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Marilyn's Musings
November 18, 2025
I hope everyone is well on this bright, windy but sunny Monday. It has been very windy this past week which reminds me of winter and we all know it is on its way. I am sitting at my computer with the sun coming in and I am thankful for the warmth I feel from it. (a little note on being thankful for the little things every day) Have any of you thought of small things to be thankful for this past week?
I’d like to talk to you about a quote from Pastor Debbie’s sermon on Sunday. I asked her to send it to me so I could make sure I have it correct. Here it is: “This a direct quote from the sermon, "Bible sales surged significantly in September 2025, with 2.4 million copies sold, marking a 36% increase compared to the same month in 2024. This rise is attributed to a growing interest in faith during times of national turmoil and uncertainty…the majority of the increase is coming from 18–34-year-olds." It was an AI generated quote and the source citation was jubileecast.com.” I would suggest you check out this website as it is very interesting and Christian based. What do you think of that information? I find it amazing, inspiring and wonderful. I don’t know what other words to use to describe it. Bible sales surging 36% in one month compared from one year to another! This year has been a tumultuous time. I believe the world is in trouble with all the wars and disagreements with the leaders of the countries. It scares me until I realize with these numbers of people looking to God for help, for answers, for support or for whatever reason, that we are headed in the right direction. When I look at the ages of the people that are looking to God now, I realize this is the generation that will be taking care of the world in the years to come. Remember there is always hope “out there”. God is with us as He has proved time and time again. We just have to listen to Him and this younger generation is starting to do that. What a wonderful thing to be thankful for as we head into Thanksgiving and Advent. Imagine 2.4 million more people thinking about Advent and what it means. It’s kind of hard to get your head around it, but it is happening and happening now.
Another thought for all of us to be thankful for is the amazing turn out for the donation day this past Saturday. Scott talked about it on Sunday but when he said how the community turn out was amazing it really hit home with me. These are people that aren’t all members of Old North. These are people, as Scott said, that are part of our community. People helping people – that is what it is all about. Saturday at Old North was a perfect example of that.
Here are a few verses to think about:
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Luke 3:11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
Proverbs 18:16 A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
These are verses from the Bible that are the perfect example of how Old North follows God’s commandments.
Let’s join together and sing a song of thanksgiving for all we, as a church, have and are able to share.
“Thanks to God for My Redeemer”
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Emf-65fs828&si=RouFeqB3KDNE3Wix
