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...

Do Not Litter!

April 3, 2025

Proverbs 16:24 ...Pleasant words are a honeycomb.
Larry and I were driving somewhere this week when we passed a large sign that said, "Please! Do Not Litter!" It's sad that people have to be reminded of that, but I guess they do.
The word 'litter' originally meant 'bed,' and then later denoted a stretcher sort of conveyance, and finally came to mean 'junk that's scattered untidily.' Its modern usage emerged in the 18th century and was derived from the action of scattering straw for bedding.
I think most of us try not to litter physically, but how about verbally? Sometimes I'm not so good at that. Caustic, derogatory, judgmental or just plain mean words in my head or from my mouth can litter the landscape with negative energy and depressing interactions. Pleasant words certainly DO have sweetness!
Wending Our Way...

A Place In Line

April 2, 2025

John 14:2 ...I am going there to prepare a place for you.
Back in November, as Larry and I waited in line to vote, a woman ahead of us saved a spot in line for a family member who arrived late.
That got me thinking: No one can save you a spot in the line of folks on their journey to heaven. We all arrive there at a designated time and with a personal invitation from the Good Lord.
Jesus is the only One Who can save us a place in heaven!
Wending Our Way...

Anger...and

April 1, 2025

James 19:1 ...Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry....
Many years ago (probably back in college) I learned that anger is rarely a pure emotion. It usually masks another emotion-- often fear, sadness or frustration.
The word 'anger', which comes from Old Norse usage, is related to words for 'affliction,' 'distress,' 'grief,' 'strangle' and 'constrict.' No wonder anger can be so intense, frightening and overwhelming.
When I'm confronted by anger (in myself or in others), I try to look for its hidden meaning. Then I can more easily sympathize with the concealed emotion involved and sometimes can keep a volatile situation from escalating.
Wending Our Way...

Flecks Of Crap

March 31, 2025

Psalms 34:14 ...Seek peace and pursue it.
Larry and I were grocery shopping a while ago and wound up at the fresh fish section. As we were looking at salmon, he noticed that one filet had brownish flecks scattered around the pinkish flesh. He didn't buy that one because, as he said, it had "flecks of crap" in it. That gave me a laugh.
It also reminded me of life. Lots of days contain "flecks of crap"--those mostly minor difficulties that crop up on occasion. I can't say that I'm really good at this, but when crap happens, I try to deal with it without getting drawn into the emotional energy that's so often involved. That way, I still have the crap to attend to, but not the angst such stuff usually generates.
Wending Our Way...

Hand-Carried

March 28, 2025

Luke 24:39 ... [Jesus speaking] Look at my hands and my feet....
For some reason today I got to thinking about all the things I carry in my hands. Maybe that's because I carried a lot of things yesterday when I was out running errands and doing housework: keys, receipts, a script from the drugstore, a book I'd taken along just in case, wallet, sunglasses, laundry, a watering can, dishes....
That was all stuff I carried for me. How about stuff I've carried for others? There's a book I took to the neighbor, a script to the drugstore for Larry, a spice bottle of dill I gave to my sister, my phone number I gave to a neighbor, and a glove I returned to a woman who'd dropped it as she walked past me. Where would we be without our hands?
This naturally led me to think about Christ's hands. Throughout His earthly life and on the Cross, His Hands were an important part of His ministry to people. He touched others, held scripture and children, blessed people and meals, cooked fish on the shore, and carried the Cross. Where would we be without His Hands?
Wending Our Way...

Nibbles

March 27, 2025

Matthew 10:8 ...Freely you have received, freely give.
Give of yourself and take home treasures.
Wending Our Way...

What's My Purpose #3

March 26, 2025

Luke 6:31 ...Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
When I hear this scripture, the word 'kindness' comes to mind. 'Kindness' is related to 'compassion' and to 'benign thoughts and actions.' Think of where the world would be if everyone practiced kindness. It'd be Heaven on Earth!!
I'm reminded here of the doctors' Hippocratic Oath, which I was always told began with the phrase, "First, do no harm." (I just found out that these words aren't actually in the Oath, but "Do no harm" is implied.)
Spreading kindness and doing no harm is foundational to Christian living and is undoubtedly a strong component of many people's purposes in life. So...as far as possible, be kind!
Wending Our Way...

What's My Purpose? #2

March 25, 2025

John 5:35 ...John was a lamp that burned and gave light....
I recently met a woman who was badly injured when she walked into a piece of furniture in the dark. This led me to realize that a lot of people wander around "in the dark" spiritually or emotionally, too. "Light" for them might mean introduction to new resources, information, habits, perspectives, relationships, behaviors, goals, venues, experiences or commitments.
As Christ's followers, part of our purpose is to carry The Light in whatever form it may take. His Light brings hope, love and encouragement to a struggling world, and His Divine Resources light the way to the future.
Christians burn with the Light of the Holy Spirit, and we all have the responsibility to carry that Light to the world's empty places. So... keep carrying The Light.
Wending Our Way...

What's My Purpose? #1

March 24, 2025

John 15:12 ...Love each other as I have loved you.
Have you ever wondered what your purpose in life is? I sure have. Most of us don't wake up to a yard of pink plastic flamingos or flashing neon lights announcing our purpose/s in life. And it doesn't help that God seems to whisper a lot, so it's often hard to hear Him.
The word 'purpose' is closely related to the word 'position,' so when I think of my purpose in life, I tend to think of my position in life as well. (My dad used to say "Your position in life may change but your purpose won't." ) Thus, I figure that wherever I find myself placed, I can begin to fulfill my purpose/s there.
As I think about my purpose in life, I'm reminded of today's scripture. At least part of my purpose (and that of all Christians) is to keep on loving, no matter what befalls me. Jesus did this during His lifetime and again at the Cross. As His followers, we strive to do the same thing here on earth, so...keep on loving, no matter what!
Wending Our Way...

Pinteraq

March 21, 2025

Psalms 27:2 ...when my enemies and my foes attack me....
One day back in early February a flock of starlings descended on our neighbor's bird feeders. It wasn't long before two of the birds got into a fight. I wasn't sure if they were protecting a food source or an upcoming nesting site. Either way, I wondered why they couldn't just get along; but then I got to thinking-- they were just reacting to a perceived threat. They were dealing with something that was attacking them or could attack them in the future. They were protecting themselves from harm.
"Pinteraq" is an Inuit word for "what will attack you." Starlings have to keep a wary eye on things because there's a lot out there that could act against them. So it is with human life as well. "Pinteraq'" is all over the place. Lust, greed, pride ,envy ego, hunger, fear and plenty of other threats to life and limb abound. We, too, must defend ourselves from physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological attacks.
"Peace on Earth" is spotty at best. Our true rest comes in Eternity.
Wending Our Way...

Melting Ice...and Hearts

March 20, 2025

1 Corinthians 16:19 ...Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord....
Today's actually February 10 and as I write, I'm watching ice melting off the trees outside our cottage. An ice storm yesterday covered everything in glittery splendor and today the morning sun is slowly melting the icy coating. It'll take some time, but at some point, the trees will be free of their frozen prisons.
The ice melts from the trees because of the sun's warmth and persistence. Without those qualities, the branches would remain frozen. Jesus works like that, too. His warmth and persistence work to melt our human hearts--which He then draws toward Himself.
The slowness of the melting ice inspires me to be content with slow progress as I cheerfully approach new people. Some of them may have "frozen branches," too and may need my warmth and persistence in order to loosen up and respond freely.
Wending Our Way...

Thirteen Minutes Less

March 19, 2025

James 4:8 ...Come near to God and he will come near to you.
My cell phone provider just notified me that I've used my phone thirteen minutes less than I did last week. My first thought was, "So what?! Who cares?! Why even keep track of such things!" I pay a flat monthly fee for unlimited phone, text and data, so thirteen minutes has no meaning for me.
Jesus certainly doesn't monitor our air time as we talk with Him. He simply cherishes the time we have together and thinks of us fondly as He goes about His daily rounds.
Wending Our Way...

Renting

March 18, 2025

Acts 28:20 ..Paul stayed there in his rented house....
Since we've moved to a retirement community, we're now living in rent rather than owning our own place. We like that! Owning was great during our younger years, but now we're happy to have no outside work and happy to let someone else worry about fixing stuff. And we'll never again have to suffer the upheaval and angst selling a house creates.
All this reminds me that we can rent a lot of things but one thing we can't rent is Jesus. We can't pay Him and then use Him for whatever purpose we have in mind and then return Him. We can't buy Him, either, because He's always entirely free. He doesn't charge a thing, though He paid with His Life in order to capture our hearts and our souls.
Wending Our Way...

Moving On

March 17, 2025

Psalms 55:1 ...Listen to my prayer, O God....
Two of the greatest frustrations Larry and I had with this whole moving thing was trying to change our address and trying to end/set up utility service and billing. So often we'd be forced to deal with internet sites that didn't work, menu selections that didn't address our issue, incompetent people, dropped calls and AI that defaulted in mid-stream. What ever happened to the good old days when you could talk to a knowledgeable person??
This got me thinking about Jesus. With all the technology in the world now, He's one of the few people Who doesn't have a cell phone or an email address, a landline or an answering machine.
Jesus wants all our contacts with Him to be personal--not robotic or programmed. And, He never needs a middleman. All our thoughts and prayers go straight to Him. He unerringly hears our every word.
Wending Our Way...

Closed?

March 14, 2025

Acts 2:25 ... [David speaking] "...I saw the LORD aways before me."
As Larry and I were traveling along route 562 recently, we happened to pass a local produce stand. The sign outside said, "CLOSED. BACK IN SPRING." Another week or so and they'll probably be opening.
Jesus never does that--close, that is. He never shuts down because of seasons, or difficulties or fatigue or illness. He's always with us...now and forever. Hallelujah!!
Wending Our Way...

Foresteria

March 13, 2025

Judges 19:20 ..."You are welcome at my house," the old man said.
I was reading an article in National Geographic recently. It mentioned that some early monasteries were required to maintain a foresteria--a guesthouse. This would accommodate overnight visitors and provided a temporary refuge for travelers.
In reflecting on that, I realized that heaven doesn't have a foresteria--because heaven doesn't have guests. Everyone there is a resident!
Wending Our Way...

Pushed Out?!

March 12, 2025

Psalms 23:6 ...I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Sometimes I feel like I'm getting pushed out of life. (I'm sure this happens to all seniors at some point.) The pens I really like are no longer made. So many products and appliances are made to be replaced, not repaired. I'm forced into on-line transactions rather than the inter-personal ones I've always used. AI apps have taken over the business world. So many things need a pin!! Some days I feel like I don't belong here anymore.
I find a lot of peace in knowing that no matter how old I get, I'll never get pushed out of heaven. What a comforting thought!
Wending Our Way...

Christ's Light

March 11, 2025

John 3:19 ...Light has come into the world....
Our new cottage has the most wonderful morning light. The challenge is that the sunlight streams through the front windows and shines on the dining room table. I've been hanging a lacy crochet shawl over one of the dining room chairs to block out the sun for a few hours. I thought I had the problem solved until I noticed that the sun was shining right through the lacy holes in the shawl and sprinkling dots of light all over the dining room table. Cripes!!
Looking at those sunny sprinkles of light reminded me of Jesus because His Light manages to creep through even the darkest passages. As long as He's invited in, He'll always show up. Nothing in this life can block out His Presence.
Wending Our Way...

Almost Home

March 10, 2025

2 Timothy 4:18 ...The LORD will rescue me...and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.
As I wandered around our cottage today, I was struck by how long it takes for a new place to feel like home. I love our new digs, but I can't find stuff, my usual pathways don't lead to where I thought I was going and things keep turning up in odd spots. Still, I know this will feel like home, given time.
That's one neat thing about heaven. As soon as we land, it'll feel like Home--forever!
Wending Our Way...

Chocolate Tuna Salad

March 7, 2025

Isaiah 26:4 ...Trust in the LORD forever....
Yesterday I had a huge tuna salad sandwich for lunch. I ate half of it because I also wanted the chocolate cake I'd bought. The cake came in a clear plastic take-out box, so when I finished the cake (I ate all of THAT!). I put the other half of the tuna sandwich in the box and brought it back to the cottage.
When I ate the tuna sandwich the next day, it had a definite chocolate after-taste. It was kind of weird, but it worked out OK.
It all reminded me of life and the really odd people and circumstances that have cropped up in my life on occasion. God doesn't make mistakes, so I trust that the weirdness that surfaces every once in a while must have some form of divine sanction, so I know that my life will eventually work out OK, too.
Wending Our Way...

Faith And Endurance

March 6, 2025

Psalms 17:5 ...My steps have held to your path....
(This poem should read as four lines, but my template only allows for 3 lines.)
Fear nothing on the roads that you travel. Serve God where you find yourself now.
Go forward with faith and endurance. God's Love will keep showing you how.
Wending Our Way...

Remember...

March 05, 2025

Proverbs 77:11 ...I will remember the deeds of the LORD.
People use a lot of things to remind them to do certain things. We often ask others to remind us, we write notes and set timers, we rely on phone calls, texts and emails, or we get Alexa and other AI voices to jog our memories.
Symbols can do the same. Doves remind us of peace. The Cross reminds us of Jesus. Hearts make us think of love. And ashes remind us of Christ's Love for us and the arduous journey He undertook as He fought to redeem men's souls over 2000 years ago.
The ashes are a reminder of our life in Christ and the blessings we share as members of His Divine Family.
Wending Our Way...

Warm Feathers

March 4, 2025

Luke 13:34 ...as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings....
We had such dreadful cold back in January. Now that the temperatures have moderated a bit, I'm remembering what a blessing heated car seats are. (Larry's truck has them but my car doesn't.) They're so cozy and welcoming!
Heated seats remind me of today's scripture. A hen gathers her chicks under her wings partly in order to protect them from weather conditions and predators, but also so that they can keep warm next her natural body heat as her wings block out cold air and winds.
When I find myself warmed by something around me (like socks, sunspots, electric blankets, heavy shawls, down coats, furry friends, crackling fires, indoor heat, heated seats...), I thank God for His provision. Not everyone is surrounded by such creature comforts.
Wending Our Way...

No Light!

March 3, 2025

Revelation 22:16 ..."I, Jesus...am... the bright Morning Star."
I just read a novel about a group of researchers in the Arctic. (Girl in Ice, by Erica Ferencik) They were working when it was dark twenty-four hours a day for four months and the temperatures often dropped to minus sixty degrees. Yikes!! How do you manage to live under such circumstances?! Wouldn't that literally make you crazy?
Can you imagine going for four months without any Light (guidance or love) or Warmth (compassion and love) from God? Some folks manage to do that, but this story reminded me how much I rely on God's Presence in my life and how lost I'd be without it.
Wending Our Way...

Do Not Duplicate

February 28, 2025

1 Chronicles 9:26,27 ...the four principal gatekeepers...would spend the night stationed around the house of God...and they had charge of the key for opening it each morning.
I always like to check the contents of my safe deposit box in late January or early February. That helps me get rid of unnecessary stuff and helps me remember (more or less!) what's in there.
When I checked things out this week, I noticed that my key said "Do Not Duplicate." That sounds like a wise notification. That short message reminded me of snowflakes and fingerprints, which aren't duplicated, either.
And how about people? There will never be a duplicate of you--or me--or anyone else in all the world. Each one of us is a love-enshrouded, one-of-a-kind expression of God's creativity and provision.
Wending Our Way...

Fellow Pilgrims

February 27, 2025

Isaiah 58:11 ...The LORD will guide you always....
I read a book over the winter in which a young couple were parted soon after marrying. The young man went away to war and never came home. So sad!
Somewhere along the way, another character in the book mentioned that some people appear in our lives to move us forward--and then they disappear. Their job isn't to accompany us for life. Their job is to escort us to the next phase of our life. Hmmmm! Interesting thought.
I think back on all the people who have graced my path. Some were splendid companions, some less so. I can see how each has indeed nudged (or shoved!) me forward on life's meandering pathway. Each has provided a touch of God's Guidance on my journey to Heaven.
Wending Our Way...

One Penny

February 26, 2025

1 Timothy 2:2 ...that we may live peaceful and quiet lives....
A few days ago, Larry put a load of laundry in the dryer and the darn thing really made a racket. Neither one of us could imagine what was clanking around in there. We eventually discovered that it was a lone penny that had gotten loose. How amazing that such a small thing could make so much noise!
I've known some people like that. Their voices are always louder and their needs more important than those of others. They're always center-stage and more visible than those around them.
That noisy penny reminded me how much I value quiet moments and peaceful people. The older I get, the less appeal I find in noise, commotion and drama. I prefer to soak up serenity.
Wending Our Way...

Come And Get It!

February 25, 2025

Philippians 3:20 ...our citizenship is in heaven.
We eat most of our meals at the cafeteria now. The other day I ordered a grilled chicken breast sandwich, so the chef gave me one of those electronic guest check coasters. When it started its blink and buzz routine, I knew my lunch was ready.
Once I'd picked up my sandwich and had gotten seated, the coaster's blinking and buzzing reminded me of the Pearly Gates and my upcoming invitation to Eternal Rest. One day My Jesus will blink and buzz for me, signaling that it's time for me to begin my journey to my Heavenly Home. Some days I can hardly wait to get there!!
Wending Our Way...

Moving In

February 24, 2025

Hebrews 11:1 ...Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Now that we've actually moved in, unpacking has been comical at times. I open a box and I have no idea what I'm going to find. One day it was socks! Oh joy!! The temperature was hovering around 6 degrees that day, so socks were welcome. Sometimes boxes offered up more mundane stuff, like toothpaste or bowl scrapers. Whatever things eventually showed up, I couldn't even begin to guess what I'd find hidden inside the various cartons.
Life works like that, too. God delivers "boxes" to us. We call them "days." We don't discover what's inside until we "open" them...that is engage with the contents. Moving forward day by day requires a bit of curiosity--and willingness to tolerate a little uncertainty as we involve ourselves in the Good Lord's plans.
Wending Our Way...

Blinded

February 21, 2025

Mark 6:31 ...Come with me by yourselves and get some rest.
One morning recently I was getting dressed when I accidentally got a bit of hairspray in my one eye. Until I got it washed away, my vision was kind of blurry. It turned out OK, but I was kind of blinded for a moment.
The same thing happens in life. Some damnable thing gets in our "eyes" and we can be blinded temporarily (or permanently). How about jealousy, fatigue, pain, illness, worry, depression...?
When our vision blurs because of external influences, we can take a moment to blink a bit and concentrate on Jesus and His Provision in our lives. A quiet moment sometimes eases blurriness and its often-depressing connections.
Wending Our Way...

We Three Kings...sorta!

February 20, 2025

Revelation 5:8 ...the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders...were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
In our chapel service on January 5, we sang "We Three Kings," in honor of Epiphany. We sang all five verses. (I think there were five.) Anyway, along about verse four some people got confused so part of the congregation was merrily singing verse four and the rest were happily perking along on verse five. It sounded like pure noise for a moment until everyone got straightened out and concluded with verse five.
I wonder if that's what prayer sounds like to God. With so many praying at once, how does He keep it all straight?? He must have one heck of a filtration system up there! (Does He have audio-techs to help straighten things out?)
Not to worry! Somehow all our prayers get to the Throne of Grace OK. They even wind up in golden bowls and send their beautiful fragrance throughout heaven!!
Wending Our Way...

Free!

February 19, 2025

John 8:36 ...if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Larry and I have been attending chapel services at our retirement community. A few weeks ago, we sang a hymn that was newish to me. It was called "God of the Ages." I knew the tune but the words were unfamiliar. One line really spoke to me. It said that in Christ we are "free from sin's alloy."
Hmmm! I'm not exactly sure what "alloy" means in this hymn - but I know it as a mixture of metals, put together to increase the strength of the finished product or to make the finished product resist corrosion. The word 'alloy' comes from an Old French word meaning 'to combine.'
"Sin's alloy" suggests to me that Satan intentionally mixes tantalizing pleasures with dangerous outcomes in order to strengthen sin's appeal. We need to be aware of the treacherous mixtures Satan throws at us so that we're less likely to fall for his schemes.
Wending Our Way...

Don't Add To The Load

February 18, 2025

Ecclesiastes 3:8 ...a time to love....
The other day at dinner I pulled a Lipton teabag from its distinctive yellow paper envelope, plopped the teabag in my mug and stuck a single unused butter pat in the teabag wrapper so I could take it back to the cottage easily. Once there, I stuck it in the fridge and forgot about it.
Next morning at breakfast I looked in the fridge and wondered what in the world a teabag was doing in THERE!! (I soon figured THAT out!) Anyway, it served as a good reminder that things aren't always what they seem. (The lady who seemed kind of cold to me last night was in a lot of pain from a recently-injured knee. The fellow who rudely rushed past me was on his way to the ER to meet his wife, who had just fallen. The young woman who seemed so self-absorbed was trying to adjust to a life-threatening medical diagnosis she'd just received.)
I don't always know what loads others are carrying. Let me not add to their burden because I'm blind to their difficulties.
Wending Our Way...

Ovey! Ovey!

February 17, 2025

John 10:14 ...I know my sheep and my sheep know me.
A while ago I read a cozy mystery that took place in England. As the investigation got rolling, the lead detective stopped at a sprawling old farmhouse to ask the resident couple (who were sheep farmers) a few questions. As the interview got under way, the wife mentioned that she and her husband still used sheepdogs and still called their flock by shouting "Ovey! Ovey!" (The word comes from the Latin word for 'sheep.')
I can imagine Jesus doing just that. I can picture Him standing alone in the wind and the rain, surrounded by cold and darkness, amid hurricane gales and shifting sands. I can hear Him calling to anxious hearts and weary souls: "Ovey! Ovey! Come to Me and find rest. Come to me."
Wending Our Way...

God Has A Plan

February 14, 2025

Isaiah 29:11 ...For I know the plans I have for you....
Yesterday I saw a young father strolling around while carrying an infant. Dad wore a tan sweatshirt with the words "God Has a Plan" in big black letters on the back. That really spoke to me because I've been so hassled by this whole move (and all the details we've had to address in order to make it happen) that I sort of began to wonder what God was up to in my life.
That young father's shirt reminded me that God has a plan, even when I can't see it. He's decided on certain outcomes and is steadily arranging life events so that His goals are ultimately fulfilled. He creates actions and occurrences that keep His Plan moving forward even amid the chaos of our current situation.
I've found that I don't always have to understand what's going on. I just have to keep moving ahead in love and trust and let God manage the universe.
Wending Our Way...

Trapped!

February 13, 2025

Psalms 31:4 ...Free me from the trap that is set for me.
I was at the Cancer Center a short time ago (routine visit). As I took the elevator up to the second floor, I noticed a sign that said, "Should entrapment occur, call 610-326...." Ye gods! What a scary thought!!
"Should entrapment occur." Hmmm! We earthlings are often entrapped by worries, concerns, pressures, illnesses, addictions, accidents and set-backs. When that happens, we can call on Our Jesus to guide, provide for and protect us. There's a comforting thought!
Wending Our Way...

Accompanied By...

February 12, 2025

Matthew 28:20 ...I am with you always....
We have meals now at the cafeteria in our retirement community. A computerized screen displays the lunch and dinner menus. For lunch one day a "hamburger accompanied by French fries and carrots" was offered.
"Accompanied by" stuck with me as we launched into our meal. In life, we're blessed to be accompanied by Our Jesus. He's with us even beyond lunch and dinner and has a great deal more power and devotion than French fries and carrots!
Wending Our Way...

You're Getting There!

February 11, 2025

Matthew 16:19 ...I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
When we were about two weeks away from actually moving, a kindly neighbor asked how we were coming along. When I filled her in, she smiled and said, "You're getting there!"
"Yes!" I thought, but then it occurred to me that "You're getting there!" applies to our earthly Christian walk as well. Every step we take on earth brings us closer to heaven's gates. Whatever your trials, you're getting there, so carry on, beloved. Carry on.
Wending Our Way...

Search And Rescue

February 10, 2025

Matthew 18:14 ...your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
I recently finished a book in which Search and Rescue dogs were brought in to search an area after a huge sinkhole swallowed the back end of a restaurant. The dogs successfully found several live but injured people and, sadly, found a number of deceased people as well.
This reminded me of Jesus because He's a Search and Rescue God. He, too, hunts diligently, seeking out those who have gone astray and then escorting them back to safety.
Search and Rescue dogs are selfless creatures who take great pleasure in rescuing the lost and injured folks they search for. Jesus feels the same about His earthly and heavenly followers.
Wending Our Way...

Nibbles

February 7, 2025

James 4:7 ...Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
You can't toss the devil out with one hand and invite him in with the other.
Wending Our Way...

Sold!

February 6, 2025

Ephesians 4:27 ...do not give the devil a foothold....
I'm writing this devotion on Dec. 21 and the realtor just put the "Sold" sign on our "For Sale" sign. Things are moving right along!
Each one of us wears a "Sold" sign, too. We're sold to Jesus or to Satan. Things move right along no matter which one we follow, but the end results are different!
Wending Our Way...

Lost Key

February 05, 2025

Luke 19:10 ...For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
I lost a key a while back. My purse, open at the time, fell upside down in a dark spot. I didn't realize that the key had fallen out until several days later, but I haven't been able to find it where I thought I had lost it.
This reminded me of Jesus because no one is ever lost with Him unless they choose to be. His Heart and Hands are always open to those who call His Name. He always finds us, even in life's darkest spots.
Wending Our Way...

Compound Interest

February 4, 2025

Romans 2:7 ...To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
Compound interest is interest earned on both the principle amount and whatever interest has previously accrued in an account. It maximizes growth by building on whatever's already there.
Christian life works like that, too. Whatever we learn along the way builds on what's already within us. As long as we keep growing in knowledge of and relationship with ourselves, God and others, we keep gaining ground.
Persistence in Christian living builds substantial results over time.
Wending Our Way...

Keep Your Tools Sharp

February 3, 2025

Galatians 5:22 ...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Not too long ago I heard a bit of an interview on KYW News Radio. A sports announcer was chatting with a football player after a losing game. In commenting on his team's efforts, the player said, "You've got to keep all your tools sharp."
'Tool' comes from an Old English word meaning 'to prepare.' I remember from elementary school that a tool "helps you do work." So - football players have to prepare well in order to do good work on the field.
How about us Christians? We need to keep our tools sharp, too, so that we can do good work in the fields. To me that means that we must keep our tools ready for use at all times. I see our tools as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These "tools" help us get the Lord's work done.
Wending Our Way...

Take Care Of You

January 31, 2025

Proverbs 3:8 ... [wisdom] will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Larry and I try to eat right and we work at keeping active. Neither of us is on many meds and we like to think it's at least partly because we take care of ourselves.
Years ago I heard some sage put it all in perspective. She said, "If you don't take care of your body, where are you going to live?" What a great thought!
Wisdom tells us how to take care of our bodies, but we have to act on that information in order to maintain our health so that we can continue to serve our Good Lord.
Wending Our Way...

Winging It!

January 30, 2025

Psalms 18:6 ...I cried to my God for help....
Many years ago I had a calendar of amusing bird pictures with a light-hearted caption under each photo. My favorite was a seagull facing the camera with his left wing and leg fully extended off to the side. (I guess it was stretching.) The caption said, "Wing It!" It always gave me a laugh.
'Wing it' means to act without much preparation, to improvise as you go along. Some days I feel like I'm winging it a lot. Some ventures (like moving or dealing with medical issues) have so many unknowns that it's impossible to prepare fully.I HAVE to wing it.
I know I often "cry to the LORD for help," especially when I'm winging it. Sometimes I think everyone's winging it, but some folks just hide it better than others.
Wending Our Way...

Comforting Thought

January 29, 2025

John 10:14 ...I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep....
Larry and I met my sister for lunch recently. Her son had set up her phone to open with face-recognition and since we're twins, we wondered if the phone would open after viewing MY face. I held her phone up to my face...and it opened right away! We both got a laugh out of that.
The whole thing reminded me of Jesus because He would never look at you and confuse you with someone else. Down through the ages, there's ever been and always will be only one YOU and He recognizes you instantly. What a comforting thought!
Wending Our Way...

Provision?

January 28, 2025

Jonah 1:17 ...but the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah....
Take a minute to read Jonah if you're not familiar with his story. It's only three chapters long! Basically, God directs Jonah to go to Nineveh and "preach against it" because of the great wickedness of the people there. But Jonah, completely uninterested in the Ninevite's plight, hops a ship to Tarshish. A violent storm arises, the sailors figure out that Jonah's presence has caused it, and they throw him into the sea. And...a "great fish" swims up and has lunch and Jonah has free housing for three days.
I love verse 1:17: "But the LORD provided...." Jonah was headed off in the wrong direction, as were the Ninevite's, so God provided. The fish wasn't a punishment. It was a provision. It provided a pathway to safety for Jonah and the Ninevites.
So it is in life sometimes. What doesn't look like provision at the time may turn out to be provision-ing.
Wending Our Way...

Welcome!!!

January 27, 2025

Judges 19:20 ..."You are welcome at my house," the old man said.
I stopped in at Kohl's a few weeks ago. As I approached the door, a woman scooted in front of me, opened the door, went in, slammed the door in my face and raced off on whatever her undertaking was. I don't think she was being mean. I think she was on a mission and was oblivious to what or who was around her.
Anyway, her action was very unwelcoming but it did remind me of Jesus because He would never slam the door in anyone's face. He holds the door open for everyone (even those who don't know Him yet) as He welcomes all who choose to walk with Him. All are welcome at His House.
Wending Our Way...

Whelmed-Over

January 24, 2025

Psalms 18:4 ...the torrents of destruction over-whelmed me....
I don't read fantasy/sci-fi much but over the summer I read an animal fantasy in which the Bad Rats battled the Good Mice for control of the Mouse Kingdom. It turned out to be an entertaining story. I particularly enjoyed one rat's involvement. A loyal but basically stupid creature, he had a comical way of expressing himself. Once, in hand-to-hand (or should I say paw-to-paw) combat with a squadron of Warrior Mice, he turned to his Rat Captain and said, "I'm getting whelmed-over here!!"
I know the feeling! Sometimes life comes at me so fast and furiously that it's hard to keep up. This move has whelmed me over frequently, but now that we're in our new place, things are settling down a bit.
Three things have helped as I fought my way through the housing transition: 1. I purposely slowed down wherever I could. 2. I tried to eat right so as to keep up my strength. 3. I put as much Me Time into each day as I could. This all helped me feel less drained. The move was well worth it, but I'm certainly ready for a more peaceful life!!
Wending Our Way...

St. Nikodimos

January 23, 2025

1 Peter 2:11 ...abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
In The Philokalia, which is a collection of texts from the 4th to the 15th centuries, written to guide and instruct monks, Nikodimos points out that when we sin, we should examine our thoughts, because if we hadn't entertained sinful thoughts, our bodies wouldn't have carried those thoughts forward into action.
So - what do we do when errant thoughts threaten to lead us astray? I always think of prayer, distraction and activity. Praying for strength is beneficial but I generally need something more, so distracting myself with a good book or knitting or a crossword puzzle will often absorb my wandering thoughts. Any kind of physical activity helps, too, especially if it requires a bit of concentration.
Sinful thoughts really do wage war within us sometimes. They require constant vigilance and dedicated resistance.
Wending Our Way...

Haiku...Security

January 22, 2025

Isaiah 4:2,6 ... The Branch of the LORD...will be a shelter...and a refuge and a hiding place from the storm and the rain.
Ride the waves with me~
Keep me steady in the storm~
My Redeemer-Friend.
Wending Our Way...

Be Nice!!

January 21, 2025

1 Corinthians 3:16 ...you yourselves are God's temple....
I recently read an interesting article about trees that dominate an area by releasing (through their roots) a chemical that prevents other plants from growing nearby. Quite a few trees do this: black walnut, pine, sugar maple, black locust, sassafras, planetree, sumac and tree of heaven. They take over areas by force and crowd out other vegetation.
I've known several people like that. Their dominant personalities or excessive neediness drain the life resources out of those who come near.
I've finally learned to reduce contact with those who exhaust me. This has been a struggle for me because I grew up with the rule: "Be nice to everyone and everyone will be nice to you." (This is certainly true some of the time but certainly not always.) I've finally learned that sometimes the person I need to be nice to is ME!!
Wending Our Way...

Christmas Baseball

January 20, 2025

Proverbs 9:9 ...a righteous man will add to his learning.
Here's an amusing (and true) Christmas story. I was talking to a woman who had just finished trimming her Christmas tree when her three-year-old grandson appeared. "I'm gonna play baseball!" he announced in a loud voice. "Oh," she replied, "and where's the bat?" Her question prompted the little guy to show her a hefty stick he'd been holding behind his back. "OK," she said, as she went along with the conversational flow. "And where's the ball?" In answer to her question he grabbed a glass ball from the tree, tossed it in the air, swung at it - and hit it dead on!! As you might expect, the stick survived but the ornament didn't.
I'm not sure what happened next, but Grandma related this story with a twinkle in her eye, so I'm sure it had a happy ending (and probably provided a learning experience as well).
My take-home here: We often we take our best shot based on what we know at the time. If things don't quite work out as expected, learn what you can, pick up the pieces, ask for help if you need it, forgive yourself - and move on.
Wending Our Way...

Moving On! #5

January 17, 2025

Ephesians 3:18 ...may you have power...to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ....
My sister was telling me that she was cleaning out one of her kitchen cabinets and WAY in the back she found a box of prunes - from 2017!! Time to let go of THOSE!!
This reminded me of yesterday's move. We've been at it since mid-June, and since we're downsizing, we've gotten rid of a lot of stuff. It's so hard to decide what goes and what stays. We had to sort through and triage stuff as we went along: absolute necessities stayed, as did our favorite or most- useful things. A lot of things we liked but didn't have room for had to disappear. It all worked out OK and now our new place isn't cluttered with extra belongings.
Naturally this all reminded me of Jesus. That's because He doesn't triage people. All are equally loved and equally welcomed into the heavenly realms. He never lets go of anyone who invites Him into their hearts and lives. Hallelujah!!
Wending Our Way...

Moving On! #4

January 16, 2025

2 Peter 3:18 ...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Today's our actual moving day!! I'm a bit excited and a bit nervous, but I'm sure things will work out OK. One of the blessings of being a Christian is that while we have troubles aplenty here on earth, we also have spiritual as well as emotional and physical lives - and this gives us resilience.
Spiritual lives help us spring back after we've gotten bent out of shape by life's cares, after we've been stretching to meet the never-ending demands of chronic difficulties, or after we've been squashed by life's troubles and challenges.
Spiritual lives allow us to rest in God's care, even amid difficulties. It means that our lives aren't only about the business of life, but also about Relationship, Rest and Rejuvenation as we plod along toward heaven.
Wending Our Way...

Moving On! #3

January 15, 2025

Isaiah 54:10 ...my unfailing love for you will not be shaken...
Trusting the sequence of events involved in this move has been tough in spots. There have been lots of questions so far but not many answers. Did we make the right decision to move? Is now the right time? Are we headed to the right place? Did we choose the right apartment? Will the house sell?? Can we afford this? How will we adjust to a new, smaller place? What if it snows on moving day? On and on it goes.
I suspects God sometimes foists change on me so that I'm in spots where He can prove His faithfulness to me. My head understands this faithfulness thing but my heart gets shaky about it sometimes. I also think my faith is strengthened as I wend my way through my concerns and can then look back on the LORD's faithfulness. (Hanging out under a beach umbrella with bonbons and a good book would certainly be more fun than moving, but it wouldn't grow my trust in the LORD's provision.)
The faithfulness thing works both ways. In tough times, God wants to display His faithfulness to me, but He also wants my faithfulness to Him to remain steady. Sharing hands and hearts as we clatter along strengthens trust and faith.
Wending Our Way...

Moving On! #2

January 14, 2025

Isaiah 54:2 ...Enlarge the place of your tent....
This whole world of moving has certainly been an adventure! There's been so much to do, arrangements to make and people to contact. We've been frustratingly busy but it's also been interesting to get a brief view into the lives of different people.
We've talked at length with the Residency Counselor at our new apartment, chatted with several new neighbors, worked with our realtor, and with our mover, and connected with various other service people who were instrumental in our transition. These contacts have given me insights into others' lives in areas I haven't much explored before. I've also developed greater compassion for others' cares and concerns.
Sometimes I think God leads me into new areas or endeavors partly to grow me emotionally, physically or spiritually, but also to "enlarge the place of my tent" - to expand my area of influence in His Name. As I follow His lead, I grow into the next phase of my calling.
Wending Our Way...

Moving On! #1

January 13, 2025

Romans 8:28 ...we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.
Our moving date is Jan. 16...almost here! I look back on all those months of exploring; packing; discarding; comparing; deciding; sorting; phoning; accommodating others' foibles, needs, schedules and ineptitudes; confirming dates and clearing up misunderstandings. It's been exhausting and there have been a lot of hurry-up-and-wait times, too. We've done a lot of adjusting these last few months.
The dictionary says that 'adjust' means to move something in order to get a better fit (we adjust a coat we've just put on) or to get a desired result (we adjust the heat on the stove in order to cook food properly).
To me, 'adjust' means to absorb change as I encounter it, observe it, make my way through it and finally receive the blessings it provides. The journey may be difficult at times, but I've learned to trust that I'll come out at a good place in the end.
Wending Our Way...

...in Silence

January 10, 2025

Ecclesiastes 3:7 ...a time to be silent and a time to speak.
Quite a while ago I read a novel in which a stoic, taciturn New Englander "pulled on his boots and hat in silence" and went out to tackle the latest snowfall. For some reason, I read the sentence as he "pulled on his boots and hat and silence." Hmmmm!
"Pulling on silence." Not a bad way to go sometimes. Pulling on silence could prevent verbal escalations, anxiety-ridden thoughts and judgmental observations and it could help to bring about internal peace. (PS. 122:8) We definitely need to speak up at times, but sometimes silence brings blessings as well.
'Silent' is thought to have originated from a Gothic word indicating that the wind had died down. You know the earthly peace that silence brings on stormy days. If we "pull on silence" we can often find that same glorious peace within.
Wending Our Way...

Rent-a-Fence

January 9, 2025

Psalms 3:3 ...you are a shield around me, O LORD....
At the end of one local street out by 422 there's a commercial property entirely surrounded by a chain-link Rent-a- Fence. An older building was torn down and a Taco Bell is under construction. The fence keeps vandals and curiosity-seekers away and can be returned to the rental company when Taco Bell is ready to open.
Naturally the fence reminds me of Jesus. That's because He, too, is a "Fence," a Guardian and a Protector. The neatest thing is that we don't have to rent Him or return Him. All we have to do is invite Him in and He's with us forever - Guardian, Guard, Lover and Friend.
Wending Our Way...

Fear Of Noise - And Fear Of Falling

January 8, 2025

James 4:7 ...Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Way back in college I read that babies have only two in-born fears: loud noises and falling. All other fears are taught. (That's a hard one to wrap your head around!)
I think Satan knows this, too, and it explains in part how he gets his hooks into us. He mostly avoids noise and awareness of falling in his initial attempts to influence us. He sneaks up on us and quietly tempts us with whatever his chosen sin happens to be. Often, we have no strong sense of having fallen until we're hooked on whatever evil plot he has unleashed upon us.
God's ways are also quiet and steer us away from falls but the outcome as we follow His path is always better than following Satan's beguiling temptations.
Wending Our Way...

Nibbles

January 7, 2025

Psalms 56:3 ...When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
God is still writing your story. Don't steal the pen. Trust the author.
Wending Our Way...

Next One Mile

January 6, 2025

Psalms 13:5 ...I trust in your unfailing love....
Another year is under way. I wonder what it'll bring. There's no way to tell except to live through it.
This reminds me of a traffic sign I saw the other day. The top half was empty and the bottom half read: "Next One Mile." I had no way to predict what was ahead. I just had to keep on keeping on.
Life's like that, too. There's no way to foresee what the next mile or the next moment or month or year will bring. All we can do is trust the Hand that leads us and the Heart that holds Eternity.
Wending Our Way...

Reduction Prayer #3

January 3, 2025

Hebrews 13:12 ...keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.
Here's the last Reduction prayer...from today's scripture.
Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Keep on loving each other.... Keep on loving.... Keep on!

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