Faith, Family, and the beauty of Everyday Grace

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an audience of one
faith Debbie Prather faith Debbie Prather

an audience of one

I’d take physical exhaustion over mental exhaustion any day of the week.

And that’s what social media produces in me—a mental and emotional burnout. 

So I took the plunge and removed myself.   

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let mercy draw you near
faith Debbie Prather faith Debbie Prather

let mercy draw you near

In this Lenten season, we can be reminded—if we take the time and look—that God‘s goodness is everywhere.

We can focus on the direness, or we can remember that Jesus came to defeat it all.

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power of life and death
faith Debbie Prather faith Debbie Prather

power of life and death

Words matter. 

Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”

It’s worth reminding ourselves over and again: What we say can bring life or can bring death. 

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status quo or no?
faith Debbie Prather faith Debbie Prather

status quo or no?

Has this pandemic shook up your life, or are you still flying high above the clouds?

Do you ever feel that God's trying to get your attention, or are you shutting your mind down to that possibility—the way you may have done in the past?

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Choosing Joy During Uncertain Times
faith Debbie Prather faith Debbie Prather

Choosing Joy During Uncertain Times

She gave me a wry grin and shook her head.

"Is that getting old?" I asked.

"Yes," she said, but then her laughter told me she (sorta) liked my little comedy routine.

Now that my daughter, husband, and most of us are doing school and work at home, I say, "Drive safe!" and "See you tonight!"

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one single word
faith Debbie Prather faith Debbie Prather

one single word

What was going on?

Yes, they lost the game and I knew he was extremely disappointed but this son, a sophomore in high school and quarterback of the football team, was usually not one to cry in public.

I was working the concession stand, selling snacks and laughing with other parents and the abundance of those that came out for "friday night lights."

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your people
faith Debbie Prather faith Debbie Prather

your people

She looked breathtaking in her wedding dress.

When her nine bridesmaids danced through the bedroom door to get a first glimpse, many of their eyes filled with tears. They were happy for her and overcome with joy to see their dear friend wearing the gown she'd soon be married in.

Hosting the entire wedding party for the three previous days was exhilarating. What I had anticipated to be an exhausting week turned out to be life-giving and energizing.

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a chain reaction
faith Debbie Prather faith Debbie Prather

a chain reaction

No sooner had the words come rushing out of my mouth that I saw a single, fat tear roll down her cheek. She looked at me with incredulous eyes, and my heart pounded.

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live as though everything is a miracle
faith Debbie Prather faith Debbie Prather

live as though everything is a miracle

She was speaking to a ballroom overflowing with women but, at that moment, it was as if I was the only one there. I saw her final question "What is God leading you to do?" float slowly above me until suddenly, wham, I felt like I was hit over the head. "Adoption."

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