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...

True Signature

August 24, 2026

John 1:29 ...the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
I saw a funny thing online recently. A young woman told a co-worker that she always writes her signature differently--so that no one can forge it. Heavens! That's counter-productive and confusing. How would anyone be able to identify her true signature?! How could anyone rely on it?
Anyway--that's something Jesus would never do. His Signature (The Blood of the Lamb) has remained true and reliable for over two thousand years. It's Something we can count on, now and forever. Hallelujah!!
Wending Our Way...

No Stomping!

August 21, 2026

Psalms 25:10 ...the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful....
I forget where this came from, but somewhere along the line I'd heard that someone had an "adhesive memory." That sounded like someone with a photographic memory or the memory of an elephant ("Elephants never forget!" I remember hearing that in childhood.) This "adhesive memory" thing can be kind of nifty when we're thinking about people, but rather scary when we're thinking about God.
I was brought up to believe that God is ALWAYS WATCHING. And always judging behavior and thoughts, and that He was especially looking for wrongdoing, error and sin. (As a kid, I didn't really understand the whole sin thing, which made the whole "good behavior" piece kind of murky. It also made me feel that God's main purpose was stomping on people who were doing bad stuff... or even thinking about bad stuff.) Thankfully, somewhere along the way, I discovered that God's main characteristics have nothing to do with stomping. His main focus, I've happily found, is loving us, providing for us, guiding us along the way...and, eventually, escorting us through the Pearly Gates.
For a bit more reassurance about God's Loving Kindness and Grace, check out these scriptures: Rom. 8:1, Rom. 8:28, Rom. 8: 39, and Rom. 6:23.
Wending Our Way...

No Working Needle

August 20, 2026

Genesis 4:22 ...Tubal-Cain, who forged all kind of tools out of bronze and iron.
I was chatting with my sister recently. She told me that she'd just taken a sock to her knitting group but forgot her working needle. Oh no! Knitting requires two needles--one to hold the stitches and one to work the stitches. Forget either one and you can't knit! It worked out OK because she pulled a scarf out of her knitting bag and worked on that for the session. (Knitters often have several projects going at once.)
"I forgot my working needle!" stayed with me. I suspect all active Christians have internal "working needles" and "holding needles." Our "holding needles" store things like God's promises, biblical teachings, hope, and our purposes within God's Kingdom. Our "working needles" contain love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22) If we forget our "working needles," our efforts may become ineffective, non-existent or even toxic.
When we're working for God's Kingdom, we need to have our "tools" with us at all times so we can be effective Ambassadors for Christ.
Wending Our Way...

Timeless Truths

August 19, 2026

Psalms 25:5 ...guide me in your truth....
Here are some timeless truths I've discovered over the years:
1. God often doesn't remove our suffering. He joins us in it. 2. Faith isn't based on rules. It's based on relationship. 3. Life is a marathon. Pace yourself. 4. Hard times can give us new places to go with God. 5. Confrontation doesn't have to mean conflict or adversity. It can also mean comparing ideas.
6. Bible stories don't aim to give us facts. They aim to show us truths. 7.We don't have to understand what's going on around us. We just have to participate in what's going on around us. 8.Get as many good memories as you can. 9. Help make others feel more secure. 10. Plants and people: both need time, warmth and water to grow.
Wending Our Way...

Haiku...Self-Care

August 18, 2026

1 Corinthians 6:19 ...your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit....
Take care of your bod.
If you don't, where will you live?
You'll end up homeless.
Wending Our Way...

Forever- Rest

August 17, 2026

Isaiah 5:19 ...let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come....
Today I was watching the young man who was mowing our grass. He went at a moderate rate, made quite a few loops and gentle turns, went backwards and forward in spots to cut grass borders near mulch, but "missed" whole patches of grass along the way. (He returned to these a bit later.) He evidently had some unseen pattern in mind and the lawn looked great when he finished.
That reminded me of God's Plan for my life. I've seen many twists and turns, some interminably slow pacing, frequent backward movements, complete stall-outs, untended areas and patchy growth.
But through it all, I know God's following a Plan I'm simply unable to see. And when I finally make it to heaven's shores, things will look great as I joyfully enter into my Forever-Rest.
Wending Our Way...

Fair And Kind

August 14, 2026

Ephesians 4:32 ...be kind and compassionate to one another....
A while ago I read an old western book. One trail boss was driving cattle from their home ranch to the nearest market town. Along the way, the trail boss mentioned that Indians were a constant threat. The boss said he always tried to be fair to and friendly toward any Indians they met along the way. He added that this was hard because the Indians had a different language, a different world view, and different customs. Still, the boss did his best when Indians appeared and things generally turned out fairly well.
That's a pretty good approach toward anyone (individual or group) that we have difficulty understanding but must relate to (like teens, those of other faiths or nationalities, those with different sexual identities or political beliefs, those struggling with addictions or mental health issues, for instance).
Fair and kind. This seems like a good approach as the cowhands traveled along a dusty cattle trail and as we Christians journey along life's narrow paths as well. Think of all the peace that could be generated if everyone approached life with those two words!
Wending Our Way...

Freedom For The Captives

August 13, 2026

Isaiah 61:1 ..."The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD had anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners...."
Today's scripture is one of the most hopeful scriptures in the Bible. I think of this scripture on Veterans Day and also at Christmas and Easter. Our vets have bought our earthly freedom just as Christ has bought our Eternal Freedom.
All of which reminds me of Larry's prayer before one of our 4th of July meals: "They've given their lives for us. May we keep that freedom going."
Wending Our Way...

Words And Faith

August 12, 2026

Psalms 56:10 ...God, whose word I praise....
It's sometimes funny how devotional ideas come to me. I was mopping up a water spill in the kitchen back in July (a completely mindless task) when this idea rolled in. Children are born without words, so they must hear them from someone else, learn to understand them, practice using them and grow in their knowledge of and relationship to them. This is all part of what good parenting and good teaching is all about.
It's the same with Jesus. No one is born knowing Him, so we each must hear of Him from someone else, learn to understand Him and His teachings, practice what we learn, grow in knowledge about Him and develop an ever-deepening relationship with Him.
Humans can only praise what we've come to know, and we can only know what we're heard about. So--keep sharing the word. Keep the Gospel going!!
Wending Our Way...

Wealth And Possums?!

August 11, 2026

Ecclesiastes 5:19 ...When God gives a man wealth and possessions--this is a gift of God.
This is such a comforting scripture! I've always enjoyed its simple message. It reminds me to be grateful for my blessings and not to get too wrapped up in the negative stuff. But--when I read this scripture the other day, I was sure it said, "When God gives a man wealth and possums!" (Is my vision failing? Was I tired?! Is my mind going?!!) Heavens!!
Naturally, I started thinking about "wealth and possums." I don't believe God gives us bad stuff, but I do believe bad stuff somehow slips into our daily lives and that God uses it for good. (Rom. 8:28). So maybe the "possums" in life are the not-so-hot circumstances that so often crop up. Possums are (to my mind anyway) ugly, sneering, deadbeat, sharp-toothed and uncooperative; and there's a lot of life that feels just like that!
So now what? My answer comes from Ecc. 5:20..."God keeps [any man] occupied with gladness of heart." Through it all, I know that my place in heaven is secure, and that alone keeps gladness in my heart, even when my body, mind and spirit are stumbling along.
Wending Our Way...

Bought For Life

August 10, 2026

1 Corinthians 6:20 ...you were bought at a price....
I just read an old western about a pair of retired Texas Rangers who hired a handful of cowboys and then led a huge cattle drive from Texas to Montana. It took them many months to make the trip and when they finally got to Montana, one of the cowboys asked when they'd be headed home. The one owner replied, "We bought you for life, so you're never going home." (He knew that most of the cowhands couldn't make the return trip on their own, since they didn't know the way and didn't have the resources to make the trip.)
How awful! But it made me think of Jesus. I certainly don't know the way to heaven, and I surely don't have the resources to get there, but He bought me for life so that I CAN get Home!
Wending Our Way...

Homicide

August 7, 2026

Acts 2:23 ...put him to death by nailing him to the cross.
I love murder mysteries. They always involve homicide--death at someone else's hands.
It just hit me recently that Jesus' death was a homicide. Sheesh!! Sad, but true.
But although Jesus' death was a homicide, ours (at least spiritually) will not be, thanks to The Cross. Hallelujah!!
Wending Our Way...

Buttons And Snaps

August 6, 2026

James 1:12 ...blessed is the man who perseveres under trial....
A short while ago I read an amusing piece of "advice" from a harried parent. One young mom said to buy your toddlers clothing with lots of buttons and snaps if you want to frustrate yourself with a puzzle that tries to kick you and run away while you're trying to work on it. That gave me a chuckle.
But gosh! Life sometimes feels like that--like it's kicking at me and dashing off as I'm simply trying to cope with it all. It's so aggravating and draining when that happens!
But through it all, we have several hopeful promises from God. (1) "In this world you will have trouble...but I have overcome the world."...from Jn. 16:33. (2) "I am with you always."...from Mt. 28:20. (3) "I will strengthen you and help you."...from Isa. 4:10. All of which keeps me keeping on--onward toward my Heavenly Home.
Wending Our Way...

Nibbles

August 05, 2026

Proverbs 3:21 ...preserve sound judgment and discernment....
The price is what you pay. The value is what you get.
Wending Our Way...

Moving On

August 4, 2026

Philippians 3:14 ...the prize for which God has called me heavenward....
I was deadheading roses in our courtyard the other day and got to thinking about the daffodils I'd deadheaded back in early spring. The flowers were so cheery after the long, cold winter. I felt sad to be cutting them off, but they'd done their job and the plants needed to move on. I left the leaves on the bulbs because they would stay green for another month or so as they used their chlorophyl and the spring sunshine to feed the bulbs sequestered in the ground. This ensured that the bulbs could grow flowers the following spring.
Then came the days when the leaves began to turn yellow or brown, signaling that their job, too, was finishing up and it was time to let the plants move on--which meant that now the bulbs would have a long season of rest as they awaited winter's chill and then the arrival of warm spring air.
You see, each bulb is meant to be productive for only so long. Then it quietly moves on to whatever's next. We humans do the same, except that we often fight the moving-on process. God has a timeline for each of us and when our days of productivity are over, He often calls us to move forward in another way. Thankfully, our Eternal Resting Place is guaranteed, so wherever our trials and tribulations have taken us here on earth, we can look forward to peace and joy when our work on earth is done.
Wending Our Way...

Fast Backwards

August 3, 2026

Matthew 28:20 ...I will be with you always.
Don't kids say the darndest things? I just read a good one online. One mom said her young son, instead of saying "rewind", says "fast backwards." What a hoot! But it's perfect. Don't some days feel like you're on "fast backwards?" You lose your glasses, crack your phone case, spill your cereal, break a nail, forget your keys, the dog gets loose, the phone dings forty-eight times in fifteen minutes--and all by seven A.M.!! It's crazy making!!
On such days, I find comfort in John 16:33... [Jesus speaking] ..."In this world you will have trouble." I'll say! Some days (or weeks or months or years) are just plain burdensome. But thankfully, this isn't all there is. Jesus reassures us, also in John 16:33..."But take heart! I have overcome the world." Another reassuring scripture is 2 Cor. 4:17... [Paul speaking]..."Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
God sees our struggles and walks beside us, guiding us through our daily challenges and setbacks, then He drops us safe at heaven's shore!!
Wending Our Way...

The Greatest Joy

July 31, 2026

Psalms 33:5 ...the earth is full of unfailing love.
Larry and I have been married 16 years now. One of our most treasured wedding gifts is a decorative plate bearing the words: "To love and be loved is the greatest joy on earth."
What Treasure we find in God's Love for us, our human love for one another, and our love for our faithful pets and animal companions!
Wending Our Way...

I Wouldn't Trade Love

July 30, 2026

1 Corinthians 13:8 ...Love never fails.
A friend gave me this reflection after one of her dear friends died. I have no idea who wrote it, but it was surely someone with a kind and loving heart.
So, on the hard days, you must remind yourself: You wouldn't trade the love to escape the grief. You wouldn't erase the happiness to avoid the pain. And you will endure a lifetime of missing, for the privilege of having loved.
Wending Our Way...

Limping Duck

July 29, 2026

1 Corinthians 1:8 ...He will keep you strong to the end.
Now that summer's under way, we're seeing several Mallard duck pairs wandering around. They visit nearby birdfeeders, drink from a water pan a neighbor puts out on the ground, and hunt for protected nesting sites. The males are particularly striking birds, and the faithfulness of the mated pairs is inspiring. It's also fun to watch as ducklings appear and "Mom" brings them around to the feeders.
This year, back in late June, one of the female Mallards hurt her leg really badly. For a few days, she could hardly walk at all (we were afraid she was a goner), but then she started to improve. Soon she was limp-hopping around our yards, feeding quietly while her mate kept watch.
We never did find out how she got hurt, but it took her weeks to heal and she very likely will have a permanent limp. Nonetheless, she bravely soldiers on, doing whatever comes next. I certainly don't understand why this innocent creature had to be so badly injured, but I believe that every path has a purpose, even if human eyes can't see it, and God is with us in everything. This Mallard was surely steadfastly working to fulfill her purpose. May we each do the same.
Wending Our Way...

Bad Fit

July 28, 2026

1 Samuel 17:38 ...then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. (NIV)
I always get a kick out of this scripture in The message. Here, Saul is preparing David to go out and face Goliath. Saul puts his own battle gear (tunic, helmet, armor, shield and sword) on David, but, as the scripture tells us, when David attempted to walk, he could "hardly budge." David told Saul, "I can't even move with all this stuff on me. I'm not used to this." So he took it all off. This was because the tunic sleeves were too big and the metal stuff was too heavy and awkward.
David's comment made me think of our Christian walks. Some of us got to know Jesus in childhood, when our "sleeves" were much smaller. Some of us met Him later in life. However or whenever we come to know Christ, we're spiritually empty until we come into awareness of and relationship with Him. As we grow, He clothes us with a spiritual "tunic" that fits for a time. Our "tunics" increase in size as we're able to manage them comfortably. This way, we can fill increasingly large "sleeves" and purposes. All our lives, we keep growing and filling larger "sleeves," which enables us to find greater service and connection. If we try to "wear sleeves" that are too big for us or too heavy for us, we may become injured or burned out or we may simply become ineffective.
God, in His Infinite Wisdom, knows just what "size sleeves" we can comfortably and effectively fill. He'll keep us properly clothed until we outgrow our current garments and find ourselves ready for a change.
Wending Our Way...

Love Divine

July 27, 2026

Genesis 24:67 ...So [Rebekah] became his wife, and [Isaac] loved her....
It's strange where my mind goes sometimes. Today I got to thinking about empty spaces and what typically fills them. Here are a few of my musings: cavities/silver, tiles/grout, stomach/food, shoes/feet, balloon/air, cup/tea, vase/flowers.
And how about people? We're often drawn to those who are similar to us in some way, but we're also sometimes drawn to people who can fill the empty places within us. Perhaps the ideal situation is to make connections with people who are like us in some ways, but who can also help us fill in our empty spots.
However it works, our most satisfying relationships are often with those who make us feel loved, valued, accepted and understood. Such folks are a real treasure, and, of course, Jesus is the Greatest Treasure of all because He loves us so completely.
Wending Our Way...

Salvation's Warehouse

July 24, 2026

Psalms 27:1 ...The LORD is my light and my salvation....
The other day I was considering ordering something online. I checked out two websites: Land's End and L.L.Bean. One could get my item to me within two days. The other would need five to seven days for delivery. The discrepancy in arrival dates depends on where the item is stored prior to purchase. A warehouse that's farther away requires more travel time to arrive at its destination. For instance, something warehoused in Wisconsin will take longer to get here than something stored in King of Prussia.
That got me thinking about salvation. That's "stored" in Jesus, so to speak. It's warehoused in heaven now and is only available through One Provider: Jesus. And delivery is instantaneous, no matter where you live!
Wending Our Way...

Please Clap!!

July 23, 2026

Job 13:27 ...You keep close watch on all my paths....
Cora, from our Needlework group, inspired this devo. We got to talking about kids and she related a story about her then very young grandson. He was playing in the stream on their property, and she was nearby keeping an eye on him and reading a book. All went well for quite a while, but then her grandson quietly approached her, smiled engagingly, and said, "Gram, could you just clap once in a while?" Isn't that darling??!! (I guess she wasn't keeping close enough watch!)
The little guy just wanted a bit of his grandmother's attention and knew how to go about requesting it. God wants us to feel that same kind of peace and assurance in approaching the Giver that Cora's grandson felt in approaching her. I invite you to remember two scriptures as you reflect on approaching our Triune God: Rom. 8:16..."The Spirit himself testifies that we are God's children." And Lk. 18:16..."Let the little children come to me."
Come freely into God's presence and ask for whatever you need--a bit of clapping or anything else.
Wending Our Way...

Haiku...Worn Out

July 22, 2026

Isaiah 35:3 ...Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way....
I'm wearing down, LORD~
Give me strength for the journey.
It's a long road Home.
Wending Our Way...

My Eyes

July 21, 2026

Psalms 25:15 ...My eyes are ever on the LORD....
On Sunday I was chatting with Larson, our church pianist. I forget how it came up, but we got talking about time and at one point he said, "When you're retired, all the numbers fall off the clock." I love that! It really captured the more leisurely pace we can acquire in retirement.
It also made me think of heaven, where there will undoubtedly be no clocks. I imagine things in heaven just glide along peacefully, without constant clock-watching and pace-setting. The Only One we'll need to watch in heaven is God--and what a joy that'll be!!
Wending Our Way...

Satisfied!

July 20, 2026

John 19:30 ...Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
I've always loved the hymn This is My Father's World. We sang it in church recently and I was struck by the last line in verse 3: "Jesus, who died, shall be satisfied, and earth and heav'n be one."
This reminded me of today's scripture. I imagine Jesus chose His moment to die because, at that point, He'd done enough to purchase our salvation. He was satisfied with His efforts on our behalf and was well-content with having provided for our eternal security and fellowship with Him and His Family. ('Satisfy,' which comes from Old French, originally meant 'to make enough.')
"Jesus, who died, shall be satisfied, and earth and heav'n be one.' What a glorious future awaits us!!!
Wending Our Way...

Stitches Per Inch

July 17, 2026

Exodus 2:14 ...Who made you ruler and judge over us?
I was just reading a book about knitting. It said that some knitters work in miniature. They use needles made of piano wire and their gauge is 40-60 stitches per inch. In contrast, I make hats, scares, mittens and shawls on 5 1/2-millimeter needles that get about 5 stitches per inch. (Some bulky yarns get only 3 stitches to the inch.)
No knitter ever criticizes another knitter because they're working with different gauges. Each gauge simply achieves its own purposes. Each knitter uses their own pattern to achieve the desired end result.
This is why God asks us not to judge others. Knitting patterns list the gauge that must be achieved in order to produce a wearable garment. Just by looking at another knitter, I have no idea what their set of directions might be saying. Just because someone's work looks different from mine, doesn't mean that its wrong. Perhaps their directions in knitting and in life are simply different from mine. Maybe we're each just where we're supposed to be for today!
Wending Our Way...

Ergo Friday

July 16, 2026

Isaiah 25:3 ...Therefore strong people will honor you....
My sister and I text every morning. We usually give a few details about our plans for the day. Her texts are often full of typos because she doesn't read her messages before she hits "send." One Friday recently, her text read: "Ergo Friday. Library and dulci." Huh??!! It turned out that "Ergo Friday" meant that this was a" regular" Friday, which meant that she'd be volunteering at her local library in the morning and was going to a dulcimer practice in the afternoon.
"Ergo Friday" stuck with me. 'Ergo' means 'therefore,' 'consequently,' or 'as a result.' It implies an upcoming action based on a previous thought or action. I invite you to explore this a bit more by reading the scriptures listed below and then checking the thought or action preceding the word 'therefore.' Then look for the action suggested after the word 'therefore.' 'Therefore' often points us to Life Lessons.
Mt. 6:25 (Don't worry!); Mt. 10:16 (Be shrewd AND innocent); Mt. 24:42 (Keep Alert); Mt. 28:19 (Spread the Word!); Rom. 8:1 (Freedom!); Rom. 14:13 (Don't Judge); 1 Cor. 6:20 (Treat your bod right!); and Heb. 12:1 (Keep on keeping on). We are strong people, and strong people honor God by following His divine lead.
Wending Our Way...

Joihn 15: 1-11

July 15, 2026

John 15:4 ...Abide in me, and I in you.
One Sunday back in June, our service bulletin announced that Joihn 15: 1-11 was one of our scriptures. Hee hee! It gave me a chuckle--and also this devotion.
This typo is actually Jesus' invitation to join Him in companionship and service, and to abide in His Love and His Joy--now and forever. Amen!
Wending Our Way...

Reduction Prayer

July 14, 2026

Mark 9:7 ...This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!
I made the name Reduction Prayer up! I stumbled onto the concept one time during my devotional time. Sometimes scriptures work with this idea, and sometimes they don't. You start with a single line of scripture and pray it by slowly reducing the number of words you use. Here's an example:
1.This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him! 2.This is my Son. Listen to him! 3.Listen to Him! 4.Listen!
Wending Our Way...

""Listen!!""

July 13, 2026

Deuteronomy 30:20 ...that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.
The other day I was typing a passage that began with the word, "Listen!" I must've gotten distracted because what I wound up with was the word 'listen' surrounded by double quotes: ""Listen!!"" That made me think that the word 'listen' had great value and should be said with considerable emphasis and importance. This reminded me of Mk. 9:7..."This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"
Now, when I come upon the word 'listen' in scripture, I slow things down and stop to reflect on the word 'listen.' I try to quietly absorb its strength and its guidance.
Sometimes giving my full attention to a single word alerts me to its deepest meaning and gives me a call to action I have yet to take.
Wending Our Way...

Prayer For Eternity

July 10, 2026

Ecclesiastes 3:11 ...He has set eternity in the hearts of men....
Morning! I wrote this prayer ages ago. I forget what the occasion was--the closing to a sermon maybe or a call to worship perhaps.
"Dear LORD, We're all caterpillars on the Road to Eternity. Let us feel your guiding touch as we grow and struggle within our individual cocoons. And when the time comes to prepare for flight, give us the perseverance to break through the threads that are woven around us, the patience to endure the time before flight begins, and the ability to fly with the Son on our wings. Amen."
Wending Our Way...

Spies In Action

July 9, 2026

Luke 12:13,14 ...Someone in the crowd said to [Jesus], "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me as a judge or an arbiter between you?"
A spy is someone who secretly collects and reports information about someone else's activities, movements or plans. This generally involves covertly observing someone who's viewed as an enemy or competitor. Of Old English origin, the word 'spy' originally meant to 'behold' or 'look.' (I can just picture a spy reporting to his/her superior. There's much finger-pointing, a stern verdict handed down with even sterner expression, and an almost shouted, "LOOK!!! Look at what he/she is DOING!!!")
Government spies have always managed to wheedle their way into the strongholds of our foes so that they can gather information from its original source. When humans couldn't be smuggled into intriguing situations, spy balloons were sometimes used to drift over enemy territory. Now it's more likely they'd make use of drones.
Not all spies work for our government. Sometimes those who spy on others do so out of a spirit of judgmentalism--a deeply hidden need to drag someone else down so that they can look better in comparison (or stronger, or more clever, or smarter, or more caring, etc.). As today's scripture points out, even Jesus declined to sit in judgment of others. It makes for smoother sailing if we do the same.
Wending Our Way...

Nibbles

July 8, 2026

James 3:4 ...[ships] are steered by a very small rudder....
Don't ride in anything you can't steer.
Wending Our Way...

Exiles

July 7, 2026

2 Kings 17:23b ...So the people of Israel were taken from their homeland into exile in Assyria....
I guess it must have been something on the news that got me thinking about exiles. Lots of people over the years have become exiles--permanently barred from their homelands and sequestered forever on foreign soil.
Here's an interesting comment I heard recently: "Hell is full of exiles." I never gave that a thought, but I suppose it's true. Our Homeland is in Heaven, where we long to return, but not everyone will be able to go Home eventually. Some will be exiled forever.
Wending Our Way...

The Wonderfuls

July 6, 2026

Psalms 119:18 ...Open my eyes that I may see the wonderful things....
Isn't senior living a hoot?! Now I'm besieged by constant aches and pains, chronic stiffness, reduced vision, GI tract and bladder compromises, mobility issues and lack of patience with the foibles and fools of the universe. And how about hearing? I sometimes don't hear all the sounds in a conversation and wind up missing the message; or I don't quite catch the beginning or ending of a word...and miss the point; or I don't realize someone has spoken...and miss the whole conversation! It gets really frustrating for me and for those trying to communicate with me.
I DID, however, get this devotion out of something Larry mentioned the other day. He was saying grace and probably said something like, "Thank you, LORD, for bringing wonderfulness into our lives;" but I heard it as, "Thank you, LORD, for bringing wonderfuls into our lives."
I love that! God really does bring "wonderfuls" into our lives: purring and wagging, the laughter of children, sunspots on cold days and cool breezes on hot days, smiles, flowers, chirping, a comfy chair, friends....That phrase has become a vesper prayer for me as I settle down in bed for the night: "Thank you, God, for bringing Wonderfuls into my life today."
Wending Our Way...

Wrap And Go

July 3, 2026

Acts 12:8 ... [the angel said], "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me."
In today's scripture, an angel gives instructions as Peter is miraculously rescued from a maximum-security prison. Why was Pete told to wrap himself in his cloak? (1.) Prisoners usually slept without their cloaks. The angel told Peter to wrap his cloak around him in preparation for leaving. (2.) The cloak provided warmth as the night air cooled while Peter and the angel fled. (3.) 'Wrap' or 'gird' one's cloak meant to gather the loose cloth and tie it securely around one's waist. This assured that Peter could walk or run easily as he and the angel escaped from prison and from Peter's imminent execution.
In our lives, too, we may be called: to leave one location and move into another; to carry with us the warmth and love of others as we embark on the newest phase of our journey; and to leave behind those things that might entangle us and restrict our movement.
We're often "heading into," which means moving forward wrapped in God's Love and Grace as we reflect His Glory and provide care for His Beloved People.
Wending Our Way...

Wrapped The Body

July 2, 2026

Matthew 27:57-60 ...As evening approached...Joseph of Arimathea...asked for Jesus' body. ...Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and placed it in his own new tomb.
The afternoon of the Crucifixion brings us to another use of the word 'wrap.' Joseph of Arimathea wrapped Christ's body before burying it. Such wrapping helped preserve the body, minimized odor, and showed respect for the body itself. It also adhered to the usual Jewish burial practices of the time.
Jesus' whole burial scene fulfills Isiah 53:9 ( "He [Jesus] was assigned a grave with the wicked ,and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence nor was there any deceit in his mouth.") and sets down a solid foundation for Christ's ministry to His Church and to God's Kingdom.
Jesus' birth and death found Him wrapped in cloths in the physical world and wrapped in Power and Love in the spiritual realms. By God's grace and the Holy Spirit's power, Jesus was again wrapped in all He needed to go forth in ministry to God and His Beloved People.
Wending Our Way...

Wrapped In Cloths

July 1, 2026

Luke 2:7 ...she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger.
Back in Jesus' time, wrapping newborns in strips of cloth was a hallmark of good parenting. The cloth strips helped calm restless infants, kept them warm, made them feel secure, and helped them to grow straight. The strips sort of resembled the snugness and protection of the womb. In Jesus' case, the swaddling cloths and manger reminded the shepherds that the Christ Child was indeed poor, humble and vulnerable--not a royal figure born in a palace.
Besides His parents and the resident animals and shepherds, Baby Jesus ( wrapped in the traditional cloths provided by devoted parents) was also attended by and wrapped in the God's Love and Provision. Thus, He began His earthly life wrapped snuggly in all He would need to fulfill the requirements of His earthly and heavenly Purposes.
As we go along, we, too, can swaddle ourselves in the various "wraps" (opportunities, lessons, guidance, love and the like) the Good Lord provides for us as we minister to fellow Christians and faithfully walk beside Him on the path toward Heaven.
Wending Our Way...

Wrap Your Cloak

June 30, 2026

Isaiah 2:5 ...Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord.
God calls us to walk in awe of His Splendor, but He also calls us to walk in companionship with Him as we provide service to His People. Today's scripture highlights Paul's miraculous escape from prison. Assisted by an angel who guided his departure, Paul wrapped his cloak around him (Acts 12:8) and followed the angel out of the prison.
Paul's cloak certainly would've kept him warm, but it also represents to me the Light, Love, Energy and Provision that surrounded Paul--all the "stuff" he'd need to complete his journey here on earth. In a sense, Paul wrapped himself in God's Light.
As we, like Paul, wrap ourselves in the LORD's Light, we find that Ps.56:13 is being fulfilled within our lives as we wend our way onward toward our Heavenly Home: "You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life."
Wending Our Way...

Wrapped In Light

June 29, 2026

Psalms 104:2 ... [the LORD] wraps himself in light....
I recently had a tuna wrap for lunch and then got to thinking about how the word 'wrap' functions in our lives. Besides showing up in wonderful sandwiches, we've all wrapped countless birthday and Christmas gifts; many of us have wrapped ourselves in favorite shawls or blankets; we've wrapped bandages around cuts, paper and tape around packages to be mailed, and those of us who are old enough remember wrapping food for the freezer. We can wrap up speeches, meetings and visits; and cameramen wrap up screen shots when filming movies and TV shows. 'Wrap,' used as a noun, refers to a shawl, sweater or light jacket.
Today's scripture tells us that God wraps Himself in Light. This represents numerous things: His Presence and Holiness (1 Jn. 1:5); Our Jesus (Jn. 8:12); truth and guidance (Ps. 119:105), to name a few. 'Light' has many other biblical metaphors as well, all pointing to God's Glory, Nature, Truth, Holiness, and Love. Biblical references to God's Light are the exact opposites of sin, ignorance, hate and death.
Through it all, as God's Illuminating Presence guides and directs our lives, He calls us to live within the sure knowledge that "the LORD is my light and my salvation." Wrapped in His Light and His Love, we'll make it Home someday.
Wending Our Way...

Losing Sight Of...

June 26, 2026

Luke 24:31 ...they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
One morning I looked out our front door window and saw a Carolina wren hopping around in the mulch in front of our cottage. I guess she was looking for bugs. Soon after that, she hopped into the yew bush that stands in front of our porch. After poking around on the ground for a bit, she disappeared into the depths of the hedge and I lost sight of her--but I could tell where she was because the branches keep jiggling, even though the little bird was completely hidden.
Have you ever lost sight of God? I sure have. Frantic schedules, illness, worries, fatigue, relational issues, deadlines and the like can quickly render God invisible as we turn our focus toward impending perils.
When this happens, I like to play "Keeping Track of the Wren" as I intentionally look for God's movement around me: gently blowing leaves or flags, sunlight and electricity that are timeless and produce pleasurable results, wagging tails and purring, the laughter and activity of children, the joys of music, the simple ability to move and breathe freely....All these things remind me of God's Continual Presence as He "walks in the garden" --with me--every day.
Wending Our Way...

No Unauthorized Vehicles

June 25, 2026

Acts 2:23 ... [the people] put him to death by nailing him to the cross.
Larry and I were driving on the turnpike a while ago. At one point there was a long ramp off to our right. A sign beside the roadway stated:"No Unauthorized Vehicles Beyond This Point." That made sense because beyond that point were huge construction vehicles, parked and awaiting their next job assignment. The Turnpike Commission surely doesn't want passenger cars and freight trucks to be mixing it up with backhoes, enormous dump trucks and other heavy-duty site-prep machines.
Naturally this made me think of the Cross--because it's the only Authorized Vehicle for transporting human souls to Heaven. Nothing else on Earth or in Heaven can take us Home. Jesus is Our Soul Provider, and the Cross was His Vehicle of Choice.
Wending Our Way...

Passion And Patience

June 24, 2026

James 5:10 ...take the prophets...as an example of patience in the face of suffering.
I read an interesting article this week. It said that in Middle English, the word 'passion' had the same root meaning as the word 'patience,' which meant 'waiting out the pain.' I've often thought about Christ's Passion on the Cross and His suffering and death there, both of which were brought about by His intense Love for mankind and His boundless concern for our eternal welfare.
What I didn't ever consider was His Patience as He awaited the inevitable--His death and our salvation.
Waiting out the pain. Jesus did that 2000+ years ago. I'll never understand how He managed patience while He endured the gruesome and all-encompassing torture of the Cross. Reflecting on that gives me a deeper appreciation for His Gift of Eternity and also gives me a bit more patience as I wait out the pain of my own earthly struggles.
Wending Our Way...

Love Like...

June 23, 2026

John 19:17 ..Carrying his own cross...
Larry and I passed a church marquis recently. It said, "Love like there's no tomorrow." What an inspiring thought.
But it soon occurred to me that I know Someone Who loved (and still loves) like there IS a tomorrow. Because of the cross, we'll go on from this earth to spend Eternity in Heaven. What a superb "Tomorrow" that'll be!!
Wending Our Way...

Beautiful Music

June 22, 2026

Ephesians 4:12 ...Christ...[prepares] God's people for works of service....
Back in May I heard a marvelous piano concert by a hugely talented fourteen-year-old. That night he played an amazing range of pieces from popular, jazz, country and easy listening genres, but I've also heard him play classical. His sheet music is always astounding. It has more notes than you can count, all grouped in ways that produce a wonderful variety of memorable tunes.
Watching his nimble fingers fly across the keys as he gave voices to all those little black dots reminded me of how God places each of us into carefully planned groupings so that He can create something beautiful from the mixture.
If you're ever not sure that your presence here on earth makes a difference, think about who you're connected to and how that interplay creates a current blessing (or could create a future blessing)--and you'll find God's Heart at the center of it all... and perhaps an invitation to be of service to the Kingdom.
Wending Our Way...

Navigation Aids

June 19, 2026

Jeremiah 6:16 ...ask where the good way is and walk in it.
Today I got to thinking about all the navigational aids that are available to us: GPS, MapQuest, Waze, verbal directions, guidebooks, owner's manuals, compasses, lighthouses, road signs, directional arrows, mentors.... And how about angels (Mt. 1:20), the Morning Star (Mt. 2:2), the word of the LORD (Ps. 33:4), and The Word, Our Jesus (Jn. 1:14)?
There are countless Guides to help us find our way. I try not to judge others when they're using different guidelines than I am. Their "Good Way" and mine might simply be different.
Wending Our Way...

Come Home!

June 18, 2026

Philippians 3:20 ...our citizenship is in heaven.
Have you ever found it difficult to relate to God? I know I have. I originally tried to relate to God the Father, but my own father (though a great provider) wasn't around much, and wasn't emotionally or physically available when he was at home. This tainted my ability to relate well to God as a Father figure.
Then someone suggested that I try to relate to Jesus as a brother (since I was so close to my sister). This worked for me! (That same person, years ago, suggested that if Jesus as brother didn't work, I should try relating to the Holy Spirit...because I was so close to my two dogs then and they surely contained the Holy Spirit.).
My point is this: No One in the Holy Trinity minds if you latch onto just One of Them. Any One of Them will eventually introduce you to the Other Two in the Family--and all Three will see that you get safely Home.
Wending Our Way...

Haiku...On Earth

June 17, 2026

Genesis 30:25 ...so I can go back to my homeland.
I'm a voyager.
I sail the Seas of Service.
Homeland is above.
Wending Our Way...

The Golden Egg Book

June 16, 2026

Psalms 23:8 ...There is surely a future hope for you.
I've always loved The Golden Egg book. It's a gentle, young child's story about a bunny and a duckling who become friends. My sister was recently delighted to find a used copy of the book, which she was planning to give to me as a gift; but when she read through it quickly, she discovered that the last two pages had been torn out. Oh no! The story was incomplete, so, of course, she didn't buy the book.
This reminded me of our Christian journey. I don't know how my story is going to end. I just know the parts I've lived so far. Only time will reveal those final pages that will make my life-story complete here on earth. Then I'm heaven-bound!!
Wending Our Way...

Jumping Spider

June 15, 2026

Psalms 130:7 ...O Israel, put your hope in the LORD.
The other day Larry and I were going over to the main building for lunch. As we walked along, I spotted a small black spider resting in the sun on the sidewalk. I was about to walk around it when it took a tremendous leap (6" at least) and landed in the safety of the grass beside the walkway. This reminded me of the original usage of the word 'hope,' which was to 'jump to safety.' It implied that we gain hope by jumping to a safe place.
Jesus says that we will have trouble in this world (no surprise there!), but we have hope because He has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33). So--our bodies and minds may struggle along as we travel our earthly journies, but our souls are safe for eternity (Mt. 10: 28). We, like the spider, can always jump to safety--he to the grass and Christians straight into the Savior's Arms.
Wending Our Way...

On Duty??

June 12, 2026

Psalms 62:1 ...my soul finds rest in God alone.
We do church services and various musical and entertainment programs in our auditorium. These programs are also projected into the campus residences via an in-house campus tv network. Several volunteers run the projection console enabling our cameras to film on-going activities. We have three cameras, which enables us to show programs from different angles as shows continue. The cameras each have two lights: red and green. Cameras with red lights lit are actively filming. If their green lights are on, they're on stand-by, waiting to film at the push of a button on the console. If no lights are lit, the camera is off.
Isn't our Christian journey kind of like these cameras? Sometimes we're actively pursuing our designated ministries and activities. Sometimes we're on stand-by, ready to be sent into action at a moment's notice. And sometimes we're off-duty, resting and relaxing until we're needed again.
Just as our cameras switch between active functioning, stand-by mode and off-duty, we need to pace ourselves as well, so we don't become exhausted with constant mental and physical activity. Rest is a big part of our Christian Walk.
Wending Our Way...

Never-Ending Troubles

June 11, 2026

John 16:33 ...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
We have two huge flowering trees in front of our cottage (crab apples, I think). They're gorgeous when they're covered with tiny white blossoms, they provide welcome shade in the summer, and the birds love the little round berries the trees produce in fall. But--the flowers create a mess in the spring when the petals drop and get all over everything, including our gutters and carpets. Then, in the fall, the same scenario unfolds as the trees lose their leaves--thousands of leaves!! The final assault is the berries--marble-size pinkish berries form and last all winter. They roll if you step on them (very handy for our largely over 80 population!) and they squish easily when stepped on and then follow us into our homes to make little pink stains on our carpets. It's a love/hate relationship.
This spring I watched a neighbor repeatedly sweep up the petals on her porch and walks. She'll get a break for about 20 minutes until the flowers descend again in a fluttering, snowlike cascade. Then there's a respite until the leaf and berry routine takes over. It's never-ending!
This whole cycle reminds me of Jesus' reassurance that though we will have troubles here on earth, better times are coming when we'll live in a love/love relationship with God, self and others...forever!
Wending Our Way...

Sin And Pain

June 10, 2026

Psalms 69:26 ...the pain of those you hurt.
I heard a comment recently that made me stop and think. A woman I was chatting with said, "Sin can be seen through the pain it causes." (I think she was quoting Julian of Norwich.) 'Sin' is generally defined as 'an immoral act seen as a transgression against divine law.'
This comment made me think of wind and electricity, neither of which are visible, though we can easily see the effect of their presence. The effect of the presence of sin is similar. I've seen that pain in the physically and emotionally mal-nourished children I taught; in those shattered by divorce and disloyalty; in those caught in the death-trap of addictions; and in the crushed spirits of those who constantly complain or aggress against others.
This woman's comment made me see more clearly that God shares His "rules and regulations" with us, not to spoil our fun, but to spare us all the pain that comes from our transgressions against His Holy Word.
Wending Our Way...

Water Supply Area

June 9, 2026

John 4:14 ...whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.
Larry and I were driving somewhere recently. As we went through the countryside, we passed a sign saying, "Water Supply Area--7 miles ahead." I think that indicated an upcoming reservoir. Of course this made me think of Jesus because He's the Source of our Living Water. We don't need signs to guide us to Him, He's not restricted to specific geographical locations, and we never have to worry about Him running dry.
Jesus--our Eternal Reservoir, our Giver and Sustainer of Life, Our Prince of Peace and Love.
Wending Our Way...

Call For Pricing

June 8, 2026

1 Thessalonians 5:9 ...For God...[appointed] us to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Back in late winter I passed a truck pumping heating oil into a local home. A big sign on the truck said, "Call for Current Pricing " then listed a phone number. The message reminded me of Jesus, because He'd never post such a sign. Salvation is always free to us, but it cost Jesus all the agonies associated with its purchase. Salvation isn't free, but it's Freedom-- for all who choose to accept Christ's Gift of Eternal Life.
Wending Our Way...

Thorns' Blessing

June 05, 2026

2 Corinthians 12:7 ...there was given me a thorn in my flesh....
This past week I was deadheading daffodils and doing a bit of trimming and tidying up in our community courtyard. At one point, I picked up what I thought was a short tree branch, only to discover that it was a dead branch from a very well-protected rose bush. The thorns had to be at least 1/2" long and were straight and strong, even though the branch was dead. The thorns were like spikes. I got an extremely painful stab from it. The site stayed very sore for about a week. It was awful!
As far as I can tell, as I reflected on my episode with the thorn, thorns in the Bible served three purposes: 1. One kept Paul from becoming conceited. (2 Cor. 12:7). 2.Thorns accompanied our salvation. (Mk. 15:17). 3. Thorns can help us feel and express compassion for others because, as we reflect on our own pain, we can begin to feel pity and concern for others in similar distress. (Col. 3:13).
Whenever thorns impale us, let us use them as our ancestors did, to become more aware of the burdens others are carrying and to offer care and compassion when we can.
Wending Our Way...

Power Source

June 4, 2026

Revelation 1:6 ...to [God] be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
This morning I went to use my Kindle and discovered a really low battery. (I hadn't used it in a while.) The screen directed me to, "Connect to a power source and charge your Kindle until this screen disappears." Oh--that's simple enough.
The only snag was that I had to dig up three different power cords before I found one that fit my Kindle. Why couldn't power cords just be a standard size??!!
All this, naturally, reminde me of Our Jesus--because He's the only Power Source we'll ever need. And we don't have to hunt around for Him, experiment to see if He fits, or plug Him in. He's all the Power we'll ever need to keep on keeping on.
Wending Our Way...

Hang On!

June 3, 2026

Hebrews 12:1 ...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
One day last week Larry and I were running errands. Our first stop was at his doctor's office, where he had to drop off some paperwork. I waited in the car because it was such a nice day. I had planned to read but got distracted by bird activity around a nearby retention pond. As I watched, a redwing blackbird flew in and landed on one of the many reeds growing beside the pond. The reed, of course, swayed madly, but the bird hung on until the motion stopped.
Sometimes this happens in life, too. We can find ourselves clinging to something that feels out of control, but for one reason or another we can't get away.
When this happens, I find it helpful to hang onto God's Promise that all things work for good for those that love the LORD (Romans 8:28). This scripture always provides me with a bit of peace and reassurance during unsteady times, and it helps inspire me to persevere as I run the race the Good LORD has set before me.
Wending Our Way...

Nibbles

June 2, 2026

Jeremiah 6:16 ...ask where the good way is and walk in it....
You can't get where you're going if you use another person's map.
Wending Our Way...

No Candy

June 1, 2026

1 Corinthians 12:11 ...when I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, and I responded like a child.
I recently watched as a young mom and toddler stepped up to the deli in a local grocery store. Mom, exhausted and in a rush, was trying to buy lunchmeat and get home to feed her little one. He, hungry and over-stimulated by the lights, noise, and colorful stuff in the store, asked for a lollipop. Naturally, mom said "no" because they were headed home for lunch and he could have a lollipop after he'd eaten.
That's when the whining started, then the foot-stomping and the tears and then finally a full-fledged temper tantrum. I felt so sorry for the exhausted mom and for the little one who was simply too young to have the vocabulary or experience to express and process his feelings.
As I drove home, it occurred to me that the same thing can happen in our adult lives as we try to adjust to challenging or frustrating situations that crop up. Sometimes we, or others, simply haven't acquired the necessary words or experience to enable us to express our feelings, explore options and move through difficult situations. Empathic Listening often helps if we're trying to accompany someone through a frustrating event. (Google "Empathic Listening." It's a valuable tool.)Sometimes we don't need to convince others that we're right and they're wrong. Sometimes others just need to feel heard and helping them find the words to describe and explore their frustrating circumstances helps them to move forward more easily.
Wending Our Way...

Delete. Move To Trash

May 29, 2026

Psalms 116:15 ...Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
A short time ago, due to her death, I had to remove a woman's name and contact information from my cell phone address book. To do that, I had to hit "Delete" and then "Move to Trash."
This reminded me of Satan's ploys. He connects to us only so he can ultimately delete us, move us to his nearby trash heap and then head out to entice others into his evil clutches.
Jesus never removes anyone from His Heavenly Address Book and He never moves anyone to a trash heap, either. Here on earth or amongst the heavenlies, our death is precious because it brings us close to Him and to the Home we'll enjoy forever.
Wending Our Way...

It's Easy To Lose

May 28, 2026

James 5:11 ...We consider blessed those who have persevered.
I play Mexican Train Dominoes once a week with several other folks. One night, there were only three of us playing. "Mary" had a glorious evening, accumulating only 60 points while "John" and I soon had over 150 points each. We just drew atrocious tiles all night! Finally, "Mary" won by a landslide and "John" and I could hardly count all the dots we'd gotten stuck with.
As we started cleaning up, "John" remarked, " It sure is easy to lose fast!" How true!!
We, as Christians, can "lose fast," too, if we let our focus slide from our Biblical roots and let ourselves get distracted by the world's focus on fame, power, money, lust, judgmentalism, hatred and mistrust. We "win" in the end as we live patiently here on earth, serving God and others, and awaiting God's Eternal Blessings.
Wending Our Way...

I Got In Because...

May 27, 2026

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ...He died for us...so that we may live together with him.
We've been in our cottage for over a year now. Time goes so fast! I was just reflecting on how much I enjoy our new home and remembered that we got into it because someone else (the former resident) died.
Hmmmmm....It works the same way with heaven. I'll get in there, too because Someone Else died--over 2000 years ago.
Hallelujah!
Wending Our Way...

Poem: Trusting God

May 26, 2026

Proverbs 3:5 ...Trust in the LORD with all your heart.
My God has provided, whatever the storm. My journey's secure to the end.
Provision surrounds me no matter the threat. I trust what the Good LORD may send.

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