In this space, I am sharing devotions written by our dear Barbara Meade.
Barbara grew up a Quaker and is a regular attendee at Spiceland Friends Church. Her faith and Quaker roots go deep as her uncle was a Quaker pastor, evangelist, and artist. Barb's writings about her many life experiences reveal her faith in Christ and highlight the memories of a great family, her years in the banking industry, and her time as a local small business owner. Barb's desire is to serve those around her through her encouraging devotionals and writings from her life. Barb has recognized that our relationship with Christ grows throughout our lives, both in good times and through life's challenges.
September 17, 2024
The Importance of Silence
Love silence, and learn to use it. Our thoughts become deeper, giving a broader outlook on things. When silent you can hear yourself think.
These are the times you can talk to the Lord and have that conversation. Before you know it you will be hearing his answers.
As a Quaker, we set a time aside during our service, 10 min. or so of silence. A time to reflect on our problems, a time to pray for others, and a time to feel the presence of God.
Silence helps you connect with God in ways words can’t. This also opens the door to prayer. Take the time if only a few minutes to quietly clear your head, release the stress, and listen for God’s voice.
Ecclesiastes 3:7 A time to be silent and a time to speak.
Psalms 62:5 For God alone, oh my soul wait in silence for my hope is from you.
1 Kings 19:11-13 God speaks in silence, but people must know how to listen.
Amen
September 25, 2025
A Little Kindness Goes A Long Way
Has anyone told you lately how special you are? Well, I’m telling you now you are.
Thessalonians 5;11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.
Mark Twain once said, “he could live two months on a good compliment.” A pat on the back, a hug, and a word of encouragement can change a life. Being good to others makes you feel better about yourself.
Putting others' needs before your own is the ultimate act of love and caring. Compassion for others is vital.
Ephesians 4:32 ‘Be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Matthew 14:14 And Jesus went forth and saw a great multitude and was moved by compassion, and he healed their sick.
Life is so short, live it with a good heart. Making our life and someone else a little better.
Amen
October 9, 2024
Why, Lord, Why?
How many times have you said this? “Usually when we are baffled when things seem so unfair.” John 16:33 Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble.”
Numbers 11:11 Moses asks, “Why have you dealt ill your servants?”
Psalm 10:1 David asks, “Oh Lord why do you stand far off?”
Habakkuk 1:3 Habakkuk asks, why do you tolerate wrongdoing?
Job 7: 20 Why have you made me a target?
Matthew 27 46 Jesus on the cross asks, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
God is always in control and working in our suffering and struggles. He has a plan we cannot see. It’s not wrong to express grief anger or any emotion. It’s okay to ask why. Remember God loves us and will never forsake us.
Amen
October 15, 2024
Passing On the Truth
The importance of witnessing. If we don’t do it, who will? How can we be a silent Christian? Once the Lord is in your heart, it’s impossible.
Peter 4: 10-11 you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in various ways.
Telling our own stories, our own experiences, are ways to share. The example we set. Our love for others, compassion, and doing whatever you can to help others. Living a Godly life builds your faith, and you are sharing through example.
Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
This also means sharing God’s word.
Amen
October 22, 2024
It Is No Secret
I sat down at my piano this week and pulled out an old song, “It Is No Secret,” about what God can do. Those beautiful words and music, both written by Stuart Hamblin, left me asking “Why?”
So many people are struggling, searching, and longing for strength and courage. My question was why so many don’t know because it is no secret. As the song says, what God has done for others, he’ll do for you.
Our Savior made it so simple and easy. He told us in Matthew 11: 28, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
1 Corinthians 2:9 No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.
Romans 8:28 We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called for his purpose.
If we stay true and love him, God’s blessings have no limits.
Amen
October 30, 2024
The Unknown
We deal with the unknown each morning when we get up and each night when we go to bed.
There is man’s way and God’s way of coping.
Man’s way:
1. Avoid dwelling on things beyond our control.
2. Focus on the present.
3. Limit your news time.
4. Fearing the unknown.
I read once “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest kind of fear is the unknown.”
What does the Bible tell us about the unknown? It tells us God is always with us, we are never alone. It gives us peace, strength, and wisdom. Only through faith can we step out there and know God is with us, it will be okay.
Jeremiah 6:16 Stand at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old Godly way and walk in it. Travel its path, you’ll find rest in your soul.
Don’t be misled. Following God's path is the only way to find peace and faith and take on the unknown.
Amen
November 6, 2024
The First Commandment
When God gave them to Moses, he gave us the laws to live by. The first is so important. God is our Father, no other God is before me. Whenever we put worldly things, money, possessions, including selfish ways we break this commandment.
Have you ever wondered why this is the first Commandment? It is the foundation for all the others. The Lord wants our hearts, souls, and minds above all.
John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
Acts 5:29 Peter answered, “We must obey God rather than man.”
Exodus 23:22 “But if you carefully obey his voice and so all I say, then I will be an adversary to your adversaries.”
We are God’s children and we must be obedient to our Father.
Prayer is a form of obedience.
Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer, let your request be known to God.”
Amen
November 13, 2024
Simplicity and Peace
When life is overwhelming, do the simple things: wash the dishes, do the laundry, and work on a project.
It sounds easy, but I know it isn’t. Start with prayer: Say, "I’m going to do this, Lord," and then push forward.
What’s important to you is important to God.
Peter 5:7 Let him have all worries and cares, for he’s always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.
Speaking for myself, I know how easy it is to complicate things and make them more difficult. I’m learning to give it to the Lord and keep it simple.
Amen
November 20, 2024
Grief
WILL THERE EVER BE?
A time I won’t burst out in tears, a time I can enjoy what we held dear. I close my eyes and keep you near, and I can almost hear you whisper in my ear.
We finished each other's sentences; we knew each other’s thoughts. Now I find myself empty and lost.
The Lord has given us the answer to the “Will there ever be” when he promised us everlasting life and eternity.
So when those days are hard and the nights are long and cold, you are in reach if we remember what we’ve been told.
Ecclesiastes 3:4-5 describes the seasons of life, “A time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to be born and a time to die.
God has appointed a time for each moment, and he controls each of them. We can rejoice as he also promised us a time for no more good-bye’s.
Amen
November 23, 2024
Thanksgiving Week
As we dig out the old recipes and find the special ones. The ones that were Grandma’s or Mom’s, those passed down, the ones that keep our family heritage alive. We work hard to make sure it tastes just like theirs, and that our children know the secret to each recipe.
These dinners aren’t just meals, for those of us who grew up with those souls it is a time to remember, it’s our childhood. At the same time, we are giving our children memories, installing a love that will last a lifetime.
These are God’s greatest blessings, the joy and love of being together. Passing on the stories of days gone by and making new memories.
Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God.
An old saying about memories “Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.” Take care of all your memories, for you cannot relive them. Oscar Wilde
As we gather together this week to share those special recipes, enjoy the love and fellowship for each other, and give thanks for all of God’s blessings.
Remember to put “Thanks” in Thanksgiving and “Christ” in Christmas.
Amen
December 3, 2024
Searching For What You Already Have
I have found we waste a lot of time in life seeking what we already have. Knowing what is important and keeping priorities straight is vital, to stay grounded. Sort of like not seeing the forest for the trees. That something within that is missing.
That search can destroy families & lives. Satan loves that search as he can take you down the wrong paths.
Proverbs 14:12 “There is a path before each person that seems right, but ends in death.”
When we feel ourselves among the unknown, we must remember, we are never alone. What is missing? What are you searching for? This is a cry for the Lord.
So much of Proverbs tells us of God’s wisdom and understanding. Fill that hole in your heart with God’s love and understanding. Pray about this, and take it to the Lord. Reminds me of a verse in a very dear hymn, What A Friend, “Oh what needless pain we bear all because we do not carry everything to the Lord in prayer.”
Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Jesus is the best friend you’ll ever have, talk to him. Your search will be over.
Amen
December 11, 2024
Children and Christmas
As Christians, we know the meaning of Christmas, the gift of God’s son. Unfortunately, so many don’t know, especially the children. Christmas for them is all about the decorations and things they want. Now we can’t blame the children, it goes back to the adults. God bless those who teach the real meaning and he does.
Jesus was born as the light of the world, signifying hope and salvation for all people, including children, removing all darkness.
What should be our greatest gift to our children? Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Be a good example, show others we are God’s children, walking in God’s light.
As we enjoy the season, celebrate Christmas, be that shining light on top of the tree, and give thanks.
Amen
Eric is our associate pastor, working with outreach and youth ministry as well as adult discipleship and growth. Eric retired from a 28-year career in public education as a high school band director in 2019 and is now living his lifelong dream as a pastor. Eric and his wife, Diana, continue to live in Henry County where they have been lifetime residents. They "raised" three children and are now making their best attempt at "raising" themselves.