going on, but the bug had no way to comprehend the situation.
The bug's plight reminded me of my own many questions and struggles. (Why did I get cancer? Why can't people just get along? Why are some people so poor and some so rich?) I, as a human, have no more ability to understand some of my deepest questions than that bug had of deciphering the mysteries of the windshield.
But I suppose that I really don't have to know everything. That's God's job. Mine is to stand strong in all I know of His Love and He will--in His Own Time--take care of everything.
Wending Our Way...

Resilience Fatigue #5

June 20, 2025

Job 17:7 ...My eyes have grown dim with grief....
Here's something to keep in mind. Situations that cause Resilience Fatigue can also initiate a major Grief Journey (or many smaller Grief Journeys). There are often five stages involved in grieving. They don't always go in nice, neat order and can involve many emotions, some quite strong and some much milder. Here's where you might find yourself traveling as you navigate through Resilience Fatigue.
DENIAL: You might find yourself denying the reality of the stressors in your life or you might downplay their impact. ("Dad really doesn't have cancer." "Mary only uses drugs occasionally--and it's not the hard stuff.") ANGER: You might feel anger at another person or at yourself for the way things are going. ("Damn doctors don't know what they're doing!!" "This is all my fault!!") 3. BARGAINING: This stage tends to be filled with "if only" thinking ("If only Dad had gone to the doctor sooner." "If only Mary hadn't gotten mixed up with that bad group of kids.") or with "making deals" with the LORD. ("If Dad recovers, I'll quit smoking." "If Mary gets off the drugs, I'll donate more to the church.") DEPRESSION: This is a time of deep sadness as you begin to realize the reality of the situation. ACCEPTANCE: 'Accept' means to consent to receive something or to tolerate it in your life. It doesn't mean that you want the bad thing or that you like it or that you know what to do with it. It simply means that you agree to live with the situation and to deal with it as best you can--which sometimes means that the struggle doesn't end right away, but you discover more effective ways of coping, or you develop greater tolerance for the difficulties around you.
As you wend your way through Resilience Fatigue, speak kindly to yourself and give yourself a lot of grace. Try to do the same for others. Simple kindness goes a long way when the journey gets tough.
Wending Our Way...

Resilience Fatigue #4

June 19, 2025

Luke 12:42 ...Who then is the faithful and wise manager?
Sometimes we're doing all we can, but external circumstances keep gnawing away at our lives. Here are some suggestions for coping with ongoing Resilience Fatigue. 1. SELF-CARE: Take care of yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually. 2. SET BOUNDARUIES: As much as you can, limit activities and contacts that drain you. Hold onto activities and people that fill you up. 3. SEEK SUPPORT: from those able to provide it. 4. CARVE OUT: quiet time for yourself each day.
5. NOTICE what stresses you and try to make changes where you can. 6. ACCEPT LIMITATIONS: yours and those of other people. 7. FOCUS: on gradual recovery. 8. PRACTICE EMPATHY: for yourself and those around you.
Not all of these suggestions will work all the time, but adding even a few into your life can help ease the burden of an ongoing difficult situation.
Wending Our Way...

Resilience Fatigue #3

June 18, 2025

Job 7:1 ...Does not man have hard service on earth? Are not his days like those of a hired man?
As if all those symptoms of Resilience Fatigue aren't bad enough, it can also cause burn-out as we keep trying to cope. It can cause relationship struggles as others try to cope, and mental and physical health problems as our bodies and minds try to cope. Decreased motivation springs up as we try to keep doing what needs to be done, and reduced engagement with others can occur as we become more inwardly focused.
Unfortunately, the nature of Resilience Fatigue makes a bad situation harder to deal with. So--what do we do about it when it strikes? We'll look at that tomorrow.
Wending Our Way...

Resilience Fatigue #2

June 17, 2025

Judges 16:16 ...With such nagging [Delilah] prodded him day after day until he was tired to death.
What are typical symptoms of Resilience Fatigue? PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS: insomnia, loss of appetite or over-eating, fatigue, decreased productivity, GI problems (stomachache, nausea, diarrhea). MENTAL SYMPTOMS: memory lapses, confusion, poor concentration. EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS: lack of purpose; feeling overwhelmed, easily frustrated, indecisive, inadequate, and helpless; questioning the value of making an effort; finding it hard to feel compassion for others; withdrawal from social activities; feeling trapped, anxious, numb and cynical; developing a negative self-image.
Cripes! Look at this list. No wonder we feel awful when Resilience Fatigue hits!! It puts a major strain on our systems!
Wending Our Way...

Resilience Fatigue #1

June 16, 2025

Judges 8:3 ...Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit, came to the Jordan and crossed it.
I recently heard a new term: Resilience Fatigue. It refers to the physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that occurs during prolonged periods of on-going stress accompanied by the need to remain positive and upbeat. It comes from trying to stay strong and resilient amid unrelenting difficulties.
"Resilience" indicates the ability to bounce back after bending, stretching or being compressed. It often refers to quick recovery from life's major stressors.
Have you ever felt like you just couldn't go on? Like there was too much on your plate for too long and you just wanted OUT??!! That's Resilience Fatigue touching your life. It doesn't mean that you're a Faithless Christian, a Wimp or a Bad Person. Resilience Fatigue is simply a marker indicating where you are in life. In the next few days, I'll be writing about the characteristics, consequences and management of Resilience Fatigue. Recognizing its presence in our lives is often the first step in minimizing its effects.
Wending Our Way...

Haiku...Prayer Is A...

June 13, 2025

Exodus 9:29 ...I will spread out my hands in prayer to the LORD.
Mysterious Tool~ It pries and chops and builds up~ A Gift from Our God.
Strong Energy Force~ It strives to get God's work done~ A Gift from Our God.
Comforting Blanket~ It covers, warms and protects~ A Gift from Our God.
Wending Our Way...

Be Patient! Be Kind!

June 12, 2025

Proverbs 14:21 ...blessed is he who is kind to the needy.
I was recently talking to a woman who transports residents from our memory care unit to in-house doctor appointments and activities. Most of her residents have mild forms of dementia, so her interactions with folks can be painstakingly slow and sometimes confusing. She said she's learned to be patient and to be kind.
What wonderful words to live by! "Be Patient. Be Kind." If everyone lived by just those two rules, we'd almost live in paradise!!
Wending Our Way...

White Petals

June 11, 2025

Isaiah 55:10 ...the rain and snow come down from heaven.
This past winter we often had soft white snowflakes drifting down. Then this spring we had pearly white tree blossoms floating past as the trees' flowers faded, and new leaves appeared. Both snowflakes and petals can be quietly beautiful, but they can be problematical, too. Snow can create mobility issues and flower petals get untidy looking once they start to decay. We can see good and bad in the same thing.
Then there's tissues--in the wash--gently decorating the floor in the laundry area. Cripes! How'd I do THAT??!! Nothing's good about tissues in the wash!
This whole bit about drifting white particles reminds me of life. So often, stuff appears that contains a mixture of good and bad. Then there's stuff like tissues in the wash--stuff that's just plain bad. We'll find pure and perfect peace only in heaven. Stuff down here on earth is often a mixture, or worse.
Wending Our Way...

Please Come Again

June 10, 2025

Psalms 57:3 ...He sends from heaven and saves me....
Larry and I drove past a local business recently. The exit door posted a sign saying, "Thank you. Please come again."
The sign reminded me of heaven--because heaven doesn't have a "Please Come Again" sign. We get into heaven once and there we stay! (I suspect that maybe people who have a near-death experience may get to see the "Please Come Again" sign.)
Wouldn't it be awful if we DID have to keep coming back to heaven??!! How exhausting!
Wending Our Way...

1274 B. C.

June 9, 2025

Exodus 3:8 ...the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. (In this scripture, the LORD is speaking of moving His people from the land of the Egyptians.)
In 1274, the Hittites and the Egyptians fought in what has been called the world's biggest chariot battle. It ended in a tie and fifteen years later the Hittites and Egyptians signed one of the oldest-known peace treaties. (National Geographic article, May 2025)
The Hittites, a very practical people, welcomed the Egyptian gods into Hittite territory, but soon discovered a hitch. It was presumed that the Egyptian gods couldn't speak the Hittite language, so no one knew how to converse with them. As was the custom of the time, a sheep was slaughtered, and its innards examined to discern whether the Egyptian gods would accept the Hittite language and worship customs. (Sheesh!! What if we had to sacrifice a sheep every time we wanted to talk to God??!!) The sheep's intestines did, in fact, give the Hittites the go-ahead to talk to and worship the Egyptian Gods.
The Hittites didn't know how to talk to the new Egyptian gods. That's a situation we'll never experience. Our God can hear any language, any worship format and any request for companionship or help that gets sent His way. He hears wordless prayers, too, and interprets facial expressions and hand gestures with ease. No need to consult a priest anymore (or a sheep, either!) thankfully.
Wending Our Way...

The Buffet

June 6, 2025

Matthew 12:34 ...out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
I've always enjoyed buffets. I like seeing what's offered and deciding what I'd like to try. I also enjoy the variety a buffet offers. Of course, with a buffet, I'm limited to whatever foods are on the menu. I won't find Chow Mein at a German buffet. I have to choose from what's there before me.
Life works like that, too. Children in particular, but adults as well, pick from the buffet that's offered in their homes, schools and workplaces. If meanness, roughness and discord are all that's available, that's what people ingest. If kindness, love and compassion are on the table, THAT'S what folks take in. And we all know that whatever's on the inside of a person seeps out, either right away or over time as pressure builds.
Think of Calvary and those attending that gruesome ordeal. Many of the soldiers had absorbed a taste for unkindness, personal power, vengeance and cruelty. On the other hand, many women followed Jesus on His Death March. These were the gentle souls who had taken in kindness, caregiving, compassion and love. We can often tell something about what others have "fed" on by paying close attention to their words and behavior. We can also be careful, in our personal lives, to only eat from the most wholesome buffets.
Wending Our Way...

Now You Have Tools

June 05, 2025

Isaiah 44:12 ...the blacksmith takes a tool and works it in the coals.
I've had back trouble for over twenty years now, the result of a car accident back in the eighties. I've been in physical therapy off and on for back spasms since 2020 and still have to be careful how I move. I also do daily exercises to maintain muscle strength and flexibility.
During one therapy session a few years ago, the trainer said, "Now you can cope with your back's difficulties better because you have tools (my exercises and stretches).
That thought applies to our Christian journey as well. We have God's word and our Christian communities to help us navigate life's difficulties. We also have plenty of books and internet articles to guide us on our way. Thanks to God's provision, we have life tools, too.
Wending Our Way...

Pleased---Again!

June 4, 2025

Proverbs 8:30 ... [Wisdom speaking] ... "I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence."
I was talking to my sister the other day. We wound up chatting about some of the things we own and how much we continue to enjoy them. She has several prints she got at the shore many years ago. She just loves them. She told me she just loved them when she saw them and still loves them today. As she said, "I go by them and I'm pleased all over again."
In today's scripture, Solomon describes Wisdom as a woman calling out to God's people. Wisdom, always part of God's nature, was present with Him before Creation and accompanied Him as Creation unfolded. She calls herself "the craftsman at his side" (Pr. 8:30) and says that she was "filled with delight day after day" as, together, they brought the world into being.
My sister's comment--"pleased all over again"--reminded me of this scripture. We're surrounded by numerous examples of God's care and provision. He loves to give us simple pleasures and lasting treasures, and it warms His Heart when we gaze at His Simple Gifts and feel "pleased all over again." Keep an eye out for God's blessings and thank Him for His Kindness and Love.
Wending Our Way...

Slippery Roads

June 3, 2025

2 Corinthians 2:11 ...we are not unaware of [Satan's] schemes.
Yesterday I was talking to a young woman, and we got to talking about driving in the snow. (How we managed that in June is beyond me!) Anyway, she described a scary event from last winter. She was driving home from work and hit an ice patch just as she was trying to turn a corner. She got no traction and no braking and wound up sliding all over the place. She finally coasted to a stop without hitting anything, but she said it was a horrifying experience.
Her whole ordeal reminded me of Satan. If we give him a chance, he starts us off on what appears to be a benign journey, but it's often one that soon becomes fraught with peril. We, too, can lose our ability to steer or brake and can quickly find ourselves in dangerous territory.
This is why God keeps telling us to resist temptation. He's not trying to ruin our fun. He's trying to keep us safe.
Wending Our Way...

The Church A Sardis

June 2, 2025

Revelation 3:1,2 ...you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up!
I heard an entertaining comment years ago: "God can't use you if you hang in neutral. He needs something He can set fire to."
The church at Sardis was a perfect example. It had a good outward appearance but had little spiritual life or vitality. It had the form of godliness without the power of godliness--a church that followed a Name without following His teachings or principles. Jesus urged the congregation to "wake up," repent and then to strengthen their faith and commitment.
God calls us to examine our hearts and discover the places that are on fire for Him. These fires needn't be roaring blazes. Glowing embers serve His purposes as well; so do lone candles burning in the night or simple fires built on lakeshores (Jn. 21:9) and in courtyards (Lk. 22:55). Keep your fires burning and God will lead you into closer communion with Him and greater service to His people.
Wending Our Way...

Fire Extinguisher Inside

May 30, 2025

Mark 9:43 ...into hell, where the fire never goes out.
A few days ago, I drove past a semi on the turnpike. On its side were the words: "FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSIDE." In an emergency, that'd be good to know.
This got me reflecting on fire in general and particularly the Fires of Hell. Too bad we don't have fire extinguishers for that. But wait--we do! We have the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, God Himself, Jesus and our Faith.
We, too, have a "FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSIDE"...more than one, actually. That's good to know, too!!
Wending Our Way...

Layers

May 29, 2025

Psalms 144:3 ...O LORD, what is man that you care for him?
Today I found myself thinking about all the layers that inhabit my life. How about cake, insulation, warm clothing, nail polish, cloud cover, protection provided by multiple injections, blankets, double-pane windows.... Layers build up. That's part of their job description and layers, together, provide a greater benefit than their individual components do separately.
How about information, wisdom and love? These things, too, build up in our lives if we're receptive. Layer by layer, over the years, they create a depth of awareness and compassion that bring blessings to God, self and others.
Look for layers quietly building up in your life. They're one way God is providing for your care and your ministry.
Wending Our Way...

Haiku ... Moving On

May 28, 2025

Luke 23:43 ...today you will be with me in paradise.
I've done my part here.
I have finished in this place.
So... I'm Going Home.
Wending Our Way...

Skaking The Chapstick

May 27, 2025

Psalms 33:4 ...the word of the LORD is right and true....
I have a small glass bowl in my bathroom. I keep my ChapStick and eyedrops in it so I don't have to keep opening the medicine cabinet all the time. I have to shake the eyedrops before use and one day I accidentally grabbed the ChapStick and shook the heck out of it; but something didn't feel right. No wonder!
Naturally, I got things straightened out pretty quickly, but it made me think. No matter how hard I shake the ChapStick, it isn't going to moisturize my eyes. It works like that with my reading material, too. No matter how much I shake, squeeze, push, yank, shove or prod a novel or even a devotional book, no book except the Bible will bring me the Life-Giving Water of the Holy Spirit.
There's just something special about God's Holy Word and its ability to nourish our souls.

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Walter Mouse

Walter Mouse