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...

Beagles?!

October 14, 2026

Isaiah 40:31 ...those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
I was reading this scripture a few days ago and I swear it said, "Those who hope in the LORD will soar on wings like beagles." BEAGLES??!! (Snoopy sailed around some in his imagination, as a World War 1 Flying Ace, but the word "Snoopy" isn't in the Bible, and neither is "Beagle." I checked. Oh well.)
Anyhow--that got me thinking about beagles. (Great dogs. I had one as a kid.) So I checked on the internet for general information about beagles. It turns out that beagles are joyful, curious, they like to dig, they're playful and friendly, they're not territorial, they're pack animals, and they're food oriented. (Who isn't?!)
Hmmm...Doesn't that sound a lot like those who hope in the LORD? Beagles and Christians--we have a lot in common!
Wending Our Way...

Dressed Alike

October 13, 2026

Revelation 7:14 ... [those in heaven] have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
A lot of us here at our retirement community shop at Boscov's, so it's not surprising that some of have the exact same tops. I have a blue and white blouse, and another woman has the same one. I have two tops with different color butterflies, and two other ladies have ones just like it. And two of us have the same cat print t-shirt.
Today's scripture tells us that something like that is going to happen when we all get to heaven. We'll all wear white robes and Rev. 7:15 says, "He who sits on the throne will spread his tent over [us]."
Sounds glorious!
Wending Our Way...

Free Forever!

October 12, 2026

Revelation 21:6 ...To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.
I was looking at an ad online recently. It said something like, "We could charge more for these jeans, but we don't."
Of course that reminded me of Jesus. That's because He might've easily said the same thing: "I could charge more for salvation, but I don't."
He purchased our Forever and didn't charge us a thing. Hallelujah!!
Wending Our Way...

Sleep Tight!

October 9, 2026

Psalms 4:8 ...I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
When my nephew was young, my sister used to tuck him in at night and say, "Sleep tight!" Once he grew a bit and started to talk, he couldn't quite get the hang of word order at first; thus, he used to tell people to "have a good tight sleep!"
That always sounded so cute, but it's actually a good bedtime blessing. It makes me feel like I'm tucked away in a secure, well-guarded spot, wrapped snuggly and without a care or worry in the world. It reminds me that God will take care of everything while I sleep peacefully.
That's my wish for you tonight---and every night--as you settle into bed: May you have a good, tight sleep!
Wending Our Way...

Banged Up But Still...

October 8, 2026

1 Samuel 16:7c ...but the LORD looks at the heart.
One time, while I was driving through the countryside, I passed a really ancient pick-up truck that had been literally taped together. It was covered with duct tape. It looked pretty awful, but it seemed to be serviceable enough. Two guys were shoveling heaps of something into it. Banged up as it was, it still had a job to do. The guys didn't care what it LOOKED like. They were only interested in what it could DO.
It's the same with us. God doesn't care what we look like, either. He's got jobs for each of us, and appearance doesn't count for much. It's our hearts that He's counting on using.
Wending Our Way...

Thorough Cleaning

October 7, 2026

Psalms 51:2 ...Wash all my iniquity away and cleanse me from my sin.
Larry does the vacuuming here (I do the dusting). Great teamwork! He usually just goes around stuff once a month, then moves furniture later in the month and gets under things. This works really well since our household doesn't get that dirty between vacuuming sessions.
This reminds me of asking God to clean me up but then asking Him to only "go around" things. God often doesn't want to do quick little clean-ups when He's invited in. He wants to do a thorough job--and that often involves moving stuff around.
No one can clean things up well by going around what's there. Sometimes we have to jump in and get under stuff in order to move forward.
Wending Our Way...

Pace Yourself

October 6, 2026

Hebrews 6:12 ... We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
We had a small, battery-operated clock on the kitchen wall back at our former house. When the house was completely quiet, we could hear its faithful, gentle ticking. It was kind of reassuring in a way. It always got where it was going, one tick at a time. It never ticked any faster or slower. It just maintained a steady pace.
Maybe our lives should be like that, too--one step at a time, moving faithfully on toward wherever God had pointed us. No concern about dashing forward or hanging back. Just one steady pace--one tick at a time.
Wending Our Way...

For Display Only

October 05, 2026

Matthew 6:5 ...And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men.
A while ago I spotted a hood ornament on a car in a parking lot. You don't seem them much anymore. They were just ornamental, actually. They were something to look at but had no practical use.
Sometimes, if we're not vigilant, our lives can become like hood ornaments: nice to look at but otherwise useless.
As Christians, it's better to be a bit drab but fulfilling our purposes in Christ, than to be lovely to look at but without benefit to the kingdom.
Wending Our Way...

Mom Has Dementia

October 2, 2026

Psalms 48:9 ...O God, we meditate on your unfailing love....
I don't recall where I heard this, but it's touching. I think it probably originally occurred in a Memory Care Unit.
Son: Mom, it's nice to see you! Mom: It's nice remembering you! Son: Do you remember me? Mom: I can't remember your name, but I remember that I love you.
(God never forgets our names and He never forgets that He loves us!)
Wending Our Way...

Like/Don't Like

October 1, 2026

Isaiah 18:4 ...I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place. (God speaking)
I don't get on social media, but still, I'm often running into the LIKE/DON'T LIKE mentality. I see it also in news reports about those who malign women, teens, gays, foreigners, the poor, the elderly, the disabled plus anyone else who doesn't quite measure up to the lists of inner standards some folks set up and live by.
It seems that social media and reporting the news both rely on drama, fearmongering, judgmentalism and needless comparison.
How much more peaceful our lives would be if we could simply "look on" life without having to judge everything that appears.
Wending Our Way...

Out Of Sight

September 30, 2026

Matthew 28:20 ...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
I love typos! Or maybe this one is more of a misspelling. I read a story recently in which a young woman was temporarily parting from her beloved husband. As he drove off, she waved until he was out of sight. That's all good, but the printed sentence actually read: " Allison waived sadly until Eric was out of site."
Naturally that got me thinking about Jesus. That's because, on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection, Jesus "walked along" with Cleopas and another traveler (possibly Cleopas' wife). As they walked, Jesus explained to them what was said about Him in the scriptures. (See Lk. 24: 24-35.) At this point, neither one recognized Jesus. As they approached the village they were walking to, the two invited Jesus to spend the night with them, which He did. As they began to eat their evening meal, Jesus broke bread and gave thanks, whereupon their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus....and He disappeared from their sight.
There are several scriptures that mention that Jesus "disappeared from sight," but none tell us that He "disappeared from the site." He's always with us, even though we can't see Him with our human eyes. The blessing of it all is that we never have to wave good-bye to Jesus. He's with us always.
Wending Our Way...

Long Life!

September 29, 2026

Proverbs 12:28 ...In the way of righteousness there is life....
Here's another list for you. It's a compilation of articles I've read about longevity. Here are eight things to strive for. 1. Mental Stimulation: Keep your brain engaged. 2. Letting Go: Learn where to focus your mental and emotional energy. 3. Social Connections: Stay connected to people. 4. Self-Compassion: Take care of YOU! 5. Healthy Living: Take care of your bod. It's the only "house" you have.
6. Positive Outlook: Cultivate happiness and gratitude. 7. Boundaries: Learn to say "no." 8. Consistency: Figure out what works for you and stick with it.
9. I'm adding #9: Maintain your connection with Jesus: He's always with you.
Wending Our Way...

Nibbles

September 28, 2026

Revelation 4:19 ...I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance....
Within the storm, God equips us for service.
Wending Our Way...

Found!

September 25, 2026

Matthew 12:40 ...Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish....
Cell phones amaze me sometimes. No matter where I am, mine finds me. I can be anywhere at home or around campus and it'll locate me. It finds me if I run into Pottstown or Harleysville or Scranton. It tracks me down in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.
God amazes me even more. He effortlessly connected with Jonah in the fish's belly; and He knows right where I am--24/7. But He doesn't have to hunt me down, as my phone does, because He never leaves me. He's always right with me. We're never apart. Hallelujah!
Wending Our Way...

Wrong Key

September 24, 2026

Luke 5:27 ..."Follow me."
Soon after we moved into our cottage, I discovered that my key to our back door wouldn't work. I contacted maintenance and they soon brought me a new key--which also didn't work. Someone eventually figured out that I'd been given the key to another cottage. No wonder it wouldn't work! (I did eventually get the correct key.)
This naturally made me think of Jesus. Having a key to the wrong cottage doesn't work in our spiritual life any better than it works in our earthly life. If we keep using "Satan's Keys" to open doors, we're going to get into hatred, greed, lust, envy, judgmentalism ingratitude, etc. What a draining way to live!
But using our "Jesus Keys" gets us into Jesus' Heart--and opens us to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. What a blessed way to live!
Wending Our Way...

Same Book, Different Pen

September 23, 2026

John 10:16 ...I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen.
A few days ago, I was talking to a woman in our lunchroom. She belongs to two book clubs, and amazingly, both groups are reading the same book. (The Frozen River, by Ariel Lawhorn. It's a historical fiction novel with suspense and family dynamics thrown in. VERY good! I just finished reading it for MY book club.)
Three groups (if you count mine) reading one book. That reminds me of today's scripture. Jesus clearly says that He has many flocks out there. And we know we have only one Bible.
All His flocks are united by the same Book. How comforting! And what fun we'll have getting to know everyone in heaven!
Wending Our Way...

At The Cross

September 22, 2026

Psalms 18:1 ...I love you, O LORD, my strength....
"At the Cross"...I've heard a lot of phrases about the Cross: kneel at the Cross, bow at the Cross, gaze at the Cross, pray at the Cross, look at the Cross, weep at the Cross...but I discovered a new one recently.
One of our visiting pastors was wandering around through the congregation greeting folks before the service got under way. His joyful presence is always a delight to behold. As the starting time for the service approached, he turned toward the front of the room, stopped briefly at the altar, said a short silent prayer, smiled at the Cross, and took his seat.
He smiled at the Cross!! What an endearing picture-- one I'll never forget. I bet God loved it! Maybe we should do the same.
Wending Our Way...

Go!!

September 21, 2026

Mark 16:15 ...Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
One beautifully cool summer morning, I was looking out our front door at the stately trees that surround our cottage. It hit me that most trees spend their entire lives rooted in the exact same spot. Sun and rain, food, insect life, squirrels, birds and people must all come to a tree in order to partake of its blessings (shade, fruit, shelter, lumber). While landscapers can move trees around and people often buy them and bring them home to gardens, once a tree is planted, it almost always stays planted in one spot and the ones it ministers to must come to it.
Not so with people! We have feet, not roots, so we can carry the good news whenever it's needed. "All creation" starts in our own hearts and travels outward from there. Lots of ministry takes place on our own doorsteps and in our own communities. Often, "all creation" is close to home.
Wending Our Way...

I Forgot To Hit 'Send'

September 18, 2026

John 6:57 ...Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.
I received an odd text from my sister today. She said she hoped I'd sleep well, but she'd written the note around 8 Pm last night and then forgot to hit 'send,' so I never got the text until she woke up this morning.
Her comment: "I forgot to hit send," stuck with me. What if God had this really neat idea to send us a Savior- (and He then picked out the Savior, and prepared Him for the work that needed doing, and prepared the world to receive Him) -but then forgot to hit 'send'? Who'd accompany us on our earthly journeys? Who'd guide us Home? Who'd live with us in Eternity? Who would bring us the greatest example of Love the world has ever known?
"I forgot to hit send." Sounds like Hell to me!
Wending Our Way...

Saved!!

September 17, 2026

1 Peter 2:24 ...He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
I talked with my sister the other day. She said she had the worst smell in her house and couldn't find what it was from. She finally found the source when she pulled the full garbage bag out of her garbage can. (Her can is one of those big plastic things on wheels that gets picked up by a claw on the garbage truck.) Under the bag she found three dead mice (really stinky dead mice!!). They evidently climbed in the can then found that they couldn't climb back out. Poor things! We felt sorry for them.
The Bible uses the stench of sin as a metaphor to help us realize how repulsive sin is to God. And yet, His Love for humankind exceeds His hatred for sin--so He gave us His Son (Jn. 3:16), and because of that, we live within the reality of today's scripture.
The next time Communion rolls around, remember: By His Wounds you have been saved. Hallelujah!!
Wending Our Way...

Peace On Earth

September 16, 2026

Psalms 122:8 ...Peace be within you.
I've always loved Christmas cards that say, "Joy to the World" and "Peace on Earth." Peace on Earth is one of my favorites. It sounds so appealing. Just think of everyone everywhere living without sorrow or conflict.
This morning I got to wondering: when the Heavenly Host appeared to the shepherds (Lk. 2: 8-10), they offered "Peace on Earth," but they never said exactly what it would look like. Peace didn't fall over all the earth at once like a snowstorm or a tsunami or a golden sunrise. It seems to me that it appeared in pockets--in small, somewhat isolated areas and grew slowly but steadily through the ages within the hearts of individual people ever since the Heavenly Hosts' Proclamation.
This suggests to me that each of us carries within us the responsibility to nourish our own "Pocket of Peace"--our own quiet, internal place of Connection and Repose with our Creator God. It would be wonderful to live with World Peace, but I'm thinking that it starts quietly in the hearts of men and slowly spreads out from there...so this might take some time yet. Keep on keeping on!
Wending Our Way...

Beyond Yonder

September 15, 2026

Jeremiah 29:11 ...For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Back in the spring I'd read an old western. Somewhere along the way, a U.S. Marshall was tracking a wanted man and had gotten a lead on where the criminal might've set up camp. The lawman stopped to ask a grizzled old farmer if he knew anything about the whereabouts of the outlaw. The old farmer pointed sort of vaguely west and replied, "Oh he sometimes sets up over beyond yonder a ways."
"Beyond yonder." That phrasing gave me a chuckle. I like organization, predictability, prior knowledge and scheduling. And so often I feel like God is calling me to Beyond Yonder--where the future looks murky at best.
Through it all, I cling to today's scripture, trusting in God's Promises. And I've come to realize (though it makes me spooky at times) that where I don't have understanding, I can still have faith, and that quiet realization helps me get over the rough spots and keeps me keeping on.
Wending Our Way...

If Satan Grabs You

September 14, 2026

Matthew 4:10 ... [the temptation of Jesus] Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan!"
Back on July 29, I'd posted a devotion about a limping Mallard duck who'd somehow badly injured her leg. We thought she was a goner ...that she'd surely succumb to a predator or infection, but amazingly, she recovered! She now walks with a sort of hop-swivel kind of gait, but she gets along just fine. (I recently found out from a neighbor that a hawk had grabbed her from her nest, but she managed to get away. Sadly, some predator got her eggs while she was healing.)
Her story inspires me because she worked so diligently to recover, even though circumstances were certainly against her. It works the same in our human lives. Just because Satan grabs you (through temptation, pride, lust, greed, etc.) doesn't mean you're a goner, either. With God's help, and with the support of human family and friends, you have remarkable recuperative abilities, too. You, like the duck, might wobble a bit but you'll get along just fine!
Wending Our Way...

Ambulatory Care

September 11, 2026

Matthew 14:25 ...Jesus went out to [His disciples], walking on the lake.
When I went for a recent doctor's appointment, I passed a nearby building with the sign "Dept. of Ambulatory Care" emblazoned on it. I suspect it was probably a short-procedure center. 'Ambulatory' means 'related to walking.'
That sign gave me two thoughts. 1. We Christians are always walking along narrow pathways. (Jer. 6:16...Ask where the good way is and walk in it.) 2. Jesus is always "walking to us," wherever we may be. Whether we're battling stormy seas or placid waters surround us, He's always within reach.
We never walk alone. Hallelujah!
Wending Our Way...

Haiku...From Golgotha To Forever

September 10, 2026

Isaiah 49:16 ...I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.
My Hands hold your heart.
I left The Light on for you.
My Love never fails.
Wending Our Way...

Seeing The Son

September 9, 2026

1 John 5:12 ...He who has the Son has life.
Larry and I ran into one of our joyful kitchen workers recently. He greeted us (with twinkly eyes), then asked, "Have you seen the sun today?" "Oh Yes!" I replied. I saw its warm glow on our marigolds, its rainbow flashes off our neighbor's crystal ornament hanging beside their back porch, the multicolored morning dewdrops on the vibrant green grass, the glowing sheen from the puffy white clouds sliding across the sky, and the blinding reflection off my car's windshield. All treasures, to be sure.
But then it hit me...he wasn't asking if I'd seen the sun. He was asking if I'd seen the Son! Whoa!! Big difference. And yes, I HAD seen the Son today. I saw His Strength in the massive trees that surround our cottage. I saw His Grace in the nearby flowing branches of the enormous crabapple tree in front of me . His Truth was evident in my Bible and in the words of my friends and neighbors. His Love was forever-evident in the smiles of the folks around me.
So--hallelujah! I have indeed seen the Son today!!
Wending Our Way...

Take Your Time

September 8, 2026

Ecclesiastes 3:11 ...He has made everything beautiful in its time.
One recent Sunday, Larry and I were leaving church and heading over to the Bistro for lunch. In front of us were two folks: a man moving along slowly with a walker and a somewhat younger woman who was keeping pace with his slower speed. The man smiled at the woman and said, "Go ahead of me. I'm awfully slow these days." The woman smiled back at him and replied, "Take your time. I'm in no rush," to which the man grinned and replied, "Time is all I have anymore!"
His comment made me think fondly of heaven. Sometimes here on earth, time seems to go on forever. It's sometimes devoid of meaning and pleasure and seems full of frustration and longing to be elsewhere; but the time we spend in heaven won't drag or ache. Things will just go on placidly and pleasantly--forever! What a blessing that will be!!
Wending Our Way...

Billing Manager

September 7, 2026

John 8:36 ...if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Back in August I overheard a conversation in our lunchroom. One woman had a foul-up in a medical bill and was updating a friend on her struggle to get things resolved. The first woman finally sighed and said, "I'm sending it to the billing manager. He'll take care of it."
Aha...the billing manager. Naturally that reminded me of Jesus. He's our Heavenly Billing Manager. Who ever got a bill for salvation? No one--ever. That's because Jesus took care of it...many years ago!
Wending Our Way...

Under His Wings

September 4, 2026

Psalms 91:4b ... under his wings you will find refuge.
Here are a few more Feather Facts. Birds, of course, have wing feathers. Right wing feathers are slanted differently than left wing feathers, but both allow a bird to fly. (Birds' wing feathers are kind of like oars for the air!) Wing feathers also offer birds and their young protection from the elements as they rest in nests or trees. Wind and water tend to slide right off wing and body feathers, partly because individual feathers "zip" together to form a waterproof/windproof shield; and... wing feathers are quite stiff, which helps prevent predators from attacking babies sheltering underneath.
As a hen gathers her chicks under her wings ( Lk. 13:34...[Jesus speaking]...O Jerusalem...how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings....), so God, again, promises to shelter us beneath His Feathers as we rest near His Heart until life's dangers have passed and we enter The Pearly Gates.
Wending Our Way...

Covered With His Feathers

September 3, 2026

Psalms 91:4a ...He will cover you with his feathers....
A friend of mine recently gave me an interesting feather she'd found on her porch. It was white, fairly large and quite fluffy. I imagine it was a duck feather and a down feather as well. Down feathers help keep a bird warm. (Down feathers keep people warm, too, if they happen to have a down-filled jacket, coat, vest or comforter.) The fluffy nature of down feathers enables them to form dead air spaces and the dead air spaces trap body heat.
Down feathers are "inside feathers." They live close to the bird's body and are covered by stiffer "outside feathers" (those visible to the human eye). "Outside feathers" have tiny barbs that "zip' together, which enables them to block heat and cold, rain and wind. (I've seen our ducks sitting placidly in the grass, completely unmindful of steady rain falling on them.)
When God says He'll "cover you with his feathers," He's telling you that He'll keep you spiritually warm and dry, regardless of external conditions. That's a promise you can count on--now and forever!
Wending Our Way...

Pace Yourself #3

September 2, 2026

Acts 20:24 ...if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Finish the race. Isn't that what we all aspire to? But here again, pacing is required. If a runner (man, woman or horse) repeatedly bursts ahead and then drops back, they can exhaust themselves before they get to the finish line. Quality of performance can thus decline and effectiveness can diminish. It's hard to win a race if you're running on empty.
Sometimes, holding ourselves back a bit actually moves us farther ahead in the end. And sometimes Slower but Steady allows us to complete our daily tasks here on earth as we faithfully chug along toward The Final Finish Line.
Wending Our Way...

Pace Yourself #2

September 1, 2026

Genesis 33:14 ...I move along slowly at the pace of the droves before me....
Today's scripture tells of Jacob's travels to meet his brother Esau after a lengthy estrangement. "The droves," which were a gift for Esau, included 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, 30 female camels with young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys and 10 male donkeys. (No wonder Jacob had to go slowly!! How on earth did he keep all that moving at all?!)
Part of Jacob's incredibly slow pace was necessitated by information we pick up in today's scripture: if nursing animals are driven too hard, they'll die.
What worked for Jacob all those years ago works for us as well. If we drive ourselves too hard, we'll eventually die in body, mind or spirit and will surely become ineffective as Ambassadors for Christ. Pacing ourselves helps us regulate our mental, physical and spiritual health as we minister to those traveling around us.
Wending Our Way...

Pace Yourself #1

August 31, 2026

John 5:19 ...the Son can do nothing by himself; he can only do what he sees his father doing....
I'm a master at over-functioning! I got a Ph. D. in DOING but wound up with very few credits in simply BEING. I can cram thirty-six hours of "doing" into a twenty-four-hour day. I'm getting better at pacing myself, but it's hard to change a lifelong habit. 'Pace,' of Latin origin, originally implied to 'step' or to 'stretch the leg.' Thus, those of us who tend to do too much, simply take too many steps in a day. It's exhausting!
God didn't put all of Creation together in a single frantic day. He paced Himself, took breaks along the way, and enjoyed life as it unfolded around Him. Jesus didn't do the Manger, Water-Walk, Donkey Ride, Healing Ministry and Cross all in one day, either. He moved at a moderate pace, accomplished what was needed, and enjoyed life as He went along. (In Jn. 5:7, Jesus approached and healed only one man, even though "a great number" had gathered.)
God calls us, like Jesus, to do only what we see Him doing. He doesn't want us to exhaust ourselves by taking too many steps in a day. He wants us to work for The Kingdom, but He also wants us to enjoy our time on earth!
Wending Our Way...

Piranhas Can Bite!

August 28, 2026

Revelation 20:10 ...the devil...was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur...[and] will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Back in June I read a novel in which a man and his son went fishing for piranhas (they're actually edible!). As the fellows prepared to clean their catch, the father warned his son to be careful around the fish's mouths, since a dead piranha can still bite. (This is due to post-mortem muscle contractions.) Heavens!
This reminded me of Satan's ultimate demise. (Check our Rev. 20: 1-10 for the full picture.) Piranhas might be able to bite when they're dead (at least for a short time), but at the appointed time, God will permanently curb Satan's bite and the torment he has unleashed on God's people for centuries will be turned against him forever. (Serves him right!!)
Wending Our Way...

Hats, Scares And Mittens

August 27, 2026

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ...encourage one another and build each other up....
I hate it when I discover typos in my devotions! I try to avoid them, but they sometimes creep in. In one recent devotion, I meant to write about knitting hats, scarves and mittens...but what I actually typed up was that I was knitting hats, SCARES and mittens! Ye gods!!
I'm quite content making hats and mittens, but scares?? NO! The word 'scare' comes from an Old Norse word meaning to 'frighten' or 'make timid.' I never want to frighten people or make them feel timid.
God calls each of us to build up, encourage and support our fellow travelers. This makes our earthly journeys much easier and helps pave the pathway to heaven.
Wending Our Way...

On The Job

August 26, 2026

Acts 5:30 ... [Jesus] whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.
Being reflective, as I am, has its ups and downs. I just read an interesting article in the July 2026 National Geographic. It talked about a man, Tim Samaras, who was a tornado researcher. Often on-site in storm centers, he was killed by a tornado in Oklahoma in 2013. Thus, he was killed on the job. How terribly sad!
This reminded me of many other people who are killed on the job: soldiers, police, firefighters, the space shuttle astronauts who died in 1986 when the spacecraft Challenger broke apart, road workers, tow truck drivers who are killed by drivers speeding past; the 2,977 people who perished in the New York Twin Towers air assault on Sept.1, 2001. I'm sure the list could go on and on.
And how about Jesus? He was quietly going along attending to His Father's business (Lk. 2:49) when the whole crucifixion thing got under way. The entire focus of Jesus' life was doing His Father's Business. So, Jesus, too, was killed on the job. It's just plain sad when others perish in the line of service, but in Christ's death we also find Joy! That's because His Death has a future--eternal life for all who believe.
Wending Our Way...

Hold On!!!

August 25, 2026

John 15:4 ... [Jesus speaking] Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
I was cutting up black olives this morning and found a tiny stem clinging tenaciously to one olive. That tiny stem connected the olive to the vine and provided for its nourishment and growth. The stem enabled the olive branch to bear fruit.
It's the same with us humans: we have to remain in connection with Jesus in order to survive and bear fruit for The Kingdom.
Here's another thing about my olive: It had the tiniest stem, but that stem was enough! So--on the hardest days, if you hold onto Jesus by even the tiniest stem, you're still attached. And that's enough!!
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.

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