Devotions by Barb -- February 4, 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.

AN OLD FASHION WINTER

I suppose we can call this an old fashion winter. Brutal temperatures and more snow than we have seen in several years. Making me wonder what the Bible says about winter. The Bible tells us God made every snowflake unique, just as God made each human being unique. Jesus refers to the cold as purifying and powerful.

Three times ice is referred to as power. Job 38: 29 - Job 37:10 – Psalms 147:17. Winter is referred to as a Sabbath of the earth, a renewal, a rest.

Psalms 147:17 He cast forth his ice like morsels. Who can stand before his will?

Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

I thank the Lord for all my blessings. As a child my memories of winter were harsh. There was no warmth until the fires were built. My grandmother’s house was beautiful, but cold. The farmhouse Don and I started housekeeping in was beyond cold, an igloo would have been warmer. You had to keep those fires going. When Don was a teenager , he would get up about 4 or 5 a.m. on Sunday mornings and build the fires at the church so there was warmth at service time. You had to keep those fires burning, or freeze.

The Lord taught us how to provide, he answered prayers. Those times brought us closer to each other, our faith stronger and our love for each other and the Lord greater.

When we reach -10 below wind chill this week stay safe. Use that common sense the Lord gave you.

Proverbs 3: 21 – 30 encourages people to hold on to common sense. That keeps people safe.

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.