A devotional by Mari Madonna We all can relate to misplacing something that’s important; our credit card, an invitation or worse our wallet. I am great for never knowing where I put my phone or glasses. I have glasses in every room but never seem to know where they may be! Recently, l misplaced the key my neighbor gave me to watch her house while she was away. I thought I knew exactly where I put it. When I found…
Over the past several months, Pam’s really been stepping up the uses of her iPhone. I’m proud of her. I won’t lie. She often struggles with technology. Computers crash, emails rearrange, text streams vanish, the TV won’t turn on and computer programs seize for her with disturbing regularity. It’s a bit of a family joke. When Pam attempts a task with technology on phone, computer, smart TV, whatever… it doesn’t work. Then one of our kids takes it and does…
I ran across a few statistics this week that intrigued me. According to the National Retail Federation, only 50% of those who receive gift cards for Christmas have used them by April of the following year. Further, a 2019 survey found that 51% of consumers have unused gift cards, with an average value of $167. And a 2020 study estimated that Americans have $3 billion in unused gift cards lying around the house! Wow! 3 billion dollars. That’s a lot…
I’m looking forward to Easter Sunday. It’s my favorite Sunday of the year. I love the joy of celebrating the resurrection, new life and Jesus’ victory over death. But let’s not forget Good Friday. Today’s the day when redemption of purchased, sin was atoned, and our forgiveness was won. But at what cost? Jesus our Savior, Creator of heaven and earth, innocent and and sinless was brutally slain- beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross in public humiliation. Like countless…
I have friends I talk to almost every week. We have a standing Facetime video appointment 5 PM on Tuesdays. I’ve known Chris and Kathy for years. It’s an unusual relationship in that we don’t talk about the weather, sports, or the normal stuff of life. Instead, I would call it a “spiritual friendship”, in that we talk almost exclusively about what God is doing in my life, the struggles and challenges I’m facing, and what it means to walk…
Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to attend our Adult Bible Fellowship, second hour down in the fellowship hall. It’s a rare occurrence for me since I’m usually preaching. The lesson for the week was about “sowing and reaping,” which was part of the winter study on the metaphors of Scripture. I had a great time participating and it was a timely discussion since Spring is on its way. I’ve noticed that farmers in our area are already plowing their…
One of the standing jokes between Pam and me is our method in packing a suitcase. I pack my suitcase once and Pam packs hers 3 times… at least. It happens most every trip. A week or two before we’re scheduled to leave, a suitcase appears in our bedroom and a small pile of clothes and sundries begins to form. As the days go by, the pile grows- jeans, capris, shirts, a dress or two, several pair of shoes, a…
by Pam Benedict Spring is my favorite season! Now before you begin your argument for a different season, let me nod and agree that yes, there’s nothing more beautiful than snowflakes drifting down and covering the dull gray of winter with a fresh, white blanket of snow. And it’s true, there’s nothing sweeter than a cold slice of watermelon on a hot summer day. And you are also correct in saying that there is nothing more invigorating that a walk…
For as long as I’ve been in ministry, I’ve longed to see and be part of a revival; to experience a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit that radically reshapes and renews my faith and the faith of the church. Some would say that this desire is misplaced or even unfounded. They argue that God most often works through the mundane and ordinary circumstances of life to conform us to the image of Christ. Change, they say, primarily happens little-by-little…
A devotional by Sandy Martin… It had been a particularly stressful week and I was numbing my brain by scrolling through some video clips from “America’s Got Talent” on YouTube. Now, don’t get all judgy… you do it too! 😊 But as I watched, there was one that caught my eye and my heart. A contestant, who described himself as a teacher and father of 5 children, was asked, what was his motivation in coming on the show. He simply stated…