Better Dirt by Phil You may be familiar with the story of Naaman the leper, but there is an interesting tidbit in the middle you may have overlooked. We learn in 2 Kings 5 that Naaman was the commander of King Aram’s army and was highly respected by one and all. We also discover that this victorious soldier was afflicted with leprosy. Upon hearing of a possible cure in Samaria, King Aram loaded Naaman up with money and fine clothes to pay for his medical treatment. Elisha the prophet...
9 days ago • 1 min read
True Worship by Phil Leading worship at a local church has been a really fun new challenge for me. In our ministry, even though each concert is unique, there are a set number of songs and stories we choose from. As a worship leader, I now also get to do new songs each week! And since my eyesight is not improving with age, I memorize the music. (I have the lyrics in extra large letters on the back screen so I can read those. Now, if the lyric flipper gets distracted and forgets to click the...
16 days ago • 2 min read
Father - The man, the legend, the goof... by Phil My dad passed away when I was 25, so my memories of him were mostly when I was kid. He was a hard worker and could fix anything (I did not inherit that trait). I remember him telling jokes, but I don't think men of that generation felt free to be goofy. I, on the other hand, had no such inhibition. I remember when the kids were little, each time we got gas I would dance around the car while the tank filled. The kids would look out and laugh,...
23 days ago • 1 min read
We interrupt our regularly scheduled ministry news with an important announcement - we are grandparents! Yes, early on Sunday morning, May 18, little Alec Myer Yehle made his debut. He came in at a whopping 6 lbs, 1 oz and 18.5 inches tall (or long, or high?). Mom, dad, and baby are all doing fine and adjusting to their new family life. Grandma and Grandpa (that's us) are thrilled with the little guy. Pam never gets tired of holding him, and Phil is patiently waiting until he is old enough...
30 days ago • 1 min read
DIY Don't! by Phil For those of you brave enough to join me on my latest misadventure, here is a little info that will be useful. Many ShopVacs have two ports so hooking the hose to one creates a vacuum and to the other creates a blower. Keep that in mind as you read on... A few weeks ago I went in for a sleep test to determine if I have sleep apnea. After a long time of being tired, falling asleep anytime I sit down and a covert video Pam took of me sleeping where it sounded like I was...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
The List by Phil Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the "Hall of Faith," where the writer lists a number of historical figures whose lives showed examples of faith in God. Hebrews 12 refers to those named and many others when it says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Roots by Phil I love it when a familiar Bible verse jumps out and reveals something new. During our morning devotions, Pam and I have been going through the book of Ephesians, this time using the New Living Translation of the Bible. When we got to chapter three where Paul is praying for the church at Ephesus, I did a double take. I've always loved this prayer, but this version put a slight twist on verse 17 where I'm used to hearing about Christ dwelling in our hearts through faith and us...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Welcome to May! So much has been happening around Morganville, let's jump right to it! Phil's mom is home from the hospital and rehab and making slow and steady progress. For those of you just tuning in, back in March a neighborhood dog knocked her down in the street. No broken bones but she was pretty banged up. She had to get home and healed up in time for her first great-grandbaby... Which brings us to our oldest daughter and son-in-law who are expecting their first child late this month....
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Donkey Day by Phil Today I'd like to pay homage to the humble donkey, whose unfortunate ancient name has caused much derision and more than a few chuckles. In fact, this poor animal was replaced by a lamb in modern renditions of the classic Christmas song "What Child is This?" If you were ever teased because of your name, you'll empathize with our friend, the donkey. The donkey was domesticated in Africa between 5,000 and 7,000 years ago. They were probably first used as pack animals in Nubia...
2 months ago • 1 min read