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Monthly Archives: September 2017

The Call to Cook

I read a story a couple of weeks ago that’s just too good not to share. In the small town of Perry, Georgia, a stay-at-home mom, Kimberly Chancy, ran into Kroger to get a single case of water for her family. While she was there, her sister called her and suggested that they cook some … Continue reading »

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Soul Health

When a large tree fell on our house after Hurricane Irma, my hubby and I remarked at how healthy the tree was. It was completely green and it fell over from the roots. It was hit by two trees behind it. We just thought that it had to do with the extremely high wind gusts … Continue reading »

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Tree Wisdom

When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, I found myself not only praying for the protection of the people in the storm, but also that God would use the situation to show Himself in unmistakable ways, ways that might show those who doubt that He is always present. When Hurricane Irma came on Harvey’s heels, I prayed … Continue reading »

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Spider Lessons

Last week, Hurricane Irma deposited a poplar tree onto the front of our house, effectively blocking the entrance. When I was asked to take some pictures for the insurance company a couple of days later, I opened the front door and found a rather elaborate spider web. It ran from the tree to the top … Continue reading »

Categories: Building Christian Character, Trusting God | 2 Comments

Hummingbird Wisdom

Last week in Georgia, in preparation for Hurricane Irma, we were told to secure all of our deck furniture, lawn furniture, outdoor potted plants and anything else that might become a projectile in the raging wind. We did as we were told well in advance. We even moved our chiminea, which I thought was way … Continue reading »

Categories: Building Christian Character, Choosing to See the Bright Side, Trusting God, Watching for God | 1 Comment

Fallen Poplar Tree Reflections

Last weekend as the state of Florida geared up for Hurricane Irma, those of us in Georgia did the same. We were told to secure all of our deck furniture and anything else that might not be able to withstand the hurricane force winds that we might be getting. We were expecting the winds and … Continue reading »

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Four Blessed Years

Last week, Graceful Gaines turned four. For the past four years I have written in this space. Each year when it comes time to renew my domain name, I prayerfully ask God if I should continue. My hope has always been that sharing parts of my journey will encourage my readers to reflect upon where … Continue reading »

Categories: Building Christian Character, Trusting God | 8 Comments

Faith Family Reflections

Last October Hurricane Matthew hit the United States. South Carolina incurred a lot of damage. I remember being incredibly worried about my friends there, or as they say, friends who have become family. My daughter attended a Salkehatchie mission trip in South Carolina four years ago. The following year, she wasn’t going to attend. There … Continue reading »

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One Nation Under God

Today is the 16th anniversary of 911, or as we now call it Patriot’s Day. It’s almost impossible to believe that it’s been sixteen years since that horrific day. I still remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I got the news. I’ll bet you do too. I remember rocking my … Continue reading »

Categories: Building Christian Character, Watching for God | 3 Comments

A Call to Collective Prayer

Last week I sat with my eyes glued to my computer screen, scrolling through pictures of the devastation left in Texas by Hurricane Harvey. I mourned for the victims. I prayed for them and I was incredibly moved by all of the kindness and compassion that has poured out all over the country. While our … Continue reading »

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