Truthful Grace
Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin, and grow in Truthful Grace as we ignite the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, prayers and lives. Grow in Christ, grow in the knowledge of His Word, the Bible, grow the passion in your prayers.
By Melissa McLaughlin We’ve all been there. That moment when anxiety, doubt or fear grips our heart with paralyzing force. As if the jaws of death are closing in, crushing our breath, imprisoning our thoughts, consuming our whole being. Unfortunately, even in those rare moments when our personal lives appear to be quietly coasting along, … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin What does it mean to repent? I had taken a leave of absence from my teaching job that year. After giving birth to our first child, I longed to be home and devote my time and love to our precious newborn daughter. My husband graciously supported my decision. Money was tight, as … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin I still remember that day. Rain poured down in buckets, drenching our hopes of playing outside. Like all kids on a rainy day, we were feeling antsy. To release some pent-up energy, my older brother and I began tossing a Nerf ball back and forth in the kitchen. It was an innocent … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Memory of Dad Dads often carry the title of a child’s first superhero of sorts. Who doesn’t love a strong, brave protector and provider? My dad held this role in my heart for several acts of uncommon bravery. One of which involved my most hated fear…a spider. I was convinced it was … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Ever wonder about the Holy Spirit? Who is He? What does He do? As Christians, our core beliefs include the Trinity. The names Father, Son and Holy Spirit effortlessly roll off our tongues when we communicate about our Christian faith. We understand God and we understand Jesus, but how much do we … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin I have never met anyone who enjoys waiting. Never. Even the most patient and unhurried people I know do not have a deep desire to wait. When in a place of waiting, we feel like a racehorse restrained at the starting gates, bridled in the stalls, chomping at the bit, straining to … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin What are some of your earliest memories of your mom? One of my earliest recollections of my mom takes place on a small farm my parents owned when they first started out. I remember my mom singing a lullaby to me as we sat in the soft grass near a wispy willow … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Sometimes, a message of God’s hope is the only gift you can offer another person. Sometimes, this is the only gift we really need. Corrie Ten Boom’s Family Life One woman who has inspired multitudes with her message of hope in Christ is Corrie Ten Boom. Corrie was born in the Netherlands … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin My Husband’s Art My husband, Tom McLaughlin, is an artist. And oh, how I love his creations! From pen and ink sketches, to oil and acrylic paints on canvas, to clay vases, to stylized calligraphy – it is all a wonder to me! One year for Christmas, my husband gave me an … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin I Spy How our kids loved the I Spy books when they were young! They could outlast me, trying to find the dozens of specified items hidden among the endless clutter of extraneous items placed there for the sole purpose of overshadowing all the others. These books presented a challenge because there … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Making Small Talk How is life treating you? How is work? How is the family? What are your plans for the weekend? How’s your sports team doing? Have you read any good books lately? When catching up with family, friends, co-workers or neighbors, what do you usually talk about? How’s the weather? … Read more
Lori Cunningham – Guest Post This excerpt by author and speaker, Nan Jones, says it all: “I’ve only known Lori Cunningham a few short weeks through an online friendship, but I know there is something very special about her. I think of the beautiful, delicate rose whose petals have fallen to the ground only to … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin As Children – We Can’t Wait I remember it like yesterday. With eager faces and fidgety bodies we sat through the Christmas Eve service at church. Angel costumes, eyes twinkling, voices resounding, Christmas carols ringing. We were there, but looking forward, looking ahead, looking onward. Following the church service, our parents bustled … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Galatians 4:4-5 New life. New hope. New birth. I remember the touch of our children’s soft faces against mine … Read more
Guest Post By The Eclectic Contrarian The First Christmas Tree The first Christmas tree was not beautiful. The lights did not catch your eye with splendor. The ornaments did not adorn or complement and decor. In fact, the first Christmas tree (Acts 5:30) was rough, splintered, uncomfortable, cumbersome, awkward and feared. The first Light (John … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Peace I invite you to pause for just a moment and allow these words of Jesus to wash over you: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Letting Go One of the greatest gifts someone can give is the gift of letting go. When my husband and I were first married, we bought a fixer-upper home. The property was run down, the ramshackle house was lined with dingy green walls, the floors brittle and worn. But, oh how we … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin The End Have you ever wondered if the world is coming to an end? Ever wonder about Jesus coming back? Ever wonder about the end of your own life? What happens after we die? We can all be certain of one thing… within the next 100 years we will all die. Whether … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin The Gift of a Day It was the perfect fall day. The leaves were beginning their autumn costume change. Glimmers of yellow, orange and red leaves flitted among the green with a tiny hint of the coming glory. Our family arrived at the apple orchard ready for the flavorful taste of just-picked … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Memory of Love They were just ages five and three. My two sweet daughters were preschoolers and our days were filled with alphabet songs, Raggedy Ann stories and make-believe veterinarian hospitals with waiting rooms full of stuffed animals covered in Disney band-aids. Our son was not yet adopted, so it was just … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin The fog descended like a fuzzy gray blanket blurring out any sharply focused thinking. The day before, my husband was admitted into the hospital after experiencing an unexpected health issue. Unsure of what lay ahead, we listened carefully to the doctor’s plan of action with deep gratitude for the medical care since … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin A Backyard Search Recently my husband was inspired to rummage through our garage and dust off his old metal detector, a hobby he enjoyed just for kicks when we were younger and time was not so scarce. I could never seem to reach deep enough within to stir up the passion that … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Love Takes Many Forms When you think of love, what comes to mind? Hugs from a family member? Dinners with loved ones filled with laughter and conversation? Special times like taking gentle walks in the woods, having joyous game nights or fun outings? Maybe a whisper touch from God like a ray … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin I will always remember our one and only childhood trip to Florida. After the 25+ hour drive to sunny Florida all the way from the hills of Pennsylvania, we were overjoyed to finally reach our destination! We pulled into the Walt Disney World campground, our home away from home. My dad carefully … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin “That’s wonderful!” people exclaimed when they heard we were taking a short-term family mission trip to Haiti. “What will you do there?” people asked with great enthusiasm. “Help with food, water, medical care, building homes?” “No, we are helping at a Music Camp that is held at North Haiti Christian University (UCNH).” … Read more
The world can sometimes feel cold and dark. How quickly a day that began in sunshine and warmth can evaporate like mist in the wind. How can you rekindle the embers of your soul and keep your heart glowing? During the darkest times of my life, it was the heart and words of Jesus that … Read more