Out of the Chaos
Inspiration for living outside of the chaos.
Tag: daily devotional
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.23.2020
This week I chose to focus on our faces and the impact a cheerful look or a scornful look can impart. My daughter, Emily, has two daughters. When Emily was less than a year old she learned to scowl. We thought it was hilarious and often asked her to do it for others. Now Emily …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.22.2020
Dormitories are the environments where the best and the worst are likely to be seen. I went to Bible school immediately after high school. I tried to avoid morning classes if at all possible, but someone had to take them. There are two classmates that stand out to me all these years later. Sharon was …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.21.2020
There was a woman who loved auctions and estate sales. One day she found herself wandering among the furniture at an auction when she looked to the side and saw another woman wandering the items as well. She looked away and thought to herself, “My! She was really grumpy!” Turning back to see if she …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.18.2020
It is a guarantee that our bodies will experience weakness and exhaustion. It is the signal our bodies give that we need to slow down and rest. Sleep is one of the five elements needed to survive. Our spirits also become weak, tired and exhausted. I remember one time meeting with my pastor to discuss …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.15.2020
What did you learn by noticing the stars? Were you able to calculate how many there are, even counting them? Naming them? Yeah — me neither. But the immensity of the galaxies is certainly amazing, isn’t it? In Isaiah 40, God invites the reader to consider the stars. Then he asks two questions: 27O Jacob, …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.14.2020
As I sit here with my computer opened before me, I wonder what to write. I wonder if others are experiencing the same feelings that plague me. I wonder if I should expose my inner thoughts. I wonder how to make a difference in the lives of my readers. And then my mind starts to …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.10.2020
When I read scripture, I remind myself that most of scripture (a few chapters in the Old Testament address nations that oppressed Israel) was written to people who professed to follow God and live in obedience to his commands. The Old Testament is the theological history of the nation of Israel and the promise of …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 08.28.2020
I spent most of this month on vacation. Nine days camping with my family: children, spouses, grandchildren. Eight days in Montana with my mom. Getting into a routine again is historically difficult for me. I always tell myself: “Four days of grace. That’s how long it will take to make the adjustment from travel to …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 08.27.2020
It is said that truth is truth no matter where you find it. On my flights home yesterday, I read a novel and it contained these wise words. “When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.” I find that to be true. I have worked tirelessly to make friends with myself. …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 08.26.2020
There was a song we sang when I was a child about the great state of Montana. It went like this: “Montana, Montana! Glory of the West. Of all the states from coast to coast you’re easily the best. Montana, Montana! Your skies are always blue! M-O-N-T-A-N-A! Montana, I love you!” It was sung to …
Out of the Chaos 