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Community

We were meant to live in community with others. If we want to be part of a strong community sometimes we need to initiate.

We Never Get to Retire Spiritually

When I was subbing in an elementary school class recently, I would ask the class a question and most of the kids would almost come out of there seats, waving their hands in the air. Some of them would even say things like, “I know!” or “Pick me!” They couldn’t wait to share their knowledge … Continue reading »

Categories: Building Christian Character, Community | 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

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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The Magic of Breaking Bread Together

I received a text on Saturday afternoon from our new neighbors. It said, “We’re throwing some burgers on the grill later, Jeff and Tina are coming. Ya’ll are welcome to join us.” Just like that; a dinner party was born. It was very informal. We all brought a little something to share. There were kids … Continue reading »

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Never Say Never

When my kids were little, we used to take them camping every summer. As they got older, we went with some other families from church. My sweet hubby loves to camp and he does all of the cooking while we are there. I mean serious cooking. We don’t eat honey buns for breakfast. We have … Continue reading »

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Lessons from the Church Parking Lot

My hubby and I recently took our fifteen-year-old daughter to our church parking lot to let her drive her car. She had only been behind the wheel one other time and it was time to get her learner’s permit. Before we let her get on the open highway, we thought it might be a good … Continue reading »

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Praying Parents

I received a text in June from one of my daughter’s best friends. She wanted to know what I thought about her planning a surprise birthday party for my daughter at the end of July. I asked her what she had in mind. She said something simple, so I told her I thought it was … Continue reading »

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An Ode to the Minivan

My daughter is turning fifteen next week and we have been searching for her first car. I drive a minivan and I have no desire to teach her to drive it. I’d like something small, used and reliable, that sips gas, for her to learn to drive and then at sixteen, I’d like to hand … Continue reading »

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