Words from Hebrews

Grace blooms like spring, therefore let's approach the throne of grace with confidence. Hebrews 4:16 

Words from the book of John

 

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.  But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:19-31

What's Your Story? (Part 3): Sharing Bread or Eating Humble Pie?

They met constantly to hear the apostles teach, and to share the common life, to break bread and to pray. Acts 2:46 NEB

My husband’s funeral was on December 31, 1999, so on New Year’s Day I started the new Millennium as a brand-new widow. Those of you who have lost a spouse know that being alone after a long marriage means not only grieving but making both big and small changes in your lifestyle. 

One of those small changes for me was learning to eat alone. The evening meal was a real challenge for me. After two or three weeks, I realized that if I was going to continue to bake my homemade bread, that both Gary and I loved, I’d have to share half a loaf with someone. A 2-lb. loaf was too big a loaf for me. The first week I found I’d failed to put half the loaf in the freezer. Without preservatives mold began to form. The next week I put half in the freezer but found I preferred the fresh baked loaf. The third week, I called my friend, Beryl, who was also a widow, and I took her half a loaf of bread and promised to bring her name before the Lord for as many days as the slices of bread I gave her. The fourth week I shared bread and prayers with another friend, also a widow, named Peggy. 

After sharing bread with these two friends for a few weeks, they began to suggest the names of some of their friends who were also widows that might like to receive both the bread and the prayers. So, my list of “Bread Friends” just kept growing. Since all of my “Bread Friends” so far had been Christians, I was feeling pretty complacent about sharing my bread and my Christian prayers. I considered it to be my personal bread ministry. 

Then I took a whole loaf of bread to a woman in my water aerobics class who had become a friend, and who had lost her husband suddenly to a heart attack. She still had children to raise so when she came back to class, I took the whole loaf (promising prayers for her family, too). I added the mom’s name to my list of “Bread Friends.”

That was the day I got myself in trouble without even knowing it. Our water aerobics class was fairly large. There were more women than men in the class, but among the men were two men named, Bob. The gals in the class were, shall I say, fun loving and they decided that in order to tell the two of them apart we’d call them “young” Bob and “old” Bob. It was only humorous because “young” Bob was 89 and “old” Bob was 90. They accepted it good naturedly. 

It was “old” Bob who came to me and asked if I would be willing to bake a loaf of bread for him, too, even though he was not grieving. He was getting quite feeble and immediately used a walker after exiting the pool. So, he asked if I would bring the bread to his house because he didn’t think he could get it home safely after class. He lived close to Eastridge Church and was known to a friend of mine, so I felt safe in delivering the bread. I agreed to drop it off after church the next Sunday. Later, Bob told me he really enjoyed the bread and wondered if I could bring him another loaf sometime. I told him I would, but it might be a little while because it was December and I had a rather full calendar. 

By the time I went back to Bob’s, it was Christmas week, so I stuck a few Christmas cookies in the bag with the bread. That’s when he told me he was Jewish! So I offered to take the cookies back home because I thought he probably didn’t want Christian symbols in his house while celebrating his own holiday. He said, “Oh, no I’ll eat them. They won’t be in here long!” (I had learned in previous situations of cookie sharing that there’s just something about old men and homemade cookies, but that’s another story).

We really only know our classmates at the gym by their first names. I didn’t know Bob outside of class, and I had no way of knowing which faith Bob practiced. However, I was so embarrassed and humiliated because I had just assumed he was a Christian like me!

While I was in Bob’s home, he gave me a recipe on a piece of scrap paper saying it was his mother’s rye bread recipe and would I please try to bake it for him. I declined and explained that I had tried so many recipes for rye bread and none of them had produced a loaf I judged to edible. I told him I really didn’t want to have another failure so I probably wouldn’t bake it. He said, “Well, just keep the recipe in case you ever decide you might want to try it someday."  

That was when he told me that when he was a boy, his parents ran a “Little Corner Deli” in New York City where he grew up and his mother baked that rye bread for the deli, so he knew it was a good recipe. I did bring the recipe home but I’ve never tried to bake it, and I really have no idea where I put it! More's the pity.

I’m not sure of the exact time frame, but a few months after that encounter, Bob passed away. Our class decided to go to the funeral as a group. That’s where I learned some things about Bob. He had been a UNL professor with many honors to his name. His last name was Katz. That “Little Corner Deli” in New York that Bob mentioned so off handedly is now one of the most famous delis in America.  So, somewhere in my house, I do not even know where to look, is a very good Jewish rye bread recipe I foolishly declined to try. 

Several months ago, just out of curiosity, I "googled" Katz Deli and looked at their menu. The average price of a sandwich there is $30! When I look back, I think that Bob giving me that recipe was his way of saying, “Thank you” knowing that someday I’d figure out what a special gift it was that he had given me. 

I’ve never been more embarrassed or humbled while trying to share my faith than I was that day in December, but more than 20 years later, I continue to share bread and prayers with my “Bread Friends.” After 26 years of making “Bread Friends” I have never regretted sharing my bread with anyone irrespective of their faith. To me, sharing bread is a sacred act of Christian love, and in the book of Acts Chapter 2 in the Bible we learn that sharing bread isn’t just for Christians. In Paul’s day, sharing bread was responsible for converting many souls to our Christian faith. 

A couple of years ago, Pastor Thomas asked me to join the Care Group here at our church and I teamed up with Berna Stading to share bread with our fellow members in need of prayers for various reasons. Before John Wolfe of our congregation went home to be with Our Lord, Berna and I visited him and took bread (and prayers). At John’s funeral, when Berna and I greeted Mrs. Wolfe she said, “I remember you two, you’re “The Bread Ladies”" and that name has stuck!  

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You for guiding us as we go through our days on earth. Sharing the gospel can be a daunting experience for us and sometimes we make mistakes that humble and teach us to be more careful in what we do and say, but somehow during the process You make it turn out alright so we can keep on sharing our love of Your Son, Jesus the Christ. Amen

Judy Welch

 * What’s Your Story? 

This summer, we invited members of our Eastridge community to explore ABCs of Faith: Simple Stories for Complex Times. In this series, we will be exploring stories from the Bible that tell us about God and God’s people. But our faith is also carried through our own stories.

When someone asks, “What’s your story?” they’re asking about the moments that shaped you: the people, experiences, challenges, and turning points that made you who you are. Scripture is full of such stories—and so are we.  

Throughout the series, we’ll offer prompts connected to the themes we’re exploring. You’re invited to share a brief reflection on any prompt that resonates with you—especially a moment that changed your mind, your heart, or your life. Selected stories may be shared (with your permission) in our newsletter, devotionals, or even during worship. 

Grow in Grace

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! 2 Peter 3:18 

What's Your Story? Do Others Need Me?

One evening the plans I had got cancelled. I am single and I was feeling lonely and bored. I felt sorry for myself for a while, sitting on the couch doing nothing.

But then I felt like God brought my niece and nephew into my mind. The last one had graduated from high school. I had enjoyed a good relationship with them, texting back and forth with them in West Virginia. I wondered now if they still needed me; I didn’t know what my role was now that they were older.

I decided to ask my niece, age 20, if there was anything I could pray about for her. She texted right back with a big concern. I said I would be happy to pray for her: she said thank you so much, so she still needed me.

On a roll, I texted my nephew. He was to enter college in the fall, moving into the dorm and playing in the marching band. I asked him questions and he confided that he was very nervous about all the new things that college would bring. I told him I would pray for him and he said thank you very much.

So I learned that they still needed me to love them, keep in touch with them, and to pray for them.

Nancy Brumbaugh

 * What’s Your Story? 

This summer, we invited members of our Eastridge community to explore ABCs of Faith: Simple Stories for Complex Times. In this series, we will be exploring stories from the Bible that tell us about God and God’s people. But our faith is also carried through our own stories.

When someone asks, “What’s your story?” they’re asking about the moments that shaped you: the people, experiences, challenges, and turning points that made you who you are. Scripture is full of such stories—and so are we.  

Throughout the series, we’ll offer prompts connected to the themes we’re exploring. You’re invited to share a brief reflection on any prompt that resonates with you—especially a moment that changed your mind, your heart, or your life. Selected stories may be shared (with your permission) in our newsletter, devotionals, or even during worship. 

Words from Second Corinthians

And he said to me, "my grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9 

What's Your Story? “A time when a child spoke or revealed a truth that others needed to hear”

A memory that still awes my wife and I was when we were reading from the book, Bambi, to 5-year-old son, Peter. I was reading a portion of the story when the Great Stag and the young deer, Bambi were going down a path and found a dead hunter. (Yes, not expected from a book about Bambi. The movie version was much more delicate about such things.) Meanwhile, the Great Stag, who is a mentor to the young Bambi sees this encounter as a teaching moment. So, the Great Stag acknowledges the fact that hunter was like a god who feared the deer. However, in front of them is a dead hunter. Bambi questions how this happens and why. The Great Stag just simply said that there is "Another" who cares for all of us. Now this is where the power of the story makes an impression on our 5-year-old son, Peter.  Peter just simply said to Cathy and me, "Bambi found God!" We were just silent and very moved by a simple observation that Peter made. For us, that was a moment of faith to which our son, Peter, years later finds true for him as an adult. Yes, Peter will admit that he has grown and matured in his faith, but that memory is very clear. 

Jesus said to let the little children come to him and to not deny them. And indeed, that memory has been quite real and awesome for Cathy and me today.

Pastor John J Duling

 * What’s Your Story? 

This summer, we invited members of our Eastridge community to explore ABCs of Faith: Simple Stories for Complex Times. In this series, we will be exploring stories from the Bible that tell us about God and God’s people. But our faith is also carried through our own stories.

When someone asks, “What’s your story?” they’re asking about the moments that shaped you: the people, experiences, challenges, and turning points that made you who you are. Scripture is full of such stories—and so are we.  

Throughout the series, we’ll offer prompts connected to the themes we’re exploring. You’re invited to share a brief reflection on any prompt that resonates with you—especially a moment that changed your mind, your heart, or your life. Selected stories may be shared (with your permission) in our newsletter, devotionals, or even during worship. 

Scents

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. Genesis 1:31

“Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!” Psalm 66:5

During our recent sermon series on nature, two magazine articles I read made me think of how scents correlate with our nature experience, but also slowing down and paying attention.

One was in TIME magazine, an essay listing the benefits of “stopping to smell the roses”. This phrase is often used to describe how we should take time to notice things and not rush through life, but in this case the author meant it literally.

Benefits of this include:

We’re experiencing the world through physical engagement, not digitally (in other words, you can’t smell a flower on your iPhone.) Try going for a “scent walk” in your neighborhood or on a nature trail…it’s a lesson in paying attention!

Here’s something you may not know: when you intentionally stop to smell something you anticipate being pleasant (in my opinion this is key: if it’s testing the milk for sourness, disregard!), your heart rate slows and your nervous system “shifts”. In a survey noted in Reader’s Digest, prior to COVID in 2020, we didn’t rate our sense of smell as highly as other senses. But, like anything taken for granted, if we are threatened with its loss it becomes more important.

Our emotions are impacted more by scent than our other senses. Certain scents can trigger relaxation and calmness. Others are more energizing (citrus, pine, etc.). I think of when I’m out photographing nature, the smell of alfalfa and how it brings me back to my childhood on the farm. Our scent memories are shaped in such a way that they are personal and affected by genetics and cultural backgrounds.

Back to that suggestion to go on a "scent walk": you'll likely enjoy the benefits of slowing down, being in nature, and taking your mind off the concerns of the day. A good way to appreciate the wonder of God's world!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this world you’ve created. Thank you for allowing us to experience it with our senses. Help us to keep curiosity and wonder close at hand. Amen.

Donna Gustafson

I intentionally chose a couple of photos that many will be able to "smell through the screen")!

He Helps Me to be Brave

Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.” As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.” Psalm 55:5-8

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge.” Psalm 18:2

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25

As a teen, I was often shy, insecure and awkward—which was very difficult. Talking to someone I didn't know well or speaking up in class made me sooo anxious. I desperately wanted to be more socially adept, but struggled with fears of rejection and ridicule. How could I face those fears, which were sometimes not unfounded, when my instinct was to stay curled up in my comfort zone of quietness? 

Slowly, but surely, I began putting myself out there, and found a few successes. I believe these small acts of bravery were made possible by my involvement in church and the encouragement of my parents and friends. More specifically, I believe God was using those circumstances and people to build me up.

Though I knew God back then, I didn't yet have a close relationship with him. The cool thing is, that as my confidence grew, so did my relationship with God. I learned to trust and rely on Him more, and that made all the difference. By the time I was a young adult, I was finally listening to the Holy Spirit, opening my Bible more, praying more, getting more involved in church ministries and most importantly, loving Jesus more. 

In recent years, I've faced very difficult circumstances that required a new level of bravery. For example, when my dear mom needed me to sit with her in hospice—to share meaningful conversations with her, and be supportive, caring and present—it seemed like a daunting task. (All I wanted to do was fall apart.) But since I knew Whom I could call on, Who would be with me and Who would be my Rock, I did not fall apart. God whispered, “Don't be afraid. I will strengthen you and help you.” And sure enough, He did. Every time God has helped me to be brave, my courage and my faith have been strengthened. I know there will be more difficult circumstances ahead, but thankfully, He's given me a rock-solid foundation on which to build my life.

Sharon Irvin

 * What’s Your Story? 

This summer, we invited members of our Eastridge community to explore ABCs of Faith: Simple Stories for Complex Times. In this series, we will be exploring stories from the Bible that tell us about God and God’s people. But our faith is also carried through our own stories.

When someone asks, “What’s your story?” they’re asking about the moments that shaped you: the people, experiences, challenges, and turning points that made you who you are. Scripture is full of such stories—and so are we.  

Throughout the series, we’ll offer prompts connected to the themes we’re exploring. You’re invited to share a brief reflection on any prompt that resonates with you—especially a moment that changed your mind, your heart, or your life. Selected stories may be shared (with your permission) in our newsletter, devotionals, or even during worship. 

Words from Psalm 94

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19 

Words from Zephaniah

The Lord your God is in your midst...he will rejoice over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love. Zephaniah 3:17 

Live in the Light

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

Photosynthesis is the process by which a green plant uses the energy from the light of the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into its own food for growth. Picture the simple experiments in your elementary school science classes which were designed to demonstrate the concept: grass seeds on soil in a tray, partially covered, sitting beside the window; or sprouts in shoe boxes, some with and some without lids. Do you remember the stark contrast between the plants which received adequate light and those which did not? 

Just as science textbooks explain that light is essential to the lives of plants, our Bible explains in many different passages how the light of the Lord Jesus is essential to the lives of Christians. For example, Paul writes to the Ephesians, “Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them.” The author of Hebrews writes, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” And in John’s gospel, Jesus says, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight: A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world’s light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.” 

Prayer: Lord, you are our everlasting light and our salvation, and Jesus is the radiance of your glory. May our words and deeds also reflect your glory. Shine your light on us so that we will not stumble in the darkness. Just as the green plants use sunlight as energy to sustain life, let us use your light as energy to sustain our lives and produce good fruits. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Judith Keller (reprinted from the Advent Devotional - 2015)

Who is Our Neighbor?

“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’  “What is written in the Law?”  he replied.  “How do you read it?” He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied.  “Do this and you will live.” Luke 10:25-28

Watching the news every night, it’s hard to understand why “we all just can’t get along.” With wars in the Middle East, the Ukraine, Sudan…violence, sacrifice, and death are pictured in graphic horror. Until scenes of modern cities being leveled and people wearing western clothing similar to ours began to show up, it was easy to think, “the people who can’t co-exist are religiously, ethnically, socially different than I am.” Now the scenes of violence look like our home country. 

We don’t have to look far to realize there are violent rifts among citizens of the United States. We haven’t devolved into the same level of aggression seen in other countries, but hatefulness and repulsive verbal attacks have become common and are accepted with complacency. 

Luke brings us a message that is straight from Jesus’ words, “Love your neighbor.” When the expert in the law asks, “Who is my neighbor?” He may be hoping Jesus will exclude the people whose skin is a different color, who came into the county illegally, who speak out against the political leaders, who insult and denounce the poor, but no! Jesus says everyone is our neighbor. No exceptions, no prerequisites, every person who exists deserves our love.

Jesus is asking us to do something that is very difficult and sometimes socially unappreciated. If I show mercy to someone hated by many, am I weak? Am I a sucker? Shouldn’t they get a job, sober up, or go back to their home country; what do I owe them? Jesus says you need to use all your strength and all your resources to help them simply because they are your neighbor.

I have wept in the night

For the shortness of sight

That to somebody’s need made me blind,

But I never have yet

Felt a tinge of regret

For being a little too kind.

                                  - C. R. Gibson 

Prayer: Dear Lord God, help me to see my neighbor’s needs and respond to them with love and mercy. Let me use my resources, my heart, my soul, my strength, and my mind to minister to my neighbors and help them see the hope God brings to all of us. Amen. 

Carol McClain (reprinted from April 2024)

Great is the Lord

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:3 

God With Us

June 29th is a date I will never forget:

1. I was woken up at 5 AM by critters running in the attic above our bed. 

2. Went down to the storeroom to get vacuum to get ready for family coming on July 4, and water was 3 feet from daughter Tracey's 5-foot-high pile of new items from Painted Tree's closing.

3. Called Bill's Heating because the water was draining from the air conditioner as it was over 90 degrees outside. A serviceman came but the problem was the drain was clogged. Cost was $160.

4. I used a dustpan and a cup to put 10 gallons of water in buckets and carried them outside.

5. I continued this procedure going down the stairs every 15 minutes to keep everything in my storeroom dry. This meant going up and downstairs about 40 times.

6. Son Spencer came with his 25-foot tool and cleared the drain. I still kept going down to check it.

7. While he was working in the storeroom a bat dove at him.

8. I called 6 exterminators for the birds and the bat. None could come until next week. Daughter-in-law Angie saved the day by calling someone she knew who could come on the 30th. Granddaughter Sidney saved that day because she could be at the house when the exterminator came because Bryce had a doctor's appointment at exactly the same time. 

8. Had to put water in my golf cart batteries because I had forgotten to do that this spring and the cart had died the day before.

9. Noticed the car fender had been pulled slightly away from the car on the right front. On July 1 the kind man at Sid Dillon fixed it while we waited. 

I believe my tennis match June 29th at 8:30 AM was cancelled so I would be home and keep everything dry in the storeroom. I was brought down to the storeroom at just the right time to get the vacuum and save everything in that room from getting wet. I luckily had a fan and a dehumidifier in the room which worked perfectly to dry out the short carpet. My son and his family were available for me. The exterminator said there were no critters in the attic so must be on the roof. He did send me a plan to fix all entries available to bats and provide a route for them to leave but not come back. 

A huge hibiscus, my favorite flower, opened up at the front of my house for the first time this year and I smiled. (And my spirit rejoiced in God my Saviour. Luke 1:47) Yes, He is with me at all times.

Sandra Hilsabeck

What's Your Story? G is for Gift

When I was a freshman in college, I belonged to a Christian group that met every Friday night in someone's home in the community. I also attended a small group  Bible study. Dave, a member of our group, had a beautiful singing voice and played the guitar as well. He led our singing at our meetings and taught us all the contemporary Christian folk music of the time. Towards the end of the semester, a person from one of the homes where we had met called and asked if our group could send someone to their home and teach a group of young couples to sing the new music. Dave was not available and the person called me as the backup. I knew the songs and could sing and play the guitar but did not feel as qualified as Dave and these were people I really didn't know. Initially I said no and the person expressed their disappointment. Our Bible study had been studying Ephesians, and I learned that our purpose in life was to praise God (Ephesians 1:12). Then our Bible study group looked at Ephesians 4:7-8, Therefore it is said that, "When he ascended on high, he made captivity itself a captive," he gave gifts to his people." The chapter goes on to identify the roles in the church related to these gifts and how the gifts can be used by speaking the truth with love to join the whole body together, building itself in love. 

This really spoke to me and I recognized that everything we have is a gift from God and God expects us to use them. I called the person back and said I would come and meet with them and share the music they requested. That Sunday night I met with about twenty people and we praised God as we sang together. I now recognize that this was a turning point in my faith, a recognition of the musical gift God had given me, and my purpose in life was to praise God. 

Nancy Hall

 * What’s Your Story? 

This summer, we invited members of our Eastridge community to explore ABCs of Faith: Simple Stories for Complex Times. In this series, we will be exploring stories from the Bible that tell us about God and God’s people. But our faith is also carried through our own stories.

When someone asks, “What’s your story?” they’re asking about the moments that shaped you: the people, experiences, challenges, and turning points that made you who you are. Scripture is full of such stories—and so are we.  

Throughout the series, we’ll offer prompts connected to the themes we’re exploring. You’re invited to share a brief reflection on any prompt that resonates with you—especially a moment that changed your mind, your heart, or your life. Selected stories may be shared (with your permission) in our newsletter, devotionals, or even during worship. 

What's Your Story (Part 2): Coincidence or The Holy Spirit?

One man, through the Spirit, has the gift of wise speech, while another, by the power of the same Spirit can put the deepest knowledge into words. 1 Cor. 12:8 NEB          

In Part 1 of my story, I mentioned that I’ve always loved writing, but during those years between high school writing, Sunday school and Bible school teaching, women’s exercise leading and monitoring the cradle roll, I didn’t do any Christian writing. Those were my years of raising children, writing poetry and working outside our home. 

However, in the year 2000 Lori Snyder-Sloan encouraged me to contribute a message to the first Eastridge Advent Devotional booklet. A few years later, in 2005, I was invited to contribute to the Homestead Presbytery’s Advent Booklet.

It was between those years in 2003 when I really had an opportunity to become a better writer and write for a wider audience. Were all these interesting writing opportunities just a coincidence? 

Then I received an email from a gentleman I didn’t know who said he had read several of my messages and he thought that I might like to write for the Presbyterian Church of Canada’s (PCC) website. At that time, PCC’s daily subscription count was nearing 5,000 and each of their “Dailies” (devotionals) was posted in 7 languages besides English.      

I decided to give it a try but I was quite apprehensive when it came to actually hitting that send button. Did I really have anything to say to so many readers? It took 3 days of preparing my message to send then backing away saving the message for another day. Finally, it was sent. Then the editor sent it back to me 3 times with changes that were needed. Although I admit it was a bit more frustrating with each return, I realized that I was learning a great deal - making sure each verse of scripture was accurately referenced and quoted, and affirming spelling was correct in order that all the translations worked. Then there were the differences in American English and the King’s English which is used in Canada. The result being that I’m no longer sure I can spell correctly in either version! Those “ior/iour” words like behavior (American)/behaviour (Canadian) still vex me.

For my first message, I chose to write about healing after the death of a spouse. I thought that those readers who had also lost their spouses would be among my first readers. When the feedback messages started coming, I found that men responded 2-1 to women. That really surprised me!

All those messages came from places like Africa, Brazil, Canada, the Middle East (from a gentleman who feared signing his name), and from the UK, etc. They said things like: Many Thanks; I loved your clarity of thought; I am your brother in Christ. Such uplifting messages made all my trepidations vanish. I continued to write for PCC for more than a decade, and I was no longer jolted by being addressed as “Sister” Judith from Your “Brother” in Christ from various parts of God’s earth, but it wasn’t until I took a break from writing in 2010 to have 4 eye surgeries that I realized that all those opportunities to write seemingly coming from nowhere and which led me to making Christian friends across the globe weren’t the result of any coincidence. I had just been too “blind” to see the “Hand of the Holy Spirit’s” leading me on to share my Christian faith.  

After a year’s healing time with restored vision, and at the request of the editor, I returned to writing for PCC for many more years. I received so much Christian love from so many people in so many places! I’ve found no greater joy than this on my long Christian journey of faith.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise You for so many things for which we often forget to say thank You, and now we ask You to open our eyes to the beautiful surprises that You send through the Holy Spirit that make our Christian journey here on earth amazing each and every day. In Jesus’ name we ask it. Amen

Judy Welch

  * What’s Your Story? 

This summer, we invited members of our Eastridge community to explore ABCs of Faith: Simple Stories for Complex Times. In this series, we will be exploring stories from the Bible that tell us about God and God’s people. But our faith is also carried through our own stories.

When someone asks, “What’s your story?” they’re asking about the moments that shaped you: the people, experiences, challenges, and turning points that made you who you are. Scripture is full of such stories—and so are we.  

Throughout the series, we’ll offer prompts connected to the themes we’re exploring. You’re invited to share a brief reflection on any prompt that resonates with you—especially a moment that changed your mind, your heart, or your life. Selected stories may be shared (with your permission) in our newsletter, devotionals, or even during worship. 

Words from First Corinthians

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 

Talking About Others

A gadabout gossip can’t be trusted with a secret, but someone of integrity won’t violate a confidence. Proverbs 11:12 

The loose tongue of the godless spreads destruction, the common sense of the godly preserves them. Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise. Proverbs 12:18

The more talk, the less truth, the wise measure their words. Proverbs 10:19

Think about when you were with a person that continues to tell other people’s secrets. You can feel yourself wanting to get away from them. But when people talk well about others, you enjoy their company. These Bible verses are pretty clear about gossip and loose tongues. Our family is blessed to have parents that have taught us to tell the truth but there are times we experience people who have not been taught the same.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Proverbs 25:11 

The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. Proverbs 16:21

I am a pretty lucky person as over the years I have found friends that speak well of others using sweetness of lips.

However, we need to be careful about even boasting too! Paul writes in 11 Corinthians 12:7b: "This gives me confidence they will tell the truth and good things about me." Paul writes, "Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated."

So the tongue is a little member and boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. (James 3:5-6a)

The Bible speaks to us as it says it is good to be aware of how your speaking affects others around you. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19. These are good words for me to adhere to before I speak.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for my wonderful parents and help me to learn from your word. I know I have failed at times but see clearly what these verses say to me. Lead me as I go forward. Thanks for teaching me in Proverbs, Corinthians, and James about how my words affect others. Amen. 

Sandra Hilsabeck                                                                                                                                            

My Story

From the time I can remember, my family was involved in church. I had perfect attendance in Sunday School, sang in the choir, attended youth group, and was confirmed. By the time I was a young adult, I thought of myself as a Christian, although I don’t remember sharing that with others. Until I met a woman at work whose husband was planning to join the staff of an evangelical youth organization, and we had conversations about church-related topics.

Debbie invited me to lunch at her apartment, and I accepted, thinking that several of our co-workers were also invited. However, when we left work to walk to her apartment, it was just the two of us. We had a pleasant lunch, and when we were finished, she handed me a small pamphlet and asked me to read through it with her. I don’t remember all of it, but it was about Christianity.  At the end of the pamphlet, there was a statement, part of which said, “I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.” Debbie asked me to repeat it. Even all these years later, I’m not sure why, but I chose not to repeat the phrase at that time. She asked me to let her know if I ever did say it.

That experience had a great impact on me. It made me question my own Christianity and feel that I needed to repeat the “magic words” in order to be a Christian. Debbie had had a “lightning bolt” experience where she suddenly accepted Jesus Christ and believed in Him, and it made me wonder whether I could be a Christian if I hadn’t had that kind of experience. 

I’m not sure how long I felt like that, but I eventually realized that everyone is on their own spiritual journey, and the experiences along the way shape us. Along the way, I’ve met and worked with people who are strong Christians, but they demonstrate it through their actions without expecting others to say the “magic words.” There is no one way to become a Christian and no timeline that we must follow.     

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for being with us throughout our journey to come to you. We understand that the journey is ongoing. Help us to share our faith with others without judgment. Amen. 

Robin Hadfield

 * What’s Your Story? 

This summer, we invited members of our Eastridge community to explore ABCs of Faith: Simple Stories for Complex Times. In this series, we will be exploring stories from the Bible that tell us about God and God’s people. But our faith is also carried through our own stories.

When someone asks, “What’s your story?” they’re asking about the moments that shaped you: the people, experiences, challenges, and turning points that made you who you are. Scripture is full of such stories—and so are we.  

Throughout the series, we’ll offer prompts connected to the themes we’re exploring. You’re invited to share a brief reflection on any prompt that resonates with you—especially a moment that changed your mind, your heart, or your life. Selected stories may be shared (with your permission) in our newsletter, devotionals, or even during worship. 

Happy Independence Day!

Unexpected Insights

Trust in the the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6  

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand. Psalm 37:23-24  

 

Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3  

Recently my car situation has been in limbo. This has changed everything about my ability to run errands, get to work, and feel independent. Facing this has made me reconsider how much I can "make do" with what I have. This reminds me how creative my brain can be, and I rejoice at its wonders. 

At the end of the summer, one of my cars became disabled, and I was trying to donate it; but I could not find the title in all my moving boxes. It was amazing to me to see how much I had accumulated, and how difficult it was to organize. I saw how debilitating this can become. I also found a lot of forgotten treasures which are so much more valuable than a certified document. 

The search process had been lengthy and fruitless, and eventually I had to procure a duplicate title. Cleaning out the car was a burdensome chore, because there were still vestiges of a trip to Rochester, Minnesota last year when my daughter and I stayed for two months (during which she received her fourth liver transplant). But I realized as I was lugging bags of pillows and umbrellas and scrapers and a shovel and all sorts of human necessities that I need to challenge myself in order to be more resilient. I patted myself on the back as I rested after that chore and looked forward to the next bit of discomfort that would help me grow. 

On the appointed day for pick up the tow truck did not show. So I still had to plan for uncertainties. And that can be rather freeing. How much does it really matter? Why should I invest too much dependence on things going as planned?

The back-up car needed work in order to be drivable after the first one tanked. The AAA tow truck driver delivered it to a repair place that was different from the one where I had made an appointment. At the end of the day, I called the repair shop only to be told that my car wasn't there. So AAA and I had to call and search a number of nearby places to see if my car had ended up there, since the tow truck driver couldn't be reached. These things can happen, and it makes for more work but it also makes for a good story.  Also, the place where my car ended up did a good job of fixing it, and I had it back in no time. I was glad to find a reliable repair place that was within my budget.

 

In the ensuing month, the back-up car developed more issues. One of them involved taillights staying on, and the battery drained. AAA gave me a battery boost and told me to drive directly to the repair place; I managed to find a place open on Sunday, so I felt pretty lucky. But they couldn't actually work on the car until Monday. I hadn't really accomplished what I felt I had needed to do. But the right things happened, only a day later than I had hoped.

 

During this time I was relying on my daughter for trips to and from work. It was nice to have time to talk with her, and I enjoyed looking out the window at the sights I often miss while focusing on driving. I was able to sip coffee and nibble on snacks.

 

Then more issues arose with the car, and because there was a risk of the engine overheating, I was told I shouldn't drive it. At this point, I realized that my '92 Geo Prizm might not be worth the $600 it would probably cost to fix it. I have had to restructure my thinking about continuing to maintain something that doesn't really serve its purpose. The car has no airbags, and doesn't travel well over 45 mph. It doesn't really need my allegiance, even though it reminds me of my mother, from whom I inherited it. 

 

So now I am looking into buying a reliable car. My recently retired friend has been chauffeuring me, and we have had jolly drives reconnecting. When we were in high school, she used to come pick me up and drive me to school. I am reminded of how much I enjoy starting the day with her. She is such a light in my life, and I love being cared for by someone so generous and fun. We always have lots of chances to laugh on the drive, and it is an uplifting way to start and end my day. 

 

Even something as mundane as our transport away from home and back again can reveal something as great as God's presence. I look forward to more road trips with surprises. 

Prayer: Thank you for creating my hands and continuing to hold them. Thank you for giving me eyes, and fresh sights to amaze them. Thank you for interrupting my steps to show me something new about your world and the life you have given me. Learning new things keeps me alive and present, and newly aware of your grace. Let my inconveniences move me closer to you. Amen.

 

Mollie Manner (reprinted from 2017)

Expectations

In our lives, we expect certain things of others. We hope for kindness, we hope they will treat others fairly and live peacefully. Our expectations can excite us sometimes; they can lead us forward eagerly and give us hope.

But then, the unexpected can happen. When I left home in December, my Christmas cactus looked barren. It was green but showed no signs of buds. Soon after I left, my neighbor told me that it began to bloom and still had buds and flowers when I returned in March. 

This was a small thing but totally unexpected. I am reminded of the disciples. Do you think they expected Jesus to die? To be hung on a cross to die?  They had seen all that he could do - the healing, the feeding, the preaching, and the love that others showed him. Did they expect all of this to turn on him? I think not. But he was hung on a cross and he did die. This was unexpected but then three days later another thing happened that was totally unexpected. HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD!

Now my Christmas Cactus blooming was unexpected. But it was a very small thing.  For Jesus Christ blooms inside of all of us every day. Not just on one season of the year but to be with us all every season of our lives.

Carolyn Olsen