"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 By Sunshine Metschke It was a season of deep sadness and grief. Our lives had just been turned upside down with a life-changing medical diagnosis. And as we were adjusting to the realities of our …
Oh For Grace to Trust Him More
By Carey Helmink I am a fairly transparent person. I’m not very good at pretending that I’m okay when I’m not. I typically call a spade a spade. I think my poor pastor husband lives with a certain amount of fear that I’m going to say something at some point that might get him fired. …
Unfathomable God
by Carey Helmink I am guessing that most of you know the story of Job – if you are unfamiliar with it, it is an amazing read! After 37 chapters of questions about suffering and tons of misguided advice from Job’s “friends,” God himself takes the stand. Here is just a portion of what He …
Forever Faithful
I love how faithfulness always seems to be a beloved character trait of God for those who have walked with Him for a long time. It makes sense, though, because proving yourself trustworthy takes time. On Tuesday, we had the privilege of hearing from one of our MUMS who has had a long history with …
The Promise of His Presence
The focus of our worship time this past Tuesday was the faithfulness of God. Carey Helmink, our worship leader for the morning, had these thoughts to share. Listen to what God's Word has to say about His faithfulness: Isaiah 25:1 “O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to …
Beneath the Shelter of His Wings
I’ve been memorizing more scripture this year—longer passages instead of a verse here and there. Before you start getting all impressed on me, let me just say it’s been a challenge. Some days I feel like I’m trying to hold onto an armful of greased bowling balls. About the time I get a good hold …
Stressed Out? Give Thanks.
There is no doubt we live in a stress-filled society. A recent survey by the American Psychological Association showed 77% of the people surveyed regularly experienced physical symptoms caused by stress, 73% regularly experienced psychological symptoms caused by stress and 48% feel their stress has increased over the past five years. Annual costs to employers in stress …
God Is Faithful
We continued our series of "God-stories" this week with this contribution from Kathy Anderson where she shared her experience of God's great faithfulness. My late mother-in-law loved the color blue. As a result, my father-in-law would be sure to plant as many blue flowers as possible in their backyard garden. Growing up in south Texas, …
God Gives Fruit
Where are you today? Are you THRIVING or are you STRIVING? Because our striving tree is not real . . . alive . . . or free, it also will never be fruitful. It looks great on the outside, but has no future. God has made living things to reproduce themselves. He’s planned a future …
Equip Her 