Ordinary Days Daily Devotional Podcast

This weekend, a friend and I walked along the Sinnissippi Gardens path and through Anderson Japanese Gardens. Even though I was familiar with these gardens, they looked different from my last visit. Both gardens were full of mature plants and flowers covered with blooms and color. Each time I visit the gardens, I notice something … Continue reading “Seeing Something New – Friday, August 23rd, 2019”

This morning at 5:30 as I started my bike ride the heat and humidity were already making their presence known. The steamy, thick air stuck to my clothing and skin. And the heaviness of the air made breathing a bit difficult as I pedaled along my route. This drippy weather causes my body to move … Continue reading “Humid Air And Sin – Thursday, August 22nd, 2019”

The crickets are in full voice tonight. The sky is clear and bright, and a slight breeze is stirring the air. The cooler temperatures carry with them a reminder that summer is passing and fall is coming. Seasons come and go, but each season brings a unique kind of hope. In summer we look forward … Continue reading “Seasons – Wednesday, August 21st, 2019”

Today, I lost my cool, opened my mouth, said the wrong things and now I feel like a schmuck. Why don’t I just shut up when I get angry? My behavior today was another shining example of why I will never be a good Christian. There is no such thing as a good Christian. Paul … Continue reading “No Such Thing As A Good Christian – Tuesday, August 20th, 2019”

The great resource of the Christian life is prayer. However, for many, prayer is a frustrating exercise. And many think it yields no results. Perhaps a different perspective of prayer would be helpful. Prayer is not about what we can get for God. Prayer is a ministry God calls the Christian to. Prayer is the … Continue reading “The Great Resource – Monday, August 19th, 2019”

We are creatures of routine. Most of us have a morning ritual that helps us get ready for our day. During the holidays we look forward to celebrating family traditions. We will frequent the same restaurants, watch reruns of our favorite television shows or see movies we enjoy more than once. Traditions and routine give … Continue reading “Creatures Of Routine – Friday, August 16th, 2019”

A friend made a slight alteration to a typical chocolate-chip cookie recipe. She substituted coconut oil for ordinary butter. The oil infused the dough with a light flavor of coconut, which made the cookie special. The swap between butter and coconut oil did not change the appearance of the cookie; anyone looking at the cookie … Continue reading “Small Changes – Thursday, August 15th, 2019”

Completing tonight’s reflection presents a challenge for me. I am without Internet access and must write and post from my phone. I can only imagine the number of mistakes I will make without my Word program helping me with spell check and grammar. This challenge reminds me of how difficult it is to lead the … Continue reading “God’s Word Program – Wednesday, August 14th, 2019”

As a child I dealt with unpleasant happenings in my schedule, whether it was a big test at school or a dentist appointment, by looking forward to something enjoyable. I thought this was my own coping technique. Then I read through the last conversation Jesus had with His disciples just a few hours before His … Continue reading “Facing Mortality – Tuesday, August 13th, 2019”

There are days I get Chronic Ego Flare-up (CEF), a condition in which my ego starts screaming for attention. My whacked-out ego seizes my thoughts and badgers my mind with rantings, grumblings and complaining. Suddenly, I am debating myself about my pay scale at work and whether I am being paid what I am worth. … Continue reading “Chronic Ego Flare-up – Monday, August 12th, 2019”

In 1 Kings 19:1-9, the great prophet Elijah flees for his life from Queen Jezebel. He is tired, overwhelmed and afraid. He finally sits down under a broom tree and prays, “I have had enough, Lord. Take my life.” Then he falls asleep. An angel comes to him, not once, but twice, with bread and … Continue reading “Had Enough! – Friday, August 9th, 2019”

This morning as I tied my shoes and prepared to walk, I let a bright, clear sky convince me to add two miles to my usual route. Walking each day keeps my heart strong, builds my stamina and gives me endurance for my daily routine. Walking also gives me some time alone or allows me … Continue reading “Learn To Walk – Thursday, August 8th, 2019”

Since getting off work this afternoon, I have been sitting mindlessly in front of the television. I have watched three episodes of N.C.I.S and an episode of Parks and Recreation. I did manage to get my haircut and go to the grocery store. The work week has made my mind tired. I loathe a weary … Continue reading “A Weary Mind – Wednesday, August 7th, 2019”

Tonight I enjoyed myself at a party. What I enjoy most about a party is the stories people share. One friend told of the humorous pranks he played on co-workers. Another friend told of her frustration with technology and retail stores. There were stories about vacations, siblings and children. Each story gave me a deeper … Continue reading “Know The Relatives – Tuesday, August 6th, 2019”

I didn’t have to work today, so Sally and I went to Chicago, met a good friend and spent the day meandering down the lake front, taking pictures in Millennium Park and strolling in and out of designer stores on Michigan Avenue. We talked, we walked, we shopped, we ate and we enjoyed being together. … Continue reading “Meandering With God”

I am frustrated. I am frustrated at God. I have been banging on my computer keyboard for well over an hour, but I have no reflection to show for it. My day was fine until this point. I started with church, had a nice visit with my sister at my neighborhood pool, went for ice … Continue reading “Count Words – Friday, August 2nd, 2019”

Today I am heading to a baseball game. I grew up playing baseball with my dad, who taught me everything I needed to know about the game. Eventually, I became a pretty good player. When I became a Christian, God used a baseball analogy to give me my first understanding of the Trinity. I compared … Continue reading “Take Me Out To The Ball Game”

Tonight, we will experience a rare cosmic event: a blue moon. With the weather cooperating in northern Illinois, we will be able to see with little difficulty this second full moon of the month of July. Two full moons in one month will not happen again for three years. Of course, a blue moon isn’t … Continue reading “Luminaries – Wednesday, July 31st, 2019”

My good friend became engaged today. Her happiness is evident in the words she writes and the pictures she posts on Facebook. My heart, and the hearts of all her friends and family, are overflowing with joy for her and her fiancé. We all want to dance, sing and celebrate the love these two have … Continue reading “This Is Love – Monday, July 29th, 2019”

I met two cyclists riding in the park this morning who invited me to join them on their ride. They were going to take two laps around the park road before heading back to the bike trail and home. I have biked on the park road for years, but these two fellows took me down … Continue reading “A New Path”

According to someone (the ambiguous they in our country’s leadership), each of us must use words that are politically correct when speaking to others. The same thinking has been adopted by the church, but the church calls it inclusive language. So, in keeping with the prevailing attitude of our time, I would like to share … Continue reading “Inclusive Language – Thursday, July 25th, 2019”

For the first time in its thirty-eight-year history our gymnastic club had an athlete compete in an elite-level championship meet. This milestone was accomplished through years of dedication not only by this gymnast and coaching staff but also by other coaches and athletes who shared their knowledge and experience with us over the years. In … Continue reading “Many Travel With Us – Wednesday, July 24th, 2019”

The context of John chapter 13 is the Last Supper, when Jesus and His disciples gather for their last meal. As it was being served, Jesus leaves the table, removes His outer garment, wraps a towel around His waist and washes the disciples’ feet. After this John writes, “When He had finished washing their feet, … Continue reading “Divine Journey – Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019”

Right now my faith seems a bit thin. What I mean is distractions rule my prayer time; Scripture study yields few insights into God; and my ears seem deaf to the Spirit’s voice. I consider my faith life bland. Not long ago, the opposite was true. Scripture study was productive; my prayer time was alive; … Continue reading “Lean Time – Monday, July 22nd, 2019”

Tonight is a night for quiet. Politicians have been speaking incessantly since the Orlando tragedy. Reporters have editorialized every aspect of the investigation. Talk show hosts and radio hosts have asked experts an untold number of questions. Neighbors asked neighbors about the shooter’s motives. Questions are flying everywhere. We talk and talk and talk, trying … Continue reading “Obey Without Condition – Friday, July 19th, 2019”

When we express time in our finite experience, we use words such as sooner, later, yesterday, tomorrow, today, earlier, or after. However, the Scriptures refer to infinite or immeasurable time. Time came to my attention while I was reading a verse in John. Jesus is washing His disciples’ feet but Peter objects to His servitude. … Continue reading “What We Have Not Yet Realized – Thursday, July 18th, 2019”

Facebook had a story about the rescue of a trapped golden retriever. The scared animal fought being rescued. At one point the rescuer said to the dog, “I’ll come to you.” He came close, scratched her nose and then could free her. Like the golden retriever, we get scared, especially with all the violence we … Continue reading “Life Without Fear – Wednesday, July 17th, 2019”

Folding bath towels is one of my least favorite household chores. But today the monotony of the task was interrupted by thoughts of Christ’s wrapping a towel around His waist and washing the feet of His disciples. What struck me about this scene from John chapter 13 was that the author had just commented, “Jesus … Continue reading “Christ’s Power – Tuesday, July 16th, 2019”

There are many times I say things I wish I hadn’t. But words trip off my tongue and out of my mouth before I have a chance to stop them. Lately, I have tried to be deliberate about my word choices, speak carefully and think first. I have had minimal success. Today I came across … Continue reading “How And What To Say – Monday, July 15th, 2019”

I had planned to memorize Scripture on my walk this morning. However, I talked with two friends instead. After church I had planned to write, but had a nice visit with my niece and mom. After that visit, my mom and I ran errands and took an unexpected trip to Bed, Bath and Beyond to … Continue reading “Put People First – Friday, July 12th, 2019”

I have had such fun today. Before the rains arrived, I walked for two hours, biked for an hour with my sister and then sneaked in another walk with my neighbor. I talked to some friends who were having a garage sale and spoke with a neighbor I hadn’t talked with for several months. I … Continue reading “The Joy Of Relationships – Thursday, July 11th, 2019”

A few months ago my husband bought new tires for our car. Things were good until recently when the car started to shake and shimmy on the highway. So he returned to the garage where he had purchased the tires. The mechanic did several hundred dollars’ worth of work to the car. It did not … Continue reading “Do A Job Right The First Time – Wednesday, July 10th, 2019”

The smoke detector for the upstairs hallway of my house is sitting on my printer. I need to replace the battery. So, currently, it cannot detect smoke. If a fire breaks out in my house, the detector would not give its shrill cry and alert my family to potential danger. I am reminded that God … Continue reading “Stay Connected – Tuesday, July 9th, 2019”

At this time, the shooting of Kate Steinle, allegedly by illegal immigrant Jose Ines Garcia Zarate in San Francisco, California, has put the city’s sanctuary policy under attack. We can argue over this policy; we can debate illegal immigration and we can accuse politicians, including the president, for do- ing nothing to secure our borders, … Continue reading “Feelings vs Faith”

The world tries to convince us we are not sinners. Many people today are believing this lie. Scripture, however, is very clear, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Unless we recognize our sin we will not recognize our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit dwells in the world … Continue reading “Believing A Lie – Friday, July 5th, 2019”

As we celebrate America’s freedom, most of us have traditions that more than likely include family, friends and fireworks. Picnics and parades are organized. People gather together in public areas eagerly waiting for the sun to set and the night sky to fill with dazzling firework displays. We don’t mind that each July Fourth is … Continue reading “Free Indeed – Thursday, July 4th, 2019”

Last weekend I had a delightful conversation with a high- school graduate. With great energy and enthusiasm she described her dreams of going to college and becoming a teacher. Young people, between the ages of 18 and 25 who are making plans for their futures fascinate me. Their visions and dreams are pure and untainted … Continue reading “Dreams And Visions – Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019”

The news never stops was part of an advertisement for a local talk-radio station I heard this afternoon. This station was assuring its listeners that even when they are asleep the reporters are awake covering everything that has happened during the night. Personally, I liked the old days when radio and television stations signed off … Continue reading “A Break – Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019”

My daughter wears many different fragrances, but her favorite is Adam Levine for Women Eau De Parfum. When she sprays it on, a sweet, light scent fills her room and wafts gently down the upstairs hallway in the house. When I smell that clean, delicate scent, I know she is going out for a special … Continue reading “A Pleasing Aroma – Monday, July 1st, 2019”

It has been a wonderful weekend of catching up with friends. We have sat together at tables and talked about memories from the past, learned about what is happening in our lives currently and even spoken about current plans. When we come together with Christ at the communion table, we share a similar experience with … Continue reading “Coming Together – Friday, June 28th, 2019”

Chris and I were invited to attend a surprise fiftieth wedding anniversary party for our friends who live in eastern Kentucky. We live in northern Illinois, and the last time we were together was more than 20 years ago, so our presence at their party was unexpected. It was great fun to celebrate this occasion … Continue reading “As It Was Before – Thursday, June 27th, 2019”

It’s seven o’clock in the evening and the first time today the sun has come out. It has been a day full of rain and clouds, and I have been cooped up inside. Now as the sunlight comes through my window, I think, What a waste to have sunshine now. It will be dark shortly. … Continue reading “Never Too Late – Tuesday, June 25th, 2019”

Tonight’s Bible study centered on this passage, “Blessed are those who are humble, because it is they who will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5 ISV). We often think of a humble person as one who doesn’t seek attention. He or she possesses talents and gifts but are modest about them. A humble person does not … Continue reading “A Humble Person – Monday, June 24th, 2019”

This morning’s Scripture reading at church was the story of young David slaying Goliath. King Saul had placed his armor on David, but it was so bulky David could not move easily. Instead, David armed himself with the power of God, five stones and a slingshot. David told Goliath, “All those gathered here will know … Continue reading “The World Can’t Help – Friday, June 21th, 2019”

Because of recent heavy rains the neighborhood swimming pool has risen even with the concrete pool deck. It looks like an infinity pool. It is difficult to know where the deck stops and the water begins. Fullness gives us a different outlook. When a meal fills us up, we appreciate the way food satisfies our … Continue reading “Being Full – Thursday, June 20th, 2019”

When the shooting in the Charleston, South Carolina, church was first reported, Americans expressed outrage and remorse for such a senseless act. Today reporters gave us glimpses into the lives of those mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, sisters and brothers who were killed. And a drape of sorrow covers the land. However, grieving family members have … Continue reading “Christ’s Clean Hands – Wednesday, June 19th, 2019”

My house was very noisy this morning. My husband and daughters were hurrying to get ready for work. Music played in one room, and the television was on in another. A hairdryer whirred in one bedroom, while in the kitchen a blender whipped a smoothie. One daughter left only to return a few minutes later … Continue reading “Too Much – Tuesday, June 18th, 2019”

Financial planners say one of the keys to saving money is to pay yourself first. The advice from planners is that people should take a few dollars from their paychecks and put them into investments or savings accounts. The same system works for time. If you need time for yourself, you have to plan it … Continue reading “Plan Time With God – Monday, June 17th, 2019”