Podcasts about kosciusko

First responders and law-enforcement personnel form an honor procession May 23 along U.S. 87, as they leave La Vernia for Kosciusko for the burial of one of their own. Emergency medical technician and paramedic Jason Miller died May 19; he had served with Wilson County Emergency Service District 3. See full obituary below.Article Link

Prepare for winter weather with this podcast, as we learn from our Operations Manager, Mike Whitaker, about winter electric safety, ways to save on our winter electric bill, and how to handle winter power outages. 

Purchase a dinner plate in support of the Children's Hospital of San Antonio Foundation at the Children's Hospital Trail Ride (CHTR) Fish Fry on Friday, March 28, in the Kosciusko Community Hall. Each plate will include fish, shrimp, fries, coleslaw, and hush puppies for . Sausage wraps will also be available for . Patrons can eat their meal in the hall, located at 7975 F.M. 541 south of Stockdale, or take it to go starting at 5 p.m., until the food runs out. Continue to support CHTF on Saturday, March 29, at their 37th annual Trailride and Benefit Dance. Dinner...Article Link

The Roger Winkler Memorial Foundation will host its Roger Winkler Memorial Bingo fundraiser on Sunday, March 23, at Kosciusko Hall, located at 7975 FM 541 south of Stockdale. Doors open at 1 p.m. with bingo beginning at 2 p.m. Bingo packages, each containing nine cards for 12 games, are . Cash prizes of per session and 0 for cover-all will be awarded. Guests can enjoy concessions and baked good as well. All proceeds benefit scholarships and community programs. For information, call Becky at 210-391- 3009 or Penne at 830-391- 0817 or visit rogerwinklerfoundation.com. Licensed by Roger Winkler Memorial Foundation,...Article Link

Creative director and product designer Isabelle Kosciusko discusses her recent pregnancy and birth when, despite aiming for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), her baby wouldn't stop doing somersaults. Connect with the guest: @isabellekm and isabellek.design Ohm Mama: Dr. B's birth meditation as mentioned by Isabelle Want more pregnancy + parenting?  Informed Pregnancy Plus is a new streaming platform by pregnancy focused chiropractor Dr. Elliot Berlin. Dedicated to pregnancy, parenting, and everything in between, IP+ offers everything from prenatal workouts and yoga flows to original series and iconic birth films like The Business of Being Born. (Pssst, subscriptions are a great gift for parents-to-be!) Start your FREE TRIAL of Informed Pregnancy+ and get access to all our curated pregnancy and parenting content HERE!  Keep up with Dr. Berlin and the Informed Pregnancy Project online! informedpregnancy.com Informed Pregnancy on Youtube Informed Pregnancy Media on LinkedIn @doctorberlin Facebook X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Compete in the 29th annual Children's Hospital Trail Ride BBQ Cook off on Friday and Saturday, March 7-8, at Kosciusko Hall, 7975 F.M. 541, south of Stockdale. Cash only entry fee of 0 or for jackpots can be paid the day of the event. Categories include chicken, ribs, and brisket. There will also be a Friday night Cooks Choice and Saturday Kid's Cook for each. A combined guaranteed ,000 payout for grand and reserve champions and first through fifth meat category winners. Gift certificates will be awarded for sixth through 10th meat category winners. Spectators can enjoy a...Article Link

Poth Project Celebration Class of 2025 presents Miss Cibolo Pageant on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Kosciusko Hall, 7975 F.M. 541 south of Stockdale. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a night of fun, laughter, dinner, and a show. The pageant will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets for the entire evening are . General admission tickets will be available for at the door, starting at 6:45 p.m. for the pageant only. To purchase tickets, contact any senior class member or contact Rosa Ramon at 830-484-5451. All proceeds benefit Poth Project Celebration Class of 2025.Article Link

Hadi Nazari es un estudiante de medicina, de 23 años de edad, que desapareció el 26 de diciembre en el Parque Nacional de Kosciusko. Fue encontrado este miércoles. Se alimentó durante casi dos semanas de dos barritas de muesli, agua de arroyo y frutas del bosque. Además, te damos consejos para no perderse en los bosques y qué hacer para que te encuentren.

Sintonía: "Wedding Cake Island" - Midnight Oil"Run By Night" - "Cold Cold Change" - "Back On The Borderline" - "Don´t Wanna Be The One" - "Only The Strong" - "Read About It" - "US Forces" - "Best Of Both Worlds" - "Kosciusko" - "Progress" - "Hercules"Todas las músicas compuestas e interpretadas por Midnight OilEscuchar audio

I am thrilled to have Maree Connor on the podcast for the second time. Maree recently returned from running the iconic Spartathlon Ultramarathon - a 246km journey from Athens to Sparta along the route run by Pheidippides, an ancient Athenian long distance runner, who in 490 BC, before the battle of Marathon, was sent to Sparta to seek help in the war between the Greeks and the Persians. Maree has achieved so much in this sport in such a few short years, and has established herself as one of Australia's best ultramarathon runners. A 2 x time Australian representative, Maree has a long list of achievements including 2 x wins at the Brisbane Trail Ultra 100 miler, 2 x wins at Coast to Kosciusko 240km, 3rd place Badwater 135 mile (including being the 10th faster female ever to finish Badwater) and so much more. Listen to the 1st interview with Maree here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/mindset-for-runners/id1593071800?i=1000636354502 Follow Maree here: https://www.instagram.com/mareeconnor_/ Rob Mason Runs Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1921857798263861 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robmasonruns/

How does KREMC determine whose power to restore first when a significant outage occurs? Assistant Manager of Operations Mike Whitaker joins us on the podcast to discuss the restoration process during large scale power outages.

Charlie Musselwhite and Elvin Bishop, two towering legends in the blues world, have carved their places in music history through decades of innovation, collaboration, and a shared love for the blues. Both emerged from the heart of Chicago's thriving 1960s blues scene, though they took distinct paths that would eventually lead to an unforgettable partnership. Musselwhite, born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, grew up surrounded by the rich musical traditions of Delta blues, country, and gospel. Moving to Chicago in the early 1960s, he quickly became part of the city's electric blues explosion, playing alongside legends like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. His 1967 debut album, Stand Back! Here Comes Charley Musselwhite's Southside Band, was a groundbreaking success, blending traditional blues with elements of jazz, rock, and country, and establishing him as one of the foremost harmonica players in the world. Over the years, Musselwhite's deep, soulful harmonica playing and gritty, heartfelt vocals earned him multiple Grammy Awards and Blues Music Awards, solidifying his place as a key figure in the preservation and progression of blues music. Elvin Bishop, born in California and raised in Oklahoma, brought his own unique style to the blues. Influenced by the sounds of country and rhythm and blues, Bishop's guitar playing drew from his Southern roots, blending blues with rock and country in a way that was both electrifying and soulful. After moving to Chicago to attend the University of Chicago, Bishop found himself immersed in the local blues scene, joining forces with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band in the early 1960s. His time with the band was pivotal, as they helped pioneer the fusion of blues and rock, which would soon come to define much of the music of that era. Bishop's solo career took off in the 1970s, highlighted by the massive hit “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” (1976), which remains a classic of the rock and blues genres. Over the course of his career, Bishop has released more than 20 albums, receiving critical acclaim for his fiery guitar work, playful lyrics, and his seamless blending of blues, boogie-woogie, country, and rock. The collaboration between Musselwhite and Bishop brought together two titans of blues who shared a deep respect for the genre's traditions while continuously pushing its boundaries. The pair had crossed paths many times throughout their careers, but their formal collaboration came to full fruition with the release of their album 100 Years of Blues (2020). The album, steeped in the authenticity of their combined experience, features raw, unfiltered blues with a modern twist. Their chemistry, honed over years of friendship and mutual admiration, shines through on every track, with Musselwhite's masterful harmonica complementing Bishop's electrifying guitar riffs and distinctive vocals. Together, Charlie Musselwhite and Elvin Bishop represent a unique blend of two blues journeys that began in the same place but evolved along different paths. Whether playing in a stripped-down duo format or backed by a full band, their collaboration embodies the timelessness of the blues while showcasing the creative innovation that has kept the genre alive and thriving for over half a century. Today, they continue to perform and record, keeping their sound fresh, vital, and deeply rooted in the authentic blues tradition, ensuring that their legacy will influence future generations of musicians and fans alike.

Dance to the music of “The Countyline Band” Saturday, Sept. 21, in Kosciusko, and help RoundUp4Charity assist veterans and first responders in South Central Texas. RoundUp4Charity, a 501(c)3 organization, serves other nonprofits in Comal, Guadalupe, and Wilson counties. It began in Comal County, working to inspire community members to action; Russell Hansmann and Kathleen McDonald founded the organization in 2023. RoundUp4Charity hosts game nights and community dances, providing a safe environment where people can gather, forge friendships, and provide ways to help those who need help. All the organization's events are family friendly. The primary focus is on supporting veterans,...Article Link

Today, we're in with the First Lady of Jackson State University, LaToya Redd Thompson, Esq. for our first stop, to learn about this year's Mary E. Peoples Scholarship Luncheon, featuring "The View's" Sunny Hostin, Sep. 12th at the Jackson Convention Complex, then we're off to check out what's happening around your neck of the woods before a final stop in Kosciusko for the 4th Annual Mississippi's Hottest Wing Competition at Jason's Southern Table, August 17th! Stay tuned, buckle up and hold on tight for your Next Stop MS! Next Stop, Mississippi is your #1 on-air source for information about upcoming events and attractions across the state. Get to know the real Mississippi! Each week the show's hosts, Germaine Flood and Kamel King, Tourism Development Bureau Manger with Visit Mississippi, highlight well-known and unknown places in Mississippi with the best food, parks, music and arts. They'll not only tell you what's going on in your neck of the woods, but also share the history and people behind the markets, sporting events, concerts, fairs and festivals all over Mississippi. Hear the personal stories and traditions behind that favorite event you attend each year on Next Stop, Mississippi. Check out our Sipp Events calendar to help plan your next trip! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Henderson and Justin Jones are lead linemen who have been with KREMC for more than twenty years. They discuss what life on the line entails in this episode of Live Wire.

Our Drive-Through Annual Meeting is quickly approaching! We sat down with Assistant Manager of Operations Mike Whitaker to reflect on our cooperative's Annual Meeting tradition and discuss the ins and outs of this year's event. 

Felicia Thompson(Director - Crystal Springs Parks & Rec) on the Taste of the Blues in Crystal Springs, and Pati Edwards(Operations Manager - Kosciusko Attala Partnership) on the Natchez Trace Festival in Kosciusko.

On this episode of Live Wire, we talk with Sarah Marsh from the member services team about an upcoming Lunch & Learn event, celebrate our fearless linemen, discuss the Spotlight on Excellence awards, and preview the Annual Drive-Through Meeting. 

No one likes to receive an unusually high electric bill. What causes a higher bill and what steps can you take to cut costs? Supervisor of Member Services Nichole Fifer joins us to discuss how to troubleshoot high bills and power up your energy savings.

Boomerang Backpacks was a recent recipient of an Operation Round Up grant. Mallika Klingaman and Stavrani Christos join us on the podcast to talk about the organization and it's tremendous impact in our community.

DPI on the latest seasonal conditions reportThe latest on the brumby cull in Kosciusko alpine parkProject manager for the Stromlo wind farm James Hamilton 

https://www.briandickinson.net/ HIS BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Blind-Descent-Surviving-Alone-Everest/dp/1414391706/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1433969869 BACKGROUND  RELATIONSHIP WITH FATHER JOIN NAVY Former US Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer / Combat Search and Rescue WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF IN MILITARY? BIGGEST ADJUSTMENT DURING THE TRANSITION TO CIVI LIFE? HOW BECAME A MOUNTAINEER? MOUNTAINEER RESUME  – Everest, Island Peak, Aconcagua, Patagonia, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Kosciusko, Vinson Massif, Cascades, Waddington Range (British Columbia), Alaska Range, Canadian Rockies, Smokies, Sierras, White Mountains, Appalachian, Andes, Himalaya, Caucasus Mountains (Russia), Sierra Nevada Range (Spain) and Sentinel Range (Antarctica).  HOW MUCH TRAINING & PREPARATION IS INVOLVED? QUESTION: IS YOUR CLAIM TO FAME CLIMBING MT EVEREST OR COMING DOWN IT BLIND BOOK: BLIND DESCENT AMAZON #1 BEST SELLER FOR MOUNTAIN CLIMBING  DECISION TO CLIMB MOUNT EVEREST TAKE ME THRU THE ASCENT | HOW LONG TO REACH PEAK? BIGGEST THREAT OR RISK? WHAT IS THE DEATH ZONE? DISCUSS SNOW BLINDNESS eyesight typically returns in 24 hours, but I wouldn't regain my full eyesight for a month and a half. QUOTE: “I learned in my military training as a US Navy Air Rescue Swimmer, that panic kills, so I did what I needed to do to force that panicky feeling out and focus on taking one more step forward. I knew that there was a 99.99% chance I wasn't going to survive, but I never let that thought cross my mind.” HOW DO WE OVERCOME PANIC? WHAT IS THE KEY INGREDIENT TO MENTAL TOUGHNESS? “I can tell you that there are two things that got me down the mountain: faith and focus.  Focus is ironic since I couldn't see a thing. I was completely blind, but I knew what I needed to do to get down. I had to fight off panic and dig deep to find grit and resilience and to do whatever it took to take one more step forward.  Faith. I reached a point where I couldn't go on anymore and I surrendered to God. He was there the entire time, waiting for me to get out of my own way and rely on Him. “ WHERE WOULD YOUR FAITH BE IF YOU HADN'T LOST YOUR SIGHT THAT DAY? LIFE VERSE: ““Be still, and know that I am God.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭ BEFORE OR AFTER EVEREST? LEVEL OF TRUST: HOW WE INCREASE TRUST IN GOD? QUOTE:  “It's when we get out of our own way, check our ego, and surrender with confidence that we begin to live.” CLOSE: “Living at altitude is far from glorious. It's a suffer fest and it takes everything you have to figure out a reason to take one more step forward. But eventually—if you can get out of your mind and push through with continued resilience—you'll take those final steps and reach the top of the world” MANY PEOPLE LIVE A LIFE OF SUFFERING:  ASVICE TO FINDING A REASON FOR ONE MORE STEP WHEN ALL THE STEPS HAVE BEEN LANDMINES? HOW DID YOU GET OUT OF YOUR OWN MIND DURING THE BLIND DESCENT?

This time of year is special and our members are known to come to KREMC with generous hearts. Several KREMC employees share their memories of members giving back.

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Season 4  |  Episode 66 “A Life Well-Lived in Kosciusko County” Series The Clearly Kosciusko Podcast is powered by KEDCO and DreamOn Studios in partnership with Tippy River Adventures and Visit Kosciusko County. [1:00] Meet Amy Roe of HELP Kosciusko, Kelsea DeGaetano of Kelsea Designs and Pierceton Chamber of Commerce, and Amanda Yaprak, Town of Mentone Clerk [3:00] What is the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP)? [5:50] Participating HELP communities: Pierceton, Mentone, Milford & Etna Green [13:00] How community engagement led to projects that are underway [24:20] Creating “one” Kosciusko County [26:30] What makes our rural communities special [35:20] What “Clearly Kosciusko” means to Amanda, Kelsea & Amy Additional Resources: Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG)   Are you new to the community or considering moving to the Kosciusko County area? We invite you to learn more about KEDCO's Talent Initiative. Want the scoop on events and happenings? Subscribe to our newsletter and connect with us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

What does it mean to be a co-op member? We explore the history of rural electric cooperatives and talk with VP of Member Services, Stephanie Scott, about the benefits of co-op membership and resources available to KREMC members.

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Season 4  |  Episode 65 “A Life Well-Lived in Kosciusko County” Series   The Clearly Kosciusko Podcast is powered by KEDCO and DreamOn Studios in partnership with Tippy River Adventures and Visit Kosciusko County. [1:40] Meet Sherry Searles of LaunchPad & Miriel McFarland of Instrumental Machine & Development (IMD) [4:10] A community effort - why LaunchPad was created [7:40] How IMD is trailblazing in this arena as a local business – IMD Early Learning Center [10:30] Key partnerships in bringing more early learning offerings to the community [18:18] POLYWOOD + Wawasee Schools partnership [19:20] How to get involved in supporting early learning as a local business – grant funding for employers coming soon [34:00] Wish list - Bringing a “play café” to the community [35:20] What “Clearly Kosciusko” means to Miriel & Sherry   Additional Resources: Early Childhood Alliance Early Learning Marketplace Kosciusko County Historical Society Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce United Way of Whitley & Kosciusko Counties   Are you new to the community or considering moving to the Kosciusko County area? We invite you to learn more about KEDCO's Talent Initiative. Want the scoop on events and happenings? Subscribe to our newsletter and connect with us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

This episode of Live Wire features Shannon Jenks, an area coordinator for Ryan's Case for Smiles. Ryan's Case for Smiles is a recent recipient of a Kosciusko REMC Operation Round Up grant. Shannon shares the story of this impactful non-profit organization that is working to bring resources, tools, and hope to children with serious illnesses and their families. 

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Season 4 “Investing in Talent” series [4:00] Meet the Kosciusko By Choice panel: Roberto De Frias, Zimmer Biomet; Cassandra Poirier, Brew City Roasting Company; and Alex Wild, Wild Thing Tax [10:30] Building a network and getting connected in Kosciusko County [13:55] The combination of cultures & community support here [19:20] If you're visiting or just moved here, you must check out these things... [21:10] Some favorite local spots and activities [27:45] The lakes are accessible to everyone [31:50] What “Clearly Kosciusko” means to Roberto, Cassandra and Alex  Additional Resources: Lake Wawasee Courthouse Coffee 100+ local lakes Trails Syracuse Library Winona Lake Limitless Park Habitat for Humanity ONE Warsaw Are you new to the community or considering moving to the Kosciusko County area? We invite you to learn more about KEDCO's Talent Initiative. Want the scoop on events and happenings? Subscribe to our newsletter and connect with us on social media: Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram.

Lakesha Green, Lorena Oplinger and Rusty Martinez journeyed to Kosciusko County for different reasons. Hear why these three have chosen to stay and call K-County home.

Bo and Blake talk SEC football and conference expansion in the first hour of the show live in the BankPlus Studio. The guys start the day having a little fun talking nonsense like Blake calling Kosciusko high school football and why Bo should have opened a food truck in Seaside. That leads to an interesting discussion about how "location" in college athletics impacts a program's ability to win at a high level despite poor leadership. Bo discusses the latest wave of conference expansion that's bringing Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC and how those programs will change as they enter the league. The guys debate how the new era of SEC football scheduling will impact not only the newcomers but the old guard programs as well. Bo talks about how the Texas A&M and Missouri expansion from a decade ago played out and some of the fallout from that move that was dictated by geography rather than brand power. To wrap up the hour, Alden from Starkville joins the show on the Ben Nelson Golf & Outdoor caller line talking about the Starkville Derby, a wiener dog race for charity being held in May. The guys talk about the ridiculousness that is a wiener dog race and some of the festivities around the race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A l'occasion de la Journée internationale des droits des femmes, découvrez l'histoire d'une femme talentueuse et influente. Une femme qui a profondément transformé le monde des médias par son style novateur en popularisant le genre du talk show. Une femme qui incarne le rêve américain et la méritocratie. Son nom : Oprah Winfrey. De son enfance maltraitée à la femme puissante, découvrez sa True Story. Une enfance difficile Tous les matins et tous les soirs, la petite Oprah se rend au puits, pour ramener de l'eau potable à sa famille. Nous sommes dans l'un des quartiers pauvres de Kosciusko dans le Mississippi. Sa famille c'est alors ses grands-parents, qui l'élèvent durant les 6 premières années de sa vie. Issue d'une union d'un soir entre les adolescents Vernita Lee et Vernon Winfrey, la jeune Oprah est une enfant non désirée. Elle est recueillie par sa grand-mère maternelle, qui l'élève selon les préceptes d'une éducation religieuse et scolaire stricte. Mais dans le même temps, sa grand-mère la maltraite… Écoutez la suite de cette histoire incroyable dans ce podcast. Pour découvrir d'autres récits passionnants, cliquez ci-dessous : L'affaire « personne », le jour où les femmes ont obtenu l'un des droits les plus fondamentaux La grève des midinettes, l'une des plus grandes révoltes pour l'égalité Le monstre du Loch Ness, l'une des légendes les plus controversées Ecriture : Hélène Vézier Réalisation : Thomas Debeugny, Antoine Berry Roger Voix : Andréa Brusque Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Connect Mississippi champions women business leaders with a proactive approach to reach their full potential. Learn and connect with other like minded Mississippi women as we gather in the Pines Region of downtown Starkville on February 10th. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.connectmiss.comFollow on Instagram:@connect_mississippiElizabeth @ebc_consultingPodcast • Honey HushShelly @madeinmsmediaPodcast • Made in MississippiMisty @mccrawconsultingPodcast •  Living In Your MissionEpisode Sponsor:Empowered Fitness & Nutrition with Amanda Dolan@empoweredfitnessandnutritionwww.EBCconsultingLLC.com

Part 13 - SERIES: Acts The early Christians often found themselves in trouble due to their faith. Pastor Josh spends some time at the beginning of the message reviewing the difference between descriptive and prescriptive passages of Scripture. This week's passage starts off with Luke describing some of the incredible ways God was at work among the early Christians in Acts 5:12-16. However, their testimony got them into trouble with the Jewish leaders who were jealous of what God was doing, and zealous to put a stop to this "Jesus Movement". When your testimony gets you in trouble you can still boldly and joyfully proclaim Jesus because God is with us!

Part 12 - SERIES: Acts In Acts 4:32 and following, Luke gives us a brief summary statement of the good things happening in the early church. It was a time of God pouring out his grace to provide for this people and his power to protect them. There was great unity among them. Luke gives two examples, one good and one devastating, as these things played out. Barnabas showed great authenticity as he followed the Lord and encouraged believers. Ananias and Sapphira, however, aimed to deceive others—even God—with their inauthenticity. God gives grace and power through the Gospel to purge spiritual deception and nurture authenticity! As you follow Jesus, pursue him honestly, knowing you have nothing to prove because he's proven it for you.

Part 11 - SERIES: Acts Acts 3-4 is the chronicles a crazy 24-48 hours for Peter and John, and all the believers. We read about Peter and John going to the Temple to pray. En route they heal a man, then later get arrested for preaching about Jesus and are forced to appear before the Sanhedrin council. The council–due to fear of the people–lets them go but sternly threatens them not to speak of Jesus any more. After they're released, Peter and John go to their friends—the other believers, tell them everything that happened, and they all respond by praying to God. Their prayers express great trust in God while facing the struggle of the reality they're in (rather than just living in the fantasy that God would keep them from any struggle). When life gets crazy (and when it's not!) pray real prayers and watch God work!

New Years Day | Press On Founding Pastor Tom Speicher preaches from Philippians 3:12-14 and shares his heart for Wawasee Bible in the new year. Life is full of changes. We're instructed to make the most of every day and press on as we follow Jesus.

Light of the World Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” He announced this during the Feast of Tabernacles, an annual feast celebrating and remembering how God had led his people from Egypt, through the wilderness, and home into the Promised Land. God did this with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night to light the way. In the same way Jesus is leading us home through the wilderness. He's the Light of the World, sent to light our way home.

Part 5 - SERIES: Mary's Christmas We wrap up our series turning our attention toward not only Mary but Joseph. Joseph's biggest claim to fame is who he wasn't. We just know him as “not the real dad” of Jesus. Did you also realize that he never speaks a word in the text? In any case, Joseph and Mary both were facing a lot, and God men them in all of it. Christmas reminds us that no matter what we're facing, Almighty God is with us!

Part 4 - SERIES: Mary's Christmas The night of Jesus's birth was an intense one for Mary and Joseph. They had just traveled 70 to 100 miles on foot (or possibly with an animal for Mary to ride on) from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It was a hard journey in general, but especially for someone nine months pregnant. Then there was no place to stay, so Jesus's birth happens in a stable (likely a cave) and he's laid down in a feeding trough to sleep. Then a group of shepherds shows up (maybe with their sheep in tow) and interrupts Mary's rest. But Luke tells us Mary "treasured up these things in her heart". She remembered God's goodness, as he was orchestrating everything to fulfill his plans of good for all peoples everywhere. What are you treasuring up in your heart? Your griefs & grievances, or God's goodness & grace?

Part 3 - SERIES: Mary's Christmas Mary was an exceptional young women, a great example to us in her obedience and faithfulness to God. But her saying yes to God was also saying yes to struggle and suffering. This week we see Mary & Joseph's obedience affect Jesus's. While he was young they had him circumcised and dedicated to the Lord according to the Law. Their obedience as parents would affect his future obedience. But it also lead to their own struggles. Mary would face many heartaches due to following God, however she kept going and God was faithful in his goodness to her. It's the same for us. Obedience and faithfulness to God will bring struggle in this broken world, so keep your eyes on the destination!

Part 2 - SERIES: Mary's Christmas We're looking at the biblical account surrounding Jesus's birth through the eyes of Mary. Mary was a teenager when the angel Gabriel appeared to her and announced (all because of God's grace) that she would give birth to the Son of God. In Luke 1:39-56 we see Mary travel to visit her relative Elizabeth whom God also blessed with a child in her old age. Mary then sings a song of praise to God that seems to be highly influenced by the song of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Mary believed God, was blessed by God, and praised God! What's on your list to praise him for? He's done great things for you, too!

Part 1 - SERIES: Mary's Christmas No one had an experience of the first Christmas like Mary did, and no one else will. This Advent season we're looking at the biblical accounts of Jesus's birth through the eyes of Mary. We'll see her faithfulness as a model for us to follow. This week she's visited by the angel Gabriel who reveals God's incredible call on her life. In the face of all kinds of risk and danger and surely fear… with great courage, Mary says “yes” to God's plan for her. Where do you need to courageously say “yes” to God?

Part 10 - SERIES: Acts If you choose to become a Christian and follow Jesus, life will get better… but it probably will not get easier. When we obey and follow Jesus, opposition is always waiting to discourage, derail, and if possible sabotage our faith. The Apostle Paul wrote to a young pastor, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Jesus says to us, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” In Acts 4, Peter and John are following Jesus, sharing the gospel, even experiencing the Holy Spirit heal people through them! But they also begin facing some real opposition. In the midst of it, we see them trust God, obey him, and choose joy, praising him! We can do the same. Because if you follow Jesus expect opposition—but know God will give you what you need to boldly live & proclaim what he wants!

Part 9 - SERIES: Acts Repentance gets a bad rap. Often in our culture we think of repentance as a bad thing... a weakness, admitting a wrong done, finding nowhere else to turn after an epic failure. But Biblically, repentance is actually a very good thing. A refreshing thing, even. After the Holy Spirit used Peter and John to heal a man who had been crippled since birth, he then empowered Peter's speaking. Peter proclaimed that it was all because of Jesus, and that turning to him (repenting) would bring true, refreshing, renewing life. The kind we all long for. Repentance is when I recognize my sin, see it the way God sees it, turn to Jesus, and receive forgiveness and renewal!

Part 8 - SERIES: Acts Do you believe in miracles? Acts 3:1-10 record a miracle where Peter and John bring healing to a man lame from birth in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Miracles are anchored in the twin truths that God cares about you and God has limitless power. Miracles are rooted in the historical Jesus Christ of Nazareth who went to the cross for us and rose from the dead. Believers live not in despair or resignation but in trust and joy that whether or not we see a "miracle" today God will carry us one day at a time and eventually heal us completely.

Part 7 - SERIES: Acts In Acts 2:42-47 Luke gives a summary of what was taking place in the Church in its earliest days. This passage (like much of Acts) is descriptive rather than prescriptive, meaning it simple tells us what happened. To apply it, then, we must pull out principles to apply to our own life and context, not simply mimic exactly what they did. God gives much freedom in how each local church functions, but clear principles that should exist at its core. Acts 2:42-47 describes the early church and their devotion to God's Word and to one another!

Part 6 - SERIES: Acts After the Spirit's descent, Peter gives the first Christian sermon in Acts 2:14-41. Preaching was what God used to grow the church. On the surface preaching seems a bit foolish, but God has chosen the proclamation of his Word to be at the center of his work in and through the Church. Peter (who had been cowardly afraid of some middle-school aged girls only 50 days earlier) stands up with courage to boldly preach to everyone on that Pentecost morning. He explained everything that was going on from Scripture, how it was all about Jesus and how we all need him!

Part 5 - SERIES: Acts In Acts 2 we see the Holy Spirit descend and empower his people. This week we step back to explore what "spiritual gifts" are. In short, they are God-given and Spirit-empowered spiritual abilities given to every believer in Jesus, according to God's grace, to help them fulfill their God-given personal purpose as part of the Church. God gives common gifts to everyone (common grace) and spiritual gifts to each one who receives Christ—for Jesus's glory, others' good, and your joy!

Part 4 - SERIES: Acts In Acts 2, God's people are celebrating Pentecost (the Festival of Weeks). As part of it, they are remembering God's provision and how he came in power to Mt. Sinai in Exodus 19-20ff and gave the Law. While all this is going on, God shows up again in a history-changing way. Rather than descend on a place in power, the Holy Spirit descends upon a people in power as the Church begins. When someone becomes a Christian, they are baptized with the Holy Spirit (he indwells them). This happens one time in each believer's life at the moment of conversion. Additionally, though, Christians are to be filled with the Spirit, empowered by him. Filling happens multiple times as we abide in Christ. God sends his Holy Spirit to empower us with good news that some receive and others reject.

Part 3 - SERIES: Acts Before Jesus left, he told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them. In Acts 1:12-26 we see them waiting and making a big decision about who would replace Judas on the team. From their process we can discern some principles for making decisions ourselves that honor God. One thing not to miss as we keep going through Acts is that Acts is not about super-Christians, it's about Jesus using messed up people (like us) to build his church.