Blog – VineWords Devotions and More

Contributor Glenda Shouse: Time Stealer

Time stealer, motivation killer, clutter inducer… Ugh! That’s procrastination. It is defined as an act or habit of putting off or delaying, especially something requiring immediate attention. A friend shared her journey through this land of “I’ll do it later.” It was a problem she could not overcome on her own. It took time, help from the Lord, and perseverance. She mentioned two scriptures that she relied on. These strengthened her. The first scripture was I can do all things through … Continue reading →

Unseen Artist Revealed

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty. Zephaniah 3:17a Dad stood behind me, dabbing oil paint on the canvas. My hand rest atop his, so it felt like I was painting, but I knew who held the brush. Soon, Dad slid his hand away, and I grasped the brush. His hand was still underneath mine so I still felt confident. Before I knew it, he was smiling, with his hand to his chin. Occasionally I’d ask … Continue reading →

Contributor Ed Chappelle: In the Darkness of the Vending Machine

Vending Machines are designed to give us instant gratification with little payment on our part. They provide a wide selection of food or products that entice us to purchase what they offer and in return we obtain instant gratification. They are a wonderful invention that can bring happiness in whatever season of life or journey we find ourselves in. The best part about the vending machine experience is that we don’t have to have an emotional, physical, or spiritual attachment … Continue reading →

Equal Opportunity

“Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them? (Luke 9:54 ESV)” James and John said. The disciples didn’t believe in equal opportunity for men they perceived to be enemies. Can you imagine James and John’s surprise when Jesus rebuked them rather than the Samaritans? Jesus was wrestling with His greatest mission—to pay the penalty for mankind’s sin. He knew in a matter of days He would hang on Calvary’s cross. Expectedly, His … Continue reading →

Equal Opportunity

“Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them? (Luke 9:54 ESV)” James and John said in unison. The disciples were bothered that the Samaritans didn’t receive Jesus as He traveled through Samaria on His way to Jerusalem. These disciples didn’t believe in equal opportunity for men they perceived to be enemies. Can you imagine James and John’s surprise when Jesus rebuked them rather than the Samaritans? Jesus knew the Samaritans misinterpreted His … Continue reading →

Equal Opportunity

“Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them? (Luke 9:54 ESV)” James and John said in unison. The disciples were bothered that the Samaritans didn’t receive Jesus as He traveled through Samaria on His way to Jerusalem. The disciples didn’t believe in equal opportunity for these Samaritan men they perceived to be enemies. Can you imagine James and John’s surprise when Jesus rebuked them rather than the Samaritans? Jesus knew the Samaritans … Continue reading →

Giving Day

The aroma of horse hair overwhelmed me as I buried my face in Princess’ mane. She grasped my ponytail scrunchie with her muzzle, slid it off, and waved it triumphantly. If a horse could laugh, she was doing it. This was a deliberate move on her part to cheer me up. I would have joined her celebratory disposition, but I knew we only had days together. I was moving out of state, and she would not be travelling with us. … Continue reading →

Dancing Shoes

I have become a collector of hearts, but I do not collect just any hearts. They are gifts from my daughter, Danielle. Each is like a time capsule, capturing a memory from her youth. One is a foil heart of two colors. Yet another is a heart-shaped rock she found in the garden. She skipped to me, squealing with delight, carrying her little rock. We washed it under the hose and she cradled it. Then, she kissed me on the … Continue reading →

Pocket Full of Promises

It was an ordinary day at Roland’s house. Anna would fix his breakfast and fluff his chair. After his coffee, she would assist him to the mailbox. But first, she’d watch as he stuffed his pockets full of Bible promises. Some he had hand written, and some were typed. Each morning, he pulled a handful out of a large mason jar and dropped them into a ceramic dish. Roland’s eyesight wasn’t what it used to be, so Anna read most … Continue reading →

Contributor Glenda Shouse: Counting Woes

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 NKJV I was having a “woe is me”day, recounting all the problems in my life. Can you remember having a day like this when you counted “woes” instead of blessings? The enemy of our soul is happy when we are distracted by the trials that we are experiencing. Then we won’t notice God’s beauty surrounding us. My mind was on me and all I needed to accomplish, instead of … Continue reading →