Thunder and Lightning and Storms, Oh My!
November 10, 2024 by Gina Stinson
Filed under Daily Devotions, Family
By Gina Stinson
The rain started about 4:00 AM and tapered off at around 8:00 AM. We headed to church under overcast skies and then ran errands, attended a baby shower and choir practice and then headed back to church for the evening service. Even then, the skies forecast showers. By 10:00 PM, it was inevitable. You could smell it in the air. Storms were headed our way.
The pitter patter of rain sounded like tiny little fairies dancing on the rooftop. Then the crackle of lightning signaled for the boom of thunder to follow. This went on for hours, startling us with the frightening volume. It didn’t take long before my two children scampered into bed with my husband and I. “I sleep with you,” followed by “I’m scared” guaranteed them a snuggle spot in a bed of protection.
God Can Do It!
November 9, 2024 by Kathy Carlton Willis
Filed under Daily Devotions, Humorous
By Kathy Carlton Willis
I was reminded this week just how big our God is. I knew, I just KNEW that God had something around the corner for us. I had guesses as to how He might take care of us and show us a glimpse of His love. But I didn’t REALLY know. In fact, I had no clue just how powerful God is to change our outcome.
I think what I’ve experienced can be called “mustard seed faith.” I had a little bit of faith. I had faith enough to think mustard seed-sized things might happen. But God took my little bit of faith and honored it by showing me just how BIG He is. WOW!
Stop the Cycle of Shame
November 8, 2024 by Julie Morris
Filed under Health and Fitness
By Julie Morris, RN
“Congratulations!” she said cheerfully, not realizing that her words would send me spiraling into shame.
She continued, loud enough for the other nurses and even some of the patients in the ICU to hear, “Congratulations on your pregnancy!” Suddenly seeing the horrified look on my face, she changed her tone and said quietly, “You are pregnant, aren’t you?”
Rain, Rain, Go Away
November 7, 2024 by admin
Filed under Faith Articles
By Brenda W. McIntyre
Do you remember the children’s rhyme ‘rain, rain, go away, come again another day?’ I’ll bet I uttered that rhyme under my breath at least a hundred times lately as the rain drenched the area where I live. Georgia experienced heavy downpours and flash flooding for several days straight. Governor Sonny Perdue declared a state of emergency in seventeen counties. Four of those counties were federally declared as disaster areas.
Although the more saturated areas were to the north and northeast of my home, Middle Georgia received an excessive amount of rain. The Ocmulgee River threatened to spill over its banks. Gray clouds covered the sky day after day, blocking the sun. I was surprised one afternoon to see a tiny portion of blue sky surrounded by angry gray thunder clouds. As the wind blew, the clouds swirled about. I was sure they would block out the small patch of blue the color of an inviting swimming pool. For as long as I watched, the patch of blue remained – a testament that the storm would eventually pass and the sun would shine again.
The Greatest Organizer
November 6, 2024 by Virginia Smith
Filed under Daily Devotions, Life Topics
By Virginia Smith
Thank goodness for electronic calendars. Back when I worked in the corporate world I learned to rely on my computer to organize my day, and that’s a time management technique I’ve kept in my career as a writer. Each morning I turn on my computer and examine my schedule, so I know what’s in store for me during the day. Often my hours are filled with back-to-back conference calls, appointments, meetings with editors, and looming deadlines. Without my electronic day planner, I wouldn’t know where to go, or what I’m supposed to do when I arrive.
God has a plan for my day, too. The Bible declares that the Lord has made each day, and arranged every moment to fit perfectly into His plan. Not only does He know about my lunch with a grieving friend, He also knows about the neighbor I’ll see on my way to the mailbox who needs a smile to brighten her morning. He knows about the lady at the grocery store who needs help lifting heavy bags into her car at the exact moment I pull into the parking place next to hers. Not a single encounter will take the Lord by surprise, because He has filled in every moment on the calendar He maintains for me. When I trust in Him, He’ll show me where to go and what to do, and my day will bring glory and honor to Him.
