Marilyn's Musings
October 6, 2026
Happy October! We have made it through a long hot, rainy summer and are ready to start enjoying the fall weather and the fall celebrations that come along with it.
First of all, I’d like to start with a verse I read during the scripture reading on Sunday. As I have mentioned before, I enjoy doing the readings. I can’t explain why except by reading the story aloud it brings me back to that time. As the Pastor had asked us to do, I put myself in the place of the Israelites and saw the Egyptians coming after me and then seeing what I thought was a dead end with the sea in front of me. What would I do? I would do what they did. Complain to Moses. My fear would cause me to lose my faith in Moses and the Lord. I think that would be a normal reaction. But then I read Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still”. Stop for a moment and think about that, really think about it. We need to only “be still” and the Lord will take care of us. He knows our every need as he knew what His plans were for Moses and the Egyptians.
Here’s another thought – The sea parting! How could that possibly happen? I’ve watched some shows on TV trying to figure out if that really did happen. That’s where my faith comes in. As a child I went to Sunday school every week with my sister and brother. My mother was very active in the Church on the Hill in Cresskill so we spent Sunday mornings there like I spend Sunday mornings at Old North. My kids went to Sunday School at Old North. We all learned this story of what is possible when you are “still” and let God take care of you. I never doubted this story (maybe some would say I am naive?) There are many miracles talked about in the bible. Stories that have been told again and again for thousands of years. I love hearing them over and over again as I pick up something new each time. This time hearing this story I finally realized that Exodus 14:14 is true. There is no doubt in my mind that if I sit and “be still”, God is with me and will take care of me. I just have to do it – “sit, take in a deep breath and believe”. It’s that simple. Think back to the stories from your Sunday School days and what you learned from them that you remember now. You will be surprised how as an adult you remember stories a little differently.
There are a lot of happenings in Old North this fall so I will go week by week talking about them and inviting you to “come on over’ and see what is going on.
On Saturday at the end of this week, we will be having our October Thrift Shoppe Sale. You will be seeing videos posted as the rooms are ready. The ladies work all week setting up our Fellowship Hall with everything you could need from clothing and accessories, to jewelry for yourself or a gift, everyday items you might use in the kitchen or just for decorations and last by no means least, our toy department which is so much fun to wander through. I know it’s a little early but our Christmas Room or Holiday Room whatever you want to call it is ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s a little early for Christmas music but there are plenty of Christmas items to choose from. Our annex is our special entertaining room for the last month. There are some nice items in there at affordable prices if you like entertaining including a beautiful punch bowl you can’t miss.
Remember to take a moment and “be still” so you can feel God with you this coming week. I think by singing this old hymn you will be taking a few moments and remembering the stories of God’s Love.
“Tell Me the Old, Old, Story”
https://youtu.be/-K6pNOlKPJc?si=g9-Jrd4cvhzG7H0J
Preview YouTube video Tell me the old, old storyPreview YouTube video Tell me the old, old story
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