enLIVEn Devotionals

Abiding in Jesus - Overflowing His Spirit

Sunsets and Light Switches

Perhaps one of my most favorite sights to behold is a sunset. As the sky transforms into an ombre of oranges and pinks, the beauty is breathtaking. Slowly the sun disappears into the horizon while the clouds begin absorbing the melting beauty, illuminating the sky for just a bit longer. As time passes, night falls and my eyes begin to adjust to the darkness. Some of my favorite beach-y things like birds, boats, and shells, that were once in clear view, now blend into the darkening sky and I find myself blinking frequently to find them again. Now focused on the sound, not the sight, of the ... Read the Post

Unwanted Echoes

I pulled into our neighborhood pool, parked, and glanced up. A few clouds dotted the evening sky, harmless remnants from an afternoon thunderstorm that had blown through Tampa Bay. The rumbling, lightning-forked thunderheads were now long gone. With two rambunctious boys in the backseat, I hoped we would be able to swim. I tried not to think of last summer and the few times we came to swim, only to have the pool attendant shake his head and point to the sky. Thunder. Lightning. Pool’s closed this evening. As a former lifeguard and swimmer, concerned mom, and weather nerd, I’m fairly ... 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

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