Devotions by Barb -- July 6, 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.

DID YOU EVER THINK WHERE YOU WOULD BE NOW IF GOD

WASN’T WITH YOU THEN?

I definitely do! From the time I was a little girl. The scary and hard

times I learned from my family are where the strength comes

from. I learned the fun and happy times were God’s blessings.

Regardless of how bewildered, misunderstood, or happy and at

peace I was, I was never alone. We don’t understand the hard

times until we look back and see that it was then that God was

directing our steps.

Learn to listen to that little voice within us, sometimes called

“intuition”. It guides our conscience, our path, and comforts us

when we need it most.

I have no way of knowing who I’d be, where I’d be, or how many

lives would be changed if I hadn’t known my Lord, if I hadn’t had

faith. One thing I’m certain of: I wouldn’t be who I am today.

Matthew 6:34 “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will

worry about itself.”

Psalm 94:17: God is our only hope in life and in the life to come. If

we try to make it on our own, we are destined to fail.

Our yesterdays give us wisdom and create insight to make better

choices today.

Nothing can stop us or harm us if we have God on our side.

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.