Devotions by Barb -- January 1, 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.

Auld Lang Syne

Robert Burns wrote the song in 1788 and was written to bid farewell to the old year. About old friends and for old time sake. We sing and listen every year as the clock strikes midnight. It’s a song that can bring joy and sadness.

As the New Year arrives let’s think what God wants for us, time belongs to him. The importance now are the years that lay ahead, only our Lord knows. The most important thing is that we prepare ourselves to be with him.

Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

When you give your heart and soul to Jesus you receive a peace and understanding that will take you through the tomorrows and on to eternal life.

Isaiah 11:6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie with the goat, and the calf and lion together: and a little child shall lead them.

This describes perfect peace. As we live in today’s world with little peace to be found. As we bring in the New Year remembering yesterday, let’s do so with hope and prayer for the tomorrows.

Amen

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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.