Isaiah 35: 1-2
The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;
Photo by Photographer and Author Nancy Langis DeJesus
Author and Photographer: Nancy DeJesus
Hello! My name is Nancy DeJesus and I’m based in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I am a wife, mom, educator, photographer, artist, and author.
I earned a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the Pennsylvania State University. I taught art in the public school system and am a Subject Matter Specialist in Visual Arts for an international homeschool company.
My husband and I have seven children and five grandchildren. We are very active in our church and God is the center of our lives. My two favorite art mediums are watercolors and photography. I love taking pictures of nature and am always amazed at the tiny things around us that are so intricate when seen through a close-up camera lens. My photos express the beauty I see in God’s Creation every day. My newest passion is writing books that combine my passion for photography with scripture. My photos and books are available at www.NancyDeJesusPhotigraphy.com.
Note From Karen Ruhl, Editor
Happy April!!
Do you remember being in school on April 1st? You couldn’t walk down the hall without someone asking for an answer to a rhyme. I found a few of these online and thought I would share:
What’s the best way to catch a squirrel? Act like a nut!
Why don’t eggs tell jokes? Because they might crack up!
Why did the math book look so sad? Because it had too many problems!
From a Christian point of view, April is filled with glorious happenings.
Easter Sunday: After three days in the grave, Jesus rose from the dead, conquering death and the grave! Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. HE IS RISEN! Matthew 28:6.
Jesus and His Disciples: After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to His disciples. Luke 24:36-39
Jesus Appeared at the Sea: After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to seven of His disciples while they were fishing on the sea. John 21:1-14
I want to challenge you this year to put as much effort in reading the Bible and learning about what Easter is all about, then the efforts you put toward the Easter Bunny, coloring eggs, getting candy for the kids and taking them on Easter Egg hunts. All are good, but take time to sit as a family and read the Bible - tell them about Jesus and celebrate his victory!
Thank you, I am praying for you all, Karen Team@faithoneverycorner.com
COVER AND PHOTOS By Nancy DeJesus
Spring Poems ... by John Alexander ... Pages 6-7
April Blooms ... by Melissa Henderson ... Pages 8-9
How To Shine For An Ambassador For Christ ... by Yvonne M. Morgan ... Pages 10-11
When I Am Afraid ... Gina Meredith.. Page 12-13
Morning Coffee ... by Michael E. Wells ... Pages 14-15
God Cares For You ... by Irene Surya ... Page 16
He Took My Place ... by Laurie Glass ... Page 17
Jesus Knew ... by Donna J. Miller ... Pages 18-19
Beach Breakfast .... by Nicole Byrum ... Pages 20-21
Wild Horses and Storms ... by Brianna Barrett ... Pages 22-23
A Message For Junia ... by Mike Hall ... Pages 24-25 Poems ... Ada Anne Ohnezeit ... Page 26-27
Wild Horses and Storms ... Shara Bueler Repka ... Pages 28-29
He doesn’t give you more than you can handle...right?.... by Karen Ruhl ... Pages 30-31
Top Myths About Mega Churches ... by Joseph Akinrinola... Pages 32-33
Sending love in this the “Love” month.
Blessings to you all.
God Is Fair ... by Linda Castro ... Pages 34-35
Book Reviews ... by Karen Ruhl ... Pages 36-37
Adult Love In Friendship ... by Mitchell Milch ... Pages 38-39
Road Trippin’ ... by Karen Ruhl ... Pages 40-43
Hanging In There ... by Pamela McCormick ... Page 44
Check out Nancy’s photos and books, available at www.NancyDeJesusPhotigraphy.com.
It’s the time and the season for Easter and spring. A blessed time to find hope and encouragement. The buds on the trees bring the promise of blooms. It’s a time to find joy perhaps lost in the cold months of winter. I pray as the trees and the flowers spring forth that you find time to enjoy the mild days in the sun.
I pray the poems I’m sharing this month will, like spring, lift your spirits.
Blessings, John Alexander QuietTimeRhymes.com
BEAUTY IN SPRING
I pray that today may encouragement come, No matter your state, you can always use some. I pray you find joy and contentment today, That your heart can delight as your woes fade away. I pray that your spirit once more has a song, A melody lifting you where you belong, Out of the shadows and into the light. The sun rises each morning to end the long night. May the beauty around you that blooms in the spring Fill up your senses and let your heart sing. God adorns even trees, and He blankets the land With colorful flowers so rich and so grand. God’s love is around us, and also inside. If we open our heart, He’ll come in and abide.
EASTER MORN
It’s Easter morning, glorious day, An empty tomb, the truth, the way. You conquered death, new life to give, Atoned our sins, that we may live. Such suffering upon the cross, Beyond compare, the pain, the cost. Such sacrifice, hard to conceive, Death has no grip if we believe. The crown You wore was made of thorns. We praise You Lord this Easter morn. You died, You rose, oh Holy One, You sacrificed; the battle’s won. We thank you Lord, we give You praise. Our heartfelt prayers to You we raise.
FAITH AND COURAGE
(Inspired by 1 Corinthians 16:13-14)
Stand firm, cling to faith in the midst of a storm. When the thunder is rolling, clouds billow and form, Our faith will sustain us and carry us through. The darkness will fade as each day starts anew. Be strong in the face of the troubles in life, No matter the size or the shape of our strife. The Lord provides strength as we reach out and ask. His strength is sufficient for any life task. Lord give us the courage we need for today.
May we walk with assurance as You lead the way. As we’re walking beside You right where we belong, In the face of adversity, we can stand strong.
May our faith keep us strong, and courageous, and true. May Your love be reflected in all that we do.
Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of “Licky the Lizard”and“Grumpy the Gator”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at https://www.facebook.com/melissa.henderson.9440
Read her blogs at: https://melissaghenderson.com/ It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons
April Blooms
By Melissa Henderson
April arrives with sights and sounds that bring joy to the soul. As I walk outside and step through new sprouts of green grass, I pause to listen and look. I hear and see God’s creations. Even when my eyes are closed, I feel His presence. The April blooms and sounds of growth fill me with peace and comfort.
My senses heightened at the first step on the grass. Although I wore shoes and didn’t feel the wet dew, I saw the sparkling water drops on the green blades. The tray feeder hanging from the crepe myrtle tree held seed for the birds. A black-capped chickadee and a bluebird sat on the edges of the feeder and bobbed their heads up and down while gathering seeds.
Next, I noticed the blue sky and a few puffy white clouds. The sunshine began to lighten the world brighter and brighter. The warmth from the sun covered my arms and neck. I breathed in and out. A hawk flew overhead and alerted the world with his call. Perhaps the bird was crying for a mate or looking for a friend.
With school in session, the sounds of children laughing would wait until later in the afternoon. Neighbors strolling by stopped to chat for a bit. Friends in vehicles passed by and waved as they headed to work and other places.
All was quiet again. I continued my walk from the front to the backyard. New growth on the rose bushes brought more stickers and leaves. A small red rosebud appeared on the edge of the plant. Blooms on the red azaleas popped open to greet the sunshine. A robin landed on the ground in front of me. The robin reached down into the ground and pulled out a worm.
The sights and sounds made me smile. God’s creations blessed every part of the day. The warmth of the sun, birds singing cheerfully, flowers beginning to show their blooms, the branches, and leaves of trees reaching to the sky with new growth displayed the glory of God.
I prayed and thanked God for His creations. I thought of the worries that had taken hold of my thoughts. I relaxed and gave them to God. Continuing to smile, I wondered how different the world would be if we all took the time to pause and absorb what God has provided. I thanked od again.
Our grandchildren, Rowan and Eden, love nature, too. We’ve planted seeds and watched them grow. We watered the flowers and also picked flowers to place in a vase. We have called the birds on our daily walks and listened for replies. We’ve thanked God for His blessings.
Sharing the love of God’s creations is a great way to thank Him and help others know Him.
What is your favorite part of enjoying nature? Did you thank God? “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice.” (Psalm 96:11-12 AKJV)
Blessings, Melissa Henderson
Click on the book covers to purchase Melissa’s books.
Yvonne M Morgan, Christian author and speaker
https://yvonne-morgan.com
Blog at Turningmountainsintomolehills.org Twitter: @ymmauthor
Website: Yvonne-Morgan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ YMMauthor/
Turning Mountains into Molehills (2017)
How to Shine as an Ambassador for Christ
By Yvonne M. Morgan
The role of ambassadors involves representing and promoting a specified activity or country and stationed in a foreign capital or country. More than just diplomacy, ambassadors require strong leadership to guide their teams and navigate challenges, coupled with profound cultural sensitivity to represent their nation effectively. Building trust and rapport requires more than just speaking the language; they need to be proficient enough to understand the subtleties and nuances of local communication.
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV).
Ambassadors for Christ
In his letter to Corinth, the Apostle Paul described us as ambassadors for Christ, tasked with representing Him to the world. As ambassadors for Christ, we are called to share the good news of reconciliation, a message of hope and peace, with others. This involves speaking up for the marginalized, liberating those trapped in sin’s grasp, and urging nonbelievers to embrace God’s sovereignty, a task demanding courage and compassion. God’s effective ambassadors show reasonableness, tactical skill, clarity, fairness, honesty, and humility, all underpinned by their dependence on God.
Serving as Christ’s ambassadors demands a serious commitment to sharing the Gospel message, boldly proclaiming it and making a difference for Christ, no matter how challenging the situation. Even amidst struggles and hardships, we can actively share the message of Jesus’
love and grace, offering comfort and hope to those around us. The power of compassion can overcome obstacles. By reflecting Christ’s love, we offer comfort and encouragement, like a warm hug to those struggling with life’s challenges. We show strength and perseverance in the face of hardship, offering a beacon of hope to those facing similar struggles. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians not only conveyed the importance of this behavior but also showed it through his own actions.
“I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.” Ephesians 6:20 (NLT).
Ambassadors’ All-Access Pass
In our role as ambassadors, Heaven’s boundless resources are at our disposal, enabling us to carry out God’s plan with unwavering purpose. Because of our faith, we have direct access to our Father’s heavenly throne, a place of unimaginable peace and grace. Through Jesus, our connection to God is open at all times; we can approach Him with our joys, sorrows, peace, anxieties, abundance, and needs. We can reach God anytime, anywhere, without fail. Paul reassures us, his words like a gentle balm, of our continuous access to God’s unwavering love.
“Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” Ephesians 3:12 (NLT
Prayer for Ambassadors
Father, I give thanks for my reconciliation to You, allowing me to serve as an ambassador for Jesus Christ and a citizen of Your glorious kingdom. Holy Spirit, flood my mind with divine revelation and understanding, igniting within me the power to fulfill God’s purpose and bring Him glory. In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Click on photos to purchase Yvonne’s Books on Amazon.
Check out Yvonne’s latest book by clicking on the cover of Mary the Missionary!
Gina is a writer and works at Licensed Ordained Minister, Legacy Casting and Greatly Emboldened
WHEN I AM AFRAID
By Gina Meredith
I remember a couple of years ago, I was having major stomach issues… I couldn’t eat, there was constant pain, lots of ulcers. In fact, my stomach was in such bad shape that the doctor actually said it was a “breeding ground for cancer.” A few months later, my stomach had only gotten worse and was not healing, so the doctor scheduled a biopsy, which he seemed very worried about.
As I was driving home from the doctor’s office, the realization of the possibility of having cancer began to grip me tightly and I felt I could barely breathe. “Had I waited too long? What will I do? How will I afford treatment? How will I take care of myself?” A whirlwind of questions began to blow through my mind and I became so very afraid.
Tears streamed down my face and blurred my vision, so I had no choice but to pull the car over on the side of the road. I began to pray…..”Oh Lord, it’s not that I’m lacking faith because I know you are a healer. You are the great physician, but Father God, I am so afraid. I am just so afraid. I don’t know what to do, Lord.”
I ended my prayer and began to quickly pull myself together again, because I still had quite a drive home ahead of me. As I cleared the tears from my eyes, I looked around to find myself in front of an old country church and I gasped when I read what was on the sign in front by the road. The sign read, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you, Lord.” I knew then that God was in control. He was not only letting me know it was okay to be afraid, He said to trust Him….and that I did. I knew at that moment that no matter what the outcome, I could get through it because He was with me, giving me comfort and strength.
Michael E. Wells has a passion for writing letters of Christian encouragement. With poetic style and moving messages, the reader is often comforted and consoled, inspired and refreshed. Since his retirement from Federal Service in 2006, most mornings are spent penning letters of the heart. Tucked away in the foothills of Pennsylvania, his is an idyllic lifestyle in a pastoral setting. This backdrop helps to set both mood and message for his many writings. You can find his book, “Morning Coffee with Words For The Day” at Amazon.com.
Morning Coffee
by Michael E. Wells
Existence
Are we one among the many or among many the only one? Truly, this is an eternal question. If the former is believed, much evidence is lacking. If the latter is, much reflection and inquiry is called for. Our most ancient writings, in multiple cultures, tell of beings who fell from the sky and interacted with humanity. Some in good ways, some bad. There is greater evidence of visitation than of evolution.
We seem to be unique in the universe and very complex in the workings of our world. So much so we could never have evolved but been created. This leads us to another eternal question... who created us? Again, the ancient writings give us clues to who. Four billion people, 60% of the world’s population believe in one God. Though there is disagreement in the final revelation, the belief in a Creator is overwhelming.
The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for over 4500 years has been paramount to the world’s belief of our origin. My hope is that you will seek truth in the final revelation, that of Emanuel which is translated God with us. It is in the Person of Christ that existence is revealed. Purpose and destiny are made clear. As you rest and contemplate, inquire and reflect, may you hear a voice, subtle yet profound saying, “I AM the resurrection and the life, creator and savior.”
Click on book photo to purchase on Amazon.
(I highly recommend this book! - Karen)
REST
Sights and sounds, images and tones. They can bring feelings of peace and harmony creating a moment for reflection. It is often a place that leads to conversation, one within and one without. The problem we have is not giving ourselves a timeout.
Our mind races and the heart is tested from the time we awake until we sleep. Our devices control us and we are addicted to our detriment. Much of our viewing is mindless, simple stimulation without substance and yet we blindly stare.
We need to turn aside to those soothing sights and sounds available to us. Where it is made easier to have that conversation with the One saying, “Lord, arrest my mind and seize my heart.” There we will find the rest we need, when we need it.
MARKING TIME
We seem to have a need of doing that in our lives. Be it of putting things behind, moving on or of just reflecting. It can give us a sense of closure and peace, especially when it concerns the passing of a loved one. There is always the Year of Firsts. Many holidays and celebrations in those first twelve months. Each one a reminder of the empty chair as we gather.
Firsts are often very difficult, that is why we mark them. For some it may only be a few times during the year. For others, each day of the year the chair is empty. With the passage of time we learn to deal with loss. I have found new normals tend to increase with age. So we mark them down to honor them in our memories or express it in other ways.
It’s been over twelve months since my mom passed. I have walked through all of my firsts. They have all had their moments as did the last. The next few years will be easier and yes, it does get easier. Faithful friends and a faith in God will fill the emptiness in time. So as I have marked my year of firsts to honor mom, I reflect on these words, “And God will wipe away their tears, there will be no more death, nor sorrow nor crying... Behold I make all things new.”
GOD CARES FOR YOU
By Irene Surya
When the ethereal, dawn light
Graces the calm and silent valley, Cast your burdens on the Lord, For He cares for you.
When you are burdened and weary Bring your cares to the Lord, His load is definitely lighter and He gives rest beyond understanding.
Dr. Irene Surya is an awardwinning author of her book, In Solitude with God. Her poems have been published in various magazines and anthologies. She has a passion for writing for the Lord and glorifying His name through her writings. She loves and serves the Lord with her husband.
When you are stressed and anxious Bring your thoughts to His feet, Renew your mind with the Scriptures The Lord’s grace is sufficient for you.
When the days are times of distress
Calm yourself with the Word, The refreshing fountain of life The Lord is full of with mercy and grace.
When your eyes are misty with tears Get comforted in His loving smile, He knows and sees your tears His tender love is abundant for you.
When everything seems lost and gone Hold yourself in His faithfulness, He knows your future and He perfects all things concerning you.
Click on book to purchase from Amazon.
Laurie Glass has a heart for encouraging others through her writing. She has had many poems and articles published and is the author of Expressing Your Grief: Through Poems and Prayers. Laurie is a staff writer for Chronic Joy, a ministry for those affected by chronic illness and other health issues. In addition, she won the Open Medicine Foundation poetry contest in 2019.
HE TOOK MY PLACE
By Laurie Glass
The hopeless state that I was in put on the One who knew no sin.
I didn’t ask, the plan was His. There is no greater love than this.
His back was beaten, broke the skin, and He endured it for my sin.
Long walk with cross upon His back, and I could never pay Him back.
The crown of thorns, placed on His head that should have been on mine instead.
The nails put in His feet and hands. My sin put on Him such demands.
Though he was jeered and spat upon, He still endured till breath was gone.
What pain must been upon His face as He stepped in and took my place.
The people jeered and watched Him die. All along it should have been I.
No greater love could ever be than what Christ Jesus did for me.
Donna is a preschool curriculum writer for Lifeway and loves teaching two year olds at her church, Hudson First Baptist. She is a retired elementary school media coordinator and K-1 teacher. She loves all children - especially her 4 grandchildren! She loves to read, scrapbook, and make cards. Donna lives in Hudson, NC with her husband, Lewis. They enjoy traveling together.
JESUS KNEW
By Donna J. Miller - photos by Donna Miller
As a child, like so many people, I learned John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (KJV) I took it for granted. God sent Jesus as a baby and He grew up and died on the cross like He was sent to do. The last few years, I began to realize for the first time that Jesus knew what was going to happen and He chose to die for me.
In Matthew 26:2, Jesus told His disciples (His closest friends) that the Son of Man would be handed over to be crucified. They didn’t believe or nderstand. They were probably in denial. A few days earlier, Jesus had been welcomed to Jerusalem like a conquering King and the Savior they believed He would be. Sure, some leaders disagreed with Him, but they knew that Jesus was love and that He had healed many and fed thousands. They must have wondered why He would be crucified when He had done nothing wrong. But Jesus knew what was going to happen!
Then as they celebrated Passover together, Jesus told them that one of them would betray Him (Matthew 26:21). They were upset and began to ask who would betray Jesus. These twelve men had followed Jesus for three years and they knew Him and each other. Betrayal seemed impossible! But again, Jesus knew what was going to happen!
After the Passover meal, Jesus and the eleven went to the Mount of Olives. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He took Peter, James, and John to pray while He went farther and began to pray alone. Three times He went back to find them sleeping. They heard Him say that he was deeply grieved, they heard him ask them to stay awake and pray, but they slept. Jesus knew what was going to happen.
The third time Jesus returned to the disciples Jesus said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? See, the time is near. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.” (Matthew 26:45b-46 CSB) Jesus told them what was about to happen
To the sleeping disciples, it seemed that a mob including Judas, Pharisees, chief priests, and many soldiers just appeared with lanterns, torches, and weapons. But Jesus knew that they were coming. because He knew.
The Bible says, ”Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to him, went out and said to them, ‘Who is it that you’re seeking?’ ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ they answered. “‘I am he,’ Jesus told them.”
(John 18:4-5 CSB)
Peter had a sword with him and he drew it and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Jesus told Peter to put up his sword, and He reached out and healed the ear. Jesus asked, “Do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and he will provide me here and now with more than twelve legions of angels? How, then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?” (Matthew 26:53-54 CSB) Jesus knew the prophets and knew the prophecies must be fulfilled. He chose to follow God’s plan so all the prophecies would be fulfilled.
When my husband and I visited Israel, the certainty of what Jesus knew and what He chose to do convicted me. The city walls of Jerusalem are directly across the Kidron Valley from the Mount of Olives. From the Garden of Gethsemane, which is on the Mount of Olives, Jesus would have had a clear view of Judas and the mob with him. It was night time so their torches and lanterns would have glowed as they walked the switchback path down the hill from the city of Jerusalem to the valley and started up the Mount of Olives where Jesus was praying and the disciples were sleeping. Jesus knew they were coming!
Seeing they were coming, did Jesus have to stay and wait? No. It would have been easy to run away. A short distance away there were ample places to hide in the Judean wilderness. Also, as He told Peter, He could call on His Father to send legions of angels to save Him. He knew what was going to happen and He chose to stay and be crucified, for my sins and yours.
As you celebrate Easter this year, praise Him for choosing the suffering of the cross and to lay down His life for us!!
GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE ON LEFT MOUNT OF OLIVES TO JERUSALEM ON RIGHT
PHOTOS BY DONNA MILLER
Nicole is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 14 years of experience in community mental health. She is the author of Remade: Living Free a book written for women in recovery from substance abuse and unhealthy relationships.
Nicole also maintains a blog at nicolebyrum.com as well as a podcast, 5 Minute Word. Both focus on topics related to faith and relationships. She lives in Northwest Ohio with her husband and two children. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, running, or cooking.
BEACH BREAKFAST
by Nicole Byrum
This month we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior. And while I will never read more glorious words than the angel’s proclamation that Jesus has risen, I must confess that my favorite scene in all the Bible comes after the empty tomb.
In John 21 Jesus appears to his disciples for the third time post-resurrection in a very fitting setting. After a long night of fruitless fishing, they heard these words: “Children, do you have any fish?” After replying “no” they were instructed to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. After doing so, the quantity of fish they caught was so great they were unable to haul it in. The disciple John exclaimed, “It is the Lord!” Peter, unable to control his excitement, put on his outer garment and threw himself into the sea.
How reminiscent! After all, Peter’s boat was the setting for the first miraculous catch of fish (Luke 5). That event was the turning point in the lives of these fishermen. It was then that Peter acknowledged his sinfulness and Jesus’ holiness; and it was then the fishermen were called to follow him. How appropriate that post-resurrection Jesus used the same setting to again call the disciples to himself.
After dragging the net full of fish to shore, the disciples saw a charcoal fire with fish and bread laid out on it. Jesus then said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Can you imagine a more beautiful scene? Jesus, the King of Kings, cooked breakfast on the beach for those he loved. And how tenderly he had called to them. His address to them as children was not an insult, but a demonstration of affection and an acknowledgement that they must still be taught.
For some reason, this breakfast scene grabs my heart. Perhaps it’s because it shows the humanity of Jesus- something I still have a hard time grasping. Just think: he made a fire; he cleaned slimy fish. But perhaps I love this scene so much because it shows the humble, thorough love of Christ. If I ever doubt what kind of Savior I have, I first and foremost look to the cross. And yet, this scene reminds me that he attended to even the basic needs of those who were his own. This is the kind of Savior we have. One who tenderly calls us and loves us with a humble love. One who not only died for us but daily demonstrates his gracious care.
Father, thank you for giving us your Son. Thank you that in Jesus we see your holiness, your goodness, and your perfect love. Help us to love him and trust him today, and always. Amen.
Brianna is a Carolina girl who loves Jesus and her family. She enjoys watching the sunrise, photography, reading, writing, and paddleboarding. According to her teenage son, she’s a master chef in the kitchen, making gluten-free cuisine from around the world. Her writing and photography have appeared in numerous publications including Faith On Every Corner, Creation Illustrated, and Our Story Magazine, and she is a contributor to The Grit and Grace Project and Broken But Priceless Magazine where she writes the column, “From A Homemaker’s Heart”. Her first devotional book, “Hope in the Healing: A 40-Day Devotional Journey Through Chronic Illness” is due out this spring. Check out her latest works at www.briannagrams.com and connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.
The Salsa of Communications
By Brianna Barrett
I’ve never salsa danced, but I’d like to. I took dance lessons as a little girl, until middle school sports began calling my name. We never did salsa in those lessons, just ballet, tap, and jazz. Communication is like salsa dancing. Quick, quick, slow. The movements in salsa are quick, quick, slow, while in communication it’s more like quick, slow, slow. Have you ever been in a conversation or argument and weren’t listening to the other person because you were too busy preparing your rebuttal?
I’m sheepishly raising my hand. Sadly, I have.
In the early years of my marriage, my husband and I had some growing up to do. We were in our twenties, college graduates in real-world adult jobs and we both thought we had life all figured out. Little did we know we had some growing up, and changing to do. The good Lord made sure not to leave us there, He worked on both of us and changed our stubborn, selfish hearts just as He promised in Ezekiel 36:26-27. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27 NIV).
We became a team complementing each other, cheering each other on instead of competing against one another.
It’s not always been easy and it didn’t happen overnight. In those early years, I started reading and studying my Bible more. I kept coming across James 1:19. My Bible labels this section “Listening and Doing”. “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19 NLT. I once heard I have 1 mouth and two ears, so I should listen twice as much as I talk. This is sound advice.
When I take this verse and dissect it slowly, I can start to apply it in my daily life. Quick to listen. Slow to speak. Slow to get angry.
Quick. Slow. Slow.
The rhythm of the verse quick, slow, slow may not match that of salsa but it’s what God is calling us to do.
Often we want our opinion or our heart to be heard, so we immediately start talking or arguing. But I’ve found that when I keep my mouth shut, things get resolved quicker, and fewer hurtful words are exchanged.
Once the words are out of our mouths, there is no taking them back. Next time, before jumping to respond, Stop. Pray for the conversation, for the other person, and for your words to be a reflection of Christ. There have been many prayers that have left my lips that end with, “God if nothing else just keep a hand over my mouth if it’s not for your glory.”
When I open my heart and ears to the other person, I give them my attention. I’m able to rid myself of distractions and listen. Actively listening, not Charlie Brown’s teacher wah wah woh wha whaing in my head, but actually hearing the words and the heart behind them. When we listen to others we can find out how they feel, how we made them feel through our words and actions, and how we can be the person God called us to be.
Listening isn’t just with our spouses or children. It’s with God too. Often we are the ones talking to God, asking, begging, and pleading for things to go in our favor and we don’t stop and listen. When we stop and listen to God we can hear Him.
Quick, slow, slow.
Maybe the silence is because He has something better planned. He’s already worked out the details. While you’re begging for something you can see, He’s planning and orchestrating something way better.
The more I listen, the closer I can draw near to the Lord. The less I speak, the less mess I create. My mouth has gotten the better of me and put me into a pickle. I want my words and actions to be pleasing to the Lord, doing His will and listening to His voice. I can’t listen and speak at the same time. Trust me, I tried.
The next time you find yourself in a conversation or argument, remember to stop and pray over it. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. Those two things help the last one happen - be slow to get angry. The Lord is with you, He is for you and He is working on your behalf. Trust Him.
Do you find it hard to be still and listen? Which is harder? Listening or being slow to speak? Do you have any words or wisdom to share in marriage?
Colossians 4:6 NIV - “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Proverbs 16:24 NLT - “Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
Lord help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. May I pray before I speak. Forgive me for the times I’ve jumped the mark and spoken too soon, not listened, or gotten angry right off. Lord, if there is anyone that I need to forgive, lay it on my heart. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mike Hall is in his 45th year as a teacher and has authored two collections of poetry, Autumn’s Back Porch and Thinking Out Loud. His work has appeared in a variety of online magazines including Pure in Heart Stories, Discretionary Love, Solid Food Press, Spirit Fire Review, and Agape Review. He and his wife, Cynthia, live in the Dallas, Texas area.
A MESSAGE FOR JUNIA
by Mike Hall
Prayers for your safe arrival were offered up, and now, you are finally here. But not before you got everyone’s attention as you rotated and turned, not sure which way was best. You delayed your arrival by several days, letting the anticipation grow, making us wait. It was as if you wanted a big crowd gathered around to welcome you on your first day into this world. Were you just teasing us to test our patience? You are now part of a big new adventure, one which will see your mom and dad walking with you through this journey you are now on, protecting and guiding you along the way –cheering at your triumphs, but also soothing you when you falter; laughing at your youthful antics, but also wiping your tears when your heart is bruised. They will thrill at your first steps yet fret when you fall. They will celebrate birthdays to mark your years –admiring how much you have grown but mystified by where the years have gone. They will help you with many firsts –playing in your first swimming pool, your first swing, soaring high in the sky, saying your first prayers, reading your first words, riding your first bike, braving your first driving lesson . . . .
Their love for you knows no bounds, so forgive them when they worry through your teenage years. Have patience with them when they think they know best, but always be thankful for their care and devotion, never forgetting the sacrifices they will make for you because you were an answer to their heartfelt prayers.
God truly blessed you with them both, so love them no matter their faults, just as He will always love you regardless of yours.
So, face this adventure, each and every day, with a song in your heart and a smile on your face.
Dare to do mighty things, knowing failure is part of the equation.
Dare to stand firm in the face of adversity, knowing you are an example for others to follow.
Dare to live a life with honor and integrity, knowing no remorse will ever come from shame.
Lastly, dare to trust in God completely, knowing He will never lead you astray. So, boldly set forth on this wonderful journey He has set before you.
Poems
Ada Anne Ohnezeit, born in 1925, is a lifelong resident of Western Pennsylvania. Throughout her life, she has written short, humorous verses for family and friends, as well as longer compositions that reflect on life, family, faith, nature, and holidays. Her works continue to bring joy to loved ones of all ages, as well as to her church community. Ada’s poetry has been featured in The Penwood Review, Spirit Fire Review, Ekstasis, the Integrated Catholic Life Poetry Room, Foreshadow Magazine, Saint Katherine Review, Pure in Heart, and Words of the Lamb Magazine.
Now approaching her 101st year, Ada continues to read and write. Recently, she has filmed four series of poetry readings, along with one interview. Ada has also traveled to churches across Western Pennsylvania, giving live readings during services. She is currently working on new pieces for her fifth series.
Ada’s recorded works can be found in the YouTube playlist “The Poetry of Ada A. Ohnezeit” or on Wildwood Chapel’s website, linked below
THE PATHWAY
I don't Aspire to head the march That leads to Heaven's door, I've often stumbled on the way, A shame that I deplore.
If, when I've fallen, weary, sad, Some soul comes by to say, "I'm lost! Please help!”
Lord give me strength, To rise and point the way!
Then with resolve, I will go on To tread that pathway true, And do my best to lead the life The Savior wants me to.
But should once more I falter, For I'm only human clay, May someone fallen, Just Like me, Rise up and point the way.
https://www.wildwoodchapel.com/watch
BUT NOT TODAY
Yes, I intend to learn about Almighty God, Creator of all things, the Being angels laud, But I’ve been busy, time just seems to slip away. I’ll save a minute soon for Him, But Not Today!
I’ve heard the Christmas story of the Virgin Birth, That Jesus is God’s Son, whom He sent down to earth
With destiny to save mankind, so legends say When I get a sec., I’ll call someone, But Not Today!
They tell me that the Manger Babe was Christ the Lord,
Who gives eternal life to those who live His word, But my committee meetings getting in the way. I must make time to check this out! But Not Today!
I understand that Jesus gave His life for me So, I could have a heavenly life eternally. If I had time, I’d look up what the scriptures say, I’11 do just that tomorrow, But Not Today!
My choice has been the busy world, the years slipped by,
I never learned the way of faith...I didn’t try! When I kneel in fear and sorrow, do you think the Lord will say, “I may hear your prayers tomorrow… But Not Today!”
The Great Commission
Called to be a witness, Can you not hear the plea? "Go ye into all the world" And tell them about Me.
Called to be a witness
To one consecrated life, Burning with compassion
Bringing man eternal life.
Called to be a witness
That He is His Father's Son, Only through Him can you know God, For God and He are one!
Called to be a witness
For His story must be told To give each soul the weapon To break sinful nature's hold.
Called to be a witness
That His mission was for you! He came to die there on that cross For sins you did...Still do!
Called to be a witness
That since He paid the price, Took all your sins upon Him, The Lamb of Sacrifice…
Yes, He needs you to witness That sin has been defied, Death has been defeated, He is risen.... Glorified!
Won't you be His witness?
You're the righteousness of God!
Won't you tell the story
Of the path that Jesus trod?
Tell someone who doesn't know There's hope for you and me, That Heaven with our Savior's More than possibility.
Blessed be the witness Who tells Christ’s story true, More souls who hear this Gospel May bear His witness, too.
Shara Bueler-Repka is enjoying life as a singer/ songwriter/recording artist, freelance writer, and awardwinning author. She and her husband, Bruce, live in their living quarters horse trailer and call “home” wherever their rig is parked. Their mailbase, however, is Hallettsville, Texas. She loves sharing God’s Word through music with her husband, riding their horses (aka The Boys) in the backcountry, and writing about God’s grace in their various adventures on the trail less traveled.
Wild Horses and Storms
By Shara Bueler-Repka
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”—Psalm 46:1.
Wild horses! The thought of just glimpsing them sent me trotting to the barn. It took me no time at all to saddle my horse, Nocona. To be quite honest, I really didn’t think I’d see anything, as these horses run on about 64 million acres of Nevada’s Bureau of Land Management land. What are the odds of me finding them? But, hey, it was worth a shot.
I glanced at the sky with its gathering clouds, but figured I’d have plenty of time to quench my thirst for exploration. However, I tied my slicker on the back of my saddle—backcountry weather can be quite fickle. Off we rode toward adventures unknown. The wind was up, and my excitement grew. I felt like the proverbial kid-in-a-candy-store—so many possibilities.
Topping the last hill, I caught my breath in sheer delight as I gazed at the entire high desert valley stretched out before us to the far mountains—not a soul out there but me and my horse. I breathed in the sweet smell of sage as it saturated the breeze. “He gives us all things to enjoy,” whispered to me as a reminder of a scripture I had read. (1 Timothy 6:17).
“No telling what we might discover, Boy!” I confided in my horse as we descended into the valley. He flicked his ear and quickened his step.
Riding over the rolling hills, I sensed something staring at us. Heart pounding, I slowly scanned the terrain. And then I saw them. A band of six jet-black wild horses calmly watched us from their hill. I hardly contained my joy! Captivated, I spotted the stallion standing on the point. The breeze caught his mane and tail and they flowed softly behind him. Tears welled up. Never in my life did I figure I would witness such a sight for real and not just in some movie. But the Lord loves to give us the pure desires of our heart and more than we could ever ask or think ... very cool! (Psalm 37:4).
I would have stayed there all day with the black band, but the trail was beckoning, urging us to continue exploring this vast, wonderful land. The cry of a red-tailed hawk drifted down on the wind as he soared in circles above us. I swung Nocona around and headed down the valley.
Riding the backcountry, one has to keep an eye on the trail… and another on the weather, which, in this case, was becoming more unstable every minute. As I glanced toward the mountain dubbed “Fred’s”, I noticed the black clouds quickly gathering. Reluctantly, I decided to abandon my original trail ideas and head back to camp.
With each step, the dark clouds billowed and churned, building a barrier against the mountain and spilling toward our trail. To our left, massive white thunderheads swirled and blew our way. If Nocona and I didn’t hightail it out of there, both storms would catch us.
I had to pick between taking the shorter route home toward the worst part of the storm or taking the longest route, hoping we could make it through without getting hit.
Frankly, to be rained on was no big deal. However, the boom of thunder warned of lightning inching closer. We were up in an open valley and a prime target. Did I start praying? You bet I did! “Jesus, keep us safe,” I prayed, as I eyed the black mass making its way over our heads.
I surveyed the sky again. Right between the bank of white thunderheads and the mass of blackness was a perfect trail of blue. Surprisingly, it pointed toward the longer route. I made my decision, threw on my slicker, and urged Nocona into a long trot, following that trail in the sky.
As serious as this situation was, I had to laugh. Up on the “wild horse ridge,” I noticed the herd eye-balling us as my horse and I hightailed it down their valley. I wondered what they were thinking!
Trotting and loping, dodging sagebrush and cactus, we weaved our way toward the main trail. Sailing off the ridge, we raced across the valley floor. Urgent prayers launched anew as we headed into more open country while lightning streaks flashed to the ground.
My slicker snapped in the air behind me as the wind tried to grab it. Straining against the stampede string, my hat threatened to fly off my head. I flung my hand up, pushing it down to my ears. With a white-knuckled grip, my other hand grasped the reins.
Suddenly, I witnessed a miracle. The wind blasted toward us, but the black clouds moved away from us! As I prayed, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, “I am bigger than the storm.” With renewed courage, we galloped toward camp.
Glancing up at Fred’s Mountain, I was amazed at another sight. More storm clouds tried to make their way over the summit into the valley. But miraculously, some unseen force held them back. At last, we slid safely into camp and under the overhang of our friend’s barn. Only then were the clouds released. The downpour of rain on the tin roof was deafening.
But we were safe. And thanking God for His grace.
Psalm 91:14-15: “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor h
Karen is the publisher of Faith On Every Corner Magazine. She is an author of children’s books and devotional books. New books will be released soon!
He doesn’t give you more than you can handle... right?
By Karen Ruhl
The popular saying “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle” is often associated with 1 Corinthians 10:13, which states that God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but will also provide a way of escape so that you can endure it.
If I have learned anything from this past year, I have learned that GOD is most certainly with me and wants me to lean on Him when I feel like there is too much to handle. I have told a few of my friends that I wish I could speak and tell people what God has done for me this past year (and before that).
My hesitation is sounding like I am special. I’m not. I am a believer, I gave my life to Christ. I do my best to be the person God wants me to be. The only thing special in my relationship with Jesus, is that I kniow He is there.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
I have a friend (Donna) who came beside me after Craig passed. We had known each other for years at church but with Craig’s illness, we didn’t have time to do anything together. Donna reached out and I think the first thing we did was meet for lunch. I know that God put Donna in my life for as the saying goes, “Just for times like this.”
I often say that if I listed everything that has happened in 2024, and now into 2025, I doubt you would believe me. And yet, God was right there to help me through it - nothing that I would call a miracle. He just put people in my path, I received cards and invitations to visit, I also received some donations - but I don’t want to put too much attention on that.
The things that helped me through the most were the hugs - which I still get today. Or, like Sunday, when one of my friends from church came up and said, “I am going to sit with you.” I don’t think she knew how close I was to crying with joy. God knew what I was feeling, and I have no doubt, he nudge Diane too.
Have you ever watched a speaker giving their testimony and just sat in awe of what you were hearing? Some talk about their healing, or how God provided the things they needed just when it was needed. I have heard speakers talk about strangers kindness too.
One thing that I feel often is the very presence of God - I do not hear His voice audibly - but I do hear him and know what He is telling me. “Everything will be ok, Karen, trust in yourself and know that I am with you.” It made me remember Romans 8:31 - If God is with you / us, who can be against me / us?”
I was going to type out a list of things that have happened over the past year - but I really don’t’ see a need. If you are a believer, you have had some experience that let you know that God is holding on to you and watching over you.
The Great Commission
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
I believe it is up to each of us believers in Christ, that we listen to these words He gave the disciples. You see, we believers are all disciples. It is up to us to tell others, sometimes just through a kindness, a donation, a smile, talking to someone who looks lonely. By not judging but praying for those on the wrong path to make a turn and get to know Jesus.
I am a sinner, I have had to confess my sins to Jesus. I have had to ask for forgiveness. I am not close to being perfect, but everyday, I try to be the best I can be.
Do you know Jesus? Have you prayed the sinner’s prayer? The night I gave my life to Christ was so emotional, and then so very peaceful. Jesus want’s you, He stayed on that cross until he paid the debt. If you want to know more, please look for a good Bible based church and find a good friend, one you can trust. And ask questions, pray, and let the weight come off of you as you receive His forgiveness. God loves you and so do I. Blessings to you and your family. - Karen
I am a pastor, teacher,blogger and a freelancer.I blog about youth’s total development.
Founder at Self-Employed
Studied B.A Education/Christian Religious Studies at Ekiti State University
Studied Electrical Installation Maintenance at City & Guild of London Institute
Went to State Senior High School Alimosho 2007/08
Lives in Lagos, Nigeria
Top Myths About Mega Churches
By Joseph Akinrinola
Introduction
We are in a world where competition is the norm. It's a season of unhealthy competition even among pastors.
Today, the aspiration and quest for building a mega-church and ministry are making ministers do the unthinkable. While there is nothing wrong with building a mega-church or ministry, we mistake every physical fatness for spiritual fitness.
The ignorance about mega-churches has resulted in the church being one mile wide but one inch thick.
Below are my top myths about mega churches, ministries, pastors, and ministers, and Christians in general should be wary of.
1. A large congregation means God's approval. While it may be so in some cases, in most cases it is not so. Sometimes church growth can come from church marketing, entertainment, or compromised teachings and messages. (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
2. A large church is a result of aggressive evangelism. No doubt evangelism will grow a church, but research has proved many of the churches counting thousands are through transfer membership. People come from other churches for several reasons other than salvation and spiritual growth. Matthew 28:19-20).
3. Mega churches guarantee a stronger fellowship. Often managing a large church has the deficiency of the personal touch members required. One would expect a different ministry to minister to different people and needs, yet that is not always the case; in most cases, people feel disillusioned and lonely. In some cases, accountability is lacking because people will not always do what you expect but what you will inspect. As a result, there is no simple and less reporting or complaining system by the aggrieved. (Acts 2:42-47).
4. Mega Churches Are Always Healthy. This myth is also not correct. In fact, without deliberate and intentional membership and discipleship training, a big church remains spiritually malnourished. The many leadership scandals, spiritual emptiness, weakness, and spiritual childishness are a testimony that being big does not equal sound health. That's why we see so-called Christians of many years in the church fall easily for religious and financial scams (Matthew 7:21-23).
5. All ministers are called to build a mega church. That is not correct. The parable of the talents and the five-fold ministry proved we are not gifted the same; hence, God is not expecting the same result but a synergy of each gift and effort that will produce a strong and healthy church. Matthew 25:15.
John the Baptist recognized this and stayed focused. Jesus put his effort toward raising disciples but not crowds. Luke 10:1-2.
6. Bigger size means great anointing. It is not correct to attribute every church's growth to the measure of the anointing. Many people, especially in Africa, used evil mystical powers and rituals to gather members. While God desires growth and ministers shouldaspire to growth, the most important thing to God is our faithfulness to our calling (1 Corinthians 4:2).
7. A megachurch is evidence of a successful pastor. While humans celebrate physical success, God celebrates faithfulness. In the eye of God, the pastor of a small church is adjudged successful if that is the best expected of him. (John 6:66-69). Having pointed out those myths about megachurches, what should be the approach of church founders, leaders, and ministers to church growth?
The following scriptures give the right answer.
And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Matthew 25:15.
Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12.
Jesus said to him, “If I [a] will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” John 21:22
Following the mentioned scriptures will not only make ministers focus on their calling but also help them run ministry without stress and have the assurance their labor in the Lord is not in vain.
As former owner and creative director of two advertising agencies, Linda has years of experience creating a public impression of a product through the media using television commercials, radio and print advertising, press releases, and marketing campaigns.
Linda has been a caregiver for her son; a volunteer who travelled to Egypt and helped Sudanese refugees; a volunteer for a local food ministry, and a Creative Writing teacher for the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa for their Artists in the Schools program.
GOD IS FAIR
By Linda Castro
“For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.” (2 Corinthians 8:21 ESV)
“That’s not fair!” A youngster yelled in the supermarket. “I wanted that!” pointing to the item his parent had just handed to his younger sister. I watched from across the aisle to see how the parent would handle his screaming. “Remember the last time we came here and you got something but your sister didn’t?” the parent said quietly. “Now it’s her turn.”. “Wow!” I thought, the parent was being fair to each child but the one doing the yelling seemed to want more than fairness. He wanted immediate gratification
Is that how God, as our Father, sees us sometimes? We may think that something that happened in our lives was not fair! Why did it have to happen to me when someone else seems to be unaffected by circumstances? For me, personally, why did my only child die when other people have several children? Why did I get lung cancer even though I have never smoked but people who have been smokers for years don’t get it? Why is my health suddenly being affected by various things? Does that sound fair?
While all these thoughts were coming to mind, I stood there in the supermarket watching the parent and children go down a different aisle while the parent spoke quietly to each child.
Does God in His mercy have a reason for allowing the things that happen to each of us? When we experience suffering and injustice in our lives, how can this be fair? But God cares about everything in our lives, even the things we may bring upon ourselves! He wants to heal us.
If we receive His love and guidance, He shapes us and molds us with His compassion, and even helps us see the plans He has for our future. As the Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11 God tells each of us “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”. He gives us hope when we may not see much to hope for.
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But just like the parent in the supermarket had explained to the youngster who was saying “That’s not fair!” God’s love carries us through each life experience. He never leaves us or forsakes us as He promises us in His Word. There’s always a reason. God is making us stronger. God is helping us understand the various differences in each of our lives. But God is also blessing us! He is teaching us how to consider others that may have what we want, as the child in the supermarket had to learn, but in all “fairness” we actually are blessed with other things.
In my life, as He has in the lives of many people, God has comforted me and carried me through all of the “unfair” experiences I have had. So, now, I can offer that same comfort and understanding to others. God is fair. He always works things out for our benefit. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)
Book Reviews
by Karen Ruhl
Hope In The Healing
By Brianna Barrett
I am so proud of Brianna on this 40-day devotional journey through chronic illness. It is a faith-filled book for anyone with chronic or anyone who is living with a long-term illness.
She mentions why she did a 40-day devotional in her book. She tells how significant the number 40 is to all Christians.
I love the format where she quotes a verse, then has her devotion, and prayer. She also has a Reflection page so you can take time to pray and write what you are reflecting on after reading the devotion.
Brianna knows what she is writing about as a chorinic illness warrior. Walk through Brianna in this 40-day devotiona journey,
Just an aside, I read this for this review. BUT, now I am going to take my time and gon on a 40-day journey with Brianna and all of you who are reading her book.
CLick on the book to go purchase on Amazon.com
Memoirs of the Funniest Little Man of God
By Nancy DeJesus
I am an online frined of Nancy. I am a photograher and love seeing her photos and travels with her family.
Recently, I feel in love with the sayings of her son Macario. Nancy posts some of their conversations and they will leave you laughing and put a big smile on your face.
Example:
If you believe in God, you bow down to God. Bad guys bow down to Satan. I bow down to God. One time, when I was in the spirit world meditating, I kicked Satan in the glutious Maximus so he would know what it feels like, so he would bown down to God. What, thats what I do!
I love that he is talkative and has so much to say (reminds me of me as a kid - ok, I still talk a lot).
Get this book and have fun reading it yourself, or sit with your kids and grandkids and read it out loud - I know it will bring many chuckles.
CLick on the book to go purchase on Amazon.com
Do I still Need My Head Examined, or Just a New Pair of Running Shoes?
by Mitchell Milch
(Click on the book to purchase on Amazon) I highly recommend this book!
I am adding a couple of 5 star rating posts from Amazon. Mitchell is a memoir that will hold your attention and may just help you as you read his story.
“Milch has fought hard to be where he is now, channeling the hurt from a childhood of neglect into a warrior-like mentality. Ever striving for a better life, Milch discovered the transformative power of running. This sport, which he excelled at from the start, soon changed his life as reciprocally shaped by his growth experiences in psychotherapy.”
“Written with striking emotional depth, Do I Still Need My Head Examined, or Just a New Pair of Running Shoes? shows us the power to tackle the marathon of life is often found inside our own hearts.”
Mitchell is a former Psychotherapist in Retirement. He Studied American History at SUNY Binghamton MSW and studied English Literature.
https://www.facebook.com/ArtisticMindsets
Adult Love in Friendship
by Mitchell Milch
Zechariah 7:9
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.”
Does adult love need to be handled with care, like crystal? The quick answer, in my estimation, is an emphatic “No!” Loving relationships may not be crush-proof, but they are designed to stretch, absorb shocks, and synergistically evolve into units that increase the vitality, resilience and effectiveness of their constituent parts. Ideally, loving relationships co-create greenhouses for emotional and spiritual growth with appropriate care, time, and attention.
The metaphor of love as crystal-like, as in “prone to shattering,” speaks to how our fallible and insufficient natures increase temptations to inflict and sustain wounds around our incapacities to love unconditionally. In other words, all of us have shadow sides that are Achilles heels when we do not respect and account for them. We all possess aspects of our natures we are incapable of forgiving. We can’t dis-identify from over-learned judgments of these qualities, which we are prone to project onto others in order to flee self-punitive dynamics. You might say that by beating ourselves and others up over such failings, we perpetuate addictive myths that one or both parties to our relationships “could do better and would do better if they only cared enough.” This is a highly concerning fallacy.
The best we ever can do is mindfully own up to our predispositions to pass judgment on what triggers knee-jerk reactions to brand ourselves and others as shamefully and guiltily failing to be righteous disciples of God. Many of us, with some recognition of our grandiose foolishness, will pledge to ourselves and loved ones to pray to God to help us steer clear of wishful thinking that we measure up to God’s example of unconditional love. To truly take in our fault lines and the fault lines of others is to put our best foot forward to grieve the myth that to be truly loved by another person is to be loved unconditionally. We are tasked to embrace humility as an antidote to the hypocrisies of expecting others to meet standards no human can live up to.
Our weaknesses and vulnerabilities of character do not evaporate. Yet I dare say we can, as dynamic sanctified beings, make progress towards internalizing God’s grace so as to more readily mourn the reality that all human beings love conditionally. The myths about unconditional love that we do not grieve are more likely to shatter the imperfect love we share with others.
I have written this piece now because very recently my dishonesty with myself and a friend around some intransigent expectations neither of us could live up to resulted in our friendship going the direction of shattered crystal in one fell swoop. “Greg,” a pseudonym, was my surrogate big brother so-to-speak. I silently and most often unconsciously maintained an expectation of him that I wishfully rationalized he “should have” met because I so “graciously” did my mindful due diligence to lower the bar on what I was longing for. Greg, a very generous Christ-centered servant of communities in need, was helpless but to reject me as a subjective being worthy of love the moment I failed to mirror an image of him he found praiseworthy. “Greg” was one of these people who could not identify with Job’s emotional struggles to understand God’s will that heaped immeasurable suffering upon him.
Recently I wrote a candid email (Greg is not one to often engage in real-time phone conversations) about an object of our mutual fondness whose interest in me waned once his son recovered from cancer and my care and concern was no longer needed (from his perspective). Although, I loved this care pastor, I knew to love him in prayer and keep my distance so as to not be resentful of his disinterest in me. Greg judged me to be “a hater” of this object of our mutual fondness and ran with this formulation, paragraph after email paragraph, after email paragraph.
Shame on me that I was surprised by this reaction. I promptly picked up the phone to refute his erroneous interpretation of my words. Despite leaving a message that appropriately voiced my frustration and my desire to forge a meeting of the minds, it was to no avail. He promptly wrote me an email dripping with exasperated disappointment and promptly ended our friendship. Clearly, I had violated a tacit agreement to not violate a norm for our relationship, which was for me to be a servant of his idealized exhibitionism. I had foolishly deceived myself that he loved me sufficiently that I could dispense with pandering to him, and that our bonds of affection would weather what I perceived to be a minor storm. In retrospect, no doubt I precipitated a crisis of expectations on both our parts by having activated hard and fast limitations on our abilities to love each other despite our weaknesses, vulnerabilities and differences. (I had spent my adult life in therapy, whereas he had not spent one hour.) No doubt my poor judgment was shaped by wishful thinking that this person could be the big brother I continued to long for, years after mine had disappeared from my life.
How about you? Have you ever been ambushed in your life by your helplessness but to love others conditionally?
Road Trippin by Karen Ruhl
Well, I sure miss getting out and taking photos. The weather has not been cooperative and neither has my body! Here are a couple of my yard and my neighbors stone wall that is absolutely beautify every year. Back next month with a road trip.
I hope you are enjoying the beginning of Spring.
Tulips, cherry tree and flowers from my yard.
Let Us Pray
I lived in Southern California for about 16 years. We use to drive up and down the coast and marvel at the homes that had such beautiful ocean views. I am sure most of you sat and just cried at the devasation, the homes that people lost - over 18,000 in Southern California alone.
Then six months ago, I sat and worried about the hurricane that was very close to where I live here in North Carolina. The count I can find says 73,000 homes were lost here.
With all of those homes, we also suffered a staggering people, entire families.
At this time, I am going to ask that you continue to pray for the devastation from the firest and hurricane, from the tornados hitting the southern states. And for the rough weather across the mid-section of our country.
The photo on the left is Big Sur in California. One of the drives that Craig and I use to love to do when we had time. The coast line in California is forever changed, and so are the people who went through all of these devaqstation events.
Again, please pray.
Heavenly Father, we lift up all who have been and are experiencing bad weather, fires, winds, flooding, and more. Lord, please bring comfort to those who have lost their loved ones. I believe an Army of Christians have been raised up and are helping in each of these areas. Lord, protect them too. We love you and praise your name, Amen.
Pam McCormick is a writer and retired from teaching in the public school and community
college setting. Pam has several books published, you can find her books on Amazon.com by clicking the link.
“Hanging In There”
by Pam McCormick
I watched a leaf this morning from my living room window. It was amongst many brightly colored leaves, but it was green. It flapped in the wind. It was strong. Although other leaves were falling to the ground, it stayed attached to the thin vine that held it. It wasn’t the strength of that leaf that held it there. It was proof that someone greater than the leaf had enabled it to persevere through the wind and not fall. I was amazed that out of all the leaves outside, I saw this one green leaf that held tightly to the vine and was strengthened because it did. I thought of the Bible verse,
“God is within her; she will not fall. God will help her at break of day.” Psalms 46:5
I was that leaf this morning. I was clinging to the vine. And God did help me at the break of day. Thankful for His care, His provision, and His eternal hold. Thankful for Who He is.\o/ God is good all the time.
Nancy DeJesus
Photograph by Karen Ruhl
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