Tag: faith
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Introducing The Series of Light
Ai Audio reader The holiday season is upon us—a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude. As the days grow colder and the nights longer, we are reminded of the light that shines through the darkness, bringing hope to all. In this spirit, I am thrilled to introduce a new series of blog posts that will…
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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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America at a Crossroads: Standing Together in the Face of Falling Apart
As I stand here in the heart of New York, near Madison Square Garden, watching a rally and witnessing the tensions on our streets, I feel a profound sadness for where America finds itself today. Our nation, once a beacon of hope, freedom, and unity, is visibly and painfully fractured. Scenes of riots and flag…
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Final Reflection: The Journey Through Hell and the Lessons Learned
Part 8 Over the course of this series, we’ve taken a sobering look at Dante’s Inferno, walking through the various circles of Hell and witnessing the torment of those who have lived in sin, refusing to seek true repentance. From the violent and treacherous souls trapped in eternal suffering to the horrifying visions of Satan…
Country Girl Gone City 