Faith On Every Corner - February 2020

Digitial Magazine 2020 February Issue: Love

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ~John 3:16 Visit Our Website at www.FaithOnEveryCorner.com for previous issues and information on our contributing writers.

COVER PHOTO

BY J E F F R E Y B A R C L AY

The photograph was taken in Fairhaven (part of Bellingham, Washington) just as the first snow of the year was falling. Fairhaven was founded in 1883.

In 1903, citizens of Fairhaven and citizens of two neighboring cities on Bellingham Bay, Whatcom City and Sehome, voted to consolidate into one city named Bellingham. The town retains many of its original brick buildings that now house quaint shops and restaurants. It is also the southernmost terminus of the Alaska Marine Highway System.

Now retired, I spend as much time as I can traveling around the Pacific Northwest looking for that next beautiful image. I display and sell my work locally. Recently I published a pictorial book titled “Old Barns of Whatcom County” which contains photographs of 111 old barns along with 10 of my original poems.

I grew up in a small rural town in Massachusetts surrounded by rolling hills and pastures. It was here, at a young age, that I learned about photography. My father had a love of photography and he shared that love with all of his children.

He even built a darkroom in our basement so that we could learn how to develop film. My Brownie Jeff’s book, “Old Barns of Whatcom County,” can box camera was the first of many and when I be purchased on Amazon by clicking the photo developed my first roll of film I was hooked. below.

Photography has been a part of my life ever since.

After a couple of years of college in Maine, I enlisted in the Navy and became part of the crew on a P-3 patrol aircraft. As luck would have it, one of my duties was to photograph all the ships we encountered on our patrols including the enemy boats off the coast of Vietnam.

My military service brought me to the Pacific Northwest, specifically the airbase on Whidbey Island, Washington. Upon my discharge in 1971, I got married, moved to a small rural town in Whatcom County, WA, and grew to love and appreciate the beauty of this area. God has surrounded us all with the beauty of His creation and we need only to open our eyes to see it.

FAITH ON EVERY CORNER

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

L O V E

ove is in the air, it’s Februrary, Valentine’s cards, candy, and flowers have been delivered. For one special day, many act lovingly toward their loved ones and friends, it is a time I wish I could bottle up and sell. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a spray that we could use so that everyday feels like Valentine’s Day? ne of our goals is to reach people with encouraging stories of faith and hope. We are now being read in Ireland, Thailand, Canada, Panama, Philippines, Puerto Rico, India, and Kuwait, and of course the United States. alue is another goal we strive to meet. We want our readers to spend time with the magazine and find value in our pages. We would love to hear from you and welcome suggestions on what you would like to see and read.

very month, I thank our contriubuting writers and this month our contributing photographer for their time and wonderful works. We would like to ask you to share this magazine on your social media pages and help us grow. Share all over the world, the lost are out there and with God’s help, this magazine will get into the hands of those who need it most.

The above photos are our family photos from Christmas and one of Craig and me when we lived in California.

Have a February filled with love.

KAREN RUHL

LOVE

by Karen Ruhl

I N

love taking photo drives with my husband, Craig.

We have been so blessed and have traveled across country together a couple of times. We have lived in three different states together and have seen many wonders along the way. The photos I get to capture fill my senses, but the love of God and my husband fill my heart and soul. ewport Beach pier is featured in the above photograph. The area is so beautiful and one can be lulled to sleep by the sound of the crashing waves. Craig and I came here often to watch the sunset. On the night this photo was taken we were there with our friends Pam and Stu. Pam is an amazing fellow photographer. Photography is a creative gift God has given me, and I use it to praise and glorify Him.

4 | MON AG A Z INE NAM E FAITH EVERY CORNER

H

ave you taken a good look at the gifts God has given you? He loves us so much that He gives us seven spiritual gifts. The seven motivational gifts found in Romans 12—(1) perceiving, (2) serving, (3) teaching, (4) encouraging, (5) giving, (6) ruling, and (7) mercy.

I

n giving us these gifts, God also instructs us on how to use them. They are to be used for the benefit of others, and in a sense they are granted to the church as a whole more than they are given to individuals. ... The purpose of the spiritual gifts is to edify (build up), exhort (encourage), and comfort the church.

M

y article started out with what I love.

I love letting others know about the LOVE that God gives us daily. His word tells us how to love Him and others.

Let’s carry the love we feel in the month of February throughtout the year. May you and your family be blessed with love, peace, and comfort that comes only from knowing our God. Till next month.

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

FACEBOOK

Special thanks to Jeff Barclay for our beautiful front cover photograph.

Karen Ruhl

LOVE IT WASN’T MY FAULT

Cheryl Stevenson

DEAR CARL

Anna Friend

LOVE DEFERRED

Pam McCormick

WAR COUNCIL/CHAPTER 1

Craig Ruhl

CELEBRATING MORE THAN LOVE

Melissa Henderson Randi McNiel

THROUGH GOLDEN YEARS THE HUG

Jessica Teeters

A D AT E W I T H J E S U S

Anna Friend

SURPRISED BY GRACE, AGAIN ROAD TRIPPIN’

NEW THIS ISSUE

F O L LO W U S

4 7 9 10 12 15 16 19 21 24 29

23 27

Lynn Downham Karen Ruhl

Verses To Commit To Memory It Is All Greek To Me!

WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 55

It Wasn’t My Fault!

By Cheryl Stevenson

I refer to Nov. 18, 2006 as the day that I escaped because that is the day that I moved out and started my new life!

Somehow, people don’t know the pain that I’m going through.

Or at least, I don’t think that they know.

Am I really able to hide this abuse from everyone who is close to me?

Could it be possible that they just don’t know?

They don’t know how bad the verbal abuse has torn away at my soul.

Most nights, I quietly cry myself to sleep.

Hoping that the yelling will stop so I can actually sleep.

I no longer care about myself, just about my three children.

I must try to hold it together for them.

Because the abuse is verbal and not physical, there are no scars for people to see.

The scars are emotional and until I left this marriage, I was unaware of how HUGE an impact that this has had on my life!

It would take me many years to rebuild my life.

But mostly it would take a long time to heal those scars that no one can see.

It has taken a long time for me to be truly happy again!

That could not happen until I rebuilt my self-esteem and really liked who I have become.

I was told for many, many years that I was worthless, incapable of doing anything right, stupid, fat, and words that I choose not to repeat again.

Some words I’ve even forgotten.

I didn’t leave until after 27 years!

At the time I left, my children were 24, 20, and 16.

Now I think back to those horrible years and wonder how I survived!

I now know that I’m a good person who cares a lot about other people.

I have also realized that it wasn’t my fault that this happened to me.

I didn’t say or do anything that meant I deserved to be treated so badly.

I have forgiven the person who has done this to me.

But I will never ever forget the abuse that I suffered at the hands of someone who I once loved with all of my heart.

I will never respect anyone who is abusive towards me or my children!

I’m not the same person that I once was.

Instead, I’m much stronger and a better person.

6FAITH | MON AG A ZEVERY INE NAM E CORNER

I deserve to always be treated with respect and dignity!

Because of this abuse, I try to avoid conflicts.

I’m still very fearful of being in another relationship, afraid that it will be just like this one.

I guess that only I will know if or when the time is right for me to be able to trust another man again.

My three children are the blessings that came out of an otherwise terrible marriage and I thank God every day that I have them in my life!

I still to this day worry about how this abuse has affected my children.

I’ve carried the guilt and blame for subjecting my children to this, even though I wasn’t the abuser.

When I’ve apologized to them, their reply to me was, “It’s okay Mom, we know that it wasn’t your fault and that you did the best that you could.”

I cried after hearing these very kind words from them and it felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted from my chest.

Moving forward in my life, I strive to be the best that I can be.

I always want to be someone who my children will be proud of because during this marriage I didn’t feel like I was the best mom that I could be for them.

One day I was on social media & I saw the words “I’m Trying” & I thought that it would be a good title for a new poem. I opened up a word document on my laptop & I began typing. I just never know where or when the inspiration will hit me.

Cheryl has Mild Cognitive Impairment.

She likes to write while she can and has a very positive attitude.

We are honored to be able to share Cheryl’s poems.

I love my children with all my heart and will until the day that I die!

I now feel free and I no longer live in fear.

I can now speak without worrying about someone’s abusive behavior!

I no longer live in silence, because I have finally found my voice!

A voice that was silenced for a very, very long time!

I feel a sense of peace! ©Cheryl Stevenson For quite a long time after writing this poem, I could not read it without tears streaming down my face. Now I can read it and know that pain is no longer fresh and I can do this and feel strong! I think that out of all of the poems that I’ve now written, this one has been the most healing for me.

In Oct. 2006, I started noticing that I was having symptoms of PTSD, related to my now ex-husband’s anger. I left soon after that, but my symptoms continued for 3 years. That means that for 3 years after leaving, I relived the abuse and his anger. One of the most difficult things that I’ve had to deal with.

From the publisher.

Every month, Cheryl is faithful in sending us a submission. Her articles give us all a glimpse into memory impairment. It is real, and it is not easy. We thought we would share a couple of links that may help you if you have any questions about memory impairment. We are not recommending any of these organizations but hope they may provide some guidance.

National Insitute of Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/ Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mild-cognitive-impairment/symptoms-causes/syc-20354578

WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 77

(Carl’s mom writes him letters occasionally. Carl is her only child.

Carl’s father died when he was in college. Living in the Arizona, Carl calls his Mom in the Carolinas as often as he can on Sundays. Carl’s mom is in her 80s. She lives in a contemporary world with old fashioned values.)

8FAITH | MON AG A ZEVERY INE NAM E CORNER

DEAR CARL

Anna Friend

Dear Carl, I hope my letter finds you still happily planning your retirement and summer excursions. Today, I was out doing errands with Shirley. I spent quite a bit of time sitting in her old pink car. It’s been cold and my knees hurt, but don’t you worry about it. As I sat in the car, I watched people.

In the drug store, while waiting for prescriptions, I sat with Shirley having coffee in their adjoined café. I saw a man dressed in a navy suit and bright yellow tie; he was looking at greeting cards. His cell phone rang several different times. He ignored the calls. He thumbed through cards until one made him smile. His Valentine may never know the time he took out of his day to find just the right card, and enclose his romantic love sealed with a lick to the envelope.

Later while getting gas for Shirley’s large fancy car, I sat while she went in to pay. Paying at the gas pump isn’t her style. She laughed, “You never know who I could meet in there.” She is always on the hunt for attention. I watched her go to the doors. A mom and her small little boy approached at the same time. The little boy smiled at Shirley and blocked the door. Then he reached up and pulled with all his might to open the door for her. Shirley squeezed her body through the narrow opening, thanking the little gentleman. Chivalry is still being taught.

At the local IGA store, we stopped for some milk and bread. We wanted to be part of the panic club since snow is predicted. A woman rather unkempt and with a distinct odor was in line ahead of us. She had several items for the cashier, who donned blue hair, a spiked lip, and speared eyebrows. I was cringing inside as I waited to see how this harsh, thin girl would handle this woman who appeared timid and quiet. As she took the woman’s multiple cash bills and collective quarters, the cashier looked in the woman’s eyes, and complimented “I wish I had your pretty blue eyes.” This young girl, strange as she appeared, was a kind soul.

Sitting in car again, while Shirley went into her bank, again no drive through for her. My goodness, who knows who she will meet. I do enjoy my sweet friend. Anyways, across the street a young teenage boy, who probably should have been at school, was walking with his apparent girlfriend. She was wearing his oversized jacket, and he was in a sweatshirt thing. They abruptly stopped and sat on the curb, both with big smiles. A dog was heading their way, no collar, no one with him. He grabbed up the dog. They pet it and rubbed its body with their thick gloved hands. The girl pulled out snack crackers and fed the dog. They soon rose up and went on their way. Leaving a happy dog, and me in awe of the time they spent and the care they gave.

In a world filled with controversy, illness, natural disasters, and threats of war, I found it comforting to pay attention around me. Good people still exist. It is a dark, cold, dreary day here, but my heart was warmed.

Love comes in many forms and this gives me hope. Preacher Larry says we can have hope because God’s love is secure, and it never fails.

I pray you too will find there is hope for our world. Look around, son, true love endures. Say hello to Donna.

Don’t forget to get her a box of chocolates, even if she is on one of her diets again. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Love, Mom Psalm 147:11 New International Version “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”

WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 99

LO V E DEFERRED

by Pamela McCormick She was betrothed to her fiancé. She had the ring. She was preparing for her wedding. He had been drafted to go to Vietnam. Her wedding was delayed. Then fifty-one years ago on Valentine’s Day, she received a letter. They had conversed several times by mail, so she excitedly opened it up to find these words, “I found someone else.” Her heart was ripped open.

How could he make a promise to her and then change his mind? He had told her he loved her. She felt unlovable. She decided to do away with all thoughts of ever meeting anyone else.

FAITH ON EVERY CORNER

A friend called her on the phone a year later and asked her if she wanted to go on a blind date with a young guy she knew, you guessed it, Valentine’s Day. If she did, all she had to do was call this number. She said, “If he wants to go out with me on a blind date, he can call me.” She relented and called him and said yes to going out with him; his name was Mike. She had told her dad to answer the door and either give her a thumbs up or a thumbs down, as she stood atop the highest stair out of his sight.

She said, “Dad, if he’s a dud, just say, ‘I’m sick, and I can’t possibly go out with him tonight.’”

When the door opened, a man entered the foyer, standing almost a foot taller than her dad.

He was so handsome; he was wearing a pink shirt with white bellbottom britches and was carrying a bouquet of red roses on his arm. She floated as quickly as she could down the stairs to meet this person she never had met before.

They enjoyed a night of bowling, cheeseburgers and fries, and laughter.

Mike shared with her that he was on leave.

He had to go back to Vietnam; she again was sure that this never would amount to anything, but a nice outing with a handsome man.

When he left, they continued to send letters back and forth. One of the last letters she received from Mike said he had been badly injured and was in a hospital bed recovering from his wounds. She left immediately to be by his side. They reminisced about their first date and the laughter they had shared. She even confessed to him how she was gun shy about going into another relationship, and he understood.

Mike started courting her. He got to know what she liked and what she didn’t like. He took her places, and he told her he loved her.

It had been five years since they had met on a blind date on Valentine’s Day. He remembered the hurt she had suffered on Valentine’s Day, so he chose the following Christmas to propose to her instead. He knocked on that same door, and he said, “Merry Christmas!” He carried into the house, a box the size of a hope chest.

She started opening the gifts he had brought to her. So many gifts in such a huge box. It was at the end of all the boxes, she found one more box hidden inside another box. When she opened it, she found a diamond ring. He took her hand and told her, “I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”

I have met both of them at the nursing home where I get to do devotions. Mike is still right there by her side. His wife had a stroke and is recovering, and he has never left her side.

And they were married on Valentine’s Day. Love conquers all.

“I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me and heard my cry.” ~ Psalm 40:1

WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM 11

That evening, I was on Telegraph Road returning from a business appointment in Charlotte. It was dinner time, and I was starting to feel my stomach grumble, the result of having skipped lunch while hurrying to my appointment. At the intersection of Main Street, I pulled into the parking lot of the diner I had first visited a few weeks ago. A large A-Frame sign stood on the street corner advertising The Mill Diner and that it was open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. My first visit had been satisfying as far as food, and I was interested in knowing more about the group of men who met around a large round table in the back of the diner.

WA R C O U N C I L CHAPTER ONE

by Craig Ruhl War Council is a work of fiction created by Craig Ruhl. In last month’s issue, we published the prologue to this series. This month we are pleased to present Chapter One of War Council, Will the Circle be Unbroken? Look for continuing chapters in future issues. Craig’s bio appears at www.faithoneverycorner. com/meet-our-contributors.html War Council is copyrighted by Craig Ruhl 2020, all rights reserved.

The small old town named Millville only had a few streets, separated by a smattering of stop signs and flashing traffic lights. Within the town limits, there was a furniture factory, a textile mill, and a few commercial storefront businesses. Any major companies offering employment opportunities were at least an hour’s drive away in one of the larger cities surrounding Millville. The countryside between the small town and the larger cities was scattered with family farms and few small cattle ranches. To most of the world, the town of Millville was a poster child for American towns that time, freeways, and the economy had passed by. The diner sat just off Telegraph Road, the main highway, bypassing the downtown area but convenient for those commuting to the larger cities or just passing through on the way to more interesting destinations.

12 | M AG AEVERY Z I N E N ACORNER ME FAITH ON

Entering the diner was like taking a step back in time, a visit to small-town America at its best. Men in work clothes, mostly jeans, flannel shirts, and baseball caps occupied many of the stools along the long counter.

Couples and small families filled the booths along the two walls. A young lady wearing a faded blue denim apron greeted me with a menu in her hand.

“Hi, my name is Kris, and I’d like to serve you tonight,” the young lady said, smiling.

“Will you be dining alone or are you expecting company?”

I responded, “Just me tonight. I would prefer to sit at a table rather than at the counter if okay with you.”

She laughed and said, “That is fine with me. Follow me, please.”

I followed her to a table in the middle of the room, already set up with four place settings. She handed me the menu, explaining that the dinner special that night was meat lasagna with a side salad, roll, and butter. I love Italian food, so I handed back the menu and ordered the special along with a glass of water and coffee. Kris brought me a glass of cold water and a steaming mug of coffee and then returned to the kitchen window to place my order with the cook. I thanked her and as I added milk and sweetener to my coffee, I looked at the round table in the back of the diner to see if any of the men who met there daily were there. The table had eight chairs at it, three of them occu-

pied. One fellow was older, dressed in a sports shirt and slacks. Another wore bib overalls, sweatshirt, and well-worn work boots. The third man was younger and wore a long-sleeved black shirt with a white clerical collar and a silver cross hanging from his neck. I was sure he was a priest, or a pastor, based on his clothes.

All three were deep in conversation as they ate their dinners. Where I was seated was too far away to overhear their conversation, which was just a little frustrating.

Much quicker than I expected, Kris returned with my dinner special and asked me if she could get me anything else. I said, “No thanks, I think I’ll be fine. Maybe a coffee re-fill in a few minutes if you don’t mind.” She nodded, smiling, and then was off to check on her other customers.

I asked the Lord to bless my food, and then I dug in. My dinner was delicious, both tasty and filling. Just as I was finishing my meal, Kris came up to my table and asked, “Would you like some dessert with another cup of coffee?

We have some awesome apple pie tonight.”

I answered, “A piece of pie would be great, but I better switch to decaf coffee with it, if you have any, or I’ll have trouble sleeping tonight.”

Kris laughed and assured me that there was always a fresh pot of decaf and regular coffee available at The Mill. As soon as she turned away, the man who looked like a member of the clergy got up from the round table and approached me. He held out his hand and introduced himself.

“Hi, my name is Jeffrey Winstead, pastor of First Methodist Church just a few miles east of here. Folks call me Pastor Jeff, but just Jeff will do. My friends and I were just finishing our dinners and were about to order dessert. We noticed that you were eating alone and thought if you were ordering dessert, you might like to join us at our table.”

I stood as I shook his hand, smiled, and said, “I would like to join you. Just let me tell Kris to bring my pie and coffee to your table.”

Kris looked over at us and pointed to the round table and waved her hand that I should move over there. As I approached the round table with Pastor Jeff, the others stood, and we began introductions.

I took the lead and started off with, “Hi, my name is Skip,” Pastor Jeff then introduced me to the other two men.

“Skip, this is Ben Tiller. He is serving as the interim principal at our local high school. He also is the troop leader of our Boy Scouts chapter in Millville.”

Ben and I shook hands and then the man with the overalls grabbed my hand in his large rough callused hand, gave it a good grip and a shake. He said, “And my name is Gabriel Miller.

I, my wife, and two sons own a little dairy farm just a few miles down the road.”

“Nice to meet you all,” I said while grinning at the three men standing at the table. “I am excited to get to know you. The last time I was here, I asked about the group of men I noticed around the table. A lady named Earla served me that morning. She said that there wasn’t too much she could tell me, but she mentioned there were quite a few men that met and that they hugged and prayed. That increased my curiosity,” I said with a big smile on my face.

The three men smiled back at me and Pastor Jeff said, “There is no great mystery surrounding the table or the group that gathers around it. Please take a seat and we’ll get to know each other a little better and maybe we can answer a few of your questions tonight. A few more of the guys may even stop in while you are here.”

Once we were all seated, our server Kris returned carrying servings of apple pie and refills of fresh coffee for each of us. I expected to feel uncomfortable, but just didn’t. The warmth of the diner and the genuine friendliness of the men made me feel very much at home.

(continued on page 30)

WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM WMW W.AFA E VEE&O RYCO M AG Z IINTEH O NN AM R URRNLE R|.CO13 13

C E L E B R AT I N G M O R E T H A N LO V E I N F E B R U A R Y By Melissa Henderson

Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages. Her first book for children, “Licky the Lizard”, was released in 2018. She also has a story in the compilations “Heaven Sightings” and “Remembering Christmas”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. She and her husband Alan moved from Virginia to South Carolina to be near son, daughterin-law and first grandchild. The family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”.

Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com Love is in the air! Red hearts on store fronts, greeting cards, social media, socks, underwear, pajamas and more.

February is the month for all things love.

I have a different way to look at February. Fifteen years ago, February 15, 2005 was a life changing day for me. A few days earlier I had my routine yearly mammogram. With a history of breast cancer in the family, mammograms were a must.

Typical day. Mammogram completed. Normal until the phone rang that afternoon and a nurse asked me to come back in for another mammogram because the films were not clear. She explained the machine was “acting up”.

No worries. Machines make mistakes.

I would return the next day and the images would be clear.

Returning to the image center, I checked in and found a magazine and a comfortable chair. Not long after starting to read a good story, my name was called. Gathering my purse and keys, I greeted the technician and we chatted about machines making mistakes.

A repeat of the images. Another set of images. I wondered if that machine was still causing problems.

The technician asked me to wait in another room. More images needed.

Wondering why so many images

14 | M AG AEVERY Z I N E N ACORNER ME FAITH ON

were needed, I sensed something was wrong. The sweet technician looked at me and said, “Wait right here. I need to bring the radiologist in with us.”

The radiologist entered the dark room. Only dim lights overhead and the light from the images on the computer screen.

“I’m sorry. We have found a lump in your left breast. We are concerned. You need to see your doctor immediately.”

Pounding heart, breathlessness, shivers and anxiety filled my body.

Questions. I needed answers now, not later. The words of the radiologist kept coming back to me.

I tried to take in the words, tried to understand, tried to pray the image results away.

No. This was real.

I called my Mother’s surgeon and radiologist and appointments were scheduled right away.

Biopsy done on February 11, 2005.

The surgeon would call with results.

Now, the waiting game.

February 12th was my Mother’s birthday. February 13th came and went.

February 14th came and went. My husband and I prayed for good test results.

On February 15, 2005, the phone rang as I was getting into the shower. Wrapped in nothing but a towel, I answered the phone as the sound of the shower water sprayed in the background. Walking into the bedroom, I waited for the doctor to provide answers.

“Melissa, I have your results. I’m so sorry. You have breast cancer.”

Shocked and scared, still wrapped in the towel, I fell to my knees. My husband placed his arms around me. My tears showed the news was not good.

My doctor continued. “I had the results yesterday, but didn’t want to call you on Valentine’s Day. I’m sorry about the outcome. We need to schedule you for surgery as soon as possible.”

Finalizing more details and gathering my composure, I listened. My husband held me tight. Toward the end of the conversation with my surgeon, I asked, “When can I say that I am a survivor?”

She gave a beautiful answer. “Melissa, the moment you are diagnosed with cancer, you are a survivor.”

With that call, my life changed. Diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and years of medicines to hopefully prevent the cancer from returning.

Publishers Note: Most families have been impacted by cancer in some way, and far too many women have experienced a battle with breast cancer. I lost my mother to breast cancer many years ago, but today, there is a great success for those who catch it early.

We hope all of you are encouraged to do self checks and see your doctor regularly for breast exams. It may save your life.

For information about breast health, I have added a couple of websites you can look through. We have no affiliation with these sites.

Breast Cancer Organization https://www.breastcancer.org/ Web MD https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/default.htm Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/

February 15, 2020 will be a very special day. I will be a 15 years breast cancer survivor. Praise the Lord! Yes, the month of February is all about love.

Love for God and love for each other. I am thankful to be a survivor. Amen.

WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 15 15

T H R O U G H G O L D E N Y E A R S : A LO V E S TO R Y

by Randi McNiel

to get a date with her, he said, “If you’re willing to go out with me, you pick the date” . . . and she did.

She later told Einar she thought he was kind-of-cute, “with a feather in his hat!”

They had several dates over the next few months, and by Christmas vacation, Einar took a bus to Elroy, Wisconsin where Rena lived so he could meet her family. It was 200 miles each way. Einar had been warned about Rev. Rusten – he was a big man, “so watch what you say.” Einar met Rena’s family and their relationship began to grow.

It was 1920 . . . Einar Anderson was born on Easter Sunday, and Rena Rusten was born on Christmas Day. It was a match made in heaven.

Fast forward to 1939. Einar, a sophomore at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, only had a couple of days to find a date for a roller-skating event.

One of his friends who was living off-campus said, “There’s a cute gal across the street from us. Her name is Rena Rusten – give her a call.” Einar was living at home in Northfield at the time and looked her up in the college directory. Rena, a freshman, had come to St. Olaf to study music under her uncle, Carl Abrahamson, the piano and organ professor.

Einar had taken advanced piano lessons from Professor Abrahamson as well. Rena had also served as pianist and organist in her father’s church services.

So Einar gave her a call and tried to break the ice with some trivia. Rena hung up on him and told her roommate, “I would never go out with a guy like that.”

Thinking about his brief phone call with Rena, Einar assumed she was expecting someone more sophisticated. Yet he was intrigued by her abrupt behavior and decided he would check her out.

All freshmen were assigned to eat together in the Boarding Club, located in the basement of the men’s dorm on campus. Einar went to the men’s dorm with a friend that he knew could identify Rena for him. They waited for her to come up from the basement and she happened to be alone. As she walked down the hall to exit the building Einar walked up alongside her to introduce himself. Over the next week or so and a couple of unsuccessful attempts 16 | ON M AG AEVERY Z I N E N ACORNER ME FAITH

By 1941 Einar went to California where he took a Civil Service exam for employment at the Mare Island Navy Ship Yard in Vallejo. He returned home to Minnesota, and on Friday the 13th in June 1941, on yet another trip to Elroy, he presented Rena with an engagement ring. On July 21st Einar began his job at Mare Island. Rena’s brother, Paul, went with him and was hired as a photographer with the Navy Yard.

Several months later Einar and Paul were walking down Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley when they saw some young men selling newspapers with the heading, “Pearl Harbor Attacked.” It was December 7, 1941. As a result, Einar’s job was extended to a 7-day week with no time off.

After three months, it became apparent that things would not be improving, so Einar decided to proceed with marriage plans. Supervision granted him a three-week leave of absence to go back to Wisconsin and get married. He sent a telegram to Rena to set the wedding date, and within two-weeks, her mother was able to make the bridal gown and four bridesmaids dresses, along with all the wedding preparations.

Einar and Rena married on April 18, 1942 in a service officiated by Rena’s father, The Rev. A.M. Rusten. Immediately after the wedding and reception, they began the 2,400-mile drive back to California, a drive that became their honeymoon. They began their life together in Vallejo – Einar working at the Navy Yard and Rena working as a bookkeeper at the local Bank of America. In January 1944, their first

son, Skippy, was born. At the same time, Einar was drafted to serve in World War II. Rena and the baby went back to her parent’s home in Wisconsin while Einar became a Staff Sergeant, Central Fire Control Gunner aboard a B-29 Super Fortress stationed in Saipan.

By 1946 Einar and Rena were reunited. Einar was back at Mare Island Navy Ship Yard and the young family settled in Benicia, California. They had four more children – Randi (1947), Becky (1949), Kristi (1952), and Ross (1954).

Over the next 30 years the family would move several times as Einar’s work, primarily as a design engineer in the aerospace industry, was hit with layoffs and uncertainty. But their faith was strong, and even after their daughter, Kristi, was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at age 15, they lived a normal life – Einar going to work, Rena a stay-at-home mom who taught piano lessons, and the family very involved with church activities.

What is it that makes some marriages last a lifetime and others dissolve in divorce? Love is a choice. It’s a decision you make every day of your life. Every Valentine’s Day for 70+ years, Einar brought Rena a box of candy and red carnations. When you get your mind off yourself and your own interests and focus on the interests of your spouse, it changes your whole way of thinking. It’s like there’s a bend in the road of every marriage with certain trouble ahead. A lot of couples would rather take another road than work their way through the trouble, not knowing that there is gold just around the bend.

Gold is only refined by going through the fire. A relationship can grow stronger when two people work together through the hard times and choose to “go for the gold.”

Einar and Rena had vowed to love and to cherish “as long as we both shall live.” In April 2019 they celebrated 77 years of marriage. Two months later Einar went home to be with the Lord at the age of 99. Through their long years of marriage as they searched for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, they realized they had it all along.

Einar & Rena at their 75th Anniversary celebration in April 2017 with their children (left to right) Ross, Becky, Randi, and Skip. Kristi had died in 1998. Skip died in January 2019, just 5 months before Einar.

WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 17 17

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

Luke 2:14 18

|

M AG A Z I N E N A M E

FAITH ON EVERY CORNER

The Hug

by Jessica Teeters It was cold but comfortable. While enjoying a nice conversation at the Local Bean Coffee Shop, I noticed a gentleman looking through the glass. He walked inside of the cafe with his head down, looking timid and a little scared. I couldn’t keep my eyes from him. I followed him and he was holding fifteen cents, he asked for a cup of water and tried to pay for it. I asked him if he wanted a coffee or something to drink. He didn’t looked at me, and he nodded no. I asked him if he wanted something to eat, and he started crying. I grabbed pastries and asked the clerk to bag them for him.

While tears ran down his face he asked me for a hug. That hug was the most amazing feeling, it was beautiful and I felt his gratitude in my heart. We exchanged few words. I couldn’t compose myself. It was emotional. He told me that he loved me and that I didn’t have to do that for him.

But I did. He told me many times, “God bless you.” He was grateful and I felt closer to God when I hugged him.

I felt the essence of gratitude. The reason of why are we living is to love because God love us first. That day changed my life. I called the Local Bean later and provided my information. Now I am on a mission to find him. I haven’t stopped thinking about him. I know there’s something else I have to do for him. Most importantly I have to find him to let him know that his hug changed my life.

There are a lot of people in the world waiting for a change. Sometimes, you think that helping others changes only their life, when in reality God is changing yours. And all of it started when I was at the Local Bean. If you want to know more information and want to help me find our sweet angel, please contact me or The Local Bean in Hudson, North Carolina. May God bless you!

WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 19 19

A D AT E WITH JESUS

By Anna Friend

Anna Friend, born in California, is a 24-year resident of North Carolina, along with her husband of 30 years. Anna writes realistic fiction, celebrating marriage and positive relationships that endure life challenges. She loves sharing God’s redeeming love on the page.

20 | M AG AEVERY Z I N E N ACORNER ME FAITH ON

One of my favorite dates happened on a low, gentle slope in a park. A nearby river serenaded us.

Lush trees and flowering bushes barricaded the sounds of the inner-city streets. We sat upon a myriad of colors patterned bright against the fresh lawn beneath us. We brought deli sandwiches, cold tea, and a nibble of something sweet with us. We settled into relaxation. Calmed our minds.

Looked each other in the eyes.

Spoke of our days entailing the rises and falls. Allowed silence.

Absorbed the humid, warm air.

Listened to the song of the river.

We filled our tummies. Then we focused on what was ahead – an outdoor movie for public viewing.

In the time we spent with each other, many other couples, and families had surrounded us. Vendors had set up. The city’s vibrancy

of restaurant and social club patrons were celebrating their Saturday night. We had been focused on each other and set ourselves apart from the world for a dedicated time.

Psalm 42: 1-2 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

I had driven many miles from my home with no destination. My mind filled with endless thoughts of disappointment. My inner spirit unsettled with angst. My car became silent as I parked near a prayer garden at a Christian conference center, settled in the foothills of North Carolina. Heavy dark clouds shadowed us. I sat in silence. Then came the rain,

pounding my sunroof. I didn’t hear my own sobs. With my face no longer wet, but damp, I felt the warm presence of comfort. My breaths now deep and calm. No words exchanged. I was just held by the presence of Jesus. He and I had been set apart to spend time together. I gave allowance for His filling with His peace beyond understanding. His promises and words replaced feelings in my heart. Soon, I was belted in truth, homeward bound, with the cleansing rain still pouring. My date with Jesus always cherished.

Consecrated time with Jesus appears to be more of a rarity than a norm. Some of us pick up our favorite devotional book each morning for a quick read. Many of us have become dependent and nourished by spoon feeding ourselves in a media-based society.

We read wonderful snippets, posts, comments, and mini devotionals as we scroll through our favorite social media sites. We are filled up with “God Minutes”. They are helpful, enlightening, and they resonate in our spiritual hearts. However, these are like a box of chocolates.

Wonderful, delightful bites. We are thankful for the taste and joy they bring. However, what about the Giver? Do we keep dates with Jesus, sacred set apart times alone with Him, unplugged? My precious friends in Christ, yes, many distractions are around us. Some of us are hurting, need healing, and are tired, weary. Find the space. Create the time. Focus on Him. Share your rises and falls. Listen. Breathe in God’s love. It is true love because God is Love. Make a date.

WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 21 21

Bible Verses We Love to Learn, Pray, and Remember

We at Faith On Every Corner are committed to being constantly in the Word of God. Like many others, we are intentional in reading and studying the Bible as part of our learning what God would have us know and how we are to lead our daily lives. It is very useful to concentrate on those Scripture verses that especially connect with you. By reading these verses, thinking about what they mean, and even committing them to memory, you will have the resources in mind to face the daily physical and spiritual challenges we all face. In this column, we have provided a few verses that are our favorites.

Matt 28:20: “And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Rom 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Eph 2:9: “Not by works, so that no one can boast.”

22 | ON M AG AEVERY Z I N E N ACORNER ME FAITH

Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

Isa 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”

1 Pet 2:24: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

Josh 1:8: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Matt 28:18: “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

Col 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” Matt 22:37: “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ” Ps 133:2: “It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes.”

Matt 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Isa 55:8: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.” Heb 4:15: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.”

John 13:35: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

As you read these verses, please look them up and read the entire chapter. There is so much that goes on before and after each of these verses. Then, hide them in your heart.

Psalm 119:105 New Living Translation Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 23 23

S U R P R I S E D BY G R A C E A G A I N

By Lynn Downham Before I had written this story, I had written the one for next month by mistake and thought, “Oh dear, well I’ll just be a month ahead!” The theme for this month being “Love”, I tried to think of what to write. I have seen the love of a father for a son, (portrait), the love of a mother and grandmother for a tiny daughter, (portrait), the love of an owner for a beloved pet, (portrait) and even the love of a fisherman for his favorite hunting stream, (landscape). In all these there is certainly love of the subject by the person who commissions the painting. I was looking for God’s intervention in the process. I said, “Oh well, God’ll tell me what to write” and went on about my business.

Now, God usually speaks to me when I’m STILL, (ie: “Be still and know that I am God.”) and this only happens two times a day, when I lie down at night and right before I get up in the morning. So when I laid down to sleep that day, (same day), almost immediately I laughed as He placed it on my heart and I said, “I’ve got 24 | ON M AG AEVERY Z I N E N ACORNER ME FAITH

the perfect story!” Now please indulge me this month as I depart from my art to tell you this story.

I was dreaming. The year was 2015 and we were in our current home in North Carolina. In the dream however, I was at home in Florida in the two story log home Mike and I had built and it had a long front porch stretching across the front of it. People, mostly people I really didn’t recognize, were coming and coming like there was going to be a big party and there was going to be music and this was most of the dreamtime, but at the very end of the dream, in strode this man. He was BEAUTIFUL. He looked amazing. He had on a brown pin-striped suit and he had his hands in his pockets and was just striding along whistling and looking so happy. I immediately stuck out my arm and pointed directly at him and said, “Who’s that man?” and I went running up to him. As soon as I got close to him, everything disappeared except his face and I went, “DADDY!” and he saw me too! It

was like looking through these “points of light” or something like you see in the movies. I woke right up and sat bolt upright in bed as I realized what had just happened. It was VALENTINE’S DAY two years after Dad had passed away on September 25, 2013. The one word I could use to describe how he looked is “carefree”, for indeed, he has not a care in the world.

What a gift, and since this has happened, I have recounted this story many times and have been told many similar stories about others whom our sweet and precious Lord has graced with some glimpse or presence or vision of a loved one who has passed away and is in heaven with Him. How sweet, how amazingly kind of Him to think so much of me, just a little speck down here and indeed of each of us, that He would do that. He is the King of Love and I am blessed to learn from Him. Have a lovely month, all!

Love, Lynn If ye abide in Me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” John 15:7-9

WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 25 25

26 | M AG AEVERY Z I N E N ACORNER ME FAITH ON

IT IS ALL GREEK TO M E !

By Karen Ruhl

I love learning the meaning of words in the Bible and how they were translated to English. It’s wonderful that we can all read the word because of so many faithful men and women who translatted it and are still translating to many third world countries.

It is part of the great commmission.

I hope you had a chance to learn the words from our January issue. Here are five new words - except Agapé. I left that in this month to celebrate the month of love.

WORD QUIZ

Have fun while learning, search for where each of these words are used in the bible. Enjoy!

1 2

Agapé: is a Greco-Christian term referring to love, “the highest form of love, charity” and “the love of God for man and of man for God” Rhema: refers to the instant, personal speaking of God to us.

3

Charis: a Greek word that means, grace,” “favor,” “blessing” or “kindness.”

4

Theos: the basis of the word theology, “the study of God.”

5

Logos: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 27 27

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.

1 Peter 1:22

28 | ON M AG A Z I N E N ACORNER ME FAITH EVERY

ROAD TRIPPIN’ WITH KAREN & CRAIG P H OTO S BY K A R E N R U H L

C H

aldwell County, North Carolina is filled with country roads, old barns, interesting sites from days gone by, and so much more. eading down the roads, Craig and I take turns deciding which way we should turn. Countryside will give way to subdivisions, some old and some very new with big homes sitting on the hills overlooking farm country or one of the many lakes in the county.

A

n abundance of barns litter the landscape, some in good shape and some just ready for a big wind to knock it over. I would love to know the history of some of these barns that are obviously products of years gone by. We often see tractors still stored in barns that are on their last legs. In the country, you will see animals and feed stored in these buildings which have stood strong for decades. As we pass by the farms, we often get a nod or a big wave from the farmers themselves.

R

olling meadows and beautiful trees fill the land. In stark contrast, we sometimes come upon a piece of land that is being cleared and sold for logging. It is sad to see the big trees laying on the ground just waiting to be sent to the sawmills. It is a necessity, but I prefer them stading upright and basking in the sun.

M

any of our drives are many hours long. Craig and I enjoy being out together and love chatting and being uninterrupted by our phones. We highly recommend a Sunday country drive. Go to church and take a country drive, God will fill your senses with the beauty he created. May God Bless You. WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 29 29

WA R C O U N C I L

(CONTINUED)

“Skip, tell us a little about yourself,” Pastor Jeff asked me. “Are you married and what do you do for a living?”

“Well, I am married to my lovely wife, Tori. We have one grown son. He and his wife have an eight-year-old daughter. Tori and I own a small home-based company that publishes a faithbased, digital magazine. Tori also is a professional photographer and graphic designer. She also does that from work from home.”

“That is great to know, Skip,” Ben Tiller said with a smile. “Many of the men in our group are at different stages in their walk with Jesus Christ. Some are mature in their faith, while others are just beginning their journey. A few of the younger men are still seeking to know more about what it means and takes to be a Christian man in today’s world.”

Gabriel added, “That Is the reason we like to get together as often as we can, it gives us the opportunity to teach, support, and love each other. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:12, ‘Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken’.”

“Our group of men is like a Bible study group on one hand,” Pastor Jeff explained. “But, more than that, we try to put our faith in action by performing works of service in the surrounding communities. People around here know us as the “War Council.”

“War Council? Whoa, what are you guys?

Some kind of local militia?” I asked, concerned.

“Not quite!”, Pastor Jess answered and all three of the guys started laughing and shaking their heads. “We are prayer warriors. We know the battles we are all involved in daily do not just take place here on the earth, but in heavenly places. To win those battles, we must all put on the armor of God daily and then enter the Heavenly courts to argue our cases before God.”

FAITH ON EVERY CORNER

Ben added, “Please do not be put off by what Jeff has just shared. We all have learned this a little at a time and we wouldn’t want anything that we have shared with you to frighten you off from learning more about us, and us being able to know you better, too.”

Although the conversation tonight was unexpected, I was not disturbed by it, and I wanted to learn more. All three of the men seemed to be nice, down-to-earth guys with an obvious passion to serve the Lord. That set well with me.

“Well guys, I know about spiritual warfare,” I said. “Tori and I pray often and like to pray for intercession on the behalf of others. Nothing I have heard tonight has put me off at all. I want to know more, and I hope that we can get together again soon.”

It was getting late, and I needed to head home. My guest check was on the table. As I reached for it, Jeff shook his head and said, “It’s on us tonight. It was a pleasure meeting you and we also hope to see you again soon.”

We all stood up and as I went to shake Bill’s hand, he pulled me toward him and gave me a bit of a hug. That turned into a manly hug with each of the men. I was shaking my head and smiling when I remarked about the song playing through the diner’s speakers. It was an old country song titled, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” sung by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. An oldie, but goodie for sure. I remarked that it was one of my favorites.

The men laughed and Gabriel roared, “That would make a very good theme for The War Council. I like that a lot!”

It was a long drive home with the song playing in my head and thoughts of men around a table holding hands, praying, and doing battle against spiritual strongholds.

Chapter Two will be in our March Issue!

Faith On Every Corner Publisher & Editor in Chief: Karen Ruhl Senior Editor & Business Manager: Craig Ruhl Photography: Karen Ruhl Staff Writers: Craig Ruhl, Karen Ruhl Submit Articles For Consideration to: FaithOnEveryCorner@gmail.com Phone: 828-305-8571

Love is in the air during February!

www.FaithOnEveryCorner.com ©Copyright Faith On Every Corner 2018, 2019, 2020

Disclaimer and Copyright Notification The Information contained in the published works of Faith On Every Corner LLC has been received from sources that we believe to be reliable. However, neither Faith On Every Corner LLC nor its authors, writers, editors, or publisher can guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information published. Faith On Every Corner LLC, its authors, writers, editors, and publishers are not responsible for any errors or omissions in our published works.

All Faith On Every Corner© publications, websites, blogs, and other media are copyrighted. All rights are reserved. Faith On Every Corner© published works may be reproduced, shared, copied, or transmitted as long as the published work is unaltered and contains proper attribution to Faith On Every Corner©. Contributing writers to Faith On Every Corner© retain full rights to their articles.

WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 31 31

SUBMISSION POLICY

Magazine Submission Policy and Guidelines • Faith On Every Corner magazine is digitally published on a monthly basis by Faith On Every Corner, LLC • All submissions are subject to editorial review prior to acceptance and publication • Content: Focused on articles, stories, poems, and testimonies centered on acts of faith and service • Audience: Christian, family oriented • Rights: Contributing writers retain the rights to their work, granting Faith On Every Corner, LLC the right to publish, re-publish, share, archive, and for promotional use.

• Word Count: Suggested length is 500 – 750 words.

• Submission Format: Microsoft Word documents are preferred.

• By-Line: By-line is included in publication, table of contents, and contributor highlights • Acceptance: All submissions will be promptly acknowledged, and the author will be advised via e-mail if their submission has been accepted, of any suggested edits, and which issue it is scheduled to be published in.

• Distribution: Writers will be provided with a digital link to the publication in which their published work appears. The link is sharable through social media and is suitable for use on writer’s website or blog. The magazine is downloadable from the publisher’s website.

• Compensation: Faith On Every Corner is a free digital magazine. Currently, we do not offer compensation for published content.

• Faith On Every Corner reserves the right to change or modify these submission guidelines at any time without prior notice.

Please contact us at faithoneverycorner@ gmail.com for clarification or questions regarding these guidelines. Prior to submitting to Faith On Every Corner, we suggest that you review prior issues of the magazine at www.faithoneverycorner.com/magazine.html

FAITH 32 | MON AG A Z EVERY I N E N A M E CORNER

The following are the planned themes for the calendar year 2020: January - A New Year February - Love March - Easter is Coming (Easter is 4/12/20) April - Spring May - Patriotic June - Summer Fun July - Freedom August - The Heat is On September - Back to School October - Harvest Time November - Thanksgiving December - Christmas While we do like to follow our scheduled themes, we will gladly review suggested topics or content.

Calling All Writers!

We are a family owned business that has over twenty-five years of experience in the cabinet manufacturing business.

We look forward to helping you get your dream cabinets.

439 Virginia St. SW Lenoir, NC 28645 (828) 759-1057 WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 33 33