Tag: inspiration
-
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…
-
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.…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Reflection on Dante’s Inferno: The Fall of Leaders and the Faithless
Part 4 As we journey deeper into the testimonies of Hell, it is clear that Hell is not just for the so-called “wicked”—those we might consider the most corrupt. No, Hell has many chambers, many circles, and many souls within its grasp. Among the most tragic of these are the leaders—the evangelists, pastors and spiritual…
-
Reflections on Dante’s Inferno: A Descent Into Darkness
Part 2 In 2018, my husband Dexter nearly lost his life to sepsis, an infection that ravaged his body after he contracted Salmonella poisoning. The nightmare began with what seemed like a simple illness, but soon escalated into something far darker. As Dexter slipped further from this world, something extraordinary happened—he entered Hell. For hours,…
-
A Reflection on Dante’s Inferno
Part 1 As I delve into The Inferno by Dante Alighieri this season, it’s not in honor of Halloween but as a reflection on profound spiritual truths. Studying English at Maryville University has greatly deepened my appreciation for ancient and medieval literature, especially works like Dante’s. I love immersing myself in the rich history and…
-
Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Western North Carolina: A Personal Reflection and Call to Action
The Appalachian Mountains, a region steeped in both beauty and history, has long been a defining force in my life. Western North Carolina, where I was born and where most of my family still lives, is not only a landscape of serene valleys and rolling hills, but also a region prone to the destructive forces…
-
A Tribute to Pete Rose: The Legend Lives On
Dave Bristol, Kay Underwood and Pete Rose The world of baseball lost an icon today with the passing of Pete Rose. Affectionately known as “Charlie Hustle,” Rose was more than just a ballplayer—he was a symbol of grit, determination, and the heart of the game. His 24-year career, primarily with the Cincinnati Reds, made him…
-
The Keys to a Happy Marriage
Marriage in today’s world can feel more challenging than ever, with societal pressures and personal expectations often steering couples into a “me-first” mindset. Too often, we focus on what we can get out of our relationships, rather than what we can contribute. When those desires go unmet, many of us resort to nagging, complaining, or…
Country Girl Gone City 