Skip to main content

Everyday Miracles: Learning to Appreciate Life’s Simple Comforts in the South | Ken Hulsey


It has become increasingly clear to me that my journey in Louisiana has been a profound opportunity for growth in both my life and faith. Life in the South can indeed present challenges, yet through these trials, I have come to deeply trust in God and have gained a newfound appreciation for the many daily blessings we often take for granted.


Over the past seven years, my experiences with hurricanes and the occasional unexpected ice storm have stripped away some of the comforts many consider essential—electricity, air conditioning, heating, running water, and even our connection to the world through cable and internet. While the struggles can often be attributed to the state of infrastructure here in Louisiana, that's not the heart of the lesson I’ve learned.

It's astonishing how we don't recognize the value of things like air conditioning until we find ourselves sweltering in ninety-degree weather with high humidity and no relief in sight. There's a certain discomfort in bathing in your own sweat without any respite, and conversely it becomes quite challenging to find peace when you’re cooped up in a single room, heated by electric floor heaters powered by a generator, while the rest of the house remains ice cold. The simple experience of needing to use the bathroom and seeing your own breath is a surprising wake-up call to the realities of life.

In my past, I've lived in various areas where power and water always seemed reliable, whether in Texas, New Mexico, or California. But here in Louisiana, one can’t take those comforts for granted; they can change with a moment's notice. This journey has made me realize just how sheltered I have been, and how easily I overlooked these essential blessings.

Through this experience, God has imparted valuable lessons in humility, helping me recognize the tremendous significance of even the simplest aspects of life. Now, each day, I find myself expressing heartfelt prayers of gratitude for these comforts that I once easily dismissed. This practice has become my way of acknowledging God for revealing the true value of these essentials and for providing so many profound yet often overlooked gifts in my life.

I encourage you to take a moment to pray for those little things in life. These hidden blessings deserve recognition, and it is important to praise God for them. Each of these seemingly minor gifts contributes to the tapestry of gratitude we weave in our lives, reminding us of their significance.

- Ken Hulsey

Check Out:

Walking on Water: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Faith in the Face of Life's Challenges | Ken Hulsey




Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Unmasking Heroes: The Untold Stories Behind the Birth of Comic Book Legends

Written By: Terri Pressley  Where does a documentary about superheroes and comics begin? With Superman himself, of course! Superman, created in 1938 by Jerry Siegel and Joel Shuster, both 18 years old, combined parts of Hercules, a scientific Moses, and Jerry Siegel's confidence issues. He always had crushes on girls that didn't seem to know that he was alive, so he created a character that everyone would look up to, one that women would want and men would want to be.

Unleash Your Inner Explorer: May Magic Awaits in Santa Fe!

Discovering Santa Fe: May Events for Young Tourists Santa Fe , a gem of the Southwest, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and a host of exciting events. As summer approaches, young tourists flock to this artistic haven to experience everything from literature to local cuisine. If you're planning a visit in May, brace yourself for a whirlwind of activities perfect for making unforgettable memories.

You Have More Power Than You Think: How to Activate God’s Power in Your Life

The Wordless Book: Black - Stands For Sin In Our Lives, Red - Stands For The Blood Jesus Shed On The Cross, White - Represents Salvation Through Jesus, Gold - Represents The Kingdom Of Heaven. What if the power you’ve been searching for is already within you, but you haven't activated it yet? In this message, we kick off the series Power, Passion, and People with a foundational truth: God has already placed His power within every believer through the Holy Spirit. The challenge is not in receiving power; it’s in learning how to walk in it.

Chasing Shadows of the Past: A Railroad Adventure with Kansas City Southern's Vintage F-Series Locomotives

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey In April 2022, I received a tip from a fellow railfan on Facebook that the Kansas City Southern Executive Train would be in Baton Rouge . To my excitement, I spotted a set of vintage FP9/F9B diesel locomotives resting on a bridge over the 110 freeway while driving toward downtown. My enthusiasm for the F-series locomotives compelled me to navigate some of Louisiana's poorly designed streets (and that’s saying something) to get close to the railyard. I made my way through what felt like a jungle that belonged somewhere in Borneo, only to climb a steep hill to reach the railyard.

Bedrock City Still Lives! - Travel To The Home of The Flintstones - Valle Arizona

Story By Ken Hulsey Photos From The Raptor Ranch Website : This morning, while browsing the internet, I came across an excellent article in Route Magazine (The Official Route 66 Magazine) about the history of Bedrock City in Arizona . Built in 1971 by Woody and Francis Speckels, the park was originally an amusement park inspired by the famous Hanna-Barbera cartoon, The Flintstones. Over the decades, Bedrock City became a popular stop for families traveling between the town of Williams and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon .

The Timeless Appeal of The Pretenders' "Learning to Crawl"

For classic rock enthusiasts, the Pretenders hold a special place in the pantheon of iconic bands that shaped the soundscape of the late '70s and early '80s. Formed in March 1978, the band made an indelible mark through a blend of punk energy, rock sensibility, and poignant songwriting, primarily driven by the incomparable Chrissie Hynde. One of their standout works, "Learning to Crawl," remains a treasured album that resonates deeply with fans even decades later.

Exploring Shreveport: A Photojournalist's Journey Through History and Abandonment

 Story & Photos By Ken Hulsey I have to admit that Shreveport is probably my favorite city in Louisiana . The city features stunning visual contrasts, and as a photojournalist, walking around provides countless opportunities to capture thought-provoking images. I spent some time in downtown Shreveport this week and took a lot of great pictures. The area is rich with things to see, including many abandoned buildings, which can be found in every city and town in the state, as well as preserved historical landmarks and modern art and architecture.

Unleashing Faith: How to Conquer Life's Impossible Odds with God's Strength

  Facing Impossible Odds: Trusting in God's Strength Have you ever found yourself in a situation that felt overwhelming, where the challenges seemed insurmountable? It's one of those moments when you're backed against the wall, wondering if there's a way out at all. Yet, for those who believe, even the most daunting circumstances are not too big for God to handle. In fact, it's often in these moments of difficulty that we learn to rely not on our own strength but on His divine power.

Unlocking Divine Strength: How to Tap into the Power Within You!

Life can sometimes feel overwhelmingly challenging, as if every obstacle is stacked high against you. In moments like these, it’s essential to remember that no challenge is too great for God to overcome. He knows you intimately, even better than you know yourself . Have you tapped into the immense power of God in your life? Do you even realize that you hold this divine power within you?

Just a Thought: Designed by God | Pastor Steve Smothermon

Designed by God Psalm 139 is a profound reminder of God's intimate knowledge and omnipresence in our lives. The psalm opens with a declaration of God's deep knowledge of the individual: "O Lord, you have searched me and known me." This knowledge is not just superficial awareness, but a profound, penetrating understanding of all our ways. The psalmist acknowledges that before a word is on our tongues, God knows it completely. This reveals a God who is not distant or disinterested but is deeply engaged with the intricacies of our lives, understanding our thoughts and actions better than we understand them ourselves.