In His Name, Janet

lives when we feel spiritually dry. ​Many of us can recall times when our relationship with God felt quiet. This often follows a period when God’s presence was very real in our lives, and it seemed clear that He was hearing and answering our prayers. Then, life stabilizes, and we may feel less inclined to pray. While God may seem distant during these times, it's important to remember that it's not God who is distant, but us. This is when we need to return to prayer and keep seeking His presence until we feel connected to Him again.

I often think of the story of Elijah praying for rain in 1 Kings 18. He was persistent in his prayers, even when there was no visible sign of rain. He sent a servant out seven times before they finally spotted a cloud. Elijah's circumstances did not sway his confidence in God's faithfulness. Because he believed in God's promise to send rain, he refused to give up.

What if, after the sixth time of seeing a cloudless sky, Elijah had lost hope? He was unaware of how close he was to having his prayer answered, yet he continued to pray and held firmly to his faith.

During the dry times in our lives, we are called to hold on to hope and seek God in prayer. God can use even the most challenging situations to bring about tangible goodness in our lives. We must trust that, eventually, the rain will come.

In His Name, Stephanie

​leaves women exhausted, isolated, and carrying heavy responsibilities, God offers something different: the blessing of growing together in faith, wisdom, courage, and grace.
 
This spring, the women of First Presbyterian Church are invited to gather for a special seminar designed to encourage exactly that kind of flourishing community.

In His Name, Megan

Each attendee will also receive a complimentary copy of Every Season Sacred by Kayla Craig.
 
The cost is $30 per attendee, and scholarships are available to ensure every woman who wishes to attend can participate. Lunch is included.
 
Psalm 115 reminds us that God delights in helping His people flourish. Flourishing does not mean perfection or a life free from hardship. Rather, it is the steady growth that happens when women encourage one another, pray together, share wisdom across generations, and walk faithfully with Christ in every season of life.
 
Whether you are new to First Pres or have been part of this church family for many years, this seminar is an opportunity to deepen friendships, renew your spirit, and be reminded that you are not walking alone.
 
Registration is available online at: Register for Courage to Flourish

either blame God or cry out to God for help. One such story is Joseph in the Old Testament. 

Joseph’s parents were no strangers to trouble. Despite the jealousy, infighting, and lies, the family found a way to grow and move forward. Child number 12, Joseph, was the favorite son, and his father did a pretty poor job of hiding this. The famous coat of many colors, meant to be a gift of love, sparked deep resentment in his brothers. This was only aggravated by Joseph’s boasting, vivid dreams, and tattling. Thus, the stage was set for Joseph on what would become a road of suffering and restoration.

Some of Joseph’s brothers became so jealous and enraged toward him that they meant to kill him. One of his brothers convinced the others to sell him instead to some unsavory characters bound for Egypt. The plan of quick cash sounded like a great idea compared to murder. The brothers brought the coat of many colors, covered in blood, back to their father and lied, claiming the brother had been eaten by some animal.

In Egypt, Joseph became the servant of a powerful official, and for a time, he seemed to prosper. His master’s wife took a liking to Joseph and began harassing him for some alone time. Joseph did the right thing and refused to the point of running away from the woman. The reward for his noble character was to be falsely accused and imprisoned. There he would stay for several years, forgotten.

Pulled from prison by Pharaoh himself, Joseph was brought forward to interpret a series of dreams. Joseph was 17 years old when he was sold by his brothers; now, 13 years later, with the wisdom given him by God, Joseph interprets the dreams for Pharaoh and provides lifesaving counsel. He is instantly elevated to the 2nd most powerful position in the country and given wealth and status overnight.

Joseph’s story has so many heart-wrenching moments that two events often go completely overlooked. The birth of Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. What makes these boys so special is the meaning behind their names.

Manasseh means forget. Joseph chose this name because he said God made him forget all of his trouble and all of his father’s household. With Manasseh, Joseph said God made him forget all his trouble or pain. Forgetting the hurts done to us by our loved ones is no easy task; some may even say it’s impossible. I like to imagine that when Joseph saw his baby boy for the first time, something welled up in him, giving him the ability to choose to look forward. “God, I choose to forget all of my crazy, hurtful family and be the man this little boy needs now.” I do not think Joseph forgot being thrown in a pit or being left to rot in prison. I think the pain of those troubles was healed, and he chose to forgive.

Ephraim means twice fruitful. Joseph said he chose this name because God had made him fruitful in the land of his suffering. With Ephraim, Joseph said God had made him fruitful in the land of his suffering. Here was a man who had become the 2nd most powerful man in the land. He had wisdom, respect, wealth, and power. Yet it is his newborn Ephraim that makes him feel fruitful, or blessed.

In the grand saga of history, little is said or known of these two children. Looking at the depth of meaning their father poured into their names highlights the miracle that these two boys were in the life of a very broken soul. Forgetting and Fruitful.

How often does God give us little miracles meant specifically for us, at a time when we needed them most? These little miracles may seem common enough to the world. Friends who show up after a surgery. Returning to work after a long period of physical pain. A breakthrough in counseling. Eleven years cancer-free. Celebrating another birthday. Finding your confidence and hope even when your circumstances have not changed. A hug when you needed it most. Peace as you hold your loved one’s flag.

What have been the Manassehs of your life? The times God helped you forget the pain of your troubles?

What have been the Ephraims of your life? The times when God provided a blessing for you?

Little miracles that you never thought would happen, given to you by a loving God who never forgets your trouble and is willing to make you fruitful. 

​In His Name, Bonnie