Issuu

July 2026

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

Nancy DeJesus

Photographer: Nancy DeJesus

Nancy DeJesus is an author and photographer who lives in Virginia with her husband. They have seven children and five grandchildren. She earned a B.S. in Art Education from the Pennsylvania State University. She taught art in the public school system and is a Visual Arts Subject Matter Specialist for an international homeschool provider. She and her family are devoted to their church. She sells her books, watercolor prints, and photos on her website.

Connect with Nancy here:

WEBSITE: https://www.NancyDeJesusPhotography.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NancyDeJesusPhotography/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/nancysdejesusphotography

Note From Karen Ruhl, Editor

Welcome July!

I hope this finds you all doing well and enjoying the summer so far.

This year, the fourth of July holds a big meaning to the US. We celebrate 250 years as The United States Of America. As I was thinking about what the United States looked like 250 years ago. I see renderings showing how hard life was back then. No electric, wells for water, horses for transportation...you get the picture. And here we are today, with electric cars, water at our fingertips in our homes, fully electric houses, computers and of course cell phones. We are blessed to have all of this and to live in a country that is not only beautiful but a great place to live and raise our kids.

I hope you take a few minutes each day to thank God for what we have here in the states. And pray that we all stop and think about the blessings he has bestowed on us.

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.

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 Happy Fourth Of July America - I love you from sea to shining sea.

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!

Summer is hee and I think all of us have reached higher temperatures than normal. Some of our writers are on vacation or have other family events. I hope you enjoy this issue. God Bless You.

Poems / Blessed ... by John Alexander ... Pages 6-7

Conversations In The Car ... by Melissa Henderson ... Pages 8-9

Forgetting Thankfulness After The Miracle ... by Yvonne M. Morgan ... Pages 10-11

Welcome Home ... by Donna J. Miller.. Page 12-13

... by Michael E. Wells ... Pages 14-15

A Freshley Blossomed Lily ... by Irene Surya ... Page 16

Making Memories and Laughs4 ... Karen Ruhl ... Page 17

The Race Set Before You ... By Brianna Barrett ... Pages 18-19

Of God And Graffiti ... By Shara Bueler-Repka ... Pages 22-23

Poems ... Heidi Larsen ... 25

Fear ... By Linda Castro ... Pages 28-29

More Photos by Nancy DeJesus... Page 30-31

Photos by Karen ... Page 33

Meet my friend Lucy. She is a writer (new book coming very soon) and a wonderful artist. I went with her to an art class, hoping I will start painting again. The painting on the right is Lucy’s and mine on the left. We had a wonderful time and I will be doing this again. I hope you take time from your work and do something you love. Blessings to you all, and thank you Lucy.

John Alexander Blessings, John Alexander Blessings, John Alexander https://quiettimerhymes.com/

YouTube Channel @johnalexander3206

This month marks the 250-year anniversary for the United States of America. I pray regularly for our nation, that we might once again turn our attention to God Almighty and seek his face. I pray we will continue to be a nation that embraces freedom, a light shining in the darkness for all to see, a nation with a hope and a future. We’ve come too far to lose sight of our past as we look to the future. I pray for the brave men and women who serve this country today as well as those brave men and women of past generations.

I am sharing two poems as we celebrate the anniversary of our nation. Blessings, John

Below is a link to a music video of the poem 250 Years: 250 YearsBlessings, John Alexaander QuietTimeRhymes.com

YouTube channel @johnalexander3206

Respect Freedom

I pray for our nation to pause and reflect. How did we come to abandon respect? Though opinions may differ don’t lash out in hate, Shake hands and move on after healthy debate. I’m a bit overloaded with pundits and spin. Outlandish claims won’t help candidates win. Let’s clean up the narrative, stating the choice, Allow each position to clearly be voiced.

Don’t use a spin room to bash and divide, Just provide substance, let voters decide. We each have opinions; we each have a vote. One people, one nation, we share the same boat. Remember our freedom has come at a cost. We still stand united, our freedom’s not lost.

250 Years

Thank God for the blessings poured out on our land, For all those before us who dared take a stand For the right and the freedom to worship our God. We follow the pathways our forefathers trod.

The stories of old that we still long to hear, The heroes of yesteryear we still revere, The lives that were given so freedom could ring, Passed down through the ages their songs we still sing.

For two centuries, fifty we now have endured, If we all pull together our future’s assured. I pray we speak wisdom with words that we share, Words of encouragement, truthful, and fair.

The stars and the stripes waving red, white, and blue, Our symbol of freedom still trusted and true, May our faith and our freedom stay strong and remain, As we honor our anthem and sing each refrain.

May elected officials from all walks of life, Who’ve endured and persisted through hardship and strife, Honor the oath of the office they hold, Representing the people untarnished by gold.

This nation, the cities, the towns large and small, Engineers and the farmers we value them all. From the shores of the ocean, gulf, rivers and streams, The mountains, the heartland and all in between,

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.

May we the people throughout this great land

Celebrate freedom, together we stand, Freedom to worship, give thanks to our God For this nation, this land where our forefathers trod.

Let us pray we continue to thrive and be blessed, Stay strong as a nation, survive every test.

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

A Thank You For Melissa

By Karen Ruhl

I have known Melissa for many years. Craig and I met she and her husband and I feel blessed to have her as a friend. Melissa has been a contributing writer for as long as I remember.

I wanted to do a special page for her as she and her husband have gone through several medical procedures. I also just found out they had a flood.

I am pretty sure many of you have read Melissa’s articles which often include happenings with her two grandchildren.

I would like to promote her book and if you have children or grandchildren, it would be fun to get some of our readers to purchase the book for your family.

Prayers for Melissa and family.

Love you Melissa! <3

Click on the book covers to purchase Melissa’s books.

I have known Nancy for a few years and have featured her in a few of our magazine. I encourage you to click on the photo above and browse through her wonderful photos.

Thank you and blessings, Karen

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)

Forgetting Thankfulness After the Miracle

By Yvonne M. Morgan

A dream woke me from a deep sleep the other night. I rarely remember my dreams, but this one stuck with me because of the message of thankfulness enclosed within it. I wrestled with what to do with it, but God gives us these words for a purpose.

I found myself back in the days of Christ in a market area. In the vision, I saw a person sitting by a gate. Voices, feet scurrying and animal noises filled the surrounding air, but he could see nothing. His sight was gone. As he sat alone, the noise grew as cheers erupted from the crowd near him, but he had no clue what was happening.

Everything stopped, and a hand reached down and touched the man. A voice asked if he wanted to see again and a whispered yes escaped his lips. As the hand lifted from his face, the man’s eyes fluttered open, the world rushing back into sharp focus. The man sprang to his feet, his gaze darting everywhere as he explored the area, his newly gained sight absorbing every detail. He hugged people and danced as he ran towards home to tell everyone what had happened. Jesus then turned to me. Life returned to a new normal for the man as the memory of the miracle faded.

Would you thank me for such a miracle? The words startled me awake.

Giving Thanks

Gratitude is woven throughout Scripture, reminding us again and again to give thanks in every circumstance. It is a central part of our faith, our response to God’s goodness and grace.

But how quickly does our gratitude fade when our focus shifts from Christ back to our daily lives? I believe thankfulness is such a key element in our faith; it helps us to fix our eyes on Jesus and all the things his hand provides for us.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; “16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Gratitude is vital to God because it aligns human hearts with his will, acknowledging him as the source of all blessings.

The Dream

Taking our Eyes off Christ

Gratitude is a direct acknowledgment that all good things come from Him, rather than personal effort. It also shows us that God works all things for our good. When we forget these things, pride, envy, and discontentment find their way into our hearts and then the grumbling sets in.

My Ebenezer to Thankfulness

Years ago, our car skidded off the road into the grassy median. The car lost control and, by the grace of God, missed all the signs and obstacles in that median. It was a miracle that we did not die, or at least sustain injuries. We pulled out of the median and parked on the side of the road to allow our hearts to stop racing and to offer a word of thanks to God for keeping us safe.

As time passes, the wonder of the miracle diminishes, and gratitude wanes. Within days, I started yelling at the traffic in front of me again or was upset that someone’s blog got more comments than mine. I forget the miracle that I’m still here as I look around me instead of looking up. That is when I began making it a daily habit of starting my day by offering prayers of thanksgiving. It helps me refocus on heavenly things instead of the earthly things.

Expressing gratitude can be tough during hard times. Can we maintain a grateful attitude even if we:

*have marriage problems?

* lose your job?

* experience a health crisis?

As each problem arises, when we look to Christ for the answers instead of trying to solve them ourselves, we can learn to give thanks in all circumstances as we trust God for the outcome. We can learn to look for the opportunities to thank God amid the trials.

Always Give Thanks

Without thankfulness, we risk growing proud and inwardly focused. Gratitude helps us maintain the proper connection to the source of all blessings. Focusing on what we lack is less important than remembering all that we possess, which is what gratitude helps us do. By giving thanks, it reminds us of how much we have. When we choose gratitude, our focus shifts from what we lack to what we have. In that shift, we experience a deeper, lasting joy. Our very existence is a testament to the merciful blessings of God.

That question from my dream still lingers with me: Would you thank me for such a miracle? Maybe the better question is: am I already living in answered prayers I’ve stopped noticing?

Prayer: Dear Lord, I come to you today with a grateful heart. Sometimes I am slow to recognize your goodness, allowing complaining to overshadow my blessings. Please forgive me. Teach me to see your hand in both the small things and the big ones, in the food I eat, the air I breathe, and the challenges that help me grow. Help me live today with an awareness of your presence. I choose gratitude in all circumstances, knowing your love endures forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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.

Welcome Home

By Donna J. Miller

My husband and I love to travel and love to stop at different state welcome centers. They provide bathrooms, snack machines, maps, and information about all the things you can see in their state. Just what you need for an adventurous journey!

We often stop at the Tennessee Welcome Center on I-40, going west, just beyond the NC/Tennessee line. It is a cabin on the hill and as you enter, you are greeted by a life-sized Dolly Parton cardboard cutout. Amid all the brochures in the side room are rocking chairs and a door to a porch. It is a warm down-home Tennessee welcome! You can almost hear Dolly say (or sing) “I will always love you.”

On the way home, we stop at the North Carolina Welcome Center, also on I-40 but a few miles away on the North Carolina side of the line. Even though we live in North Carolina we can always find a brochure of someplace we haven’t visited. North Carolina stretches from the coast and lighthouses, to the Piedmont with well-known universities and research centers, to the mountains with beautiful scenes along the Blue Ridge Parkway. North Carolina is a wonderful state for tourists. You should come visit us soon!

This May we headed towards Florida, but before we got there we stopped at the Georgia Welcome Center and enjoyed wandering around. It is a fun welcome station with a trolley car display, models of an alligator, a sea turtle, a lighthouse, and palm trees. It even has a bench for a photo opportunity with Forrest Gump. I did a selfie with him but he wouldn’t share the box of (fiberglass) chocolates in his lap.

And then on to Florida, where painted dolphins leap along the sidewalk leading to their Welcome Center. Inside there are usually multiple displays including an astronaut for Kennedy Space Center. But this year they were remodeling and using a mobile unit in the parking lot. Even the temporary welcome center was fun. They had a free machine to press “Florida pennies,” you only had to provide the penny! Best of all, they offer Florida orange and grapefruit juices to sample. As a native Floridian, I love that taste of juice since it may be from the Indian River area where I was born.

I imagine that the other states have awesome welcome centers, but those mentioned are ones we visit fairly often. They make me wonder if Heaven has a Welcome Center. When I think of the most precious painting I have ever seen of Jesus and the children, I wonder if there is a similar painting on that Welcome Center wall of Jesus welcoming ME. Are there paintings of each and every one of us with Jesus? We display our own beloved children on our walls and refrigerators… does Jesus display our pictures? John 1:12 says, “But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God.”

In Heaven’s Welcome Center, are there displays, brochures, and maps of the activities and places we will want to visit - harp practice groups, lessons on how to move with your new body, times and places for the heavenly banquet prepared for you, and guides to show you the way to the home prepared for you? Remember John 14:2 says, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?”

I hope there is a “movie theater” to watch the many fascinating stories from the Bible as they happened. It will be amazing to see the mighty acts of God! And as a librarian and bookworm, maybe a library where I can read stories from my life that will help me understand how God used the hard times in my life and when He blessed me in ways that I didn’t even notice. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Things that I thought were very hard, may have been tools that God used to teach me and prepare me for things in the future.

I also hope to see loved ones like my parents, grandparents, tiny grandson, and friends who have gone before me. I hope to see people who have been influential in my life. So many people have taught and guided me toward Christ in loving ways. I also hope to see people who I have taught or befriended and helped guide towards Jesus!

One really wonderful thing is that there will be time to do it all, an eternity to be exact. Another exciting thought is that Jesus and God, will know my name, and will truly always love me, unlike Dolly Parton who really didn’t know me even though her song claims she will always love Me. (Oh wait, I think she wrote that song for Porter Wagoner, not me!)

The Bible tells us much about Heaven while still leaving us with questions. Revelation 21:3b-4 tells of John’s vision of heaven. “God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.” From this I know that there will be no tears, grief, and pain.

As a child, I sang a song with the lyrics, “Heaven is a wonderful place. Filled with glory and grace. I want to see my Savior’s face, because Heaven is a wonderful place.” I know the best part will be seeing Jesus face to face and hearing Him say, “Welcome Home.” I hope you will be there, too! We will spend eternity enjoying our heavenly home.

All scriptures from the Christian Standard Bible

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.

I’VE FALLEN (and

I

can’t get up)

Ever been there? To some a comical phrase, to others a statement of repetition. For many of us, it describes areas in our lives we try and momentarily conquer but always seem to return. The bible speaks much on the new person we have become in Christ but also reminds us of the presence that remains of the old you. I once wrote that God cleans us up pretty good but just when you least expect it, you show up. Peter, James, John and Paul all address this issue in detail. It would be good for us from time to time to do some rereading on this matter of self discipline.

I’m reminded of the quote in Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar. Cassius is speaking to Brutus saying, “The fault, dear Brutus is not in the stars but in ourselves.” Many times we look for answers to our dilemma outside of ourselves, when it is a matter of our hearts. We can sometimes be justified in blaming others for circumstances but there are personal failures that rest solely upon us. Paul writes, “That which I will to do, I do not but that which I will not to do, I find myself doing.” A contemplative read of Romans 7:14-24 will remind us of the inward struggle we all face in life. This truth is the reason but not an excuse.

We take comfort in the fact that sometimes the things we do are not motivated by the new you but are inspired by the old nature. “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” Sometimes we fall but we will never fail if we reach up and out, to God and others. God is an ever present help in time of need and so are the friends we have made through the years. God gives us grace and mercy as friends stand with us in our times of need. Don’t dismiss the tug on your heart by the Holy Spirit or the outstretched hand of those who love you. Both at different times and for different reasons will bring you to your feet once again and set you back on the path of life.

CONTRASTS

Christianity is defined by its contrasts and contradictions. Jesus said to find your life you must first lose it, give first and you will receive. We live in a world that encourages deceit and manipulation to succeed but Jesus tells us that to be great we must be a servant to all. It is the meek who shall inherit not the proud. It will be those who have found relationship and not religion who will be saved. It is the difference between revelation and ritual, presence of Spirit or programmed response.

The mockers would say where is your God, I do not hear Him? And we would say in my heart and in my head, guiding, directing, whispering and encouraging. Even as you do not judge a book by its cover or a storehouse by its facade so the Christian cannot be evaluated by their conformity or presentation. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart. The Bible tells us there are things we should hate and things we should love, things to let go and those to hold fast. It is sometimes a life of contradictions to the world but one of common sense to those who have had their minds renewed and lives changed.

The first shall be last and the last first. It is not our position up front that determines our reservation in the end, but to love mercy, to do justly and to walk humbly with our God. Of this Paul said the world cannot understand nor does it try, but to those who not only have seen the light but are determined to walk in it, it is a journey of the soul filled with spiritual unity and physical challenges, godly harmony and worldly contrasts.

MEETING OF THE MINDS

A pause to prepare and a place to present oneself. Sometimes it takes time, a moment to make yourself ready for what is about to happen. It may be a daily routine but the brief encounter could be life changing. Don’t dismiss ritual as mindless repetition, it may very well prove to be your moment of clarity.

As you sit and ponder, your thoughts become more focused, questions arise and answers are sought. You’ve been here before but more is needed, now a new circumstance, a new anxiety, a new decision and resolve is required. You quiet yourself, stop your requests and listen in silence. You begin to hear your voice but not your words, answers to questions and closure to uncertainty.

..It is a sense of peace from the chaos around, a moment of calm from the buzzing in your head. It is a brief encounter but a planned engagement. It is a meeting of the minds to comfort the heart and refresh the soul. It is as the word of God states, “Ask Me and I will tell you things that you do not know and can’t find out.” Jeremiah 33:3

A FRESHLY BLOSSOMED LILY

By Irene Surya

When the storm rages hard

When things tends to crumble and fall When fatigue sets in deep When numbness becomes a way,

Deeper roots let me have In the Lord and His love, Stronger faith let me possess In the unending grace of God.

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.

Lord, let me be like a tree, Planted by the Living water That sends out its roots Deep into the refreshing stream.

Let my leaves be always green In seasons of drought and storm, Let me always bear fruit During the times of raging fire.

Let me be well-watered By your love that sustains, Flourishing even in tough times Bearing spiritual fruit for you.

Let me trust in you always When the world tends to Blind me to its ways, And grow more in you always.

Click on book to purchase from Amazon.

Make Memories and Laughs

By Karen Ruhl

As early as I can remember, my family - mom, dad, and five kids would go for drives, have picnics, and explore the area around us. My older brother was out of the house and married when I was six so most of the time it was just the five of us siblings.

This tradition has always stayed with me. When I married Craig, we started exploring California. Craig loved driving and had lived in Cali for many years. So when we hit the road, camera and sodas packed, he was the Captain. All I had to do is tell him if I saw something I wanted to photograph.

Many times, there was a barn beside the road, or something that grabbed my eye and I would say, “stop here, I want to take this photo.” Craig being very patient, said, “Karen, there is no safe way to pull over here, I can drop you off and go up and turn around and pick you up.” The first time he said that I said, “OK, just don’t forget to come back!” We laughed.

Another time when we were out, there were old buildings and a driveway so Craig could pull over. I got out and was walking around the weedy lot to get photos when a bee hive decided I wasn’t paying rent and was going to evict me. I shouted to Craig, “BEES!” I started running to the van where Craig had put every window up and was not too happy that I might bring bees inside the van. I ran around the van a couple of times to see if I could distract the ones still in pursuit. I hurried and jumped in the van and slammed the door shut. Craig had rolled up newspaper and was ready to get rid of any bees that entered the van. We took off and all of the sudden a few bees started buzzing. Since we were driving, we put the windows down and I used the newspaper to pursuade the bees to leave the van. They left, we started laughing and I started looking for another site to take photos.

I have many memories and still smile thinking about the bees. I highly recommend getting out and exploring. I have so many memories that I cherish from my childhood until now. Get the kids ready, take a cooler and snacks, if you don’t have a camera, use your phone and encourage the kids if they have phones to take photos on your drives. Enjoy!

I love you all, God bless you. - Karen

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 Race God Set Before You

By Brianna Barrett

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So, run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what I should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24–27 NLT).

Who are we running the race of life for? Are we trying to please ourselves, the world, or our Heavenly Father? Are we running for the trophy or for eternity with Jesus?

As I was walking out of school the other day, I saw our high school relay team practicing. Each member of the team had their specific leg to run. I remember my days in track, though it was decades ago; our coach emphasized that each person has a specific job and a specific lane for us to be successful as a team. A relay race comprises multiple legs, and finishing the race requires completing each leg. At the start of each leg of the race, the runners pass a baton. Runners train together for months before competing in an event.

As a former relay runner, I had to learn my teammates’ running styles, speeds, and voices. My teammate instructed me when to run so they could pass me the baton. Not only did I have to blindly trust them to place the baton in my hand for me to start my leg of the race, but I also couldn’t drop the baton because it might disqualify our team.

Our Christian journey is very similar to a relay race. We each have special gifts and callings that God assigns to us. According to Romans 12:6, “In his grace, God has given us unique gifts for doing certain things well.” (Romans 12:6 NLT). What special gift has God given you? Do you teach well? Encourage others? Give generously? God calls each of us to use the gifts He has so generously given to us as part of our Christian race toward the eternal prize.

We have to listen to our Heavenly Father and His will for us, meaning we have to know what our Father sounds like so that we can distinguish His voice above the noise of the world. Jesus says in John 10, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27, NLT). If I can’t distinguish between God and the world, I cannot hear Him effectively. Sometimes I just have to sit and be still to hear His voice. Relay runners must be able to pinpoint their teammate’s voice above all the other runners to know when to run.

We each have to stay in our lane. Each of our journeys is unique to us, as is our plan. Hebrews 12:1b, “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1b NLT). Swerving into someone else’s lane can not only knock them off course, but it limits God in our lives because then we are not living out His plan for us. It’s easy to look in other people’s lanes and see what they have and what they are doing and feel inadequate or envious. When we compare ourselves and our callings to those of others, we are telling God that we know better than He does. When we focus on ourselves and others, we lose our focus on God. Paul reminds us in Galatians 6 to “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” (Galatians 6:4 NLT). I’m guilty of comparing myself to others. When that happens, I lose focus on the gifts God gave me. Instead, I should look toward God and keep my focus on Him, and continue doing the best job I can for my called purpose. Our path or “lane” is unique to each of us and may look completely different than that of our neighbors or sisters.

In Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, he compares Christian living to running a race. A runner competes to win, and as Christians, we strive to win the prize of eternity. Paul’s metaphor was well suited to the people of Corinth, who were familiar with races and competition. The Isthmus of Corinth was the home of the Isthmian Games, a biennial sporting event that was second only to the Olympics. Entrants competed in events such as foot races, wrestling, boxing, chariot races, and music for the prize of a dried celery crown. Paul’s metaphor describes the prize we win in our Christian life as eternal, whereas prizes here on earth are tangible and will disappear. Jesus is the victory that we strive to achieve. He is stronger than the world. Moses and the Israelites sang a song to the Lord praising Him, singing “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” (Exodus 15:2a NLT). The Lord has given us victory!

Today, will you join me in taking a moment to be still with God, to listen to His voice, and start running the race He guides you with? What prize are you going to run for, the worldly prize or eternity with Jesus? I’m choosing Jesus.

Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with unique gifts and talents. May I use them as you intend. Please grant me the wisdom to listen and to be obedient to you. Forgive me for the times I’ve failed to listen and have been disobedient. Forgive me for the times I’ve lived for the world and chased trophies over eternity with you. Help me change and keep my focus on you. Thank you, Lord, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Photographer: Nancy Dejesus

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.

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 our last stop of the night. Road-weary after driving our rig through a dust storm with our horses, we gratefully rolled toward our parking spot. And then, I saw it … glaring graffiti. My vivid imagination ran wild as I stared at the brightly colored paint adorning the old water tank like a "coat of many colors," highlighting the seemingly illegible, funky writing.As the wind howled, fear leaped in my chest as depressing scenarios enjoyed a lively field day in my head: Oh no! Here, of all places! So far out of town and the gangs have now extended their territory to include the church grounds! How can this be? We have to be parked here for a few days. What if “they” decided to come and vandalize our rig? What if “they” came back and started harassing us, or our horses? Thankfully, I grabbed my thoughts and spun ‘em around—praying over everything instead. When we pray, however, isn’t it interesting how we sometimes still have to swat those nagging negative notions that fly up … like irritating gnats? The mind is definitely a battlefield!

We settled in for the night, and I tried not to think about the graffiti on the water tank.The next day we met up with our friends who were the pastors of the church. “Hey, what did you 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.

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

Psalm 127:3: Children are described as a reward and gift from the Lord.

Heidi Larsen, M.Ed., is a 4thgrade teacher at a small Christian school in Central Massachusetts. A poet and storyteller, she delights in the power of words to awaken curiosity, cultivate wonder, and connect people through shared experiences. Her poems have been featured in three Quabbin Quills Anthologies and showcased in Creative Connections Art Gallery.

CHILD OF GOD

I am beautiful. I am ever strong. I can do all things when God’s along. A princess in God’s image. Priceless in design. He daily fills my soul with hope. He strengthens me with joy and love. I am one of a kind, God’s perfect me.

I can win today. I could fail and lose. Doesn’t matter much when you’re in God’s shoes. A princess in God’s image. Priceless in design. He daily fills my soul with hope. He strengthens me with joy and love. I am one of a kind, God’s perfect me.

I have joy that lifts. I have all of life. He cares for me and takes away my fear and strife. A princess in God’s image. Priceless in design. He daily fills my soul with hope. He strengthens me with joy and love. I am one of a kind, God’s perfect me.

I am blessed and loved. I’m designed by God. He holds my life close. I’m a child of God. A princess in God’s image. Priceless in design. He daily fills my soul with hope. He strengthens me with joy and love. I am one of a kind, God’s perfect me. I’m perfect in God’s eyes, ‘cause He loves me.

Our Wars

Conflict, turmoil unceasing

Bickering, fighting, releasing. No give and take. No admit to mistake. Uncompromised misfortune. Listen. Hear me pleading. God is always leading. He knows who’s right. He hears our fight. Uncompromised misfortune.

Karen Ruhl

- Cades Cove, TN - So Much to See!

Photographer:

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.

FEAR

By Linda Castro

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1 KJV)

“The doctor said it is possibly not good.” My sister told me in tears, “They’re doing more tests.” This has been an ongoing fear of my sister. Whenever a doctor gives her a diagnosis of something she is not expecting, before they even get all the test results back, she experiences fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of the unexpected. Fear of something she can’t control. So she calls me.

I have experienced several bad diagnoses in my past, including cancer and a “so-called” incurable stomach condition. But I have learned the quotient of “Faith over Fear” and she knows I can encourage her, not from just words, but from actual personal experiences. God is more powerful than anything.

The Bible encourages us in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

God’s Peace is not just for a medical condition. It is for employment situations; financial situations; family discord; and other situations we may be tempted into fear because we don’t feel in control. Some fear can become negative and cause stress in our bodies and cause us to panic. However, there is also a positive type of fear. When God may actually be giving us a “God feeling” motivating us to move to a place of safety in a situation that may have a dangerous outcome. So, all fear is not bad. It can be based upon trust.

Just as Jesus spoke to the disciples when they were in a boat and saw Jesus walking on the water toward them, their fear immediately thought it was a ghost. But as Jesus calmed the situation and comforted them by saying “Take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:25-27) and Peter trusted Jesus and walked on the water, himself, until Peter allowed fear to take over and Peter began to sink. But Jesus saved him and the fear was gone.

So, fear can be a good thing or a bad thing. Sometimes, the negative fear seems to out weigh the positive fear but God always encourages us to look to Him for our understanding. Just as the cancer I had five years ago could have created a bad fear for me, God changed it.

Just as my sister’s test results came back better than the doctor was anticipating and her fear was replaced with joy, every day the Lord reminds us in Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it,”.

So every day we may have fear but every day we are encouraged to trust God and give any negative fear to Him and He will exchange it for His peace. 4

Photo by Karen Ruhl

Photographer: Nancy Dejesus

Photo by Karen Ruhl - Winston-Salem

Disclaimer and Copyright Notification

The Information contained in the published works of Faith On Every Corner has been received from sources we believe to be reliable. However, neither Faith On Every Corner nor its authors, writers, editors, or publishers can guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information published. Faith On Every Corner, its authors, editors, and publishers are not responsible for any errors or omissions in our published works. The opinions and theology expressed by contributing writers are their own and not necessarily that of Faith On Every Corner, LLC., its owners or staff.

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

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. ™

Scripture quotations marked (CSB) taken from The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.