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...

Crab Cakes, Etc.

October 28, 2025

Ezekiel 34:26 ...there will be showers of blessing.
My sister told me recently that she'd had a marvelous day trip with a friend. They were off somewhere and discovered that they were hungry. Her friend then said she knew of a place that made really good crab cakes. It was a gas station!!! Huh??!! But it turned out to be true. The gas station did indeed sell superb crab cakes and was doing a thriving business.
Life often works like that. We find simple blessings in odd spots at times. How about a cozy sunspot on a cold day; a butterfly resting inside the curved petals of a daylily; a lone bird (mockingbird?) singing at night; a shy smile from a stranger's child; a wild rabbit dozing in the sun in our yard; finding a to-go box in the fridge and thinking it held broccoli, but it held chocolate cake!!
All these things have given me a moment of peace and contentment as well as a lasting memory. There's enough difficult stuff out there, so I love to hunt up the "crabcakes from gas stations" as I go along. It makes life so much more pleasant.
Wending Our Way...

Blessingsing!!

October 27, 2025

Proverbs 10:6 ...Blessings crown the head of the righteous....
I love typos! I was just typing up today's scripture and somehow, I wound up with "blessingsing." As I was thinking about deleting that second "sing," it hit me that maybe I should just add question mark. That'd make it "Blessing? Sing!" Hmmmm....spot a blessing--sing to the LORD!
Wending Our Way...

Chuckles From God

October 24, 2025

Ecclesiastes 3:4 ...a time to laugh....
The other day, when I opened a Tupperware container of graham crackers, I discovered a paper clip in the bottom of the container. How'd it get THERE?? No matter how much thought I gave it, I couldn't imagine how a paper clip got in with the graham crackers!!
The whole thing made me reflect on the fact that life often adds strange little things to our days. Some of them are mildly amusing. I once had a lantern fly land on the tip of my knitting needle and just sit there. (I was sitting on the porch at the time.) I have a picture on my phone of a sparrow sitting placidly on top of one of Larry's truck's front tires. It was sheltering from the rain and flew off once the skies cleared. I also have a picture of a friend's cat sitting in the exact same spot on her husband's truck tire. I don't recall that it was raining that day, so I guess the cat was just resting there.
Sometimes I think God sends us chuckles--mini-amusements-- along the way to brighten our days and remind us of His Love.
Wending Our Way...

Forever-Salvation

October 23, 2025

Isaiah 51:6 ...my salvation will last forever....
I was doing a crossword puzzle last night. Forty-six down said "annul." I immediately thought of the words void ruin, delete, and undo. It turned out that "undo" was the answer they were looking for.
As I penciled in "undo," it occurred to me that none of those words will ever apply to salvation. Nothing can undo salvation once it's granted. Salvation is Forever. Hallelujah!!
Wending Our Way...

The Other Half

October 22, 2025

1 Corinthians 13:12 ...then we shall see face to face.
I just read an article about a Near Death Experience. The woman (I'll call her Edith), a surgical patient, almost died during an operation. As she approached death, she said she was surrounded by the usual bright light, soft music and upward movement. She was escorted by two angels who held her hands and led her to God's throne. He was seated there--all seven feet of Him---but she could only see up to His waist. She never saw His face. Moments after appearing before Him, God said, "Take her back," and she was swiftly returned to her body. She recovered fully from her surgery and went on to live a healthy, productive life. She reported that although she only saw about half of God, it was a memorable, inspiring and life-changing experience.
Seeing only half of God. Boy THAT sounds familiar!! So often I feel like I don't see or hear Him too clearly, even though I know He's there.
Somehow, like Edith, we never see all of Him in our earthly life, but we do find His Heart, and this enables us to go on about our daily walks, doing His Will in loving others. And one glorious day, we'll get to see The Other Half!!
Wending Our Way...

Qwerty Keyboard

October 21, 2025

Psalms 145:13 ...The LORD is faithful to all his promises....
I recently saw a comical photo on the internet. In a series of photos showing how "kids do the darndest things," one dad sent in a photo of his computer's keyboard. His eight-year-old daughter decided that the usual Qwerty keyboard was ridiculous and confusing, so she pulled all the letter caps off the keyboard and put them back on in alphabetical order. (Yep! All those nifty key caps really do snap off!!) What she didn't realize was that changing the letter caps wouldn't change the placement of the letters being typed.
This all made me think of God and the numerous events and experiences He has planned for my life. Nothing I can humanly do will prevent Him from fulfilling His promises to me. His Love and Provision are assured, even if I try to manipulate life so that it suits me better.
It worked the same at the Cross. The Romans tried valiantly to "change the keyboard" so that life would print out differently, but God's goals cannot be thwarted. What He has promised will come to pass, regardless of human intervention. Hallelujah!!
Wending Our Way...

Ergs!

October 20, 2025

Genesis 24:42 ...please grant success to the journey on which I have come.
Back in August, I read an interesting article in National Geographic. It described a group of archeologists who were exploring ergs, which are the Sahara Desert's immense sand dunes. They were digging for dinosaur bones, but since the dunes all looked disturbingly alike, knowledgeable local guides were essential for the success of their journey. One of their younger guides took them to an especially large and previously undisturbed dune. Some of their findings there were fascinating!
This all reminded me of Jesus--because He's our Knowledgeable Local Guide and He's the Key to the ultimate success of our spiritual journeys. His methods may be different from those of the young guide in the Sahara, but His leading is as strong and true as that of the young man leading the archeologists forward.
As we follow our Knowledgeable Local Guide, we're assured that, in due time, we'll arrive at the Heavenly Gates, escorted all the way by Our Jesus and His people.
Wending Our Way...

Open Up!!

October 17, 2025

Revelation 3:20 ...Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in....
Shortly after we'd moved into our retirement community, we had a knock on our front door at two in the morning. It turned out that one of our call boxes had a low battery and signaled Security. A nice fellow appeared at our door, and, unaware that the problem was a low battery, offered his help with whatever our crisis seemed to be.
When the man from Security arrived, I had to unlock our storm door and our front door to let him in. He soon explained that it would be a good idea to leave the storm door unlocked, because, while Security has master keys to unlock the regular front doors, they don't have keys to unlock people's storm doors and couldn't get to us if we had an emergency and the storm door was locked.
Another door it's risky to keep locked is the door to our hearts. If we keep that door locked, we almost surely will miss out on intimate relationship with God, self and others. People can't get through locked doors, and God and Jesus never just barge in. They always knock--and wait for us to open the door and welcome them in.
Wending Our Way...

Slow And Uneven Growth

October 16, 2025

1 Thessalonians 1:1 ...Grace and peace to you.
I just broke a nail. Damn! I work so hard to keep my nails looking nice and now this!! The worst of it is that nails grow slowly, so I'll have to be patient as the new one works its way out. Nails also tend to grow unevenly, so I'll have to keep tending to them to keep them looking decent.
Hmmmmm...People are like nails. They grow slowly and unevenly, too. Children and teens grow into maturity very slowly...sometimes exasperatingly so. Adults, too, can take years to grow into their God-given talents, roles and responsibilities. Waiting for growth to occur can be a real challenge in life.
Here's where Grace and Patience meet. We can benefit by extending both to anyone (including ourselves) engaged in the growth process. It makes everyone's lives easier if we offer Grace and Patience when we watch others struggle to grow and when we're amid the difficulties of the growth process ourselves. Grace and Patience together often bring Peace as we continue on amid life's many challenges.
Wending Our Way...

Recital #3

October 15, 2025

Mark 6:7 ...Calling the twelve to him, he sent them out two by two....
As I watched the scoresheets our young pianist was paying close attention to, I noticed a mixture of different kinds of notes. Some notes stood alone, some were grouped into pairs, and some were grouped into chords.
Our Christian journey is much the same. Sometimes we're called to act on our own (as perhaps in visitation); sometimes we're part of a small grouping of events or interventions (as in participating in a small group or class); and sometimes we function as part of a large group (as in a church-wide community activity).
Part of our jobs as Christians is to stay in touch with The Master so we can discern how we're being called to share His Love and Provision.
Wending Our Way...

Recital #2

October 14, 2025

Psalms 92:4 ...I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
I'm thinking back to the piano recital again. It was fascinating to watch the young pianist's hands as his fingers flew over the notes. I kept thinking that the notes had no purpose, only potential, until his fingers touched them--then they burst forth with life and beauty.
It works the same for us. Without God's touch on our lives, we have Christian potential but no Christian purpose. As we resonate with God's touch, our lives, too, burst open with His Life-giving Spirit and His Beauty.
Wending Our Way...

Recital #1

October 13, 2025

Judges 5:3 ...I will make music to the LORD.
We had a wonderful piano recital here a month or so ago. A high school student played all sorts of songs for about an hour one evening. He was terrific! He played a mixture of classical, country, gospel and easy listening. Since he was doing all the work, those of us in the audience could just sit back and enjoy the music.
As he was playing, I sort of kept an eye on his scoresheets. What a lot of notes it took to create the many songs he played! If even one note was missing, the songs wouldn't be the same.
Do you suppose we're all notes on God's Scoresheet of Life? Maybe He's written a symphony and we're each an integral part of it. As we show up each day and play our appointed notes in our designated spots, I bet God just leans back and enjoys the music, too.
Wending Our Way...

Teamwork

October 10, 2025

Psalms 144:14 ...our oxen will pull heavy loads.
Larry and I recently drove past a business with a big sign out front: "Teamwork gets it done." 'Team' has an Indo-European origin which meant 'to pull.' It referred to a team of animals harnessed together to pull a load.
There are lots of teams in the world, but the most beneficial are God and me, God and you, and God and every other Christian down through the ages. God calls us to pull with Him in order to get His work done on earth. It makes for an exciting, if arduous, journey!
Wending Our Way...

Haiku For Hard Times

October 9, 2025

Job 7:1 ...Does not man have hard times on earth?
You are not alone~
And you're not the one in charge~
Help each other out.
Wending Our Way...

Mystery Hymns

October 8, 2025

Job 11:7 ...Can you fathom the mysteries of God?
Back in August our pastor was on vacation, so we had a visiting pastor lead our Sunday service and give the sermon. The bulletin contained just an outline of the Order of Worship. There were no hymn titles listed. As the pastor said at the beginning of the service, " The hymns today are a mystery to you, but not to me and the pianist." Of course, he announced the hymn page numbers when we needed them.
Isn't life like that sometimes? So often we don't know what's up ahead--but God does. And He reveals stuff at the appropriate time. I love Habakkuk 2:3..."for the revelation awaits an appointed time." This scripture reminds me to go with the flow and let God handle the future. He's way better at it than I am!!
Wending Our Way...

Park In The Shade

October 7, 2025

Isaiah 28:12 ...This is the resting place, let the weary rest.
One beastly hot day back in August, Larry and I were walking over to the main building for lunch. As we approached the entrance, we spotted a golf cart parked in the shade under a huge tree. It belonged to one of our maintenance workers who was either on break or tending to some nearby project.
A great metaphor jumped out at me: "Do your work, then rest in the shade." I tend to think I have to be busy ALL the time, whereas God cautions us to rest when we need it.
So... now I try to do my work, then rest in the shade for a bit. What a pleasurable way to live!
Wending Our Way...

Rainbow's Blessing

October 6, 2025

Genesis 9:16 ...Whenever the rainbow appears...I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures....
It's been raining most of the morning, but the rain has stopped now, and the sun is shining brightly. The leaves right outside our front door, covered in tiny iridescent drops, move gently in the breeze. The leaves are sparkling like clear crystals as the sun hits the water droplets, but just a moment ago I saw a brilliant flash of emerald green. Then a moment later there was a bright blue flash...and then a deep red flash. It was magical! As I watched, I became aware that this rainbow of colors flashing before me was created when the sunlight hit a single raindrop on a single leaf that was moving about in the breeze.
The brilliant flashing reminds me of God's Covenant with Noah (Read Gen. 9: 1-17.), which in turn reminds me of God's many other promises and reassurances nestled in the Bible. How blessed we are to be so loved by our Triune God!
Wending Our Way...

Nibbles

October 3, 2025

1 Peter 5:8 ...your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Watch your enemy. He's watching you!
Wending Our Way...

Follow The Recipe

October 2, 2025

Leviticus 2:2 ... [the "recipe" for a grain offering] ...the priest shall take a handful of fine flour and oil together with all the incense.
Many years ago, I ran into a major snag in a recipe. I'd somehow gotten into salt instead of sugar when I made a pecan pie. Needless to say, the pie was inedible--a big waste all around. If I'd followed the recipe correctly, things would've been OK.
It works the same in our Christian lives. We have to follow God's recipe--or guidelines--in order for things to turn out well. The Ten Commandments are an obvious, familiar example of one of God's recipes for successful living.
If we follow the recipe in our cooking and our Christian walks, we generally get better results.
Wending Our Way...

Stained...but Serviceable

October 1, 2025

Romans 8:39 ...[nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I have a favorite ancient potholder here that I just can't bear to part with. It has hearts and flowers on a white background and still is in usable shape although it's probably thirty years old. The only thing wrong with it is that, after all this time, it's horribly stained from years of dribbles and spills in the kitchen. But I still love it and won't part with it.
Aren't we like my beloved potholder? Aren't we, too, stained but still in service with One Who loves us dearly and won't part with us either?
What a blessing to be cared for so profoundly! Rest in His Peace and His Love.
Wending Our Way...

Neuropathy And Life

September 30, 2025

Proverbs 4:5 ...Get wisdom, get understanding....
One Sunday a few weeks ago, our chapel pianist had an unexpected delay and couldn't make it to church, so one of our residents offered to play the hymns for the service. I talked with her after church, and she said she'd made a few mistakes because she has neuropathy in her fingers which makes her fingers numb and unable to feel the keys. I certainly wasn't aware of her mistakes and I'm sure we were all blessed by her presence that day.
After the service, I got to thinking about the word 'numb.' It means to be deprived of sensation, feeling or responsiveness. It's based on a Late Middle English word meaning 'to take.' Numbness takes away feeling or physical sensation in the affected area.
It seems to me that neuropathy can happen with emotions, too. Sometimes something in our lives creates an area of emotional numbness that shows up as a lack of responsiveness to the needs of other people, animals or the environment. I've met very few people who were actively mean. (I reduce contact with them as I can), but I occasionally become aware that I'm trying to elicit a caring response from someone who doesn't have the emotional background to offer the response I'm seeking. For instance, when I had dogs, if one was sick, I sought out fellow dog-lovers to commiserate with me. Non-dog-lovers simply didn't have the same feelings about animals that I did. I don't mean these thoughts as a moral judgment against people who think or feel differently than I do. I mean them as a sort of wake-up call for myself. I see it as a simple realization that if I care passionately about something, I may need to find other like-minded souls to share my deepest feelings with.
Wending Our Way...

Katana Swords

September 29, 2025

Matthew 10:34 ... [Jesus speaking] ..."I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."
Katana swords are Japanese longswords, intended to be held in both hands. Historically, Katanas were used mostly in combat but likely also had ceremonial purposes. Samurai used Katana swords. (The movie The Last Samurai showed one hanging on a wall.) Three men in Japan, seventy-five miles north of Kyoto, still run a Katana blade foundry. (Nat. Geog. Magazine, July 2025) This foundry, called Nippon Genshosha, is one of the last known active Katana foundries in the world. Their swords are all handmade and each one costs around $15,000. The price reflects the many painstaking hours of refining, folding and shaping that is required to strengthen the steel from which the blades are made.
When finished, Katanas reflect the light in an unusual way. There's great power evident in their appearance and functionality.
This whole process reminds me of our Christian Walk. As we're purified, folded and shaped, we become swords in God's Almighty Hands, called to bear His Name and to shine His Light Eternal here on earth as we journey along. Beloved, you are His Sword, so keep your blade clean and sharp and stay by His Side or in His Hands--as Onward you go!
Wending Our Way...

The Recital

September 26, 2025

Revelation 22:21 ...The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.
I recently heard a young child play her first piano recital. She played some simple but longish tune. She knew some parts really well and sort of raced through those. Then there were parts she wasn't as familiar with, so she slowed down and picked her way along carefully as she navigated her way. Her performance thus wasn't very fluid, but she did her best and I felt blessed by her work.
Doesn't life often work like that? Sometimes we breeze through stuff and sometimes we hit patches that demand plodding along at a slower pace.
Whatever is happening in your life, God's using it for good. Always remember His final words in the Bible: (Rev. 22:21) ..."The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen." That grace always surrounds us, even if our steps become tentative and unsure sometimes...and He's always blessed by our efforts on His behalf, even if they don't look very fluid to us.
Wending Our Way...

Haiku...Pain

September 25, 2025

1 Peter 4:12 ...Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering....
God doesn't waste pain.
Look what He did at the Cross.
He'll use your pain, too.
Wending Our Way...

The Other Door

September 24, 2025

1 Thessalonians 5:3 ...destruction will come upon [those who live in darkness] ...and they will not escape.
Back to CVS for a moment. As we approached the store's double front doors, one door said, "Enter" and the other said "Please Use Other Door." This reminded me of the Pearly Gates, and it made me think of the child's game, Chutes and Ladders, where a ladder along the path let you climb up closer to the goal, but a chute slid you back down to a previous spot along the way.
I picture the Pearly Gates as having two doors: one opens onto a Ladder to Heaven. (See Gen. 28:12...which describes Jacob's dream about a ladder rising up to heaven with God standing above the ladder reaffirming His promises.) And the "Other Door" opens onto a Chute to Hell.
Wouldn't it be awful to look arrive at heaven's gates and see that "Please Use Other Door" sign and know there was no escape!!??
Wending Our Way...

Walk-In?

September 23, 2025

1 Thessalonians 4:16 ...and the dead in Christ will rise first...after that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
Back in early August we got our flu shots at CVS. When we stopped to register at the pharmacy, the young man waiting on us asked, "Are you here as a walk-in or do you have an appointment?" We said that we were walk-ins, and he started our registration paperwork.
"Are you here as a walk-in?" That reminded me of the Pearly Gates, which we certainly haven't made an appointment for! But also, we don't quite walk into heaven. Scripture suggests that we sort of float on Home.
Sounds kind of exciting. I can't wait to experience that!!
Wending Our Way...

I'll Be Here...

September 22, 2025

John 14:2 ...I am going there to prepare a place for you.
One evening several days ago I went over to our main building to play cards with a bunch of friends. As I headed out of our cottage, Larry smiled at me and said, "I'll be here waiting for you." His words gave me such a warm, snuggly feeling.
Someone Else said those same words over 2000 years ago: "I'll be here waiting for you." There's another cause for warm, snuggly feelings!!
Wending Our Way...

The Bread Of Life

September 19, 2025

John 6:35 ...Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life."
I stopped at our deli station for a sandwich at lunchtime yesterday. I ordered a tuna salad sandwich and the server asked, "What kind of bread would you like?" Naturally that reminded me of Jesus. I said, "White's fine," but I was thinking: "The Bread of Life. I'll take The Bread of Life!!!"
Wending Our Way...

Phone Update

September 18, 2025

Hebrews 13:8 ...Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
My cell phone recently did an update (oh joy!!). That changed the appearance of things (my screen's now black!) and it switched how some things work. Dang!!This reminded me of Jesus because He never changes His appearance or His methods. He's always the same, so we can always count on Him, now and forever.
Wending Our Way...

Apply...and Save

September 17, 2025

Proverbs 23:12 ...Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
I recently tried to set up a group email contact but couldn't for the life of me figure out how to do it on our new computer. One evening I sat down and finally got things to work. I discovered that when I set up a new group contact, I have to enter the new person's info, then hit "apply"--and then hit "save."
Hmmm! This shows up in Christian life, too. We can't just hear God's word and then wander off. We have to apply it to our lives.. We have to fold it in amongst our daily struggles and fasten it to a thankful outlook and hook it into all our daily thoughts and activities.
Then we have to be sure to "save" it--so that we have forever-access to it. We have to store His word in our hearts so that we can use it here on earth and preserve it into Eternity.
Wending Our Way...

Who??!!

September 16, 2025

Galatians 5:22 ...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
The other day we got a phone call. The phone screen said "John Samuels." We don't know a John Samuels, so we didn't answer it. Soon, the message began: "Hi Folks. This is Jean Samuels....We DO know her. She's a widow we met a short time ago. She had a question for Larry. (Her phone is still listed in her husband's name.)
This reminded me of Satan, who also "calls" using other names. Jean was simply using the other name on what used to be a joint account. There's no deception there. But Satan calls under false names in order to deceive us into responding. His messages might come through with names like Fun, Excitement, Power, Fame, Acquisition....We have to be careful who (or what) we answer to.
God doesn't try to deceive us when He calls. His contacts always originate from love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It's always safe to answer His calls!
Wending Our Way...

Reminders

September 15, 2025

Psalms 77:11 ...I will remember the deeds of the LORD....
I have quite a few things around the house that remind me of pleasant episodes in my life. There's a small glass bowl--a treasure from a Lancaster jaunt with a friend. And an old cloth napkin--a reminder of summer visits to the shore with my sister. There's a wind-up mantle clock from my dad--a reminder of his care and provision through the years. And there's our grandfather's clock. It's been in Larry's family for years. It's a reminder of Larry's faithful presence and support in my life.
All these objects serve as visual reminders of something that happened or is happening in my life. Here are a few others: a Cross (Acts 2:23...nailing him to a cross....); a Dove (Mk. 1:10...the Spirit descending on him like a dove....); Scars (Jn. 20:25...the nail marks in his hands....); Communion (Mt. 26:26...take and eat; this is my body....).
Reminders of What Happened become Treasures in this life and beyond.
Wending Our Way...

Gladiolus And Life

September 12, 2025

Song of Solomon 2:12 ...Flowers appear on the earth....
We had the most beautiful glads this summer. They were pink and white with lovely frilly edges. Numerous flowers bloom vertically along their slender stems. Each flower lasts for only a day, then the one closest to the stem fades away and others along the stem open up in succession. At some point, all the flowers on an individual stem fade away and that stem stops blooming for the season. Each flower is short-lived, but glads bring enormous beauty to their little corner of the world while they're blooming.
Our lives are like gladiolus flowers. Our lives, too, bloom and fade, one day at a time. We, like the glads, are called to bloom fully, one day at a time; then at the end of each day, we're to enjoy a period of rest as we await the arrival of the new day.
Most of us have very long stems (number of earthly days), so we have lots of blooming to do until our final blossom fades. Just think of all the joy, love, hope and companionship you can spread each day as your beauty and grace brighten our weary world!
Wending Our Way...

Nibbles

September 11, 2025

2 Samuel 22:35 ...He trains my hands for battle....
Don't be too hard on yourself when you're weary from the fight. All you've gone through may simply be part of your training for where you are now or where the future will take you.
Wending Our Way...

In Between

September 10, 2025

Genesis 1:1 ...In the beginning....
Some days I feel like I'm running in circles or spinning my wheels. So many things to do, so little time to accomplish stuff, so many interruptions...plus, I have a lot less energy these days. Sometimes I feel like I can never get ahead. It's frustrating!
Then I get to thinking about how God moves. It seems to me that He's always moving TOWARD something. He doesn't run in circles or spin His wheels. He's always moving forward-- patiently moving toward something (even if we can't see that "something").
If you're interested in reflecting on this concept, I invite you to use two of my favorite passages from the Bible. 1. "In the beginning...." From Gen. 1:1, these are the first words in the Bible. They're the Starting Gate, so to speak. Everything moves forward from here. 2. "Amen." From Rev. 22:21b, these are the last words in the Bible. Sandwiched in between "In the beginning" and "Amen," we have inspiring accounts of God's movements since the beginning of time. All His movements strive to bring Eternal Peace and Love to mankind. I can't wait to see how things all work out!
Wending Our Way...

Much Betters

September 9, 2025

Psalms 84:10 ...Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.
My sister creates the neatest typos! She recently texted that a friend had asked for a ride to work--at 6 AM. What a horrible hour! But then the friend texted back that another friend had loaned her a car for the day, so my sister was off the hook. My sister's text to me read: "This is much betters for me." Hee hee!!
"Much betters for me." That reminds me of heaven and salvation and eternal life--as opposed to imprisonment, hell and eternal damnation. That whole salvation thing---that's "much betters," too--for all of us.
Wending Our Way...

Pink Gracelets

September 8, 2025

Colossians 3:16 ...sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Pink is my favorite color. Once in a while I use it to go on a Gratitude Walk. I simply look for pink things on my daily journey. So far, for today, I've seen lovely gladiolus flowers, the sunrise, our dining room table arrangement, a cheery placemat, flamingo pictures on the computer, a neighbor's spiffy new sandals, my favorite summer robe, cheery summer tops I see so frequently, my wine box, a favorite lightweight jacket, my new towels, my current nail polish, numerous door decorations, and my latest book's colorful cover.
When I go on a Pink Walk, I like to reflect on the object I'm seeing and then thank God for its presence in my life. It's an easy way to generate gratitude and I'm sure it pleases God to know that I've noticed the Gracelets He's left beside my path.
Wending Our Way...

Water Of Life

September 05, 2025

John 4:14 ... [Jesus speaking] Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.
I bought an echeveria back in July. That's a succulent with thick, rubbery "leaves" (more like pads, really). I only have to water it twice a month in spring and summer, and once a month in fall and winter.
These plants rot easily with over-watering, but they can also dry out too much with under-watering. I read about a neat way to tell if the plant needs water. Simply gently pinch one of the pads with the pads of your thumb and finger. If they feel thick and sturdy (almost like rubber), they're fine. If the pads look or feel shriveled, the plant needs water.
We're like my echeveria. We, too, shrivel without appropriate "watering." The Water of Life sustains us as we face life's challenges and wend our way along.
Wending Our Way...

Pink Glads

September 4, 2025

Song of Solomon 2:12 ...Flowers appear on the earth....
Some kind soul planted the most glorious gladiolus by our cottage. They're pink and white with ruffly edges. Just gorgeous! I brought a few inside after a heavy rain knocked the plants over. The vibrant flowers certainly brightened up one little corner of our kitchen!
You know, that's not a bad purpose in life: to brighten up corners along the way. I can't change most peoples' difficulties, but I can often brighten up their little corner of the world. Even something as simple as a smile goes a long way.
Wending Our Way...

Bunny-Duck

September 3, 2025

Ruth 4:1 ...Come over here, my friend, and sit down. (Boaz speaking to Ruth)
This has been a fun summer animal-wise. We've been watching baby rabbits and ducklings a lot. One day, five young ducks were pecking in the grass near a brown lump with a longish neck. I figured the lump was a duckling resting in the grass, but when it moved, it hopped! It was a baby rabbit and what I thought was a duck's neck were the rabbit's ears. I just had to stick around long enough to find out about it.
It works the same with people. When I meet someone new, I need to stick around long enough to actually get to know them. Brief contact doesn't build connection. Frequent, sustained interactions build strong relationships.
Wending Our Way...

No Fishing!

September 2, 2025

John 21:13 ...I'm going out to fish.
I heard a news report recently. Residents of a certain area were cautioned against fishing in a nearby lake because a local business had accidentally dumped PCBs into the water and contaminated it.
That reminds me of Satan, because all his fishing holes are contaminated--intentionally. This is why God warns us about where we go fishing. If we're toying with temptation, it's likely that we're fishing in dangerous waters. God doesn't warn us to spoil our fun. He warns us to keep us safe.
Wending Our Way...

Time!!

September 1, 2025

Hebrews 13:5 ...God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
At the chiropractor's last week, I was reading a murder mystery while a heating pad did its thing. A timer ticked away quietly beside me as it measured out ten minutes. When it dinged, my heat-treatment session was over.
Of course, this reminded me of Jesus, because that's the exact opposite of what He does. He never shuts down or shuts off. He never gives up or gives out. He never quits. He never wanders off. No matter what, He's always there. He never leaves us.
Wending Our Way...

Come To The Table

August 29, 2025

Luke 22:14 ...When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table.
The word 'table' has an interesting heritage. The original Latin meant 'board' or 'plank', because food was served on individual boards or planks. Somewhere along the way, someone decided to put legs on the planks...and 'table' appeared.
Someone a short time ago mentioned to me that humans are the only creatures who eat from a table. And Jesus is the only One Who invites all mankind to join Him at His Table.
The nifty thing about eating at a table is that it offers food, but it also offers fellowship, community and connection. Whenever I come to the table (for a meal or for Communion), I like to think of Jesus and His Infinite Love and Eternal Welcome for everyone.
Wending Our Way...

12 Jesuses Watching

August 28, 2025

Job 10:14 ...If I sinned, you would be watching me and would not let my offense go unpunished.
I read a novel back in the spring. One character was an elementary age schoolboy who was Protestant but wound up at a Catholic boarding school. At some point, he'd been shown one room in the church that really creeped him out because there were twelve Jesuses watching him all the time. (These may have been crucifixes, rosaries, statues, stained glass windows, bulletins....)
Unfortunately, the little guy didn't resonate with Jesus "watching" to guard and protect. He associated "watching" with keeping track of offenses and subsequent blame and punishment.
Jesus certainly does watch over us always, but that's because He loves us and wants to provide for us--not because He's keeping track of our failures and mistakes. Hallelujah!
Wending Our Way...

Nibbles

August 27, 2025

Joshua 2:10 ...the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea....
Don't try to go THROUGH the Red Sea until you get TO the Red Sea.
Wending Our Way...

Herpetologist

August 26, 2025

Ephesians 2:10 ...created in Christ Jesus to do good works....
Herpetologist. How's that for a big word?? It means someone who studies reptiles. It took me a while to learn to spell 'herpetologist.' It has lots of letters in specific spots---plus it's LONG!
Wending our way through life is kind of like learning to spell 'herpetologist.' There's lots of stuff to keep track of and it takes a while to get it going right.
Just as I took my time learning to spell 'herpetologist,' God gives us the time we need to work out our earthly journeys. We were indeed created in Jesus Christ to do good works, and God will see to it that we succeed in that. And, amazingly, we'll still make it into heaven, even if we spell a few things wrong along the way!
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.

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