Devotionals
2021
Why Doesn’t God Do Something?
A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford The child was bullied at school. When he protested to the teacher, she labeled him a troublemaker, and disciplined him instead of the bully. A co-worker made a costly mistake, but blamed her innocent office-mate....
Why You Need to Vote
A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford You may feel you have good reason not to vote in this election. (I write not as a Democrat or Republican or Independent, but as a simple Christian burdened for our country.) “My one vote won’t make any difference,”...
It Wasn’t a Complement After All
A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford “Irrefutable,” the handwritten note said. My debate partner and I had just won a debate in a collegiate tournament. The judge’s rating sheet of my performance said we’d earned a superior rating, the best you could...
Schatzi and the Crumbs from the Children’s Plates
A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford My long-haired dachshund Schatzi and I have an odd synergistic relationship that works to our mutual advantage and makes us both happy. In my old age, I regret to confess, food sometimes falls off my fork on its way...
Our Grandson Wanted Really Authentic Mexican Food
A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford It was grandson Joey’s birthday and just the three of us, Grandpa, Joey, and I, were going to celebrate in a restaurant of Joey’s choice. No tiresome grown-ups or noisy cousins were invited, just us three. “So,...
Fearfully Waiting for Hurricane Ian
A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford It was frightening to see the devastation Hurricane Ian wreaked in Cuba. Now it was clawing its slow path toward the lovely, vulnerable heart of Florida, almost a Category 5 storm. My son John and his wife were...
A Crown to Lay at King Jesus’ Feet
A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford After watching the burial services for Queen Elizabeth II, my 90-year-old younger sister Joanna said wistfully, “I wish I had a crown to lay at Jesus’ feet.” Joanna had read a poignant statement by Queen Elizabeth:...
Choosing Your Boss
A word of encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford Ruthie was only 14 when she ran away from home. Her mother was a single mom, and the family attended our church. I had thought I had a sweet relationship with her daughter Ruth, but she didn’t confide in me, and I...
Nice people don’t dooz that
A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford My big sister Grace was three when Mary Lloys was born. Mary Lloys was crying as only a newborn can cry. Grace listened to the squalling, walked over to her bassinet, held up a reproving finger to the weeping baby...
His Career Was Ruined by a Pat of Butter
A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford The young man’s interview with Mr. J. C. Penney had gone very well. He was being interviewed for a high-level management position, and he felt that Mr. Penney was impressed with his performance. He hadn’t yet been...
