Christian Living Magazine May June 2025

WAYNE

TECH & Faith

Don’t forget your first love

Craig Warrior in the darkness TAKE

God’s got you

Andrew Kukla is chairman of the board at CATCH, and Stephanie Day is executive director

Contents May / June 2025

PUBLISHER

Sandy Jones • 208-703-7860 christianlivingmag@gmail.com

EDITOR

Gaye Bunderson editorgaye@gmail.com Submit story ideas, article submissions & press releases

GENERAL INFO christianlivingmag@gmail.com 208-703-7860

ADVERTISING & SALES

Kimberly McMullen • 208-703-7509 kim.bcliving@gmail.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Denice King • 208-918-5190 www.greentreedkdesign.com

PHOTO

Whitney Bilbao Photography whitneybilbaophoto@gmail.com @bilbaowhitneyphoto W. Bilbao Media LLC

CONTRIBUTORS

Steve Bertel, Daniel Bobinski, Nathan Carroll, Rick Chromey, Tom Claycomb III, Jenna Dexter, Joan Endicott, Rosie Main, Gary Moore, Mark Naito, Bethany Riehl, and Janet Thompson WEBSITE DESIGN

Idaho

PUBLISHER’S Corner

If He calls you to it, you’ll get through it

By Sandy Jones

I was so surprised the first time I heard the old adage “10% of the church does 90% of the work.” That was so many years ago I can’t even remember what the conversation was about, but over the years I’ve seen it proven over and over.

Now please don’t get me wrong – I’ve visited plenty of churches where the averages are much, much higher than that, and that’s probably where you attend.

I’ve often wondered why that is though. Is it time constraints? Is it apathy (someone else will do it)? Or is it, as I suspect, that people don’t feel qualified to answer the call of whatever time/service slot needs to be filled?

I remember all too well the second year I volunteered to work in our church’s children’s Wednesday night program. The sweet lady I was set to assist had a family medical emergency that caused her to resign, effective immediately. I was still learning myself, and felt completely unqualified to step into the teaching role, but there simply were no other volunteers, and so that was exactly what I was needed to do.

Sandy Jones

I remember going to our pastor and telling him that I needed some guidance, some coaching, materials, something, anything – after all, as I told him, “I could only teach Noah’s ark so many times.” That’s how ill-equipped I felt.

I started in advertising sales in 1996 at the Thrifty Nickel; went to work at the daily paper; and eventually, after a few employment changes, ended up back at TN… just in time for a corporate name change to American Classifieds as their general sales manager.

Having grown up in our family business, I had been in management before and felt that I was well-prepared to lead a team. It wasn’t long before I learned just how much I didn’t know. I had a huge learning curve before me. It was quite nerve-wracking as I had a team of successful sales people depending on me for solid leadership. No pressure, none at all, I say in jest – so I quickly learned why the phrase “never let them see you sweat” was so popular.

Time passed and the great recession of 2007/08 happened, and it hurt the print industry quite badly. So many small independent

publications went out of business during that time. And, as the economy was getting caught up, in 2013 my boss and I started Christian Living Magazine. I was there from the very beginning, so when my husband and I bought CLM in March of 2014 I was absolutely positive I knew how to run it as the new publisher. It wasn’t long before I once again learned there was much I didn’t know.

What I did know was that CLM was started to be a sweet little community magazine to “uplift, entertain and enlighten” (our original slogan) the people here in the Treasure Valley, never anticipating that in 10 short years we would be distributing physical copies throughout all of southern Idaho, with mailed and virtual copies being read in more than 150 countries around the world.

In 2019 I started feeling lead to host a radio show. Like so many others, I don’t like my own voice; I think it’s squeaky and high-pitched. I kept telling God, “Nobody wants to hear this voice and I don’t have anything of value to say anyway.” I know beyond a doubt that God is not only full of grace, love and mercy, but He is patient as well, because I told Him this for nearly a year and a half, until He made it so uncomfortable, that I simply had to quit arguing with Him and do whatever it might take to answer His call. Christian Living Spotlight aired for the first time on Saturday, October 3, 2020, with my good friend Boyd Chikatulah as my guest, and we recorded it in my son’s audio studio, because I was afraid to let the folks at the radio station know what a novice I was.

With time we expanded Spotlight to also be a podcast, with each week’s radio show rolling over to all of the major podcast platforms once the show has aired on 94.1 The Voice. Imagine my surprise when I learned last year that our podcast listenership grew by 47%, with Singapore being in our top 5 cities of listeners.

Late in 2021 I realized we were getting calls from people in crisis who don’t go to church, so they don’t have a pastor to call. Once again I found myself ill-equipped to handle a new part of the CLM ministry, and joined the Idaho Chaplains Association and trained to become a chaplain to get the training necessary to assist those God brings our way.

Through all of this I have to admit I was not equipped, or fully equipped anyway, for any of it. Honestly if I’d known way back in 2012 what the calling really was, I would have run away like my hair was on fire – there was no way I had any business doing any of this!

Did that prevent God from calling me to it?

Not in the least.

It’s been more than two decades since that time. Today I’m a publisher, a radio show/podcast host, and a chaplain. Did I know what I was doing when I started any of these positions? No. Not at all.

I know it sounds cliché, but truly, God doesn’t always call the equipped, BUT He DOES equip those He calls.

Please understand I’m not bragging on me, I’m bragging on the Mighty, MIGHTY God we serve.

I started this column with the old adage, 10% of the church does 90% of the work. Why do I think that’s true? Because I believe so many feel they aren’t equipped.

So may I ask? What’s God calling you to do today? He will equip you too, if you’re willing to be obedient to His calling. I know firsthand.

Until next time….

God Bless! n

We know you have many choices of places to shop and services to use, and we would be so grateful if you would choose to shop and use those who have chosen to support us through their advertising dollars. Without the support of our advertisers, there simply wouldn’t be a Christian Living Magazine. We are so grateful to them, not only for their financial support, but their encouragement to us as well.

National Day of Prayer 2025 set for May 1

The National Day of Prayer 2025 is scheduled for Thursday, May 1. The theme is “Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled,” and the Scripture for the day is Romans 15:13.

Karla Slonaker, Idaho State Coordinator for Moms in Prayer International, said the special day will be marked in Meridian from noon to 1 p.m. at the Meridian City Hall Courtyard. The American Legion will present colors; Harvest Children’s Choir will sing; and community members will lead those gathered in prayer.

Other area communities will mark the day as well. Check your local listings.

According to an online press release about the annual event, “The theme encourages believers to unite in prayer for the nation, community, and various spheres of influence, including business, education, families, government, and media.” n

Visiting all the roadside attractions without becoming one. (That’s driving

Words

Finding joy first: a fresh look at James 1

By Daniel Bobinski

Have you ever been blindsided by a trial in your life and then heard someone quote James 1:2, telling you to “consider it pure joy” when you encounter trials? If you’re like most people, you might think, “Yeah, right. Easy for you to say!”

Earlier this year I felt the Lord prodding me to study “joy” in Scripture. Many verses discuss joy, but those who know me will often hear me say, “Translations can vary widely, so read the Bible for concepts, and when something catches your eye or when God gives you a nudge to dig deeper, go to the original language.”

With so many Bible apps and programs available, we no longer need to be Greek scholars to explore the original writings. My preferred tool is BlueLetterBible.org (also BLB.org), and the first place I dug deep to explore “joy” was James 1:2-4. What I discovered is very different from how this verse is normally presented. Frankly, it changed my life. Perhaps it will change yours, too.

Here’s what James 1:2-4 says in most English translations: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Many interpret this verse to mean we should choose joy when we encounter a trial because the trial will eventually make us stronger. That’s not wrong, but I believe there’s more to it.

To help understand where I’ll be going with this, first think about Matthew 7:24-27, where Jesus tells us how important it is to build our house on Him and His wisdom.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

The analogy here is that it’s the strength of the foundation of a house that enables the house to withstand tough times. You wouldn’t wait for a storm to hit and then decide to build a foundation under your house, right?

I believe James is telling us that joy works the same way. When we choose joy as our foundation and build our lives on that strength before life’s storms hit, then we’re much better equipped to handle whatever comes our way. And there’s a bonus. We become more mature as we weather the storm.

One of the things that led me to this viewpoint is the result of a deep dive into the word “because” at the beginning of James 1:3. Instead of “because,” a more precise translation of the Greek word ginōskontes is “knowing that,” or even “since you know that.” If we dig even deeper, we see the word establishes a causal relationship, but in a different grammatical way than the English word “because.”

This subtle distinction is important because the Greek word can suggest that this knowledge is ongoing or already established. With that, one could think of James’ meaning as follows:

Since you know (or should know) that God, with all His joy, is in charge, and you’re already basking in His joy, then continue in that joy with the trials come. The trials will merely strengthen you. You will persevere through them and grow even more mature.

Let me give you another example. Remember when you learned to swim? Most of us didn’t learn during a flood or when we accidentally fell into deep water. We learned in controlled environments with parents or instructors nearby. We built the skill first so that if we ever found ourselves in trouble, we’d already know what to do.

Choosing joy works similarly. If we practice choosing joy daily –during good times and small challenges – we’re developing a spiritual muscle. Then, when large trials come (and they will), choosing joy won’t feel like such an impossible task.

Want some motivation for being joyful even when large struggles come? Listen to what James says:

• We will persevere.

• We will become even more mature.

Daniel Bobinski

• We will become complete – more like Jesus.

James isn’t telling us to fake happiness or pretend everything’s fine when it’s not. He’s telling us that biblical joy runs deeper than circumstances. It’s a confidence that God is good, that He’s in control, and that we can take joy in the fact that God is strengthening us, regardless of the trial we’re facing.

So how do we choose joy before trials hit? Here are a few practical tips:

• Start your day acknowledging God’s goodness. Throughout your morning routine, thank God for His amazing love and ask Him to fill you with His joy throughout the day.

• Train your mind to see God’s work everywhere. The unexpected text from a friend? The opportunity to do something kind for a stranger? These aren’t coincidences – they’re God at work.

• Practice gratitude even in small struggles. When you’re stuck in traffic, choose to thank God for the extra time to pray or listen to worship music.

If we regularly take joy that God is working in our lives during peaceful times, then when things like relationship problems, financial struggles, or health issues arise, we already have joy as our footing. We won’t need to start from scratch, trying to manufacture joy in the middle of a crisis.

Bottom line, don’t wait for trials to choose joy. Choose joy first, and then when trials come, you already have a solid foundation. n

Daniel Bobinski, Th.D., is an award-winning and best-selling author and a popular speaker at conferences and retreats. Reach him at danielbobinski@protonmail.com or (208) 649-6400.

BIBLE BLANKS by

Steve Bertel

Fill in each answer, one letter per square. Then ar range t he letters in t he highlighted squares to reveal t he name of …

1. In the NKJV, a voice from heaven said, “T his is My_______ ___, in whom I am well pleased

2. His double-edged sword was about 18 inches long

4. In Proverbs, we’re reminded that, “( T his) is the fear of the L ord; its wages are riches and honor and life.

And t he name of A NEW TE STAMEN T MOM is …

3. Manasseh’s father

A NEW TE STAMEN T MOM

ANSWERS: 1. BELOVED SON (Matthew 3:17) 2. EHUD (Judges 3:16)

3. HEZEKIAH (2 Chronicles 32:32,33) 4. HUMILITY (Proverbs 22:4)

NEW TESTAMENT MOM is: ELIZABETH (Luke 1: 5-13)

Food for thought: eat like Grandma’s day

By Janet Thompson

Recently, I was in Costco wearing my Make America Healthy Again hat when an employee cleaning the floors and I kept passing each other in the aisles. He eventually approached me and said, “I’ve been thinking about your hat. When was America ever healthy?” He was in his thirties and I thought to myself he probably grew up eating fast food and processed foods so prevalent today. I responded, “I think when my grandmother made everything from scratch.” He nodded and agreed.

Then it hit me that I’m now a grandmother. Like many women today, I’ve worked all my adult life with little time for making homemade bread, spaghetti sauce, yummy bakery products, or raising chickens like my grandmother who stayed home and raised seven children. However, since my first career was as a Registered Dietitian, I’ve always tried to avoid processed foods, eat fresh organic, and read labels.

Processed and ready-made foods started becoming popular in the 1960’s when more moms went to work and were trying to get dinner on the table quickly for the family after a long workday. The FDA started approving many additives and preservatives that really didn’t have a history of being tested for safety. Today, most of them are still being used with many more added and at the same time there’s been a dramatic increase in childhood obesity and diabetes, breast cancer even in young women, colon cancer, and chronic diseases in children and adults. Could it be that we’ve been a human experiment?

Processed foods are more convenient and less expensive than fresh, but at what price to our bodies God designed to consume real whole food? By definition, processed food is altered in some way from its natural state. Processed foods have been treated with additive chemicals to enhance color, flavor, and increase shelf life. They’re moneymakers for manufacturers’ who aren’t always willing to monitor themselves and their lobbyists have more control than scientists and doctors over what’s considered healthy for consumption by the FDA. Until now.

The new Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is putting a spotlight on what Americans eat. He says, “Food is medicine and we’re poisoning ourselves with ultra-processed foods. Studies show increased anxiety and depression related to food, not to mention obesity. By changing your diet, you can lose some of those diagnoses. People should be able to make their own informed choices.”

WebMD Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Whyte echoes the Secretary of HHS. “Food really is medicine,” he said. “It’s as powerful as a prescription drug. It impacts every system of your body. ... There’s so much food that we consume that’s processed and, even more concerning, ultraprocessed. ... I’m concerned about how long some of these foods last. What’s in them that’s allowing them to stay in your pantry for a couple of years?”

In the May/June 2024 Christian Living Magazine issue, I wrote a Nutrition Nook article on reading labels. I want to update that information here with a few more things to look for in food label ingredients. You might pay a little bit more for clean food, but better than spending less for something that could cause expensive health issues later and might actually be poison.

America has 10,000 inflammation-causing food additives that are illegal in other countries. Think about that. McDonald’s French fries in Europe have three ingredients; in the U.S. they have 17 ingredients. That’s crazy.

1. Food Dyes: Red Dye No. 3, approved for use in foods since 1907, was banned from use in topical drugs and cosmetics since 1990 when the FDA determined that the dye causes cancer when eaten by animals. But it continued to be allowed in foods, supplements, and oral drugs until now, 34 years later. Finally, it’s been exposed as

potentially harmful and food manufacturers must remove this dye by January 2027 and from ingested drugs by January 2028. Some states are also banning Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2 and Green Dye. Hopefully, this will soon be nationwide, but you don’t need to wait until then. STOP buying foods with dyes NOW.

These dyes are commonly found in breakfast cereals, soft drinks, dairy products, candy, jellies, packaged pudding, Jell-O, even condiments and canned foods. I actually saw red dye added to meat, and I’m sure you’ve seen salmon with the sticker “color added.” It’s safe to assume that these dyes are on the ingredient lists for thousands of products.

Manufacturers use these dyes made out of crude oil because they’re cheap. Yet, they make some of the same products healthier for other countries, which ban dyes. For example, Fruit Loops are colored with carrot and beet juice in other countries, but Fruit Loops in America use six colored dyes. Food dyes are tied to ADHD, cancer, learning disorders, and neurological issues.

2. Seed Oils: This is another area highlighted as damaging that sounds healthy, but they’re not. Recent research links seed oils to cellular changes in our bodies. A 2023 study found that people who consumed high amounts of seed oils, highly used in processed foods, showed a 23% increase in inflammatory markers compared to cooking fats such as olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. Avoid these seed oils due to their industrial processing methods and unbalanced fatty acid profiles: canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, grapeseed oil, rice bran oil, vegetable oil.

3. Emulsifiers: Emulsifiers are food additives used to improve texture and extend shelf life. Researchers analyzed data from 92,000 adults over 7 years and found that certain emulsifiers significantly increased cancer risk. Mono and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471) found in processed and baked goods, margarine, and ice cream were linked to:

• 15% higher risk of overall cancer

• 24% higher risk of breast cancer

• 46% higher risk of prostate cancer

Other dangerous food additives added to enhance addicting flavor and texture are sodium nitrate, sodium phosphate, corn syrup, highfructose corn syrup, aspartame, caramel color, trans fats, monosodium glutamate, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, BHA, evaporated cane juice, modified food starch, guar gum, and carrageenan.

I want to talk about carrageenan specifically because I’m a 3x breast cancer survivor and just diagnosed with microscopic colitis. Carrageenan (E407 & E407a), a thickening agent in dairy alternatives, deli meats, and plant-based products, was linked to 32% higher risk of breast cancer and also linked to colitis and inflammation. I don’t eat those products, but then I started doing more research and discovered that carrageenan is in many foods that you would never expect. For example: dairy whipping cream, canned whipping cream, cottage cheese, protein drinks, yogurt, Costco rotisserie chicken, packaged pulled pork, peanut butter, and so much more.

I was shocked, especially with the Costco chicken until I discovered that carrageenan gives chicken an appealing appearance, making it look fuller, plumper, and more succulent…just like those chickens you grab from Costco and take home for a quick dinner.

When I started looking closely at the ingredient label from most cottage cheese brands, this long list of italicized additives is typical: cultured nonfat milk, milk, whey, salt, cornstarch, mono and diglycerides, carrageenan, locust bean gum, guar gum, phosphate, monopotassium phosphate, cream, natural and artificial flavor. Compare those sixteen ingredients with “Daisy” brand’s three ingredients: Cultured skim milk, cream, salt. That’s all that should be in cottage

Janet Thompson

cheese. Remember that they list ingredients in order from the highest to the least content.

While I was at Walmart buying cottage cheese, an elderly woman came up to buy a carton. As she picked up one of the brands, I asked if I could show her the difference in the ingredients. When she saw only three ingredients in Daisy brand compared to a long list in others, she said, “I can pay a dollar more for a healthier brand. Thank you for showing me this.”

Avoid processed, boxed, quick, just add water products, pre-packaged, and precooked meals. Shop at local farmer’s markets, do frozen if you can’t do fresh, but fresh is best. Be your own chef. Cook your own meals so you know what you’re eating. There’s no comparison between homemade like my grandmother used to make and prepackaged, but we’ve become accustomed to settling for less.

It does take a little longer shopping to read all the ingredients, especially when they intentionally make the print small. If there’s more than 5 ingredients, or an additive or ingredient you can’t pronounce, you probably shouldn’t buy that product anyway. The manufacturers are hoping you won’t bother to notice and just pick up the cheapest one. But once you’ve determined a healthy brand of foods you typically buy, you’ll be able to quickly select that one and avoid all the others. As the little lady at Walmart so wisely said, spending a little extra for a healthier food to save your health in the end is a bargain. Food is the fuel that keeps your body running. Just like you wouldn’t put the wrong gas or oil into your car engine that you want to last a few years, be wise about the fuel you put into your own body that you hope will last you for 90 or 100 years.

Mark Hyman, M.D., says, “Cancer is complex and multifactorial, but one thing is certain: the food we eat plays a massive role in shaping our long-term health. Cutting out ultra-processed foods and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods is one of the most powerful steps you can take to reduce disease risk.”

Recipe: You may not be a cottage cheese eater. I’m not either. But I’ve discovered many fun, healthy recipes where you can’t even tell it’s made with cottage cheese, which adds extra protein and calcium to food. But make sure you don’t buy one with more than three whole food ingredients. I’m sharing an easy recipe here. Here’s a tip. If you put cottage cheese in the blender or food processor and blend on high, it becomes a creamy texture like sour cream and you’d never know it’s cottage cheese. n

High Protein Avocado Sandwich Bread

• 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and mashed

• ½ cup cottage cheese (read the label)

• ¼ cup cheese of choice

• 1 egg

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Make four round circles on a parchment lined baking sheet and flatten to about ¼ inch thick. Top with Everything But the Bagel Seasoning or your choice of seasoning. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until firm and brown around the edges. Assemble into a sandwich with choice of fillings.

Janet Thompson, award-winning Christian speaker, freelance author, and author of 20 books, is also the founder, director, and God’s servant of Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry and About His Work Ministries. Her passion and focus is mentoring the next generation. Her tag line is, “Sharing Life Experiences and God’s Faithfulness.” She has a BS in Food Administration, MBA, and Master of Arts in Christian Leadership. Check out her books and sign up for her free weekly online blog and monthly newsletter at womantowomanmentoring.com. Join her on www.facebook.com/ Janetthompson.authorspeaker, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X, and Instagram.

I GET TO!® Trust God to disarm life’s landmines

By Joan Endicott

In a small war-torn village nestled in the heart of a rugged landscape lived a young woman named Emlyn (which means “brave” or “courageous”). The village had been ravaged by conflict, leaving behind a treacherous minefield that threatened the safety of all its inhabitants. But Emlyn, known for her courage and determination, decided it was time to take action and make her home safe once more.

Emlyn had grown up hearing stories of the brave souls who had ventured into the minefield, never to return. Though these stories haunted her, she knew that living in fear was not really living. With a heart full of resolve, she sought the guidance of an old, wise combat engineer named Thane, who had once served in the military and had experience in disarming landmines. Though he was now physically unable to do this work himself, Thane taught Emlyn the skills she needed to navigate the minefield safely. He showed her how to use a metal detector, identify different types of mines, and most importantly, stay calm under pressure. Armed with this knowledge and a deep sense of purpose, Emlyn set out on what she knew was her God-given mission.

As she stepped into the minefield, the weight of the task ahead was overwhelming. Each step was deliberate, each movement calculated. The metal detector beeped softly, guiding her to the first hidden danger. Carefully, she knelt down and began the painstaking process of uncovering the mine. Her hands trembled, but her conviction remained steadfast. She remembered the words of Thane, who had told her, “Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.”

With Thane’s instructions echoing in her mind, Emlyn successfully disarmed the first mine. She was finally able to take in a full breath and exhale enormous relief as a sense of triumph washed over her – while being painfully aware her work had just begun. Looking out across the vast field, one can only imagine how daunting and insurmountable this task must have felt. At times, the waves of doubt and fear brought such darkness and a sense of overwhelm that all Emlyn could do was go away by herself and cry – curl up and cry, crying out to God.

Then, as she drew strength from her faith, a new wave of certainty would wash over her, knowing God had called her to this and He would give her the strength to accomplish it. In her prayer, she quoted with conviction a favorite verse that reminded her: “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). Concluding her prayer, she said, “Thank you, Lord, that just like David ran to his battlefield to slay the giants he faced, you are doing the same for me!”

She was committed to finding and disarming each landmine she encountered. Though the process was slow and arduous, with each device disarmed, Emlyn paused to pray and thank the Lord for His guidance and help. Word of Emlyn’s bravery spread throughout the village, and soon, others began to join her. Grateful for her courage, which was making their children and families safer, they loved and

trusted her. Many started calling her Emlyn the Brave. Together, they formed a team, working side by side to clear the minefield. The once desolate and dangerous land began to transform as the villagers reclaimed their home, quite literally one step at a time.

As the last mine was disarmed, cheers of celebration and gratitude erupted from the villagers. Together, they had done it! The minefield was no more. As Emlyn’s eyes filled with tears, her heart overflowed with gratitude to God. She had faced her fears and, in doing so, had brought hope and safety to her village. The minefield no longer had any power to hurt anyone else – ever again.

“When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” – Reverend Billy Graham

In life, we all carry invisible landmines – deep wounds, painful triggers, and memories of brokenness that can feel just as dangerous and debilitating as the literal ones Emlyn faced. These emotional landmines might be buried beneath layers of time, but they still have the power to harm us and those we love if left unchecked. Just as Emlyn bravely stepped into the minefield to make her village safe, we too must confront the landmines in our hearts with courage and determination. Through faith, guidance, and support, we can begin the delicate process of disarming them – so that they no longer explode unexpectedly, injuring ourselves or those around us. Like Emlyn, this journey is not easy, but with each step forward, healing and transformation are possible. It’s time to reclaim the territory of our lives, one careful step at a time.

Restoration: is the act of returning something to its original state, making it whole or complete again. In a broader sense, restoration involves healing, renewal, and revival. It can apply to physical objects, natural environments, relationships, and even individuals.

Oh friend, aren’t we eternally grateful that God is the God of restoration? I love this beautiful verse that emphasizes His restorative nature. Joel 2:25 declares, “I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten.” What a promise! This verse reflects God’s ability to bring renewal and healing, even after seasons of loss and hardship. It’s a powerful reminder of hope and redemption.

Before I understood how restoration works, I spent a great deal of time trying to avoid the possible landmines in my life. You know those moments – when you’re minding your own business, and suddenly, out of nowhere, you’re hit with a trauma trigger or something that suddenly transports you back to a painful place in your past? Since stepping on a landmine can be catastrophic, most of us will do anything to avoid that possibility. We cling to the illusion of “out of sight, out of mind.” If I don’t think about it, talk about it, or acknowledge it, it can’t hurt me, right?

But here’s the truth: avoidance is not the answer. It never has been. But why would someone willingly walk into such a dangerous place? That was my exact question… until I realized that avoiding the landmines wasn’t the solution – finding them and disarming them was.

Yes, that sounds great, doesn’t it? I want my landmines to be forever disarmed so they can’t hurt me – or anyone else indirectly

ever again. But here’s the sobering reality: who can do that for me? Any volunteers? Experts? Coaches? Counselors? Clergy? Friends? Family? The answer is no one. I can get guidance and tools from others, just as I offer my clients, but the rolling up of the emotional sleeves and doing the work is something each person can only do for themselves. Just like me, in your case, only you know what happened, who did what, how you felt at the time, and how you still feel about it. Nobody else has a clue. This is deeply personal work to individually undertake. The one(s) who hurt you cannot heal you – only God can! Though it’s not the answer any of us want, the reality is this: You and I are the only ones who can do the work. But here’s the good news – God puts His super on our natural, giving us supernatural help to find and disarm those explosive devices so they become powerless in our lives. Many years…so many years…of working so hard to avoid the landmines proved to me that it didn’t help resolve or restore anything. No matter how much time had passed since those landmines were buried, they were still there, waiting to be triggered. Avoiding them was clearly not the answer. Finding and disarming them was the only way forward. So began my journey into the minefield. Minefields are all different. My minefield was a dark and desolate place I had no desire to return to, yet I understood that there would be no ultimate victory without deliberately walking back through the battlefield that had left me a wounded warrior. Battered, bruised, and bleeding – not where anyone could see, but deep inside. This is real life… It’s hard.

It’s scary. It’s painful. AND – it’s worth it! And here’s the thing about restoration: It’s not just about merely surviving. It’s about thriving. It’s about reclaiming the territory of your life that fear and pain have stolen. It’s about standing in the middle of that battlefield, scars and all, and declaring, “This no longer has power over me.” Restoration is God’s specialty. He doesn’t just patch us up and send us on our way. No, He makes us whole. He takes the broken pieces and creates something even more beautiful than before.

So, my fellow sojourner, if you find yourself standing at the edge of your own minefield, take heart. You are not alone! Like Emlyn, you and I get to push through our fears and step out in faith. The God of restoration walks with you, guiding your steps, giving you strength, and reminding you that the battle is already won. One step at a time, with His help, you can disarm the landmines of your past and step into the fullness of the life He has for you. How blessed are we to have such hope in Him? n

Grab your FREE copy of Joan Endicott’s “I Get To!”® book at www.JoanEndicott.com. Also, be one of the first to get her 2nd book,“I Get To!”® Own My Worth! Joan is an Award-Winning Keynote Speaker, Author and Coach whose coaching has reached over 30 countries. Find out more about her speaking and coaching here: www.JoanEndicott.com.

Joan Endicott

TECH & Faith

How technology affects your first love

Mark Naito

How can technology possibly affect your first love — your relationship with God? Here is one way that it can: using screen-based (smart TV, tablet, screen in your car, and smartphone) tech instead of physical items. For example, a study from Harvard has proven that using paper and pen over a computer yields better results. Why? Because you can process the information versus simply documenting what you hear.

Also, “Psychology Today” states that holding a book leads to a greater comprehension of the information being read. To tie all this together, top tech titans like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs sent their kids to a school called Waldorf School. (Note, we are not recommending sending your kids to this school; only referencing studies in its parent policy guide that pertain to being intentional with technology.)

In the school’s 2024 policy manual for parents, it states that parents should not allow any tech (including TV) with their kids so that it allows for optimal learning. A direct quote from the handbook reads, “The young child’s ability to picture, to envision and see inwardly is crucial to the development of creativity. This delicate faculty is overwhelmed and eventually crushed by the constant bombardment of media images. Chief among them is television. In the process, the child is also taught a passive relationship to the world (outer stimulation and inner emptiness) that is very similar to that of drug or alcohol addiction.”

Also, studies in “Psychology Today” state, “Research suggests that comprehension is six to eight times better with physical books than with e-readers (Altamura, L., Vargas, C., & Salmerón, L., 2023).”

Does this only pertain to kids? No. In fact, my organization, Navigating Tech Family, did a local Treasure Valley study at a mental health event with adults (not any kids), including clinical people like therapists and everyday people like grandparents, parents, etc. What we found are the following tech addictive qualities.

Sixty seven percent of surveyed people noticed when using tech:

• An urge to see if there is something new in their alerts, favorite app, or in general

• Something pops up in their feed that they were just talking about, to someone about, or thinking about

They struggle with:

• 5 in 10 people delete certain apps and then reinstall them

• 33% of others have noticed they feel drained, mad, frustrated, or other negative emotions after getting off their tech device

• Sometimes there is a thought that they are missing out on something (FOMO)

How does this all apply to our relationship with the Lord? In the New International Version of the Bible, it says in I Peter 2:1-3, “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted the Lord is good.”

With tech, fake news spreads six times faster than actual news. So if you want to deepen your intimacy with God, try fasting or taking a break from all screens (including TV) for a couple of weeks and see how it all changes. If you are struggling with this, one therapist said it best: “Let’s say you don’t see any change. Then you’re back to where you started and nothing was harmed by taking the break.”

In the New Century Version Bible, it says in Hebrews 12:1-3: “We are surrounded by a great cloud of people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that

* References in article:

would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. Let us look only to Jesus, the one who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But he accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying.”

And this is why I love the physical Bible. Not only is it filled with wisdom for every generation, but it is also a great resource to go back to with notes, thoughts, and things God is doing in your life. Also, it is something you can pass down as a legacy to the next generation. Nothing can ever take that away — not even a server that gets wiped out for some reason.

What are some practical ways you can increase your quality time with the Lord? Take some baby steps, such as the following:

1. One-on-one time with God – Instead of using your smartphone for time with the Lord, put it down and pick up your physical Bible and journal. In fact, put the phone away where you cannot hear it.

2. Family devotions – Have a tech-free zone where you do your devotions together – with no exception.

3. Husband and wife devotions – No screens in the area where you are spending time with the Lord. TVs included need to be off without images or even worship music. Make sure the others know you are doing this and to hold off any communication, unless it’s a true emergency, until a communicated time frame.

4. Small groups or church services–Leave your smartphone and any tech device in the car. If you have kids and need to be notified about something when you’re at church or in a small group, ask to have someone come see you in person or work out another alternative.

Give these suggestions a month or so and see how your relationship with the Lord changes. Remember, technology has addictive qualities and it will be hard to apply these simple techniques. Unfortunately, many studies continue to show that technology is designed to be addictive and compulsive — even something as simple as email. If you do not do physical journaling with paper and pen, we encourage you to do this while applying these techniques. It will give you an opportunity later to come back and assess what is working and what you might need to seek out expert help on or additional resources for. Also, it is a great way to document your progress and create new habits that will create lasting change.

Finally, never feel defeated. Everyone at some level is addicted to tech, and with some guidance and tools, you can pivot in more intentional ways that will increase your relationship with your first love, God, and all those around you. We are excited to hear about new ways God will move in your life as you apply these basic intentional tech techniques. n

Mark Nairos is passionate about helping people by seeking ‘root cause’, providing result-oriented solutions and good outcomes. His passion has always been to empower others to be educated to make their own informed decisions on what makes sense for themselves or their family. He started Navigating Tech Family toward that goal. He is a family man with a beautiful wife and kids and loves doing life with his family in the outdoors. He may be reached at mark@navtechfam.com.

– Waldorf School Parent Handbook 2024-2025. https://hbr.org/2022/08/research-we-make-more-virtuous-choices-when-using-pen-and-paper. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usableknowledge/17/08/note-taking-low-tech-often-best. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/well-read/202402/the-case-for-paper-books-vs-e-readers.

Mark Naito

UNDERSTANDING Relationships

‘Micro moments’ make the difference

By Gary Moore

How do I keep my marriage relationship positive and growing? It seems like we’re all looking for “the formula.” We buy books that talk about the 3 steps. Then there’s another one about the 5 steps. And then another one about the 7 steps. Which is it? And how long does it take? 3 months, 6 months, or years?

I’m convinced there’s no “ideal formula.” Since every person is different and every couple has their own unique set of circumstances. The “one size fits all” is a very illusive target. However, research shows there are some simple things you can do. The principle is that the small, daily “things” done consistently are more important than the occasional bigger moments. Psychologist and relationship expert, Dr. John Gottman of The Gottman Institute, calls them micro moments of connection.

We all get frustrated from time to time trying to carve out time in our busy schedules for our marriage relationships. What we fail to realize is that it’s the micro moments of connection that are the foundational difference.

Hollywood has distorted our notions of romance and what makes passion sizzle. In the “old days” Humphrey Bogart would gather teary-eyed Ingrid Bergman into his arms and that made everyone’s heart pound. But real-life romance is fueled by far more humdrum scenes. It is kept alive each time you let your spouse know he or she is valued during the grind of everyday life. In marriage, couples are always making what Dr. Gottman calls “bids” for each other’s attention, affection, humor, or support. Bids can be as minor as asking for a backrub or as significant as seeking help in carrying the burden when an aging parent is ill. The partner responds to each bid either by turning toward the spouse or turning away. Remember, there are no neutral interactions between people — especially spouses. A tendency to turn toward your partner is the basis for trust, emotional connection, passion, and a satisfying sex life. According to Dr. Gottman, as comical as it may sound, romance is strengthened in the supermarket aisle when your partner asks, “Are we out of butter?” and you answer, “I don’t know. Let me go get some just in case,” instead of shrugging apathetically. It grows when you know your spouse is having a bad day at work and you take a few seconds out of your schedule to send him an encouraging text. In all these instances, partners are making a choice to turn toward each other rather than away.

Dr. Gottman’s research confirms the central role that bids play in a relationship. In their six-year follow-up of newlyweds, the research found that couples who remained married had turned toward their partner’s bids an average of 86 percent of the time in the Love Lab. And those who ended up divorced had averaged only 33 percent. He goes on to say that it’s telling that most of the arguments between couples in both groups were not about specific topics like money or sex, but resulted from those failed bids for connection.

Dr. Gottman concluded there’s a reason that seemingly small events are fundamental to a relationship’s future: each time partners turn toward each other, they are funding what he calls their emotional bank account. They are building up savings that, like money in the bank, can serve as a cushion when times get rough, when they’re faced with a major life stress or conflict. Because they have stored an abundance of goodwill, such couples are less likely to teeter over into distrust and chronic negativity during hard times.

The first step in turning toward each other more is simply to be aware of how crucial these mini moments are, not only to your marriage’s trust level but to its ongoing sense of romance. For many couples, just realizing that they shouldn’t take their everyday interactions for granted makes an enormous difference in their relationships. Remind yourself that being helpful to each other will do far more for the strength and passion of your marriage than a two-week Bahamas getaway. A romantic outing only turns up the heat if a couple has kept the pilot light burning by staying in touch in the little ways.

One virtue of turning toward each other is that it is so easy to accomplish. It only takes a small gesture to lead to another and then another. “Turning toward” operates under a law of positive feedback — like a snowball rolling downhill, it can start small yet generate enormous results. In other words, you don’t have to turn toward your partner in a very dramatic way to see the benefit. Just get started, and things will improve by themselves.

One way to enhance your mindfulness in your relationship is to become a “collector of emotional moments.” Think of your life as a string of pearls in which each pearl was an “emotional moment” — where you and your spouse were connecting with each other on a deep and meaningful level. Such moments usually begin by noticing an emotional expression as a bid for connection. You hear something a person says, or you see a facial expression or gesture, that reveals their happiness, sadness, anger, fear, contempt, or disgust. Once you notice it, you let this person know with your words, expressions, or gestures that you understand how they’re feeling. Your demonstration of understanding provides a bridge for emotional connection and paves the way to a more meaningful relationship. It’s that simple. Perhaps at times not easy, but simple and very effective. n

Gary Moore served as associate pastor at Cloverdale Church of God for 15 years. He does couples’ coaching and leads couples’ workshops and retreats called MUM’s the Word. He has a weekly radio program – Life Point Plus – on KBXL 94.1FM at 8:45 a.m. on Fridays. His website at www.mutualunderstanding. net has video teachings and other resources for couples. He may be contacted at glmoore113@gmail.com.

Gary Moore

CATCH

Helping people who’ve fallen

By Gaye Bunderson

Some philanthropies may call their organizations such estimable names as Charitable Assistance to the Community’s Homeless, or they can change to something shorter (and ‘catchier’). In fact, a local group that once went by the above longer name now simply calls itself CATCH. The name fits, as the group serves as a safety net for people who find themselves free-falling into the despairing hole of homelessness.

The group launched locally in 2006, and, at the time, the driving force behind it was the City of Boise. In 2010, it was made a non-profit. Stephanie Day joined CATCH in approximately 2007 and now serves as its executive director. Though CATCH is not a specifically Christian organization, nor does it require its clients to make a declaration of faith, Day joined the organization in part to put feet to her faith.

She attended Northwest Nazarene University, receiving a master’s degree in social work. She then served with the Salvation Army for eight years and ran shelters in Nampa and Boise, honing her skills for working with the unhoused, and she holds firsthand perceptions on the topic of homelessness and the people who experience it.

“Less than 1% of the population experiences homelessness; but people lay blame, saying the homeless make bad choices or they’re lazy. They don’t understand, and they make assumptions,” Day said. But having seen the lives of the homeless close up, she brings a much more generous measure of empathy to their situation.

She continued: “There are way more homeless now. The figures were consistent until COVID hit; now the homeless numbers have been growing by leaps and bounds. More people have been moving to Idaho; the vacancy rate lowered and rents tripled. With growth, mortgages also went up. There is a broad gap between wages and mortgage costs.

“After hearing their stories, you realize it’s more complicated than bad choices or laziness. ... It’s not even all about money. People start to internalize what others tell them. The homeless take a gut punch from society. A big part of our work is helping people see their own worth and potential.”

Day centers her work around Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need. Abraham Maslow held to the notion that a sense of safety and stability are top priorities in human lives. But the hierarchy also includes emphases on:

• Physiological needs for food, water and shelter.

• A safe environment that includes stability and freedom from fear.

• Love and belonging, including feeling accepted and cared for and being part of a community.

• Esteem, including respect from others that entails recognition, status and confidence.

• Self-actualization, or the need to achieve one’s potential and feel creative and self-expressive.

(Adapted from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-maslowshierarchy-of-needs-4136760)

Imagine, then, the turmoil people struggle with when they don’t

even have the four walls of a safe structure to call home. That’s when CATCH steps in. The group also offers what it calls “wrap-around services.”

Explained Day: “People can receive up to two years of help with rent and utilities and are assigned a case manager.”

A lack of housing – and housing may include a home, apartment, or other secure arrangement – is far from unique to any one state in the U.S., and Idaho isn’t immune from the rest of the country’s struggles.

“There is a housing shortage nationally,” Day said.

CATCH has team members who offer a “peer support staff.” These are people who’ve been homeless themselves and can provide an “I’ve walked in your shoes” wisdom – something the now-homeless can put their hope in and take as an example of what can be.

As mentioned, CATCH is not a strictly faithbased group. But while Christian staff members don’t ‘push their beliefs’ on the homeless population, they nonetheless utilize what they’ve learned through their relationship with Christ, from the Bible, and from the community of disciples.

“We encourage the homeless, and we pray for them,” Day said. “We steer them to pursue their path.” Raised in the faith, Day said she chose her career because, “I knew I liked helping people. I feel I ended up where I am because I think if I have a passion in my heart that this is what I’m supposed to do.”

Another individual who feels his faith was pivotal to his connection with CATCH is Andrew Kukla, lead pastor at First Presbyterian Church Boise and board chair at CATCH. “I moved here in 2012 from Florida, and the church was already a supporter of CATCH. Greg Morris, founder of CATCH, told me there were no more faith representatives in the organization, but that that had been its original intention.”

Kukla started on the board in December of 2014. Asked if he feels God led him to the board and to CATCH, he said: “I think there’s some deep sense of commitment to what it means to house others.”

He then mentioned Jeremiah 29:7: “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you ... and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”

He also feels he contributes a unique service to the board.

“One of the things that is true about non-profit boards is they are full of corporate people, and corporate people are very busy. One of the things I can offer is time, and I can give that commitment of time.”

He now also brings the wisdom of experience thanks to his many years on the board.

“I have served through three executive directors. When there are questions about board issues, I can lean into experience about staffing, leadership discernment, and what is the best course.”

His church is involved with the homeless – in many ways due to its location.

“We are located on State Street, and we sometimes have the homeless in our building, needing help, and we’re able to connect

Andrew Kukla

Stephanie Day

into homelessness

with these people. They’ll come in to charge their devices, get a cup of coffee, or get out the elements. It’s a public space and we engage with them. Recently, one woman needed us to help her extend her hotel stay. We like to have the conversations and the prayers.”

CATCH also has a street team that goes straight to individuals living completely without shelter on city sidewalks, alleyways or other uninviting places.

“Some of the people living on the street have social anxiety,” Day said. “They are cold in the winter. They are people disconnected from the system. We help with basic needs. At the end of the day, nobody wants to live outdoors. People on the street are often people who don’t trust others, perhaps because of past betrayals or disappointments. Over time, we help rebuild that trust. You get to know them and care about them.”

At age 41, Day said that, like most others, she has a safety net or “social capital” that includes a network of family and friends she can turn to for support when other systems fail. But, she said, not all persons are as fortunate. Those in the homeless population need a non-judgmental community as well as organizations like CATCH to be their safety nets and their social capital.

They also need the welcome of a caring, compassionate church such as First Presbyterian.

There is, according to Day, a wait list of 5-10 years for affordable housing. CATCH received 8,000 calls last year from people wanting to know what to do. She explained many of them were in houses but were about to lose them; in that instance, CATCH acts as a referral service, leading people to shelters, to Terry Reilly for health services, or to the VA for help for veterans.

Stated Day: “We partner with everybody, including Head Start, the Department of Labor. the City of Boise.

“It would be nice for other communities to get involved. Currently, help comes from the faith community, educational institutions, businesses, or housing developers. Housing developers are turning into really great partners. They want to give back; I think they see that giving back is an investment because it leads to more people buying their houses and it leads to healthy communities.”

“When people are new to homelessness,” Day explained, “it’s terrifying.”

A warm cup of coffee on a cold winter day, and other kindnesses, help.

“The people need long-term help, whereas CATCH is temporary, generally for only two years,” Day said. “Currently, on average, the help generally runs for 14 months; before COVID it was five months.”

More individuals, churches, and organizations like CATCH need consciences of commitment to help communities’ homeless. n

For more information go to catchidaho.org. Donations are always accepted from businesses, organizations, churches and members of the community. Send them to 503 S. Americana Blvd., Boise, ID 83702.

A local woman named Cassidy was given much-needed help by CATCH (Charitable Assistance to the Community’s Homeless). In the photo above, she holds up a sign of graditude for now having a place for her and her children to live. (Courtesy photo)

MAXIMUM Health

God’s blueprint for hormonal health

By Rosie Main

As women, our bodies move through beautifully designed seasons — each one carrying its own purpose, potential, and challenges. From our first cycle to our final one, hormone health isn’t just a physical issue — it’s spiritual, emotional, and deeply personal. And in today’s toxic, fast-paced world, many women are suffering unnecessarily, silenced by stress, synthetic fixes, and shame.

But here’s the good news: God didn’t design you to just “get through” life. He designed you to thrive in every season. When we restore His design — through faith, food, lifestyle, and love — we experience freedom in our health and peace in our hormones.

Let’s walk together through each decade of womanhood, uncovering how to transition holistically by removing toxins, avoiding harmful treatments, and adding in God-made foods, key supplements, and soul-nourishing habits.

Your 20s & 30s: Building the Foundation of Hormonal Health

These are the “building years,” where energy is high, fertility is strong, but stress and pressure run rampant. It’s also a time when many young women are placed on synthetic birth control — often for non-contraceptive reasons like acne, painful periods, or irregular cycles.

The Hidden Dangers of Birth Control: While hormonal contraceptives seem like a convenient fix, they come at a cost:

• Disruption of natural hormone rhythms — especially ovulation, which is vital not just for fertility, but for hormone production and mood stability.

• Nutrient depletion — particularly of B vitamins, zinc, selenium, and magnesium.

• Increased risk of depression, blood clots, and breast cancer.

• Masking of deeper root causes like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), estrogen dominance, or gut imbalances.

Instead of shutting down your cycle, we encourage women to work with the body, not against it. God created a rhythm in your body for a reason — learning to track it and support it naturally can be incredibly empowering.

Top Lifestyle Tips for This Season:

• Get quality sleep. Your hormones reset during deep sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours in a dark, techfree space.

• Manage stress. Chronic cortisol spikes lead to progesterone depletion. Try breath prayer, journaling, or walking in nature with worship music.

• Ditch endocrine disruptors. Switch to glass containers, toxin-free beauty products, and avoid fragrances and plastics.

Key Supplements for Women in Their 20s & 30s:

• Magnesium glycinate – supports stress resilience and hormonal balance.

• B-complex vitamins – replenishes nutrients lost from stress or prior birth control use.

• Probiotics – gut health = hormone health.

• Evening primrose oil – helpful for PMS and skin clarity.

Your 40s & 50s:

Navigating the Transition with Grace

This is the perimenopause-to-menopause season, often called “the change” — but it’s really an invitation into deeper wisdom and empowerment. The problem? Many women are offered quick fixes like synthetic hormone therapy or antidepressants instead of true healing. What’s really happening? Estrogen and progesterone begin to shift in their ratios, often leading to symptoms like:

• Hot flashes

• Mood swings

• Brain fog

• Weight gain

• Irregular cycles

Instead of chasing symptoms, we focus on supporting the root systems: adrenal glands, gut health, liver detox, and blood sugar stability.

Concerns with Conventional Hormone Medications & Bioidenticals:

• Synthetic HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) has been linked to increased risk of stroke, breast cancer, and blood clots.

• Bioidentical hormones may be marketed as “natural,” but when misused or over relied upon, they can still suppress the body’s natural balance and become a crutch.

• The body was created to adjust. It simply needs support, not substitution.

Top Supplements for Women in Their 40s & 50s:

• DIM (diindolylmethane) – helps the body clear excess estrogen.

• Adrenal adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, or holy basil.

• Vitamin D3 + K2 – essential for hormone function, mood, and bone health.

• Omega-3s (from wild fish or algae) – reduces inflammation and supports brain health.

Your 60s & Beyond: Walking in Wisdom and Vitality

Contrary to culture’s message, this is not the end of your vibrancy — it’s a fresh chapter. While estrogen and progesterone naturally decrease, your body can still thrive by drawing strength from your adrenals, lifestyle, and spiritual health.

Postmenopausal women often face:

• Insulin resistance

• Joint pain or stiffness

• Memory concerns

• Bone density loss

Image by Agata from Pixabay

Rather than resorting to pharmaceuticals for each issue, we take a whole-body, spirit-led approach.

Avoid Common Pitfalls:

• Statins and many common medications deplete CoQ10 and other essential nutrients.

• Overuse of sleep aids or antidepressants can disrupt deeper healing and dependency on natural hormone cycles.

• Relying on bioidenticals without supporting the lifestyle leads to imbalance.

Lifestyle Anchors for Longevity:

• Resistance training – helps preserve muscle, prevent falls, and boost metabolism.

• Social and spiritual engagement – stay connected through church, ministry, mentoring, and family.

• Fasting and detox practices – light intermittent fasting can help balance insulin and support autophagy (cellular renewal).

Top Supplements for Women in Their 60s+:

• CoQ10 – especially if you’re on heart medications.

• Bone support – magnesium, vitamin D3, K2, boron, and strontium.

• Turmeric/curcumin – powerful anti-inflammatory and brain protective.

• L-theanine or GABA – for calming the nervous system naturally.

Living in Harmony With God’s Design:

Hormonal imbalances are not signs of failure — they’re signals. God gave your body a voice, and it’s always speaking. When we listen with compassion, remove what doesn’t belong, and replenish what’s missing, miracles can happen.

We are not meant to fear aging; we are meant to embrace it with grace. Proverbs 31 reminds us that “she is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” That kind of joy comes from trust — in God’s promises and in His creation.

When we live according to God’s original plan — eating His foods, moving in His creation, resting in His peace, and honoring His temple — we discover the balance our hormones are crying out for.

If you’re struggling with symptoms like mood swings, irregular cycles, weight gain, anxiety, or brain fog, know this: you are not alone. You are not broken. You are not stuck.

I walk alongside women like you every day, restoring balance, rebuilding health, and renewing hope. You were created to heal. Your body wants to heal. And with God’s guidance, it can.

Let this be the season you say “yes” to healing — not through the world’s quick fixes, but through the wisdom of the One who made you. You are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and when you nourish that temple body, mind, and soul, transformation happens. n

For further support with your health goals or more information, go to MainHealthSolutions.com.

cefofidaho.com/christian-youth-in-action/

Rosie Main

EXPLORING God’s Great Outdoors

Voices from a faith-filled convention

By Tom Claycomb III

All of the big-name Christian authors, speakers and movie producers attend the National Religious Broadcasting Convention. I attend as Media so I get offered to do 5,000,000 interviews but can only fit in about 25 if my assistant and I want to have a few free minutes to work the show, preview movies, etc. So, let’s cover some of the most interesting interviews that we did. Due to space restrictions, I’m not be able to do them justice!

You’d expect me to have a form with questions to ask. Such as:

• When did you come to the Lord?, or

• How did you come about getting into your ministry?

But what if my generic Christianese verbiage list didn’t allow them to express their passion? So this year I only asked one question: What is your passion?

LANA SILK: She softly repeated my question, “What is my passion?” Then with fire in her eyes she exclaimed, “I want Iran for Christ! Every bit of it!” I could have closed the interview right then. What could be added to that? Pretty much covered it all, but she went on to give me some Iranian history. The Magi gave gold to Jesus in the manger, which probably sustained Joseph, Mary and Jesus to live on while in Egypt. Esther lived there; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; Daniel. She’s passionate that God is going to use Iran. There’s over 1,000,000 Christians there. She showed me a short video of Iranian Christians doing prayer walks and praying over their cities and streets and buildings. It was cool. Go for it, Lana. (Visit TransformIran.com)

DR. HORMOZ SHARIAT: Love this guy! Gung-ho and passionate. Goal? To transform Iran and inform Americans and invite us to have a part in the Middle East. His satellite TV has over 6,000,000 daily viewers, as well as radio broadcasts, into the Middle East. God is revealing Himself to them in dreams and visions so much so that they think that’s the norm. (I’ve been hearing rumblings of this for the past few years from many sources.) Before my interview I asked my buddy Naghmeh Panahi if she knew a guy from Iran named Dr. Shariat. She excitedly said, “He’s my uncle. He led me to the Lord.” Of course I had to text her a picture of me and him at the show. Nagmeh asked me who the girl in the picture was. That it looked like Neda, one of the house church leaders that Nagmeh attended in Iran. Sure enough it was. I don’t really know Dr. Hormoz Shariat but I love his countenance. He beams with joy. I just ordered his book, “Iran’s Great Awakening.” (Check out IranAlive.org)

RENATA DASILVA: From 100 yards away Renata is easily distinguished as a Christian by her beaming smile. She’s on staff with BLEXIT. As advertised, she provided a fresh perspective on racial issues. I loved her attitude. She said we are victors, not victims. She was whipping out so many profound quotes that I couldn’t write them all down.

Such as:

*An absence of God is the presence of evil.

I didn’t get to attend her 2-hour panel discussion, but they were going to cover moving blacks from a victim mentality into one of victory in Jesus and to accept personal responsibility. I hated missing the panel. Next year I’m taking 1-2 more assistants so I don’t miss any premier meetings like this. (Check her out at https://godandcountrybyrenata. com/)

VIRGINIA PRODAN: Unbelievable. A lawyer in Romania. She uncovered a lot of corruption in the Romanian government. Ceausescu sent an assassin to kill her. Put his pistol against her head. Soon she was leading him to the Lord. Another time, guards were slamming her head against the desk and against the wall. She told them she didn’t like them but that God was telling her to tell them that He loved them so she had to forgive them too. They quit beating her, turned around and

started crying. I asked how she got to America. Due to the exposed corruption, President Reagan told Romania he was cutting off their aid. But he’d extend the aid for one year if they released Virginia and her family. She later got invited to the White House to meet President Reagan. After arriving in America she got a law degree since her Romanian law degree was not valid here. Her mission is to help America fight against socialism and to act courageously even under persecution to keep America free. Her book is titled, “Saving My Assassin.” (See VirginiaProdan.com)

TIM MAHONEY: In school they teach evolution as a cold hard fact. (Even though their cold hard facts change and are replaced with another set of hard facts, frequently.) I’m not a scientist/archeologist so I can’t argue on that level. But I love it when others can. The last few decades God has raised up a slew of outspoken Christian scientists and archaeologists. Tim was told there was no archeological evidence of the Israelis ever being in Egypt. Really? So he flew over to Egypt and spent 12 years researching and producing the movies, “Patterns of Evidence for Exodus” and “Patterns of Evidence: The Israel Dilemma.” He is annihilating one lie after another. He said if he can physically prove that what God says here and there in Scripture is true, then we’ll know that everything else He says is also true. Check out his movies. (AmericanMiracleMovie. com)

CHRISTOPHER BETH: I met The Bucket Ministry crew at an outdoor show in Texas last summer but finally met the founder, Christopher Beth, at NRB. Unique how he started this ministry. His 16-yearold daughter was going overseas on a mission trip, so being the dad, he went too. He was shocked when he saw the dirty river water the locals had to drink. He was doubly shocked to learn that they don’t even name their kids until they’re 2 years old — too many died beforehand. He got with a company called Sawyer and developed a water filter that fits onto a 5-gallon bucket. They give them out free with the stipulation that they get to visit twice to ensure it is properly being used — which coincidentally allows for witnessing opportunities. He’ll go into slum sections and give families a filter. He’s smart in that they have local pastors, missionaries and laborers do the follow-up work. If they get saved then they can get plugged into a local body.

Below are some quotes off their website at https://thebucketministry. org/.

• The reality of clean water scarcity is commonly endemic to regions of the world that also lack any evangelical presence or knowledge of the gospel message. Where there isn’t any clean water, there usually isn’t any Living Water either.

• The mission of The Bucket Ministry is to provide underprivileged communities around the world with both.

• When we first meet an individual’s physical needs, they become much more open and receptive to their spiritual needs being met as well. It’s through this holistic approach that we’ve been able to watch God move in the hearts of thousands around the world and help end the physical suffering of even more.

MATTHEW & KRISTINA SPENCER: They said military enlistees are taught all manner of survival skills, how to use their weapons, how to clean their weapons, etc., etc. But no one teaches them how to make their marriage survive the military life. This is their goal, to strengthen marriages amidst the unique challenges of service life. Check out their book, “Valor & Vows.” Send it to your kids in the military.

GIGI BUTLER: Gigi moved to Nashville to be a singer. Through a few twists, she ended up opening a cupcake shop, eventually expanding to 125 shops in 25 states. She sold the company in 2016 and is coming out with a cooking/hospitality show. It will be a cooking show which will lead into her guests sharing their spiritual journey. I love how

Tom Claycomb III

creative people get in glorifying God. I also love seeing time after time how, unbeknownst to us, God is perfectly training us and placing us in positions so we can be used by Him. We never even know what is going on until He pulls back the veil.

DR. SAUNDRA DALTON-SMITH: When I saw her book titled, “Sacred Rest,” I had to interview her. I think it’s a big deal to observe the Sabbath and wanted to hear her take. I’ve read about half of the book so far and am enjoying it. She comes from a different angle than I expected. I’ve been trying to work on abiding in Christ and would sort of sum up her angle as that you have to abide in Christ to find real rest or you’ll never be rested no matter how many hours you sleep or how many sleeping pills you take. She told me that most people with a great work ethic have a zero rest ethic. Ministers who work in the flesh won’t hit the level they could if they learn to abide. Trying to conform to the world brings pressure. She is a good writer and has a new book out titled, “Being Fully Known.”

CHRISTINE TRIMPE: If I can paraphrase, her goal is simple and laser-focused. She wants to help overweight Christian women lose weight, thereby improving their self-worth. She lost 100 pounds and likes to help others. Her book is titled, “SugarFreed.”

BENNY DICHIARA: Benny is the lead singer for the band Empowered. He said that, “Sometimes God does His best work when we’re just going about our daily business.” (I too have found this to be true). After a traumatic brain injury, Benny went from worldly music to Christian rock. When we talked, his band was scheduled to play a rugby event in Louisiana. He’s reaching crowds that I never could.

EPOCH TIMES: There’s two sources from which I get my news: Mike Huckabee and The Epoch Times. The ET is run by a group that escaped from communist China. They publish a weekly newspaper. I think it cost me $150 per year. They also send daily emails. It’s actual reporting! For me, reading the ET is refreshing.

So when I had a chance to interview Janice Trey, the CEO of ET, I jumped at the chance. She knows first-hand the horrors of communism. She was born during China’s Cultural Revolution. Her dad was a successful businessman, but since he didn’t bow down to the revolutionaries, her family got sent to a labor camp. As the adults worked in the fields, an old lady watched dozens of their kids, so Janice babysat her little brother in this so-called nursery. All they had to play with were rocks, so they made up their own rock games. At the ripe old age of 9, Janice was made to work in the fields.

She told me how despicable communism is and described its horrors. During the years 1966-1976, the communists burned books and killed or imprisoned professors.

A 30-minute interview was not enough so we scheduled for me to get to go to her booth on-stage, and they recorded our second interview. Halfway through I realized how important this history was and wanted my daughter to hear it. Janice allowed me to go get Kolby and let her finish the second half of the recorded interview so Kolby could hear first-hand how horrible communism is. I hear that our youth have been swayed to believe that socialism/communism is a glorious thing. This evil needs to be exposed. I am so happy that my daughter got to hear first-hand from Janice.

LISA BURKHARDT WORLEY and LANE JORDAN BURDAY: We had a fun interview. They are lively! I won’t be able to cover all that they do, so I’ll just hit the highlights. They have a devotional which is a 52-week devotional (5-day/wk.) titled, “Treasured: A 52-Week Pearls of Promise Devotional.” They are both authors and have written numerous books.

They own Pearls of Promise Ministries. Lisa spent 19 years as a local and national sports anchor and reporter for the NBA and NFL. She is now an author, public speaker and producer and co-host of POP Talk television and radio.

Lane is the author of 11 books. She is an international speaker, life coach, Bible teacher, recording artist, prayer coordinator, cohost for Pearls of Promise Radio and Television Ministry, and was an associate producer for the program In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley.

PATTI GARIBAY: Due to the large volume of interviews that I have to do, I took my daughter to help me out. She wrote this interview (which is why this one will be better written than the others). After years of involvement with the Girl Scouts of America, Patti found herself at a crossroads of choosing between the well-known and established Girl Scouts programs that she had loved for so many years and the shifting ideology the Girl Scouts were now embracing. Preceded by much prayer and contemplation, Patti felt God was leading her towards a completely new venture, an endeavor that would blossom into a beautiful legacy for the young women of America.

Through that effort sprouted the American Heritage Girls, a program that still incorporates the character-building skills of the Girl Scouts, while being grounded in Christian principles and a Christ-centric philosophy. AHG programs are available in every state for young women ages 5-18. For more information about AHG and its commitment to the young women of America, visit americanheritagegirls.org.n For more information about anything in this column, contact

HISTORY, Culture and Faith

The Lewis and Clark Expedition Part 2

By Rick Chromey

On May 14, 1804, forty-three men and a dog launched a large boat and two pirogues into the muddy Missouri River at St. Charles.

The westward journey to find a Northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean began. Over the next thirty-one months, the Lewis and Clark expedition faced all types of weather, traversed ten future U.S. states, endured injuries and illnesses, and survived fifty-six incidents that could have terminated the historic expedition.1

However, only Sgt. Charles Floyd died, and he likely succumbed to an unrelated and incurable ruptured appendix. For comparison, John Jacob Astor’s 1810 attempt to establish a trading post at the Columbia River’s mouth resulted in over sixty deaths! On the Oregon Trail, one in ten (or roughly 25,000) Oregon Trail emigrants died heading west.

Lewis and Clark and their party were living blessed.

“A Protestant Novelty”

In our last issue, I discussed how the First (1730-1775) and Second Great Awakenings (1790-1835) revived America’s Christian roots. Every Lewis and Clark expedition American member likely attended a Protestant church, as that was America’s religion (90% of the population). Furthermore, between 1700 and 1750, historian James Hutson noted that 70-80% percent of Americans regularly attended church, a trend that persisted through 1800.2

The expedition’s French interpreters and rivermen — like Pierre Cruzatte and Francois Labiche who practiced Roman Catholicism — notably differed from American Protestants. In 1800, Catholics comprised only 1% of the U.S. population, meaning many Americans probably never met a Catholic, let alone attended a Mass. Nevertheless, twenty Corpsmen went to Pentecost Sunday Mass on May 20, 1804.3 This is why nearly every journal writer referenced it, with one describing it as a “novelty.”4

But this behavior also reveals the spiritual devotion of nearly half the party, who chose church over a day off and boldly tolerated a religion their Protestant ancestors fought and fled in Europe.

Bibles and Religious Services

The Corps traveling library excluded religious books, but personal Bibles likely accompanied the men. Their dads had carried the Aitken Bible (1777-79), known as the Bible of the Revolution, during the

Revolutionary War, as pocket Bibles were popular.5

For a soldier, every day could be his last.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition learned this vital lesson when Charles Floyd died on August 20, 1804. Floyd received a full funeral service with military honors.6 Clark noted that Lewis read the service, suggesting he used his personal copy of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. This ministerial resource included prayers, baptism and marriage instructions, prayers for the sick, Holy Communion rites, and a complete funeral service.

The journals were a military record. Consequently, they didn’t address informal gatherings or religious services besides Floyd’s funeral. However, assuming several men carried Bibles, it’s safe to assume informal Bible studies, prayer groups, and Sunday services occurred. It’s also possible Lewis’ Book of Common Prayer was employed to pray for the sick and injured.

“The Party All Thankful”

In early America, prayer and sacred days were prevalent. Governors and U.S. Presidents often proclaimed days of thanksgiving, prayer, and fasting. The Corps of Discovery recognized three holidays: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Christmas, the latter being the most revered.

On Christmas 1804 at Fort Mandan, the men began the day with a cannon salute at dawn, followed by a 43-gun salute. They celebrated with brandy toasts, feasting, gunfire, and dancing. Sgt. John Ordway noted the local Indians did not disturb them, recognizing it as a sacred “Great Medicine” day.7

A year later, Christmas at Fort Clatsop, near the Pacific Ocean coast, included carols, a gift exchange, and other mentioned traditions. Clark journaled, “...we would have spent this day, the nativity of Christ, in feasting had we anything to raise our spirits or gratify our appetites.” Their no-alcohol dinner consisted of poor, lean elk, fish, and some roots.8

Joseph Whitehouse shared a Christmas blessing, citing that their liquor supply had been depleted six months earlier in Montana. He expressed gratitude for the party’s good health, a true blessing, and credited God: “The party is all thankful to the Supreme Being for His goodness towards us.”9

The journals captured additional prayers along the Trail: May 14, 1805: While attempting to navigate a wind gust, Toussaint

Charbonneau, Sacagawea’s husband, capsized the white pirogue, spilling the Corps’ precious cargo — medicines, journals, and artifacts — into the Missouri River. Unable to swim, Charbonneau panicked and began “crying to his God for mercy.”10

June 7, 1805: Lewis heard Richard Windsor shout, “God! God!” and found him clinging to a ninety-foot craggy precipice.11

August 12, 1805: Hugh McNeal straddled a mountain creek and “thanked his God” for allowing him to “live long enough to bestride the mighty Missouri River.”12

August 12, 1806: Sgt. Patrick Gass thanked God for reuniting the Corps of Discovery after their exploration of Montana’s Missouri and Yellowstone rivers.

Lewis likely felt the same gratitude, having survived two near-fatal gunshot incidents within two weeks.

Sources:

In the Lewis and Clark story, we can easily miss the many unrecorded prayers for help, protection, and gratitude — those moments when luck ran out, leaving no chance to escape and no way to overcome challenges.

A few incidents that meet the working definition of a miracle.

We’ll explore these exciting moments next issue. n

Dr. Rick Chromey is a historian and theologian who speaks and writes on matters of religion, culture, and history. He’s also a Lewis and Clark historian for American Cruise Lines (Coumbia and Snake Rivers). Rick and his wife Linda live in Star, ID. www.rickchromey.com.

1. Robert R. Hunt, “Luck or Providence: Narrow Escapes of the Lewis & Clark Expedition,” We Proceeded On, (August 1999): 6.

2. James H. Hutson, Religion and the Founding of the American Republic (Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress, 1998): 24.

3. Pentecost Sunday is 50 days (7 weeks plus a day) after the high Sabbath of Passover. In 1804, Easter Sunday was April 1. Seven Sundays later was May 20 or Pentecost Sunday.

4. Joseph Whitehouse recorded: “This day several of our party went to the Chapel, where Mass was said by the Priest, which was a novelty to them.” Gary E. Moulton, Ed., The Journals of the Lewis & Clark Expedition (Lincoln: University of Nebraska) Joseph Whitehouse: May 20,1804. https://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/item/lc.jrn.1804-05-20

5. Inside Francis Merrifield’s pocket Bible, he thanked God for saving his life in the Battle of Bunker Hill. American Museum of the Revolution, accessed February 28, 2025: https://www.amrevmuseum.org/collection/bunker-hill-bible

6. Moulton, Journals of Lewis and Clark, John Ordway: August 20, 1804: https://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/item/lc.jrn.1804-08-20#lc.jrn.1804-08-20.04

7. Ibid., John Ordway: December 25, 1804: https://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/item/lc.jrn.1804-12-25

8. Ibid., Clark: December 25, 1805: https://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/item/lc.jrn.1805-12-25

9. Ibid., Joseph Whitehouse: December 25, 1805: https://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/item/lc.jrn.1805-12-25

10. Ibid., Meriwether Lewis: May 14, 1805: https://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/item/lc.jrn.1805-05-14#lc.jrn.1805-05-14.04

11. Some might mistake Windsor’s “god, god” cry as a profanity today, but it’s more likely a desperate prayer for Divine Assistance. Ibid., Lewis, June 7, 1805: https://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/item/ lc.jrn.1805-06-07#lc.jrn.1805-06-07.01

12. Ibid.: August 12, 1805: https://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/item/lc.jrn.1805-08-12#lc.jrn.1805-08-12.01

Dr. Rick Chromey

A STORY from Mark Part 2

Will he be healed or rejected by the Man?

By Bethany Riehl

(Editor’s note: This article is part 2 of a fictionalized account of a familiar story from the New Testament, specifically from the book of Mark.)

“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy…”

The passage from the thirty-fifth chapter of Isaiah came to me over and over, especially in the night.

Reports of the Healer came to us frequently over the next several days. I waffled often between being disappointed He’d moved on, and relieved.

What if I had gone and He’d not been able to help me? Although He had healed many who were sick with various diseases, cast out demons, and taught the Scriptures with authority, I hadn’t heard of Him healing anyone who was lame like I was.

“…then shall the lame man leap like a deer…”

How awful it would have been to go for healing, be full of hope, then be the one to show the limits of this great…healer? Prophet? No one knew who or what He was, exactly.

Although it had been years since jealousy had consumed me, I found myself angry that my friends could go and follow Jesus as they pleased. They would hear reports about where He was and go to listen, always coming back to share with me. But I wished to go myself. I was tempted to tell them to leave me alone, but I was hungry for news about the Healer. And I was humbled at the kindness of my friends, and my anger quickly dissipated. I knew if they could, they would carry me to hear Him myself.

I was too afraid.

“…then shall the lame man leap like a deer…”

Just that morning, one of my friends returned to our house. My mother, as eager as I was for the news, had set a plate before him of unleavened bread and goat cheese she had bought from the market, and sat beside him, urging him to tell us what he had seen.

“I was talking to another man on my travels. He’s been following along and listening to reports about Jesus. He said that when Jesus had first begun to go about ‘proclaiming the gospel of God,’ He had gone to Nazareth and preached in the synagogue. He read this from Isaiah: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’ Then, He sat down and said, ‘Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’”

My mother gasped. I felt a chill run through me.

“What did they say to that?” Mother asked.

My friend shook his head. “They were amazed, but I think more so in disbelief. But,” he took a bite of bread, chewing too quickly. He choked a little, and nodded his thanks when Mother got up to get him a skin of water. “That’s not the most amazing thing. I heard that a leper came to Him, imploring Him that if He was willing, he could

make him clean. He had already come closer than is permitted, but instead of sending him away, Jesus looked on him with compassion and told him that He was willing, then touched him and commanded that he be clean!”

The drop of my mother’s shoulders matched the sinking feeling in my chest. If He’d touched a leper…

“Then the Healer is unclean?” I asked so my mother didn’t have to.

My friend laughed, a high, wild sound. “No! Not at all. And neither is the leper anymore. The leprosy left him instantly. He was indeed made clean.”

“Impossible,” I said, shaking my head.

My friend turned to me, a glimmer in his eye. “Impossible? Have you already forgotten Naaman?”

“Yes, but Naaman went to Elisha, a prophet of great power from God. And even then, he had to dip himself in the Jordan seven times to be cleansed. You say this Man simply touched him and his leprosy was gone?”

He looked me in the eye, compassion softening his features. “Maybe He’s greater than Elisha; maybe at last the Messiah has come.”

“…then shall the lame man leap like a deer…”

Long after he left, I thought of his words and of the passage that haunted me nightly. I tried to remember every Scripture that told of the coming Messiah. And as the words written long ago washed over me, along with every report I’d heard of Him, a small flame of hope and belief began to grow in me…

He called Himself the Son of Man. Hadn’t Daniel prophesied of the Messiah, calling Him one like a son of man? Could that be what this Healer, Jesus, was referring to when He called Himself such? I was restless all night, turning thoughts and Scriptures over and over. Yes, I longed for healing, but a more tenacious need soon came to the surface. A much deeper one.

If this man were Messiah, could He help me to be cleansed of my sin? Could He heal me so that I could work and with my own two feet take my sacrifice to the temple at Passover? Oh, how I longed for it. To be able to pray without fear or trepidation. To have every angry word I’d directed at my God over my legs forgiven.

Could this Man help me?

If He could cleanse a leper…

By morning, I had resolved to swallow my pride and my fear and ask my friends to take me to where the Healer was, however long the journey. My thoughts had been buzzing in my head all night, and now they were all around me, growing louder in their intensity.

It took a few moments to realize that it wasn’t my thoughts I heard, but instead the gathering of crowds, once again, outside on the street. I strained to hear what they said, catching only fragments of excitement until at last one voice clearly said, “Did you hear? Jesus has returned to Capernaum!”

Sweat broke out on the back of my neck.

“…then shall the lame man leap like a deer…”

My friends arrived soon after, their faces determined. I didn’t have to tell them what I’d decided; I simply nodded at them and settled

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back on my mat. I held tight with both fists as they lifted me and took me out into the street.

I fixed my eyes on the sky, fighting nausea as they pressed through the crowd, mumbling apologies but not holding back from their dedication to getting me to Jesus.

Hope swelled, fear grated, but faith in what I believed He could do simmered just beneath the surface. I focused on that.

My friends slowed before we reached Simon’s house. I lifted my head and disappointment flooded me. The street was packed! People stood on tiptoes, others craning their necks to see around those that waited in front of them.

The crowd shifted and for a fleeting second, I could see the door. The room itself was full, a dozen people at least, trying to push through the opening. I slammed my eyes shut, praying, working not to let my faith dissipate.

I opened them again and saw my friends before they all set me down and considered our next steps.

“Maybe we could just wait here?”

“Or we could send a message, ask Jesus to come to him?”

“Or…”

Something in his voice caused us all to turn. The friend who spoke was looking upward, to the left of the door. I tried to follow his gaze, but too many people were in the way.

But whatever he was looking at, the others saw it, too. I saw them grinning at one another before they lifted me again and backed away from the crowd. Before I could ask where they were going, my head lifted higher than my feet, and they jostled me violently, nearly spilling me out of the mat.

“Hey!” I grabbed the mat just as the two at my head grunted an apology but kept moving.

The crowds disappeared as they carried me up a staircase on the side of Simon’s house. Every house in Israel had something similar. It led to the flat roof, which was used for prayer, for sleeping on hot nights, for growing herbs. It wasn’t the first time I had been carried up a staircase, but excitement made them move quickly, carelessly.

“What are you doing?” I asked as they finally reached the top and set me down.

“Digging,” was the only answer they gave. n

(Based on passages from Mark 1 and 2, Luke 4, 2 Kings 5, and Isaiah 35)

Bethany Riehl lives in the Treasure Valley with her husband, three kids, and a dog. She writes articles and fictional novels when she can, and her one desire is to point others to the love and sufficiency of Jesus Christ.

Bethany Riehl

TAKE the leap

Trust that you’re in God’s good hands

By Jenna Dexter

As the plane ascended over the coast of San Diego, my best friend straddled the bench to my left, both of us synched up uncomfortably tight to our tandem skydiving instructors, strangers we had entrusted our lives to.

“Do you know how to swim?” Dawn’s instructor bellowed over the roar of the engine.

Puzzled, she replied. “Ummm, yes?”

“Good.” A brief pause. “Do you know how to fight a shark?”

“No!”

“Never mind. Don’t worry about it,” he smirked. Dawn laughed as we both rolled with the banter our comedic instructors dished out on that epic flight.

“We’re gonna have some fun with these ladies,” my instructor had prepped his buddy earlier after my friend and I had amused him with our giddy, excited, bewildered, fun, and nervous energy.

Jenna Dexter

Leading up to that day, I could not believe I had agreed to, scheduled, and paid money to jump out of an airplane. I’d always been fascinated with the idea of flying and whenever I saw skydiving in a movie, I’d try to envision myself doing it someday.

But the reality was always a resounding no. I could never “actually” jump out of a plane. That’s just crazy!

Until 2017 when I was about to embark on solo-travel through Australia and New Zealand and was in a new mindset of being brave and doing things outside my comfort zone. I was also in a season of drastic change with no clear view of my future.

And as my skydiving experience drew closer, I kept sensing a spiritual element.

This wasn’t just about me doing a crazy, scary, and adventurous thing with my best friend. This was about me doing a crazy, scary, and adventurous thing with Jesus.

It’s as if my bold jump was a metaphor for my future.

“Take a leap of faith, Jenna, and trust that I’ve got you,” God whispered. “I’ll be calling you to take a lot of leaps of faith in coming seasons. Be bold. Take risks. Take the scary leap and trust that I’ve got you.”

Tandem skydiving is an act of faith in your instructor. You have no choice but to trust in their knowledge, skill, and experience to keep you safe. Just as you have to trust God when you take a faith leap.

The closer my jump came, the more I consciously chose to tune out fear, embrace the thrill, and mentally be “all in.” I decided I would enjoy every moment and would not hesitate when the time came to jump.

With the plane in position, the door flung open and things happened quickly. A skydiving team in matching gear jumped first and next up was Dawn and her instructor. My heart beat ferociously as I watched my best friend tumble forward into the open sky. And I was next.

During all this, my instructor and I had been shuffling toward the gaping doorway. He had propelled my willing body forward with reassuring strength, calling out instructions as we maneuvered into position.

“Put your thumbs around your straps and keep your chin up,” he called as we literally sat on the edge of the aircraft, my red Vans dangling. Gaping at the vast blue sky, the earth and ocean 8,000 feet beneath, suddenly we were plunging forward into the air.

After an exhilarating free-fall the parachute opened and jolted our bodies into a slow glide. We soared through the air, relished the spectacular ocean views, and landed safely.

No swimming. No sharks.

What leap is God asking you to make?

Do you feel a stirring toward something that requires a scary, risky leap of faith?

Perhaps you’ve thought of taking a meal to your shut-in neighbor. But keep brushing it off.

Your church needs someone to lead Bible study and deep down you sense God is nudging you. But you don’t feel qualified. Perhaps you feel a stirring toward foster care or adoption. But you hesitate.

Maybe you feel called to start a ministry or business, but it seems too big, too out of reach, and you can already hear the criticism at the thought of attempting such a feat.

What if you’re wrong about the leap?

He’s called you to something. Never doubt that. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).

God has given you spiritual gifts, talent, skills, knowledge, and experience that make you uniquely qualified to fulfill your purposes. He has put dreams and desires in your heart for you to pursue. He’s given you a vision and passion for a certain type of ministry, business, and/or people group, and an ability to impact the world as only you can.

It’s rare to have 100% certainty that we are hearing God right. That’s part of the leap of faith. But it’s hard to get it wrong when you’re actively pursuing the Biblical commission to go into all the world and make disciples. It’s hard to get it wrong when you’re doing for the least of these what the Bible commands – feed the poor, preach the gospel, heal the sick, visit those in prison.

If you start to make the wrong leap, trust that God will redirect you as He did for the apostle Paul when he prayed, listened, and took action to fulfill his commission to preach the gospel in the way that seemed right. In Acts 16 he tried to go to Asia and then to Bithynia, but God stopped him both times, ultimately directing him to Macedonia.

Even though the specifics weren’t quite clear, Paul started with the calling he knew he had, took the leap and God redirected.

So don’t let fear of not doing the exact right thing keep you from doing anything at all. Trust that God will redirect you.

“The harvest is huge. But there are not enough harvesters. … Now, off you go! I am sending you out even though you feel as vulnerable as lambs going into a pack of wolves. You won’t need to take anything with you – trust in God alone. And don’t get distracted from my purpose” (Luke 10:2-4a TPT).

Take the leap

Since my epic skydive I took a brave leap to start a Kingdom business, which has included many brave leaps into coaching, writing, podcasting, and speaking. I took a brave leap into learning and adding keyboard to my worship leading. I’ve taken many leaps, all of them hard. But God always had me as I kept myself cinched up tightly with Him.

Now off you go!

Take the leap, and trust that God has got you. n

Jenna Dexter is a speaker and Christian Life Coach for Women. Through 1:1 Coaching, she helps women find clarity, shine in calling, overcome mental hang-ups, unleash confidence, and believe in possibility. Her membership community, Total Thrive Women, empowers Christian women to achieve Personal, Spiritual & Professional results through Group Coaching, Community Forum, and Personal Development Trainings. Learn more at TotalThrive.com and find links to her Podcast & YouTube channel.

EVERY MAN A Warrior Part 2

Wayne Craig: a warrior in the darkness

By Steve Bertel

[Editor’s note: This is the second installment of a two-part article. The first article is available to read at www.christianlivingmag.com: https://www.christianlivingmag.com/every-man-awarrior-wayne-craig-tearing-down-and-building-up/]

April 4, 1999 was a turning-point day in Wayne Craig’s life. That’s when he went forward during an altar call at a little country church in Eagle, Idaho and gave his heart to the Lord.

But the experience wasn’t quite what he expected. “There was the pastor and a few men in the front of the church. I got a slap on the back and, even though they were happy for me, they said something like, ‘Here’s your Bible. Now go read it,’” he recalls. “[But] that’s not what I needed. I felt I needed a man to come alongside me to mentor and disciple me.”

Of course, Wayne was unaware at the time that God was already working on that.

Struggling through the Old Testament, Wayne soon became disheartened and went back to his “old” ways – with his work, his hobbies, his family – and became “too busy” to spend time with the Lord. “I believe God could have provided a man to come alongside me at that time,” he says. “But I think He wanted me to go through that experience, so I could understand the incredible need we have within the body of Christ right now for men to step up, dedicate some time, and mentor baby Christians.”

The so-called Great Recession that started in late 2007 left his life in shambles. His family’s electrical contracting business, which he managed, ground to halt. As a result, “I lost everything. I lost our big beautiful home on ten acres. I lost my new, one-ton diesel truck. I lost all my ‘toys,’ my ATVs …”

Eventually, he heard of a job opening in North Dakota. And he took it. The plan was: his wife, Jaymi, and their teenage children would stay behind in Idaho, a plan that would allow their kids to graduate from high school with their friends. The couple figured the arrangement would last about two years. And Wayne could come home to visit every so often.

But a year into it, “I hit my knees and cried out to the Lord, ‘I give up! I can’t take this anymore!’ I told Him I would do anything He asked of me; that I would make any change He needed me to make, if only He would bring back my family to me,” he says.

Wayne began attending a local church in the North Dakota community where he lived. There, he met the church’s associate pastor, Ron Dazell, a man who became his mentor, his close friend, and who soon invited him to attend a men’s small group study called Every Man A Warrior – a Bible study that helps men disciple others, especially new Christians. Its four-book study program, written by founder/president Lonnie Berger, teaches men how to walk closer with God, how to build a personal love relationship with Him, and how to conquer the typical daily battles men fight, all while teaching them the biblical foundations of how to be a godly husband and father, how to stay morally pure, how to find victory over sins they gave up trying to fight, and how to succeed in life when they go on to teach the same truths to other men.

At the time Wayne joined, the study program was in its infancy; by 2015, men in all fifty states and several countries were using EMAW; in 2017, the ministry joined TransWorld Radio, a worldwide Christian radio network; and by 2019, 80,000 men in sixty countries had been impacted by the EMAW curriculum.

Finally being mentored made for “a radical transformation in my life,” Wayne states. “God used Ron to disciple me through the EMAW curriculum – which forced me to slow down and spend time in His Word. The work He did in my heart, changed me from the inside out.”

Five years after Wayne left Idaho, Jaymi – now an empty-nester –moved to North Dakota to join her husband. Not only did the two

Wayne Craig is Every Man A Warrior’s Northwest Director for the United States. In 2021, he helped launch EMAW’s first prison ministry outside the U.S. At that time, COVID had pretty much shut down all prison ministries worldwide. But Wayne and the team had a friend-of-a-friend who was a prison warden and who gave them full access to a prison in Kenya. Here, Wayne speaks to incarcerated men. (Courtesy photo)

become actively involved in their church, Wayne was hired fulltime in the Every Man A Warrior ministry and became the group’s Northwest Director. Even though they had developed deep roots in their community, Wayne and Jaymi followed God’s prompting, returned to Idaho, and began developing the EMAW ministry in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, traveling to churches, assisting pastors, and growing the ministry.

When he joined the organization, Wayne knew God was orchestrating his steps. But what he didn’t realize was that God was about to lead him into one of the most deadly and dangerous regions of the world.

Africa.

In 2015, he made his first trip to Uganda. “I traveled with a missions team to serve with an orphan care organization called New Hope Uganda,” he says. And he found his work with children and teens so fulfilling, “I returned to NHU in Africa later that year with my mentor, Pastor Ron.” It was the first of many trips the two would take to Africa during the next four years.

During one trip, Wayne saw firsthand the darkness of the “Dark Continent.” “As we made the 45-minute drive through the bush from Gulu City to one of the Teen Challenge locations, a rehab facility, our guide told us about the property and why its location was so special due to its ties with one of Africa’s most evil men to ever live in Uganda, Joseph Kony, leader of the LRA – the Lord’s Resistance Army.” Kony is a notorious Ugandan militant warlord whose army is known to kidnap children to become soldiers for its cause or, worst yet, sex slaves. Wayne feels “The evil that this man has done to children has earned him a special place in hell; he continues to be the right hand of the devil even today.” He makes that statement based on the personal visits he has had with some of Kony’s former child soldiers, who told him horror stories of the inhumane ways they were abused and tortured. “In fact, I have a photo of a teenage girl who had her lips, nose, and ear cut off by the LRA,” Wayne says. Reports estimate some 25,000 children have been kidnapped and over 10,000 children have been killed by Kony’s vicious army. Those numbers don’t include the children who have been tortured, raped, and maimed.

But Wayne quickly emphasizes, “When I drove away from that

[Teen Challenge] property, I was at peace knowing we serve a greater God – and that He always wins. The ground I was walking on, that was once used for so much evil, God is now using for His glory and purpose. He is equipping, healing, growing, and binding up the brokenhearted by setting the captive’s free!”

Today, Wayne treks to Africa two or three times a year – and has every year since 2015, under the auspices of the Every Man A Warrior organization, teaching, mentoring, and shaping young men to follow The Word and become godly leaders of their families.

“Given the unrest in that part of the world, I know there’s always a risk of harm,” he points out. “But we always stay aware of our surroundings, and we stay smart; by that I mean, we don’t walk the streets at one o’clock in the morning, just like we don’t walk the streets of Chicago or San Francisco at one o’clock in the morning.”

“What’s more, Nigeria has become the number one nation in the world for persecuted Christians. So, when I taught there, my local leadership assigned armed guards to me the whole time, because of the threat of kidnapping by warlords or Islamic extremists. To the extremists, I was a six-foot-tall, white paycheck walking around. So I was assigned armed guards as a deterrent.”

But, despite the horrors, the tortures, and the threats of violence or death, God is moving in major ways in that part of the world. “God began opening doors and opportunities faster than I could keep up. It was amazing!” Wayne exclaims. “2018 to 2020 was a great time for us, speaking to groups of pastors and men all over Uganda – in-

cluding in colleges and universities -- planting seeds, taking them books, teaching, launching groups. By the fall of 2020, my entire ministry focus was on helping men start discipleship groups. In 2022, God gave us the ability to translate our books in Swahili, so men can study in either English or their native language – equipping them on how to become the husbands and fathers that God designed them to be.”

And there were other doors opened, other victories as well. For example, during a trip to Uganda in 2017, Wayne met a young man named Wilber Kasaale and, in 2020, began mentoring him through the EMAW discipleship program. “I am so proud of him and how far he has come,” Wayne points out. “From surviving on the streets of Jinja [a city in eastern Uganda] at only nine years old, to coming under the orphan care organization of NHU, to graduating from Kaymbogo University.” Through God’s transformation of Wilber’s heart and Wayne’s mentorship, the young man became so on fire for the Lord and the work the organization is doing, “In January of last year, we brought Wilber on staff as our director of the collegiate ministries. And he’s done an incredible job. He’s a rock star!” Wayne says. “I see the Lord working through this very gifted young man in a very big way. Jesus said in John 15:8 ‘By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciple.’ I can testify that Wilber’s vineyard is full of fruit; he has proven faithful and [now] loves the Lord his God with all his heart, mind, and soul.”

Continued on page 31

Steve Bertel

BIBLICALLY Responsible Investing Keeping your ‘heart posture’ right

By Nathan Carroll

How can we live out Christ in every aspect of our lives? It’s a challenge Christians continually grapple with. We don’t just desire to be people of God but also live out a godly life in all that we do. The Word says that in all you do, do it for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), and part of our mission is to help people steward their finances in ways that build a godly and fruitful life.

When meeting with clients, one of the things we often find them wrestling with is whether or not they should prioritize investing in a biblically responsible manner or prioritize their investment performance. Even steadfast Christian clients will wrestle with the biblical precedence of biblically responsible investing (BRI). There are a few verses that we often quote when establishing that precedence, and as I was reading Scripture there was another verse that spoke to me as precedent for the importance of BRI.

Luke 6:45 says: “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (ESV)

The verse is from the parable of a tree and its fruit and illustrates the importance that our heart posture has on the fruit we produce. As it relates to our finances, it’s important that our heart posture be in the right place, as well as our treasure. If our heart posture is in the right place, but we put our treasure in a place of evil how are we to expect good fruit to come from it? I think this parable is another way of checking us as Christians and how we choose to invest. Given the option, we should try to profit off the right things and in a way that most aligns with God’s Word.

Practically, if we want evil fruit like pornography and child exploitation eradicated from this Earth, how is investing in companies that profit from those evils solving the problem?

Your heart may be in the right place, wanting to eradicate human evil from the world, but if we store our treasure in evil, evil will continue to flourish.

Piano Tuning and Repair Services

Another critical aspect of biblically responsible investing is the impact it has on shaping the culture around us. As Christians, we are called to be the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16), influencing society with godly values. By intentionally investing in companies that align with our beliefs and avoiding those that perpetuate evil, we are making a statement about the kind of world we wish to build. This isn’t just about personal conviction; it’s about creating a ripple effect in the broader marketplace.

When businesses realize that Christians are collectively choosing to invest in ethical and Godhonoring ventures, they are more likely to shift their practices and priorities to align with those values. It’s a tangible way to demonstrate that our faith goes beyond words — it informs our actions, including how we steward God’s resources. Living a fruitful life in our finances would help shape a world where our financial choices actively support godly practices in areas like tech, healthcare, and business. That vision is achievable when we let our investments become a reflection of our mission to glorify God in all we do. Biblically responsible investing is not just a decision; it’s a form of worship and a step toward transforming the world for Christ.

As I read and prayed over Luke 6:45, it affirmed my conviction in BRI: continuing to align my treasure with where I want to see good fruit grow, and I hope it does the same for you. n

Nathan Carroll is a Registered Assistant with Christian Wealth Management in Boise, Idaho. For more information, go to investforthegloryof god.com.

Investment advisory services provided by Creative Financial Designs, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities are offered through CFD Investments, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC. 2704 South Goyer Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, (795) 453-9600. Christian Wealth Management, LLC is not affiliated with CFD Investments, Inc. or Creative Financial Designs, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.

Nathan Carroll

Wayne Craig

Continued from page 29

EMAW’s teacher/student “Paul-and-Timothy-like” work has not only spread through villages, colleges, and universities in Africa, it has even expanded behind prison walls.

In the summer of 2021, Wayne helped launch EMAW’s first prison ministry outside the United States. At that time, COVID had pretty much shut down all prison ministries worldwide. But Wayne and the team had a friend-of-a-friend who was a prison warden. “So we went to Kenya, without having [previously arranged] full access to the prison; we were just trusting that God had a bigger plan.” And He did. The warden allowed Wayne and the team into the prison yard for a two-hour visit with the convicts. “It was amazing the number of men who came forward and gave their hearts to Christ,” Wayne recalls. “Plus, we were the first people the prisoners had seen in over a year, other than the guards. Given COVID concerns, prison officials hadn’t even let family members in.” Seeing the impact Wayne and his team had on the inmates, it wasn’t long before authorities granted them access to four other prisons, including a “supermax” maximum detention facility housing the region’s worst-of-the-worst criminals.

“By the end of 2022, we had chaplains from all five prisons trained, and they each started Every Man A Warrior groups within their facility,” Wayne points out. “Today, chaplains in all Kenyan prisons – about 125 – have been trained on how to start EMAW discipleship groups. God has grown the ministry work to have active groups in more than eighty prisons in that country.” Those numbers are expected to increase even more this year.

The ministry has seen its greatest amount of growth in the continent over the past three years. “Some 22 countries in Africa now have active EMAW discipleship groups and established country leaders. That’s incredible. Only God could have done that,” Wayne says.

And, when he travels to Africa, he is quick to point out that “Jaymi is my rock, my anchor who stays home … and ensures that I don’t follow my heart and my passion and stay in Africa,” he chuckles.

Today, Wayne does double duty; splitting his time between mentoring men one-on-one or in small groups here “in his backyard” in the United States, and doing the same for those half-way around the world. Reflecting on his experiences, he says, “When God welcomed me into His Kingdom and invited me to be part of this ministry, He basically told me, ‘Wayne, I want you to go down this path. But I’m going to be so far out in front of you, you won’t be able to see me. But don’t worry about it. I’m going to leave little sticky notes along the way, telling you about the work I need you to do.’ So I’ve been going along that path, running after God, trying to keep up with Him, going through the doors he has amazingly opened; some doors that we never expected would be opened … and following all the sticky notes He has left me.” n

If you’re interested in learning more about the Every Man A Warrior men’s ministry, contact Wayne at wayne@everymanawarrior.com.

Steve Bertel is a multi-award-winning professional radio, television, print media, and social media journalist, who retired after a 30-year broadcasting career. Now a busy freelance writer, he recently released his debut suspense novel “Dolphins of an Unjust Sea,” available on both Amazon and Kindle. Steve and his wife of 42 years live in Meridian, Idaho. He can be reached at stevebertel65@gmail.com.