August 2026 Photographer Pam Atkins
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth”. -Psalm 121:1-2
Photographer: Pam Atkins
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My photographic journey began over 10 years ago when my husband bought me my first digital camera. Then I met Karen and Craig Ruhl at church and Karen became my photography mentor. I still remember today the most important thing to teach me all about photography....she said it was to get out and just take photos everyday or as much as I could. This was such a wise tip! I have been mostly self taught, learning through others and gathering information online or through emeritus courses locally. I joined a photography club locally and have learned so much through others I have met and gained friendships with. It was through the eye of my camera I began to experience the world differently. My journey took me to serene sunsets and sunrises, to the excitement of children escaping the lapping waves of the shoreline, to the small and nearly invisible details of nature, to the strangeness of wildlife which crossed my path, and to the lives of those on the street. I have traveled to many beautiful and unforgettable places. This journey has touched my heart and soul in ways and I hope in sharing my photographs, I can inspire others to get out and explore our world and find the remarkable things God has created and shared with us. I have learned much through the remarkable photographers I have met along the way. I am thankful for their insights and education. I hope you enjoy my journey into the beautiful nature all around us.
Note From Karen Ruhl, Editor
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Well Hello August! I want to open this with asking us all to go to prayer for everyone around the world who is suffering from hurricanes, earth quakes, floods, and fire. I have never seen anything like it in my lifetime. The loss of life around the world is staggering. And some may be very close to those who are reading the magazine today. We are read in many countries. A prayer for all: Heavenly Father, we come before you and ask that you help all that are in the disasters. Especially those who have lost love ones and their homes. We are praying that the fires can be put out quickly and the firefighters and first responders are safe. There has been so much loss, Lord, but we know you are with us and taking care of us. We praise your name. Amen. To the writers who contribute to the magazine - our magazine - as writers you are a big part of this getting published every month. I appreciate each one of you and cherish our friendships. I pray for all of you and want you to know that I love you dearly. If you like to write and would like to learn more about sending articles, poems, and photos, please send me an email at Team@faithoneverycorner.com School is out this month in many places. Please pray for our school children and pray for a peaceful year with no attacks on our children. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support in reading this magazine. Our writers are wonderful people who are dedicated to write for you. God bless you all.. Much love and many blessings, Karen karenruhl12@gmail.com Team@faithoneverycorner.com
I visited Damien and Katie in Chapel Hill, and oh how my heart swelled up. Damien is getting big and loves his grandma! His grandma is crazy over him and Katie too!
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I hope you enjoy the magazine filled with great stories, articles, poetry, and photography. Please read and share, everyone who has contributed has taken time to share their work with you. God Bless You.
Poems ... by John Alexander ... Pages 6-7 How God Has Loved Me - All My Years ... by Michael J. Sepherd ... Pages 8-9 Willing To Pray Like David ... by Yvonne M. Morgan ... Pages 10-11 All I Have Needed ... by Donna J. Miller.. Page 12-13 Morning Coffee... by Michael E. Wells ... Pages 14-15 A Freshley Blossomed Lily ... by Irene Surya ... Page 16 What Is A Friend? ... Karen Ruhl ... Page 17 God’s Plan Succeeds ... By Brianna Barrett ... Pages 18-19 Photos ... Pam Atkins ... Page 20. 26 and other pages throughout Of God And Graffiti ... By Shara Bueler-Repka ... Pages 22-23 The Goodness Of God ... By Linda Castro ... Pages 28-29 More Photos by Pam and Karen on ... Pages 30-33
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Meet my friends Donna and Lewis Miller. I want to give them a public thank you for all they have done for me. They were right by my side after Craig passed. They have not left it. We have gone on road trips together, Lewis has helped me with household fixes. BUT, what I truly admire about both of them is their commitment to serve. From Donna watching over a class in the nursery on Sunday morning, and both of them sitting on several committees, as well as mission trips that Lewis goes on yearly. Donna is a writer for this magazine and I just felt led to honor them this month. May God bless them both in every step they take.
Page 6 Pause and Refresh It’s been a hot Texas summer. Summer heat requires refreshment to manage hydration. In the same way we sometimes need to pause and refresh in our spiritual lives. Take time to rest not only physically but also spiritually, time to reflect on the Lord, on the ays He has touched our lives, on the blessings we’ve known in the past and those blessings we’re grateful for each day. I pray you’re able to take some time off to pause and refresh this summer. I’m sharing a few poems that I pray help you pause and refresh.
John Alexander
Blessings, John Alexander QuietTimeRhymes.com John Alexander YouTube
https://quiettimerhymes.com/
Nightfall
John Alexander YouTube Channel @johnalexander3206
The sun is down, light’s almost gone, Another night to rest ‘til dawn. A few more weeks of summer heat, Then once again, cool nights I’ll greet. The trees disrobe, they’ll slumber soon, With barren limbs to frame the moon. For seven decades, seven years I’ve cherished seasons, held them dear. How many more I have to go Is not for me right now to know. These years I have on earth to roam, I walk by faith, ‘til I’m called home. I pray each day that I can share Love from my heart, God placed it there.
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Pause and Refresh
Rest in the Shade
I’m taking some time to just rest and refresh, A time to reflect, to take stock and to pray. An occasional rhyme I still weave as words mesh, But nothing I’m driven to do every day. Perhaps it’s the summer, the heat of the sun That compels me to rest, to relax for a while, Let go of the worry, find laughter and fun, Let the peace and the joy overflow into smile. I’m sure once again that the pace will increase, But rest is important, to slow down the pace. My heart is still beating, my writing won’t cease, There’s no need to rush, I’m not running a race. Although I may rest, even pause if I’m tired, I pray that my writing stays fresh and inspired.
There is nothing like shade on a hot summer day, A soft gentle breeze through the leaves as they sway, A strong sturdy trunk as I sit for a while, Its limbs reaching upward, I sigh, and I smile. The trunk has my back as it holds me upright, A welcomed relief what a beautiful sight, A comfort when weary in need of a rest, After struggles and trials that seem like a test. When I become weary the Lord sends a friend, Someone beside me until I can mend, Someone to smile, share a story or two, Some of them humorous some of them true. Praise God for the friendships I have in my life. With the help of my friends, I can get through the strife. Each person, perspective still each has a voice Casting a vote having freedom of choice. Although we are different, we share the same goal, The values, the freedoms that never grow old.
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How God Has Loved Me! - All My Years By Michael J. Shepherd
A-Christian-Story-In-Poem I Closed my eyes - Sitting in my Chair: As, these golden-years cause me to reflect on a life of God and Love: O’ how my life today, fits me as a glove: I Closed my eyes - Sitting in my Chair: As, I remember upon my life: And I think upon those-days of my-family, and my-friends: - Never knowing thatIt could someday, come to an end? Michael J. Shepherd Evangelist: Michael J. Shepherd: (Coordinator): (Facebook): Church Revival Meetings of America: (You Tube): Church Revival Meetings of America: Nelson County Independent Baptist Church: (Church Members): United States Army Reserve Veteran: Honorable-Discharge: (1982 – 1989): Printing Machinist (Retired): (Master Printer Certified): Married: Mary Ann Shepherd: Four-Grown Children: Born-Again Christian (Since 1990): Ordained into the Gospel Ministry (2011): Written and Published: (22-Books):
I Closed my eyes - Sitting in my Chair: As, I remember a life well-lived: - I had many-dreams, when I was young: And I did know what song, that my life would sing, and how it would be sung: I Closed my eyes - Sitting in my Chair: As, I remember my-Mom and myDad, and those-fashions, and those-fads, and those familiar-songs, that made me glad: I Closed my eyes - Sitting in my Chair: As, I remember those many-days of going to work, and those-many days of trails, and tears: And, “How God has loved Me! - All My Years:” A Bible-Scriptures of Encouragement: - For God Is Love: (First John 4: 7-8): Beloved, let us love one another: For love is of God; And every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. ** He that loveth not-knoweth not God: “For God is Love:”
Page 9 Prayer of Confusion Will somebody tell me how to live? What is the secret? How do I give? How do I yield my heart? Will somebody tell me who I am? Which is the truth and which but a sham? How did deception start? What are the answers … I need them now to questions I can’t figure out somehow.
Judith Vander Wege Judith Vander Wege, a Christian Writer, Composer, Bible Study Leader, child of God and follower of Jesus Christ. website: http://judithvanderwege.com
Am I wise or am I a fool? Am I loving or am I cruel? How do I listen and who will speak? I feel confused and amazingly weak. LORD, take control of my inner soul. Where I am lacking, please make me whole. Search me and make me true. For you are the One who gave me life! Tell me the secret, thus end my strife. Teach me to live for You! --- Judith Vander Wege
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Willing to Pray like David By Yvonne M. Morgan
Our pastor started a series on prayer a few weeks ago, and one message stayed with me long after Sunday ended. The message caused me to pause and think about my prayer life. What am I doing well and what needs improvement? Thoughts swirl around in my head. Later that week, I sat down to pray and realized how quickly I rushed through my words, already thinking about what I needed to do next. I stopped mid-prayer and thought, Is this really connecting me to God, or am I just going through the motions?
Yvonne M Morgan, Christian author and speaker https://yvonne-morgan.com Blog at Turningmountainsintomolehills.org Twitter: @ymmauthor Website: Yvonne-Morgan.com
Prayer is such an amazing tool full of power, but I don’t think I’m using it to its full potential. These thoughts sent me digging to find out more, and I realized how David’s prayers provide powerful examples of how to pray. Some days when I read the Psalms, I’m struck by how honest David is with God, saying the very things I sometimes hesitate to pray. The way David shares his feelings with honesty and anguish shows me what real prayer looks like. Through it all, his faith in God remained steady. No wonder he is called a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). David doesn’t hide behind polished words; he lays everything before God. His prayers remind me I can do the same, and that truth brings comfort.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ YMMauthor/
I also notice the contrast between Saul and David. Saul feared people and ignored God’s commands, but David, even when he failed, kept returning to God. His mistakes didn’t define him—his pursuit of God did. That’s the kind of heart I want.
Turning Mountains into Molehills (2017)
How did David Pray? What would it look like if we prayed like David? First, let’s look at some ways David spoke to God. Some of David’s words are poetic and soothing to the soul, like in the 23 rd Psalm. While others show raw emotions like his words in Psalm 17, where David is vulnerable with the Lord. He doesn’t hold back his deep vulnerability, begging, pleading for help. There are times I rush through my prayers, saying the right words but feeling nothing, just trying to check it off my list. Many of us, me included, lack the boldness that David displayed in his prayers in the Psalms because we don’t understand the power of our prayers. David’s raw and heartfelt prayers show us how to trust God and find hope when everything feels uncertain. David also understood that his words could move heaven to action.
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Pray Like David To pray like David, we need to cultivate a heart after God by being raw, honest, and persistent in prayer, blending heartfelt worship with honest lament. Key elements to pray like David include: -Radical Honesty: David never hid his emotions. -Wholehearted Worship & Gratitude: Even in difficult times, David praised God for who He is and His mercy. - Persistent & Daily Conversation: David consistently sought God. -Seek God’s Heart: Pray for a heart that aligns with God’s desires. Praying like David did in the Psalms provides a powerful, time-tested way to connect with God by offering words for every human emotion, from joy to despair. They teach us to bring authentic feelings to God, and that fosters intimacy, healing, spiritual strength, and aligns our personal prayers with God’s will. What might your prayers look like if you spoke to God with the same honesty David did?
Prayer: Lord, I know you are with me, and I want to draw closer to you. Help me pray more often, with more sincerity and faith. When I do not have the words, teach me how to pray, and help me not to give up. Remove distractions from my mind, and help me put my trust in you, rather than in my understanding. Guide me to pray for others and help me listen to your voice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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All I Have Needed… By Donna J. Miller
My family recently returned from a trip to Wyoming and Montana. We stayed in three different VRBO homes one in Cody, Wyoming; one in Wilson, Wyoming, and one in Pray, Montana. Each one was perfect for our group of six people - our nine and twelve year old grandkids, our daughter and son-in-law, and my husband and me (the grandparents). Each house was clean, beautifully decorated with Western accents, and provided a comfortable haven for us to relax after busy days exploring Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. Several times I needed something and was able to look in a cabinet and find exactly what I needed - a replacement garbage bag, a pair of scissors, coffee and coffee filters, even salt and pepper. I wasn’t sure if the houses would provide shampoo and soap like hotels but they all had nice bottles with pumps. Each house had a washer and dryer and had left a few laundry pods for our use. My daughter opened a “junk drawer” with odds and ends like rubber bands and extra batteries and commented that this was the neatest junk drawer ever. We flew to Donna is a preschool curric- Montana, so not having to carry small essentials on a plane or purchase them after we arrived was a blessing!
ulum writer for Lifeway and loves teaching two year olds One day, I found myself humming the line that says, “All I have needed, thy hand hath provided,” (from “Great is at her church, Hudson First Thy Faithfulness” ) and wondering about the owners of these homes. I was very thankful that they rented the Baptist. She is a retired ele- homes to us and that they thoughtfully provided the things we might need during our visit. mentary school media coordinator and K-1 teacher. She As I thought about it, I became overwhelmed realizing that they cared for us, even thought they didn’t know us loves all children - especially at all. Yes, we paid to stay there so we were income for them, but they had gone out of the way to provide a her 4 grandchildren! She loves wonderful place that we would enjoy. to read, scrapbook, and make cards. Donna lives in Hudson, Thinking about all they had provided, reminded me that God is faithful and loves me so much more! I encourage NC with her husband, Lewis. you to read the lyrics to “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and consider God’s faithfulness to meet our needs year after They enjoy traveling together. year. Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father; There is no shadow of turning with thee. Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be. Refrain: Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness, Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed thy hand hast provided; Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Page 13 Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above Join with all nature in manifold witness To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. [Refrain] Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside. [Refrain] I love the line “Summer and winter and springtime and harvest” because that is all year. There isn’t a time or season when God is not faithful to us. Lamentations 3:22b–23 says, “For his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Each day starts with fresh new evidence of God’s faithfulness to us. Amazingly, God is faithful even when times are hard. When sickness, death of a loved one, financial struggles, and other serious problems arrive, we can still count on strength that only God can give. How many times have you read a book about someone who struggled in seemingly hopeless situations and they gave God credit for faithfully carrying them all the way? How many times have you seen a friend in hard times and asked how they were surviving, and they said, “It is God. God is with me!” Deuteronomy 7:9 tell us to “Know that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps his gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love him and keep his commands.” God loves and blesses us when we love Him and follow His commandments. But what if we don’t follow His commandments? The Bible says that we are all sinners. None of us can perfectly follow Him. Again, the Bible assures us that He is faithful. 1 John 1:9 says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Even when we are unworthy, when we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, He forgives us and is faithful to us! Wow! Thomas O. Chisholm wrote the lyrics to “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” in 1923. It is as meaningful today as it was over 100 years ago. Chisholm was a Methodist minister until health struggles forced him to leave his congregation. Numerous hospital bills caused financial problems but he found a job selling insurance. He was not bitter about his struggles but chose to see God’s faithfulness and an opportunity to have time to write more poems. Chisholm sent the poem “Great is Thy Faithfulness” to William Runyan who was a musician and editor. Runyan was moved by the poem and prayed that God would guide him to write a tune worthy of the lyrics. In the 1950’s, Billy Graham began to use the song in his crusades and the timeless message has spoken to several generations since then. The VRBO owners were faithful to provide comfortable homes away from home for my family and to provide all we needed for an enjoyable visit… but how much greater is God’s faithfulness, day after day and year after year! All scriptures from the Christian Standard Bible. Great is Thy Faithfulness (Public Domain)
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STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN A famous song by Led Zeppelin filled with many occultic references. The listeners are led on a mystical journey in search of heaven. Greatly influenced by Satanist Aleister Crowley’s writings it is both ethereal and damning. The passage to the afterlife is and should be one’s life quest. Question is, is there such a thing? 4000 years before Crowley penned his fable Jacob saw the true vision. Angels ascending and descending the stairway to heaven as God looked down.
Morning Coffee by Michael E. Wells 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.
He proclaimed the place he stood, “The house of God, the very gateway to heaven.” Gen 28:1017 Fast forward 2000 years, Jesus validates Jacob’s dream in John 1:51 and explains He is that staircase. Over and over He states He is the door, the gate and the way. Jesus truly is that Stairway to Heaven.
LONG AND WINDING ROAD An uncertainty to some but a comfort to others. It can be viewed with trepidation or a sense of peace. It all depends on our belief of a guidance or simply wandering, of following or a blind venture. To take liberty with a famous line, “Yes Virginia, there is a God.” There is a road less traveled, a path of promise that is available to all. Not seen with eye but felt with heart. Though it weaves through unfamiliar territory we are confident of the journey’s end for Whom we walk beside. With a map given to us by those who have seen the other side, we are left with a choice: believe and pursue or dismiss and be lost. As someone once said, “Choose wisely.” Truly there is only one choice to bring us safely to the end of our long and winding road.
Page 15 THE POWER OF BELIEF A simple faith for complex times. One that holds firm to a hope and a favourable outcome. Not one of fantasy but of tangible experience. To find something deep within ourselves to shield us from the horrors and tragedies in life. Some would say, “There is no there there.” But we who have found substance and Presence, rely greatly on our find. The power of belief...invisible in itself, yet seen through the one who exercises it. The ability to remain steadfast and persevere against all odds, to see those things that are not as though they were. To hold deep seated words as truths and promises, is to be at peace when others have lost theirs. It is to speak wisdom when others would waver in decision. Belief finds its greatest power in giving itself to a higher cause, a noble pursuit. We have many choices in life and many causes. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” His life was given as a ransom for many. He lives still today, to save more through your words and actions. Today may love be your cause, heaven its reward and belief the power. Michael’s books are on Amazon.com
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A FRESHLY BLOSSOMED LILY By Irene Surya
Watching the saffron haze From atop a hill, I felt completely awe-struck At the aureate sunset. The earth beneath Was a lush, emerald paradise Extending all the way Till the golden horizon.
The way wherein I should walk daily With a heart filled with His Word And a life surrendered for purity. The way wherein The Lord walks hand-in-hand And carries me through trials Guiding me continuously with His Word.
Mist filled valleys With spectacular waterfallsCascading down the hills,
Dr. Irene Surya is an awardwinning author of her book, A sight indeed. In Solitude with God. Her poems have been published in various magazines and As I watched, I lifted my eyes anthologies. She has a The way wherein passion for writing for the The great people of God walked Lord and glorifying His The path that leads to name through her writings. To the magnificent heavens above, She loves and serves the And asked Him to show me Lord with her husband. The way of holiness. True joy and happiness. (continued)
Click on book to purchase from Amazon.
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What Is A Friend?? By Karen Ruhl
I have always cherished my friends. I feel blessed to still have friends from high school. They are special to me and remind me of living in Blue Ash, Ohio, at the time, my home town. Every place I have lived, I have been blessed with friends. I guess with moving around, you either get to know people and cherish the ones you get to know well, or you become very lonely. I feel blessed that God gave me the ability to make friends. I wanted to see what the Bible says about choosingfriends. Here are a couple of verses: Walk with wisdom: Proverbs 13:20 says that walking with the wise makes you wise, while hanging out with fools brings harm. Avoid hot tempers: Proverbs 22:24–25 warns against making friends with an angry person so you do not learn their bad ways. And what about how friends should act? Love at all times: Proverbs 17:17 states that a real friend loves always and is ready to help during hard times. Lift each other up: Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 explains that two people are better than one because they can help each other up when they fall. I moved to Hudson, NC in December of 2016. As soon as Spring came around, I started walking up and down the street meeting our neighbors. We had a picnic for the neighbors and they were as excited as we were. After Craig passed, many of our neighbors stopped by and checked on me. Some friends then went a step further and have become close to me like sisters. And I have become so much closer to my church and the friends I met there. I hope you take the time to reach out to someone you know and get close enough to see how you can come beside them. There isn’t anything like having a close friend. God Bless You All.
Page 18 God’s Plan Succeeds By Brianna Barrett
As my family was preparing to finish our second annual mega road trip to complete Route 66, I’ been looking a lot at directions and the best way to get there. I wanted a step-by-step plan for o itinerary.
I grew up in the era of reading maps, and then later printing out turn-by-turn directions from MapQuest before any trip. I’m really showing my age there, but in that time we knew where we were going, what route we would take, and if detours arose, well, you better know how to read a map or at least follow the detour signs.
Now, when I go somewhere, I simply hit the button on the car, tell Siri where I want to go, and the directions are there on a screen right in front of me. If traffic arises, Siri alerts me and tells me if Brianna is a Carolina girl who loves Jesus there is a faster route I can take. When I make a wrong turn, Siri recalculates my route, giving m and her family. She enjoys watching the the next step.
sunrise, photography, reading, writing, The Israelites could have used a map; they wandered all over the place for forty years. FORTY and paddleboarding. According to her years, that’s like my entire life; they walked through the wilderness. God had a plan. He tells Mos teenage son, she’s a master chef in in Exodus 3: 7-8 about how He saw His people suffering at the hand of Egypt, and in verse eight the kitchen, making gluten-free cuisine “So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egy from around the world. Her writing into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey - the land where and photography have appeared in the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live.” (Exodus 3:8 NLT). numerous publications including Faith On Every Corner, Creation Illustrated, Not only does He tell Moses about this plan He has for the Israelites, but He continuously promis and Our Story Magazine, and she is them. “‘Therefore, say to the people of Israel: “I am the Lord, I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great a contributor to The Grit and Grace acts of judgment. I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know th Project and Broken But Priceless I am the Lord your God who has freed you from your oppression in Egypt. I will bring you into the Magazine where she writes the column, land I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as your very own possession. I am “From A Homemaker’s Heart”. Her the Lord!”’” (Exodus 6:6-8 NLT). God had a plan for them. first devotional book, “Hope in the Healing: A 40-Day Devotional Journey Did He tell them the whole plan step by step? No, but He promised them that He was the Lord. H Through Chronic Illness” is due out this promised them He would free them, redeem them, and take care of them as His people. The Isra spring. Check out her latest works at elites had to trust God with the plan He had for their lives. Proverbs 19:21 tells us, “You can make www.briannagrams.com and connect many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” (Proverbs 19:21 NLT). God’s plans always trump our plans. While we may even try to make our own plans, we are reminded, “We can make our o with her on Instagram, Facebook, or plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.” (Proverbs 16:1 NLT). We achieve success when we lay Pinterest. down our plans.
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We have the advantage of knowing how God’s plan played out. But in this we also see how the Israelites fought God at every turn. There were a lot of detours and challenges that came up that they couldn’t see as the next step. On numerous accounts, God reminds the Israelites of His promises throughout this journey. He constantly tells them not to fear. He’s got it. So often I’m an Israelite. I have that amnesia of God’s goodness. I know the plans He has for me are for good, and He promises to take care of me, redeem me, and free me from my burdens. But so often I forget how He delivers, how He provides, how He redeems, how He keeps His promises. That is why I am reminded, “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3 NLT). Sometimes I struggle with God’s plan. I want the next step before it’s time for the next step. I want the set of steps so I know what’s going to go down, where I’m going, and what I’ll have to endure. But God’s plans aren’t like that. He gives us steps, but we must follow them. Sometimes he only gives us a baby step, and we have to have faith in the process. God’s always teaching us, showing us ways, guiding us and protecting us. He even gave us a directional guide, the Holy Spirit. His word is your instruction guide. Detours come, roads get closed (doors close), road work is being done (prayers aren’t answered immediately), and that means learning to wait well. While other times detours mean taking the back roads and enjoying the ride because God’s plan is always better than anything we can imagine. His ways are greater, and His plans are too! Trust Him and His plan for your life. Lord, forgive me for so often telling you what Iight here, right now. I’m turning my entire life, every little detail, over to you. I pray Your will be d want. Forgive me for my pride in thinking I know better than you. Forgive me for taking matters into my own hands too often. Lord, I’m tired of trying to run the show. I surrender all to you rone, not my own. Thank You, Lord, for never giving up on me, for never leaving me, and for always providing for me. Thank You, Lord. I surrender all to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Photographer: Pam Atkins
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Page 22 Of God and Graffiti by Shara Bueler-Repka
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments [imaginations], and every high thing hat exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5-NKJV) Isn’t it “funny” how the power of assumption can override any sane thought in your head and replace it with every kind of "what if" scenario imaginable?It was so with me, as Bruce and I headed out West again. We pulled onto the grounds of a cowboy church inTexas for Shara Bueler-Repka is our last stop of the night. Road-weary after driving our rig through a dust storm with our enjoying life as a singer/ horses, we gratefully rolled toward our parking spot. And then, I saw it … glaring graffiti. My songwriter/recording artist, freelance writer, and award- vivid imagination ran wild as I stared at the brightly colored paint adorning the old water winning author. She and her tank like a "coat of many colors," highlighting the seemingly illegible, funky husband, Bruce, live in their writing.As the wind howled, fear leaped in my chest as depressing scenarios enjoyed a living quarters horse trailer lively field day in my head: Oh no! Here, of all places! So far out of town and the gangs and call “home” wherever have now extended their territory to include the church grounds! How can this be? We their rig is parked. Their mail- have to be parked here for a few days. What if “they” decided to come and vandalize base, however, is Hallettsville, Texas. She loves sharing our rig? What if “they” came back and started harassing us, or our horses? Thankfully, God’s Word through music I grabbed my thoughts and spun ‘em around—praying over everything instead. When with her husband, riding their we pray, however, isn’t it interesting how we sometimes still have to swat those nagging horses (aka The Boys) in the negative notions that fly up … like irritating gnats? The mind is definitely a battlefield! backcountry, and writing about God’s grace in their We settled in for the night, and I tried not to think about the graffiti on the water tank.The various adventures on the next day we met up with our friends who were the pastors of the church. “Hey, what did you trail less traveled.
think of the water tank?” They asked enthusiastically.”The water tank?” we replied.”Yeah, a kid in our church painted all the graphics on it. He gave his life over to Jesus and he’s an artist.”Oops.Apparently, as a testament of his faith and with permission from the pastors, he expressed his love for Jesus through his artistic “graffiti” on that water tank. He was a very nice young man, very excited about his newfound faith.Had I looked more closely at his artistry, I would have seen the symbols, names, and the big “JESUS” written around the sides. I did not see the truth, because my presumption made me blind. Notes to Self: 1) Things are usually never what they appear to be; 2) I am convinced of this: learning to NOT assume is a lifelong challenge. But it is well worth the effort.
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However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will peak; and He will tell you things to come.” (John 16:13-NKJV
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Photographer: Karen Ruhl Well I had to claim some space! ;) One of my favorite places to walk is not far from me. I love this bridge. This is the Broyhill Walking Park in Lenoir, NC, the Mabry Mill on the right is on the Blue Ridge Parkway, another wonderful place to drive.
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Photographer: Pam Atkins
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Page 28 THE GOODNESS OF GOD By Linda Castro
“The Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting ; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalm 100:5 KJV “Is God mad at me? the young man asked. “No.” The Pastor answered. “God can get angry but it is directed at sin, not at an individual.” “I feel so guilty at times.” The young man continued, “Like God is made at me, personally.” “It’s important to remember feelings of tuilt or fear of God’s anger are common, but they do not define your relationship with God.” The Pastor assured him. “That’s why Jesus came, so we can be forgiven and continue our relationship with God.” “The goodness of God is for all of us.” He continued, “His mercy is everlasting. He loves each of us.”
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.
After prayer, the young man smiled wide and said, “I feel so much better now. Thank you, Pastor for helping me understand about the goodness of God. “What do I do now?” he asked. The Pastor smiled and asked, “Do about what?” “My sin.” The young man answered. ““What sin?” The Pastor replied. “Did you ask God to forgive you?” “Yes.” The young man answered. “Then God has forgiven you and already forgiven your sin. God said in His Word, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrew 8:12
“Wow!” the young man exclaimed, He really does love us!” “
Page 29 There may be times in each of our lives that we may feel like this young man. That we have done something wrong and God is mad at us, but the more we look into the Word of God, the more the Goodness of God is shown. So many verses is both the Old Testament and New Testament, as well as in various translations, confirm God loves us, He helps us, and His mercy absolves us of many of the things we are concerned about. The goodness of God is something unapparelled with any other thing in our lives! It is not limited to generosity, God has a desire to bless us, His creation! We are created in His image, and His goodness is everlasting, universal, and active in the lives of those who follow Him, giving us both Spiritual and physical blessings. Does that mean we can just act any way we want to? No, Does that mean we don’t need to show kindness to others? No. Does that mean God never gets upset with us? No,. We are called “God’s Children” and as such, we need to imitate His example. But that is just another example of His goodness to us. The Bible, again, reminds us of God’s goodness to His children, when it says in Matthew 7:11: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” It illustrates not only God’s generosity but His care for his children. So, the goodness of God is something He gives us freely. His mercy helps us to regain our place in His family when we have gone astray and the love of Jesus frees us from sin. “O taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. (Psalm 4:8 KJV)
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Photographer: Pam Atkins
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I wanted to add a couple that brings back memories. Pam and I both lived in So. Cal and close to the beaches. We would go down often and enjoy our night out with our cameras. This brings back memories to me with Pam.
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Meet Lucy, she is a good friend and an excellent painter and writer! I am working with Lucy on a couple of books, one is being worked on as we speak and I am anxious to get it published for her. She is very creative as you can see. Lucy and I were talking one day and she told me she was going to a painting class. It has been years since I picked up a brush. I had Craig to take care of and had Damien living with me for a couple of years...paint was put up! She asked me if I wanted to go, and I was tickled and said yes. First this is held out in the country at a winery. The area is gorgeous and the people who run it are wonderful. This painting was my second time going...I will be going back next month too! So I just wanted to really highlight what friends can do for each other. We are both widows, writers, artists, and have developed a wonderful friendship. I mentioned friendship earlier in the magazine and I cannot say enough about developing friends. You may be surprised how many things you have in common and what that friend will mean to you. I know we are all busy, but we find time to do what we feel is a priority. Make friendship a priority. You will lead a much happier life. At the end of our painting, we stopped by the store and picked up a pizza and some ice cream. My friend Donna came to the house and we heated the pizza and played Scrabble. We talked and laughed and enjoyed the company. Get out and find friends. You will be surprised how your friends will respond if you ask them to do something with you. We all love to feel wanted and if you were like the three of us, you will be laughing, enjoying a pizza, and playing games! Go have fun.
C O N TA C T U S . . .
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