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Monthly Archives: September 2014

Taking Chances

I’m not really a big dare-devil with my life. I like to weigh all of the pros and cons before I make a decision. I like to dot my i’s and cross my t’s. I like to prepare for all possible scenarios before I proceed. I’m not too keen on taking a lot of chances … Continue reading »

Categories: Biblical Wisdom, Building Christian Character | 3 Comments

Red Sea Wisdom

Our sermon at church on Sunday, was about the Israelites escaping from the Egyptians through the Red Sea. Most of us are familiar with this Old Testament story. I particularly love stories in the Bible that demonstrate God’s use of His incredible power when His people are being pursued by those who wish them harm. … Continue reading »

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Choosing to Honor God With Our Unique Gifts

I recently had the opportunity to watch the Robin Williams film, “Dead Poet’s Society.” I saw it when it was first released, but that was back in 1989, so I had forgotten what a fabulous movie it was. It takes place at a very prestigious, all boys boarding school in 1959. They do everything by the book, … Continue reading »

Categories: Building Christian Character, Trusting God, Watching for God | 2 Comments

When You Feel Like a Fire Hydrant

There are some days, no matter how hard I try to focus on all that is good, that it seems like the all of the people and events who surround me collectively come together to rain on my parade. Yesterday was one of those mornings. My fifteen-year-old had to be at her first Beta Club … Continue reading »

Categories: Biblical Wisdom, Building Christian Character, Choosing to See the Bright Side | 2 Comments

More Lessons From Camping

On my recent camping adventure, we had all circled up around the camp fire ring. All of the tents had been taken down and the cars and bus had been packed. Our youth pastor, had given everyone the instructions to find an object that represented something that was special to them about the weekend. The … Continue reading »

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Happy Birthday Graceful Gaines!

Today is a huge day for me. It’s the one year anniversary of Graceful Gaines. For one year now, I have posted Monday through Friday my thoughts and reflections as I seek more of God in my life. I want to thank you all for reading and for the many positive comments you have given … Continue reading »

Categories: Building Christian Character, Community, Trusting God, Watching for God | 6 Comments

Lessons from a Youth Group Camping Trip

I have just returned from a weekend in the woods with our church youth group. We spent the weekend camping. I’m ashamed to say that I went kicking and screaming this year. I kind of had a Jonah moment. It’s not that I mind sleeping in a tent or the fact that it always rains. … Continue reading »

Categories: 10 Most Popular Posts, Building Christian Character, Community | 12 Comments

I Couldn’t Help Myself….

Have you ever seen a toddler throw a temper tantrum? They completely lose control of themselves as they scream and cry until their little faces turn red. They sometimes lie on the floor and thrash about. As parents, we have several ways of dealing with their behavior. We can ignore it or meet it head … Continue reading »

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What Kind of Example Are We Setting?

As I was taking a walk last week, I came across this mama dear and her fawn. I encounter them fairly regularly in just about the same spot. My neighborhood has lots of green space and trees. We also have creeks and branches and some power lines which provide somewhat of a  wildlife sanctuary. We … Continue reading »

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It’s Time to Ask Yourself What You Believe

Over the long Labor Day weekend, Charter Communications, my cable provider was kind enough to run some awesome movies which allowed my family to do a little vegging out in front of the television. One of the movies we watched was, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade; that’s the one where Sean Connery plays Dr. Jones’ father … Continue reading »

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