April 2020 Spring!
Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26-34
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COVER PHOTO BY PA M AT K I N S Cover Photo by Pam Atkins My photographic journey began about 7 years ago when my husband bought me my first digital camera. Shortly after, I discovered my passion in photography. Through the lens of my camera, I began to experience the world differently. I discovered the multiple colors of serene sunsets, the blue hour of the pending night fall, the amazing star mass of the milky way and its surrounding skies, the excitement of capturing children escaping the lapping waves of the shoreline, or new mother’s desires to capture the rapidly changing details of their newborn babies, the small and nearly invisible details of nature, the fascinating strangeness of wildlife which crossed my path, and the lives of those on the street. It was here that God continued to remind me of His glorious creation! When I look back at my youth and my dreams, I realized I was always drawn to animal and human behavior. I have always been an explorer of nature, drawn to camping, hiking and travel. Now my photography draws me into the beauty of landscapes; its weather, its seasons, and its creatures dwelling within that landscape. This journey has touched my heart and soul in ways that I hope to share in my photographs. I call it my meditation that nourishes my soul. I have learned much through the remarkable photographers I have met along the way, Karen Ruhl being one of my first and most influential mentors. I am thankful for their insights and education. Through my photography, I am able to capture my life’s journey through life. I hope you enjoy my discoveries. Thanks to all who take the time to view my images. FAITH ON EVERY CORNER
K I N SR T A PA M G R A P H E
PHO
TO
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
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Over these past couple of months, we have seen the world that we live in changing. It can be a frightening time, and yet, God has given us words for just this time in our lives. “Take heart; I have overcome the world.” What great words to keep in our hearts as we move forward, God has got this! If you start to fear, take time to pray and talk to Him. He created us to have a relationship with Him. Find the peace that comes from knowing Him. Each month, we strive to bring stories of hope, laughter, encouragement. We bring stories of people overcoming sad times, the loss of a child, parents, brothers and sisters, illness, financial distress, and so much more. The key word here is they have OVERCOME their problems through their faith in Christ Jesus. We hope you take time to read the stories in our magazine and listen to the hearts of our writers. Again, throughout this month, I prayed and asked for wisdom and discernment over the magazine. We are now read in over 50 countries around the world. Countries where it is illegal to own a bible. And yet, His people are seeking us out and reading our stories. God indeed has overcome the world.
Craig and I are praying for you and your families.
We would love to hear from our readers. E-mail us at FaithOnEveryCorner@gmail.com Blessings to you. Karen
KAREN RUHL
The Future by Karen Ruhl
As I sit and think about the future, I wonder just how much this world is going to change. And then, I rejoice, knowing that I am a daughter of The King, and that I am not supposed to conform to this world. We still need to live here until Jesus Christ returns, so how do we look at the future through Christ’s eyes? When we step back and stop seeing our problems and think about how God sees us, our actions will change. In 1 John 2:6 , we read, “whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.” So how did Jesus walk on this earth? There are several characteristics of Jesus that we should strive for in our own lives. 1. Humility - read Philippians 2:5-8 2. Service - read Matthew 20:28 3. Glorify God - read 1 Corinthians 10:31 4. Prayer - read Mark 1:35 5. Sacrifice - read 1 John 2:2 I ask you to get your bible out and read these verses, read the chapter and prayerfully consider what 4 | MON AG A Z INE NAM E FAITH EVERY CORNER
you can do to be more like Christ. We are all sinners and will continue to sin. Pray for forgiveness daily and strive to be more humble, look for ways to serve others, Glorify God in all you do - Praise Him, thank Him, Love Him. Stay in prayer continually, take breaks and talk to Him, He is always with us. Sacrifice, you will have to think about what sacrificing means to you. Perhaps you give more this month than normal. Sacrifice may mean looking for ways to help in your community, donate to a local food bank, give money to the schools who are still feeding the kids that are out of school. In 2013, Craig and I had to sell our home, we were blessed to have a motorhome and we lived in that for 5.5 years. We now know that we were humbled so that we could have better vision of the future and how we should be living for Christ. Think about how you want God to think of you daily. I know many things about God. I know that God sovereignly rules history and will complete His plans to judge and save through Jesus, the slain Lamb and returning King. I pray we all look toward this future with our King.
TABLE OF
Special thanks to Pam Atkins for our wonderful cover photo.
THE FUTURE
Karen Ruhl
SPEAK TO INSPIRE
Simon Hart
FLOWERS OF SPRINGTIME
Jeff Barclay Jessica Brodie
HOW DO I DO THE NEW NORMAL THOUGHTS ON TODAY & TIMES PAST SEEK AND YOU WILL FIND
Craig Ruhl
Melissa Henderson
Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer
LOVE FEST MADNESS OR MIRACLE I P R AY E D F O R YO U
Suzette Humphreys Chynna Laird
FINDING HOPE IN CRISIS
Anthony Acampora
NEW FAITH
Lynn Downham
DEAR CARL
Anna Friend
WALK WITH ME
Anna Friend
IN THIS ISSUE
F O L LO W U S
3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 21 23 25 28 33
CONTENTS
19 30 35
WAR COUNCIL / CHAPTER 3
Craig Ruhl
ROAD TRIPPIN’ AROUND TOWN
Karen Ruhl
NOT JUST ANOTHER EASTER
Melissa Henderson
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Speak to Inspire By Simon Hart
If you had one opportunity to make a lasting impact on someone, what would you do? The Bible shares with us that we need to love our neighbors. This is a concept Christians should live by, especially in this world we abide in. As we see the effects of Coronavirus on our society, I am able to understand more why God calls us to be in community and to love one another. The question I ask is: “At this time, how should we show love to each other?” We all know this pandemic we are experiencing right now is going to go down in history books. People are going to be talking about this season for a while. It also means our society is in a vulnerable state which creates an opportunity. An opportunity that allows us to make a positive impact in the world by seeking after conversation and community to demonstrate love. This display of love may look different to everyone. Tangible gifts are an amazing way to cheer someone up and show love. However, at times, they are given with very minimal care or effort. On the other hand, conversations make others feel more cherished because of the intention and one hundred percent focus given to them. We know all actions motivated by faith in Christ are going to please God. However, when we spend time having conversations with people, it helps us achieve our goal of building God’s kingdom more effectively. This is a concept we observe even as we follow the example of Christ. There are only a few times Jesus gives a physical gift, although He often chooses to spend time interacting and getting to know others. One example that comes to mind is the story of the woman at the well (John 4: 1-42). Jesus could have helped her get water and continued on His journey. Instead, not only did He sit and wait for her, but He also chose to take the time to give her all of His attention and speak with her. He looked into her life and began to understand who she was. When the woman left this interaction, she was changed and hopeful. As Christians, this should be something we are seeking after daily. To look out for people who are lost and share with them God’s wisdom and friendship. When we collectively do this, especially in our desperate society, there will be an activation of hope in our communities. We will start to see people having positive attitudes and sharing the love they received with others. In doing this, we will change the way humanity remembers this period of time. There are many people who are struggling with not having community right now. With isolation and the lack of communication, depression is setting in. They need someone to show them the exact love and friendship that we should be practicing. So, if you are considering dropping off a present to cheer someone up, maybe take some time and give them your focus in conversation as well. You can also seek out a neighbor and encourage them. Give hope to just one person that you see. In all you do, build the kingdom of God with every opportunity He gives you. 6FAITH | MON AG A ZEVERY INE NAM E CORNER
Simon Hart
www.wiredforwisdom.info
My name is Simon Hart. I am a teenager and I live in Washington State. Earlier this year, I decided that I wanted to start a Christian blog so I started writing and publishing. I now have an international blog, www.wiredforwisdom.info . My blog has all types of material, however, most of it is devotionals like this one. I am working on building more “howto” type posts. It is not as edited and formalized because I like having my blog very personalized. I am very honored to get to even submit this article! I know God is going to use this post in the most effective way for His kingdom!
From The Publisher, Karen Ruhl As I read this article from Simon, I literally got goosebumps. This young man gets it and he wants to share the good news. I hope you read his words and take them to heart. Keep in mind that our older generation may be in their homes alone. Take time to give them a phone call and see if they need anything. Hearing someone’s voice may change their entire day. Thank you Simon for sharing this article. May God bless you and your family, and may you continue to absorb the word and share it with your generation and the world. WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM 6 M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 7
by Jeff Barclay Every morning I get my exercise by walking three miles in the cemetery behind my house. I appreciate this daily walk more now than ever, not just for the exercise I get but for the time I have every day to commune with nature, breathe fresh air, and clear my head from all that is going in in this world today. I am a Vietnam veteran and on my walks I often take note of the grave stones of veterans buried here. There are so many here, so many men and women who served this country with honor. It makes me so proud to walk among them. This cemetery has many different types of trees including flowering cherry and crab apple. Right now the cherry trees are so beautiful with their pink and white blooms glowing in the spring sunshine. After my walk the other day, I grabbed my camera and returned to the cherry trees to get some pictures. While there, a poem started swimming in my head. I would like to share that with you in hope that it and the photos will brighten your day in this time of uncertainty. Spring, that time of year when Mother Nature breathes new life into all she touches and puts on a display of colors that is so very pleasing to the eye.
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Flowers of Springtime by Jeff Barclay March winds are blowing the air seems so fresh gone the stank smell of winter’s darkness The robins are singing while building their nests all birds seem so happy to be back in the quest With signs of spring everywhere just look around the whole world is blooming look what I found First up the crocus so tiny and sweet a bed of bright color laid at my feet Then tulips and daffodils make themselves known as out of frosty ground they have grown Forsythia can brighten up every back yard it’s yellow sun like color can be see from afar The cherry trees show off their white and pink bouquet the flowers so beautiful I wish they would stay Celebrate what’s right in life!
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by Jessica Brodie
Jessica Brodie is an award-winning journalist, author, blogger, editor, and devotional writer with thousands of articles to her name. She is the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won 116 journalism awards during her tenure. She is actively seeking publication for her fiction. Her novel, The Memory Garden, won the 2018 Genesis Award for Contemporary Fiction from the American Christian Fiction Writers. Her follow-up novel Tangled Roots won a third place Foundation Award in Contemporary Romance at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2019. Married, Brodie has four preteen children and stepchildren and lives outside Columbia, South Carolina.
FAITH ON EVERY CORNER
The coronavirus has made life as we know it very different right now. Instead of a boredom driven, want-based, shop-till-you-drop, pleasure-focused existence—or one utterly consumed by the endless monotony of work and sheer busyness—most of us are now in a season of quiet contemplation and social isolation. Confined to the home and forced to steer clear of crowded gatherings, stores, and face-to-face interaction, some people are finding themselves with far too much time on their hands and choose to fill it by binge-watching Netflix, obsessively cleaning the house, finally starting that YouTube channel, or spending hours on social media. Others are going more introspective, taking time to reflect on who they are, what life is truly about, what they wish for the future, and where God is calling them. It remains to be seen whether this is a short-term halt to “Society As We Know It.” In our community, schools and church gatherings are closed until the end of April, but who knows? This all might well extend into May, or beyond.
James 4 calls us to turn from the world and submit to God, trusting in the Lord—not ourselves—to provide both our path and our needs. As James warns prideful planners (as I am often inclined to be): “Pay attention, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such-and-such a town. We will stay there a year, buying and selling, and making a profit.’ You don’t really know about tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for only a short while before it vanishes. Here’s what you ought to say: ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that’” (James 4:13-15 CEB).
jessicabrodie.com
Who knows what tomorrow will bring, James is saying. I am promised not even today—just right now, this very moment. And as a Christian, my life is not even my own but rather God’s. As the apostle Paul reminds me, I was bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Therefore, what right do I have to make plans so pridefully, as though I have a say over what God wishes me to do with this day? God calls us to set our plans aside, see what the day will bring, and adapt accordingly. He calls us to wake up, talk with Him, offer ourselves over for His purposes, and then go and do as asked—whatever that looks like. I’m not there yet. There’s still too much “Jessica” in my day, too many things I prioritize without even bothering to consult God. But I’m learning—and thanks to the pandemic, quickly. Lord willing.
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For many years, we were a one-car family. My Dad used our car to commute to work, which would leave Mom without transportation during the day. On weekdays, Dad would leave early in the morning and not return home until early evening. Mom tried to have us kids cleaned up and dinner on the table when Dad came home. On Fridays, the daily routine would change. Us kids would get cleaned, dressed and be ready when Dad came home from work. We would first go to the bank where Dad would cash his paycheck, then to Howard Johnson’s for dinner, and after that, we would go to the grocery store for the weeks shopping.
THOUGHTS ON TO D AY A N D T I M E S PA S T by Craig Ruhl Today is the 10th day of April 2020. The world is concerned and affected by a worldwide pandemic involving the virus named COVID-19. All of us have had our lives turned upside down with health concerns and changes to our everyday routines and lifestyles. Many states are under a “shelter in place” or “stay at home” proclamation. It forces the world to make many changes in work, shopping, and family dynamics. As we struggle to acclimate to this alternative way of living, I am reminded of an earlier time when my family’s life was simpler and perhaps less stressful. Lessons learned many years ago still serve us well today. Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, my sisters and I were blessed to have a mother who did not need to work outside the home. Dad was an aeronautical engineer who made a modest but adequate income that allowed our family to operate as it did. Mom’s full-time job was to take care of our household. Her duties included shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and paying the bills. This was besides raising three young children and caring for her husband, our father. 12 | M AG AEVERY Z I N E N ACORNER ME FAITH ON
As I was growing up, small independent businesses made home deliveries providing many services and products. I remember dairy, meat, bakery, laundry, and home products being delivered to our home. My favorite was the bread man who would pull up in his truck, open the side panel and display an array of bread, pastries, and cakes. Mom would let us kids pick out a treat and then she would make selections according to her weekly menu needs. The local dairy delivered milk and butter products to the door. Most homes had an insulated metal box on the doorstep where the delivery man would leave the products. They would also include a paper order form for us to mark what they needed to leave the next time. Another truck that came by picked up and delivered laundry. Dad’s white dress shirts, tablecloths, and bed linens came back cleaned, starched, and wrapped in brown paper tied in bundles with twine. We washed the rest of the family laundry in the basement and hung it out to dry in the backyard. The local butcher shop and pharmacy had home delivery available. There was also a Fuller Brush delivery truck that came by with all kinds of household cleaning products. The merchants would leave a paper bill with their deliveries and Mom would pay them by check once a month, leaving the envelope at the door for them to pick up the next time they came by. On Sundays, after church, our family would climb in the car along with a picnic lunch Mom had made and we would take a leisurely drive in the countryside. Stopping beside a creek or at
a park, we loved to spread out a blanket and enjoy lunch and the quiet beauty of nature. Us kids would think of some game to play or just run around while Dad would take a nap and Mom would supervise the lot of us. We filled our childhood weekdays with school, homework, outdoor sports and games, and some household chores. In the evenings, our family would read, play board games, do puzzles, and maybe watch a show on a small black and white television that, on a wonderful day, received three stations. Sometimes, there was a baseball game on the radio. We are now confined to being in or around our homes. Many of us are struggling to transition from commuting, rushing to appointments, eating inside restaurants, and normal store shopping. Electronics and their many applications and programs fill our time and relieve some boredom and frustration. We now have the time to be quiet, to read, to write, to pray, to make art; yet, we find it hard to seize the opportunities. Fortunately, many people are able to work from their home using modern technology. A large portion of the working force has lost the ability to work and earn incomes. We pray that this crisis is short lived and that people will be economically restored quickly. Another great concern is not being able to physically check on loved ones and friends. We are blessed to have the technology that allows us to stay in touch quickly and easily, although it does not replace one-on-one personal contact. Much of our population is too young to remember the yesteryears when life was slower, and we knew the skills and habits learned from our parents and their parents before them. Maybe during this time, we can reach back and revive our ability to be happy with the blessings we have and be able to enjoy the gifts, talents, and skills that we have neglected using.
friends are very supportive and helpful. We have made many friends through our magazine ministry and have watched as it has grown. It is our prayer that you and your families are safe during this season of unease. Karen and I have a favorite Bible verse that is appropriate here:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) Today is “Good Friday,” the day that Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and was buried. But “Easter” Sunday is coming, and we will celebrate His rising from the dead. Through His sacrifice, we who believe and follow Him have had our sins washed clean. This salvation is also available to all who believe that God is the Creator, hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, confess and repent of their sins, believe in and follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. If you have not yet been saved and would like to know more, please drop us a note at faithoneverycorner@gmail.com I’ll leave you with another of our favorite verses:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16 (NIV) God bless you all and keep you safe and well!
Karen and I have owned home-based businesses for many years, so this new reality hasn’t been hard for us to embrace. We both love to read and write and to share our passions with our Faith On Every Corner readers each month. In the past few weeks, we have become comfortable with online shopping for groceries and picking them up with minimal exposure. Our WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM WMW W.AFA E VEE&O RYCO M AG Z IINTEH O NN AM R URRNLE R|.CO12 13
S E E K A N D YO U W I L L F I N D
Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages. Her first book for children, “Licky the Lizard”, was released in 2018. She also has a story in the compilations “Heaven Sightings” and “Remembering Christmas”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister. She and her husband Alan moved from Virginia to South Carolina to be near her son, daughterin-law and first grandchild. The family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com My cell phone buzzed with another alert. The television caught my attention with the loud beeping sound reminding me to pay attention. Important news was broadcasting on all stations. Listen for the latest directions from authorities. Be prepared. A new declaration has been given.
A nudge from God should never be pushed aside. I am thankful the nudge I felt that day allowed me to take action. A simple comment on social media became a place of refuge and joyful sharing. I asked, “In all the worry, did you find something that brought joy today? Let us know.”
The coronavirus is here, there and everywhere. For weeks, the radio, television, social media, neighborhood chat rooms online, family and friend conversations have all been filled with talk about the horrific sights and sounds of the virus. Tears are shed every second. The news is more devastating each time I wake up and search for more information.
A short question. I wondered if anyone would read and answer.
Many people are having moments, hours, days and weeks of anxiety and fear of the unknown.
Look at these blessed ways people are finding joy. Writing stories, making banana bread, sitting on the front porch listening to birds singing, chatting on the phone with a friend, writing a letter to a nursing home, volunteering at a food bank, noticing new blossoms on a tree, listening to worship music, hearing the laughter of children and grandchildren, reading a good book or two or three, the warmth of sunshine and so many more beautiful blessings of joy. Don’t let worry consume your thoughts. God provides plenty of ways to find joy.
I am thankful to find comfort and peace with God and His Word. Prayer is a big part of my daily routine. Before my feet touch the floor each morning, I pray. During the day, I pray. At night, I pray. That is one of the ways I find comfort and peace. About a week ago, all I was seeing on every social media platform and every television station was doom and despair. Listening to people express their sadness and loneliness, I prayed.
By Melissa Henderson
“God, there has to be something more. What can be done to remind us of Your love and joy?”
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Yes, the answers started pouring in. People began sharing ways they found joy and now, a week later, the comments are still coming. We need a way to remind ourselves that in the midst of this trial, we can find joy. If we seek joy, we will find joy.
Seek and you will find joy. Amen. Blessings, Melissa Henderson
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After His resurrection, the Lord had spent over a month teaching them the whole of the scriptures. When He had left them that final time, rising up into heaven, Jesus had asked them to wait in Jerusalem for a sign from Him, with no idea what the sign would be. He had reassured them they would know it when it came. Now, they had been praying together in this room ever since. What happened next was so explosive, so earth-rocking, the world has never been the same since. At its birth, the church was a group of 120 Jewish people receiving the Holy Spirit in a cataclysmic event, the compression waves of which would reverberate across space and time. For on the day of Pentecost, 3,000 faithful Jews who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Weeks—thanksgiving for the first harvest—now became the Holy Spirit’s First Harvest of many to come. The early church took the Lord’s words to heart.
LO V E F E A S T
by Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer Imagine the street outside your home filled with laughing, playing children, the mouth-watering aroma of rich food being cooked over a fire wafting through your window, redolent with the heavy incense of blossoms, cedar, and spices. You look outside and see that a tumble of huts made from leafy, flowering branches has filled every outside space possible. Excitement is in the air. There is an indefinable sense of hope, anticipation, open joy, and you can’t quite put your finger on it, but you just know it is going to be a glorious day. That is how it was, over twenty centuries ago, as Jesus’ mother Mary, His disciples, and the rest of His closest friends and followers gathered in Mark’s home at Pentecost. It had been fifty days since the Passover, when Jesus had died, and now it was the time of Sukkot, Israel’s favorite festival. Before His death, Jesus had given His final words of encouragement, teaching, and prophetic exhortation to His beloved followers, saying “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34, NRSV) 16 | ON M AG AEVERY Z I N E N ACORNER ME FAITH
In those first days, Luke recorded, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42 (NRSV) They called these meals “Love Feasts,” in honor of Jesus Who loved them, and Who told them everyone would know they were His disciples by their own love for Him and each other. The deep significance of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are found in the Passover. I wanted our children to understand that deep significance, to experience something of what the Passover meant, and to understand Who Jesus was as the Lamb Who would take away the sins of the world. Thus began a nearly 30-year time of study, research, discovery, and tinkering with the many Passover services now celebrated in both Jewish, and Messianic Jewish, households today. I discovered there is evidence in the book of Acts that the 1st century church enjoyed a modified version of the Passover Seder in their weekly gatherings, often calling it a “Love Feast.”
“Love Feast,” the fruit of all those years of study and celebration, follows the First Passover to the Last Supper, into the Love Feast Jesus has for us all. I put together a haggadah (according to the dictionary, a haggadah is “the text recited at the Seder on the first two nights of the Jewish Passover, including a narrative of the Exodus”) which incorporates the gospel accounts of Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples, as well as explanations for some key elements in the Passover itself, as it is observed today. The traditional Passover goes long into the night. This haggadah has been modified so that families with children of all ages (like mine) can take part, lasting about an hour and a half (including dinner and dancing). “Love Feast” includes everything you will need to hold your own Passover Seder—order and flow of the worship service, songs, a menu, a list of items you will need, and speaking parts. It concludes with some thoughts on the First Passover, the Last Supper, and our legacy in the Love Feasts of the Bible. May we continue what the early church began!
Joanne’s books are available on Amazon Love Feast
Heroine or Villainess?: 32 Biblical women whose impact is still felt today
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MADNESS OR MIRACLE? Viewing the National Crisis through a Spiritual Lens Presented by Suzette-The Marriage Warrior “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Ps.42:11) As Christians comply with Covid-19 health and safety guidelines, we watch businesses suffer, education programs compromised, the economy struggle, churches close, constitutional rights questioned, and the family going stir-crazy. Many leaders are urging people to pray, pray, pray! However, with all the moving parts, it can be difficult to find specific prayer targets. Generally, people tend to pray during times of crisis more than times of peace. When people can’t find answers in the natural realm, they spontaneously begin to press into the supernatural realm to ease uncertainty. The scripture teaches that “my people parish for a lack of knowledge” which relates a lack of knowledge with death, or at least the feeling of death. As a result, when humans face unknowns, the innate response is to explore. However, in the current national state of emergency, when we talk to friends…we find no real answers. We search the internet, only to find confusion within polar opposite viewpoints. Leaning on leaders seems to be fruitless as well, as we see the disunity emerging through “brother going against brother” (Matt. 10:12). As we observe important things unraveling around us, we feel powerless. The state of powerlessness is one of the most damaging emotions that people experience. Powerlessness is not a God created condition for mankind. This is why God provided scripture with messages to fill us with power. Colossians 1:11 says “being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience”. Ephesians 1:19 says “His incomparably great power for us who believe”. 1 Corinthians 2:5 says “so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. Ephesians 3:16 says “He may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being”…and on and on it goes.
“For you created my inmost being: you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Ps. 139:13-14)
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Christians are in the army of God! Armies, by their very nature, are active! God never expected us to be inactive, even when we are governed to stay quarantined. He consistently encrypted scripture to demonstrate how we are to overcome powerlessness. God is the Most High, the supreme power above all other powers. In order for an individual to be powerful over a situation, he must be backed by a higher power than that of his opponent. God is our heavenly father. Because He is pure in love and long-suffering and doesn’t have evil within Him, He does NOT cause pain. However, He never wastes pain, either! During times of uncertainty, God will strategically utilize maddening events to shift paradigms and reconstruct environments for a miracle to take place. As humans, we like our “norms”. Typically, people move through rapid daily routines and neglect practicing spiritual reflection. However, when things are moving too fast, or moving in the wrong direction, a natural implosion will occur. What causes individuals to get uncomfortable is a crisis. This disruption to norms creates uncertainty and the very nature of uncertainty creates environments for deep reflection. God did not desire for mankind to suffer, which is why He did not wire human capacity to endure much pain. Pain, however, is the conduit for real change to occur. Therefore, we don’t tend to change unless we become uncomfortable. When pain occurs in God’s children, He knows that by design, humans will quickly make whatever changes required to get out of that pain. This was God’s design! During this time of national crisis, we need to reach deep within ourselves to search what the spirit of God is wanting to change “for our good”! Those who are able to seize this opportunity for change, must not fear, but rather fight through the shifting of the norm, in order to make the changes required for a new norm. This takes inviting a spiritual view that is higher than the natural plane we are used to operating in. The first order of business must take place in changing our perspectives to things that are “above” rather than things that are “below.”
(Colossians 3:2). Prayer is the facilitator that moves heaven’s agenda to earth’s manifestation. Prayer is spiritually utilized as the shifting agent that calls things “from heaven to be done on earth” (Matt. 6:10). However, for prayers to be effective in accomplishing such a broad task, we must first know…what is heaven’s agenda? The scripture says to “watch and pray” (Matt. 26:41). This passage instructs us to keenly observe our surroundings on earth, to know what to call down from heaven. The scripture also tells us to “study to show ourselves approved”(2 Tim. 2:15). We are required to research, educate ourselves and observe, in order to be aware of what is occurring around us. As we become more observant, we will become more unsettled. This uncertainty is the very tool that God will use to mobilize his people to secure things that are causing insecurity. God’s desire for us is security within Him, having faith that “He will never leave us or forsake us” (Heb. 13:5). In knowing that, you can activate the very role of the Holy Spirit as a “lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path”(Ps. 119:105). Therefore, in engaging the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can expect direction from God, who is “the way maker” (Isaiah 43:16), to show the pathway we are to take. Listening to God’s Spirit is often times more important than making request. Learning to hear God’s voice and seeing the way He moves, is easier than you may think. The scripture tells us “My sheep hear my voice, no other will they follow” (John 10:27). During times of prayer/ meditation, ask God to speak to you on a matter and trust His voice ( journaling the conversation is helpful). He speaks deep within us in a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). The sound of His voice is peaceful and is filled with truth. If God is desiring a change within you, he will reveal a truth that may be hard to confront, but it will be laced with sweet conviction and love. The voices of clutter and distraction is of the enemy, so resist those voices (James 4:7) and dig deeper within you. The scripture says “the deep calls to the deep” (Ps. 42:7), which means that the deep places within you will call upon the rich depth of God, your Father. This type of prayer will deepen your intimacy with God. Many people doubt that they hear God’s voice and determine they are merely hearing their own inner voice. The way to confront this issue is to recognize that if you were the one who had the question, you probably don’t have the answer. So, if you receive an answer to your question, then it probably was not your inner voice. Always “test the spirit” (1 John 4:1) to make sure it is congruent with scripture, because God will never go against His word (Ps. 89:34). Also, watch for signs from God. God will use all kinds of things to confirm what He is speaking to you. However, this will require you to be present in the moments, aware, and noticing the little things. God is Wisdom…He is Good…He is your Father, who loves YOU… and He is ACTIVE!
Warrior’s Wisdom: TAKE A STEP BACK…AND RESET 1. Observe your marital structure and pray for God to give wisdom on how to become more loving and unified. Communicate it with your spouse. 2. Observe your family and pray for guidance on how to create more structure and cohesiveness. Activate it. 3. Observe your career and ask God to show you creative ideas for effective strategizing. 4. Observe your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health and ask God for directive steps for balance. Plan your day. 5. Observe relationships and ask God to assist you to distance from those which are destructive and nurture those which are good. PRAY for your friends. 6. Observe the nation-wide situation and ask God what direction to pray. 7. Ask God to specifically place upon you heart which leaders to pray for and what direction to pray. Commit to pray that way. 8. Study the bible and discover the biblical signs as they relate to what is occurring globally. Ask for God to have mercy. 9. Ask God for direction on the purpose and role He desires you to play as a spouse, parent, employer/employee
and a citizen. Write it down and commit to change. 10. Pray for a closer, more intimate relationship with the Most High God of the universe. PRAISE HIM!!!
“My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.” (Ps. 71:8) “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (Ps. 28:7) Contact Suzette at THE SCRIPTED JOURNEY COUPLES CARE CENTER suzette@couplescarecenter.com WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 18 19
Jeff explained to me, “One of the young ladies in our congregation has a problem that we, as a group, might help her with. Her name is Elaine. She is a single mother with two young children and works full-time as a machine operator at the textile mill on the outskirts of town.”
WA R C O U N C I L A Time To Serve by Craig Ruhl War Council is a work of fiction created by Craig Ruhl. This month we are pleased to present Chapter Three of War Council, A Time To Serve. Look for continuing chapters in future issues. Craig’s bio appears at www.faithoneverycorner.com/ meet-our-contributors.html War Council is copyrighted by Craig Ruhl 2020, all rights reserved.
The phone rang early, just as I was about to leave the house. On the other end of the call was Pastor Jeff from the First Methodist Church in Millville. He sounded breathless and agitated as he told me what the call was about. “Slow down a bit, Jeff. Take your time and tell me what is wrong,” I said. I could hear a deep breath and then a few seconds of silence. “Skip, I am calling the guys of the War Council because a friend of mine has a situation and needs some help right away. I know you are new to the group, but I was sure that you would want to be told of an opportunity to be of help.” I answered, “Sure, I do, Jeff. What is going on?” 20 | ON M AG A Z I N E N ACORNER ME FAITH EVERY
“Skip, her car needed to be towed into the repair shop this morning. She got a ride to and from work, but it looks like the car will need expensive repairs and I don’t think it is worth fixing. She can’t afford a down payment on a replacement, so she is in a real bind. It is a battle in which she needs reinforcement.” “How can we help?” I asked, “I am concerned for your friend Elaine, but I am also excited for an opportunity to work with the group in helping someone in need. Is this something the War Council should meet and discuss how we can help?” Jeff agreed and said that he would contact as many of the guys as possible and ask them to meet us at the roundtable in about an hour. When I arrived at the Millville diner, there were three men seated with Pastor Jeff. Kris, the server, was filling coffee cups and taking orders if anyone wanted something to eat. I recognized Gabriel Miller, the farmer, and Nick Turner, the fellow who ran a non-profit organization in town. The third man didn’t look familiar, and I didn’t think we had met. Once I sat down, Jeff introduced me to Kirk Martin who owns a used car lot just a few miles out of town. I shook his hand and mentioned that it seemed a little too coincidental that he appeared at the time a car problem was being discussed. All of us at the table got a chuckle out of that. Jeff opened the conversation, saying, “Skip, thanks for coming. We all got here a little before you and I have already filled everyone in on Elaine’s situation and what her immediate needs are.”
Kirk spoke up and told us, “I have two cars on the lot that would fit the bill and solve Elaine’s problem. One has low miles and is serviced. It is older, but safe, and should be dependable. I have it tagged for sale at $1,000.00, but I only have two hundred dollars in it.” Gabriel spoke up, “Maybe we could chip in or take up a collection to cover Kirks costs for one of his cars and then donate it to Elaine. It sounds like that would cost less than repairing her old car.” Jeff added, “I think we could handle that if each of the men helped. I know that it would be a huge blessing to Elaine. She has enough on her plate already being a single parent and working shift work at the mill trying to make ends meet.” As I listened, the discussion went back and forth, each man offering suggestions and working toward a solution. I had been told that there were maybe a dozen men who made up the roundtable group, but we only had a small representation present to discuss the situation. I asked, “Do we have time to involve more of the men or is this something that needs a quick solution?” Jeff answered, “Elaine will need reliable transportation sooner rather than later. She could get a ride to and from work today, but I don’t know how long she can do that and I know she can’t afford to miss any hours at work.” Nick motioned us to stop talking. He then said, “I think we missed an opportunity here and we need to take this to prayer and seek guidance and blessing before we reach a decision.” We all agreed and bowed our heads. Nick prayed, “Heavenly Father, we come to you with a problem that we would like your help in solving. We have learned about a woman in the community who needs a car, but she has limited resources to buy another one or repair her old car. Please guide us to use the gifts, talents, and resources that you have given us to help her out. Your will be done. Thank you, Lord. Amen!”
We all said, “Amen,” in agreement. Kirk raised his head and beamed. “The Lord has put it on my heart to gift the use of the car I mentioned to Elaine. I don’t want money for it. But I have a request.” He continued, “I know that there are often people who find themselves in need just like Elaine and I would like to start a program where we can help them out from time to time. Like I said, I have a low-priced car on the lot in decent shape and safe to operate. How about the men of the roundtable set up a fund to underwrite the cost of keeping one or two cars repaired and available to loan or sell at a cheap price? We could keep them on the lot and reserve then for those in need?” Jeff said, “I would like to be a part of that program and I know that there is a need for something like that. Maybe we could do it without calling attention to what we are doing. It is important to respect the privacy of donors and the recipient. Kirk added, “I agree with what Jeff has said. Since Jeff is the one who told us about Elaine and she has trusted him with her situation, maybe he should be the one to offer the car to her and just say it has been donated anonymously. If you give me two hours, I can have the car washed, gassed up, and delivered to the church.” Jeff smiled and agreed, saying, “Great! I am happy to do it that way. Thank you, Kirk, for your generosity and compassion. I’ll take it to the mill at quitting time and present it to Elaine. I am sure she can give me a ride back to the church after her shift. She will be thrilled and very thankful.” Before going our separate ways that morning, we who sat at the roundtable once again bowed our heads and gave thanks for the answered prayer. I also said thanks to the Lord for guiding me to this group of men who call themselves The War Council. On this day, we would be victorious.
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I Prayed For You by Chynna Laird I have always been a spiritual person; a characteristic I learned in my early childhood from my beloved grandparents. They taught me the importance of believing in a higher power beyond myself and that even when it doesn’t seem so, there is always someone watching over me. I don’t think I fully understood the significance of these lessons until much later. Another strong characteristic I possess is being fiercely independent, which others may see as stubbornness. I don’t ask for help unless I absolutely need to, I take care of myself and those most important to me and I keep moving forward. I don’t see obstacles as a sign of defeat, but more as challenges I need to face in order to become who I was meant to be. The same holds true for my health. After spending a good part of my younger life enduring health issues that were never tested nor diagnosed properly, I simply ignored symptoms until my body said, “Yeah, um, Chynna? It’s time to take a time out and rest.” Now, we all know that a person can only go for so long on ‘empty’. I learned that the hardest of hard ways. I remember it as though it were yesterday. One of my daughters, Jordy, had a friend, Paige, who has always been more of one of my children, spending the weekend with us. For weeks prior, my health was plummeting. I knew. I felt it. But my spirited nature wouldn’t give in. “Mom?” Jordy said, concern etched in her porcelain face. “I know you don’t want to hear this but you don’t look good.” “Thanks so much,” I quipped. “Don’t ever get a job that required building someone’s self-esteem.” 22 | ON M AG A Z I N E N ACORNER ME FAITH EVERY
“I’m not joking, Mom. Your skin is yellow, your eyes are even more yellow, you’ve been puking all week, your stomach is bigger than when you were pregnant with any of us and I think the last time I saw you eat something solid was last week. Please. Please let Ryan take you to the hospital.” Ryan, my husband, had been hounding me to do the same thing for weeks. I’d been battling advanced liver disease for almost two years and my symptoms became too strong for me to fight or hide anymore. I was angry with having no control over something raging my body to the point that I wasn’t functioning and I refused to give up. Yet, I knew the hospital was where I was supposed to be. I just…couldn’t. I never admitted it out loud but I was terrified. What if it’s gotten so bad that there’s no cure? Who will take care of everyone if I need to stay? Most importantly, what if I don’t come back out? My daughter’s friend piped up. “Chynna-mom, Jordy’s right. Honestly, you can’t go on pretending nothing is wrong when it clearly is. I know how much you want to take care of all of us but you need to let someone take care of you. Please let us take you to the hospital.” I looked at the two beautiful faces in front of me as I laid on the couch, nursing a glass of water and fighting the urge not to throw up again. None of it made sense to me. How could this be happening? I was making things worse for myself by pushing away rather than accepting the help I was constantly offered. And the girl’s pleading with me was a sign to listen. So, I reluctantly did what I had to. “Fine. Get Ryan and take me.”
The girls helped me put on my jacket and shoes while Ryan warmed up the car. As we got closer to the emergency room, I actually felt my body shutting down. It’s hard to explain. It’s like being consciously aware of what’s going on around me but nothing made sense. Medical staff spoke to me, but I had no idea what they were saying. I saw things that weren’t even there. All I remember is fighting any form of treatment. I remember two events at that point: the ER doctor on call telling me that if I left the hospital, I wouldn’t make it until the next day and a very hefty nurse grabbing me and telling me I was admitted. My last semi-clear recollection was seeing my daughter and Ryan walking down the hall as I screamed, “Don’t leave me here! I don’t want to be here!”
“Lord, I know you tried giving me signs that I should have taken better care. I didn’t want to seem weak, but I guess in turning away that’s exactly what I was. I’m scared, Lord. Never in my life have I admitted that, but I am. I know there are so many things I can’t do right now but I can share with you. Please, Lord. I know I wasn’t hearing you before but I am now. Even when I gave up on myself, you didn’t because I’m still here. Help me to believe in myself.”
After that, I made sure to stay positive, even with the smallest things such as being able to eat more than one bite of food or taking a few steps. After three weeks, I was finally more aware of my surroundings, I was walking with little help and was able to keep small meals down. I still had a very long way to go but each day I Then, everything went black. got a bit stronger. One evening, just after my nighttime medicine dose and snack, my night nurse came in to Apparently, I had been in a deep coma for over three introduce herself. She stopped at the foot of my bed, days and there was little hope of me waking up. I had to tears in her eyes and simply stared at me for several be put in isolation and restrained because during very silent moments. brief moments of consciousness, I fought to get out. One person Ryan told me about later, a very tall and When she finally spoke, her voice was so soothing and… muscular security woman, was by my side almost every familiar. “I know that you don’t remember me but I am moment. so relieved to see that you are still with us.” She approached me and held my hand. “I was with you almost When I finally woke up, I had no memory of anything every minute when you first got here. I asked to be. that had happened. In fact, I’d lost all memories from There was something about you that touched me. I just the past year. I couldn’t walk, talk, eat or even go to the knew you needed someone, even if you didn’t believe it. washroom on my own. I had to re-learn every single I sang to you, I dried your tears, I comforted you when task and movement that everyone else took for granted. you fought us and made sure you were never alone. I was still hallucinating, extremely malnourished and de- When I’d leave you, I’d stand in the parking lot and pray hydrated, and frustrated from being on bedrest (unless to God that He stay with you. For some reason, I had a I had to go for physiotherapy to practice walking) and feeling you needed a reminder that you are still needed having an alarm to alert any further escapes, rather than here with us even if no one else was saying so.” being physically restrained. Every single part of me was weak and beaten down. It was similar to how a newborn It was her. The tall, muscular woman who was assigned must feel and I detested it. to watch me when I fought so hard to leave. I didn’t remember her at all but after she’d finished speaking, I I’m not weak. I don’t need anyone. I can take care of cried as she gently stroked my heavily scarred arms from myself. Words I’d always lived by and prided myself on blood collection and various treatments. She stayed with were meaningless then. There wasn’t one single thing I me until I fell asleep, then I never saw her again. could do on my own at that point. What hurt the most was being away from my children, my life sources, and Months after my release, I went back to my ward. It was having them see me so weak and dependent. I gave up. Christmas and I’d gotten a crystal angel that lit up to All I could do was pray. It was the only thing I had left thank the nurses who never gave up on me. In my still no one could take away from me and that I didn’t need shaky handwriting, I thanked them for giving me my life help with. I may not have been able to speak, but He back and special thanks and love to my earth angel. could still hear me. I don’t even know her name, but she is proof that there are people among us who are so close to God they bring Him to us when we need Him the most. And for that, I will always be grateful. WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM 22 M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 23
Finding Hope in a Crisis By Anthony Acampora
It’s truly shocking how our lives can be so dramatically altered within such a short period of time. We abruptly come to the realization of how fragile life is and how every day is, in fact, a gift from God.
An anchor provides stability in the storm. As it keeps a ship from drifting, so too will that anchor of hope provide us with stability through this terrible storm. Consider one more passage: Matthew 11:28 where Jesus is speaking:
Let’s look at this from a more encouraging perspective. I could not help but notice how this horrible and devastating global pandemic called coronavirus (COVID-19) could actually bring people together. When you look past the anxiety, fear, uncertainty, tremendous loss of life, and grief, you may realize that we are all on the same side of what may prove to be one of the greatest battles in our lifetime. Almost overnight our sports heroes and Hollywood actors have vanished from the scene, and streets and shops are empty. We begin to understand who the true heroes are in our society: doctors, nurses, law enforcement, firemen, and paramedics, to name a few. For many people the words faith and hope, which may have been used as punchlines, begin to take on far deeper meaning. Loving our neighbor no longer seems like such a difficult chore but rather something we truly feel led to do.
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
So, from where do we draw our strength? How do we remain calm in this storm? During the many storms in my life, I began to draw tremendous strength from my faith and trust in God. In my weakness He became an ever-present strength. Dealing with this pandemic is no different. I look to God’s Word for strength, peace, hope, and direction. Consider this from Hebrews 6:19:
“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.”
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So often we think we need to figure things out on our own and asking for help would show a sign of weakness. This may be something you learned growing up, but it is not how God wants us to approach adversity and trials; God’s way is quite the contrary. We do not have to get all cleaned up and then go to God as some denominations teach where guilt and judgment reign supreme. We have a Heavenly Father who has an unconditional love for us and knows us better than we know ourselves. That fact should provide some comfort as God knows our every thought, every hurt we have caused others, and every time we rejected Him. Yet, He still loves us, wants a relationship with us, and has a plan for us. It doesn’t get any more hopeful than that. May God bless and protect you and your family during these difficult times. May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding be poured out on the families and loved ones of those lost to this horrendous virus.
Anthony Acampora is the Faith Program Director & Chaplain at Banyan Treatment Centers. He is a published author, writer and speaker. He earned a Masters in ministry from Vision International University and received an Advanced Diploma in Biblical Studies from the Int’l School of Ministry. He is a former board member of the Henderson Behavioral Health, FACT and the National Alliance Mental Illness, Broward County. In 2019 Anthony was selected “Professional of the Year” by: Broward National Recovery Month Organization. In 2018 he was selected as Global Goodwill Ambassador representing the USA. In 2015 he received the “Volunteer Recognition Award” from National Alliance Mental Illness, Broward County In 2014 - Selected “Public Citizen of the Year by: National Association of Social Workers, Broward County. He is the host of the Faith in Recovery Show. www.banyantreatmentcenters.com www.faithinrecovery.com We received a great letter telling us about Anthony from his COO Eric Oakes. We cannot run the entire letter but wanted to put few words from Eric in this issue. Thank you Eric from Faith On Every Corner. This essay isn’t about people who practice their faith. This isn’t about those who seek religion. This isn’t about a prophet, or even a tale of great works by great leaders. This is about people who seek shelter from the storm of addiction, and find, hunkered down with them, a soul who provides just a little more than the shelter they sought. This is a secular commentary on the impact of Anthony Acampora, Chaplain of Banyan Treatment Centers and Program Director of our Faith in Recovery Program. This is an experiential impression and analysis of the role of one chaplain in the world of addictions and behavior health treatment. I am the Chief Operations Officer of Banyan Treatment Centers, a national company with 11 Behavioral Health Centers in five states. Five years ago I began my journey with this company as the Executive Director, when Banyan was a fledgling outpatient concern. The Company’s first impression revealed little to the naked eye—just halls and doors, and a handful of people diligently and purposefully moving in and out of its matrix. My decision to join this particular company was based, uncharacteristically for me, on a feeling. While usually preferring science over the more nuanced “gut”, or instincts, I departed from reason and chose to allow emotion to rule my intellect. Five years later I have yet to look back. One afternoon, I received a random email from the furloughed pastor of this recently closed program across town, and I met the Chaplain, Anthony Acampora the next day. Before me sat a large, looming figure, whose fidgets and child-like nervous giggles were in stark contrast to his former football player impression. What was a stilted back and forth at first developed quickly into a several hour conversation, very little of it about religion or even employment. Going purely on instinct without evidence, Anthony was hired for a yet to be defined reason. Again, five years later, I have yet to look back. Anthony Acampora came to run the Faith in Recovery Program at Banyan Treatment Center. He built the program. He created the energy, and he gave what he had to help them forge a path forward. He built a small chapel in our Outpatient Center. He invited speakers from the faith community. He ran a solid program. But in the process, he did what became most important to me. He became a fixture in our staff and our treatment community. He came to lead many meetings and events with an opening prayer. He offered his “services” of pastoral comfort to all staff by mere presence. Many staff of many faiths and stages of discovery seem to instinctively understand that Anthony is here for them. WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 24 25
N E W FA I T H By Lynn Downham Years ago, I did a painting called The Case of Faith when my faith was new and in its “spring” season. Mike, my husband, was offshore in the Gulf of Mexico on an oil rig supply ship so I was alone again in the big log house. I was working in pastels at the time and wanted to do something reflective, like glass or metal as an exercise. Our neighbor from Trinidad had just the thing, a shiny brass pitcher and he let me borrow it for the stilllife. I proceeded to set up the still-life as one does, by collecting various items that you wouldn’t mind painting, and I decided the offshore chart of the Gulf of Mexico where Mike was working would make an interesting, albeit challenging, background. Since I was painting at night, the window to the left became another reflective surface just like the vase and the pitcher.
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One of the books in the painting was chosen purposefully. Lee Strobel’s book, The Case for Faith, had recently taught me just who Jesus is and I wanted to include it in the painting. The antique cross was added as my new faith was preeminent on my mind in those days, but it still needed more. More? It was already a very busy painting and long before I had learned to or wanted to simplify my work. And then I saw them.....the little rubber animals!
Well, NOW, I have to digress a moment. When I was 5, and I do mean 5 years old, the dentists were handing out little rubber animals to good little children after their dentist appointments. I was in love with them. My mother looked for them, finding many, and today I still have this collection of 40 animals on their own tiny shelf in back of my studio easel. They are 1 3/8” to 1 1/2” tall and all of the animals no matter whether a mouse or an elephant are in this size range. I did try giving them away once to my niece when she was young, but she did not fall in love with them, so one day in Florida, I receive a package from my mother in North Carolina. I opened it and there were all the little animals with a big pink heart that said, “We Missed You!” So, I have lots of art that features these guys, the little rubber animals, because they’re in my head, couldn’t get them out if I tried. It was a natural jump to include several of them in the painting, “The Case of Faith”. The gray owl on top is for “Wisdom” and the lion for “Courage”. The little guy over on the end? That’s Satan, being played of course by the sea serpent. Look! He’s about to fall over the edge! And you know, I can’t find him right now. He disappeared. The reflective exercise? It was a success. I thoroughly enjoyed painting the pitcher, vase and window. I can even see myself in the reflection on the pitcher. But what does this have to do with spring? Looking back at this painting, (and I still have this one), I am reminded, just like we are all reminded when we look back at our collective testimonies of our faith journeys, that our faith is not only new at its beginning, but with every new testimony or example of God working in our individual lives, our faith is new, again and again, just like the spring, with every touch of the Master’s hand! Have a beautiful Easter! Lynn “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” II Corinthians 3:18
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(Carl’s mom writes him letters occasionally. Carl is her only child. Carl’s father died when he was in college. Living in the Arizona, Carl calls his Mom in the Carolinas as often as he can on Sundays. Carl’s mom is in her 80s. She lives in a contemporary world with old fashioned values.)
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DEAR CARL
Anna Friend
Dear Carl, Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine. Son, we used to sing this song at church often. Sadly, it has been a long time since we have been in church. This time of sheltering in has been hard on me. If not for my Bible, and Sheba, I would be very lonely. I check my mail at our mail center at a certain time each day now. We in the community are careful to not get to close to each other. I haven’t met the new neighbors yet. I am reminded and comforted by the words of your daddy, “It won’t always be this way.” Spring cleaning is my focus this month. I am organized but there are little things that need tending to. I have some cobwebs in the corners of my cottage. I wish I would have kept one of your dad’s white t-shirts when we were sorting his things. I used to tie one around the broom to sweep the webs out of the corners. The thought that spiders are living with me gives me the willies. It is time to wipe down some cupboard fronts too. I like to use pine smelling cleaners. Your dad always said our home smelled like a hospital. I don’t think they smell alike. Spring is much more than cleaning house. It’s about newness and beauty. I have new flowers in large pots under my living room window. The gardener waters them for me. Flowers bring me joy, except for pansies. I never have liked them but what did the gardener add to my flowerpots? Yep, those silly faced flowers. He said, “These here smile at ‘chu’.” Son, spring is also a good time to rid of the old and add something new. I am working on ridding myself of old attitudes and meaningless tasks and habits. Time is precious for your old mama. It’s about time I stop thinking the world will ever go back to old values, styles, and traditions. Shirley is excited about my new outlook. I now see young people’s hearts and not their clothes or appearances. I don’t have to wear stockings and a dress to go the bank. I just need to be clean, and presentable. My house doesn’t have to be perfectly clean and organized each day. I can leave the house with a few dishes in the sink, and the sinks don’t have to be scoured every morning. Shirley says I need to take time for bubble baths, putting on a face (make-up), walking in the park, and meeting new friends. You should know by now, son, she means put on some lipstick, smell good, and find a man or two to talk with. She never goes on dates or anything. She just loves people, their attention, and her ability to make them laugh. I love that about her. I hurt that she is sick. Call me son as you faithfully do. Buy Donna some flowers, not pansies. Do something fun and new this season. Being inside doesn’t mean boredom. Read your Bible I sent you. Mail me one of your white T-shirts. Love, mom 1 Peter 1:3-5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
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ROAD TRIPPIN’ WITH KAREN & CRAIG P H OTO S BY K A R E N R U H L
A few weeks ago, we took a drive to Wilson’s Creek, about 30 minutes from our house. We are surrounded by beauty here in Western North Carolina. It was almost eerie as we only saw a few people on our drive. The feeling matched some of the photos of the forgotten buildings. I thought you might enjoy a little history of this beautiful area. Enjoy! ----
The Wilson Creek Wilderness area was once used by the Cherokee Indians as a summer hunting grounds. It was settled in 1750, and logging began on the dense forest. Mortimer, once the largest community in the Wilson Creek area, was the site of the Ritter Lumber Company sawmill which was destroyed by over 20 inches of rain in 24 hours in July 1916. The week before, a soaking rain had already saturated the ground and heavy lumbering aggravated the speed of the water rushing through the gorge. After a year, efforts to rebuild brought back the sawmill and a textile mill with the community served by a railroad line. The mills provided jobs enough to sustain 800 residents. If still in existence, Mortimer would be the county seat of Caldwell County, North Carolina (which is now Lenoir, North Carolina) However, it flooded again with Wilson Creek reaching over a 90 foot flood stage on August 13, 1940 ending all efforts to bring in industry leaving the area virtually deserted. The concrete shells of the old facilities are visible in a park area. Only a few residents and homes remain upstream at Edgemont, with most the downstream area maintained for public use by the US Forestry Service. Source Wikipedia WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 30 31
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FAITH ON EVERY CORNER
The following are the planned themes for the calendar year 2020, All articles do not reflect our themes.
May - Patriotic June - Summer Fun July - Freedom August - The Heat is On September - Back to School October - Harvest Time November - Thanksgiving December - Christmas While we do like to follow our scheduled themes, we will gladly review suggested topics or content.
Calling All Writers!
Faith On Every Corner Publisher & Editor in Chief: Karen Ruhl Senior Editor & Business Manager: Craig Ruhl Photography: Karen Ruhl Staff Writers: Craig Ruhl, Karen Ruhl Submit Articles For Consideration to: FaithOnEveryCorner@gmail.com Phone: 828-305-8571 www.FaithOnEveryCorner.com
Spring has Sprung! Happy Easter
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Disclaimer and Copyright Notification The Information contained in the published works of Faith On Every Corner LLC has been received from sources that we believe to be reliable. However, neither Faith On Every Corner LLC nor its authors, writers, editors, or publisher can guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information published. Faith On Every Corner LLC, its authors, writers, editors, and publishers are not responsible for any errors or omissions in our published works. All Faith On Every Corner© publications, websites, blogs, and other media are copyrighted. All rights are reserved. Faith On Every Corner© published works may be reproduced, shared, copied, or transmitted as long as the published work is unaltered and contains proper attribution to Faith On Every Corner©. Contributing writers to Faith On Every Corner© retain full rights to their articles. WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 32 33
WA L K W I T H M E by Anna Friend
Walk with Me Cement paths lead me, I have no landing place. I walk, pray, listen, and appreciate His grace. My eyes are drawn to flowers crying out glory. Their colors and shapes vibrantly telling His story, An invitation to receive His sweet offering – a freeing. His smiles, softness, complexity, and layers of being Line my journey with beautiful foliage, floral attraction. I am torn from worldly fears to a glorious distraction. Spring has purpose in its arrival each calendar year. Newness in heart, spirit, and purposes made clear. My life has new priorities, keen awareness, goals in mind. Each step achieved brought me closer to Him that I pined.
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N OT J U S T A N OT H E R E A S T E R
Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages. Her first book for children, “Licky the Lizard”, was released in 2018. She also has a story in the compilations “Heaven Sightings” and “Remembering Christmas”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister. She and her husband Alan moved from Virginia to South Carolina to be near her son, daughterin-law and first grandchild. The family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 12, 2020. Easter has always been a special day in our family. As a young girl I remember gathering colorful plastic eggs hidden by my parents. Yellow, pink and blue eggs stood out in the bright green grass. The front yard and backyard would be the place to seek and discover eggs filled with chocolates and sometimes a penny or two. Before Easter, Mama would take me to the local department store to find a new “Easter” dress and fancy shoes. That Sunday, the dining room table was filled with ham, mashed potatoes, collard greens and more. I remember the delightful scent of food cooking. I smile when recalling those meaningful moments. Standing beside Daddy during church service, I looked up and watched as he sang the old hymns. I loved hearing the sound of his deep voice and watching the expression on his face as he sang the words. With each passing Easter, more memories of family, friends and church were created. Taking our son to his first Easter service when he was a baby warmed our hearts. Photos were taken and we were happy to know we were bringing our child to know the Lord. Years passed, the size of our family grew with marriages and friends who are considered family. True blessings. Easter brought us closer together and our faith grew.
By Melissa Henderson
Then, the importance of Easter took on a new meaning. On Sunday, April 12, 1998, my Daddy passed into the arms of Jesus. That particular Sunday was Easter.
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With our family gathered at his bedside, we had kept vigil with Daddy for days. The oxygen machine hummed as air pumped into his lungs helping to calm the struggle of breathing. Lung cancer had ravaged his body. Feeding him, washing his body, trying our best to give comfort in any way we could. The end of his life was approaching. Our tears would not cease. Mama, my two sisters and I along with spouses, children and grandchildren gathered together. We tried to prepare for the moment our beloved Daddy and Granddaddy would leave and walk into the arms of the Lord. Hours past from morning to evening. Daddy’s breath became slower. His eyes no longer opened. Each person in the family spoke to him, gently rubbed his hands, shared how much we loved him. A few times, Daddy would appear to show a slight smile. Whispering next to his ear, I spoke, “Daddy, it’s okay to go now. We will take care of Mama.” Each person gathered in the bedroom experienced a different scene. I believe God gave each of us unique ways to handle losing Daddy. I am thankful for the parents God gave me. I am thankful for my family. Every Easter, even if the date is not April 12th, tears flow as I thank God for His love and for giving me the blessing of wonderful parents.
Paul Lee and Iola Lee are my parents. Also, a photo of my Daddy holding me. One other is a photo of our son, Michael, sitting with his Granddaddy Lee. They were best friends. One photo is of Mama (Lola Lee). The Christmas tree photo is of Michael and Daddy. WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L | 37 37
