Truthful Grace
Renew your heart with these inspiring articles about Desiring God by author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin~ Truthful Grace. May God be our first love!
By Melissa McLaughlin Start Your Day with God With each new dawn, we are given the gift of a day. How will we face the 24 hours ahead? Some days we wake up feeling refreshed, while other days we struggle to put one foot in front of the other. Regardless of our physical strength or … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Enduring to reach the goal It was not what we expected. With a list of errands in hand, we stopped at a nearby store planning to run in, grab an item or two and cruise on to the next destination. Eagerly, we gathered up the things we needed, perused a few clearance … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin The Gift of a Year As we close out one year and look ahead to a new one, we can be thankful. For we have been given the gift of a year. As long as our hearts are still beating, God isn’t finished with us yet. And that alone is reason to … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin The first time I participated in a time of prayer and fasting was in high school. In order to raise awareness and raise money to fight world hunger, our church youth group organized a sleepover at the church that included a time of prayer and fasting. This afforded us the opportunity to … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Have you ever stepped into an emotional or relational landmine? Suddenly a passing comment or simple exchange takes on a wartime feel and you find yourself dodging verbal bullets, seemingly out of nowhere. At moments like these, our souls long for a touch of gentleness. A remembrance that we are only human, … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Burn, O Holy One Burn bright within me Breathe on the embers of my heart Ignite a raging inferno, a consuming fire, a blazing torch That I may love You more That I may shine Your light That I may not grow cold with the dust of ashen faith Let me abandon … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin “Hola, clase!” called our teacher as we entered the classroom. “Hola, professor!” was our hearty response. My faint and intermittent memories of high school Spanish class waft through my mind now and then like a whispery wind. Though I loved learning a second language, my long-term memory is sadly scant. I enjoyed … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin When Life Slows You Down Have you ever been driving along the highway, cruising at a nice steady speed, not a care in the world, smooth sailing, commuter’s bliss, when all of a sudden the traffic slows to a crawl and then to a stop? The frustration sets in almost immediately. Looking … 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 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 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 Faith. With sun scorched thirst Bending over the rushing stream My eyes light with joy Knowing my feverishly parched soul will soon be satiated I cup my hands Carefully scooping every slosh I gather with all the strength of my force Every drop of You But as I lift my hands I … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Holy Spirit, breathe through me Fill my lungs with your heavenly freshness Rush through me, mighty River, with cleansing force Routing any debris left behind by squandered living Open wide the doors of my heart Preparing the way for the King of Glory Whip open my windows with your windy fury Sweeping … 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