Sharing the extraordinary things God has done in our lives.

Category: Ponder

  • Why We Believe? – The Tomb is Empty.

    Why We Believe? – The Tomb is Empty.
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    Story by Randy Grathen Murderer, blasphemer, liar, thief. Adulterer, pedophile, envious, glutton, greedy, lustful, prideful, lazy, and angry. All of these are sins according to God. But will any one of them condemn you to hell? No. We are condemned to hell from birth. The list is just some of the reasons why. But more… Read more

  • Easter – The Greatest Story Ever Told.

    Easter – The Greatest Story Ever Told.

    Story by Kristine Barnes Easter is the greatest story ever told that’s TRUE! It is God’s greatest gift to humanity, of whom you are a part. Easter is not about colored eggs and squishy Peeps and fuzzy bunnies and hollow chocolate! At Easter we celebrate the ONE. Everyone enters the world the same way; birth.… Read more

  • Roadside Assistance

    Roadside Assistance

    Story by Randy Grathen Laurie and I had been on vacation in Florida and were headed back to Wisconsin with one final stop on our itinerary, to see my sister and her husband in Cary, North Carolina. This was in the mid 70’s. No GPS – we had road maps. No cell phones – you… Read more

  • Simply Thankful

    Simply Thankful

    story by Laurie Grathen Last year around Thanksgiving I wrote a short post with a little history of the Thanksgiving holiday. This year, after another brush with breast cancer, I’m feeling very grateful for life itself, and for the abundance and blessing with which we live that life. Let me count just a few of… Read more

  • Rick’s Birthday Party

    Rick’s Birthday Party

    Story by Kristine Barnes April 2002 – Come with me to John’s Island, just south of lovely historic Charleston, SC. My brother Rick, an alcoholic, and a skilled carpenter was turning 40. Our Mom was here in NC visiting from Missouri, so we drove down for the weekend to give him a nice birthday celebration.… Read more

  • After 78 stories the well has gone dry – for now.

    After 78 stories the well has gone dry – for now.

    Sorry folks. I know there are people out there who have God-stories to tell. I’ll still be posting Rerun Tuesdays. Thanks to all who shared their stories and for being loyal readers since April 2022. Read more

  • Are You a Pollyanna or Mrs. Snow?

    Are You a Pollyanna or Mrs. Snow?

    Story by Kristine Barnes In 1960 there was a movie, based on a best-selling 1913 novel by Eleanor H. Porter, about a young girl who had a habit of finding the good in every situation. She was a “glass-half-full” kind of girl. Or was that half-empty? That analogy has never made sense to me. Whether… Read more

  • Toxic Positivity. Huh??

    Toxic Positivity. Huh??

    Story by Laurie Grathen In my post two weeks ago, I recommended you read Dr. Gladys McGarey’s book, The Well-Lived Life. I’m doing my second read through this week, picking up all kinds of things this time that I missed on the first go-round. After Hurricane Ian I put up this sign in our yard.… Read more

  • Needs and Wants – Getting out of Debt

    Needs and Wants – Getting out of Debt

    Story by Randy Grathen “Mom!” “School is starting, I need some new clothes.” “Mom, I need to get one of those new foldable cell phones. All my friends have one. “Mom, I’m turning 16 next month, can I get a raise in my allowance. I can’t afford to go to Starbucks with my friends anymore.”… Read more

  • ‘He Didn’t Mean to Do It’

    ‘He Didn’t Mean to Do It’
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    Story by – Michelle Dismute For years, Michelle was furious at the drunk driver responsible for the crash that killed her son Nick. Now, she wants to keep him out of prison. 07/22/23 Grace: an act extending clemency to an offender before the law. Forgiveness: an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger.… Read more