Devotions by Barb -- October 19, 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.

CHRISTIAN PARENTS

Our goals for our children. I just read a statement from Sean and Rachel Guffey regarding their 9 children. They said: We have a saying in our house, my job isn’t trying to get you into Harvard, it’s to get you into heaven.

Speaking this aloud to your children, having them hear over and over, “My job is to get you into heaven” will have an impact on them for life.

Teaching these words to them tells them Mom and Dad have their priorities straight. It tells the world what their priorities are. As these children grow into adults with families of their own, they will be repeating them to their children. The Bible tells us the importance.

Matthew 16:26 “For what is a man profited, if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul.

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

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Teach these words to your children. Talk about them at home and on the road.

So, like Sean and Rachel Duffy do, make it a saying they hear often. “My job is to get you into Heaven”.

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.