Month: November 2024
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Reflections at Dawn: My Appalachian Roots and Life Lessons
At 5 a.m., as Manhattan hums with energy, I find myself in a moment of stillness, sipping my latte that’s in my hand, revisiting vivid memories of my Appalachian youth. My family’s cabin sat deep in a wooded cove, its solitude broken only by the sound of an 80-foot waterfall nearby. It was a life…
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Finding Blessings Amid the Hardships
As I sit here in Manhattan, waiting once again while my husband undergoes another cancer treatment, I find myself reflecting deeply on the balance of hardships and blessings that have defined our lives. For 24 years, my husband Dexter and I have faced an unrelenting series of trials—his battles with cancer, my own health struggles,…
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Finding Gratitude and Guidance: The Importance of Biblical Foundations
Life is filled with choices, and the paths we choose to take can have lasting effects on our wellbeing—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. However, when we are unsure if our choices align with what is right, or if we knowingly choose wrong, this uncertainty often leads to worry, frustration, and even ingratitude. These feelings can cloud…
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Finding Freedom and Peace Through Gratitude and Worship
In our fast-paced, often challenging lives, we’re sometimes tempted to let negativity, frustration, and even bitterness creep in. But choosing gratitude and worship in the face of trials can not only transform our outlook but also open the door for unexpected blessings. This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a truth supported by science, scripture, and…
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The Benefits of Gratitude While Waiting on Life’s Blessings
In life, it’s often during the waiting seasons—the times when we’re hoping, praying, and working toward our dreams—that we face some of the greatest challenges in our attitudes. Gratitude can feel difficult to cultivate when we’re still waiting for blessings to unfold, but it’s precisely in these moments that gratitude becomes most powerful. Gratitude not…
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Gratitude in the Face of Hardship: How Struggle Lays the Foundation for Abundance
Life is full of challenges, trials, and struggles, but throughout history, it’s often in these very hardships that we find the seeds of lasting growth and prosperity. Many cultures have shown us that great achievements don’t come easily, and their stories remind us that endurance through difficulty can bring about blessings for generations to come.…
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Giving Thanks for Our Heritage and Hardships: A Personal Reflection On Gratitude
Part 1 As we enter a season of gratitude, it’s worth pausing to reflect on what it really means to be thankful. True gratitude is more than appreciating life’s blessings; it’s about recognizing the value in our experiences, even the challenging ones. It’s about learning who we are, understanding where we come from, and embracing…
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Thanksgiving From the Heart
Over the next few weeks, I invite you to join me on a journey through the history of Thanksgiving, not just from an American historical perspective but also from a biblical viewpoint. We’ll explore the origins of this beloved holiday, reflecting on how gratitude shaped early celebrations and how the Bible calls us to live…
Country Girl Gone City 