Bertha May was one tough gal. I have a heart for the Appalachian people and most of them have overcome incredible odds. 

Bertha was born in 1840 on the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains. Her ancestors had settled this place just a few years prior.

lt was a forest of sugar maple trees, and the land was fertile, good for growing corn. They made maple syrup each spring, and they called the land Sugarland. 

Bertha was one of 10 children in a family of Scottish immigrants. Her father was deeply religious and the Bible played a prominent part of their life. Most mountain people did not see the value of education but her father cared deeply and built a school house on their land. Their teachers were traveling teachers that rode in on horseback. Since the schoolhouse was so near they could go to school and work at home at the same time.

Bertha’s father was a blacksmith and she learned to shoe a horse, make tools at early age. Bertha accompanied her father on bear hunts, fishing expeditions and became an expert hunter in the process. Her father told her how to make traps for all kinds of animals. She even knew how to make mouse traps. Her father taught her how to tan leather and make saddles and other leather goods.

Her mother was a seamstress and from her she learned to spin cotton and wool, how to dye it and make beautiful coats and quilts. Her mother also taught her basket weaving. She was a spiritually sound lady who could do anything. 

In 1860 she fell in love with a young man by the name of John Winter. She was 19 and he was only 17 but he was a skilled hunter and blacksmith. They made a beautiful couple. 

John had had a hunting accident and an encounter with a bear. The bear broke his neck and it miraculously healed but his head tilted to the side. They said their vows and found a place to build a cabin. They chose a place by the name of Gatlinburg.

They soon had a boy and a girl and were living a good life when raiders from the Civil War came through and took their cow and their two pigs. The raiders then came back and took everything else. John had to defend their country so he went off to the war. That year her young son died and she dug a grave for him. Shortly after John’s body was shipped back and now she had two graves on her property.

—James Neuhouser

By: Ron Burt

Limaland Raceway Park, Friday, July 24th-The Great Lakes Traditional Sprints (Non-wing) headlined race night. Action started on lap one of the 25 lap A-main for the Sprint Cars. The front row pole sitters of Dustin Ingle and Korbyn Hayslett would make up the front row in the 25 lap A Main. On the first lap Jackson Slone knifed his way between the leaders to lead lap number one, but Hayslett would go to the high side of the track and find the speed to grab the lead on lap 2. Ingle fought his way back to second on lap 5, while Jakeb Boxell began his charge from his sixth place starting position. Boxell would get by Slone for third on lap 8 then put a slide job on Ingle in turns three and four to pick up second place. Hayslett would get into lapped traffic on lap 12 and Boxell was able to take advantage, moving past by Hayslett on lap 17. At the same time Hayslett developed a flat left rear tire ending his night. On the restart Boxell would keep the lead and grab the win over Ingle, Ryan Barr was third. The UMP Modified Podium 1st Dillon Nusbaum, 2nd Jeff Koz, and 3rd Dylan Woodling. Thunderstock Top 3, 1st Jordan Conover, 2nd Todd Sherman, and 3rd Tony Anderson. Limaland has one more scheduled race for 2026. They stop their season early not to draw fans away from area high school sports.

Attica Raceway Park held their Fan Appreciation Night with the normal weekly show. Bryce Lucius picked up his fifth career win at Attica in the 410 Winged Sprints. Devin Shiels and two time and defending track champion Kyle Moore battled each other over the last six laps in the DIRTcar UMP Late Model Feature. Shiels outlasted Moore and parked his car in Victory Lane at Attica for the 24th time. He’s now fourth on the division’s all-time win list. The night ended with the 305 Winged Sprints. Bryan Sebetto had to start the Feature in 8th because of a new rule change, but it didn’t matter. He worked his way quickly through the field for his third win of the year at Attica and his seventh overall victory of 2026 (4 at Fremont Speedway). It’s his 20th career 305 victory at the track, placing him seventh on the all-time win list for the division. 

Oakshade Raceway Wauseon Ohio, Saturday, July 25-Devin Shiels started on the pole of the 25-lap DIRTcar UMP Late Model main event and went green to checked flag outlasting challenges from 2nd place Ryan Missler, and 3rd Kevin Reeve. It was Shiels’ 2nd win in two nights. Dylan Jessen won his 4th Late Model Sportsman Feature of the year in a race that had multiple cautions. The Dominator Super Stock A Main was also filled with caution flags waving, as cars couldn’t find a good racing groove. Mason Luttrell was able to keep his car out front and win his third feature of the season. Holgate’s Ryan Okuley has been dominating the past two years in the Compact Class and Saturday night was no different. He took 1st for his third consecutive feature win at Oakshade Raceway.

Feature winners at Angola Motorsport Speedway, Saturday-Hornet Brett Ireland,

Front Wheel Drive Chris Heintzelman, Street Stock Lee Reed, Late Model Sportsman Kole Elkins, and Modified Austin Coe.

Fremont Speedway Saturday, Feature winners-410 Winged Sprints Chris Andrews, Dirt Trucks Keith Sorg, and 305 Winged Sprints Bryan Sebetto

A few mentions around the Tri-State, Indiana Sprint week is currently going on for the USAC Sprints. Next week I’ll have a full recap. Former NASCAR driver Ken Schrader returned to Toledo Speedway as a guest driver in a school bus Figure 8 race during the regular race program, and he won.  Over 5,000 fans packed Merritt Speedway in Michigan to watch the 38th Annual Wood Tic for DIRTcar UMP Late Models. Veteran driver and a Midwest fan favorite, Rusty Schlenk won and took home the $10,000.00, for the 4th time in his career. He now has 303 Feature careers wins. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron out!

By: Mark Holtsberry

Robert Ungericht was born in Medina, Ohio, on December 25, 1895. This Christmas baby was born to Anna (Pratt) Ungericht, who was born in Germany in December 1862. She was a divorced woman raising Robert on her own. Her father was Philip A. Pratt, a Civil War veteran who served with Company B, 191st Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Sorry, off the path again.

By 1900, while living in Washington Township, Anna and Robert were farming for a living. On January 1, 1901, Anna married George Stevens. He was a widower working as a day laborer. This marriage produced a daughter, Anna Catherine, who was born on April 4, 1902, in Paulding.

By 1910, Anna was divorced again. She was raising chickens on a farm, and Robert and Anna Catherine helped. Robert attended school through the sixth grade.

On June 5, 1917, while living in Washington Township, Robert registered for the World War I draft. He was described as tall, with a slim build, blue eyes, light hair, and a fair complexion. He was working as a farmer.

On July 22, 1918, Robert was inducted into the National Army. He served with the 159th Depot Brigade until August 8, 1918, when he was assigned to Company M, 336th Infantry, 84th Division. On August 27, 1918, Robert departed Hoboken, New Jersey, for service in France. He served with the 336th Infantry until November 20, 1918.

He was then transferred to Company E, 158th Infantry, where he served until receiving an honorable discharge on May 3, 1919.

After returning home from France, Robert was living in Toledo, Ohio, where he boarded with the Schultz family. He was employed part time as a laborer.

By 1930, Robert had moved to Latty, Ohio, to live with his mother, Anna Miller. George Stevens had passed away, and Anna had remarried. Her third husband was Echard Miller, a farmer from Jackson Township. Robert was working as a junk dealer, while Anna was employed as a cook in a diner.

By 1940, Robert and Anna were living in Grover Hill. Robert was working as a junk buyer and automobile salvage dealer.

On October 15, 1950, Robert’s mother, Anna, passed away. I could not determine where she was buried.

Robert continued living in the Grover Hill area until moving to Paulding in the early 1960s. He passed away at his home on October 2, 1965, and was buried in Middle Creek Cemetery, Lot 395, New Section, Grave 4.

I am guessing that his mother, Anna, is also buried in Middle Creek Cemetery.

… Until Next Time!

Dotting My Teas By: Marlene Oxender

My mother used to tell me I was her best little helper. It made me want to help her more.  

I wonder how many times I heard her say that I was her best little helper. In my mind, it was too bad for the rest of my siblings who weren’t her best little helper. 

As an adult, all I can say is, “Well played, Mom. Well played.” 

It all makes sense now – I was her ninth child. There were three boys ahead of me. Mom needed help with babies ten and eleven.    

Mom had learned to tap into a child’s desire to be trusted. She knew how much we already knew, and we’d dry the dishes and stack them as if we were working in our toy kitchen. We’d fold the towels and even help with the laundry. 

She knew we’d keep an eye on the other children as she reminded us that there’d be no fighting. My brothers learned how to change tires and fix sinks because they were in charge of holding the flashlight and handing the correct tool to the adult who was getting the work done.

My mother’s words stayed with me all these years, but I wonder how many other words have quietly disappeared. I was recently reminded by a college friend of a high score I had received on a final exam. 

There she was, remembering one of my accomplishments, while I needed her story and a few prompts before I remembered it. 

The next day I asked myself why our memories are the way they are. Why don’t we train ourselves to dwell on joyful moments? Why does our mind keep old hurts alive and well? Why don’t we dwell on our accomplishments – not in pride, but in joy?  

If we were asked to teach a Gratitude 101 class, many of us would decline, thinking we’re not qualified. But saying yes to an offer such as that would make us think. It’d make us study and wake up to the little things we take for granted.  

I remember attending a meeting years ago where we answered roll call by naming a sound we love to hear. My answer was the sound of my car doors locking on their own as the car moves from park to drive. It’s my car’s way of telling me it wants me to be safe. 

What a clever idea – using any of the five senses as a prompt to help us think of things we’re grateful for. The sound of birds chirping is something I can hear even when my house windows are closed. I don’t know how I know what a mourning dove sounds like, but I can identify its coo. I must have been taught by an adult, and for that I am grateful.

Many of us are familiar with the story of two healthy houseplants that were used in an informal school experiment to see how plants are affected by words. 

It was arranged for one plant to be exposed to a continuous recording of children speaking compliments and supportive words. The second plant was subjected to a recording of hateful comments. At the end of the month, one plant was healthy, and the second plant wilted and failed to thrive.  

If plants really do respond this way, think about how words affect humans. 

Like a cassette recorder, our mind can set a story on replay that stops only when we push the pause button. And if the little voice in our head has been speaking like a bully, we can take away its power. 

We can show it the door and welcome a new voice with a better story and a more selective memory. 

Every day brings an opportunity to put a new tape into our cassette player. We can become proficient at using the rewind button when we’d like to start over – perhaps with a kinder voice or a more gentle approach. 

Our hearts are the keepers of words; we know where they came from and how long they’ve been around. But we rarely think about the words we’ve spoken to another person – words that settled in someone else’s heart. We can only hope the story they play on repeat is the one of how we once made their day.   

Our parents began placing gifts under the tree decades ago, and I see the value in the toys they’d chosen for us. There were baby dolls and strollers. Wooden bridges and toy trucks. But now I know the best gifts a child can receive are words of encouragement. Words that let us know how capable we are. Words that settle in our hearts – never letting us forget who we are. 

Marlene Oxender is a writer, speaker, and author. She writes about growing up in the small town of Edgerton, her ten siblings, the memorabilia in her parents’ estate, and her late younger brother, Stevie Kimpel, who was born with Down syndrome. Her three published books: Picket Fences, Stevie and Grandma, You Already Am Old, are available on Amazon. Marlene can be reached at mpoxender@gmail.com

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind comes from Romans 12:2 in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul urges believers not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed through a change in their thinking.

From a Christian standpoint, this concept emphasizes the importance of spiritual renewal and growth in a believer’s life. Here are some things to consider:

1. Spiritual Transformation: The transformation of the mind is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. It suggests that when an individual embraces Christ, a radical change occurs, affecting their thoughts, values, and behavior. This transformation is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, guiding believers toward a deeper understanding of God’s will.

2. Renewing the Mind involves studying scripture, praying, and cultivating a relationship with God. It prompts Christians to contemplate God’s truth and let it influence their outlooks, instead of being swayed by worldly opinions. From my personal experience, this journey isn’t for the faint-hearted or those seeking quick results; it demands patience and time. Without these, you risk joining those who dismiss Christianity and mock the church and believers—the same group that Peter sat with around the fire the night he disowned Jesus.  

3. Discernment: A renewed mind enables Christians to discern God’s will—what is good, pleasing, and perfect. This discernment helps them make choices that align with their faith and purpose, contributing to a fulfilling spiritual life.

4. Impact on Behavior: As the mind is renewed, it naturally leads to a transformation in behavior. Christians are called to live out their faith through love, service, and kindness, demonstrating the change that has taken place within them. You know the old saying” Free your mind and your butt will follow.” Smile. 

5. Ongoing Process: It’s important to recognize that the renewing of the mind is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. I encourage you to regularly engage in service to God’s people.  This will keep you aligned with Christ.

In summary, being transformed by the renewing of the mind is about embracing a new identity in Christ and allowing that identity to change how one thinks, acts, and relates to the world. It is an invitation to grow deeper in faith and to reflect God’s love and truth in everyday life. 

Enjoy the journey.

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne 

By: Ron Burt

Winchester, Ind., July 19 — It was a different driver, but the results were the same. Briggs Danner in the Doran Racing USAC Silver Crown Car, lead all 100 laps of the 34th Annual, Rich Vogler Classic at Winchester Speedway. Four years in a row, the Doran USAC Silver Crown car has led start to finish, that’s 400 laps. The 24-year-old driver hadn’t even seen the half-mile high-banked oval before he tested on Saturday, but he won the pole and led wire to wire in only his third USAC Silver Crown pavement race. Kody Swanson led all 400 laps of the last four Rich Vogler Classics driving a Doran Racing-prepped car He’s not competing in the series this year since he became its director in the off season.

There were four caution flags in the first 70 laps of Sunday’s race which kept the top runners close, especially the top three of Briggs Danner, point leader C.J. Leary, and Dakoda Armstrong.

Leary and Armstrong kept the pressure up on Danner on all the restarts. At the one-quarter mark Danner had a 0.578-second lead. He was able to pad his advantage to over a second (1.045) for the first time on lap 45, only to have the field bunch up behind him for another yellow. Following the restart on lap 71 Justin Grant passed Mario Clouser for fourth on lap 72. At the three-quarter mark Danner had a 0.675-second lead over Leary, with Armstrong right behind. Still, Danner was able to increase his advantage to over 1 second again by lap 79, and with no more restarts he was able to increase it to 2 seconds in the race’s late stages. But there were still challenges ahead as Armstrong passed Leary for second with a move to the outside on the backstretch working lap 93 and immediately focused on catching Danner. Lapped traffic cut Danner’s advantage to only 0.538 on lap 96, but once he was clear of them, he was able to hold off Armstrong. He had a 1.415-second margin of victory over Armstrong at the checkered. It was his second career USAC Silver Crown victory and first on a paved track. C.J. Leary finished third for the Podium.

Eldora Speedway, July 18- World of Outlaws Kings Royal was won for the 2nd year in a row by Anthony Marci and $200.000.00 for his win. 2nd Rico Abreu $35,000.00 and 3rd Giovanni Scelzi $25,000.00. Marci part of the Pennsylvania Posse and had a lot of Key-Stone State race fans at Eldora chanting Posse-Posse. He led the first 13 laps. Garet Williamson charged into the lead. He pulled away from the field. Behind him, the war began for second as 10th-starting Rico Abreu was on the move and took the spot, but Macri got it back with seven laps to go and set his sights on Williamson.

The laps wound down, and Williamson remained committed to the cushion while Macri built speed through the middle. With two laps to go, Macri snuck by to regain the lead. A yellow flag for a stopped car on the final lap set up a green-white-checkered finish. Macri stayed composed when the green flag flew and drove away to his second straight Kings Royal title to become King Anthony XLIII.

Flat Rock Speedway MI, July-18 “Hurricane” Scott Hantz won his 2nd Stan Yee 150. Jeff Vrsek was 2nd and 3rd Chris Benson.

Wauseon, OH, July 18 – Oakshade Raceway hosted its second Sportsman/Mod event of the season, pitting the Sportsman drivers against UMP Modifieds in a single class. The night started off with the track record being broken twice in qualifying, first by Dylan Hough and then by Dylan Jessen. 

At the start of the 25-lap, $1,200 to win Sportsman/Mod feature event, it was Jarrod Klay in a Modified that took the early led. Klay started on the pole and after an early caution flag, began to battle with the sportsman of Dylan Jessen. Klay was able to hold off Jessen, until lap 10 when he pushed high off turn four and Jessen slipped by on bottom. Jessen would go on to pull away from the rest of the field to earn the easy victory. Dylan Hough appeared to finish second but failed to make weight in post-race inspection, turning the second finishing position over to Dylan’s father, Mike Jessen. Klay would finish third for the Podium. Top 3 in Dominator Stocks 1st Jeff Foks Jr., 2nd Adam Noonan and 3rd Kaleb Hinkley. Sport Compacts Top 3: 1st Ryan Okuley, 2nd Nathan Owens, and 3rd Jason Lee. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron Out!

By: Mark Holtsberry

Michael Leo Sullivan was born November 30, 1889, in Payne, Ohio, the son of John Sullivan, born June 10, 1856, in Pennsylvania, and Ellen (Brady) Sullivan, born in 1858 in Ohio. This couple was married February 26, 1884, in Paulding. John was working in a barrel stave factory in New Haven, Indiana. The couple moved to Payne by 1888.

This young couple started a family with the birth of Michael in 1889, followed by Eugene in 1892, Cletus J. in 1896, and Margaret H. in 1900. By 1900, the Sullivan family was farming. John’s father, Michael, and John’s sister, Anna Sullivan, were living with them. Anna opened a dress shop in Payne. John’s sons, Michael and Eugene, were attending school.

By 1910, John had opened Sullivan’s Hardware Store in Payne. The family was living on Merrin Street in Payne. Anna was still running her dress shop and dry goods store. Michael and Eugene were living at home and working in the hardware store. Cletus and Margaret were in school.

On June 5, 1917, in the Payne North Precinct, Michael, along with brothers Cletus and Eugene, registered for the World War I draft. Michael was listed as 5 feet 9 inches tall, of medium build, with light blue eyes, black hair, and slightly balding.

Eugene was suffering from tuberculosis and was bedridden. He passed away in 1918 and buried in St. John Catholic Cemetery in Payne. He left behind a wife and three small children.

On June 15, 1918, Michael went to the University of Valparaiso in Indiana as an S.A.T.C. student. This stood for the Student Army Training Corps. The program trained potential Army officers. He entered the program as a private and was honorably discharged on December 21, 1918.

By 1920, Michael found himself back in Payne, living with his parents on Merrin Street. He continued to work at the hardware store. In 1922, Michael’s father, John, passed away. He was buried in St. John Catholic Cemetery.

On July 4, 1923, in Paulding, Michael married Bernice M. Cullen. She was born October 28, 1893, in Paulding. Her brother, Seth Cullen, was a World War I veteran who passed away in 1950. He served in France as both an artilleryman and a wagoner. Sorry, I got stuck going down that rabbit hole again.

By 1930, Michael and Bernice were living in Payne on North Main Street. They were operating the hardware store on Merrin Street.

On April 14, 1934, Michael’s mother, Ellen, passed away. She was buried beside John in St. John Catholic Cemetery.

By 1940, Michael and Bernice were still living in Payne and operating the hardware store. In 1942, Michael had to register for the World War II draft, but at the age of 52, he was not selected.

With the long hours of running a hardware store, Michael’s health became an issue.

On April 1, 1949, Michael Leo Sullivan passed away. On April 4, 1949, he was laid to rest in St. John Catholic Cemetery.

Bernice continued to operate a hardware store, but in Paulding. She was living at 627 North Williams Street in Paulding with her parents, William and Lula Cullen. Bernice passed away in 1981 and was buried alongside Michael.

…Until Next Time!

Penny For Your Thoughts By: Nancy Whitaker

Almost every thing we do anymore is caught on film or video. Birthday parties, graduations, weddings, new babies, pictures of kids participating  in sports and almost every major event in our life. 

There is an old picture of me some place where I must have been around 2 years old. I was standing on the grass with a big frown on my face and you could tell I did not want my picture taken. My family captioned it “ I don’t want yo get my picture taken.”

Another old picture of myself  is when I was about 4 and my grandpa took me to a photographer to go have my picture taken.  I had  learned to cross  my legs and  to fold my arms at the same time. Trust me I was so proud to show off that I had learned how to cross my legs and arms at same time that I had the biggest smile on my face for that picture.

Then going into school we got our school photos done every year.  I don’t recall anyone buying mine but I was  in the yearbook a few times.

One year when I was in about the 6th grade my aunt and uncle bought me a Brownie camera.

I did take some pictures with it and kept that camera a long time. Maybe it would be worth money today as an antique. Who knows?

Then there came Senior pictures.  I had my hair fixed and put on my best bib and tucker and did what I hoped was a beautiful pose.  Those pictures I worked for and bought them myself. 

The subject of pictures came up when my kids were born.  Baby pictures, party pics, pictures of them learning to walk, sports events and any accomplishment they did. 

I have had bad luck taking pictures. Either there is something on someone’s head in the background or I cut their head off. One time my editor, Melinda Krick wanted to get a picture of a squirrel. 

One morning I looked out and there was a squirrel on the side walk. I went out to the porch and snapped a picture of that squirrel and took it to work. That picture was terrible because the squirrel was so small looking on the camera you could not tell what it was. 

Then I have tried to take pictures of robins with no luck. I think the birds say “ Let’s all fly away. Here comes that (old) ??? Lady with the camera. 

Then taking selfies is not too bad because I might take 50 shots before I get one that looks like me. Thank God for photo editors online to take out wrinkles and spotty skin. 

They have been taking pictures for decades and I love looking at  the old clothes, furniture and the old cars of long ago eras. 

When I look at my own pictures I think “ Nancy, you need a face lift to get rid of under eye bags and wrinkles which are appearing from no where.” 

But even as age hits me I am happy to be here, wrinkles and all.

Do you like to take pictures or get your picture taken.?  Do you do good selfies of yourself? And have you ever made yourself look better on line? Do you think aging and wrinkles are inherited or not putting on face cream every night? Let me know and  I’ll give you a Penny For Your Thoughts.

This is one of the most compelling stories I have ever read. It is the kind that you find on rare occasion. Is it a human trait to root for the underdog, after all on rare occasions they win?

It appeared that John boy Ralston loved the Sawyer girl. Perhaps it was just that he felt sorry for her, but he made a special point to be by her side. Mary was quite shy, she only spoke when called upon, and she always sat alone at recess. John was the son of the local minister, and perhaps he felt compelled to befriend her, but the fact remains that they were close friends. 

Mary was a grade behind John in school even though they were the same age. John had skipped a grade because his uncle was tutoring him. Everyone knew that John was going to Harvard when he was 17. Mary was getting quite fond of the tall handsome lad, but she shared it with no one, except her animals.

The chickens, the cows, the horses the sheep, all the animals that she took care of, they all had names, and they all were her pets. It was not unusual for one of her pets to follow her to school, and to wait outside until she was the first to come out. 

Everyone chided her for her closeness to her pets, but John boy supported her in the venture and always stood up for her. One day her teacher reprimanded her severely for being so close to her pets, and she began to cry. After school John boy walked her home and consoled her. John boy felt so bad that the next day he gave Mary a poem that he had written, which she kept for the rest of her life. 

John Ralston did go to Harvard at age 17, but he died in his freshman year. No one will ever know his relationship with Mary. Now Mary’s life retreated into a relationship with her pets. But because of him, she later became a household name, and produced a work that you are no doubt familiar with.

It wasn’t until years later that Mary was invited to speak to a church group of ladies that she told the story of a shy little girl that had been befriended by a preacher’s son. She produced the note and it would be the first time that human ears heard it’s contents:

“Mary had a Little Lamb 

“Its fleece was white as snow 

“And everywhere that Mary went 

“The lamb was sure to go.”

There was a magazine editor present that day and she printed it in “The Lady’s Home Journal.” The poem became popular and was made into a book by a famous industrialist. You memorized the poem, and anyone my age could recite it by heart.

Commemorating the day that a lamb followed its owner Mary Elizabeth Sawyer, to school and was reprimanded by the teacher Polly Campbell, and was probably the only poem that the author John Ralston had ever written.

“It followed her to school one day 

“Which was against the rule 

“It made the children laugh and play 

“To see a lamb at school.”

Hold the presses! I found another verse: 

“And so the teacher sent it out 

“But still it lingered near 

“It stood and waited round about 

“Till Mary did appear 

“Why does the lamb love Mary so?

“The little children cry.”

—James Neuhouser

As a new Christian, the first scripture I learned was Luke 6:36-38 (NIV):

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.  

 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.  

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

I didn’t realize back then how deeply it would influence my life. It became the core and foundation of my ministry.    

Another foundational verse is 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV): “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” This verse highlights God’s incredible ability to provide for His people. It reassures believers that when they give generously, God will supply all their needs, empowering them to engage in good works. The focus isn’t just on material blessings but on the overall ability to flourish in every aspect of life. By trusting in God’s provision, believers are encouraged to be generous and to contribute to the well-being of others, knowing that God will equip them with everything they need to fulfill His purpose. The verse ultimately calls for a life of abundance and service, reflecting God’s character of generosity and love.

Additionally, Philippians 4:19 (NIV) states, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” This verse further emphasizes that God’s provision is abundant and aligned with His glorious resources, echoing the theme of reliance on divine support.

“Jehovah Jireh” is a Hebrew phrase that translates to “The Lord will provide.” It is often associated with a biblical account from the Book of Genesis, specifically Genesis 22:14, where God provides a ram for Abraham to sacrifice instead of his son Isaac. This name emphasizes God’s provision and care for His people, highlighting the belief that God will meet the needs of those who trust in Him. It reflects themes of faith, reliance on divine support, and the assurance that God is attentive to the needs of individuals and communities.

In times of lack or fear of lack, these scriptures rejuvenate my spirit. They remind me of God’s faithfulness and encourage me to live generously, confident that He will always provide for me and empower me to bless others. 

Give, and it shall be given unto you. Smile, Jesus loves you and so do I. 

Peace & Love,

—Pastor Dwayne