28 Encouraging Words
So open your mouth, lad, for every voice counts!
The more that you read, the more things you will know.
The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.
Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.
Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.
Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. Take every chance, drop every fear.
Sources: discoverwalks, planetofsuccess
Vero’s Voice Magazine is published monthly. Copyright © Vero’s Voice Magazine 2010 - 2024, all rights reserved. Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by express written permission of the publisher. All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Vero’s Voice Magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Vero’s Voice Magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publisher from all liability.
you won
I would work on saving our lagoon and also try to resolve homelessness in our county.
LindaMoore
VICE MAYOR OF VERO BEACH
I would start a school for kids in need.
Robi Robinson Kiwanis of Vero Beach
I would provide low income housing and soup kitchens. I would love to purchase a vacation home to share with my nine siblings.
Kathleen Bunting Hoey BUNTING APPRAISAL SERVICES
I would donate half the money to worthy charities and share the remainder with my family.
Ray Rosado POSTNET
I would purchase old buildings and refurbish them for the homeless and low income families. I would have them work on the renovation in a similar format to Habitat for Humanity.
Gail Abramski-Bradley REALTOR, KELLER WILLIAMS OF VERO BEACH
I would purchase hunting property for my husband and start a nonprofit recovery program.
Christine Candiff-Lewis BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, H & M IMPACT WINDOW & DOOR, INC.
I would set aside money for my children and also money for my nieces and nephews. I would also purchase a new car, probably a Range Rover Defender.
Kim Vazquez
First, I would get legal advice. I would then invest wisely for growth!
Basil Williams EXPERIOR FINANCIAL GROUP
I would see the best doctors in hope to guarantee my continued good health and longevity.
Zak Jeness
First, I would move to a new home and set up a trust for my children.
Holly Armstrong
I would further support the Youth Guidance Mentoring Program. Travel would be in my future, spending more time in the mountains of Tennessee.
Debbie Thomas SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR, VERO HERITAGE
I would hide from people on a small island!
Jerry Street AIR DOCS HEATING & COOLING
Season ticket packages and single tickets are on sale now.
For more information on prices and subscription options, call the Box Office at 772-231-6990 or visit www.riversidetheatre.com.
It’s sad to see this season end, but we have some spectacular shows to look forward to. Riverside’s Producing Artistic Director/CEO Allen D. Cornell says, “Nothing touches the heart, educates the mind, and lifts the spirit like a live performance. That is why next season offers six dynamic productions that will amaze and delight everyone who experiences Riverside Theatre.”
October 22 – November 10, 2024
A tribute to the great English farces of the 1930s and 1940s, Ken Ludwig’s The Fox on the Fairway takes audiences on a hilarious romp with members of the Quail Valley Country Club. Filled with mistaken identities and over-the-top antics, this madcap comedy deals with love, life, and man’s eternal infatuation with...golf.
Written by Sandy Rustin
Arrangements and Orchestrations by Carmel Dean Featuring music from the 80s and 90s
January 14 – February 2, 2025
Mystic Pizza is a new musical based on the 1988 rom-com from MGM and screenwriter Amy Holden Jones. Adapted by Sandy Rustin, with arrangements and orchestrations by Carmel Dean, choreographed by Connor Gallagher, and directed by Casey Hushion, Mystic Pizza tells the story of three working-class girls who navigate the complexities of life, love, and family in a small-town pizza joint. The infectious score features megahits of the 80s and 90s, from “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” to “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” and songs originally recorded by Melissa Etheridge, Cyndi Lauper, John Cougar Mellencamp, Debbie Gibson, Wilson Phillips, The Bangles, Belinda Carlisle, Rick Astley, Bryan Adams, among many others.
Written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green Music by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown
February 25 – March 23, 2025
The “Greatest Movie Musical of All Time” is faithfully and lovingly adapted by Broadway legends Betty Comden and Adolph Green from their original award-winning screenplay. Filled with every memorable moment from the film and a downpour of unforgettable songs, Singin’ in the Rain is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The Carole King Musical
Book by Douglas McGrath
by Steve Glaser
I would choose baseball to keep up with my two children, ages five and thirteen.
Christina Cassell
MANAGER, MINUTEMAN PRESS OF VERO BEACH
Downhill skiing would be my choice. It’s fun and invigorating and I love the fresh air!
Lisa Vizzi Gehin
MARKETING DIRECTOR, MINUTEMAN PRESS
Tennis would be my choice. It’s a great fastmoving sport that gets the blood flowing. Also, there’s great interaction with the other players.
Chayne Edwards
REALTOR, KELLER WILLIAMS OF VERO BEACH
Bicycling would be my choice. You do not have to use thoughts, just use your body and move forward.
Lorie Cuccaro
REAL ESTATE ADVISOR THE REYNOLDS TEAM AT COMPASS
Definitely golf! Something you can never master and always get better. I am always up for a good challenge.
Gerald Irwin
REAL ESTATE ADVISOR THE REYNOLDS TEAM AT COMPASS
I love the freedom of swimming! It’s a great form of exercise and I love the sunshine.
Linda
Fornataro
REAL ESTATE ADVISOR
THE REYNOLDS TEAM AT COMPASS
I would love to learn more about sky diving if I could overcome my fears.
I would choose kayaking. I love the peace and tranquility while connecting with nature.
LOAN OFFICER, GUILD MORTGAGE COMPANY
Ice skating, I love the freedom and the fast pace.
Emily King
REAL ESTATE ADVISOR
THE REYNOLDS TEAM AT COMPASS
Yoga would be my first choice. It’s a great form of exercise and you always feel great after a yoga session.
Taylor Becker
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING AT COMPASS
I always loved Jiujitsu, but since I got my pacemaker my activities are limited.
Michael Gizzi
POLITO BROTHERS CATERING COMPANY
Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, yet many people find the plethora of options overwhelming. Two common vehicles for retirement savings are Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k) plans. In this article, we’ll delve into the key differences, benefits, and considerations of IRAs and 401(k)s to help you make informed decisions about your retirement savings strategy.
• IRAs are individual retirement accounts that allow individuals to save for retirement with tax advantages. There are different types of IRAs, including Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and SEP IRAs, each with unique features and eligibility criteria.
• 401(k) plans are employer-sponsored retirement plans offered by many companies to their employees. These plans allow employees to contribute a portion of their salary to their retirement savings on a pretax basis, often with employer-matching contributions.
• Ownership: Individuals own and manage IRAs, providing more control over investment choices. In contrast, the employer manages 401(k) plans, offering a selection of investment options chosen by the plan provider.
• Contributions: IRAs have contribution limits set by the IRS, which can vary depending on the type of IRA and your age. 401(k) plans also have contribution limits, often higher than IRAs, and may include employer contributions or matches.
• Tax Treatment: Traditional IRAs and 401(k) contributions are typically tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income in the year of contribution. Roth IRAs, however, are funded with after-tax dollars, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. 401(k) plans also offer a Roth option in addition to traditional contributions.
• Withdrawals: IRAs allow penalty-free withdrawals for certain qualifying events, such as retirement age or specific hardships. However, early withdrawals before age 59½ may incur penalties and taxes. 401(k) plans may have similar rules but can also offer loans or hardship withdrawals in certain circumstances.
• Flexibility: IRAs offer a wide range of investment options, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more, allowing you to tailor your portfolio to your risk tolerance and investment goals.
• Control: Since IRAs are individual accounts, you have more control over contributions, investment decisions, and distribution strategies, which can be beneficial for retirement planning customization.
• Portability: IRAs are portable and can be transferred or rolled over into different types of IRAs or other retirement accounts without penalties, providing flexibility in managing your retirement savings.
• Employer Matching: Many 401(k) plans offer employer matching contributions, essentially free money that boosts your retirement savings. Take full advantage of employer matches to maximize your retirement benefits.
• Higher Contribution Limits: 401(k) plans often have higher contribution limits compared to IRAs, allowing you to save more tax-deferred money for retirement if you have the means to do so.
• Automatic Contributions: 401(k) contributions are often deducted directly from your paycheck, promoting consistent saving habits without requiring manual transfers.
• Diversification: Consider diversifying your retirement savings across different account types, such as having both a 401(k) and an IRA, to benefit from various tax treatments and investment options.
• Employer Benefits: Evaluate your employer’s 401(k) plan benefits, including matching contributions, vesting schedules, and investment choices, to make informed decisions about your contributions and allocations.
• Tax Planning: Understand the tax implications of your retirement accounts, including how contributions, withdrawals, and investment gains are taxed, to optimize your tax strategy in retirement.
Both IRAs and 401(k) plans offer valuable retirement savings options, each with unique features and benefits. Your choice between the two or a combination depends on factors such as employment status, income level, investment preferences, and long-term financial goals. Consulting with a financial advisor can provide personalized guidance and help you navigate the complexities of retirement planning to secure a comfortable and sustainable future.
hether you are in search of a new family dentist or need a complete smile makeover, our practice is prepared to serve you with the utmost care and attention.
Every day, we help turn dream smiles into a reality. As one of the most sought-after Vero Beach cosmetic dentists, Dr. Planes and the team here at Planes Dental Arts have transformed the teeth of countless patients. We know how important a beautiful smile is and enjoy watching our patients gain renewed confidence in their appearance. We also know how important good health is to maintaining a new smile. From fillings and cleanings to implants and straightening, we offer preventive, restorative, and cosmetic solutions to fit the needs of the whole family.
Our team is highly trained and experienced in a wide range of dental services. With years of combined advanced education and an office equipped with state-of-the-art technology, it is easy to see why so many people choose Planes Dental Arts and Dr. Alex Planes as their Vero Beach cosmetic dentist.
Whether you need general dental care or feel embarrassed or unhappy with the appearance of your smile, we are prepared and ready to address your concerns. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out how dental care at Planes Dental Arts can meet and exceed your expectations.
WEEKDAYS 7 AM • 3PM • 3AM
Alex Planes, DDS
The city and commune of Asti is located in the Piedmont region of Italy and is where we find some of the most alluring wines of the world. With all the big powerful wines that come from this area, it is nice to be able to enjoy a delicate flower of a wine such as Moscato d’ Asti which hails from the same place.
Moscato d’ Asti is a soft fizzy wine with many tiny bubbles. They explode on the palate with flavors of lychee and white peach. It is said to be a great picnic wine, but I think this wine is a perfect choice for any Sunday brunch presentation.
Moscato d’ Asti is very fragrant and slightly sweet. It’s from the grape of the same name, Moscato Bianco. It is sometimes lumped together with Asti, formally known as Asti Spumante, which is unfortunate because Muscato d’ Asti is quite different. Muscato d’ Asti is only frothy, while Asti is fully sparkling. It’s not as sweet and the alcohol content is lower than Asti. Only the ripest and best grapes are used to make Moscato d’ Asti which places itself at the head of the class.
The wine goes well with all the savory dishes at the Sunday brunch table such as a mushroom and spinach quiche. I like my version of eggs benedict made with a soft poached egg resting on a lightly toasted English muffin, topped with Maryland crab and a touch of hollandaise sauce on the side for a pleasurable experience.
Maybe we should make a fresh fruit platter with all those wonderful late spring and summer berries like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, even peaches, nectarines, and cherries, served with a dollop of vanilla mascarpone cream. I like to serve some fresh croissants and an assortment of baked muffins with different jams and jellies.
All of this presented at your next Sunday brunch with the wonderful exciting taste of a great Moscato d’ Asti will be a memorable time with family and friends. I can’t wait until Sunday!
Happy Mother’s Day! Cheers!
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. If someone asked you who your favorite hero is, who would it be? Your mom, dad, friend, or maybe a sports figure?
Unsung Hero, based on a true story, takes you on a journey with the Australian Smallbone family where we meet the mother, the “unsung hero” who lives her faith through thick and thin. Not only does she live it, but feeds it to her children as a mother bird to her little darlings.
David Smallbone, played by his real-life son Joel Smallbone, and Helen Smallbone, played by Daisy Betts, are the parents of well-known Christian singer Rebecca St. James and Joel and Luke Smallbone of the Christian music group For King + Country (who later actually sing back up for Rebecca).
The Christian Worldview Film Festival recently presented a special showcase screening of this inspirational movie along with a Q&A with special guest Rebecca St. James. I was blessed to be there to hear Rebecca St. James in person. Through laughter and tears, she shared the humble beginnings and hardships her family endured.
Rebecca’s father David Smallbone, a well-to-do Australian concert producer, suffered a major financial setback when one of his concert tours was canceled and the family instantly became penniless. With a job offer in the United States, the family of eight, and one more on the way, packed up the little they had and relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. The family experienced another major setback when that job fell apart. Only the Lord could have strategically placed them in Nashville - the Music City - for a reason.
The family’s life in Australia was elegant with a beautiful large home and all one could ask for. Once arriving in the United States, however, it was
anything but. A huge step down, you could say, with a small house and not one stick of furniture.
I was in awe of the mother Helen’s strength as she led her family with her courage and faith in Almighty God. How many moms would think of taking stacks of clothes and snuggling them up to make a bed for their children?
It was a joy to watch their local church step up to help, as Jed and his wife Kay Albright, played by Candace Cameron Bure, rounded up many to come along and bless the family abundantly and meet their needs.
The ups and downs will take you from laughter to tears, especially as the kids start a lawn service to make money for the family; bit by bit, the glass jar with their earnings brought food from the lawn to the table.
It wasn’t long before David realized his daughter Rebecca, played by Kirrilee Berger, had a gift for music. Despite the obstacles she faced, God opened the door for her talent to become what it is today.
It’s interesting to note that when Kirrilee sings, it is actually her own voice, not Rebecca St. James, and Rebecca’s For King + Country brothers sing backup for her.
This film is a movie of faith, hope, and love. The faith of the mom is instilled into each of the children to become who they are today; the hope of each of them to go from “down under” to the center stage; and the love that bonded this family to remain glued together and face every obstacle as one.
What a blessing to watch the mom of Unsung Hero; she must be so proud to see her children, one by one, living their God-given destiny and not going “unsung” but singing their hearts out for the Lord!
UNSUNG HERO HHHHH
Del Bates is an award-winning author and speaker. Her latest book, Walking in a Minefield -- A Sojourner’s Guide to Overcoming Life’s Obstacles, is available on Amazon. You can find more at delbates.com. She co-hosts the podcast, “Seeds of Hope,” with Penny Cooke, Wednesdays at 12:12pm on Vero’s Voice.
Inspired by Glenn’s wine article (p. 19), we’ve put together a few recipes you may want to include in a special Mother’s Day brunch. What mother wouldn’t love this!
Makes 6 INGREDIENTS
For the Hollandaise Sauce
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
3 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice*
1/4 teaspoon salt
Several dashes bottled hot pepper sauce or a pinch of cayenne
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, or to taste (optional)
For the crabmeat
3/4 pound cooked lump crabmeat
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, or to taste (optional)
For the eggs benedict
Splash of white vinegar
6 large eggs
1 tomato
3 English muffins, lightly toasted and carefully sliced in half DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the butter until frothy. Use a spoon to skim off the foam.
2. In a blender, whip the egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, hot sauce and Old Bay if using for 3 to 5 seconds or until thickened. With the blender running, slowly dribble in the hot butter, leaving the white milk solids at the bottom of the pan. Transfer the sauce to a bowl. Before serving, reheat the sauce in the bowl set over a pan of simmering water.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the crabmeat, chives, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and Old Bay if using; set aside.
4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the vinegar. Crack each egg into a separate cup. Reduce the water to a slow simmer and carefully slide the eggs, one by one, into the water. Simmer eggs for 3 to 4 minutes. The whites should be set while the yolk is still very runny. Using a slotted spoon, remove the eggs and blot with paper towels.
5. Place a tomato slice on each muffin. Top each tomato with some of the crab mixture and a poached egg. Drizzle warm hollandaise sauce over eggs. Garnish with chopped chive and serve immediately.
*One average size lemon is about 3 tablespoons of juice
This is a delicious substitution for regular whipped cream, and is especially good served with fresh fruit. Makes 3 cups
INGREDIENTS
475 grams mascarpone cheese (just under two cups), cold 1 cup heavy or whipping cream, cold 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla bean paste (or two teaspoons vanilla extract)*
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Before you start, place your mixing bowl into the freezer for 5 minutes which will help to make whipping the mascarpone and the cream faster and easier.
2. Place the cold mascarpone to the chilled mixing bowl. Beat for a minute or two to loosen up the dense ingredient.
3. Next, add in the cold cream and beat to incorporate until smooth.
4. Add the confectioner’s sugar. Beat until well incorporated.
5. Finally beat in the vanilla bean paste, or vanilla extract.
6. Cover the bowl well and keep refrigerated until ready to use. Should keep up to one week if refrigerated.
* I’ve recently started using paste. I think the vanilla flavor is more intense, and I like the little black specks.
This comes from King Arthur’s Baking, my go-to source for baking questions. It’s a basic muffin recipe, not too sweet, and is your starting point for creating whatever flavors you like. This is the perfect “plain” muffin recipe, though, if you like to slather on butter and jam. This site is also teaching me to weigh my ingredients instead of measuring. Once you get the hang of it, it’s actually quicker.
Makes 10
2 cups (240g) unbleached all-purpose flour*
1/2 cup (100g) sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (227g) milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup (50g) vegetable oil or 4 tablespoons (57g) butter, melted
2 large eggs
Coarse sparkling sugar (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat your oven to 425° degrees. Lightly grease the cups of a 12-cup standard muffin pan, or line the pan with paper liners and grease the liners.
2. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, add the milk, vanilla, vegetable oil or butter, and eggs, and whisk well to combine thoroughly.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir lightly with a fork, or fold together with a spatula. The trick to keeping your muffins light and lofty is to mix just until the batter comes together.
5. Fill the cups of the muffin pan about three-quarters of the way full. Using a scoop ensures that the cups are filled evenly so your muffins look and bake uniformly.
6. If desired, sprinkle the tops of the muffins with coarse sparkling sugar. Be sure to use this type of sugar, as it doesn’t melt during baking like regular sugars.
7. Bake the muffins for 15 to 20 minutes. Start checking on them after 15 minutes, and take them out as soon as they’re golden brown on the top.
8. Remove them from the oven, and as soon as you can handle them, transfer them to a rack to cool. Make sure you don’t leave them in the pan, or the residual heat of the pan can steam the muffins and make them tough.
To make Berry Muffins, add 1 and 1/2 cups of fresh berries to the dry ingredients. Stir well to coat the berries with the flour mixture. Coating the berries in flour helps to suspend them in the batter and keeps them from sinking to the bottom. Proceed with the rest of the recipe as directed.
The trick to getting high domes to your muffins is twofold: the high heat of the oven and the baking powder.
Make sure your oven is preheated to 425° degrees before you put in your muffins. Resist the urge to open the door as they bake. The dome will start to appear after about 10 minutes.
Make sure your baking powder is fresh or you won’t get the rise to your muffins. To test for freshness: measure out 1/2 cup of hot tap water and add 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. It should fizz vigorously. If it doesn’t, it’s time to buy a new can.
Add some style to your home and upgrade those builder-grade fixtures with these beauties.
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D. Greyson 2 Tier Chandelier CAPITAL LIGHTING
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E. Bristol Wood Bead Chandelier POTTERY BARN
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F. Capiz Honeycomb Pendant SERENA & LILY
$598-$798 SERENAANDLILY.COM
The aim with Sudoku is to place the numbers 1-9 exactly once in each region and in each row.
What is that which, though black itself, enlightens the world without burning?
How many words of four or more letters can you find in the wheel? Each word you find must use the central letter and each letter can only be used once. Can you find a word that uses all nine letters?
Can you spot the 3 identical shapes? Shapes may be rotated and different in color but will always be the same in size.
Only one of the four words below is listed with the correct spelling - can you work out which it is?
And how should the other three words be spelled?
a) achieve
b) bizzare
c) enviroment
d) florescent
Change one letter of the top fourletter word to create a new word below. Continue the process, ending with the word on the bottom rung.
I came across this article in our archives written by our dear friend David Walsh 14 years ago, in the early days of Vero’s Voice. Mother’s Day 2024 marks the 110th anniversary of this special day. Last year Americans spent a whopping 35.7 billion on Mother’s Day with the most popular purchases being greeting cards, flowers, and special outings.
Aby David Walsh
h, Mother’s Day 2012 – the 98th anniversary of the first national holiday passed into law by Congress on May 8, 1914. The next day President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first national Mother’s Day as a day for American citizens to honor those mothers whose sons had died in war.
Mother’s Day initially was the result of mothers commemorating sons who died in the Civil War. Anna Jarvis in 1868 attempted to reunite families after the Civil War. Anna died in 1905. However, her daughter, Anna Marie Jarvis, with Philadelphian John Wanamaker, took up the cause that resulted in the first celebration taking place in the Wanamaker store on May 10, 1908. Anna Marie distributed 500 carnations and the flower became a tradition.
Today, and rightfully so, the emphasis is on mothers themselves. We honor our mothers with 2.6 billion in flowers, 1.53 billion in gifts, and another 68 million on greeting cards. Restaurants and jewelers also profit from the holiday.
I was surprised when researching the origins of Mother’s Day to find the original intent was to honor mothers whose sons had died. However, it quickly became the holiday to honor all mothers. After all, nothing takes the place of a mother’s love and influence. Today people in their 70’s and 80’s recall words their mother told them that still form their thinking. “My mother taught me”; “My mother said” are conversation starters for all ages.
I speak for legions when I think of how much we love and revere our mothers. Mine gave me self esteem, and encouraged me when there was doubt. If anyone was the wind beneath my wings, it was my beautiful mother. Bless all mothers.
Happy Mother’s Day to mothers of all ages. Thank you so much for putting up with us.
When considering the qualities we would like to portray, or those we hope to find in partners and friends, most of us consider traits like kindness, fairness, and loyalty. Every now and then we come across a person whose demeanor is so attractive that we develop a sense of comfortability and wellbeing when we are around them. What is that spark of life they seem to possess that makes them stand out in a crowd? Could it be simply that they are in relationship with God?
Before you stop reading, please take a moment to answer the questions posed in the previous paragraph. Is spiritual contentment apparent in those who have made you feel that vibrant energy when you are around them?
People who are in close relationship with God tend to exhibit qualities that are almost superhuman. Their normal state is often more welcoming and genuine. Perhaps, hanging out with God gives them an ease that transcends the ordinary fragility or unsteadiness of the worldly. When dealing with the spiritually connected, we often see qualities that can be difficult to attain without an unshakeable belief in a Higher Power.
Let’s take forgiveness, for example. It is common to desire retribution when one is wronged, rejected, or hurt. Our media exposes this mundane conviction when television dramas and courtroom reality programs receive high viewer ratings. Our American culture mimics this media trend with 40-50% of first-time marriages ending in irreconcilable differences and 60-67% of second marriages winding up in divorce as well.
Forgiveness, as a character trait, asks that the injured relinquish the desire to punish the wrongdoer. Forgiveness goes against selfcentered thinking and renounces the “looking out for number one” attitude that promises to fetch power and success. Forgiveness is a characteristic and practice of people who understand love at a deeper level than most.
Closely related, another trait of the spiritually connected is non-judgmentalism. In our world, we learn from an early age to compare ourselves with our neighbors.
“Keeping up with the Joneses” is a trite saying that confirms this attitude. We judge one another because we often look to comparison to placate tenuous self-worth. Unsure that we are loved completely, we look to the world for our value. To earn or maintain the good opinion of others becomes an ambition. This sets us up to accept as fact the dogmas of those we perceive as authority. Prejudice is born in judgmentalism. We learn to do what the word suggests – to pre-judge based on gender, race, ethnicity, or other distinct features. We look for how we are different from others to obtain a perceptive position of power that convinces us that we are worthy of love and respect.
One of the most attractive qualities of the spiritually aware is that they garner certainty from their liaison with God. When bonded in that relationship, they have a knowing that they are loved, valued, and created with purpose for a purpose.
In addition to those listed, there are other traits like faithfulness, compassion, and willingness to serve that are earmarks of the committed believer. Perhaps the reason they seem to manifest in their lives is because of the quality and quantity of time spent seeking oneness with the holy. These “God-qualities” rub off and are brought into the arena of humanity so that others might be pointed in the direction of unconditional love.
Coming to believe that this love is available to all transforms the way one interacts with the world at large.
People who are in close relationship with God tend to exhibit qualities that are almost superhuman.
Puzzles on page 26
WORD LADDER:
PERCEPTION:
LOGIC RIDDLE:
b)
c)
d)
WORD WHEEL:
Some of the words that can be made from the wheel include: pachyderm, cramped, champed, marched, charmed, ramped, camper, damper, creamy, dreamy, harmed, hamper, rhymed, camped, cream, harem, derma, madre, maced, dream, march, mercy, mayed, champ, armed, cream, campy, rhyme, remap, charm, ream, harm, pram, perm, mare, mace, mach, ramp, made, mead, dame, camp, cram, ahem, came, damp, army derm, dram, acme
Proverbs 31:10-31 tells us what a virtuous mother is:
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
Her price is far above rubies, She works willingly with her hands, She rises early in the morning and feeds her family, She plants a garden, She helps the poor and needy, She is honest, wise and kind. Her children call her blessed and her husband praises her, and, She fears the Lord.
Happy Virtuous Mother’s Day! Blessings, grace and peace, Pastor Rich Ienuso
We easily forget to enjoy the simple things of life. The gospel is called the Good News. It gives energy to broken hearts; it rejuvenates the prematurely old; it restores life to arid souls; and it helps us to find joy in everything. This joy comes from within us, welling up from the deep recesses of the human soul. It is not to be achieved by living on the surface, but by penetrating the deep needs of our souls through the grace of God.
Joy is not the same as a sense of achievement over something we may have created through our own efforts. All our achievements in life are, ultimately, transitory. Neither is joy the same as happiness, because happiness is only a by-product which lasts while the good times last, but it, too, will be blown away like dust in the wind.
and dancing with unrestrained enthusiasm; the playfulness of little children shouting and running on sandy shores; the beauty of faith in the eyes of believers who neither fear life or death.
Joy is different [than happiness] because it is a permanent quality of the soul.
Joy is different because it is a permanent quality of the soul. It manifests itself in an unlimited variety of experiences and new awakenings. Our renewed spirit can shake with great joy at the many experiences of life: the power and the glory of God’s word in Scripture and the beauty and interconnectedness of all of God’s creation.
We see joy on the faces of children, and married couples celebrating their union together; the joy of dedicated people living unselfish lives; the awesome wonders of nature and of animals leaping
This is the joy the Lord imparts to us: the joy of the soul which He calls “complete.” Nothing can rob you of this joy. You can carry it with you wherever you go, and you can experience it wherever you are. There’s a story about a young navy ensign who was given the task of preparing his ship to launch. He achieved everything at breakneck speed, and had his vessel in ship-shape as he blew the whistle to set sail. He was feeling very proud of himself when a sailor delivered a message to him from the Captain of the ship. He presumed it was a message of congratulations, but when he opened the envelope he saw it was a telegram from the Captain: “You have performed everything with great speed and efficiency, but you forgot about the most important thing: you should have checked to see if the Captain was aboard.”
You might be busy with many things in life, but don’t forget to check if Christ is on board. Do not be so busy as to fail to enjoy God’s presence in the little things, in the ordinary experiences of everyday life.
