Ordinary Days Daily Devotional Podcast

At the gym we tell our athletes that they must be comfortable being uncomfortable. In other words, we ask them to get out of their comfort zone. This phrase is cliché, but, simply put, if a gymnast is not willing to push herself beyond what she feels safe doing she will not be able to … Continue reading “Beware Of Complacency – Friday, June 14th, 2019”

My husband does the gardening. He has already planted tomatoes and peppers in our vegetable garden and has just finished planting zinnias, pansies, and day lilies in the flower garden. Each garden is unique and has a specific purpose in the yard. Flowers add cheer and bright colors to the yard. Fresh picked vegetables bring … Continue reading “Gardens – Thursday, June 13th, 2019”

My attitude today was abhorrent. I thought about things that were not honoring to God. There were times my words were sharp. I was short tempered when patience was needed, abrupt when the situation called for kindness and disagreeable when I should have been pleasant. Today my transgressions were crystal clear to me. I would … Continue reading “David’s Cure – Wednesday, June 12th, 2019”

Today at work a coworker asked me to address a specific situation with an athlete. She then told me what to say and what the consequences should be. Even when I worked things out exactly as she wanted, she still went back and addressed the situation. This is a perfect example of how we sometimes … Continue reading “We Think We Know Better – Tuesday, June 11th, 2019”

When I first started working as a gymnastic coach, I knew nothing about the sport. I had not been a gymnast. I had never executed a flip. I had no experience or understanding of the sport. It would have been very easy in those early days to give up, quit and find another job. Instead, … Continue reading “Work At Understanding”

This afternoon I attended two graduation parties. The food was plentiful, the pictures numerous and the memories abundant. It was fun, not only to reminisce, but also to hear the graduates describe their plans. These celebrations are a time to honor the accomplishments of the graduate and show support for their future endeavors. God encourages … Continue reading “Come And Celebrate – Thursday, June 6th, 2019”

My friend’s daughter is getting married. Today I listened to my friend describe the venue and the plans for the big day. I can hear the joy and the stress in my friend’s voice as she talks about all the preparations that must be completed before the big day. The church is also in the … Continue reading “Planning A Wedding – Wednesday, June 5th, 2019”

The phenomenal beauty of the Grand Canyon was formed by the running waters of the Colorado River. Melting glaciers increased the river’s volume ten times. It overflowed and rushed across the earth’s surface, eroding the ground. The weight of the water and the persistent raging current abraded the rock, dirt and land, carving out the … Continue reading “Raging River – Tuesday, June 4th, 2019”

This morning the sky was clear, except for one wispy cloud stretching like taffy across the sun and reflecting the sun’s rays across the sky. I considered the number of clouds that have passed in front of the sun. Some clouds change the intensity of the sun’s heat; others hide the sun from view. A … Continue reading “Christ And Clouds – Monday, June 3rd, 2019”

Yesterday a friend mentioned that she had said a little prayer. I have heard that phrase numerous times. However, this time, I spent the better part of the day thinking about those words until finally concluding that there is no such thing as a little prayer. Prayer is always connected to the living God. It … Continue reading “No Such Thing As A Little Prayer – Friday, May 31st, 2019”

My daughter and I went out to lunch today. We noticed that the couple at the table next to ours did not speak one word to each other for more than forty minutes, but instead they texted on their cell phones. We watched sadly as these two people ignored each other. There was no interaction … Continue reading “Are You Ignoring God? – Thursday, May 30th, 2019”

A good friend has joined Facebook. Over the years many of her friends, myself included, and her family tried to explain how useful Facebook could be. However, she held her ground, and even after persistent pleading, we could not convince her to join. So, you can imagine my surprise when I found her friend request … Continue reading “Stay In Prayer – Wednesday, May 29th, 2019”

Now that the mornings brighten early I can walk or ride my bike. Being outside in the morning makes me feel peaceful. During the early morning hours there is a hush, a serenity that draws me outside. When I am in creation, I tune my ear to hear the gentle voice of God speak to … Continue reading “Enjoy Solitude – Tuesday, May 28th, 2019”

There are days like today when life can seem overwhelming. Cancer is raging in the body of many of my friends. Young people I know are in crisis. Hatred in the world seems almost unbearable. Grief is an unwelcome visitor in the homes of many of my friends and family. On these days, when death, … Continue reading “Live In Hope – Monday, May 27th, 2019”

While I was in Florida a few weeks ago, one of my colleagues went fishing in a pond near the hotel. He caught an alligator. Fortunately no one was hurt. Until my friend told me about his harrowing experience, I hadn’t given much thought to alligators. I am from the Midwest. Alligators are not on … Continue reading “Sin And Alligators – Friday, May 24th, 2019”

Writers hope that people will read their work. We write with the expectation that someone will pick up the book and be in- spired through the story and words that we put on paper. We want our words to get people thinking, motivate them to action or influence them to change. God has also written … Continue reading “Engage With God – Thursday, May 23rd, 2019”

Today, my daughter bought some new clothes. She pulled out her purchases to show me and realized two items were missing. She searched her bedroom and bathroom. Together we retraced her steps from the car to the house. Finally, I asked if she had put them in another bag. My words reminded her that the … Continue reading “What We Lost – Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019”

I spent many hours today listening to people talk. On the flip side, people listened to me talk as well. We humans are a talkative group. Sadly, we aren’t very good listeners. Still, I found myself engaged in some very interesting conversations and a few that I probably could have avoided. What I also find … Continue reading “Listen To Jesus – Tuesday, May 21st, 2019”

I had a brisk walk with my daughter after dinner tonight. We had a pleasant conversation, which covered a variety of subjects. I enjoy walking with her and listening to her talk about her day. It’s just nice to get away from the house and share each other’s company. Sometimes, she even asks my opinion … Continue reading “Take A Walk With God – Monday, May 20th, 2019”

One night last week I had an interesting conversation with a friend who asked me many questions about God, Christ and faith. When the conversation ended, she said, “I want to be like you, certain about what you believe.” My faith comes from years of the Holy Spirit’s revealing Jesus Christ to me through the … Continue reading “Be Certain About What You Believe – Friday, May 17th, 2019”

Stepping out of the car at the Sinissippi bike path, I noticed a pretty garden spot. So I made my way toward the small trees and shrubs to take a few quick photos. A red-winged blackbird dove at my head. As the bird took another pass at me I realized that its nest must be … Continue reading “Keeping Watch – Thursday, May 16th, 2019”

This morning a thick fog cloaked Des Moines, Iowa. Along the river, only shadows of trees and bridges could be seen. A train lumbered down the tracks of the city. Only a few cars were visible; the rest seemed to vanish as they entered a tunnel of fog. Though covered by the misty cloud, the … Continue reading “God Revealed – Wednesday, May 15th, 2019”

My job tonight is to patrol the floors of the hotel to make sure all the gymnasts obey curfew. I will watch and listen and walk the halls to ensure that the athletes follow the rules. In that way, they will be rested and ready for their competition. I don’t anticipate any trouble. If the … Continue reading “God Protects His Children – Tuesday, May 14th, 2019”

One of my athletes earned a spot on the level 10 Regional team, so she will compete at the Junior Olympic National competition. Making this team was difficult. She has prepared herself for this meet every day in practice for the last year. She finally triumphed at the Regional competition. Her daily preparation was the … Continue reading “Prepare Daily – Monday, May 13th, 2019”

This weekend I had the opportunity to coach at the USA Gymnastics level 9 Eastern National Championships. Besides watching and cheering for young, talented gymnasts, I also had a chance to talk with coaching friends from around the country. One thing I noticed: The most successful clubs have a strong head coach. Effective head coaches … Continue reading “Christ’s Support Staff – Friday, May 10th, 2019”

This afternoon friends and I went kayaking down Shingles River in Florida. It was a dazzling day to be out. The river was clear and shallow, full of fish and turtles. Trees lined the bank; their images reflected on the water. It was an hour filled with beauty, quiet and pleasure. Paddling slowly down the … Continue reading “God’s Reflected Glory – Thursday, May 9th, 2019”

The internet is so slow tonight that it is hardly worth using. It has taken the better part of 30 minutes to get this evening reflection posted because the technology is limping and stutter- ing along, causing me frustration. Everything online is difficult. My pictures won’t upload; my words won’t post; and a black rectangle … Continue reading “The Travels Of Christ – Wednesday, May 8th, 2019”

I have had a Mastercard since 1999. But when there was a problem with my card today and I called, they had no idea who I was. The first representative I spoke with could not comprehend the meaning of customer or service. So that conversation ended abruptly when he said he could no longer hear … Continue reading “God Knows Who I Am – Tuesday, May 7th, 2019”

It has been a long day of travel. I flew to Orlando, Florida, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The flight was quick. The conversation on the plane was pleasant and the landing smooth. I have noticed that whenever I travel the time in the air goes by quickly. But the time after landing is always slow. We … Continue reading “Our Own Power… HA! – Monday, May 6th, 2019”

I was watching some of my young gymnasts train for vault today. As they sprinted down the vault run their heads moved up and down as their eyes looked down at the floor or up at the ceiling. One athlete ran while glancing from side to side. Apparently looking straight ahead at the vault table … Continue reading “The World Looks Interesting – Friday, May 3rd, 2019”

This afternoon I was reminded of two very painful periods in my life. The pain in both cases was delivered by the political hand of the church. The sad reality of these situations was not only did I get hurt but so did many members of the congregations. I stayed away from the church for … Continue reading “A Grudge Against The Church – Thursday, May 2nd, 2019”

I am awful with technology. I am illiterate when it comes to the language of technology, and I don’t understand how any of the devices I own work. Technology baffles me and mocks me. I use it, but I’d rather lose it. My brain and today’s technology are not friends. Still God insists that my … Continue reading “Mastering Basics – Wednesday, May 1st, 2019”

When I talk to children I instruct them in the way I want them to go. For instance, instead of saying, “Don’t leave your plate on the table,” try “Please put your plate in the dishwasher.” Instead of “Don’t throw your clothes on the floor,” say “Please put your clothes in the laundry basket.” Plant … Continue reading “Jesus’ Direct Talk”

The gymnasts’ routines become automatic this late in the season. They have done them repeatedly for months. The coaches’ challenge becomes to keep the gymnasts’ minds engaged in the process of honing the execution of the skills. At this point, the gymnasts can easily let their minds slip into neutral and let their bodies go … Continue reading “Captives Of Routine – Monday, April 29th, 2019”

During practice today one of my gymnasts needed to make one correction that would help her complete a layout vault. I asked her to focus on that one correction. She chose to think about everything but that correction. After exhausting herself, she disciplined her mind to focus on that one particular correction and her vault … Continue reading “Exhausting Ourselves – Friday, April 26th, 2019”

A week ago I was in Ohio in the Eastern Time zone. On Monday, I was back home in the Central Time zone. Yesterday, I traveled once again into the Eastern Time zone. When planning a trip to another time zone I make decisions for travel according to the loss or gain of an hour. … Continue reading “Time Zones – Thursday, April 25th, 2019”

Our athletes’ training includes cue words that we use to help them focus their minds on the tasks at hand. I tell the girls to stick to the script. They are not allowed to change these words or take their minds off them when they are competing on an event. These words—the script—help the gymnasts … Continue reading “Defeat Angst – Wednesday, April 24th, 2019”

This morning, one member of the book study that I attend at church commented that our selection, Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright, was giving her new insight into the pastor’s sermons. Others agreed. I remarked that perhaps reading Scripture as frequently as other books would also help us gain greater understanding from sermons and … Continue reading “The Spirit Teaches The Scriptures – Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019”

Right now there is a celebration going on at my house. My daughter has received some good news. My two girls are talking and planning and playing. They are including me through Facebook and phone calls. I am feeling the excitement, even though I am eight hours away in a hotel room. The distance can’t … Continue reading “Celebration Is Central”

For believers this is a night of grief. Jesus’ cries of anguish have been silenced by death. But by faith we still hear His voice cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1; Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34) I have wondered whether on this night 2,000 years ago the disciples might … Continue reading “The Answer To Why – Friday, April 19th, 2019”

I left the Maundy Thursday service in silence tonight. It is a somber, sobering experience to walk away from the sanctuary of God without a sound. Silence forces me to spend time alone with my thoughts. These thoughts center on the last meal that the disciples shared with Jesus. He spoke of service, and love … Continue reading “Without A Sound”

One of my gymnasts had a disappointing meet. She had done very well in the competition. Her routines were strong, and the mental and physical preparation she had worked so hard on was paying off. But, on her last event, she made a costly mistake that stopped her from advancing to the National com- petition. … Continue reading “Work Is Worthwhile – Wednesday, April 17th, 2019”

People who work out know the importance of doing something active every day. We also know that the pitfall of exercise can be taking off two days in a row. After that second day, a person lets down mentally, gets out of the routine and often wants to stop altogether. Instead of taking a day … Continue reading “A Little Each Day – Tuesday, April 16th, 2019”

My house has been full of laughter tonight. The girls and I have been telling jokes and sharing funny stories and humorous situations. There is a wonderful energy created by laughter. It melts away weariness and brings a renewed enthusiasm to life. Laughter lifts a burdened heart and brings joy to the soul and harmony … Continue reading “The Offering Of Laughter – Monday, April 15th, 2019”

Our gymnasts want to do well at regionals this weekend. However, instead of focusing on training today, some were already worrying about the outcome of the competition. As a result, these gymnasts suffered through a difficult workout be- cause their minds and bodies hadn’t been working together in the present. Once they allowed their minds … Continue reading “Live In The Present – Friday, April 12th, 2019”

My neighbor and I walk together regularly. Our first few steps are important because we use them to match our strides and speed so we are walking side by side. In this way we can carry on a conversation. If our steps don’t match we can’t walk together. One of us will always be ahead … Continue reading “In Stride With The Sport – Thursday, April 11th, 2019”

Yesterday, our dog Buddy was acting strangely. He kept moving his head as if urgently looking for something. His body trembled, and he couldn’t stand up. We got him to the vet immediately. He had an infection in his brain that caused extreme dizziness. His equilibrium improved; now he can walk short distances. Buddy’s lack … Continue reading “Stay In Balance”

Sirens blared tonight, warning residents about the possibilities of tornados. The gym staff evacuated all athletes from the main gym and moved them into safer areas of the building. Parents arriving to pick up children came inside the building to wait out the storm. Many people received further warnings on their phones. One man had … Continue reading “Warning! Warning!”

A young gymnast lied to her coach. She insisted her assign- ment had been completed when it wasn’t. Her teammates listened to her try to deceive the coach. Because she had deliberately tried to mislead the coach, she was, as a consequence, given a double assignment. When people lie, they are willfully trying to deceive … Continue reading “Who Is The Liar? – Monday, April 8th, 2019”