This week, we wrestle with a big question: How do we know if something we hear is really from God? Michael walks us through two key passages that give us a simple, practical way to discern whether someone’s “word from the Lord” actually reflects God’s Spirit. Galatians 5 reminds us that the Holy Spirit always produces the same fruit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And James 3:17 shows us that true godly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, flexible, merciful, sincere, and full of good fruit. If someone’s words don’t line up with these qualities, they’re not worth listening to. But if they do, we may just be hearing something shaped by the Spirit. It’s a thoughtful, honest episode that helps all of us pay better attention to the voices we trust — and to the kind of voice we want to be for others.
*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.
Life isn’t always mountaintops or valleys, most days, we live somewhere in between. In this episode, Andy reminds us that God meets us right in the middle places: the ordinary days, the quiet moments, the times when joy and sadness overlap. Drawing from Lamentations 3:22-23, we reflect on God’s steady love and the new mercies that greet us every morning. You don’t have to feel spiritual fireworks or have everything figured out, just breathe, show up, and trust that God is already here, walking with you through it all.
*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.
Michael reflects on how joy and sadness often travel together, hand in hand, in our everyday lives, just like they do in the movie Inside Out 2. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 12, he explores Paul’s experience of both incredible closeness with God and a “thorn” that kept him humble. Michael encourages us to look honestly at the mix of joy and struggle in our own lives, trusting that both can draw us closer to Christ. Even in weakness, God’s grace is enough, and where sadness is present, joy is always holding its hand.
*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.
After the mountaintop moments fade and life settles back into the everyday, it’s easy to lose sight of where our help comes from. In this episode, Andy reflects on Psalm 121:1-2, reminding us that faith isn’t just about seeing clearly from the summit, it’s about choosing to lift our eyes when the path grows steep or uncertain. Through honest reflection and gentle encouragement, this episode invites listeners to notice God’s presence in the climb, in the valley, and in every step in between.
*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.
Dan shares how climbing the steep trail to the water tower at Tar Hollow can change the way you see everything around you. The trees, the hills, the same paths you struggled up suddenly look different from the top. Drawing from Luke 9 and the story of Jesus’ transfiguration, Dan reminds us that sometimes it’s not our circumstances that change, it’s us. When life feels overwhelming or confusing, taking time to step back, breathe, and shift your perspective can help you see God’s presence more clearly.
*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.
In this episode, Jaden reminds us that true significance is only found in Christ. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:14-21, he explains that our identity isn’t rooted in achievements, relationships, or popularity, but in being a new creation in Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live as his ambassadors, representing him in our schools, activities, and friendships. Jaden encourages us to embrace this identity, live with purpose, and trust that God can use even young people to change the world.
*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.
Dan reflects on quiet mornings at the lake at Tar Hollow, when fog hovers low over the water until sunlight slowly breaks through. Drawing from John 1:5—“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”—he reminds us that even when life feels foggy, heavy, or uncertain, God’s light is still shining. It may not break through all at once, but it is steady, patient, and faithful, reminding us we are never alone.
*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.
In this episode, Andy reflects on one of the most powerful promises in scripture: nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). At camp, it’s easy to feel God’s love through worship, friendship, and quiet moments in nature, but back home the feeling can fade under stress, doubt, and busyness. This episode reminds us that God’s love isn’t based on our feelings, it’s reality, unshakable and constant, holding us in every season of life.
*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.
In this episode, Josh reflects on why camp feels so different, why it’s one of the few places we feel truly accepted and free to be our authentic selves. At Tar Hollow, we’re reminded that love isn’t something we earn but a gift we can freely give and receive. In Mark 10:17–21, even when the rich man turned away, Jesus’ first instinct was to look at him with love—the same love God has for each of us, just as we are.
*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.
In this episode, Cody Myers talks about how busy life can feel once camp is over and how easy it is to get distracted by schedules, activities, and noise. Looking at the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42, Cody reminds us that Jesus calls us to slow down, rest, and focus on him. Just like Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, we’re invited to make space for God in our everyday lives, because only one thing is truly needed.
*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.
In this episode, Lee reflects on life after camp at Tar Hollow, weaving memories of laughter, worship, and community with the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration in Luke 9:28-36. Just like Peter, James, and John didn’t want to leave the mountaintop, we often struggle when camp ends and the everyday world returns. But the good news is that we don’t come down alone, Jesus comes with us. Lee reminds us that the same Spirit we encounter in the Green Cathedral and around the campfire walks with us back home, in school, in our struggles, and in our daily lives. And even better—He’ll be with us when we return to Tar Hollow again.
*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.
In this episode, Michael explores what truly moves the heart of God. Using the story of Mary and Martha sending word to Jesus in John 11, he contrasts our tendency to convince God with reasons why someone “deserves” healing against their simple plea: “Lord, the one you love is sick.” Michael reminds us that our worth isn’t found in what we do for God or how much we love him. Instead, it’s rooted in how deeply God already loves us, a love so great that he sent Jesus to die for us. This episode invites us to stop striving to earn God’s approval and instead rest in the truth that we are already fully and completely loved.
*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.
In this episode, Matt Lieber shares how something small, like a letter written to a student, can grow into something much bigger than expected. Reflecting on Matthew 13:31–32, where Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, Matt reminds us that God uses even the smallest acts of kindness, encouragement, or integrity to create lasting impact. You don’t need to do something dramatic for God to work through you. Every word, every action, every “seed” you plant matters. The challenge is simple: plant one seed today, and trust God to do the growing.
*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.
In this episode, Isaiah Plyman, shares why the first moments of our day matter, at camp and at home. Drawing from Psalm 5:3, Mark 1:35, and John 15:5, Isaiah reminds us that Morning Watch is more than a camp tradition—it’s a biblical principle of starting with God before the noise of the day begins. Through personal stories and practical tips, he challenges us to keep that “root connection” alive long after camp ends, making space each morning to be still, listen for God’s voice, and draw strength from the true source of life.
*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.
In this episode, Dan reflects on the emotional depth of camp, the way joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, can all exist together in one sacred space. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 7:14, we’re reminded that real faith makes room for the full range of human emotion. God doesn’t ask us to be only strong, only grateful, or only certain, God meets us in all of it. Whether you’re still riding the camp high or feeling the weight of going home, this episode invites you to embrace every feeling and trust that God is big enough to hold them all.
*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.
This week, Michael reflects on the deep longing we feel after leaving camp and draws a powerful connection between that feeling and the biblical tabernacle, a sacred space where God dwelled with the people. Camp is one of those holy places, but God’s presence isn’t limited to a location. By setting aside time for God, even now, we can create space for the holy wherever we are.
Listen now and be encouraged to keep making room for God in your everyday life.
Camp is over, the bags are unpacked, and it’s Monday. But the sacred moments you experienced don’t have to stay behind. In this episode, we reflect on what it means to be anointed and sent, just like the 72 Jesus sent out. We’ll explore how to carry the peace, presence, and purpose of Tar Hollow into everyday life and how to live as people marked by God’s overflowing love.
If you’ve ever been to Tar Hollow, you know how powerful Morning Watch can be, quiet moments, shared reflections, and time set apart to connect with God. But that experience doesn’t have to end when camp does.
This podcast is here to help you keep Morning Watch going throughout the year.
Each episode offers a short reflection with scripture, encouragement, and a reminder that you are loved, called, and never alone.
We’re so glad you’re here. Let’s keep going, together.