Truthful Grace
Renew your heart with these inspiring articles about being Thankful by author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin~ Truthful Grace. Thank you, God. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for the many blessings you have given me. Thankful, grateful, blessed.
By Melissa McLaughlin Miss Anna’s face glistened. Each Sunday, this faithful saint pressed down the aisle, muscles straining at every step. Her face lit with triumph as she propelled her walker into the sanctuary and took her seat. The sunlight beamed through the church’s stained-glass windows. Vivid colors illuminated the pews like a heavenly kaleidoscope. … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin The water in our backyard spritzed and sprayed like a center city fountain. But it didn’t come from a hose. Birds in all shapes and sizes waited at the edge of our birdbath with eyes alert. When one flitted away, a new bird dove in. Each bird plunged its wings and beak … Read more
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 Grateful as the falling leaves Releasing their tiny grip In joyful abandon Tumbling free Following the wind’s touch Lighting darkened alleys With splashes of orange, red, yellow, and brown Piling high in gutters and ditches Filling the world with remembrance… What once was living, though now dead, is still moving Announcing God’s … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin The Hunt I searched high and low to no avail. Where could it be? I had purchased a multipack box of disinfecting wipes earlier in the month for spot cleaning around the house. The first pack of wipes was used up. So during a recent cleaning frenzy, I rushed to grab the … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin How do you thank a mother? How do you thank someone who held you, nursed you, and cared for you when you could not care for yourself? How do you thank a mother? No mother is ever perfect, of course. But a godly mother’s love is strong, self-sacrificing, and desires the best … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Love in a letter Aunt Gladys always sent the funniest letters. I have many loving aunts and uncles who each extended kindness and support to me in various ways through the years. Aunt Gladys’ specialty was letters. No fancy stationery for Aunt Gladys. Her words were penned on whatever was handy at … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin There we were on our mini getaway. The ocean waves rolling in thunderous glory. The sunlight sparkling on the waves. The salty air wisping around us in playful windy puffs. It was our long awaited fall visit to the beach. Well after the seasonal vacation crowds were gone, but while the warmth … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin It was a small and simple surprise, but my heart leaped for joy at the sight! My husband had snapped a twig off our old apple tree and placed it in a vase on the kitchen table. Though half of the tree was now dead, a few branches still pulsed with life, … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Have you ever had one of those days when things went from bad to worse? I recall the time we went camping only to discover, hour by hour, the items we forgot to pack. After setting up the tent, which always seemed to bring forth an argument about which pole goes where, … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin There are some things I just have to write down. The side dish I promised to take to the next family gathering. The scripture verse I am attempting to memorize. Birthdays and anniversaries I hope to remember. The list for the grocery store. The new neighbor’s name. Many things can be recorded … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin God Closed a Door How we longed for the day when our house would be filled with the pitter-patter of tiny feet. My husband and I imagined a swing in the backyard, bedtime stories and family walks to the park on Sunday afternoons. Unfortunately, my first pregnancy was extremely difficult. Consequently when … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Have you ever found yourself in an unexpected, unwanted situation and watched your mind and emotions spiral into a pit of ceaseless churning negativity? Have you ever prayed long and hard for something, only to witness that prayer go unanswered and as a result then began to question God’s goodness or God’s … 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