Posts by dhetzler
Lent is not about giving something up
My spiritual director, Ruth, sent me a message yesterday. “Dawna, someone brought to my attention (and you may have seen this also) that the word Lent is in the word Valentine. I’m forwarding another opportunity for a daily devotional during Lent.” Yesterday, I read the introduction to the suggested 40 day devotional. I prayed and…
Read MoreWhen you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.
I leaned in closer to hear what David was saying in the cozy atmosphere of Tito’s Cantina Tequila Bar & Grille. “On Tito’s Facebook page, I saw a picture of Tito in a headlock by one of his customers.” “That’s so cool. If I meet him, I want a picture like that.” No longer had the…
Read MoreWhen you can’t see what’s ahead
When I drive at night, my headlights only allow me to see about sixty feet ahead. When I drive in the snow and fog, there are times when I can barely make out the front of my car. Many times, that’s how it is journeying with God—He only allows us to glimpse so far ahead.…
Read MoreNumber my days
January is my birthday month. Today, I’m reflecting on Psalm 90:12 (NIV): “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” I think about the time I’ve already lived. On Sunday, it will be 19,710 days. That number surprises me. It in itself, doesn’t seem very large, but when I…
Read MoreHijacked Christmas Presents
I chatted with my mom via FaceTime. Anticipation shone on her face. It was Christmas Eve and she was explaining what packages she’d received from me. “I only sent one large envelope and one white box. Where’s the white box?” “I only have a white envelope and a manila envelope, but not a white box.”…
Read MoreThe shortest day, the longest shadow.
It is the astronomical winter solace, making it the shortest day of the year. Why in the world would a sun-lover like me be excited? Because tomorrow, the days only get longer. And eventually warmer. At noon today, I will stand outside to see my longest cast shadow of the year. I expect questions to come to…
Read MoreWho is the God you know?
I’m listening to Emily P. Freeman’s The Quiet Collect for Advent. (You can download her app on your phone for free. The advent collection is for purchase). This morning, I listened to her devotional titled, “Magnificat,” which means, a canticle used in Christian liturgy, especially at vespers and evensong, the text being the hymn of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:46–55). After Emily reads…
Read MoreWhat’s going right
The reclaimed wood caught my eye, the saying captured my heart. It whispered a different kind of prayer; one that I already knew how to do, but often forget. Prayers of gratitude. Daily I give thanks to God, but I do have a lot of requests. As I studied this art, the gentle words brought…
Read MoreA different kind of performance
Readying for the holiday season, I decided that a “Magical Cirque Christmas” performance was in order. It was a different kind than I had seen before—not the typical Cirque du Soleil, where various acts happen at once. This show unfolded one performer at a time. I thought, This is strange—just watching one solo artist do her contortionist…
Read MoreA new name
At an animal shelter, we looked through the glass windows studying the names and faces. Each cubical reflected affectionate looks silently screaming, Choose me, PLEASE! Some dogs had stories, others had no known background. Our gaze met with blue eyes. I chuckled at the sight of him. “Is he a little cross-eyed? He looks like Kevin from the…
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