An Above Average Comic…

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When Laurel and I encountered the empty nest, we resolved to still eat meals at our table and to do things together. One of those things became the crossword puzzle in the newspaper. I know — that sounds pretty boring, right? Stay with me here. As an incentive to complete the crossword, we rewarded ourselves with the Jumble. As an incentive to complete the Jumble, we rewarded ourselves with reading the funnies.

It was then we noticed something. The funnies in the newspaper just weren’t funny.

I had all but given up on laughing at comics, until a few months ago, when Drew Stodart started writing them.

They are great — relatable and comical. 

You can read a few here:
http://averagejoecomics.com

Today, I received my own copy of his first book. It’s great stuff, and would make a great gift for a friend.

I got mine on Amazon!

Mahaffey Camp Cottages

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Looking for Cottages for Sale at Mahaffey Camp?

About 25 years ago, Laurel and I borrowed money from my parents and invested it in our family by buying a cottage at Mahaffey Camp. Our children, Tim and Esther, wore out their sneakers running around THEIR Camp. The spiritual enrichment they received was priceless. They made life-changing decisions for Christ in those years. Laurel and I agree, it was one of the best investments we ever made in our children’s lives.

Every year at Mahaffey Camp, someone is faced with the difficult decision to sell their cottage. I resolved, years ago, to help these people by providing a web site where there cottages could be listed for sale. Additionally, this helps people who find themselves where Laurel and I were years ago – looking for a way to invest in the spiritual development of their family.

Dozens of cottages have changed hands through the years. And dozens of new cottage-owning families have been blessed at Mahaffey Camp.

If you are interested in listing a cottage located at Mahaffey Camp for sale here, please read How to List a Cottage.

If you are interested in learning about purchasing a cottage located at Mahaffey Camp, please read About Purchasing.

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Got Trust Issues?

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PRESENTED AT CURWENSVILLE ALLIANCE ON 5/15/2016 BY PASTOR STEVE SHIELDS

You’ve heard people say it, right? “I have trust issues.“ Sure you have. And if you’re like me, you sympathize, but a part of you wants to reply, “And… you think that makes you different than…who?” Struggling to trust is not unique to the few.

Almost everyone I know has trust issues. We’d like to think it’s because of the day in which we live. How can we not struggle to trust when we see so much evil around us. But it’s no more unique to our era than the concept is unique to you or me.

It’s said that the most often repeated command in Scripture is Fear not. Do you ever wonder why? Sure, there are the everyday reasons. Fear leads us backwards. Fear doesn’t accomplish anything extraordinary. Fear stifles. But perhaps there is a more basic reason. Maybe fear is the opposite of trust. Maybe the commonness of the command, Fear not, serves to remind us of the commonness of trust issues.

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Part of Jesus’ mission was to show us the glory of God — filled with grace and truth. And in His statement, I am the good shepherd, Jesus gives us good reason to trust God. He helps us with our trust issues.

This podcast addresses this in ways I hope you find helpful.
~Steve

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