“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness” (NIV)
Photographer: Christine Grubbs
I was originally from Milwaukee Wisconsin and involved in all things technical, steel foundries to aviation.
I now live in Western North Carolina, in the town of Burnsville. This is a very special and rare place where nature blends with rock, meadows and fauna. In it rare species of animals thrive. As humans we interact and share in the glory of what has been created. These things inspire me to create very special pieces both in photography and working with natural fibers. My work represents this unique place and I take great care in what I do conveying the uniqueness and beauty we are so blessed to live in.
My photography captures nature through the seasons as well as glorious vistas where we see the connectivity of people who share this area with nature.
My fiber art is created from the inspiration of what my eyes see and heart feels, the finished piece representing the passion I have living in this special place. I mostly work with wool and silk using felting techniques, I love the texture these fibers have. Natural botanicals and carefully selected adornments enhance the fibers.
May is a month of rebirth, inspiration and excitement
I hope as you read our magazine, you feel inspired and excited by the articles, photos, poetry and more inside! I must tell you that this issue has not been an easy one to get published. BUT GOD has made it happen, and I cannot thank Him enough.
A big thank you for all of our writers for being patient this month as we are publishing a little later than usual. I personally would be thankful if you could pray for this issue to be read worldwide and increase our readership here in the states.
I pray for each of our writers - and I pray for our readers. Praying you all have a wonderful May and enjoy the beauty of all of the blooming plants.
Are you a writer, or want to become a writer? I am always looking for new writers, poets, and rest; he will give delight to your heart. photographers to feature in the magazine. If you are interested, get in touch with me at the email below.
If you have any questions or suggestions, my contact information is below.
God bless you all and have a wonderful April!
Much love and many blessings, Karen karenruhl12@gmail.com Team@faithoneverycorner.com
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
Isaiah 6:14 NIV
PS: If you have submitted an article or poem to me and haven’t heard from me. Please resend to Team@faithoneverycorner. Thank you!
Poems ... by John Alexander ... Pages 6-7
Trim The Trees ... by Melissa Henderson ... Pages 8-9
Faith Lessons from the Olympics in Milan or Training for More Than a Medal ... by Yvonne M. Morgan ... Pages 10-11
Work With Your Hands ... by Donna J. Miller.. Page 12-13
Life Notes ... by Michael E. Wells ... Pages 14-15
God’s Mercy ... by Irene Surya ... Page 16
Being A Widow ... Karen Ruhl ... Page 17
Spring Cleaning My Heart ... By Brianna Barrett ... Pages 18-19
Photos by Christine Grubbs ... Page 20-21 (and several other pages)
A Simple Friendship ... By Shara Bueler-Repka ... Pages 22-23
DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE HAPPY ... Linda Castro ... Pages 24-25
Photography by Karen Ruhl ... 32-33
Christine Grubbs Photography ... Pages 26-27
Springtime Comes Full Circle ... By Mitchell Milch ... Pages 28-29
Poetry ... By Douglas J. Lanzo ... Page 29-30
Ungodly Influence ...by Jodie Glardon ... Page 31
Photos by Karen ... Page 32-33
It is my pleasure to feature Christine in this magazine. My friend Donna and I were up in the mountains and stopped at Little Switzerland. It is a charming little town. After we walked through the art studios, we went outside and found a small booth that had fiber art and photography. Two sisters have a business there called Redfox Creations.
I was looking at her photography and we started talking about where the photos were taken, we both have photos of the same locations and I loved her photos. I asked if I could feature her in the May issue and she was excited! So, please look through the magazine and drop her a line!
I hope you enjoy looking at her photos throughout the magazine.
Her sister was with her and she is a fiber artist. I encourage you to look their work up at:
www.twosistersfiberart.com
If you like to take pictures, I would like to hear from you and maybe you will be featured in our magazine!
God bless you all,
Send an email with a couple of photos to: team@faithoneverycorner.com
Blessings,
Karen Ruhl
In God’s Hands
John Alexander
I’ve begun using an online site to generate a melody and song using my poems as lyrics. I add images to create music videos and share them on my YouTube channel. You might enjoy a playlist titled Marathon which I began in January, adding an additional video weekly.
Marathon
A year ago this month, I was facing my first surgery, a brain surgery, to remove from inside my skull a meningioma which quadrupled in size and began causing motor control issues on my right size. Due to a recurring infection the surgery had to be rescheduled twice and moved from May to early June. The surgery was successful and I’ve regained almost full function on my right size although my gait is no longer perfect.
As I faced a serious surgery, I found comfort in capturing what I experienced in poetry. A few of those poems that I’m sharing this month include “The Mountain” and “Trials”, both of which we all face at times in our life. I’m also sharing the poem “Surgery” which expresses my thoughts the day before my surgery, a prayer for my wife should I be taken to be with the Lord before her. I pray by sharing a few of my thoughts as I faced surgery that you might be encouraged as you face your own trials on your journey.
Blessings, John Alexander
The Mountain
Lord, You gave me a mountain that I can’t ascend Without Your assistance, on You I depend. Help me stay focused one step at a time Looking up and not down as I steadily climb. The mountain looms large as I look to the sky. Lord help me keep climbing no matter how high. Down in the valley seemed peaceful and still, Lord help me to follow, align with your will. The mountain before me is not one I chose, Not notes to a melody one would compose. I pray I grow stronger regaining my stride Depending on You Lord no arrogant pride. As I’m climbing this mountain Lord help me to learn The lessons this journey will help me discern.
John Alexander
Trials
I know some friends both wise and old, Seen many years of life unfold. They’ve weathered storms on distant shores,
Endured the trials life had in store. I’ve learned a lot observing life, Of faith, of love, enduring strife. Life’s seldom easy street for most An uphill climb, no time to coast. I’ve seen through troubles we grow strong. We learn to sing a different song. This life we live is not our own, By heart and soul, we will be known. Lord help me know Your love and grace Through every trial I may face.
Surgery
As I approach my surgery I think the hardest part for me Is what will happen to my wife If I am first to leave this life? She loves You Lord, take care of her. You’re in control as I prefer. I trust You Lord to give her strength To carry on, strong mind to think. Lord give her wisdom to survive, Strong will to live and even thrive, Determination to begin A change of life, strong bonds with friends. Allow me Lord, it’s this I pray, To be with Lee ‘till her last day.
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
Read her blogs at: https:// melissaghenderson.com/ It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons
Trim The Trees
By Melissa Henderson
Spring has arrived. Summer temperatures are already hitting the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Lawns that had started to appear like a carpet of green are now turning brown. Folks are commenting that it’s too early to have scorched grass. Many areas in the south need rain. The grass can be watered with a hose, but are we safe to trim the trees?
We are blessed to have a gentleman and his sons who take care of cutting our grass and trimming the trees and bushes in our yard. We have two crepe myrtle trees that need attention. After inquiring about the correct time of year to cut back those trees, we trusted our yard workers and followed their advice. They would cut a few branches back, and next fall, they would cut the limbs back further.
I’m fascinated by the way trees and bushes sprout. The holly bushes come alive with bright green sticky leaves and red berries. The crepe myrtle trees begin showing new growth in Spring. Then, light purple and white flowers fill the branches. Beautiful sights.
I enjoy watching new plants burst through the soil and grow a little every day. Last night, Bop and I watered the small green plants and watched the ground soak in the moisture.
Our grandkids, Eden and Rowan, have planted seeds each year. Bright colored Cosmos return each year. Some of those flowers grow taller than the grandkids. This year, we have new seeds to sow into the ground.
The red knock-out roses have started blooming. I’ve pruned the bush once already this Spring. I check every day to see if more blooms are opening. The grandkids have learned to be careful with the thorns on the rose bushes.
These bushes, plants, and trees can teach us valuable lessons. When we water and give them proper nourishment, they thrive. If we neglect them, they lose strength and wilt and then die.
When we nourish our mind, body, and soul every day, we grow in faith and hope. Reading Scripture, spending time with God in prayer, sharing fellowship with others, and resting in God’s promises, are ways we develop and strengthen our relationship with the Father. When we trim trees and plants, we encourage growth and stability. When we put our focus on God and not ourselves, our faith grows.
Will we have times of doubt and uncertainty? Yes. In those times, comfort and peace can be found by going to God in prayer. God listens, God hears, and God answers.
God shows us how to trim the trees and how to trim away any negative aspects of life that may be leading us away from Him. I thank God for the opportunities to draw closer to Him. I thank God for His many blessings.
Are there areas of your life that need trimming? Do you have trees and plants that need special care?
“At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail.” Job 14:7 (NIV)
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
Click on the book covers to purchase Melissa’s books.
Yvonne M Morgan, Christian author and speaker
https://yvonne-morgan.com
Blog at Turningmountainsintomolehills.org Twitter: @ymmauthor
Website: Yvonne-Morgan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ YMMauthor/
Turning Mountains into Molehills (2017)
Faith Lessons from the Olympics in Milan or Training for More Than a Medal
By Yvonne M. Morgan
My husband and I attended a women’s ice hockey game during the Winter Olympics in Milan, watching Italy take on France. The energy from the crowd pulsed through the arena as cheers rang out. A group beside us jumped to their feet when their daughter scored Italy’s first goal. We didn’t care who won. My husband and I came to experience the moment, and it did not disappoint.
We sat surrounded by flags, voices rising and falling with every play. The arena felt alive, not just with competition but with anticipation. Every shift on the ice carried purpose. Every player seemed to know exactly where she needed to be, even when the puck was nowhere near her.
I watched more than the game. I watched the faces of the athletes as they waited on the bench, focused and steady, eyes fixed on the ice. And I watched coaches leaning forward, speaking quietly but urgently. I watched families in the stands, holding their breath through every near miss and celebrating every small victory as if it were the final goal.
When Italy scored, the crowd erupted. The parents next to us stood with tears in their eyes, hugging strangers who had become friends for the moment. I realized we were witnessing more than a goal. We were seeing the result of years of work that most of us would never witness. Early mornings followed by exhausting practices. Injuries filling their minds with doubt. Perseverance happens far away from cameras and applause.
As the cheers echoed through the arena, I wondered how many quiet moments had led to this one loud celebration.
As I sat there, I couldn’t stop thinking about the years of preparation behind every shift on the ice. Moments like this don’t happen overnight. We build them through discipline and quiet perseverance.
That realization made me think about Lent, a quieter kind of training where God prepares our hearts for a different race.
The Olympic medals are visible to everyone, but the discipline goes unseen by the world. Lent invites us into the quiet, behind-the-scenes work Christ does in us.
The Work No One Sees
Olympic success isn’t one moment. It is thousands of small choices repeated. Victory grows out of ordinary days of discipline that keep athletes moving toward the goal.
Lent works the same way. These forty days invite us into daily practices that shape us through prayer, Scripture, small sacrifices, and steady faithfulness in ordinary moments.
Lent is less about giving things up and more about training our hearts.
The Training Process
Athletes can spend years preparing for that one big event. Sometimes they wait years for one chance to compete at events like the Olympics. This is the unglamorous part of the work. Most people never see the early mornings or setbacks. They see only the results.
Lent reminds us that waiting is not wasted. It is where God builds what we cannot yet see. God works in our preparations. Even when the world doesn’t see the effort, He does. We build our strength during the waiting season.
How might God be shaping you in this training season?
Running the Race That Matters
Not every race ends with a podium. But every step taken in faith matters. As we watched the Olympics, we celebrated each medal won by our team. Not every athlete won. And as I watched the athletes celebrate, it reminded me that God measures success differently. I thought about the prayers and dreams I’ve carried for years, waiting for God’s timing. God celebrates my faithfulness in the waiting, even when no one else sees the effort. Even though the world won’t see our rewards, there is one waiting for us when we reach the heavenly shores.
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24 (NIV).
Prayer
Dearest Heavenly Father,
Please help me train and prepare for the race you laid out for me before the world began. Let me endure the tough roads with grace and determination. Lead me on the path that leads to eternal life with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Donna is a preschool curriculum writer for Lifeway and loves teaching two year olds at her church, Hudson First Baptist. She is a retired elementary school media coordinator and K-1 teacher. She loves all children - especially her 4 grandchildren! She loves to read, scrapbook, and make cards. Donna lives in Hudson, NC with her husband, Lewis. They enjoy traveling together.
Work With Your Hands
By Donna J. Miller
While running errands this morning, I noticed a number of “work trucks” before I even left my neighborhood. I saw a fiber Internet truck at a neighbor’s house and assumed the worker was inside installing their Internet, since a few months ago the company came through our neighborhood digging hundreds of holes and burying their cables. Then I saw a truck with a woodchopper, shredding wood into tiny bits of mulch and spitting it into a bin. I passed the trash truck and saw the arms of the truck reaching for a neighbor’s trash, dumping it into the trash compartment, and lowering the arms to replace the can by the side of the road.
After I left my neighborhood, I saw men with a crane working on the phone lines and another crane parked at my church ready for men to clean our steeple. All of these trucks belonged to people who had jobs to do and were doing them!
I saw cars and pick-up trucks parked at my church and thought of my friends inside- answering phones, preparing bulletins, paying bills, planning the weekend’s activities, and studying for sermons and lessons to be taught this week.
I passed a school where I didn’t see trucks, but I saw cars parked by teachers and school staff who were hard at work teaching the children of our community. I saw buses that drivers drove that morning to bring the children to school.
I passed town hall, the police and fire departments, banks, pharmacies, and restaurants. It occurred to me how many jobs must be done every day to keep our small town and community running smoothly! The Bible reminds us that “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.”(Colossians 3:23)
I remembered being a child and learning a Bible paraphrase of 1 Thessalonians 4:11 that stated, “Work with your hands.” I was encouraged as a child to do my best in the things God gave me to do. The entire verse says: “Seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.” Paul was encouraging the people of Thessalonica to work to earn respect from non-Christians and not be dependent on others for our livelihood.
Work With Your Hands (Continued)
By Donna J. Miller
It always amazes me how God has gifted us with different abilities, desires, and interests. The majority of my work experience has been in public schools, and even there people have different skills. I loved teaching kindergarten and first grade but have talked to high school teachers who shake their head, and say they could never teach the little ones. My feelings were just the opposite! I would not want to teach teens. My husband is a builder. He does hard labor all day and can do all the skills needed to build a building. I can promise you that you don’t want to live in a house that I built, but his homes will last many lifetimes.
Another example of individual desires and interests is an elementary school student that I knew. He loved trash trucks! From kindergarten on, he would run to the fence to watch the trash truck as it moved from house to house across the street from our school playground. By first grade, he was helping in the cafeteria to gather the trash and to take it to the dumpster. He was not only a hard conscientious worker, but he loved helping to gather the trash! I lost contact with him when I changed schools, but I can imagine that he got a job as an adult driving a trash truck! I hope so, because he would love that job and do it with diligence.
Ecclesiastes 9:10a says, “Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your strength.” We have all known people who are excellent at their jobs and go over and beyond what is required to do the job well. They make life better for all of us! They honor God with their diligence and commitment.
Work can be hard. Truthfully, work can be exhausting. Paul exhorts us to never tire of doing good. “But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good.”(2 Thessalonians 3:13) and “Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
I am so thankful for people in my community who do jobs well and give freely of themselves to our community! Christians who do their jobs well honor God and serve others.
Today, I challenge you to thank someone for a job well done… and honor God with your own work.
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 Am-azon.com.
LIFE NOTES
AGE HAS TAUGHT ME LESSONS I MISSED IN MY YOUTH
Don’t rush life it is quickly fleeting by itself
Delay can be good keeping me from harm
Acquiring is not as important as befriending What I see has less value than what I know
A soft heart lasts longer than a strong body
The wisdom of my mother when I knew it all
The desperate need for God I sought to dismiss Spiritual joy outweighs physical pleasure
Honor the things you love
Appreciate the things you like
Accept the things you don’t Change the things you can
Keep the Faith Hold to Hope Always Love
True beauty transcends the senses and finds its greatest expression in the soul
Some may ask, “Why do you read the Bible over and over, knowing the words haven’t changed.” I say, “Because it is my hope that as I read the bible they may change me.”
Sometimes God heals us by touching our body other times by friends touching our heart
LIFE NOTES by Michael E. Wells
No volume of text or talent of orator can match the power of just one word from God. Today may you hear His for you.
Some people say the reason Christians pray and read everyday is to convince themselves of something they doubt. But I would say it is to remind ourselves of something we believe.
If you are not right in the Spirit
You will be left in the flesh
May one not be measured by a fall from grace but by the humbleness with which they rise.
The more you reach for God
The less the world grips you
Christianity
It makes no sense to the mind
But satisfies the longing of the heart
Christianity
It doesn’t give me all the answers
But now I have less questions
GOD’S MERCY
By Irene Surya Radiant
and glorious
The sun shimmered bright in the sky, Wet and muddy Was the ground beneath.
Exquisite and precious God’s mercy brightened my life, But they were paid by Jesus A price I could have never imagined.
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.
My disobedience and arrogance Hung the Lord on the cross, My peace and joy Was bought by His blood.
Bitter and scarlet red
My sins flashed before me, I thought, am I really worthy Of God’s love and mercy.
Inspite of all I did Inspite of all of my unfaithfulness God’s mercy has surrounded me His love has nurtured me.
As the sun’s glistening beams Swirled around me, I realised, I am Blessed beyond count and measure.
Click on book to purchase from Amazon.
BEING A WIDOW
By Karen Ruhl
I must start out by saying I have been a widow for a little over two years, and I truly thought I was handling everything well. AND THEN!
One day I woke up and just didn’t want to get out of bed. I thought I might be getting sick, or was just tired from a busy week. I got up and went about my work as best I could. And then, I sat on the couch and felt a weight that I had never felt. Sitting on the couch, I felt a feeling of lonliness. The house was so quiet, and I didn’t have anything on my schedule for the day. I just sat and tried to work through it thinking, “this is just a phase.”
I write this to tell you how important you are in the life of someone who is all alone. Especially those who have lost a spouse or child. There are days when they won’t know what to do, they just know they don’t want to be alone. They probably go online so they can at least chat with their family and friends...and that does help. But...this is where you can come in. Here are a few things that are helping me through this period of lonliness, I believe they will help others too. (These are my experiences, I am not a doctor)
1st: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) When the time is right, let them know that God is always with them, and He is!
2nd: Understand that grief doesn’t have an expiration date. If you can, visit, take them to lunch, go shopping, or to a movie. Get them out of the house if you can.
3rd: Listen. Don’t try to give them advice, sometimes, they just need someone to listen.
I consider myself very blessed by friends who have done the things I have listed. I have enjoyed their company and when I get home, the lonliness is gone. Just spending time with others makes a world of difference.
God bless you all.
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.
Spring Cleaning My Heart
By Brianna Barrett
Spring is a time for renewal, new life, and cleaning things out. Each spring, I attempt to declutter my closet. As I walked into my closet, running my hands down the clothes, thinking about the last time I wore each item, I noticed how cluttered it looked. Hanging my clothes had become harder to do. As I pulled each article of clothing out, I started thinking about the other places in my house and life that needed a little spring cleaning.
When my house isn’t cluttered, I find I’m more peaceful and can think more clearly. While decluttering, I considered that maybe I needed to declutter my thoughts and heart, addressing the emotional clutter that had accumulated.
Have you ever noticed that when we are on autopilot in life, our hearts get cluttered? You scroll on social media, liking the pictures of the people you went to high school with, and go about your day. But over time, you start to realize that your heart is lacking; bitterness, unforgiveness, and hurt start to overflow from it, coming out in your words. Jesus addresses this in the gospel of Luke: “‘A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.’” (Luke 6:45 NLT). What’s in our hearts determines what comes out of our mouths. That makes me pause.
What words am I saying? Am I giving life to others through my words, or am I speaking words of negativity and death?
Two verses prior, Jesus says, “‘A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes.’” (Luke 6:43-44 NLT). A good tree produces good fruit. What kind of fruit are you growing? Maybe life has caused some thorns of bitterness and unforgiveness to grow, and a little weeding is necessary. Or maybe your tree of life is growing beautifully from the time you spend with God.
These questions rambled through my head and my heart as I reflected on each one. Thinking about what was in my heart made me question what I was filling my heart with. Was I filling my heart with God’s Word and time in prayer, or was I doomscrolling more? Where you spend your time shows you where you fill your heart. Good fruit can only come from time spent in the Word, fertilizing your heart and mind with God’s Word. Trees produce fruit when someone feeds and waters them, attending to their needs.
The daunting task of decluttering my closet became a heart task as I reflected on where I was spending my time and how I could manage it better to spend more time with God. What can I fill my heart with to produce good fruit? I wanted my heart filled with the fruits of the Spirit, “...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (Galatians 5:2223 NLT).
This spring cleaning not only challenged me to rid my closet of clothes but also to rid my heart of the thorns, bringing life back.
Over the next few weeks, I noticed a big change in my attitude and words. The more I poured into God’s Word, the more good fruit I was producing, able to give to others. Today, I challenge you to give yourself a heart check by answering the questions below:
Where do you spend your time?
What emotions or thoughts are constantly running through your mind? Reflect on those. What is the root of these emotions? How do your words reflect your heart right now?
A heart check can bring life not only to ourselves but to those around us. Let’s produce good fruit and share the Good News with the world.
Lord, thank You for never giving up on me. May You weed my heart of the thorns, whatever is hindering me from growing closer to You. Guide and lead me to find the things that bring life and bring me closer to You. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Photographer: Christine Grubbs
Photographer: Christine Grubbs
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 about God’s grace in their various adventures on the trail less
A Simple Friendship
by Shara Bueler-Repka
Everyone has a story to tell—from the simple to the incredible. God is always working in all our lives from casual encounters to earth-shattering events. All are powerful and encouraging in their own way. My husband, Bruce, and I had just finished singing/ ministering at a church service when I saw a woman making her way through the crowd toward the front of the room where we stood. She was a lovely woman with the most peaceful eyes I had ever seen. In fact, her whole countenance emanated “peace” I’ll call her “Olivia.” As we chatted, her simple, profound story unfolded:
Childlike wonder, excitement, and anxiety welled up in Olivia as she watched the school bus chug up the lane—the first day of school. Her heart jumped a little as the bus doors whooshed open.
She made her way through the aisle, looking from seat to seat, trying to decide where to sit. A little girl about her age sat alone, staring out the window. As Olivia started to pass her, the girl looked up. Their eyes met and an immediate friendship was kindled. Can I sit here?” Olivia said. The girl nodded. From then on, every day, the two sat together on that bus, talking and laughing about things only little girls know. As time passed and the girls grew up, they lost contact with each other.
The years had taken their toll and a now, middle-aged Olivia was in the grocery store, plodding mechanically through the chore of picking out her needed items. Her life was in shambles. Abuse from a relationship-gone-sour had left her self-esteem all but destroyed.
The years had taken their toll and a now, middle-aged Olivia was in the grocery store, plodding mechanically through the chore of picking out her needed items. Her life was in shambles. Abuse from a relationship-gonesour had left her self-esteem all but destroyed.
A voice from behind her broke through her silent world. A woman, about her age, walked up. “Hi, Olivia, I don’t think you’ll remember me, but I recognize you,” the woman said. “I used to sit next to you on the school bus.” Olivia had not recognized her at first, but now she did. The two excitedly embraced and began catching up on each others lives.
As they talked, Olivia’s friend took on a more serious tone. “You have no idea what it meant to me, to sit next to you on the bus,” she said quietly. “I lived in a horribly abusive home. The only thing I had to look forward to was riding the bus with you every day.” She paused. “Olivia, you changed my life,” her friend said through misty eyes.
After exchanging hugs and farewells, Olivia left the store a new woman. The entire outlook on her life had changed. Her self-esteem soared.
As Olivia related this story to us, tears welled up in her eyes. “I walked out of there like I could conquer the world!” she said. “All I did was sit next to her on the bus and talk as we rode to school. But as my friend and I talked in that store, I thought to myself, ‘if I only changed one life, in my whole life, then my life has been worth living.’”
The little girl whose life she had changed through a simple friendship, now had changed hers.
(1 John 4:7; Hebrews 13:1-3)
As former owner and creative director of two advertising agencies, Linda has years ofexperience 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.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE HAPPY
By Linda Castro
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22 KJV)
“Over the centuries, medicine has become more and more aware of the influence a person’s happiness has on their overall health.” (Noted quote)
“Wait.” My sister said to me after my latest medical appointment, “ Your doctor told you to “cheer up” and “think good thoughts”?! Seriously?”
“Yes, he did.” I responded, “He said being discouraged or depressed has a negative effect on my overall health. He prescribed the medication that my situation required but, as a Christian, he reminded me that a sincere relationship with Jesus can uplift my spirit and help the kind of overall healing my body needs.”
The Bible, God’s Word to us, is full of reminders of how He us well wants and happy. He reminds us in Matthew 11:28 to simply: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (NASB)
At times, some of us may have tried to separate physical healing and spiritual healing, but they are essentially one and the same. We are reminded to
“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4 KJV)
Sounds too easy, right? At first, we may think, “How are we supposed to rejoice when things are not going well in our lives? We have bills to pay, children to raise, jobs to perform, when are we supposed to be happy and rejoice? What about the part of the verse (Proverbs 17:22) that says “a broken spirit drieth the bones”? How do we keep our spirit from becoming broken?” But again, God comforts us. No matter what trouble may try to come into our lives, He tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 KJV) We just need to rely on God, through our relationship with Jesus, no matter what our lives are facing because:
God helps us.
God strengthens us.
God comforts us.
God heals us.
Even in our grief for a loved one who has gone on to Heaven, God tells us: “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 KJV)
And ultimately, our happiness is something that God gives us. “Happy is that people whose God is the Lord.” (Psalm 144:15b KJV)
So, don’t be afraid to be happy. Fear and happiness are opposite emotions that God, through Jesus, has already conquered for us, we just need to ask Him to remove fear from our lives as the Bible says in Psalm 34:4 (KJV) “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”.
God even gave us a right spirit with no fear as the Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”.
So, never be afraid to be happy! It is health to your body and grace to your spirit.
(Philippians 4:7 KJV) “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”.
Photographer: Christine Grubbs
Photographer: Christine Grubbs
Mitchell is a former Psychotherapist in retirement. He studied American History at SUNY Binghamton MSW and studied English Litherature.
Springtime Comes Full Circle
By Mitchell Milch
Matthew 18:3–4 (NIV) “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Recently I read Matthew 18:3–4 with a newfound acuity. I was pleasantly surprised by evidence of a spiritual growth spurt reminiscent of my physical maturation in the first spring of my life.
Of recent vintage in my 72nd year, I have transcended a spiritual ceiling I’d feared would never come to pass before the autumn of my corporeal life turned to winter. I’ve been jumping with child-like joy(well maybe in truth simply rising up on my toes), over re-establishing a severed connection with a former, callow version’s organic understanding of what being made in God’s image meant about “being human.” What a blessing that so many decades later The Holy Spirit had restored a sacred understanding of God’s will for my relationship between “being” and “doing.”
At age 9, circumstances perverted this relationship when our family moved and changed school districts. On the heels of an achievement test, school officials persuaded my parents to enroll me in an “intelligent learners’” track. From that point onward, the pressure imposed on me to perform for anyone and everyone was unrelenting. Absent a Herculean effort of mindful resistance, fighting against it was impossible.
Until then, my parents had given me some latitude to choose if and how I applied my imaginative thinking. This small autonomy was the difference between being happy versus doing their constant bidding. What had previously felt like an indissoluble bond of love was now dependent on my producing output — leaving me feeling insecure, under constant pressure that continued throughout my lifetime, until recently.
Fast forward sixty years: I’ve returned to the imaginative and fertile spring playground of my recollected years, ages 4 to 9.
Do you know folks who identify with my lifelong struggle to resist bowing non-stop to pressure — placing “offerings” at the foot of some false god’s altar? Have you ever considered being sanctified, no matter your age, and returning to a rapturous, spring-like experience?
An award-winning poet and author, 575 of Doug’s poems have found homes in 78 literary journals and 9 anthologies across the US, Canada, Caribbean, England, Wales, Austria, Mauritius, India, Japan and Australia. Doug’s debut novel, The Year of the Bear, was named Ames 2023 Best YA Book of the Year and a Finalist for the Hawthorne Prize. His second book, I Have Lived, was named American Book Fest’s Best Novella of 2024. Doug resides in Chevy Chase, Maryland with his wife and twin son poets, enjoying nature, basketball, reading and snorkeling. His and his sons’ website is located at www.douglaslanzo.com.
Soul Burning for God Even through Flames
By Douglas J. Lanzo
“The best in my life is the result of the worst. And I only got there through the flames. What a gift.” John O’Leary, inspirational speaker, bestselling author and podcast host who has touched the lives of millions of Americans.
The love of those around him the hand of God he clasped, unfathomable kindness — beyond a young kid’s grasp; When doctors said his chances were less than one percent, he willed to live on earth with faith in whom God sent. One hundred percent covered with burns, most third degree — he told his loving mother he wanted still to be.
From the nurse that insisted that he would walk again, to Hall of Fame broadcaster assuring he would mend, to the love of his parents and siblings gathered near — telling him to walk with God in faith and never fear, he felt God’s mighty healing in lungs and grafted skin, restoring his flesh to health, his soul refreshed within. (continued)
A miracle of healing of body and the soul, he shares God’s inspiration
Douglas J. Lanzo
8824 Brierly Road
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 USA
douglaslanzo@gmail.com to millions in his role.
At first when asked the question whether he would change the past, he said he would stop the fire that scorched him in one blast. Years later in reflection, he said he wouldn’t change a thing, recalling all the blessings, that from tragedy did spring…
Revelations Gleaned by Silent Souls
By Douglas J. Lanzo
As tinder to a fire are flames of divine inspiration, burning within us until consumed upon iron-embered hearths of words, forged upon metal-melting crucibles of artistic passion, searing truth into meditative souls and consciences of Man, infusing poetry with accounts of profound faith and wondrous revelations of universal truths — shown in the quiet stillness of prayerful souls to humble poets, meditating in quiet wonder upon the universe and unfathomable works of its Creator, Redeemer and Holy Spirit and moved to tears by the suffering stemming from its fallen nature, in silence perceiving voice, song and images from God gently whispered to our souls but with such purity that it burns away the chaff of worldly din and distraction, preserving only kernels of truth and wisdom, to His praise and glory!
Quieting His Soul
By Douglas J. Lanzo
Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:38-39 (NIV)
Overwhelmed with sorrow in agony He prayed that the cup before Him, if in God’s will, be stayed. Knowing more the answer than how it was conveyed, reading words of David a Psalm on my heart weighed: The quieting of soul that David felt, at peace, I pictured God saying, “My Son, in Me, release the burdens that You bear — the pain of Calvary — that I may raise You up and crown You in glory.”
“Be still, Your anxious thoughts, dwell on My love for You, My precious, Holy Son, whose spirit I renew.”
“Find quiet in My love, and Holy Trinity, then rise to face the hour in dark Gethsemane.”
Jodie Glardon has wanted to be a published author since she was seven years old. Around fifth grade, she submitted several poems to the Creative Communication poetry contest, and all of them won! Jodie is currently taking classes at Pellissippi State Community College and loves hiking, crochet, and piano in her spare time.
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We at Faith On Every Corner have published another of Jodie’s poems Ungodly Influence which has been published on pureinheart.com
The Mourning Dove Message
by Jodie Glardon
Mourning doves are supposed to symbolize hope, healing, resilience, and spirituality. They have for a long time been my favorite bird, serving as a reminder to me of God’s goodness and protection. I keep a photo of a mourning dove in a box under my bed—the same box where I store photographs, souvenirs and concert tickets. Over the years, these birds have always seemed to appear at exactly the right moments, at times when I needed encouragement and the feeling that God has not abandoned me and my family.
Throughout my growing up, my father was largely absent from my life. When I was six years old my mother found out he had cheated on her with a college classmate for nearly two years. The pastor of our church came to visit my mom so that they could discuss the situation and pray together. As he walked out the front door to leave, he happened to look up at one of the columns that supported the little condo where we lived. We had a mourning dove nesting on the top of the column nearest to our door. “It’s not just any bird—it’s a dove,” he said with a smile on his face. “That’s a sign that God is watching over you.”
A decade later, my mother got scheduled for a biopsy to see if a suspicious lump in her throat could be thyroid cancer. A doctor had previously told her that he rarely saw a woman suffer the degree of spousal abuse that she had gone through that didn’t end up with cancer within the next decade. I remember her talking to me and my younger brother about the surgery, and how she hoped everything would go well. Then, suddenly, she stopped talking and squinted her eyes to see something out of the window. “What is it?” I asked. “It’s a mourning dove,” she answered. “God sent that at just the right moment. I think He’s trying to remind me that I must not be afraid, and that I must not worry about tomorrow.”
Eventually, my parents divorced when I was twenty years old. In the middle of a custody battle for my then twelve-year-old brother, tensions ran high. I remember my mother and I would often go for long walks so that we could talk through our emotions and sort things out. Sometimes we didn’t want to venture far, so we would pace up and down our extremely long driveway (the neighbors must have thought we were crazy). During one of these walks, we noticed a row of not one, not two, but four mourning doves lined up on our rooftop. Several minutes later, I looked at the roof again. They were still perched there, preening each other’s feathers. I smiled to myself as I thought about the Savior’s promise to never leave us or forsake us. For the rest of our walk, I kept looking up at the roof every so often to see if the birds would grow bored and fly away. Those mourning doves would not leave. They stayed longer than they ever had before--almost as if they knew the gravity of the situation, almost as if they wanted to make sure that their message was heard.
Thank you to Inspiration Through Photography.
North Carolina is such a beautiful state. Here are a couple of photos I like.
-Photos by Karen Ruhl
Photo by Karen Ruhl
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