Visiting Marcie meant being able to share time with her daughter Stacey, son-in-law Jeff, & grandchildren. Such a privilege! Jeff & Marcie showed us around the area and treated us like royalty. Stacey & Jeff treated us to dinner in their lovely home! We feel totally loved!
The friendship, the children, the scenery and gorgeous hospitality all are beyond wonderful!Thank You, Marcie!
What a treat to travel up to Signal Mountain and Lookout Mountain and see the homes & vistas up there!
Hope your day was beautiful and you had (have) that kind of helpful mother (I did!)And I am blessed with this very loving helpful son and…… these two very sweet, helpful, loving daughters.
Sunday, May 3, 2026 – Sermon Notes Brian Conklin – interim pastor Madison Valley Presbyterian Church Jan’s sermon notes:
“Skipping across the lake’s surface The perfect stone seems to dance. Looking for something specific, God has chosen us as Living Stones.
Peter says we’re built on the cornerstone, The most important part of the building. Jesus Christ is our cornerstone – But He was rejected by the world.
Moses struck a stone; there were stones That allowed Christ followers to walk Across the Jordan without sinking. Stones are instruments of God’s work.
God is our steady, certain rock. Each of us is built in His image. Like rocks, if we are fitted together, We can be built into a spiritual house.
God never intended us to be a lone stone – A stone out in the field by ourselves. Faith allows us to be built into a Holy Priesthood – A place where God is encountered.
We are offerings of love, mercy, and forgiveness. Our lives make God visible on earth. Sometimes we feel like a lone stone, But we belong. We’re connected. We matter.
We’re not designed to be lone stones!
We are held together by grace. Living stones are not identical, but As unique individuals, start asking “What is God building among us?”
Where am I placed and why? Can I bear the weight of others? I am strong enough and I am fit. I’m willing to be placed and be a light in the darkness.
We live in a beautiful place with a beautiful view and wonderful neighbors.
Our property has about 4 acres and in the center of those is where our house sits surrounded by 13 evergreen trees.
The lawn and trees require a lot of care to keep the trees healthy year round and the sprinkler system working in the spring, summer and fall.
This is the time of year when turning the sprinklers back on and repairing broken ones and adjusting the direction of the water’s flow has to happen.
We couldn’t possibly do all this by ourselves.
Thank God for the helpful guys in our “hood” who volunteer their services annually because without their help, I’m sure we would find it very difficult to live here!
This is Easter week Each day’s a time to seek Greater understanding of the death And resurrection. Take a peek!
A peek at the message clear That resonates throughout the year About the joy and love we share Living Christ’s legacy here.
Last Sunday’s sermon spoke To all the tuned-in folk I took notes (as I always do) I am tethered to the Lord’s yoke.
The message really resonated with me. Thank you, Brian Conklin, for your sermon’s artistry. I hope my readers find it impactful, too. Here it is for you, my friends, to see:
He is Risen, Indeed!
There are moments in life When everything changes Easter Sunday may have been One of them for the disciples.
Climbing a mountain Easter morning Was one of those moments – a struggle. Reaching the summit, I could look down The town below me was washed in sun.
The hope of a new year dawned A dark, challenging climb gave way To a carpet of wildflowers – The sun washed over me, too.
Today God has opened a way for me. He has created a turning point: Death does not have the final word – The empty tomb brings a transformation.
Jesus’ followers went from hope To a time of fear and confusion. Doubting, lives torn apart, they hid. Weeping, they gathered in the Upper Room.
They didn’t believe the women who told them “He has been revived! He’s alive!” But when Jesus joined the disciples And broke bread with them, they believed. Do we believe or is it too dark? Do we have unanswered questions? Christ brings hope and transformation. Believe! Step out! Death has lost its sting.
This week my dear friend, Mona Durham, age 96, died peacefully with her family gathered round.
Mona’s family and the leadership team of our church decorated the sanctuary and fellowship hall beautifully for her memorial service today.
Her ashes, in a container under the purple cloth, were sent into the hands of God as Jesus and St. Peter must surely have welcomed her into heaven. She was a True Believer.
The floral arrangements were spectacular.
There was a beautiful display of photos depicting Mona with many of her beloved family. She had four children and seven grandchildren. Four of the grandkids shared stories about how her life impacted theirs in such loving, meaningful, lasting ways.
I took notes (as is my habit) as I listened to their stories. Here are my notes:
Mona Durham’s was a 96 year life well lived. She lived heartily loving and laughing; Tough, fair, sarcastic, always available, Humble, reliable, stable, and always hospitable.
Mona wasn’t delicate or sheltered. The last of three daughters, she was the son… The son her dad never had! How he loved her! Oh how she loved him, others, and this Madison Valley!
She was a woman of grit and grace, loyal and hardworking. Volunteered with church, History museum, blood draws, Elections, Women’s Club & Cattle Women’s Association. Her later years were less busy, but never less purposeful.
She gave her life to quietly helping others. Her strength, honesty, love, and strong values Were the glue that held the family together. Also the fact that she always had fresh cookies!
Mona’s strength was grounded and rooted. Her faith was deep, honest and clear. She carried struggles quietly with endurance. Her life will endure in each of us who loved her.
Following the service, there was a time of fellowship with beautiful trays of meats and cheeses (prepared by Deemo’s in Ennis).
Deemo’s also prepared this beautiful, tasty tray of veggies.
The family extended a special thank you to the caregivers at Home Park and Madison Valley Manor for the dignity, kindness, and care they showed Ramona in her final years. In lieu of flowers, they asked that donations be made to Madison Valley Historical Museum (where Mona was a faithful, treasured volunteer) or Bear Creek Schoolhouse (where she attended 1st to 4th grade and then later volunteered to help with fundraisers to maintain it – and organized pinochle parties every March). She loved playing cards, doing 500 – 1000 piece puzzles, and keeping in touch always with her family and friends. She will be sorely missed by us all!
Mona’s smile was infectious!
Mona’s granddaughter, Tori, summed up what most of her family would agree was an important take-away:
“I see so clearly that her impact isn’t simple or singular, it’s generational. What she has given us goes far beyond memories, she’s given us a way of living.”
“She never once told me how to live, but she sure as hell has shown me!”
Your shared love inspires us to pass it on. Thank you, Mona.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day My bonus daughter, Elainè, certainly knows how to celebrateAnd our daughter, DeDe, in Switzerland does tooOur son, Ty in California, knows how to have fun with his granddaughter I hope your day is filled with happiness, too
Send some snow or rain our way, will you? We are very concerned about our missing winter and lack of moisture. Love,
Today I wrote a letter to the editor of our local paper, the Ennis, Madison County Montana Madisonian. I decided it is time to write to my state and federal representatives, too, and write to my friends and neighbors locally about my concerns for the present divisiveness and for the future of our country (and the world). The USA is headed in the wrong direction. We must reverse course and reunite with our friends at home and abroad. We must do our part to stop the insanity. Here is what I wrote:
“Dear Editor,
In the February 12th Madisonian Opinion page, Doris Fischer’s letter to the editor, titled “Ignore the Drumbeat at our Peril” was very inspiring. She warned and encouraged us all. In her final paragraph she cautioned, “We citizens all need to pay close attention to what is happening.” She quoted other local citizens whose cautionary posts reminded us that we need to speak up and we need to choose our federal representatives wisely. Doris concluded that we “…must study up on the candidates running for this year’s Primary and General Elections… (and then) Vote.” It’s never been more important than it is now for us to pay attention to what is happening to our democracy, to our foreign relations, and to our moral base. If you are as concerned as I am about the divisiveness in today’s politics, then it’s time for you to speak up, too. We desperately need fervent voices to promote love and compassion. Join me! Write a letter to your representatives. Tell ‘em what you think. Promote neighborly sanity, world-wide peace and unity, and respect for all. Yes, as Lois Stephens wrote in her letter, “Enough is Enough!”
