CLICK ABOVE TO SEE OUR FACEBOOK EDITION.
Autumn's last color. Larch trees.
Photo By 
Curt Weinhold
 
List your Yard Sale FREE on our Auction & Yard Sale page: Send to shurfine40@gmail.com

Fire & EMS Calls

Natural Gas Leak In Wellsboro
Coudersport Ambulance To Ross Glen Rd.
One Vehicle Crash In Ulysses
Bolivar Dispatched For A Man Fallen Off A Roof In Genesee NY.
Roulette Ambulance To Railroad Ave.

July 2023

Jack J. JONES, 72, of Wellsville, NY

0 Comments

Jack J. JONES, 72, of Wellsville, NY, died Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Mercy Hospital, Buffalo. 

Born September 7, 1950, in Wellsville, he was the son of Robert and Rachel J. McAllister Jones. 

Jack attended Whitesville Central School.  He was employed by the Parks and Recreation Department with the Village of Wellsville.  Jack was a member of Wellsville Moose.  

Surviving are:  two daughters, Melanie (Randy) Doerr of Jacksonville, NC and Melinda (Jason) Dunham Raleigh, NC;  four grandchildren, Megan Doerr, Brandon Doerr, Sadie Dunham, and Savannah Dunham;  five siblings, Nancy Payne of North Fork, PA, Susan Cornish, Debbie Button, Becky (Victor) Torpey, all of Wellsville, and Tom (Lisa) Jones of Olean;  uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Jeffrey Jones;  a brother, David Jones;  and a sister, Linda Force. 

Services will be private. 

Cremation was at Olney-Foust Private Crematory. 

Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

FREE OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT SERIES TO FEATURE MOLLY’S BOYS JUGBAND THIS FRIDAY, JULY 21 AT 4:30 P.M. AT THE DEANE CENTER

0 Comments

Members of Molly’s Boys are: (from left to right) John Sweeney and Gerry Cavaliere, both on guitar and Dave Driskell on any instrument but guitar.

At 4:30 p.m. this Friday, July 21, the free outdoor summer concert series will feature Molly’s Boys

Jugband on the outdoor stage located on the Central Avenue side of the Deane Center for the Performing Arts building at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.

If weather becomes an issue, this free concert will be moved into the Coolidge Theatre. Donations are always appreciated. 

This three-member group plays blues, folk, rock, and original tunes. With two guitars and a woodwind player they perform their music with feeling and expertise.

More

CHERRY SPRINGS STATE PARK IS OFFERING FREE IN-PERSON PROGRAMS THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, JULY 21 AND 22  

0 Comments

Free, in-person programs are being held this Friday and Saturday, July 21 and 22 at Cherry Springs State Park at 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, Pa. 16915. The park is 12 miles from Route 6 in Galeton via West Branch Road and 15 miles from Coudersport via Route 44. 

Star gazing programs are in the Night Sky Public Viewing Area. Park in the gravel lot and follow the walkway next to the restrooms to the seating area. 

Check the Clear Sky Chart or Astrospheric for 48-hour forecasts of cloud cover and viewing conditions. 

Registration is encouraged but not required for free in-person programs. The public may choose to register because those who do will receive an email if a program is cancelled or modified due to weather, etc. 

Park Welcome & Walking Tour is This Friday, July 21 from 8pm to 8:45pm

Arriving early for a Night Sky Program? Meet park staff at the kiosk by the Night Sky Public Viewing Area to go on a short, guided walk of park facilities, learning about their past, present and future. Expect to walk less than a mile on mostly level terrain. The kiosk is next to the restrooms near the gravel lot. All ages are welcome.

Launch Into Space: Yard Games are This Saturday, July 22 from 7pm to 7:45pm

Launch into space by joining park staff for astronomy-themed educational yard games. These games will provide an introduction to astronomy and are a great way to ease into the Night Sky Tour program. Registration is not required for this fun, family-friendly, free event.

Nature at Night is This Saturday, July 22 from 8pm to 8:45pm

Arriving early for a Night Sky Program? Join park staff for a family-friendly Nature at Night program. These programs feature fascinating creatures, such as fireflies, owls, bats, black bears and more. Have questions or like to know when a specific topic or animal will be featured during a Nature at Night program, email cherryspringsee@pa.gov  or call the park office at 814-435-1037. 

Or, bring a picnic. Picnic tables and charcoal grills are on site next to the Night Sky Public Viewing Area.

Night Sky Tour: Introduction to the Summer Sky is This Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22 from 9:15pm to 10pm

Wish you knew your way around the night sky? Experience the wonder of a starry night at Cherry Springs State Park through a laser-guided tour conducted by park staff. It’s great for beginners. Learn how to find the Big Dipper and the North Star and a few key summer constellations. Listen as the legends and myths surrounding these mysterious patterns in the sky are recounted and find out about the park’s history, current use, and the importance of dark night skies

Through Our Telescopes: Night Sky Basics is This Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22 from 10pm to 11pm

Under the guidance of park volunteers and staff, embark on an amazing telescope tour of the night sky. Look through park telescopes at some of the key features of the night sky – planets, stars, and more.

No pre-registration is required. Telescopes are available on a first-come, first-served basis for the time listed subject to staff and volunteer availability, weather conditions, and crowd size limitations.

Register at https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park for park programs. Questions? Call 1-814-435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.

HILLS CREEK STATE PARK IS HOLDING FREE IN-PERSON PROGRAMS THIS FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JULY 21, 22 AND 23

0 Comments

Coming up at Hills Creek State Park at 111 Spillway Road, Wellsboro, PA 16901-9676 are free in-person programs this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 21, 22 and 23. The park is seven miles northeast of Wellsboro in Charleston Township via Charleston Street and Hills Creek Lake Road.  

Raccoons

From 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. this Friday, July 21 at the park’s Nature Center, learn about the life of raccoons and how to keep campsites raccoon-free. Mounts, hides and other visuals will be displayed.

Deer Processing

This Saturday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the park’s. Group Tenting Area, Kip Adams with the National Deer Association will do a demonstration on how to process a deer for consumption. Park in the grass area in front of the dumpsters. This program may not be appropriate for all audiences.

Nature and Park Trivia

From 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. this Sunday, July 23, join park staff at the park’s Nature Center Area to play a fun, Jeopardy-style game to test your wildlife and park knowledge.

Register Now for Critter Call

Preregistration is required for Critter Call, a nighttime program being held on Saturday, July 29 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. It offers participants a chance to see nocturnal wildlife in a unique way. The number that can participate is limited to 12, including adults and children ages 10 and up. To register, call 570-724-4246 or stop in at the park office. After a brief orientation, the group will travel to spots in and around the park to “call in” a gray fox using night lights and an electronic game call. Other species that may possibly be encountered will be deer, raccoons, owls, and coyotes. Critter Call involves discreetly hiking into the woods and calling from several locations. Participants should be prepared to drive short distances, wear scent-free, dark colored clothing and remain quiet, both coming and going. No flashlights are allowed. This program is not suitable for young children or those with difficulty walking at night in a woodland setting.

For more information, call the Hills Creek State Park office at 570-724-4246 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays.

Beatrice Earle-Fourness (Betty), 51

0 Comments

Beatrice Earle-Fourness (Betty), born on 9/30/1971, at the young age of 51, in her home; passed away on 7/18/2023.

Daughter of Williard and Mary Rose Baynum.

Survived by her husband, Wayne Kelley; 2 brothers, Joe and John Baynum; 3 children, Geraldine Beatrice May Britton, Damien Storm Fourness, and Mystic Kae Fourness; three grand kids; Kaidance Xzavier Lhiam Britton, Willow Grayce Leigh Britton, and Jasper Osmond Landon Britton.

There will be a gathering at the Austin dam park for a final farewell and goodbye for anyone that wants to attend.

Carol J. Wenzel, 77, of Coudersport, formerly of Warren, PA

0 Comments

“loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother”

Carol J. Wenzel, 77, of Coudersport, formerly of Warren, PA passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023, in UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport, after a short illness.

Born on Wednesday, October 10, 1945, in Jamestown, N.Y., she was a daughter of William and Frances Przybelinski Wermter.  On July 18, 1964 in Warren, she married Ronald L. Wenzel, who survives.

Carol was a graduate of Warren High School.  She was employed as a ward clerk at Warren General Hospital for 36 years until her retirement.

Carol enjoyed raising animals and also enjoyed crocheting.  Her greatest love was her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband Ronald of 59 years; a son, William (Sarah) Wenzel of Coudersport; four grandchildren, Kyle, Amber, Wyatt, and Sydney; three sisters, Sandy Weaver, Linda (Kenny) Shaffer, and Sue Albinio; a brother, William “Pete” (Regis) Wermter; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents. Carol was predeceased by her daughter, Rhonda Wenzel.

In keeping with Carol’s wishes, there will be no public visitation.  Private burial services will be held in the Sweden Hill Cemetery, Coudersport.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Carol’s name may be made to Paws Along the River Humane Society, 212 Elm Street, Warren, PA 16365.

Carol’s family entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Carol, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Mark A. Dussia, 55, of Warren, PA

0 Comments

Mark A. Dussia, 55, of Warren, PA, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023.  He was born in Ridgway, PA., on October 23, 1967, son of Louie Dussia and Mary Lutz Maines.  Mark was a 1985 graduate of Warren High School, where he played trumpet in the marching band and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Mark was the service technician and shop manager at Dreamboat Marine and Hobby Shop in Starbrick, PA., where he worked with his father for the past 38 years. He had the reputation as the number one certified Mercury Mercruiser Technician in the area and was sought out for his analytical skills.

He was devoted to his family and loved spending time with them.  He was an avid and studied chess player.  He had a passion for classic Mopars and VWs and owned various classical automobiles over the years.  He was a dedicated weightlifter and strove to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  He was an assistant scout master for Boy Scout Troop 8, served as their treasurer, and was affectionately known to them as “Mara’s Dad.”  He was also a member of the International Order of the Odd Fellows Lodge 339 in Warren PA.

In addition to his parents, Mark is survived by his wife, Tammy Robinault Dussia, daughter – Mara Dussia, stepson, Tanner Rosenberg (Devon), stepdaughter, Taylor Lent, and 3 step grandchildren, Kora, Klay, and Clara. 

Mark was preceded in death by his sister, Melanie Dussia Martire.  A private celebration of Mark’s life will be held at the convenience of the family.  E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.delewisfuneralhome.com  The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA., has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Raymond E. Lowe Jr., 73, of Warren, PA

0 Comments

Raymond E. Lowe Jr., 73, of Warren, PA, passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023, in the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House, after a brief illness.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)

0 Comments

FacebookWebsiteBioLatest NewsState FormsPhoto GalleryContact
Capitol Update Friday, July 21, 2023
The latest news from the State Capitol 

You are welcome to contact me through this link.
 
EMS Task Force Set to Meet Thursday


 
Continuing the effort to find solutions to the state’s growing EMS crisis, I plan to convene our first EMS Task Force meeting at 6 p.m. this Thursday, July 27.

The meeting will be held in person at the McKean County Department of Emergency Services in Smethport; however, people who are interested in participating but unable to attend in person will be able to join remotely.

The task force is an offshoot of the EMS Town Meeting we held in May. Several people signed up for the task force following that meeting, but others who are interested are welcome to join in.

All who plan to attend should RSVP to Rhonda Race in my office at rrace@pahousegop.com.

The McKean County Department of Emergency Services is located at 17175 U.S. Route 6, Smethport.
    
Bradford Senior Citizens Expo Aug. 4



Please join us on Friday, Aug. 4, for the Bradford Senior Citizens Expo!

Open to senior citizens and their family members and caregivers, the event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Sports and Fitness Gymnasium, Campus Drive, Bradford.

The event is free to attend, and lunch will be provided. State, county and local exhibitors will be on hand to distribute information and answer questions about a variety of issues. Health screenings will also be offered, and door prize drawings will be held at 12:30 p.m.

If you can’t make it this time, mark your calendar for additional expos scheduled later this year. We’ll be at the Kane Community Center on Friday, Sept. 8, and the Roulette Fire Hall on Friday, Oct. 13. Both events run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information about the senior expos, contact the Bradford office at 814-362-4400. Information is also available at RepCauser.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/RepCauser.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the expo, our offices in Bradford and Kane will be closed all day on Friday, Aug. 4. The office in Coudersport will remain open and may be reached by calling 814-274-9769.
    
Come See Us at the Potter County Fair!



The Potter County Fair starts next weekend, and once again, my office will have a table set up offering a variety of brochures and booklets about state programs and services, as well as state maps. The table will be staffed in the evenings from Monday, Aug. 1, through Friday, Aug. 5. Please stop by!! More information about the fair schedule is available here.
    
Grants Awarded in Eldred


Eldred residents will benefit from much-needed water and sewer line improvements thanks to state grants totaling nearly $8.5 million.

A grant of $4.67 million was awarded to the borough of Eldred to replace approximately 9,650 feet of existing sanitary sewer collection pipe. Additionally, the Barden Brook and Shields pump stations, last upgraded in 1996 and 2003 respectively, will be replaced.

A grant of $3.79 million was awarded to the Eldred Borough Water Authority to replace approximately 9,600 feet of existing distribution waterline with polyvinyl chloride waterline. A dozen fire hydrants are also set to be replaced.

Work on both projects will coincide with the paving of State Route 446 by PennDOT to minimize construction impacts in the community. The grants were awarded by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority.
    
Bill to Help Prevent Medicaid Fraud Advances


Working to protect taxpayer dollars, a bill to help prevent fraud within the Medicaid program has been approved by the House Human Services Committee.
 
House Bill 876 would require any Medicaid provider to use a National Provider Identifier (NPI) when submitting claims for reimbursement. The NPI is a unique identification number for covered health care providers mandated by federal law. If the provider does not have an NPI, they would be required to register for a State Provider Identifier (SPI) with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

The bill also would clarify where civil claims for Medicaid fraud can be filed. Both initiatives were recommended as part of a grand jury investigation of the state’s Medicaid program.

The bill is pending consideration by the full House.
  
PennDOT Seeking Workers for Winter Maintenance Program


While we are still feeling the summer heat, PennDOT is preparing for cooler temperatures by gearing up for its winter maintenance program.

Positions available may include CDL equipment operators, mechanics, dispatchers, tradesman helpers and semi-skilled laborers. The positions pay between $15.88-$22.80 an hour. The winter maintenance program runs from September through April.

Anyone wishing to apply should visit www.employment.pa.gov and go to the PennDOT Winter Maintenance Program posting under the “Open Jobs” section of the website.
  
Fee Reduction to Help PA Families Save for Future Education Expenses

Pennsylvanians looking to save for their child’s future education expenses will see a reduction in operational fees for the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program Investment Plan (IP).

The reduction will save PA 529 IP account owners an estimated $579,000 over the next year.

The PA 529 IP offers a variety of portfolios for families to choose from, including target enrollment date options that automatically reallocate assets as a child approaches their anticipated date of enrollment.

PA 529 accounts are designed to help Pennsylvania families steadily and strategically save for future educational expenses – including costs associated with universities, community colleges, trade schools, apprenticeships and K-12 education – all with significant state and federal tax advantages.

For more information about saving for education with PA 529, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000.

Nancy J. Yeager, 85, Eldred, PA

0 Comments

Nancy J. Yeager, loving wife, mother, grandma and GG, died Saturday (July 15, 2023).

She was born on Sept. 20, 1937 in Kane, and was the daughter of Robert and Agnes Schneller. On June 16, 1956, she married the love of her life, Robert E. “Bob” Yeager, who survives, along with Julie A. Yeager and Steven E. Yeager (Amy Hill).

Nancy had a professional work history in banking as a teller & bookkeeper in San Antonio, Texas, Smethport & Bradford. She also worked as a cashier at Jubilee in Bradford alongside Helen Hill (mother of Amy). She finally retired from The Engine Doctors, a family-run business in 2001.

Due to Bob being in the Air Force for 22 years, Nancy was able to be a stay-at-home mom. She enjoyed traveling and the many adventures they had. Nancy was an active salt and pepper shaker collector and loved to crochet. She enjoyed attending every event or activity involving her family and grandchildren.
Nancy has several granddaughters as well as great-grandchildren: Kimberly (Josh) Bolibaugh, son (Dakota) & daughter (Natalee); Tamra Yeager (Jeff Baker), daughter (Olivia); Brittney Yeager (Cullen Playter); Brandi (Korby) Evans, daughters Addison & Hazel. Nancy is also survived by her brother Larry (Donna) Schneller of Cyclone; and several nieces/nephews and grandnieces/nephews.

Friends will be received on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at the Frame Funeral Home, Eldred, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at which time funeral services will be held with the Rev. Thomas E. Brown officiating. Entombment will take place in McKean Memorial Park, Lafayette.

Epiphany has just received a $6.1 million loan

0 Comments

Aborted Epiphany PA Wastewater Plant Resurrected w/PENNVEST Loan

CLARION COUNTY | INDUSTRYWIDE ISSUES | PENNSYLVANIA | WASTEWATER

July 20, 2023–Marcellus Drilling News

We love a good “back from the dead” story. In 2017 Epiphany Water Solutions (aka Epiphany Environmental, LLC) filed for a permit to build a centralized oil and gas wastewater treatment facility in Coudersport (Potter County), PA (see Shale Wastewater Treatment Plant Planned for Potter County, PA). The Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) held a public hearing on the proposed facility in January 2018. From that time on, the environmental left launched a smear campaign to defeat it, which subsequently happened in April 2018. But what’s this? Epiphany has just received a $6.1 million loan from the Gov. Shapiro administration to build a similar (same?) plant several counties away–in Clarion County, PA.

Please Login to view this content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

Storm Leaves Austin Without Electricity

0 Comments

Austin Volunteer Fire Department

Last evening a large storm system moved across the area. Station 44 was dispatched at 21:08 for a Tree Down on Power Line with Transformer involved in the Austin Boro. Causing a power outage for the entire Boro.

All Chief & Line Officers responded.

At 21:13 Station 44 was again dispatched for a report of multiple trees down blocking the roadway in Keating Township near the Austin Dam.

Capt 44 (A.Bothell), Chief 44-70 (S.Orlowski) and Patrol 44-24 with Chief 44-10 (J.Burgett) and Chief 44-60 (T.Orlowski) responded to to the first incident. Chief 44-20 (B.Brooks) was first on scene reporting roadway completely blocked. PSP on scene. Roadway was closed.

Patrol 44-4 with Chief 44-30 (S.Hostetlar) responded to the second incident. Chief 44 (J.Rooney) and Lt. 44 (S.Foringer) cleared multiple trees while responding to this incident, and met with Patrol 44-4 to clear additional trees near Jones Run. Once roadway was cleared all units returned to 1st incident.

Patrol 44-24 set up for traffic control on the North side of the incident, while Patrol 44-4 set up flares to mark detour route, Rescue 44-8 with Lt. 44 (S.Foringer) responded to direct traffic South of the incident.

At 22:43 Station 44 was dispatched for a Medical in the Austin Boro. Ambulance 44-6 with Chief 44-60 (T.Orlowski) responded. Penndot relieved Rescue 44-8 who then responded to assist on scene.

At 23:24 Station 44 was dispatched for a second medical in the Austin Boro. Ambulance 44-7 with Lt.44 (S.Foringer) responded.

As of 00:07 Patrol 44-24 and Chief 44 (J.Rooney) remained on scene of the first incident controlling traffic, all other units were back in quarters.

As of 06:25 this morning, Station 44 was dispatched yet again for a Medical in the Austin Boro. Ambulance 44-6 with Chief 44-20 (B.Brooks), Chief 44-60 (T.Orlowski) and Chief 44-70 (S.Orlowski) responded.

During the night Patrol 44-24 was relieved by Penndot. At this time all units are in quarters and available.

As of 09:00 the entire Austin Boro remains without power, with no confirmed ETA for restoration. SR872 remains closed. Detour remains in place, PennDot remains on scene directing traffic.

The Potter County Farmers Market Friday, July 21st

0 Comments

The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors on the square across from the county jail, every Friday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The next market will be this Friday, July 21st. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:

[NOTICE: If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-544-7313 netrabaker@hughes.net]

BLUE MARBLE FARM will be at the market rain or shine with BLACK RASPBERRIES. They have a short growing season so be sure to get them now! We will also have Romaine lettuce, snap peas, snow peas, cucumbers, assorted herb plants and more.   We accept cash, credit cards, and SNAP. For more information, contact Lisa at bluemarblefarm@outlook.com , 814-320-1308 or bluemarblefarm.weebly.com 

CARD CREEK BAKERY will be at the Farmers Market on July 21. There will be Artisan bread selections , baguettes, cinnamon bread, and several items of baked goods, for breakfast, and dessert. Each week there is at least 1 surprise item. Fresh Brown eggs from our hen house will be in the cooler.  If you have a request now or in the future, please contact me. Or call our home. Home 814-544-7313 netrabaker@hughes.net 

MIKE THOMPSON will be a vender this week. Bringing Yellow Squash, Zucchini, Beets and Greens, rhubarb, Candy Onions, Dill Weed and Lettuce. Also Rough Rider Brand Knives and Knife Sharpening while you shop other venders. Accepting FMNP Checks.

JOANIE’S APIARY plans to attend this week with our Local Raw honey and beeswax products

HOPPE LR FARMS will have some creamed honey at the same table as Joanie’s Apiary

CARING CRAFTS will be attending the Market. We have a variety of patterns for our Homemade Travel Pillows. A variety of plastic canvas ornament/magnet pieces that include; NFL logos, character theme, military signs, animals, etc.. Stop by and see us and don’t forget to like/ message us your special order on Facebook @ Caring Crafts. We accept cash payments. Hope to see everyone there!

Think About It.

0 Comments

Traps

by

Pastor B.J. Knefley

The other night I walked into the bedroom at my daughter’s house and found my dog on the bed with something between her front paws. After closer review and to my horror I found that she’d found a glue mouse trap and it was stuck to her feet and the bed. Thankfully she didn’t have it stuck to her face as well. As I went to work freeing her, I also became entangled in the sticky mess. Needless to say, I wasn’t thrilled, but it did make me think.

There are many traps in life that can ingulf us in a mountain of trouble and heartache that we never saw coming. Like the glue trap, they can stick to every part of our life and have a devastating effect upon everyone we associate with, both family and friends. That seemingly little indiscretion, that one more drink, or a simple decision that changes the course of our life forever. They each can and will have lasting and profound effects.

In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is heard mumbling, “Out damn spot, out”, but the problem is she has spilled blood and it won’t come out. Like glue it sticks to her hands to torment and accuse. No amount of washing will change it, the memory and consequences follow her for a lifetime. And so it goes. A little poor choice here, a little there and soon we’re caught up in something that we can’t be separated from.

I’d like to say that I’ve lived a perfect life, but I haven’t. I have made many choices that I regret today. I can’t go back and change them and some, like the glue, are still stuck to me and I can’t get rid of them. But I have learned that they can be redeemed if you let them. When I read the Scriptures, I find many of God’s people who did terrible things, yet God still used them. Why? Simply because they weren’t defined by what they did, but rather by who God is. Saint Paul said that “all things work together for those who are called by God and according to His purpose”, (Romans 8:28). Sometimes the simple solution to dealing with the glue that’s got you stuck is to simply lean into God. He has a way of getting us unstuck. Think about it.

«‹ 11 12 13 14›»