No, I’m not thinking of Merlin the Magician, but Merlin R. Carothers. He wrote the books Prison to Praise and Power in Praise, among others. I have only read the latter, but it is a book that I found incredibly helpful. It taught me to praise God in the hard moments and for the hard moments.
Category Archives: Trust
Into the Unknown
By Bud Fickley, Pastor of Student Ministry There are so many movies out there that have themes that can be related to our faith. As a father of three kids ages five and under, I watch a lot of Disney movies these days. At times, Disney movies drive me a little crazy, but I haveContinue reading “Into the Unknown”
Perseverance
By Maureen Konopka, Director of Music Ministries I like to bring my thoughts on unconventional things when I write my blogs, but today I am reflecting on my amazing daughter. Allison is the sweetest kid, always trying to be helpful, taking charge when someone needs to, and, for the most part, responsible for getting thingsContinue reading “Perseverance”
Don’t Be “Left Behind”
It is no secret that I enjoy watching The Simpsons. I have seen every episode and enjoy re-watching episodes to see what I missed or just didn’t understand at the time.
Knowledge Is Power…or Is It?
Recently, our student ministry team began reading Dangerous Wonder by Michael Yaconelli – one of the pioneers of modern youth ministry. It’s a book all about how we regain a childlike faith that looks at the world with awe and wonder and believes that anything is possible. In the introduction, Yaconelli tells a story from his childhood when he still thought he could be like Superman, donning a cape and taking flight.
Following the Good Shepherd
I am a planner. I like knowing what to expect, having a plan, and being organized in executing my plan. One of my biggest fears is walking into something for which I am not prepared. Can you relate?
Being the BRIDGE: A Reflection on Camping
More than 300 camp and retreat leaders met at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simon’s Island, GA, the week of January 23-27. Fun facts: Famed evangelists John and Charles Wesley, who formed the party that came to be named Methodist, engaged in ministry on St. Simon’s Island in 1736-37, and Epworth by the Sea is now a United Methodist Conference Center.
The Dreaded Pinhole Leaks
If you live in the Cranberry Township area, you may be one of many people frustrated by pinhole leaks in your copper plumbing. I know my husband and I have had four fixed in recent years, two of them within the last two weeks.
Sleep On It
A few weeks ago, I was feeling anxious about a situation and wanted to “fix” it as quickly as I could. Have you ever felt this way about a circumstance in your life? You want it resolved as soon as heavenly possible? 😊 Yes, that was me!
White Christmas
My absolute favorite Christmas movie is White Christmas, with music by Irving Berlin. When I was a child, we would watch it before going to bed after Christmas Eve Mass. My Dad would then call everyone a “weirdsmobile” for the next month or two.
Dutilh Church 