“The reason birds can fly and we can’t is simply because they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings.” JM Barrie.
Photo by
Award-Winning Photographer
Sonia Sousa
Award-Winning Photographer: Sonia Sousa
My interest in photography sparked during the years of my early twenties. This led to experimenting with my father’s 35mm Mamiya film cameras and processing Kodachrome film in the darkroom of my parents’ printing and typography business. I became further intrigued by the results of the film development process and manipulating the highlight and shadow areas of the film to achieve incredible results. Each strip of film was pinned to a line to dry, backlit by the red darkroom lights.
Fast forward to the digital age where I took those self-taught basics and applied them to the digital post-processing of the images I capture out in the field, essentially creating unique art. With a keen eye for composition, my personal style is detailed and colorful, capturing the intrinsic beauty of the varied subjects in front of my lens.
My time is well-balanced between family, friends, working full time and as an active Board member for Audubon of Martin County, a volunteer for the Treasure Coast Shorebird Alliance, Treasure Coast Photography Group and the Treasure Coast Photography Center. Through all of this, there is still time to allocate towards photographing nature’s most memorable moments.
Note From Karen Ruhl, Editor
June Is Here!
Heading into another summer here in North Carolina. I look forward to photo days and drives with my friend Susan and Donna. And a tip, you don’t have to drive far to find beauty close to where you live. Do a search for places to photograph near you. That should give you a good place to start. Then, enjoy cruising and time with the person/s you are spending time with. Friends are treasures.
My friend Susan and I drove to West Jefferson, NC recently, we had several goals, -one to walk through town, and we had a bonus, there was an outside market to explore, two - to visit Ashe County Cheese (they have a selection of locally produced cheeses, plus snacks, toys, and ice cream.) And we also wanted to visit St Mary’s church to see the frescos. I highly encourage you to visit this church if you are in or near West Jefferson. There are two churches with frescos by internationally renowned fresco artist Ben Long. (The photo on the right is one I took at St. Mary’s.)
As many of you know, my husband Craig and I went on road trips whenever we could. The last couple of years when he was so sick, we couldn’t go out and explore. We loved talking about the areas we visited. We often looked through my photos and talked about our favorite places.
I am so happy that I have sweet friends who love to take rides and also love taking photos - not to mention meandering in and out of stores.
Summer is a great time to go and visit parks, museums, small towns, lakes, hiking trails, and so much more. Load the kids and husband or wife in the car, pack a picnic and get out of the house. Enjoy your time with your family. You will be so blessed.
I would love to hear from you and see a few photos - you can reach me at the email below.
May God bless you and keep you. Cherish your family and friends.
I love you, Karen
Photo by Karen Ruhl
COVER AND PHOTOS By Sonia Sousa
Spring Poems ... by John Alexander ... Pages 6-7
Joy And Tears In The Yard ... by Melissa Henderson ... Pages 8-9
Learning Biblical Principle from Nature ... by Yvonne M. Morgan ... Pages 10-11
Murals by Karen Ruhl ... Page 12-13
Morning Coffee ... by Michael E. Wells ... Pages 14-15
Let Me Soar Like The Eagles ... by Irene Surya ... Page 16
Finding Time For Yourself/Follow Your Dream ... by Karen Ruhl ... Page 17
Fear Not ... by Donna J. Miller ... Pages 18-19
Jesus Wants To Meet With You ... Mike Buchanan ... Pages 20-21
Life Lessons Served At Summer Camp ... by Brianna Barrett ... Pages 22-23
Poetry ... by Mike Hall ... Pages 24-25
Poems ... Rolanda Pyle ... Page 26-27
Life Lessons Learned At Summer Camp / Part Two ... Shara Bueler Repka ... Pages 28-29
The Righteous Balance of Means for Ends and Thankfulness ... By Jerry A. Davidson ... Pages 30
Photos by Sonia Sousa ... Pages 32-33
Sending love in this the “Love” month. Blessings to you all.
Never Alone, The Blessings Of Pets ... by Linda Castro ... Pages 34-35
Poems ... By David Sowards ... Pages 36-37
Ephesians 4:26: In your anger do not sin.” Easier Said Than Done? ... by Mitchell Milch ... Pages 38 Photos ... by Sonia Sousa ... Pages 40-41 (extra photos to enjoy)
The Cycles Of Life ... By Brenda McDaniel ... Page 42-3
Our Father who art in Heaven ... by Andrea Marino ... pages 44-45
Photos ... by Karen Ruhl ... pages 46-47 (wonderful murals in NC)
It is a blessing to have Sonia Sousa’s photographs in this issue. I have had the pleasure of becoming her online friend and love seeing each photo she puts up online. After reading the magazine please go to her website and check out her award-winning photos.
AWARD-WINNING PUBLISHED PHOTOGRAPHER & AUTHOR
https://www.soniasousa.com
IG@soniasousaphotography
Sunshine
The warmth of the sunshine, a cool gentle breeze, I’m grateful the Lord brought me sunshine once more. At this stage of life, I’m more grateful for just another day, for the seasons of life, for the blessings of experiencing and sharing the things God enables me to share with others. At the time of this writing, I have a brain surgery in my immediate future. By the time of its publication I will be recovering, most likely doing rehab. Facing a major surgery makes me appreciate the small things in life. I pray the poems I’ve selected are a blessing to you and a reminder to appreciate even the small things God brings our way.
Blessings, John Alexander Blessings, John Alexander
SMALL THINGS
What’s most important, my focus today? Perhaps it’s a task and I give it my all. If annoyed by distractions that get in my way, It’s likely I’ll miss something seemingly small. What seems insignificant, not worth my time, May be something important God needs me to hear. In the midst of the music, it’s just a small chime. Perhaps it’s a sound that was meant for my ear. If I focus on big things, ignoring the small, I may miss opportunities let them pass by, With my focus so narrow, not see them at all. It may be through small things I learn how to fly. I pray on my journey through life I can soar, Yet not miss the small things that most folks ignore.
GRATEFUL
I’m grateful for things I find lovely and bright, Which reach deep inside me providing delight, The sky in the morning, the bright colored hues, Old roads through the mountains, the breathtaking views,
A walk in the springtime, the birds in the trees, The sun on my face and a soft gentle breeze. The memories linger they’re with me each day. They float through my mind; I can bid them to stay. The friends that I’ve known, and ones recently made, Their love is still with me and never will fade. These are the things that are dear to my heart That I’ll cherish forever, will never depart.
I pray I am grateful each day that I live, I pray I can share, finding new ways to give.
FIRST LIGHT
How lovely the first light that spreads before dawn To push back the darkness from sidewalk and lawn. It calls me to walk and perhaps feel a breeze, To walk before shadows are formed by the trees.
Enticed by the music, the chorus of birds,
Announcing the first light their melody’s heard. The rabbits are scampering, hopping about, My favorite time of the day without doubt.
A leisurely walk in the morning each day, That time between darkness and sunlight’s first ray.
Not fully awake but for sure not asleep, My pace is not fast but beyond just a creep. Cool down on the patio, turn on the fan, A cup of hot coffee, now that’s a good plan.
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
JOY AND TEARS IN THE YARD
By Melissa Henderson
My sister, Glenda Duncan, passed into Heaven on May 2, 2025. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on March 26th. What she thought was a simple stomachache proved to be a major diagnosis. I am forever grateful to God that Glenda was my sister. Our family grieves. My other sister Carol, and I share memories that only sisters can appreciate. We three sisters shared laughter, tears, love, and encouragement. I am blessed with two of the most wonderful sisters in the world.
One of Glenda’s favorite things to do was plant flowers and watch them grow. Over the years, the backyard of Glenda and my brother-in-love Ernest has been filled with reminders of God’s glorious creations. Daylilies, purple irises, red and white impatiens, yellow daffodils, pink and purple rhododendrons, a Sweet Betsy Bush, Dogwood trees, and many more beautiful sights and scents fill the yard.
As soon as the back gate of their yard is opened, and I enter the area, I pause and close my eyes. Sounds of cardinals singing, hummingbirds whizzing by to find the feeders, and the scents of many flowers remind me of the time and dedication that was taken to create a yard filled with joy.
Glenda and Ernest worked in the yard every season. There was always something to do to make the yard a home for the various creations. Deer, raccoons, opossums, cats, dogs, and a rare bear were seen walking across the grass. This yard is filled with activity.
Every Spring, the hummingbird feeder is placed by the kitchen window. This placement allowed everyone to view the busy creatures without disturbing them. Watching the fast-moving wings is fascinating.
Glenda spoke often of how she loved the yard, trees and flowers. I believe we three sisters inherited our love for gardening from our parents. Mama and Daddy enjoyed planting flowers, fruits, and vegetables. I’m thankful they passed on the love of working in the soil and watching the plants grow.
As I type these words, I pause to look out of my office window. The hummingbird feeder hangs on a pole where I watch the activity. The bird feeder on a tree in our yard beckons doves, cardinals, wrens, and black-capped chickadees. My tears begin as I remember that I can’t call Glenda today and tell her about the birds visiting the feeders. I miss my sister.
Yet, I find comfort in knowing she is with God. Her pain is gone. Her body is whole. She is enjoying the marvelous sights and sounds with God.
My tears turn into a smile as a cardinal approaches, sits on the edge of the feeder, and sings a glorious melody. God is reminding me of His love and glory.
In my grief, I will cry. I will smile. I will laugh as I remember funny stories and experiences shared with my sister Glenda. I will give thanks to God for two wonderful sisters, Glenda and Carol, who have brought me closer to Him.
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, A time to mourn and a time to dance,” (Ecclesiastes 3:4 NIV)
In His Name, 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)
Learning Biblical Principle from Nature
By Yvonne M. Morgan
I find peace and tranquility in nature, listening to the birdsong and watching the leaves sway in the breeze. From breathtaking mountain vistas to the gentle caress of a summer breeze, Nature’s blessings fill our lives with awe and wonder, a gift from God. But did you ever reflect on how the natural world mirrors the teachings found in the Bible? Several animals spring to mind when I think of such lessons, so let’s explore a few of my favorites.
The Penguins
Biblical symbolism often features animals like doves that representing the Holy Spirit and lambs that representing Christ, but penguins are absent from such symbolic representations. However, penguins symbolize unity, resilience, and God’s provision. Their stories offer us important lessons and understanding.
Unity and Community: Penguins live in massive colonies which display strong social onds with lifelong bonding and communal chick rearing. This is a metaphor for the Christian community; it depicts believers striving for unity and fellowship.
Resilience and Perseverance: Despite the brutal Antarctic winds and freezing temperatures, penguins persevere and thrive with adaptability. This serves as a potent reminder of the believer’s journey, marked by trials and tribulations, and leads us to unwavering perseverance.
God’s Provision: Penguins thrive in their harsh environment thanks to their waterproof feathers. We can see God’s loving care for His creation, including humanity, in this simple example of His provision.
Love and loyalty: Penguins offer pebbles to their partners as a symbol of their affections. This is a metaphor for the unwavering love and steadfast loyalty believers should show one another and to God.
The Geese
Geese’s strong family units and their loyalty offer us valuable lessons on faith and the power of community. The group’s actions, marked by teamwork, encouragement, and support for those in need, reflect Christian principles—a powerful testament to love, service, and unity. Let’s examine these characteristics.
Teamwork and Unity: Geese fly in a V-formation with their wings beating in unison to create a powerful lift for the entire flock while reducing wind resistance for each goose. This underscores the importance of a unified purpose, much like the Christian mandate for believers to support each other and collectively advance the message of faith.
Encouragement and Support: Geese flying in formation use their loud, distinctive honks o encourage each other and maintain communication. In the same way, Christians should build each other up with kind words and acts of service, providing a comforting presence during times of adversity.
Care for the Vulnerable: When a goose becomes sick or injured, two other geese will drop out of formation. Together, they protect it from predators until it recovers enough to fly or pass. This deep sense of care and compassion, so strongly emphasized in Christian teachings about helping the vulnerable and needy.
Leadership and Sharing Responsibilities: Geese, in their V-formation, demonstrate leadership in how they rotate; one goose leads for a while, then another takes over, sharing the strenuous effort of flight. This emphasizes that leadership shouldn’t rest solely on one person’s shoulders, illustrating the benefits of collaborative and shared responsibility.
Blessed Lessons
God provides countless opportunities, from landscapes and everyday encounters, to strengthen our faith. We must remain vigilant, ears tuned to the subtle whispers of God’s guidance.
Prayer
Father, I humbly beseech You to visit us, making Your presence known through answered prayers, peaceful hearts, and a city transformed by Your love. Give me faith to believe that you can change my city through prayer and through acts of love and compassion. May Your Kingdom’s peace, justice, and love descend upon the earth, mirroring the heavenly realm. Help me cultivate Your presence in my life, that I might feel Your peace in every moment. Amen.
I love murals, these are in West Jefferson, NC -- Photographs by
Karen Ruhl
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
Take Flight
By faith I walk on a journey unknown. Sometimes it’s a lonely road, other times a joyful path but always an adventure. Though it may seem no one is there, I am never by myself. An unseen companion is always close at hand, whispering discernment and giving directions.
Many twists and turns in life yet to experience and so we journey on, together this One and I, till my destination is reached. Though it is not without times of sorrow to shake my faith or tragedies to break my heart.
But still I hold fast to hope and remain in faith. Always knowing that my final act in this life is to leave it. And so each day we press on, my companion and I, until I come upon my journey’s end...and I too take flight.
Click on book photo to purchase on Amazon.
(I highly recommend this book! - Karen)
The Day After
Following every holiday there is always the day after. A time we reflect on the Day. For some, it is memories of family, friends and laughter but for others, a day spent alone. A reminder that there was no one once again. For these may we be mindful to call, see and include in our gatherings.
Through no fault of their own, many find themselves in this place, in need of someone to care again. We often find ourselves in emotional holidays. Both for those who have children and those who never did. Each has a story they are dealing with. Those without, having missed the joy of raising a family and those with, the sorrows that often accompany raising one.
The child that never returned, the one who never speaks, the one you will never see again this side of heaven. All these emotions and memories rise every holiday. In the future, may we be more aware of those around us and better discern their needs during these times, not only for the Day but the day after.
DRAW CLOSE
“Being at peace in the moment. A worthwhile endeavor but why should it be such an effort. The mind wanders and the heart fails. Memories invade and sorrow returns. Life consists of yesterdays, though I hope for a new tomorrow. Something needs to seize my heart and renew my mind. I’ve been here so many times, unable to shake it loose.”
Times that try our souls are not unique to us. Tragedy and depression comes to us all. For some it is repeatedly and at length. But God is not indifferent to your suffering. Actually only He can comfort you inside from what has happened to you on the outside. So why would something so needed be so distant. Truth be told, we are the distant ones. Nothing good comes without cost.
We are told to have faith, hope and love. To be committed, expectant and endure. Not an easy lifestyle but one with great reward. To those who have persevered and held onto God’s faithfulness, refreshing times come and breakthroughs sustain them. Ours is a journey of moments, we gather them and together they are called our life. May yours reflect times of rescue and restoration, revelation and rejoicing. May yours be moments of peace, as you take time to draw close.
LET ME SOAR LIKE THE EAGLES
By Irene Surya
Like the magnificent eagles
Let me soar on high Like the beautiful gazelles
Let me run up the mountains.
Lord, encourage me
To have my confidence in you.
Help me to renew my strength in you, The source of all joy and happiness.
Lord, enable me
To look to my future through you.
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.
Help me to be rooted in you, The sure foundation of life.
Lord, guide me
To find my purpose in you.
Help me to be nurtured by you, The righteous Father of grace. Lord, strengthen me
To enjoy the forgiveness in you.
Help me to be assured by you, The flawless love from heaven.
Lord, help me
To extend kindness to others.
Help me to serve people with love By the perfect mercy of Christ.
Click on book to purchase from Amazon.
If you read to your child at bedtime, I would appreciate you taking a look at this book on Amazon. It is a fun book to let your kids read to you too! God Bless You. - Karen
Finding Time For Yourself Follow Your
Dream
by Karen Ruhl
I must admit that the title sounds good, but I can’t say I have mastered this part of my life. We (Faith On Every Corner) have published quite a few books for others and a few for me, One of my favorites and the one I get great comments on from the families that have read this to their children, is “Scooter And The Blanet Snatcher. I always told parents to not let the kids look toward the back of the book but build up the suspence as you read it to them.
If you have an idea for a book, start writing, or at the very least, get a notebook and keep your ideas in the notebook. I have one story that I wrote over 20 years ago, yep, one day I am going to find the time to finish it and publish.
Here are a few tips I find helpful when trying to find time for yourself:
-Self-Care is a big one. Take time to go for a walk, it doesn’t have to be long. I walk up to four times up and down my street. The benefit other than being healthy is being alone and having time to think creatively. The bonus is getting to stop and talk to your neighbors. (You may just get an idea for a story while chatting.)
-Stop the guilt trip. It is so easy for us to say “I just don’t have time, I have to do this, and this, and if I don’t do it no one will.” - OK - then just let whatever you do sit for a bit and see what happens. BUT - you then must do something you said you don’t have time for. Sit down and outline a book, READ a book, relax, we are all busy, nothing will happen when you take a break for yoursel.
-Learn To Say No. When you already have a packed schedule, just say no when you are asked to help. Tell them to check back another time. There is no reason to take on more when you already have a tight schedule. Hopefully, saying no will ease your schedule.
These aren’t rocket science, but they do help you to find time for yourself. May God Bless you with extra time.
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.
FEAR NOT
By Donna J. Miller - photos by Donna Miller
What are you afraid of? Snakes, spiders, storms, strangers… we all have our own fears. Some of our fears are rational and some irrational! When I was a child, I remember my mom was very fearful and overly cautious. Each night she would check every door in the house and make sure we were locked in safe and sound. That made sense, but then she would check under every bed and in every closet for someone hiding there. Even as a child, that didn’t make sense to me. Did people sneak into our house early in the day and hide for hours waiting for us to go to sleep so they could murder us and steal all our money? She actually kept all the doors locked most of the day so I knew that sneaking in would have been hard for those criminals.
In fact, sometimes when we went out to play, she locked us outside. That never made sense to me either. If the bad people were outside, we were ocked out with them while she was safe inside.
As we got older, my brothers and I teased her about her locking up rocedures and we asked if she have ever found anyone. She finally quit checking the closets and under the beds.
As a newly widowed 83 year old, she bravely moved to an independent living facility and quickly made friends and settled in. Her love of locked doors followed her though. She made sure her door was locked every time she left her room, even though she could see the door from the dining area. She was often worried about losing the key and when we went out to eat or shopping, she checked her purse frequently for the key.
When we had to move her to assisted living for memory care, the hardest adjustment was not having a lock on her door. Several times the first few weeks, the staff called to tell me she had moved furniture in front of her door.
I ask again… what are you afraid of? I admit that I am most fearful that my husband, a builder, will be hurt on the job. That fear seems realistic since I have seen him on some pretty sketchy scaffolds and people (including him) on his jobs have been hurt before. Once, he came home with the front of his pant legs missing and duct tape holding the pants around his leg. He had been warming his hands by a fire when someone threw a expended gas canister into the fire - Ka-boom! He has come home with duct tape around a cut finger. (Do you see a pattern here? Duct tape saves the day.)
He has called me to come get him after he wrecked a truck into a tree, and after another of his trucks caught fire in a Lowes’ parking lot. I do have reason to fear and worry, but I also know he has been building houses and churches, and doing remodeling projects, etc. since he started helping his dad at six years old. He knows to be careful and over the forty-eight years we have been married, he has come home safe and sound almost everyday!
What does the Bible tell us about fear? The Bible tells us to “fear not” and “not be afraid” hundreds of times. The Bible tells us not to be anxious. Even when our worst fears actually occur, God is with us.
Isaiah 41:10 says “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.” Why should we fear when God has promised us that He is holding us? I remember confidently singing as a child: “He’s got the whole world in His hands. He’s got the whole world in His hands.” Then: “He’s got the little bitty baby in His hands and He’s got the wind and the rain in His hands.” There were many verses reminding me that God was holding His creation in His hands. As an adult, do I really believe He is holding us? Do you?
Joshua 1:9 reinforces that God is holding us. “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” He holds us and is with us. We should not be afraid or discouraged.
But sometimes we face an unpleasant diagnosis, a scary situation, a hard time, a financial difficulty, and even the death of a loved one. We become anxious and worried. In one of my favorite verses, Philippians 4:6-7, we read: “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds
in Christ Jesus.” We may not know how the situation or problem is going to be solved, but we know who can give us peace as we go through the struggles.
Not only does He strengthen us through the struggles, John 16:33 contains a promise: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” Jesus overcame sin, death, and the grave. He promises victory in Him. No matter what happens to us, God wins and we get to spend eternity with Him.
All scriptures from the Christian Standard Bible
Mike Buchanan is an author andfreelance writer. His love for writing and poetry, along with his passion to be of help to cancer patients, inspired him to author the book “Mountains of Hope: Surrounding the Valley of Cancer.” This inspirational book provides dailydoses of encouragement for those challenged by the disease. He recently published his most recent book, Feeling Down? Look Up!! Mike is also a featured contributing writer for several Christian magazines. Mike and his wife, Darlene, live in Buckeye, Arizona.
JESUS WANTS TO MEET WITH YOU
By Mike Buchanan
Have you ever wondered how much Jesus values the time you spend with Him? You may think that even as one of His children He doesn’t really notice you. However, He looks forward to all of His children coming to Him. I know, you may find that hard to believe. Let’s go back and take a look at two very different people, and how Jesus appeared to them in ways that were specific to their needs.
John tells us about it in Chapter 20 of his gospel. Mary Magdalene had just told two angels the reason she was crying: they had taken her Lord away and she didn’t know where they lain Him. A little bit later she sees someone she assumes is the gardener and says, “Sir..tell me where you have put Him, and Iwill get Him.”
Think about it. Jesus had cast seven demons out of Mary. 7! Yet, she didn’t recognize her risen Lord. Christ sees in her the same hurt He saw the day they first met. He calls to Mary, and she sees Jesus! Instantly, she wants to hug Him, but Jesus had met her immediate need. “Touch Me not,” He gently says,”I have not gone to see the Father.” If some of your last words to your father would have been, “…why have You forsaken Me,” Would you have delayed your return home for anything? Jesus did.
A week later, Thomas is finally back with the disciples, and Jesus drops in again. Thomas had heard the Lord was alive, but wouldn’t believe it until he really touched Christ. I believe Jesus went to God, His Father, during at least part of that week, Then He came back when Thomas was with other disciples, so Thomas could touch the nail prints, and spear wound. Jesus came to him, so Thomas could be an encourager, not a doubter.
So, next time you’re wondering if the Lord wants to meet with you, maybe it’ll help to stop and remind yourself: He’ll meet you whenever and however you need Him to do. All you have to do is ask!
If you’re reading this, or watching the video, and you’ve never had anyone tell you Jesus values you. He does. He had to be resurrected be died for all the times humanity did something against God. If you want to start that relationship, it’s simple. Admit you’ve done things God wouldn’t approve of (we all have).
Believe God sent Him to die for those actions (sins), and then raised Jesus from the dead three days later. Lastly, confess your sins (not sin by sin, we’d all still be confessing), and ask Jesus to be Lord, Controller of your life. It’s simple, but following Jesus is not easy. So, find some other Christians to help you, and get a good Bible, and start your own times of talking to Jesus. He’s waiting!
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.
Life Lessons Learned At Summer Camp / Part Two
By Brianna Barrett
The next day of camp, all of us preteens gathered in our cabin to talk with our camp counselor about the upcoming day’s activity. It was a trust fall. These boy-crazy preteen girls that I just met were supposed to catch me?! I struggled with this whole notion as we hiked our way to the platform. We all gathered around in a mosh pit style, ready to catch the first victim, I mean volunteer. That would not be me, thinking about how high up it was and the fear that gripped me, the what ifs.
My job was to turn away from the crowd below (my backside facing them), crossing my arms across my chest (so as not to hit anyone in the face) and simply fall backwards into the crowd. Their sole job was to catch me. Sounds pretty easy, right? But the lies of the enemy started coming. They are going to let you fall. They won’t catch you. You aren’t good enough. Why would they want to be your friend? In the middle of the enemy feeding my fears, I walked up to the plank, turned around, and surrendered my fate to God, falling backward into the crowd.
That same fear still grips me as an adult. The what ifs about the plans I have laid out, what if of this doesn’t work out, just like that struggling little girl in the forest that day. He hears me. (Psalm 116:1). God knows my weaknesses, where I struggle, and my potential stumbling blocks, as the Psalms say (Psalm 139:1-2). He knows every part of my being (Psalm 139:14-15).
During that trust fall, I had to let go. I had to release my hold on the fear that consumed me and trust God that these strangers would catch me, that He wouldn’t let me fall. If, as a seven-year- old, I could eventually reason to let go, why do I struggle so much as a forty-year-old?
In thirty-three years, I should have been able to move past these fears, yet I find myself entertaining those lies from the enemy daily. The enemy knows where my weaknesses are; he knows the scriptures, and the only way to combat those fears, temptations, and lies is for me to know the scriptures too. (1 Peter 5:8, John 8:44) To stay in touch with God through each step, some days it’s baby steps.
Paul encourages us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 that we are to take our thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5). Then again in Philippians 4:8, Paul instructs us to, “...Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8 NLTb) We aren’t instructed to think about the lies that the enemy tells us, but we can take those lies and put truth to them.
Lie - I’m not good enough .
Truth - I am God’s masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (NLT).
Lie - I’m weak.
Truth - I am strong in my weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 12:10, “That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (NLT). The One who overcame the world gives me strength.
Lie - I just don’t know, I’m afraid.
Truth - God is with me and He is holding my hand. “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT).
Whether you are struggling to tread through life or struggling to let go and trust God, know that God is faithful. He is trustworthy. He is good. He strengthens the weak and gives comfort and peace to those who follow Him.
I didn’t fall to the ground that day. My new friends caught me. Trusting the Lord is hard some days, because we believe the enemy’s lie that God won’t take care of us. But He created this earth and every little fiber in our body, so I think He can take care of the rest. He didn’t create us to carry these heavy burdens alone.
What burden are you carrying today?
Pam McCormick is a retired teacher. She writes to tell of God’s faithfulness in her imperfect life. She is currently working on another children’s book. Her daughter Adrienne recently married Josh Spence; they live in Hampstead, Maryland with their dog Daisy. Her son Joseph is married to Sheila and has given her four beautiful granddaughters. Joseph is a pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church in Cary, NC. She and her husband George will celebrate 45 years of marriage Sept 20.
Jesus, I believe
By Pamela McCormick
The three musketeers, three good friends that have not been able to meet up lately, finally met at Pizza Hut at noon on an appointed day last week. Little did we know what God hadplanned, but after hugging each other and listening to our shared needs and praying silently foreach need spoken, I spoke up boldly and took a leap of faith.
I told my friends that I believed God would heal someone I loved very much from a horrible incurable disease that had taken her strength, her stamina and her ability to continue. The heat where she lived had exacerbated her symptoms, and fatigue ensued. Although she knew Jesus, she was struggling to believe that her healing would come. I sent her a text message and told her I would pray for her daily, but even in that, I failed. I finally told God I surrender what I cannot fix to You. I knew God loved her. I knew God could heal her, but my prayer had been more like, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.”
I had read a Bible verse that said, “If two or more agree on anything in My Name, I will do it.” I love my friends, but they also had been going through tough trials in their own faith, so the enemy saw an opportunity to make me doubt what I said, and I let the enemy’s lies speak louder than God’s Truth. It was okay, because God wanted me to depend on Him. He was training me to listen to Him and speak as He led me to speak by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Well, I wasn’t feeling all so powerful. I got up from our table to fix my salad, and I was discouraged. Had I not listened to God well? Had I trusted in my own thinking more than God’s? It didn’t matter what I had done. God was getting ready to do something bigger and more wonderful than I could ask, think or imagine.
When I got up from our table, a woman who was 73 years of age called me over to her. She apologized to me for eavesdropping on our conversation, but she was a retired pastor and believed the Lord wanted her to share some words with me. I didn’t know her from Adam’s housecat, but I believe God put her there by divine appointment to minister to me. She said, “Keep the faith, child. Our God is a divine healer, and He will do this.”
I so wanted to hold onto my fears and my unbelief. I had needed a word from God, and God knew it, and God provided the exact person to be there at that time to encourage my hurting heart. I continued to listen to her.
I don’t remember her name. I will call her Angel, because she was a gift from God to me. She pointed out her beautiful granddaughter that was sitting across from her and said, “I want to introduce you to my granddaughter, Shamira. When she was two years old, the doctors said, she would never walk or talk.”
Shamira was now 15 years old now and would be attending a local high school in the fall. The doctors told Angel that they weren’t going to make any money off her, because her faith in God was greater than her fear. Shamira was beautiful. God made Shamira, provided an encouraging praying Grandma to raise her up, and today she is a living example of our God’s ability to heal.
When I left there, I was not only well fed with pizza and breadsticks, but also encouraged that there was nothing impossible for our God. He just asks us to believe. Jesus, I believe.
Beyond fact, beyond reason, our God loves to show up and show off and reveal Himself to us when we listen. Today, I was just so still, standing in front of my kitchen window, and I heard God speak, “I will heal her. I am the Lord God Almighty. There is nothing too difficult for Me.”
I am dependent on God Who created this earth with a single word and Who can raise up those with diseases and maladies so they will be a testimony to His greatness and His power to heal in all things.
The disciples asked Jesus who sinned, the blind man or his parents, that he would be born blind. And Jesus answered, “Neither this man or his parents sinned, but he was born blind, so that the acts of God may be revealed through what happens to him.’’
God never allows anything to happen to us that does not occasion His glory. Yes, Lord, be glorified in this situation that I can’t change, but that You can. Thank You God for the faith to believe. Jesus, I believe!
“Now to Him Who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughput all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 Amp
“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will you give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven, give good gifts to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:7-11 NIV
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!
Little Jesus Dolls / Follow-up
By Karen Ruhl
My story started many months ago when I found a little Jesus doll in the freezer compartment of my grocery store. I smiled and looked around to see if anyone was watching to see what I would do. I smiled and said a prayer thanking the one who put Him where he would be found by an adult,
As I finished shopping, I had a strong urge to go to my favorite Christian Store - Leap Of Faith in Lenoir. I knew Robin carried these little Jesus dolls for the kids and adults. I went and purchased a dozen - my first time!
I wasn’t sure where or how I would give the dolls out but God had a plan. While sitting in church, a young girl took the hand of her little brother and led him to the altar to pray. It was so touching and I thought that this was the two that would get Jesus. After the service was over, I hurried back to where the kids were with their parents. I held Jesus in my hand and quietly asked the mother if I could give one to the kids. She smiled brightly and said “of course.” I handed the kids the little Jesus and told them to carry Him with them. They both smiled and looked at their parents. The parents were smile too. Jesus brought smiles and warm hearts to all of us that day.
I have given out several dozen at the writing of this article. The last one was very touching as well. We were at a restaurant (my friend Donna was with me), and I saw a man on the floor by a chalk board with his little girl (7 years old). They were writing and drawing pictures as they waited for their food. As we ate, I watched and saw that they were finished with their lunch. I got up and took Jesus with me. The little girl was at the chalk board so I held the Jesus in my hand and asked her father if I could give it to her. His face lit up and said, “YES!” I turned and held the little Jesus out to the little girl and gave it to her. She smiled as wide as her father did. She was so happy. I went back to my table.
About five minutes after that, the little girl came over and stood really close to me, I was sitting in the booth. She thanked me and told me how much she loved the doll. I told her that He will always be with her and that she was a beautiful little girl. I asked her name, I won’t use it here, and by this time, her dad was by her side, he thanked me again. The little girl was so close so I asked her dad if I could hug her, as he was saying yes, she leaned in to me and we had a wonderful Jesus hug.
I will continue to carry these little dolls and will look for where I am led to hand them out. Writing this brings loving tears to my eyes knowing that this is a ministry that is so simple but so impactful. May God bless you all. - Karen
What’s Next?
By Karen Ruhl
I must admit that I have said “What’s Next?” out loud to myself more than I should. I have been blessed beyond measure on so many occasions but still have days when I am tired and just not sure what my next step will be.
Then, one day, while I was driving, the word “confidence” came to me. I do not hear God’s voice audibly. I know many do. When He speaks to me, it is a knowledge that I get and know it comes from my father in heaven. After getting the word, I smiled, said, “Thank you, God,” and knew immediately what he was telling me.
Losing a family member is so hard, and losing Craig has truly changed me from the inside out. I have always been confident, but over this past 17 months, my confidence has changed. Sitting at my computer and creating the magazine and projects for my clients became a struggle to some degree. We were a team, and once he passed, I said to myself, “What Next?”
Life changes every day, some things we face are small and can be handled quickly. Other changes need to be thought out and planned. My other half helped me plan, he was the one that I was able to talk to and brainstorm with 24/7. So, What’s Next?
My goal is to keep this magazine going as long as I can. And, I thank each person who is writing, has written, or will write for the magazine. This magazine is dedicated to God and I pray that He will spread it across the world to the people who need it most. We are in countries I will never get to visit.
A second goal is to build my business. One thing that happens when you lose a spouse is a loss of their income. So as I can, I plan on building by getting additional clients. One at a time.
So next time you sit down and feel frustrated, worried, or sad, think “What’s Next?” And then take it to your Father in Heaven. He wants you to come to Him.
Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28 is a powerful reminder that we don’t have to navigate life’s burdens alone. Jesus offers us an open invitation to come to Him, lay down our burdens, and receive the rest our souls desperately need.
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.
Forgiveness
By Shara Bueler-Repka
I angled my plate just in time to keep projectile mashed potatoes from plastering my shirt. Stunned, I looked up as the server turned tail and stormed toward the kitchen.
Seriously? What is going on here?
Our friends who owned this Bible camp had invited us here for some R&R from the road. “Come enjoy our camp as our guests,” they offered. Then added, “there are a lot of activities with the kids, so if the Lord leads you to participate in any of the events, you’re welcome to join in.
Sounded good to us!
We rolled onto the grounds with great anticipation and excitement. Nestled in the green rolling hills of southeastern Wyoming, the camp was like stepping back to the 1800s: Conestoga Wagons dotted the “parade grounds”; Rustic, false-front buildings and a bright red train caboose served as dorms; A livery stable stored the horse and barn gear; An authentic stone stagecoach stop still graced the old stage route behind the log mess hall; And a replica of a fort completed the feel of the Old West
It was awesome! After setting up camp and caring for our horses, we walked to the mess hall for dinner. The paid staff and volunteers all happily greeted us, and we quickly fit in. However, we were careful not to get in their way as they went about their duties.
We settled into the ebb and flow of the hustle and bustle of camp life. We watched for opportunities to get better acquainted with the kids and all the staffers and enjoyed exploring the vast acreage on horseback and on foot. But, after about a week, the friendly atmosphere shifted. Chilly attitudes radiated from the staff. Some of their actions were downright rude.
How could we possibly have ticked them off?
The mashed potato episode plucked the last straw. “Do you have any idea what’s going on?” we asked our friends. “Well, the cook’s wife just complained that you’re lazy and don’t work,” they said. (Apparently, the rest of the staff agreed). WHAT? Ummm, we were invited here as GUESTS. That misunderstanding almost cost me a good shirt from airborne mashed potatoes! Our friends cleared up the confusion of our existence with the cook’s wife, and the truth trickled down through the staff. The icy attitudes melted, and the crew welcomed us again. We also realized that it was OK to jump in and assist with camp duties and not worry about getting in the way.
God is not in the business of overwhelming us. So, when I start painting the proverbial target on the wall that beckons to “bang head here,” I stop drawing and ask the Lord, “What in my life is important to YOU?” And equally, “What isn’t?” What needs to stay? What needs to go that I don’t want to let go? What needs streamlining? Maybe I need an attitude adjustment—stop whining and toughen up. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
The key is to know the difference. Thankfully, He is right there to guide us in the culling process—to give wisdom, and to help us follow peace (James 1:5). “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light,” encourages the Lord in Matthew 11:28-30.
One can easily get off track. Jobs, finances, kids, school, church, family, spouses, animals, politics—the cares of the world surround all these things. Balancing acts are performed to keep everything moving so “life” doesn’t collapse ... why? Why do we think everything we do qualifies for what we’re supposed to do? There are many good projects, but how many are God-projects? Who’s calling the shots—God, us, or others? Who is the only voice that matters?
Bruce and I have learned to pray: “Lord, we plan our steps (including lists), but you direct our path” (Proverbs 16:9). Our lives should never be so hectic that we lose our joy and peace. (Psalm 127:1-2). And we certainly don’t ever want to miss an opportunity from Him because we’re focused on our plans instead of His. (1 Corinthians 14:33) Through trial and error we’ve learned that Jesus and His way are peace.
He is our peace in the “pressure cooker.”
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”—John 14:
Jerry A. Davidson is a husband, father, songwriter, author, and co-host with his wife of The Story Cottage podcast He desires to see people glorify God and enjoy Him forever, to pursue excellence, love beauty, and hate evil. He desires to see men be strong, fit, and vibrant, and he loves getting in the spiritual trenches with other men. Find his books on Amazon and music on any music streaming service.
The Righteous Balance of Means for Ends and Thankfulness
By Jerry A. Davidson
In the course of human actions, we must consider three distinct areas of conduct which apply to all aspects of society, whether it be personal, communal, educational, ecclesiastical, foreign, or domestic policies.
These three areas of conduct are as follows:
- The means, which must be accorded with prudence, and can be described as absent, natural, or unnatural
- The disposition of receptivity, which must be accorded with thanksgiving to whom it is due - The ends, which must be defined as either natural or unnatural
If virtue is, as explained by Aristotle, “the means between two extremes,” or the proper path between two extremes of evil (depicted well in Pilgrim’s Progress by the slim path Christian must walk in the Valley of the Shadow of Death), then the center option of natural means toward natural ends with a thankful, receptive disposition must be the “Golden Mean.” All other courses of action must then be considered in error and/or evil. Also, this must apply to the full breadth of God’s design for human experience, including issues of parenting, husbandry, cookery, farming, teaching, vocation, as well as politics and matters of justice.
Though many variations could be described and discussed, I believe the essential list is contained herein, ranging first from liberal and anarchical dispositions, then to the “golden mean” of proper conduct, and finally to self-esteeming and demonic dispositions.
The methods of human conduct are as follows:
- No means to expect natural ends. This is imprudence for right ends without thankfulness.
- No means to expect whatever end. This is imprudence for any end without thankfulness, also described as complete apathy.
- Natural means to receive natural ends - This is prudence for right ends with thankfulness. This is the “Golden Mean,” the path we must walk.
- Natural means to expect natural ends - This is prudence for right ends without thankfulness.
- Unnatural means to receive natural ends - This is imprudence for right ends with thankfulness.
- Unnatural means to expect unnatural ends - This is imprudence for wrong ends without thankfulness. This is the most demonic of conducts and would include witchcraft. One might ask where thankfulness could even lie within this extreme of conduct, and the answer would be that it does seem rather moot. However, a lack of thankfulness must at least be mentioned as a further indictment of the one conducting him/herself in such a way.
To demonstrate even the slightest pitfall into the 4th category, whereas someone merely lacks thankfulness, consider the following: The consequences of pursuing right ends via right and prudent means but without thankfulness would begin the descent to the next error of pursuing right ends through unnatural means. This is because we are inclined to further error and sin when we esteem ourselves too much, which is evident by a lack of proper thankfulness. For example: If I parent my child well, and the child learns a good thing (table manners for instance), but I am not thankful to God for the growing maturity in my child, I must necessarily begin to regard my child more as my possession than a gift from God and begin to treat the child as such. To begin treating the child more as a possession (rather than a fellow image-bearer whom I was given by God to steward and care for as part of my covenant home) must lead to my seeking unnatural means of parenting such as wrong expectations and anger, impatience, or unjust punishment or even sway the other direction in giving unjust rewards or reducing right means of parenting by becoming wrongly content with or apathetic to the work of parenting I have done.
So, dear man, consider your conduct. It is an error if you seek to train your child into godly ways but use anger or passivity to achieve this. It is an error if you seek to have a strong and growing church and community but tamp down the zeal of good men, hinder their efforts, and build the leadership with women or effeminate, unwise, and weak-willed men who are accommodating to the ways of this world or who do not exercise righteous dominion over their households. It is an error to do or expect anything without thankfulness to the One who gives all things, even if natural ends are not given in accordance to your natural means.
Consider deeply the means you use, the ends you desire, and your disposition of receptivity. Walk the path set before you, and do not stray, and be thankful.
https://www.soniasousa.com
IG@soniasousaphotography
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.
NEVER ALONE THE BLESSING OF PETS
By Linda Castro
Watching the neighborhood kids gather on the street for games and fun, laughing with each other and playing in the warm summer sun, I felt a twinge of sadness.
Thinking about the death of my only child, although he was grown at the time, he will always be my child. He had no children, so I have no children or grandchildren.
A ball bounced in front of me, “Sorry!” a young voice called out to me as one of the kids ran over to get it back. “It’s okay!” I laughed, bringing my thoughts back to the present. “Are you having fun this morning?” “Yes!” he said and grabbed up the ball. Running back to the group of kids, he tossed it to another little boy, and they started off down the street. never alone
Sitting on the porch, I glanced toward my picture window and saw my older cat relaxing there in the sun. She had been given to me by a neighbor “temporarily” over five years ago. Another younger cat had decided my garage was her new home and even though I advertised for anyone missing a kitten, no one responded, so I have now had that cat for over one year. I’m not a “cat person” but apparently God had other plans.
I have to smile as I recall what the Bible tells us in the end of the verse of Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)
“...I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” I guess that includes cats!
God is so very good to each of us. When we make Jesus the Lord of our lives, we open an entire array of abundant blessings, protection, and comfort. that God created can bring comfort and joy as well to those of us who are alone.
In John 14:18 (KJV) Jesus promises “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” So, although my only child is already in Heaven, I have been given two cats that are always with me. They each have their own personalities, likes, dislikes, and ways to crawl up on my lap or wrap around my legs if I’m sitting. That gives me comfort.
I know that verse was not talking about pets when Jesus spoke it but I believe the animals that God created can bring comfort and joy as well to those of us who are alone.
First thing every morning, the older cat and I get settled in the recliner and read the Daily Bible, as well as selections from a scripture book, and also from a book of God’s promises. If I am delayed in sitting down to do this, the cat sits there on the arm of the recliner as a reminder that it is time to read! She waits on me!
So, if your pet is a cat, a dog, a horse, a bunny, or any other animal, the love that is expended is so special. Even if you just know someone who has pets and maybe you don’t have one of your own, God still blesses you in so many ways, because, as He promised us, we are Never Alone.
I am a freelance writer, author, novelist, cartoonist, short story writer, poet, actor, stand-up comedian, magician, musician, juggler, and a variety of other things. I received my B.A. degree from Indiana University. My paying career was working in real estate, but I recently retired and I am enjoying other pursuits. My work can be seen on YouTube and Sound Cloud and my books are available at Amazon.com and Lulu.com.
The Tower Of Babel
By David Sowards
There was a king named Nimrod. He wanted to reach God.
As a show of his power. He ordered his people to build a tower. They built it wide. They built it high. From the ground into the sky.
God was displeased at what was done. He made them all speak different tongues. The builders became an unruly rabble. They stopped work on the Tower of Babel. The groups went their separate ways. That was the end of their building days. In Babylonia, and hence. They’ve been babbling ever since.
David and Goliath
Goliath served with the Philistines. The biggest guy anyone had seen. He challenged the armies of Israel. He threatened them with his steel.
He asked, “Will anybody fight?”
“I will beat any with my might.” He held his sword up so high. He shook it in the sky.
When that message was heard by all, The Israelis looked to their King Saul. The king looked for someone to beat him.
But only one boy said he could defeat him. In order to protect his flock, David knew how to throw a rock. He knew how to keep Danger away from his sheep. He was not a fighting man. But he was willing to take a stand. David promised to fight the giant. But Goliath remained defiant. Goliath sneered at his foe.
“I could beat you with one blow!”
David had his trusty sling. He could hit most anything. He swung a stone in the air. It hit its target, fair and square. It struck Goliath’s head. He fell down, but not quite dead. His heavy armor held him down. He couldn’t get off the ground
David took his sword and cut off his head. Goliath was beaten as David said.
Victory! Israelites cheered him. The Philistines ran and feared him. David was a hero to all in Israel.
A legend in his time. They talk about him still.
Noah’s Ark
God thought most people were bad. Their wickedness made him sad. He vowed to destroy life on earth. With one small chance for rebirth. But Noah was a righteous man. And the Lord gave him a plan. Noah was to build a boat. The largest one ever afloat. Noah built the ark from Cypress wood. Constructed strong as best he could. His sons, Ham, Japheth, and Shem. Helped with the work and aided him. Though Noah was a man of God. Others may have thought him odd. Why build an ark on dry land?
But Noah continued to take a stand. The ark was finished and sealed tight. Everything looked all right. The animals came, two by two. As God had told them to. Elephants, giraffes, and cats. Lions, tigers, and even bats. Entered the ark and settled in. Before the storm could begin. When all had come aboard. Then the rain really poured. The floods soon covered up the ground. And no safe place could be found.
Only Noah, his sons, and their wives. Would survive with their lives. Humanity was wiped away. As the ark went on its way. Noah sent a dove to find land. It dropped a leaf in his hand. Eventually, the ark settled at. The mountains of Ararat. On dry land, they did embark. Everyone then left the ark. The Lord said “Be fruitful and multiply.” And made a rainbow in the sky.
Mitchell is a former Psychotherapist in Retirement. He Studied American History at SUNY Binghamton MSW and studied English Literature.
https://www.facebook.com/ArtisticMindsets
In
your anger
Ephesians 4:26:
do not sin.” Easier Said Than Done?
by Mitchell Milch
What does it mean to express anger righteously as opposed to sinfully weaponizing it?
Pastor Tim Keller and his wife Cathy, authors of a book of daily devotionals, wrote something so intriguing that I will quote them as I reflectively differentiate between expressions of righteous and sinful anger. They wrote: “the righteous use of anger is in defense of love.”
I’m intuiting a few takeaways from this quote. First off, love is colloquially defined as holding and preserving positive regard for one’s self and any object of our anger. So, in unpacking what are righteous expressions of love, I believe the requirements are as follows: First, love of all stripes as God mandates is a mindful, action-oriented exercise of free will. So, it entails a willingness and ability to express hatred for another’s hurtful sins without putting the subject or object’s positive regard at risk. This idea begs the question: How much responsibility, if any, does anyone hold for blurring the boundaries between hating the sin and the sinner, if the only defenses of love someone is capable of are unconscious, reflexive and primitive? Please allow me to take a moment to flesh out circumstances when defending love at the expense of loving regard is, in this writer’s estimation, not sinful.
Way too often do over-learned socialization patterns, episodes of trauma, tendencies to regress, or get stuck developmentally leave us at the mercy of hard-wired, automatic survival mechanisms. I’m certain I’m not alone in having dealt with folks who automatically feel attacked and either internalize or externalize retaliations when anger is expressed in defense of love. I stand by this statement as applicable no matter how kindly, respectfully and considerately the sinner is confronted. If we are at the mercy of fight, flight, or freeze mechanisms, are we responsible for failing to defend love around transactions of anger? I say not, what about you? Could we make the case that to hold such a person responsible is sinful?
Let me give you a window to a dilemma I am struggling with right now with yet, no resolution on the immediate horizon. I have already channeled my anger lovingly and diplomatically on two occasions in my efforts to influence an authority figure to redress what can feel like a hurtful, sinful wrong committed against me. The wrong? In my estimation, public worship opportunities that I have rightfully earned have been denied me over an extended period of time. By words, but not by actions, this organizer has largely agreed with me. Unfortunately, the requested changes have not been executed.
The questions I am wrestling with are as follows: Can I preserve positive regard for myself and this leader if nothing changes? Does it matter to me if he is unwilling, as opposed to unable, to make these changes? How do I weigh the potential to surrender my current opportunities in defense of loving both of us versus subordinating all ego considerations to continue with the status quo? Finally, what if despite my daily communions with God, my Lord does not whisper any helpful advice in my ear? If you put yourselves in my shoes, what would you conclude to be a righteous expression of anger in defense of love, given what I have laid out to you? Do you have similar quandaries in your own lives that you perhaps are more enlightened about having read my piece?
Virtual Road Trip
I met Sonia online after seeing her photos, I love to feature her and hope you enjoy the beautiful works of art.
Brenda has her first book published through Page Publishing called My Angel My Hero.She has fulfilled her lifelong dream of being a writer. She also has an MA in Counseling. She is retired and lives in Virginia. She now has her second book out called My Author Journey. Hope you read and review it? God bless.
The Cycles Of Life
By Brenda McDaniel
The month of July is a beautiful, hot month. The month is full of wonderful colors blue, red, purple, green, yellow etc. in our natural world. The precious animals, of all varieties are running here and there, doing their daily chores, ( gathering food, taking care of their young etc.), that’s what I look forward to this time of year. My birthday also comes in July and I have numerous memories of good and bad times.
July is also the month my Mother was put in Home Hospice, dying of Spinal and Renal cancer. She was brave and courageous, she asked the Lord numerous times, “to please allow me to enter your Heavenly Kingdom? “ She would also lay in bed with her Christian songs playing on the radio, trying to sing those she loved the best. She kept telling the Loving Nurses, who took good care of her that, “ she loved them and thank you so much! “ As she was a Nurse too and appreciated their care and loving attitudes. These are some of my most intense memories around my birthday. She also kept asking, “what month and day it was now? “ She realized my birthday was in July and didn’t want to pass away on my birthday, leaving me sad memories on that day.
She died several days before my birthday and we didn’t celebrate it that year, as our hearts were still broken and healing. We buried her in a beautiful, peaceful Veterans cemetery beside Henry , her husband of 66 years. At the funeral I saw two beautiful birds flying close together up into the Heavens, I couldn’t stop looking at them, they were a symbol of my Precious Mother ascending into her Heavenly Home with an Angel beside her. And she was at Peace again in her Loving Savior Jesus Christ’s arms, the one she Cherished, Loved and Adored all her Life! And as I sat in her chair at home looking out her picture window a beautiful pink flower was growing in her flower box, that wasn’t there before, symbolizing beauty and rebirth of my Mother’s soul in Heaven!!
Now as I celebrate my birthday, my feelings are ones of Peace, Comfort and Courage. And all these feelings my Mother left me as her gifts of Love, which are Priceless! She didn’t want us to cry and mourn for her and her passing forever. For she was finally with her Loving Savior Jesus Christ, the one she lived her life for and gave her heart to, even as a young child! So yes there are still memories, some sad but I mostly dwell on the good memories that are numerous and Neverending! Sometimes there are still a few tears, as I am only human. But my feelings now are more about happiness and feelings of being Proud to have been blessed with the Best Mother a child could ever dream of having in their life!
So now we celebrate all our birthdays with joy, happiness and peace. And we always remember the Good times more than the bad, for our Lord has given us, “A
Peace That Surpasses All Human Understanding!” “God Bless You Mother, see you soon!!”
King James: Revelation 21:4—“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Andrea is heavenly minded. Often misunderstood, her perspective is one of hope beyond this world according to Hebrews 11:16. As such, she is passionate about sharing the Gospel with the lost and hurting. Her book, ‘The Hobble, from Ai to Bethel’ draws upon God’s timeless truths for eternal life. Andrea enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with family and good friends. She is currently a coach with the online ministry, ‘Groundwire/ Jesus cares’, helping others discover the love and saving grace ofJesus Christ.
Anyone who knows Andrea knows she lives with great anticipation of the Lord appearing in the clouds to rapture His church.
Our Father who art in Heaven
by Andrea Marino
When I am still before God, thinking on who He is and what He has promised, I catch a ‘heavenly view’, a perspective of perfect goodness. It’s a sharp contrast to a world full of problems. If I default to fixating on only the sickness, affliction, and death in front of my natural eyes, anxiety easily grips me. Whether good or terrible, all the things of this world are temporary. Patiently, the Lord waits for me to turn to Him, inviting me to place all these burdensome concerns into His hands. It’s great to know I can climb into the Father’s lap and know He is sovereign over every single thing. I desperately need this pause in my life, as I tend to go on and on about what has happened to me, complaining about the hard life I’ve had, along with the extremely difficult road I now am on. How unfair life can. be. From packing up my home to finding a shampoo that will not harm my already thinning hair, day after day there is problem after problem begging for a solution. I try to chuckle, whispering to myself Groundhog Day, or just another day in paradise to which I usually wind up murmuring, ‘stop the world I want to get off’.
“Indeed, God is my salvation; I will trust him and not be afraid, for Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2. What a great verse to think upon- the promise of deliverance from evil. Faith can do some damage to fear. With every day holding lots of challenges, we will have fear in this world. If we don’t stand firm in our faith that God is our source of strength and help, we will fall. Isaiah 7:9. It’s in looking back over my life that I can see the sustaining power of the Lord. He answers our cries for help. His faithfulness is a protective shield. Oddly, in the long run, the things I wished were not so were the means of bringing about something worthwhile. For the joy set before Him, Jesus took on the cross. What an unconventional way to save the world. While we will entertain many whys, it is what we don’t know that is in the realm of the miraculous and where God shows Himself strong. Nothing in this current age of grace happens arbitrarily. They are for the purpose of salvation and growing in our faith. Are we paying attention to greater things than those of this world? Many people are bitter, blaming God for not preventing sickness, affliction, and death in their lives. Truth is, we live in a corrupted world due to sin. All of us are part of the problem of sickness, affliction and death. Yet Jesus didn’t come to condemn anyone; He came to offer us life, a life that will be forever perfect. As a follower of Jesus, we were never promised a trial and tribulation-free life. Still, the path we are on will ultimately far exceed anything we have to go through. “Therefore, we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16.
History is God’s story. Followers of Jesus know how the story ends. He is making all things new. We have to know the prophets warn that the day of the Lord is near, “to come like destruction.” Isaiah 13:6. Throughout the Bible is found rebellion and doing evil in the Lord’s sight. Nothing new, far as human nature. And the Lord says, “Come let us discuss this; Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be white as snow. If you are willing and obedient you will eat the good things of the land. But if you refuse and rebel you will be devoured by the sword.” Isaiah 18-20. In the fourth chapter of the book of Isaiah, the prophet, Isaiah speaks about God’s beloved vineyard. He planted this vineyard on a very fertile hill with the finest vines. Expecting the vineyard to yield good grapes, it, instead, yielded worthless grapes. So, God allowed it to be rampled upon and became a wasteland. We dare not take the blessings of God for granted. Because we are in a world that is on a collision course with death. But Imagine the depth of love the Father has for us in emptying Himself and taking on flesh to be in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:7. What more could God have done for us? He made a way out of our sin through Jesus His Son.
North Carolina Murals / Photograph by Karen Ruhl
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