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...

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.
Wending Our Way...

Tracking Number

May 26, 2025

Isaiah 43:9 ...I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
I recently ordered an item on-line. Amongst all the "paperwork" involved was a tracking number: 4459 145 6175. I never had to use it, but it got me thinking: What if God needed a tracking number for every person since the dawn of time? Ye gods! He'd never be able to get in touch with us, and what if we had to enter that tracking number every time we wanted to contact Him? That's almost worse!!
Thankfully, God knows us all by name and we know Him by Name so we can communicate easily at any time. Hallelujah!!
Wending Our Way...

Red Tulip Blessings

May 23, 2025

Proverbs 28:25 ...he who trusts in the LORD will prosper....
Back in early spring our lives were graced by two bright red tulips that bloomed in our front flower bed. One remained straight and tall until its blooming season ended, but the other got hit by incessant strong winds that blew the stem sideways so that the flower almost touched the ground. This didn't deter the flower in the least. It simply aimed for the sun and kept going.
'Bloom' comes from an Old Norse word meaning 'prosperity,' and 'prosperity' comes from a Latin word meaning 'to do well.' So, our tulip simply ignored the challenges surrounding it and decided to do well; thus, it prospered, and we were blessed by its gentle presence.
God asks us to do the same: to Aim for the Son and to prosper amid the world's difficulties, blessing others as we go along our way.
Wending Our Way...

To And Fro Faith

May 22, 2025

Jude 1:20 ...build yourselves up in your most holy faith....
When we moved into our cottage back in January, we discovered that our toilets rocked. Mine tilted forward when I sat on it and then tipped backward when I stood up. Larry's did the same thing, but it added a bit of a side shimmy to things. (It turned out that the floors weren't quite level and a few shims solved the problem.)
Our "To and Fro" toilets reminded me of our faith journey at times. That can be a To and Fro venture, too. Faith as strong and steadfast as Jesus and the apostles exhibited is surely a marvelous gift, but it's something most of us don't have. (God doesn't fault us for this.)
It's OK if our faith wobbles at times. Part of our faith walk down here involves persevering through difficult times as we await our arrival at heaven's gates.
Wending Our Way...

Car Cares #3

May 21, 2025

Psalms 91:4 ...He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.
Our cars have gotten so dirty now that birds are swooping and pooping on them. The darn poop is hard on the cars' finish, so Larry always cleans it off right away.
He recently made an interesting discovery. He found that if he gets the hot wax treatment at the car wash, the poop rinses right off.
That reminds me of Our God. Just as the hot wax covers and protects our vehicles, God's Love and Faithfulness covers and protects us. As Psalm 91 tells us, His Faithfulness really is our shield and rampart.
Wending Our Way...

Car Cares #2

May 20, 2025

Psalms 46:7 ...The LORD Almighty is with us....
Yesterday the phone rang and the person at our registration desk told me that some kind soul had reported that my car was locked and running in the parking lot. (She tracked me down by my license plate, which is registered at our retirement community.) Oh my! I was distracted when I got out of the car and forgot to turn it off. Heavens!
Larry dashed out and turned it off for me. He guessed it had used up about an eighth of a gallon of gas. Cripes!! But no harm was done, other than that. It could have run out of gas if it had stayed running long enough. That would have been a real hassle--and an expense!
Of course this reminded me of Jesus. That's because no matter how much I draw on Him, He never runs out of energy. He's fueled by the Holy Spirit, so He never runs dry.
Wending Our Way...

Car Cares #1

May 19, 2025

Proverbs 28:20 ...A faithful man will be richly blessed....
The other day I got in the car, pushed the "START" button --and nothing happened. Oh no! I figured I had a dead battery, but then I realized that I'd hit the "ON" button for the radio. No wonder the car wouldn't start! Once I hit the right button, things were fine.
But it got me thinking: If I get up in the morning, "hit the wrong button" (if I start reading my latest murder mystery instead of my Bible or begin a texting chat instead of a prayer or think about how to get rid of ants in the kitchen instead of counting my blessings), it's no wonder my day doesn't start well or run efficiently.
I've got to "hit the right button" if I want to keep chugging along.
Wending Our Way...

Inner Workings

May 16, 2025

Romans 8:28 ...in all things God works for the good of those who love him.
While we were moving our stuff from Exeter to the Gilbertsville area, we passed a home under construction on 562. It was interesting to see the building come together, but soon the exterior walls were up and we couldn't see what was going on inside.
Life's like that for us seniors. Our outside construction is done and God's now working on our insides. This can make life difficult, since we can't see what's going on inside someone else and they can't see what's going on inside us. God could be working diligently within folks, but it might not be visible to the human eye.
My Take-Home: Trust God, try not to judge others... and keep on going. Something Good is on the way!
Wending Our Way...

That's The Plan!

May 15, 2025

Philippians 3:20 ...our citizenship is in heaven.
Sometimes people say such insightful things. I was talking to a woman the other day. We were chatting about life's difficulties and what a challenge senior living can be.
At one point I said something like, "Thankfully, it all leads to heaven." I loved her reply: "That's The plan and it's taken care of!"
What wondrous assurance--that's The Plan and it's taken care of!! Hurray!!!
Wending Our Way...

Missing Puzzle Piece

May 14, 2025

Jeremiah 33:3 ...Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
I was talking to a neighbor the other day and she mentioned that she'd just found a jigsaw puzzle piece in her pocket. She'd been doing a puzzle with her grandkids but had no idea how a piece wound up in her pocket.
I kept thinking of that puzzle piece. I knew there was a devotion in there somewhere and I finally found it. Do you ever feel like you just don't understand stuff here on earth? Sometimes life's too sad, confusing, frustrating, tiring, rushed, boring or lonely. And then it's hard to grasp the bigger picture. That's because God always keeps the Last Puzzle Piece in His pocket. (Maybe St. Peter hands it to us when we pass through the Pearly Gates???)
We're not meant to understand all of life during our earthly journey. That's God's job. Ours is to follow along as faithfully as we can and, in due time, to meet Him at heaven's doors.
Wending Our Way...

Someone Else's Account

May 13, 2025

Psalms 55:18 ...He ransomed me from the battle waged against me....
Yesterday I talked with a grandfather who had a young grandson visiting with him. While the family was eating at our cafeteria, the youngster quietly slipped away and reappeared shortly with an ice cream cone. Since the child had no money, Granddad casually asked, "How did you pay for your ice cream?" "Oh I just put it on someone's account," the boy innocently said. "Charged it to Someone's account." Isn't that what Good Friday was all about? Haven't we done the same?
Wending Our Way...

Nibbles

May 12, 2025

Isaiah 55:12 ...all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
It's been so windy this winter and so far this spring. It reminds me of something an elderly Black woman said to me one time many years ago: "If people don't praise God enough, the trees will do it instead."
Wending Our Way...

Admirer--or Follower

May 9, 2025

Matthew 19:2 ...Large crowds followed him....
I heard an interesting observation in a sermon recently. The pastor said there's a big difference between being an Admirer of Jesus and being a Follower of Jesus. Hmmm!
An Admirer looks at Jesus with respect or with warm approval. This requires only a minimum of time and focus and requires no commitment of time, money or service. All that's needed is an occasional kind word or thought. Being a Follower, however, requires action--setting aside time to be with The Beloved, donating money to support ongoing causes and involving ourselves in active service.
'Admire' is a passive sort of verb. It's rather sterile, maybe, and implies no actual benefit to Christ. But 'follow' requires guts and devotion as we trail along beside God in the trenches of life. Following can be dangerous and dusty, dark and exhausting; but it's the only way to commune with God and minister to His people.
Wending Our Way...

They Left Their Nets

May 8, 2025

Matthew 4:20 ...At once they left their nets and followed him.
I was looking over this passage recently and misread things. I thought it said "they left their nests." Heavens!! In this scripture, Jesus called Simon Peter and his brother Andrew to "come follow" and become fishers of men. Their nets represented their livelihood and no doubt their identities, but they gave those up to follow Jesus and spread the Gospel. Sometimes we, too, may be called to give up livelihoods or identities in order to step out for the LORD.
How about leaving nests to follow the LORD? A nest can represent safe, comfortable living--and sometimes God calls us to give up safety and comfort in order to minister to His people. But then again, He sometimes asks us to stay in our nests and follow Him as He cares for those near us.
'Follow' really means that we let Him take the lead while we move along with Him as He travels His earthly pathways beside us.
Wending Our Way...

Hearing Voices

May 7, 2025

Proverbs 3:13 ...Blessed is the man who finds wisdom....
One of the things I like best about spring is the growth and blooming of the trees and flowers. Growth means that people, plants and animals increase in size and change physically. People can also grow emotionally and spiritually.
I read an interesting definition of 'growth' recently. It said that growth means learning to hear other voices. I love that! We hear "other voices" while in conversation; while reading or studying; while working with other people, animals and children; while listening to TV and in quiet reflection about life's encounters.
I'm not much of a crusader for causes, but I do like to listen carefully to others, hoping that they'll share some difficulties or cares. This broadens my knowledge of the world's challenges and allows me to lend a supportive hand (and heart) when the road gets bumpy.
Wending Our Way...

Healing Wrong

May 6, 2025

Ephesians 4:32 ...Be kind and compassionate to one another....
I spoke with a waitress a while ago. She was walking with a noticeable limp and wore a medical boot on one foot. She said she'd broken her foot and was supposed to stay off it, but she needed to work. I felt so sorry for her. I wondered how the foot was ever going to heal. I saw her recently and she the foot had healed but she still walked with a limp. She said her foot healed wrong, but she no longer needed the boot. She told me she was clattering along, doing the best she could.
This made me think of all the people I've met over the years who've also "healed wrong." I've been told of several surgeries that were only partly successful or that healed incorrectly. I've also spoken to loads of people who carry emotional wounds that have healed wrong. Some emotional wounds leave gaping holes of grief and loss, spikey thorns of betrayal, or oozing pockets of regret.
Everyone has some wonky wounds that haven't healed well. Many people don't readily share these aspects of their lives, which is part of the reason I try to be mostly non-judgmental. I rarely know what wounds others are carrying and kindness always goes a long way toward easing their journey.
Wending Our Way...

Rules/Relationships

May 05, 2025

1 Timothy 2 :2 ...that we may lead peaceful and quiet lives....
Today I got to thinking about rules vs. relationships. Both are necessary components of safe, satisfying life. Rules are explicit (like: "Stop at red lights.") or they're quietly understood (like: "Don't talk about religion with Uncle Thomas."). Rules give us regulations about how to act in given situations. Relationships, on the other hand, bring about connections amongst God, people and animals. Rules and relationships involve patterns of behavior that produce a variety of actions.
Here are a few rules/relationships observations I've come up with: 1) Rules are outside us; relationships live within us. 2) Rules give us guidelines; relationships give us connections and companions. 3) Rules tell us what to do or not do; relationships make life worthwhile.
We need both rules and relationships in order to lead safe, satisfying and peaceful lives.
Wending Our Way...

Awful Practice!

May 2, 2025

Ephesians 4:32 ...Be kind and compassionate to one another....
I've mentioned before that my sister leads a dulcimer group. They practice twice a month. At one recent practice, she said the group launched into a new song and it sounded just awful. After listening for a bit, she discovered that folks were playing two different versions of the same song! No wonder things didn't mesh well.
Life works like that, too. We each generate a "tune" (a world-view), composed of the various "melodies" (experiences) we've had during our lifetime here on earth. If I "play tunes" full of abandonment, depression, anger and negativity, my life might not mix so well with yours if you generally "play tunes" of compassion, joy, peace and positivity. It's not that either of us is "bad." We just have different world views and those don't always mesh well.
A certain amount of angst in relationships can be softened if we remember that at least some of the folks who disagree with us or challenge our thinking probably just look at the world differently--and their views can't always be changed. Relating with kindness and compassion can help create peaceful waters.
Wending Our Way...

Not Quite Centered

May 1, 2025

Philippians 4:5 ...The Lord is near....
We're all settled in at our cottage now. Since I'm a perfectionist, I noticed three things that aren't quite centered--our couch, our dining room table, and a bee picture by the front door. The couch isn't centered because we had to get our grandfather's clock on the same wall and that crowded things a bit. The dining room table isn't centered because it's just a tad too long for the room and had to be off-set a little to fit in. And the bee picture just got hung up off-center for some reason.
The original usage of 'centered' implied being in the exact middle of a circle. Today's usage points to having a specific subject or object as a focal point.
Staying focused, especially on Christ-- is hard because we're always being shoved off-center by life's circumstances and events. God understands this, but still asks us to stay as close to the center of His Love and Care as we possibly can. He's not trying to stress us further. He's trying to love us from afar.
Wending Our Way...

Out Of Context

April 30, 2025

Psalms 83:12 ..."Let us take possession of the pasturelands of God."
I don't usually like to take scriptures out of context, but this particular verse spoke to me especially strongly today, even though its intention was entirely different. This line was penned by Asaph, a Levitical musician and worship leader under King David. His words are often laments or reflections on God's judgments. In Psalm 83, Asaph is calling for God's judgment to fall upon God's enemies, who have threatened to take over God's territories.
The psalm has nothing to do with guiding Christians to take over God's pasturelands and yet that's how I read it at first. (I hadn't read the whole psalm...just that one line.) I was thinking that if I "take over the pasturelands of God," I take over some aspect/s of the care and feeding of God's people in whatever setting I inhabit. I'm not stealing God's territories; I'm tending His flocks.
If I "take possession of the pasturelands of God," I bring God's care and compassion into the venues I travel through . Wherever I go, there are struggling souls longing for the gentle touch of Love and Grace. It's my calling to respond to those before me. Perhaps it's your calling as well.
Wending Our Way...

Diastolic, Systolic And...

April 29, 2025

Titus 1:1 ...Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus....
Today I got to thinking about diastolic, systolic and--of all things--apostolic. It took me a while to make a connection, but I think there's a take-home here. 'Diastolic' and 'systolic' refer to blood pressure readings. Diastolic is the lower number and represents the relaxed (resting) heart muscle. Systolic is the upper number and represents the pumping (working) heart muscle. Working together within healthful intervals, they allow the heart to function effectively and efficiently for long periods of time.
Then there's 'apostolic'--which has nothing to do with blood pressure. It refers to the lives and ministry of Jesus' original twelve disciples. The word 'apostle' has Greek origins which meant 'send forth' or 'messenger.'
So--how do 'diastolic', 'systolic' and 'apostolic' relate? It finally struck me that diastolic and systolic, working together, create a balance that provides us with good personal care and enables us to reach to out to others as well. An apostle, like the heart, must lead a balanced life by combining rest and action in beneficial amounts. Moving back and forth between resting and working allows hearts and disciples to provide years of service to the Lord's people.
Wending Our Way...

Power Failure

April 28, 2025

John 14:2 ...I am going there to prepare a place for you.
The main building on our retirement campus had a power failure right at noontime a while ago. Just as people were drifting in for lunch, it hit. Thankfully it only lasted a few minutes, but one woman later said that her ID card wouldn't open the entry door because there was no electricity. Kinda scary! (We enter campus buildings by swiping a plastic card at an electric eye.)
Her story made me think of heaven--because we don't have to swipe anything in order to enter heaven, and no power failure has ever locked up the Pearly Gates.
Just knowing Jesus is enough to guarantee our entry to eternal life.
Wending Our Way...

Together/Dog Stories #5

April 25, 2025

Mark 10:9 ...what God has joined together, let man not separate.
We see more dog-walkers now that it's warmer. I've seen several Yorkies, a Shih Tzu, two Golden Retrievers, a Boxer and numerous mixed breeds. All were happily motoring along, processing life with their beloved owners.
"Processing Life." Isn't that what we're all doing--processing life as we journey along with our earthly and divine companions?
Together--with God and with people (and with our furry and feathered friends) -- we discover guidance, love and support as our lives touch each other's along the roads to heaven.
Wending Our Way...

With-ing/Dog Stories #4

April 24, 2025

Proverbs 3:3 ...Let love and faithfulness never leave you....
I met a Golden Retriever recently. She was visiting someone in our community. Numerous folks walked past her and her family as they headed to lunch or to other activities; but the dog paid no attention to all the extra people going by. She sat glued to an elderly woman's side, projecting devotion and love. She didn't offer any advice or help or transportation or money. She didn't bustle around tidying up or fussing over non-essentials. She simply offered her presence and her love.
We can do the same: the Ministry of With-ing."
May love and faithfulness surround all that you do!
Wending Our Way...

Love-Bundle/Dog Stories #3

April 23, 2025

1 Peter 1:22 ...love one another deeply....
Larry and I went for a walk one warm day in March. As we passed one porch, a Boxer popped into view, put both paws on the porch railing and started wagging madly as we approached her house. Soon the owner came out and assured us that the dog was friendly, so we stopped over for a visit (and a dog-fix for me). The dog's whole body wagged; she pawed at us inviting us to get closer, and all but smiled as she attempted to give us kisses. Such love in a furry container!!
We Christians are called to be like that Boxer: We're supposed to go out into the world with whatever our giftings are and share His Love in ways that come naturally to us. We're all Love-Bundles for God.
Wending Our Way...

Nala Love/Dog Stories #2

April 22, 2025

Ecclesiastes 3:7 ...a time to be silent....
I met the neatest dog recently--in a gift shop. I think her name was Nala. She was a Black Lab/Airedale mix, totally black except for two russet spots where her eyebrows would be. She loved people (who she greeted enthusiastically when they entered the shop) and positively adored her owner (who she maintained almost-constant eye contact with).
At one point, her master struck up a conversation with me while Nala stood nearby, eyes darting back and forth as she focused on whoever was speaking. I soon became aware of her "eyebrows," which twitched up and down or sideways (individually or together) as she followed the conversation. She never said a word, but she totally communicated love and acceptance, even though I wasn't talking to her. All this made me realize how much can be said without uttering a single word. Facial expressions can convey warmth and support, even as no words are shared. Small nods or other gentle head movements share love and concern without cluttering up the airways with verbiage.
Two Take-Homes here: Watch your dogs' faces as you communicate with them or as you converse with others. It's fascinating to see how they "follow" the conversation. And--try using your own facial features to convey unspoken support and encouragement to others. It's amazing how much care and concern can be shared without having to worry about saying the right thing.
Wending Our Way...

Where To Return/Dog Stories # 1

April 21, 2025

1 Samuel 7:3 ...If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of foreign gods.
I recently spoke with a woman who lost her dog, Pepper, for a short time. Her heater broke, and while the service people were coming in, Pepper was going out. She didn't realize that Pepper was gone until the service workers left and she couldn't find her dog. Finally, she heard a noise by the front door, and when she checked, there was Pepper, waiting to come in. She was so relieved! "Thankfully, he knew where to return," she said with a big smile.
"Where to return." That's a biggie. Sometimes our lives or emotions get out of kilter , and as we respond more and more to the earthly "gods" of Busyness, Accomplishment and Service, we drift away from Jesus or from prayers or devotions or Bible study. This slipping away can be subtle, so that we're hardly aware that it's happening. God understands, but longs for our continued connection as we pursue our earthly pathways.
Like Pepper, we know where to return. God's Heart and Home are always open, and He's delighted to welcome us in.
Wending Our Way...

Easter Haiku

April 20, 2025

John 20:18 ... (Mary Magdalene speaks) ..."I have seen the Lord!"
Fragrant Morning Son~
Who purchased my Forever~
Glory be to God!!
Wending Our Way...

Haiku ... The Cross... Before, During And After

April 19, 2025

John 19:18 ...Here they crucified him....
Symbol of Hatred~
Symbol of Eternal Love~
Victory in hand!!
Wending Our Way...

Long Walk

April 18, 2025

Romans 6:23 ...the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Several years ago, my sister, Cec, was laid up with a severe strained back muscle. A friend of hers drove thirteen miles one way to bring Cec a bottle of BioFreeze. Cec thanked her friend profusely, and the friend replied, "The long walk is part of the gift."
Hmmmmm. That reminds me of Someone Else who took a Long Walk or two on our behalf. Our Jesus left heaven to come to us here on earth. Then He took a Long Walk down the Via Dolorosa--to purchase our Forever.
The Long Walk is part of the Gift.
Wending Our Way...

Gantry Love

April 17, 2025

John 19:17 ...carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the skull.
I'd never heard of the word 'gantry' until the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission decided to eliminate toll booths and use gantries to support cameras which would record license plate numbers. A gantry is an overhead structure that supports cameras or other equipment. When Larry and I arrived at the turnpike recently, a sign near the gantry said, "Keep Moving." So we did. It felt funny, but we have EZ pass, so things worked out ok.
"Keep Moving"--that reminded me of the Via Dolorosa, the processional route Jesus took through the Old City of Jerusalem as the Roman soldiers forced Him on to His crucifixion. "Keep moving! Keep moving!!" I can hear the soldiers jeering as Christ stumbled along to what they thought was His death.
Little did they know that He was moving toward reunion with the Father and Eternal Life for Himself and all who choose to follow Him.
Wending Our Way...

For Anyone To Use

April 16, 2025

Psalms 32:10 ...the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.
A while ago I read an article in National Geographic. It was about the lifestyle of a primitive tribe somewhere in Africa. One thing that impressed me was their canoe-making. Using primitive tools, teams of men felled trees, cut them up, scraped them out and made canoes. These teams worked together, arduously fashioning a sturdy boat from what used to be a sturdy tree. Whenever they finished a canoe, they dragged it to the lake and left it there on the shore for anyone to use. There were always numerous "free" boats on the shore awaiting use by whoever had a need. What a great idea! (Can you picture something like that working here??!!)
Anyway, the community canoe provision reminds me of Jesus because He did exactly the same thing. He brought His Love to earth and left it here for anyone to use.
Wending Our Way...

Harm-Reduction Supplies

April 15, 2025

Galatians 5:22 ...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
A while ago I read about a mission somewhere that collected "Harm-Reduction Supplies." These were common necessities such as toothpaste, soap, socks, lip balm, tissues, etc. I loved the name "Harm-Reduction Supplies." The folks collecting the items knew that they couldn't prevent all harm from befalling their clients, but they also knew that they could reduce harm's effects on their clients.
So it is in life as well. We can't prevent harm from entering people's lives, but we can offer the fruit of the Spirit as Christian Harm-Reduction interventions as we navigate our earthly paths together.
Wending Our Way...

Always Before Me

April 14, 2025

Acts 2:25 ...I saw the Lord always before me.
Today I got to thinking about the people who have "gone before me"--those who were waiting for me at some future time while I was journeying along. I had a wonderful mentor way back in my first year of teaching. Then I connected with a marvelous friend and neighbor when I moved to Douglassville. A host of teacher friends awaited me when I started teaching in Pottstown. And Larry and others were awaiting my arrival at Cedarville UMC. Each of these folks, and many others, went before me and have accompanied me as I've followed my earthly paths.
And, of course, there's Jesus--Who has gone before me every step of the way and will be with me forever. (Check out Gen, 45:1-28, especially the end of verse 5, for another "went before me" story.)
Wending Our Way...

Palm Sunday Haiku

April 13, 2025

John 12:13 ...They took palm branches and went out to meet him....
Palm branches waving~
Cloaks before Him on the road~
Welcome King of Kings!!
Wending Our Way...

Nibbles

April 11, 2025

John 15:12 ...Love each other as I have loved you.
You can't erase someone's bad memories, but you can try to create happier memories with them.
Wending Our Way...

Nomads #2

April 10, 2025

John 24:16 ...Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
I sometimes wonder why the path to heaven is such a winding, rugged roadway. Why can't we just hop out of bed, climb some golden ladder and wind up at the Pearly Gates? Why are we Nomads-on-Earth for so long?!
One reason may be hidden in another of 'nomad's early meanings: 'to deal out or dispense.' The earth's a pretty big place and God has only our hands and feet, our voices and hearts as His delivery vehicles. We have to keep wandering about and seeking others in order to help Him deal out His Love to His people.
If we immediately climbed some golden ladder, think of all the people who'd be left untouched by His love and provision!!
Wending Our Way...

Nomads #1

April 9, 2025

2 Samuel 7:6 ...I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling.
When Larry and I first got the keys to our cottage (on 12/26/24), we had access to our new digs but no furniture until mid-January. So--we had no food in our house in Birdsboro and no furniture in our cottage. We solved the problem by spending days at the cottage and nights at the house. Thus, we were nomads for over three weeks.
The word 'nomad' has several original usages. One implied someone who wandered about seeking pasture for herds or flocks. This reminds me that our earthly lives are often nomadic as we seek to feed and care for ourselves and others.
Sometimes we remain in a familiar "pasture" for many years and sometimes we're called to move to a different place. Moving on takes a lot of time and effort, but sometimes it's God's way of keeping us on track.
Wending Our Way...

Outdated

April 8, 2025

Psalms 33:4 ...the word of the LORD is right and true....
Today I'm thinking of all the things that have become outdated in my lifetime. There are landlines, rotary phones, floppy discs, flash drives, record players, typewriters, white-out, fountain pens, manual transmissions, drinks in glass bottles....
As time marches on and change creeps in, lots of things get replaced by "better" things. It just amazes me that the Bible has never become outdated. Although new Bible versions abound, God's guidance nestled within the Bible still surrounds the hearts and souls of Christians and steers us heavenward in His Name.
Wending Our Way...

Protection Expired!!

April 7, 2025

Isaiah 12:2 ...God is my salvation....
When we got a new computer a while ago, it came with a trial package from a well-known a virus protector. Since the computer was fully scanned by several other products, I let the trial run out. Now I'm being pestered to sign up (and pay for!) protection I don't need.
I find that alarming menus pop up almost daily. In large red and white colors, the display warns that "Your Protection Has Expired! Action Is Required!!" Then I can click on a "Sign Me Up" button or on an ominous "I'll Risk Having No Protection" button. Sheesh!!
This reminded me of Jesus because He's so not like that. We don't have to pay for our salvation, since He already did that. His Protection never expires. Salvation is forever and it's free! And He doesn't keep hounding us about it.
Wending Our Way...

Haiku...Transitions

April 4, 2025

1 Corinthians 6:19 ......know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Transitions take time.
Give yourself room to adjust.
Take care of yourself!

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