Devotions by Barb -- August 3, 2026

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.

EVERYONE HAS A FAITH JOURNEY

I remember a song sung by Peggy Lee: “Is that all there is?” Many lyrics, all life experiences, but everything left her feeling something was missing.

This is how the Lord talks to us; He is pushing you to learn. God doesn’t want his children feeling lost and empty. He wants us to know all about his creation and what he has prepared and how to obtain it.

In generations past, we had parents or grandparents who had faith. That faith planted a seed within us.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Those that aren’t that fortunate, the seed wasn’t planted. They are searching, questioning what is missing. Those questions are leading them to Christ; the sad part is Satan wants them too.

It is vital that as Christians we spread God’s word, living a life that reflects God’s love. Sharing God’s news brings hope, salvation, and eternal life to those who hear it.

Mark 16:15 Jesus said to go into the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Our journey is shaped by family, life experiences, and spiritual growth. God is in my heart, mind, and soul; I know God’s promises and what awaits. That gives me such inner peace. God wants that for you too.

A poem of Faith, by Karen Taylor

We struggle to keep up the pace, sometimes we wonder why. Fear says we’ll never win the race, but faith tells us to try.

There’s no one there to comfort us; we’re lost and all alone. Fear drives us far away from God, but faith brings us back home.

We need to place our trust in Him, although we cannot see. Our fears can bind us evermore, but faith will set us free.

To walk in faith or run in fear, it’s up to us to choose. To walk in faith will win the race; to run in fear will lose.

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.