September 2026 Photographer Megan Starnes
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” Amos 5:24
Photographer: Megan Starnes By day, Megan Starnes balances life as a wife, mother of two, and dedicated ESL teacher. Beyond the classroom, she frames the world through her camera lens. Through candid portraiture and local scenery, Megan seeks to capture authentic human stories while using her gifts to bring honor to God. She finds beauty in daily life, proving inspiration lives everywhere—from engaging classroom activities to warm family moments.I am a retired nurse and I share my travels with my husband of 25 years. We have 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
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Note From Karen Ruhl, Editor
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September is ushering in the Fall To the writers who contribute to the magazine - our magazine - as writers you are a big part of this getting published every month. I appreciate each one of you and cherish our friendships. I pray for all of you and want you to know that I love you dearly. If you like to write and would like to learn more about sending articles, poems, and photos, please send me an email at Team@faithoneverycorner.com School is out this month in many places. Please pray for our school children and pray for a peaceful year with no attacks on our children. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support in reading this magazine. Our writers are wonderful people who are dedicated to write for you. God bless you all.. Much love and many blessings, Karen karenruhl12@gmail.com Team@faithoneverycorner.com
I visited Damien and Katie in Chapel Hill, and oh how my heart swelled up. Damien is getting big and loves his grandma! His grandma is crazy over him and Katie too!
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I hope you enjoy the magazine filled with great stories, articles, poetry, and photography. Please read and share, everyone who has contributed has taken time to share their work with you. God Bless You.
Poems ... by John Alexander ... Pages 6-7 Character even Taller Than His Statue ... By Douglas J. Lanzo ... Pages 8-9 Forgetting Thankfulness After the Miracle ... by Yvonne M. Morgan ... Pages 10-11 Kids Say The Funniest Things ... by Donna J. Miller.. Page 12-13 Morning Coffee... by Michael E. Wells ... Pages 14-15 A Freshley Blossomed Lily ... by Irene Surya ... Page 16 What Is A Friend? ... Karen Ruhl ... Page 17 God’s Plan Succeeds ... By Brianna Barrett ... Pages 18-19 When a Little Leaven Enters the Conversation ... By Susan W. Paynter ... Page 20-21 Taking It To The Streets ... By Shara Bueler-Repka ... Pages 22-23 Be Strong ... By Linda Castro ... Page 23-24 Tired and Worn ... Andrea Marino ... Page 26-27 The Goodness Of God ... By Linda Castro ... Pages 28-29 More Photos by Pam and Karen on ... Pages 30-33
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Craig and I lived in So. California until we moved to Ohio and then to North Carolina. We love NC but I must admit that I sure miss living within a 20 minute drive to the ocean. This beautify lighthouse was a couple of hours away, down in San Diego. I love lighthouses and think this may be one of my favorites. It sits up on a hill, and if my memory is working (HA) they built another light below it, but it is just a light on a pole, nothing like the lighthouses! I encourage you to get in a car with your spouse, children, or friends and get out and explore. There is beauty around us everywhere you go. I have lived in 5 states and have been so blessed to travel across the country several times. Get out and look at the beauty God has created whereever you live. Enjoy and God Bless.
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John Alexander 2026 September Article – Joy As the magazine title suggests faith is an essential part of our lives. It not only keeps us going during trials and sustains us as we’re recovering, but it keeps us uplifted during the good times as well. Faith helps us find know peace and joy in our heart that only the Lord can provide, that long abiding joy that the Holy Spirit within us sustains. No matter your circumstance this day I pray your faith can sustain you and your joy stays with you even in the valleys. Today I’m sharing a few poems that focus on joy from the collection Songs, Praise and Joy . Blessings, John Alexander https://quiettimerhymes.com/ John Alexander YouTube Channel @johnalexander3206
As shadows cross my soul, my mind, I search your Word; may joy I find. Lord shine your light into the gloom. Drive out the shadows from the room. May Your light burn, Lord, like a fire. Instill in me Your heart’s desire, That I may know abundant life, And find your joy amidst the strife. I see Your light. The day is new. The darkness fades. The sky is blue. Throw open doors and windows too, And let Your light come shining through. Bring forth in me Your joy inside. Fill up each nook, let nothing hide. Let joy spring forth into a song That I may sing the whole day long.
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Grow Joy
Finding Joy
I pray these simple words today Will soothe your heart in some small way. No matter what you’re going through, Or what you have in front of you, I pray for strength to reach your goal. I pray for peace inside your soul. I pray new heights you can attain, That your hard work is not in vain. I pray you’re loved by trusting friends, On whom you always can depend. I pray you share the life you live, Each day you find a way to give, To use the things you’ve done and know To help another learn and grow. As you find wisdom to impart, I pray that joy grows in your heart.
If I climbed every mountain, or learned how to fly, Yet knew not the one who created the sky, I’d keep looking and searching to find the next thrill, Hoping to find it just over the hill. There’s always an ad for a new thing to try, Offering something if only we’ll buy, Perhaps it is happiness, beauty, or fame. In the end we find out that we’re still just the same. No human philosophy mankind provides Can fulfill the longing for God that’s inside. Lord help me to see that I only need You. In You I find rest, not in things that I do. There’s joy in the person of Jesus my King. Lord You give me peace, with Your joy I can sing.
Page 8 Character even Taller Than His Statue By Douglas J. Lanzo In tribute to Jesse Owens, named the greatest But he treasured more than medals won — athlete of the first half of the 20 th Century a friendship forged, then passed to son of Carl Ludwig Long - “Luz” for short — He stood before me eight feet tall, which transcended time and even sport, his hand cradling medals, four in all — commenced by a courageous act though burnished bronze, I did see gold that shattered hate, and barriers cracked, shining through the life stories told — when Luz ran to Jesse and embraced photos of his gold-medal dash, the gold medal winner, despite his race — his storied long jump and relay pass, and raised Jesse’s arm into the sky words of advice, timeless, emblazed — though vanquished by him, he raised it high, extolling virtue in every phase and walked around the stadium, An award-winning poet and author, 603 of Doug’s poems of an athlete’s training through each race, arm-in-arm, despite opprobrium have found homes in 79 literary his character paramount to his place, of Hitler and his Third Reich thugs, journals and 9 anthologies across love, respect and dedication who rebuked Luz for his cross-race hugs. the US, Canada, Caribbean, pared with self-sacrifice for the nation The two wrote letters until the end, England, Wales, Austria, Mauriepitomized his advice and life, the last causing Jesse’s heart to rend… tius, India, Japan and Australia. asking him to visit his son Doug’s debut novel, The Year of overcoming prejudice and strife; the Bear, was named Ames 2023 setting three world records in an hour, to tell him the good things they’d done, Best YA Book of the Year and a he exemplified athletic power. written from a German front line — Finalist for the Hawthorne Prize. the last letter Luz did ever sign. His second book, I Have Lived, After the war, Jesse fulfilled the wish, was named American Book Fest’s meeting Luz’s son, forming a special niche, Best Novella of 2024. Doug a lifelong friendship, that saw him serve, resides in Chevy Chase, Maryland with his wife and twin son poas Karl’s best man — an honor truly deserved. ets, enjoying nature, basketball and visiting historical places. His and his sons’ website is located at www.douglaslanzo.com.
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Megan Starnes
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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. The Dream 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.
Yvonne M Morgan, Christian author and speaker https://yvonne-morgan.com Blog at Turningmountainsintomolehills.org Twitter: @ymmauthor
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.
Website: Yvonne-Morgan.com
Giving Thanks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ YMMauthor/
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.
Turning Mountains into Molehills (2017)
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.
Page 11 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.
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Kids Say the Funniest Things By Donna J. Miller
Several years ago, a friend gave me a blank book called “My Quotable Grandkid.” It is excellent for recording those funny and memorable things that kids say. I love to write the things my four grandkids say in it and love to go back and read the ones already written. Every time they say something cute, I write it down. One of my favorites is when my son took his girls, Agda and Ziggy, out for breakfast one morning. They left the restaurant still drinking their drinks. As they crossed a road, Ziggy (5 years old) was lagging behind. Matt said, “Ziggy, stop drinking. Catch up!” Agda (7) said, “Daddy, Ziggy is drinking orange juice, not catsup!” That always makes me giggle.
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.
Another time, I was FaceTiming the girls. We were talking and reading some books when we heard a loud squeal from the kitchen. Agda ran into the kitchen to check on her mom. She came back to our FaceTime conversation and matter of factly said, “A mouse was in our pantry. We will have to kill it.” Ziggy (4) looked absolutely horrified. She very sweetly said, “No. We can’t kill it. It needs to find it’s family!” Just a few weeks ago, I was FaceTiming Ziggy (now 7) and she carried the tablet all over the house. She hunted each of their cats to show me their hiding places and showed me her room and toys. She played a song on her keyboard for me. Finally, she sighed, “I wish you were here so I wouldn’t have to carry you!” I sighed, also. I would love to be there and see her more often than I do. My grandson, Braylen, is 9 now and my granddaughter, Emmelin is 12. They live nearby so I see them more often and hear the things they say and see the things they do. On our trip to Yellowstone, we were leaving one VRBO and driving most of the day, so at breakfast we said we would “clean out the refrigerator” so we didn’t have to take many perishables in the car all day. As we ate, Braylen asked, “Can we eat the rest of the fudge? It is in the fridge.” We all laughed at him and his sweet tooth and decided to share the remaining few pieces of fudge even though it was breakfast time! Another funny Braylen story is that when he was five he wanted to watch a video on his tablet, but it was in Spanish. He took the tablet to his mom and said, “I need Lang-ish.” Emmelin is getting old enough to not make as many silly mistakes but when she was little she kept us laughing. She sat in Grandpa’s lap, eating mixed nuts, when she was 4. She kept pushing the pecans towards him and eating the rest. She said, “You eat the leprechauns and I’ll eat the peanuts.”
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Once Emmelin and I were talking about things that different adults in the family would teach her, like her daddy would teach her to hunt deer, I would craft with her, and her mom would teach her to cook her favorite foods. She looked shocked and said, “She knows how to make Lunchables?” Anyone who is around children very often hears some precious quotes occasionally. They have so much to learn and understand. They want to express themselves. We love and cherish them! Who loves and cherishes us even more than we love our kids? Our heavenly Father! “God, how precious your thoughts are to me; how vast their sum is. If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I wake up, I am still with you.” (Psalm 139:17-18) I wonder if He looks down at us and smiles or shakes His head when we try so hard, but still do something the wrong way. My husband was in Brazil visiting a family with a translator. The translator said the couple had a son who was in the seminary. Lewis said, “Good, good!” Later the translator admitted that he had messed up. The son was in the cemetery. Hopefully God worked in the hearts of the couple to understand the language snafu. Thankfully, 1 Samuel 16:7b reminds us that “Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.” When we stumble, God sees not only our actions and our words, but our intent and loving hearts. Psalm 37: 23-24 tells us that “A person’s steps are established by the Lord, and he takes pleasure in his way. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord supports him with his hand.” How blessed are we to be supported by His hand! If you have children or grandchildren, start now to write those quotable quotes down. You will enjoy them for years to come. Remember, just as you cherish the little ones in your life, God cherishes you! Zephaniah 3:17 tells us that “The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love.He will delight in you with singing.” Wow! I am so glad I have a loving Father! All scriptures from the Christian Standard Bible.
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THE DOOR In life we are confronted with many doors, some we open and some we walk by. At times we may even hear a faint knock as we pass. Doors can change our lives forever. We remember how badly we were treated as we entered some, promising ourselves to never do that again. But deep down we still yearn for the one that would bring wholeness to our lives.
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.
So we ask ourselves, is there another door? I read of One who says, “Behold I stand at the door and knock, through Me all who enter in will be saved.” Expectantly we turn the knob, open and then pass into new life. AFTER EARTH So vast the universe, so finite our experience. Is there something beyond our sight? We yearn for more than what we are given, more to leave than what we accumulate. Are we one among many or out of many only one. All I know, all I have read, all I have experienced tells me there is more. Someone once said eternity has been placed within our hearts. It is a presence unseen and a reality longed for. To believe life beyond the grave is a hope that brings peace in a troubled world and comfort from its sorrows. Hope is a gift to be treasured. May you hold close its promise and rest in its truth. For there is life after death, joy after sorrow and heaven after earth.
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ENJOY THE RIDE
Too many today have lost that aspect of life. With so much going on in the world, how can we possibly stay happy? We are daily given news of tragic and depressing events, locally and around the globe. Only in the past few generations have we been exposed to events around the world in real time. It has been to our detriment. What was once only local issues are now instantly viewed by all. Time to do a reality check. We should not fret over what we cannot control. Pray and let it be. We have enough to deal with here where we live. Love those around you, help those who need you. Our time is short, make a difference where you are and... enjoy the ride. Michael’s books are on Amazon.com
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HANDCRAFTED PERFECTLY By Irene Surya
God has called me by name He knows me deeply and closely I am perfectly created by Him I am His friend and heir. As He works on me each day, Every stitch of the needle Every weave of His thread May seem to be without direction, But, I am being handcrafted perfectly By the master weaver, Dr. Irene Surya is an award- I am one-of-a kind embroidery winning author of her book, Being designed for a purpose.
In Solitude with God. Her poems have been published in various magazines and I trust that His every leading, anthologies. She has a Every move of His hand, passion for writing for the Is weaving me into a splendid work Lord and glorifying His Perfect for His glory. name through her writings. She loves and serves the My true identity is woven into His, Lord with her husband. He is my master weaver, I am His wonderfully crafted work, And I give Him all the praise.
Click on book to purchase from Amazon.
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Patience (A story) By Karen Ruhl
I must say that I am usually able to be understanding when I have to wait in line, or waiting for guests to come over, and even when the food is taking longer than normal at a restaurant. One day, I was at a restaurant and a young girl was sitting at the table with her family. The restaurant was busy and everyone was wanting their food of course. The mother and father offered the little one a pack of crackers, but she said she would wait. After about 30 more minutes, both the mother and father started to get angry and were talking to each other about what they should do, get up and leave, ask for the manager, or just wait it out. I believe we were all getting hungry and anxious, except this little girl. A few more minutes went by and the parents were ready to leave. But, the little girl took their hands, and said, let me pray for us and the people working here. She was displaying maturity beyond her years. People at the tables next to her smiled at the parents and said, “That is a very special young lady.” At that point, the young girl asked if they wanted to join in prayer. Two other tables agreed and this little girl - maybe 6 or 7 - led the prayer. “Dear father in heaven. We are all getting hungry but we want to be like you and be patient and kind with those working here. Please bring hot food to everyone soon and let everyone be still and know that you are God and will help get the food ready. Amen.” The restaurant was very quiet as everyone stopped talking as this little girl led all of us to God and let us realize that patience is a blessing. As soon as she said Amen, the servers started serving everyone and had food on all of the tables within 10 minutes. As the people got up to leave, each came back and thanked the little girl for her prayers. Several said they are going to start going to church again because she touched them with her prayer. Her parents were ready to leave, the little girl was ready when the owner of the restaurant came over and gave her a gift certificate. He thanked her for her prayer and said he looks forward to see her again. Her parents beamed at their precious little one and as they left, they blessed the resaurant. May God bless you and your family and give you the patience of this little one each day. Amen
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Even If
By Brianna Barrett
Recently my mom and I watched “I Can Only Imagine 2”. In case you haven’t seen it, the movie is about MercyMe and Tim Timmons as they wrote the song “Even If”. That movie hit hard as I watc it; as always, it came at the perfect time. I needed the encouragement and reminder that God is always good. For two days, I’ve sung the lyrics over and over,
“I know You’re able and I know You can Save through the fire with Your mighty hand But even if You don’t My hope is You alone I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt Would all go away if You’d just say the word Brianna is a Carolina girl who loves Jesus But even if You don’t and her family. She enjoys watching the My hope is You alone sunrise, photography, reading, writing, and paddleboarding. According to her teenage son, she’s a master chef in You’ve been faithful, You’ve been good All of my days the kitchen, making gluten-free cuisine Jesus, I will cling to You from around the world. Her writing Come what may and photography have appeared in ‘Cause I know You’re able numerous publications including Faith I know You can” (Mercy Me) On Every Corner, Creation Illustrated, \ Mercy Me, “Even If” Lifer., Fair Trade Services, 2017. and Our Story Magazine, and she is a contributor to The Grit and Grace Those words, I know you are able. I know you can. This song infused my faith that day. I had spen Project and Broken But Priceless many months just going through the motions, waiting for my faith to catch up with my head and he Magazine where she writes the column, Waiting for the Lord to see me and answer my prayers. But He’s been there the whole time. It wa who lost my focus. It was me who allowed my circumstances to dominate my thoughts, my heart “From A Homemaker’s Heart”. Her my life. It was fear that I let cloud my judgment. But after watching that movie, and playing this s first devotional book, “Hope in the on REPEAT for two days, it’s infused my soul. Healing: A 40-Day Devotional Journey Through Chronic Illness” is due out this Nobody tells you the hard parts all the time of a Christian walk. So often it’s glossed over and portra spring. Check out her latest works at as if bad things don’t happen and then some well-meaning person gives us some Christianism www.briannagrams.com and connect call it (some little saying like, if it doesn’t kill you it only makes you stronger”). Well I felt dead. I with her on Instagram, Facebook, or couldn’t handle one more thing. And you know what, I couldn’t. I couldn’t handle it. I couldn’t do it God can and will. It’s not about the storms because they will always come. Some days are ha Pinterest. than others. But storms will come. That’s when we should stop focusing on the storms and allow to be our focus.
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I read my Bible every day, I did the Bible studies, I prayed - I journaled, I did all the things, but something was missing. My heart was somewhere else; my heart and mind were sitting over there with worry and doubt. I was worried about the what-ifs, the what will we do, and man, I doubted because I was relying on myself, not on God. With God, anything is possible. But I can’t do it. You can’t do it either, but the One who created us can. So today, I’m laying every burden down, every worry, every fear, every doubt, and clinging to the one I know who can. I am clinging to Him, hoping in Him and Him alone. Not a doctor, not a surgery, not some fancy degree, I’m clinging to God. I want faith like the bleeding woman. She believed and was healed. I want faith like Daniel: “‘But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.’” Daniel 3:18 NLT. Even if he doesn’t heal me, I will praise Him. Even if he doesn’t fix my finances, I will still worship Him. Even if he doesn’t ease my pain, I will still thank Him. Even if things don’t change and they get worse, I will still have hope in Him and only Him. Even if the surgery isn’t approved and the medicine doesn’t work, I will still trust Him. Today, what is holding you back from a deeper relationship with the Lord? I felt like the scales of my heart had been removed and the weeds plucked out. When I read my Bible today, I felt Him speaking to me. And I keep reciting - “It is well with my soul.” Work Cited Mercy Me, “Even If” Lifer., Fair Trade Services, 2017.
CLICK ON BOOK PHOTO TO FIND THIS BOOK
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When a Little Leaven Enters the Conversation Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? By Susan W. Paynter 1 Corinthians 5:6 (NIV) As a young Mom, I’d often pack up my kids and meet other moms at a nearby park. Our children played while we gathered around wooden tables with our coffees and snack-stuffed diaper bags to share tips about potty training, food allergies, and getting our little ones to sleep through the night. It was a sweet respite. Then it happened. One mom said, “I wish my husband would get up at night with the baby. I’m so tired.” Everyone murmured their understanding. Suzanne W. Paynter is mother to three adult children, one grandchild (so far!) and blessed to be married to her husband of 36 years. She’s worked as a professional ballet dancer, a sales trainer, a scriptwriter and a homeschool Mom—to name a few of the “careers” God has blessed her with. She currently has her own vintage jewelry business called The Elegant Muse. After her first child was born, she sensed the Holy Spirit encouraging her to write, and she honored that for many years. Her work was published in many magazines including The Old Schoolhouse, Proverbs 31 Woman, Highlights for Kids, and Ladybug. When she sensed His guidance to homeschool her children, she put writing on the back burner–but always knew she’d return to it someday. Many hills and valleys later, she felt His gentle nudge to write again and is honoring that by once more joyfully tapping the laptop keys. Grateful and humbled by His bountiful blessings.
And a tiny speck of leaven had seeped into the conversation. Another mom added, “John doesn’t even help me at bath time!” Then another, “Matt is always traveling – I have to do everything!” After that, the husband complaints spread like a virus at preschool. “Bill should …” “David can’t even …” A Tiny Speck of Leaven Had Grown to Infiltrate Our Entire Mom Group And what did I do? Did I say something profound and Godly to stop the flow? I wish I could say I did. But I just sat there, sipping my latte and desperately trying to resist the temptation to join in. I simply had no idea what to say. In the days that followed, I prayed. I asked God to help me next time I found myself in a similar situation. Tell me what to say, Lord… please give me the words.
Page 21 That was when I ran across the Bible verse about leaven. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? I learned that leaven illustrates how sin can begin small, then grow to permeate deep into our hearts. At the park that day, I had witnessed just how easily this could happen—one critical comment about a husband had led to many others disparaging their spouses. So how can we fight this leaven and keep it from infiltrating our conversations? The Leaven Repellent Plan We can use a Leaven Repellent Plan– three steps to keep leaven in check: 1. Recognize the tiny speck of leaven when it first appears (You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak…see James 1:19) 2. Resist the temptation to join in. (No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able…see 1 Corinthians 10:13) 3. Pray in the moment! Ask the Holy Spirit to provide a gentle response. (…with all humility and gentleness…bearing with one another in love…see Ephesians 4:2) Today I’m no longer a young Mom packing diapers and juice pouches but a grandmother whose handbag always holds a piece or two of dark chocolate. I wish I could say we older Moms are immune from leaven-laden conversations, but I still need my Leaven Repellent Plan. Recently, a speck of leaven appeared at a friends’ gathering. “Tom is so needy when he’s sick. He’s like a child! Are any of your husbands like that?” (Step 1 – Recognize the tiny speck of leaven) All hands went up - except mine. And it was noticed. (Step 2: Resist the temptation to join in.) “Really?” One of the women asked. (Step 3: Pray for guidance.) I took a deep breath then answered, “Chuck’s certainly not perfect. But neither am I. I’m just glad he puts up with all my faults!” Heads nodded, smiles all around. The conversation continued—but it was no longer about the faults of our husbands.
Thank you, Lord. The next time leaven creeps into your gathering, I hope you’ll remember the Leaven Repellent Plan. Take a breath; and as the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart, listen to what the Lord wants you to say.
Page 22 Takin’ It to the Streets (Adventure 1) by Shara Bueler-Repka
“But someone may well say, ‘You have faith and I have works’; show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18, NKJV) Anyone with a heart of compassion has only to watch the “6:00 News” and the world in general and be compelled to ask, “Am I doing enough? Am I doing all God has called me to do?” For some it may get a bit chilly leaving the warmth of a church pew or descending from
Shara Bueler-Repka is the heights of the choir loft (or stage) to go out to that cold and unknown world to minister enjoying life as a singer/ (Romans 12:1). Ministry, however, is just another word for service. And when Jesus said, songwriter/recording artist, freelance writer, and award- “Go, make disciples,” He meant GO to the people: show God’s grace through Jesus by winning author. She and her meeting their needs, then teach them to go. (Matthew 10:7-8; Luke 4:18-19; Matthew husband, Bruce, live in their 28:18-20) living quarters horse trailer and call “home” wherever Service can take on different faces depending on the need at hand. I ask the Lord everyday their rig is parked. Their mail- for clear eyes to recognize every opportunity He brings my way (no matter how small or base, however, is Hallettsville, Texas. She loves sharing how big) and the boldness to rise up in that calling to be His hands, feet, and voice—His God’s Word through music heart. The opportunities the Lord has given Bruce and me are so diverse that if we wrote with her husband, riding their it all down on a resume, we’d probably run out of ink! horses (aka The Boys) in the backcountry, and writing The Lord said: “Listen to Me. What/who have I placed in front of you? Be My hands and about God’s grace in their feet, My voice and My eyes. Be My message and My love to others ... to whomever I place various adventures on the in front of you ... in whatever place/ location that may be ... accepting whatever “face” it trail less traveled.
may have ...”
Restaurant Rendezvous She was cocky and fun. Complimenting my boots and trying to interest Bruce and me in a margarita, she glided through her duties with the smoothness and ease of a dancer. She was an accomplished server. Our friends were running late, so she playfully offered to sit with us—in case those friends proved imaginary —just so we wouldn’t be alone. She was awesome.
Our friends finally arrived, and we settled into conversation and order-taking, continuing the good hearted banter with our now, favorite waitress. Toward the end of our meal, our friends introduced themselves as the pastors of a cowboy church and us, as traveling, music evangelists. Intrigued, she shared that she also was involved in a small church in that town. She let her heart tentatively reach out. “Can I ask you something after I finish up in the back?” she asked. “Of course,” we replied. She came back a bit later, bending down with her arms resting on the table. “What does the Bible mean ‘to be fearfully and wonderfully made’?” she quietly asked. (Let the ministry (service) begin.) “God cares about every detail of our lives, from the time of conception and forming in our mother’s womb to when we finally arrive to see daylight,” we explained. “And we all are created for a special, specific destiny.” Tears filled her eyes and her brave face no longer hid her hurting heart: the veil of “everything’s OK” was disappearing by the minute. “My fiancé left me after finding out I was pregnant,” she said, “but I couldn’t bring myself to have an abortion. When I delivered the baby, the Lord sent me a couple who could not have children.” She paused, and our tears flowed along with hers. “I’m grateful for the safe, secure home He provided,” she continued, regaining composure. “Even though I know I did the right thing, it’s been really tough, giving my baby up.” That particular day, the family had sent her pictures of her baby daughter so she could still be involved with the little one’s growth and well-being. She appreciated the pictures, but the emotions of letting her go were still raw. She had seen in the picture a plaque above the baby’s cradle proclaiming the Bible verse, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14-16). The Lord steered us all there to the right place, at the right time. We could have sat anywhere in that restaurant. We could have picked any other day to have dinner. But God had it all worked out. We prayed with her and did not judge her for the mistakes she had made. We encouraged her that now her little girl could fulfill her destiny in the Lord because of the right decision she had made. We also assured our precious server that God still loved her, and she still had an incredible destiny to fulfill for Him. As we left the restaurant, we all warmly hugged each other, and we all walked away in awe of God’s grace. (Romans 8:38-39)
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Megan Starnes
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Page 26 Tired and Worn Andrea Marino
I’m not sure if this is an age-related issue, but I’ve become weary in battle in these last days. The chorus of the song, ‘Worn’ by ‘Tenth Avenue North’ tells me I am not alone in y feelings. “Let me see redemption win; let me know the struggle ends; that you can mend a heart that’s frail and torn. I wanna know a song can rise from the ashes of a broken life and all that’s dead inside can be reborn.” Yes, every battle belongs to the Lord; and yes, He has already won! I realize I cannot give up, giving in despair; though I will admit to indulging in feelings of weariness and longing for a better world. And while God continues to ‘train my hands for war’ Psalm 144:1, I appreciate hearing others express similar feelings. As well, I am encouraged to discover many are like me in a desire to be in the place Jesus has been preparing for His people for over two thousand years. Hebrews 11, known as the ‘faith chapter’, inspires us to trust the Lord. Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for though it is not yet seen. With sheer faith Abraham obeyed God and went out, not knowing where he was going. Many other heroes of faith are spoken of in this chapter. They did as God instructed them to do. Honestly, I shudder to consider the hopelessness that would abound had these faithful ones not persevered. These “cloud of witnesses” surrounding us sure can soothe a war-weary soul, being the impetus behind us to keep going and run our race with endurance. They persevered because of the desire for a better place – a heavenly one, which is written in verse 16 of this chapter. God is absolutely preparing a place for all those who keep the faith.
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Regrettably, there are a myriad of voices and opinions coming through social media to complicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It isn’t hard to understand that humans are born with a nature prone to do wrong, even evil. And while God will not lodge with sinful people (Psalm 5:4), He has prepared a way to become a new person through Jesus. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever will believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16. What a message of hope to embrace in faith. One’s debt of sin paid in full! It doesn’t get better! Such Good News in a world where principalities of darkness reside- always on a mission to steal, kill and destroy. The Gospel is not complicated; yet, every single day I come across social media posts stating that we have to do something or not do something in order to be saved from our sin. (As if anything we do can be used as ‘brownie points’ to Heaven). Truth is we can do nothing to save ourselves. And the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23. In the same vein of adding to the finished and completed work of Jesus, social media posts declare we must keep our ‘lamps full of oil’, referring to the parable of the ten virgins in Mathew 25. In this parable, Jesus tells of five wise virgins having oil in their lamps, while the other five were foolish, taking no oil when the time came to meet the Bridegroom. Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. You either have Him dwelling within or you don’t have Him at all. Here again, this is not about us doing something repeatedly as if to keep the Spirit of God in our hearts. When a person is aware of their greatest need to be free of sin and they repent, the gift of the Holy Spirit is granted to dwell within that person. These are the sons and daughters of God, assured of entrance into The Kingdom of Heaven. Acts 2:38. Today is the day of salvation, says the Lord. Today is the day to know you have the Spirit of life in your heart.
Page 28 BE STRONG
By Linda Castro “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” — Ephesians 6:10 (KJV) “I don’t know what is wrong with me,” my co-worker shared quietly. “ I don’t seem to have the strength or even the desire to get things done lately. There’s nothing wrong with me physically”, she commented, “ Just had a recent check-up and all is well.”. “I appreciate all the time you’ve spent with me, but I just can’t seem to break free of this.” Have you ever reached a place in your life where you thought you just could not go on? Sadness or loss or indecision making you feel out of control of your emotions? No amount of encouragement from others seeming able to break through the barrier you have created in your life? That’s when prayer and belief in the God who loves us can bring you back! Remember the scripture that says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ( Philippians 4:13 ). “This verse emphasizes that our ability to endure and overcome challenges comes from Christ’s empowering presence, not our own might”.
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.
And also, the scripture that encourages us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) “God commands courage and promises His constant presence, assuring believers that we are never alone in our struggles.” This scripture also promises strength “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31a).” “This passage highlights the supernatural renewal of strength that comes from trusting in God.” Even with all this encouragement from the powerful Word of God, do you still sometimes just feel too weak to put one foot in front of the other? Like it’s just not going to happen? God understands. That’s why He promises us “My grace is all you need, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Have you had a loss in your life and are still feeling grief? Our loving Father God tells us “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) “Joy in God provides resilience and fortitude, even in difficult circumstances.”.
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So many scriptures in God’s Holy Word collectively teach us that strength is not merely physical or self-generated; it is rooted in faith, reliance on God, and His Spirit working within us. “Meditating on these verses can provide courage, endurance, and hope, reminding us that God equips us to face life’s challenges with confidence and perseverance.” These passages can encourage us to Be Strong, embrace courage in adversity and experience the sustaining power of God in every circumstance. And always remember, “True Strength comes from God”. So, in those times when you feel like all your strength is gone, look up! God is right there reminding you that He loves you, His strength is with you. And you CAN make it through!
C O N TA C T U S . . .
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