enLIVEn Devotionals

Abiding in Jesus - Overflowing His Spirit

Size 13 Footprint

I received a Father’s Day gift this year from my son, created with “encouragement” from my wife. I have received many Father’s Day gifts over the years and I am sure many fathers have received a gift similar to the one I am writing about today. However, I suspect few have received one in the same size as the one I received. You see, my son is 18 and has a size 13 foot. This gift marks a milestone for us. This is our youngest child who is now away in college leaving us at home without children in the house for the first time in 27 years. We are quasi-empty-nesters. I say quasi because we ... Read the Post

Unwise Tooth

I was talking to a tech guy at a computer store and somehow we got to chatting about my church. I explained to him that I loved my church, and I invited him to attend if he didn't already have a home church. He was gracious and explained that although he was a Christian, for personal reasons, he chose not to attend church. I desired to explain to him how much the church aspect of the Body of Christ has strengthened and transformed my faith, but no matter how I tried to explain my thoughts, I always came out sounding "religious." But how could I explain to this man that it's not about ... Read the Post

The Value of One

As I bent down to pick up the well-worn object while out walking, I was transported back to an elementary school yard playground in California. Toe-tempting, blonde-like sand covered every inch of the playground, including the spot beneath the slide where I found myself passing the time at recess. Kicking at the sand paid off…literally. Within a few minutes I was "rich." Well, at least it seemed that way after finding a handful of mostly silver coins! Finding money has always been exciting for me. It seems my two kiddos have caught the "coin craze" too. When a coin catches their eye, they ... Read the Post

The Jesus Truck

Nearly two years ago I had a difficult season of anxiety, complete with racing heart, physical weariness, anxious thoughts spiraling out of control, and life-altering worry that engulfed my every thought and breath. One of the ways my anxiety crippled my life during that challenging time was when I drove at high speeds on the interstate. Usually when I drive up and down the west coast of Florida on Interstate-75, I’m fine. In fact, driving places was never an issue in my life until I had my first experience with anxiety a few years back. My family lives almost two hours south in Cape Coral, ... Read the Post

Just Looking

I knew yesterday would be difficult for her. Most of the furniture had been moved and everything in the garage was gone. The moving truck had been there a couple of times so I knew there wasn’t much left. Except memories. Her children now have children of their own. Friends and family gathered around the dining room table during a holiday. Pets which touched her heart over the years. Memories of sitting on her back porch during a gentle rain. She always loved her quiet time. She was standing in the kitchen when I walked in. When I asked what she was doing, she replied, “Just looking.” ... Read the Post

I Will Listen to You

I was reminded of a scripture verse recently upon our son's graduation from high school. I used it in my graduation letter to him as well as his sister two years prior but this reminder made me think it was worth sharing here too. You, the reader, will be the judge of that so let me know what you think. My blog is named Peculiar Perspective because I often see life sort of sideways and I think this is another example of that perspective. I think there will be others to come in the future where the more well-known scripture reference is followed by a truth or promise that does not get as ... Read the Post