Faith On Every Corner - May 2020

May 2020 Patriotism!

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds.

Psalms 33:12-15

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COVER PHOTO

BY ANTHONY BUNTING

Cover Photo by Anthony Bunting I started making images professionally back in 1992 when I was given a Pentax K1000. I took classes at the local college and shot exclusively black white and processed the images in my home dark room. I moved to Southern California in 2000 and got my first Digital DSLR in 2002 and shoot exclusively digitally now. I attended the photography program at Grossmont College in El Cajon California and graduated in 2016 with a degree in Art and Photography.

FAITH ON EVERY CORNER

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR KAREN RUHL

Memorial Day is a day we are to remember those who died fighting for and while in service for our country.

Craig and I are blessed that both of our fathers served during WWII and came home safely. We have had many cousins also serve during all of the wars. Craig served during the Vietnam era. Our brother-in-law, Bobby Snyder is in a nursing home after a stroke. He flew helicopters in Vietnam and has damage from Agent Orange. The list goes on and includes two of our nephews, Shawn and Brendan, who are currently serving. We remember those who are gone and pray for those who have served and are serving.

When I was growing up, my parents took us to the cemetaries where we visited graves of those who died in the war. My dad told us to respect our military and to never forget that these men and women died so that we could have freedom. We would also visit the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. We learned about honor and respect through these visits. I am so thankful that my parents taught us to love our country.

On this Memorial Day, I will be thinking of my dad, top photo, and Craig’s dad, second photo. I will remember all of those who served and lost their lives. And I will be eternally grateful for those who came home. Craig is in the third photo. Take time to reflect on what these men and women have done and are doing to protect us and our freedom.

We would love to hear from our readers. E-mail us at FaithOnEveryCorner@gmail.com Blessings to you.

Karen

Craig and I continually pray for you and your families.

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery

by Karen Ruhl / photo by Karen Ruhl Click the link above so you can visit this cemetery online. It is my hope that you look at the website and remember that these men and women gave their lives so that we can be free.

Fort Rosecrans is a popular cemetery, both for those visiting their loved ones and those honoring the men and women who have served, and for photographers. As a photographer, I have visited this cemetery on several occasions.

The first time I visited this cemetery, I was overwhelmed as I walked around reading the tombstone headings. The grave marker dates go back into the 1800’s. As I walked and read more of the history of the cemetery, I saw monuments. One was The Ommaney Bay CVE-79 monument, an etched granite memorial to the men lost in action when the ship was bombed in January 1945.

The ages of the men and women who gave their lives for our country range. It was so sad to know how many young men and women lost their lives before they even had a chance to begin. I cannot even think about the sadness their parents, siblings, and family friends experienced when they got word their loved ones had died. And others left their families behind without a husband or father to care for them.

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As I write this article, I am thankful for each of of the people who so bravely served us over the years. I believe most of the photographers that visit this cemetery feel that overwhelming power of respect as we capture the incredible number of graves. I pray, I shed a few tears, and I am grateful that I am living in a free country because of these men and women.

At the end of a great Memorial Day speech, our President, Donald Trump, said this. “May God bless the families of the fallen. May God bless the men and women who serve. And may God bless the United States of America — our great country.”

May God indeed bless those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

May He also bless those who are currently serving and all of those who have served.

May we NEVER forget what these brave men and women fought so hard to protect. Pray for our Freedom.

God Bless You and Yours.

TABLE OF

FACEBOOK

Special thanks to Anthony Bunting for our wonderful cover photo.

FORT ROSECRANS NATIONAL CEMETARY THE BEST OF ALL FREEDOMS

Karen Ruhl

Nichol Byrum

PATRIOTISM

Andrea Marino

HOW THREE LETTERS CHANGED MY LIFE FAITH ON EVERY CORNER BOOKSHELF EVIDENCE

Jessica Brodie Craig Ruhl

Wendy Bender

FAITH IS ATTRACTIVE

Suzette Humphreys

A NEIGHBORHOOD, RED, WHITE, AND BLUE

Melissa Henderson

DEVOTION

I.W. Theophilus

W H AT I F O U N D AT A T H R I F T S TO R E

T H E T R E A S U R E S O F H I S TO R Y DEAR CARL

IN THIS ISSUE

F O L LO W U S

3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 18 23 25 27

CONTENTS

Pamela McCormick Lynn Downham Anna Friend

19 29

WAR COUNCIL / CHAPTER 4

Craig Ruhl

ROAD TRIPPIN’ AROUND TOWN

Karen Ruhl

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The Best of All Freedoms

By Nicole Byrum

Galatians 5:1: “For freedom, Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

If you’ve ever seen the movie Braveheart, the first image likely to come into your mind is Mel Gibson’s blue painted face screaming, “FRRREEEEEEDDDOOOMMM!” as he rides into battle to bravely defend Scotland. And if you are a proud American, you likely proclaim that our country is great because it is free. Our beautiful National Anthem even resounds this triumph with the concluding words, “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” No matter how many times I have heard it, those majestic lyrics are enough to bring me to tears.

I am a therapist and writer who is passionate about family, faith, and recovery. I am the author of Remade: Living Free, a book that explores topics related to substance abuse recovery and unhealthy relationships from a biblical perspective.

It is amazing how much strong emotion is brought on by the word and concept of freedom. And rightly so - for it is the inborn desire of every person to be free. We yearn for the ability to think, speak, and act without hindrance or restraint; to not be governed by a foreign entity, and to not be imprisoned or enslaved to any person or thing.

Galatians 5:1 tells us it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. This freedom is twofold: First, because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are forgiven. Meaning, no longer can Satan (or anyone else for that matter) accuse us before God. Our sins have been paid for in full, and for those who are in Christ, we can stand before God Almighty, unconThe quest for freedom takes form in many aspects demned, covered in His grace. And second, we are of society as well as in our personal lives. Just think no longer slaves to sin; sin has been dethroned as our master! Instead, we become servants to Christ. of all the advertisements aimed at helping us find If you find this unsettling or confusing, take comfort financial freedom or advertisements informing us in Romans 6:22 which says, “But now that you have how working from home allows freedom in schedule setting and travel. We even seek freedom in our been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its physical appearance as we choose clothing, accesend, eternal life.” sories, and hairstyles that reflect who we are as a person. And when it comes to relationships (or even It may seem paradoxical, but a life lived in service our appearance), we might lean into phrases like, to the Savior of the world is the life of true free“I’m free to be me.” We go after freedom in every dom. There is no lasting joy to be had when we are category of life because it brings relief, joy, and in slavery to our sin - for this is a slavery that leads peace. Some might even say freedom is the founto death. There is, however, infinite and eternal joy dation for life itself. found in living obediently to Christ - for this is a servitude that leads to life.

As much as I enjoy the freedoms of this country, or believe in the benefits of financial freedom, or value the right to self-expression and healthy relationships, the truth is, these are not the freedoms I really need. They are the freedoms I love and enjoy… but they cannot save my soul.

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Indeed, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

Let us rejoice in this truth with great hope as we remember this is the best of all freedoms; for this is an eternal freedom sealed for us through Christ Jesus himself.

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By definition, patriotism is loyalty to one’s nation.

It encompasses love, devotion, and being on the side of its leaders. One day, the government of the entire world will be upon the shoulders of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 9:6. “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and His Messiah, and He will reign forever and ever!” Revelation 11:15. From the beginning of time, God designated a nation of people, who would be devoted to Him, from every nation of the world. A great nation within them all.

Patriotism.

By Andrea Marino While reading a passage in the Old Testament about the land God was leading His people to, the words of the song, “This Land is Your Land” came to my mind. As the Promised Land was given to the people of Israel, so God gave America to the Founding Fathers. With these thoughts, I smiled and whispered, ‘mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord’ from “Battle Hymn of the Republic”. This song speaks of victory in Jesus. Doing some research, I learned that in 1861, during the Civil War, the words floated into Julia Ward Howe’s head. She became a leader in the women’s suffrage movement of 1865. Oddly enough, her song is labeled an ‘American song of grief’.

The song is part of American culture, nevertheless. Openly sung during the funeral procession of Robert F. Kennedy and referred to by Martin Luther King in his last public address, Americans sang it after the terrorist attack of 911. To read through the stanzas of Julia’s song is to be inspired, encouraged, and uplifted in a sense of patriotism loyalty - to our country, especially given our current time of war with an unseen virus that is as well taking place all over the globe. May the words of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” strengthen our hearts today and unite us all in the USA.

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Whoever is a blood-bought child of God through Jesus is part of this nation, heir to the promise given to Abraham. Romans 10:12, 13. The ‘land flowing with milk and honey’ refers to the liberation and salvation, offered by the grace of God through the finished work of His Son, to every single person. The prophet, Isaiah, had a vision of the Lord seated on the throne, His glory filling the whole earth. The heavens still shout the glory of the Lord today. God desires to reveal His glory before all people. Isaiah 6:1, Psalm 19:1, Leviticus 10:3.

I believe everything that happens, both good and bad, is for the advancement of the gospel as the apostle Paul puts forth in Philippians 1:12. Jesus calls His followers “salt of the earth”, “light of the world”, “a city on a hill”. Mathew 5:13,14. What better sense of Patriotism can there be than serving our Lord. The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers. They are lost and cannot see the gospel of the glory of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 4:4.

I see a day approaching when people who do not know Jesus will grasp something different about us. Around us. Rahab took note. She hid the two spies who had gone to Jericho to scout out the land. She said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and everyone who lives in the land is panicking because of you.” Indeed, these enemies of Israel had heard that God dried up the waters of the Red Sea, that they had completely destroyed two Amorite kings across the Jordan. “When we heard this, we lost heart, and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.” Joshua 2:8-11.

Andrea Morino With a yearning to uncover the secret to life, Andrea embarked on a journey to discover truth. The study of Psychology proved inadequate, while the forces of darkness began to make their presence known. The Hobble, from Ai to Bethel encompasses Andrea’s personal victory over fear and bondage to the Enemy. Passionate in sharing God’s Good News about Jesus, the author desires to encourage people to never lose hope. Because we all ‘hobble’ before God in need of Him. When not writing, Andrea loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, and enjoys cycling on the open roads with her husband, David.

You can find The Hobble - From Ai to Bethel by clicking this link: The Hobble

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How Three Letters Changed My Life

by Jessica Brodie People say it’s the most boring word in the English language, but it changed my life—the word “the.”

See, I grew up in South Florida with friends from lots of different cultures, ethnicities, and faith traditions. In the name of getting along, I trained my brain to be flexible and accommodating about all kinds of things, and for the most part, this has been a good thing. It’s kept me open-minded, accepting, humble, and tolerant.

But there was one huge downfall: As a Christian, being so openminded and flexible confused me, and I developed the idea that the mainstay of my own faith—Jesus—was also flexible. While I believed in Jesus, I didn’t want to offend anyone with my beliefs, and I eventually concluded that maybe my friends, who were not Christian, didn’t have to believe in Jesus to have eternal life. After a time, curiosity took root, and I also started to question whether Jesus was an absolutely necessary component to eternal life in my own faith.

So I turned to the authority—the Bible. I asked the Holy Spirit to help me understand, and then I jumped in, reading God’s Word cover to cover. Twice.

One verse struck me like a hungry viper, and it didn’t let go: John 14:6, which reads, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (NIV).

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Those three letters, “the,” changed my life. I understood fully, and I haven’t forgotten, that while I might be open-minded about cultural traditions and certain practices, Jesus as my path to eternal life is an ironclad truth now and forever.

Sometimes my old habits resurface. I hear a particular Scripture and think, “That doesn’t seem fair. I bet God didn’t mean it that way.”

So I research the full context or take a look at the original text and its translation, and I try my best to understand. I want to wrap my mind around God’s way, not attempting to conform God’s words to my own thinking.

When it expanded to include Gentiles and not just former Jews, early Christianity went back and forth over some traditions, such as circumcision.

Many Jewish Christians felt circumcision was necessary for salvation. But finally, Peter said, “We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are” (Acts 15:11 NIV) and James ultimately concluded, “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God” (Acts 15:19).

But about Jesus as the path to eternal life? There’s no room for back-and-forth there.

Jesus is “the” way, truth and life. A song by Casting Crowns, “Only Jesus,” helps remind me of this.

How about you? Did you struggle to accept Jesus as the only way, or did you always understand this as truth?

jessicabrodie.com

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Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf Who Prays for the Pastor by Fredrick Ezeji-Okoye Published by Carpenter’s Son Publishing Reviewed by Craig Ruhl As I write this, the National Day of Prayer is just a few days away. These days there are so many things we need to be in prayer for, family, children, parents, friends, and our nation. Many of us belong to or attend a church where there are groups of prayer warriors who meet and pray for those who have specific needs. There often is a pastor, minister, or lay leader who oversees or directs the prayer group.

Church leaders are among the people most under spiritual attack and yet, how often do we include them and their families in our prayers. In his book, Who Prays for the Pastor, Fredrick Ezeji-Okoye asks the important questions, who will pray for the pastor, what will they pray for, and how will they pray?

Who Prays for the Pastor shines a light on the areas of pastoral life that are most susceptible to attack. It addresses the prominent reasons for stress, illness, marital discord, and financial failure pastors often endure. Each chapter looks at a specific need and discusses how it affects the pastor, often including examples from the author’s personal experience as a married pastor and faith leader with children. These are trying times for our church leaders as their faith, dedication, values, and core beliefs are questioned and even challenged. This book provides encouragement for the pastor and those under their care. It also enables the pastors to better understand the stresses and challenges they experience in their ministerial lives so they can share with others and ask for prayer and help.

As I read this book, I had a better understanding of our pastor’s needs and felt more equipped to pray for them, their families, and their ministries. The Faith On Every Corner staff has added this book to our bookshelf and we recommend you add it to yours.

Craig Ruhl

We have now opened up our newest addition, the Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf. If you have a book you would like us to review and feature, please call Craig at 828-305-8571 for information.

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Who Prays for the Pastor is available at Amazon.com as an e-book or in paperback.

Click the book cover to go directly to this book.

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I am a messy mama and wife who loves Jesus. My desire is to share my passion for life with those around me. I long to see the hearts of women radically changed by the love of our Savior. I write to encourage others to press on in their faith and to inspire them to love like Jesus.

Wendy’s Blogspot

Evidence

By Wendy Bender And sometimes… just like that… in the middle of hard text, comes a promise that contains the precise encouragement your heart needs to hear.

The story is of Paul and Barnabas found in Acts 14.

While these apostles were at Lystra, they came upon a man who had been crippled since birth in his feet. The man who had been listening intently to the preaching words of Paul exhibited a great deal of faith and because of this Paul called to him to stand and the man was instantly healed. (14:810) But the unbelieving onlookers of the crowd made false assumptions of these men, calling them, “gods in human form.” (vs 11) “And because of their ignorance and disbelief, they prepared sacrifices to be made to the apostles.” (vs 13) Upon hearing this, Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes in dismay, begging the crowd of people to stop at once. They claimed that they were, “mere humans” who had, “come to bring the Gospel message” to them, so that they would, “turn from these worthless things, and to the living God.” (vs 14-15) They remind the people here that in the past God permitted all nations to go their own way, but that, “He never left them without evidence of Himself and His goodness.” (vs 17) They even go on to give them an example as proof, “For instance, He sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.” (vs 17b) 14 | M AG AEVERY Z I N E N ACORNER ME FAITH ON

You may know the rest of the story.

They barely restrained the people from sacrificing to them.

Some Jews won the crowds to their side.

They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the town thinking he was dead. But this served only as a strengthening agent to the apostles.

They even returned to the very geographical region to continue their message of hope.

I love verse 17.

“He never left them without evidence of Himself and His goodness.”

And the message comes to the people in the middle of personal crises and confusion for many who continued in oppressive thinking, sinful ways, and misdirected idolatry. In their mess, they became filled with distrust and suspicion which increased their irrational mindsets and rebellious behavior.

But smack dab in the thick of it, all the followers of Jesus remind them of the goodness of God. The One who never left them without evidence of Himself.

And so in our crisis, in our time of national upset by means of a devastating illness sweeping the country, we, too, can stop and look around at all the evidence of His mercy and grace.

Oh friends… He has NEVER left us without evidence of Himself and His goodness.

Not for one moment has He refused us access to His mercy and forgiveness.

Look around!

Find the good!

See the ways in which He has always been faithful.

And then begin declaring them over your current condition.

He has always been good.

It’s not just what He does - it’s who He is.

Prophesy the things that bring hope and encouragement.

Command the dry bones to live! “Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.” (Ez 37:9) Remind yourselves of all the times He has been faithful, and in the very testimony of His goodness we are demonstrating our belief that He, too, can do it again!

He is the same today as He was then and the same One He will be tomorrow.

He has never left us without evidence of Himself and His goodness… perhaps we’ve simply stopped looking… or worse yet… stopped believing for the manifestation of it.

- Wendy Bender, Inspire Ministries, 2020

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FAITH IS ATTRACTIVE Presented by Suzette-The Marriage Warrior Have you ever noticed how attractive a positive person is? Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to be “positive” when internal struggles haunt you? When a partner within a marriage is critical or negative, the relationship will suffer.

No one desires to be around a “negative nelly”, a “nagging woman” or an “angry man”. Individuals who have a negative disposition cause loved ones to disconnect, and their partners to turn off desires of affection. So, what is the root of pessimistic traits?

Negativity was not God’s original design. When our Heavenly Father formed us, He created us in His image and in His likeness, which is having a good nature, rather than a critical one. This was our original state of functioning. The way humans veered away from this original design is through fearful childhood experiences. For the child to protect themselves from the unsafe environment, he was forced to utilize distancing behaviors to survive.

The child’s distancing techniques were valuable in assisting in coping with the environmental chaos. However, as the individual becomes an adult, he carries with him the distancing behaviors, as well as the original fear. This combination is a recipe for destructive relationships.

The root of pessimism/negativity is fear. God identifies “fear” as a spirit, as described in 2 Tim. 1:7 “God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love power and a sound mind”. A critical spirit is not just a phrase, but rather a description of an entity that cannot be seen. When a child develops within a fearful environment, he must incorporate distancing behaviors to protect himself from harm. However, these protective walls were built because a “spirit of fear” entered the child’s life, without the child’s permission.

To address a spirit, we have to comprehend that a supernatural entity operates with a higher and stronger power than our human capabilities. Behavioral changes initially require self-awareness. However, self-awareness alone is insufficient when addressing an unseen spiritual force. To overcome a supernatural power, you must be backed by a higher supernatural power. This is where faith is introduced.

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God is called the Most High, clarifying that He is the supreme being, above all other high powers of the enemy. Fear and faith are the same in that they both require belief in something unseen. Fear of the unknown results in negative behaviors, such as anger, control, pessimism, and doubt. Whereas, faith in God, builds strength, confidence, creativity, and hope.

Childhood negative experiences create a weakness within an individual that doesn’t just disappear with age.

The weakness occurred as fear entered to replace hope.

Inwardly, the person feels robbed of hope. Internal hope was part of the original design. As hope was replaced by a foreign agent, it didn’t feel right. This is where the negativity and sickness began. The scripture confirms this weakness as it describes “hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Prov. 13:12).

Christians living with this internal weakness and negativity get confused or even condemned with scripture such as… “joy is our consolation” (ps. 94:18-19) and that we should be like the “tree planted by living water” (Jer. 17:7-8). But it is unnatural to feel joy or like a watered tree when we have been robbed! So, who robbed us?

The spirit of FEAR did! The enemy sent the spirit of fear, knowing full well that it would make us angry and want to control things that we could not control. He knew exactly how to invade the innocent life of a child with circumstances beyond a child’s capacity to manage. He also knew that the child would bring to adulthood the spirit of fear with all the negative behavioral results to further destroy the individual’s life.

To address the situation, one must identify where the spirit of fear entered into the childhood experiences and caused the insecurity. Next, the adult Christian can detach from the unintended childhood agreement with fear, and through Jesus, take back authority. James 4:7 says to “resist the devil and he will flee”. Resisting will take consistent effort since the spirit has operated since childhood.

However, rehearsing a scripture that contradicts the spirit of fear’s lies, can help to combat through spiritual warfare.

Warrior’s Wisdom:

As these practices build your faith, you will notice behavioral changes emerging without “positive thinking” mind games. The old negative behaviors will no longer be required to protect self. As old behaviors are exchanged for 1. Stop blaming yourself and others. Instead, point your new ones, the inner faith will replace fear, and distancing finger to the real enemy and take authority over him, behaviors will cease. through the name of Jesus.

Satan is a thief. God knows that you have been robbed.

But remember that Satan is God’s enemy, not ours. He 2. Take time with God to reflect backward. Identify the hates what God loves and works to destroy His children. past circumstances that caused fear and insecurity.

Be assured that God will have the last word with what has been stolen from you. Open up heart and mind to God. Recognize that He is safe. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you 3. Recognize that you were an innocent child who did how the spirit of fear has manifested through distancing not have any other resources and did the best you behaviors. Make a declaration to the enemy that you will no longer submit to the spirit of fear. Ask God to restore could. Forgive yourself. hope and grant you creative ideas for your life and future.

As you practice building your faith, love, and compassion towards others will naturally spring up within your being.

4. Recognize that those around you did the best they This emergence will then be noticed by others. As a result, could do with what they had. Remember that the eneothers will no longer feel pushed away but instead, will my surrounded them as well. Forgive them.Spend time move closer towards the more “attractive” you! getting to know who God really is. Replace what others

have told you that make you wonder about Him and get to know how loving and good He is.

5. Locate a past memory of when you felt “unconditionally loved”. Meditate on the memory and recognize that the feeling you felt is just a teardrop of God’s love for you.

6. Recognize the adult behaviors that you are operating in that are harming relationships. Call them out within yourself. Be quick to apologize to others.

Virtual Marriage Counseling is now available Contact Suzette at suzette@thescriptedjourney.com

7. Changes will first begin within your inner man before they occur outwardly. Be patient with yourself.

8. Rely on the Holy Spirit to show you things unseen.

Become awake.

9. Be grateful to God for sending Jesus, for it is only because He came and died that we are granted the opportunity to reverse what Satan set out to do to us.

suzette@couplescarecenter.com

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A Neighborhood Red, White, and Blue Thank You

by Melissa Henderson

Word spread rapidly in the neighborhood. Texts and emails were shared. Friends, family and strangers began preparations. Banners and posters with words written in red, white and blue markers began appearing in front yards and on the sides of vehicles. The American flag was already displayed on many homes.

More flags of various sizes appeared on the edge of yards. Large and small, flags were flapping back and forth in the spring breeze.

Golf carts parked on the side of the street. People in cars and trucks found their place in line, waiting for instructions. Vehicles were decorated with posters saying “Thank You”. Dogs wearing red, white and blue bandanas waited for their owners to give the signal to begin walking. Children carrying flags bounced from one foot to the other while waiting for the okay to begin the parade.

The extraordinary event was about to begin. A special surprise celebration had been organized for a Saturday evening. Excitement in the neighborhood was shared from driveway to driveway. Even while we practiced social distancing, the air was filled with anticipation for a great time.

This particular parade was for the daughter of our neighbors. Their daughter is in the military and will be deployed soon. She will be traveling to another country. Amidst all the turmoil happening in the world, the parents of the soldier decided to surprise her with a homegrown parade.

This young woman was not aware of the special event planned for her. This would be a typical visit to see her parents, or so she thought.

At approximately 5:30 in the evening, when everyone was lined up and ready to go, the procession started.

The parade began with children holding the American flag while singing the national anthem. Next, came decorated golf carts, various types of vehicles and bicycles. All were decorated with the red, white and blue theme. Most had posters with words of gratitude.

Music played from some of the cars.

Not a dry eye in the neighborhood as people stood in their driveways and yards waving and sending words of thanks to this woman.

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After circling the block twice, the parade was finished.

Next came beautiful moments when the young soldier walked with her parents to say “thank you” to each neighbor. The family paused and visited with each person.

We gave expressions of thankfulness for her willingness to serve in the military and shared that we will be praying for her.

A group of friends, family and strangers gathering to show respect and offer prayers for the young woman who will be leaving home and traveling to a different country, to help protect us.

Thank you to this young soldier. Thank you to her family. Thank you to all who were able to show their respects and well wishes. Thank you to everyone who has served in the military and thank you to those who will serve.

A simple gesture of a neighborhood red, white and blue parade made many people happy.

God bless the USA, Melissa Henderson

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, daughter-in-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

DEVOTION

by I.W. Theophilus Go to the upper shelf, grab that old book It’s time to cleanse yourself Dust it off for it’s another great chance to cuddle the harmony underneath Look at it, not as a myth, It’s high time you ought to believe Put the bias aside, sometimes you must believe In order to see bow down, fall on your knees Put off your pride Give out your heart And get the heavenly kiss The abstract clock has no reverse Sometimes you don’t know The time you posses Till the last hour strikes Copyright ©2020 By I.W. Theophilus From Four Rooms of My Mind

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“Skip, I’m glad that I caught up with you today,” he said. “If you are just coming in, I’d like to ask your opinion on something that the Lord has placed on my heart.”

“Sure, Gabriel, let’s sit down, get some coffee, and you can tell me about what’s on your heart,” I replied.

WA R C O U N C I L No Greater Love

by Craig Ruhl War Council is a work of fiction created by Craig Ruhl. This month we are pleased to present Chapter Four of War Council, No Greater Love. 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.

My visits to the Millville diner became more and more frequent. I liked the people I had met at the diner, both employees and customers alike. A friendship was forming with the employees and with the small group of men, called The War Council who gathered at the enormous round table in the back of the diner. Winter had faded and now spring was in full bloom. The Easter celebration at the Methodist church was beautiful and uplifting, but now a memory. We were coming into a time of year I think of as a “patriotic” season, starting with Memorial Day in the last part of May and continuing through the Independence Day on July 4th. During this time of year, I am reminded of how grateful I am to be an American. Tori and my family trees have many ancestors who served our country. Both of us are proud and thankful, and especially so at this time of year.

Just past noon on a bright May afternoon, I parked in front of the Millville diner. As I was getting out of my car, I heard my name being called from across the parking lot. It was my recent new friend Gabriel Martin waving his hand and hurrying over to me.

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We seated ourselves at the round table where the men of the War Council met. On some days, men occupied most of the seats around the table, but today, it was just us, Gabriel and me. Kris, the server on duty, waved at us from behind the counter and then came over to the table carrying a coffee pot in one hand and a pitcher of water in the other. The diner staff had already set the table with silverware wrapped in paper napkins, water glasses, and coffee mugs in front of each seat. Menus were on the table next to the napkin holder and condiments. Kris filled our water glasses and poured us each a cup of coffee.

Kris smiled and said, “I’ll be right back with a pot of decaf for the guys just coming in.”

I looked up and noticed that Nick Turner, the used-car dealer, was just coming in the front door. With him was another man that I had not seen before. They made their way over to our table and before sitting down, Nick introduced the man to me. “Skip, I want you to meet Jonas Stevenson, another member of our group.”

As I stood to shake his hand, Nick continued, “Jonas, this is Skip Howland, the fellow I was telling you about.”

Jonas, smiling, said to me, “Nice to meet you, Skip, and welcome to our little group.”

“My pleasure,” I replied with a smile. “It is great to be meeting more of the men and I look forward to our new friendships.”

Kris came back to the table holding two pots of coffee, one regular and one labeled decaf. She filled two more mugs for Nick and Jonas from the decaf pot. From her apron pocket, she produced two little packages of honey. She smiled at Jonas and said, “Here

you go, Jonas, here’s a little something to make you even sweeter!” He grinned and I think I even saw a bit of a blush on his cheeks as he stammered out, “Thanks, Kris.”

high schools? This would be an opportunity to pass on the knowledge and memories of the people that sacrificed everything so we can enjoy the freedom and liberty we have today.”

As Kris turned away to return to the counter area, I asked Gabriel, “So, what’s up? What has the Lord been saying to you?”

There were a few moments of silence while we all thought about what Gabriel had just said. I broke the quiet saying, “We have a wonderful opportunity to affect the minds and hearts of our youth by doing what Gabriel has suggested. Before we get too far into the planning and executing part of this project, I want us to take it to the Lord in prayer.”

Gabriel looked at Nick and Jonas as he answered, “I was just telling Skip that the Lord placed something on my heart and I can’t get it out of my head. We will soon be in what I call the patriotic season. Memorial Day is on the last Monday in May and then Independence Day is on the 4th of July. The word placed on my heart is that we, as a group, should do something meaningful for the community during this season.”

“Isn’t there a parade, fireworks, or celebration during this time?” I questioned. “Those come to my mind when I think of the 4th of July.”

Gabriel agreed, shaking his head and saying, “Yes, but Memorial Day is about remembering those who sacrificed their lives in the defense of our country and our freedom. Many years ago, people referred to it as Decoration Day. Sometimes there is a parade, but I think of it as being more of a somber and reflective time.

The reason we celebrate the day has been forgotten in society over the years, causing confusion about its true meaning.”

Jonas shared that he thought the distinction Gabriel had just mentioned had become somewhat blurred over the years and that the true meaning of each day was being lost with each passing generation.

Nick added, “The Town council organizes the 4th of July celebration, along with the chamber of commerce and a few of the local veteran groups. They always involve our families in various ways, some in the parade itself and others tending to the details of putting the entire thing on.”

Gabriel held his hand up, palm out. “I’m thinking we need to concentrate on Memorial Day,” he said. “How about we put our heads together and come up with a presentation that we can do at the local elementary, middle, and

There was unanimous agreement among the gathered group. We bowed our heads and joined hands across the table.

I prayed, “Heavenly Father, you have placed a matter on Gabriel’s heart and he has shared it with us at this table. We ask that you provide us with discernment and wisdom as we go about doing your work. Gift us with the words and guide our talents and actions to share memories of those who have gone before us, giving up their lives so that many others may live in freedom. Lord guide our thoughts, words, and deeds to always reflect your will and not our own. We are grateful that we have the freedom to worship you and to spread the Good News of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Jonas spoke first, “I am reminded of the verse in John 3:16 that says, ‘For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.’”

Gabriel added, “My favorite verse when I think of Memorial Day is from John 15:13, ‘There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’”

Nick added, “My friends, we’ve been able to steward for the Lord’s kingdom through the passing-on of our Christian values, ideals, and traditions to future generations.”

A chorus of “Amen” echoed around the table.

I even heard our server, Kris, repeat it. She must have been able to overhear our conversation and prayer from across the diner.

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WA R C O U N C I L No Greater Love

by Craig Ruhl / Continued from page 20 During the month of April, several planning meetings took place at the round table in Millville Diner. By the first week of May, the men of the War Council had designed a simple brochure explaining what Memorial Day was all about. I took part at several of these meetings, during which I met three other men belonging to the group. I had now met nine men so far and I was very much enjoying the relationships being forged.

Ben Tiller, being the principal of the high school, planned for each of the three schools to hold assemblies for our group to do brief presentations and pass out our new brochures to the teachers and students. During the third week of May, we did presentations at the schools, handing out over 300 brochures. Inside each brochure was a folded paper with an American flag background and a list of all the known names of men and women from Millville who had given their lives in war-time service to our country. Since the town of Millville dates from the mid-1700s, the list includes names from the Revolutionary War up to and including the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

All the school presentations went off without a hitch. Each school made a large effort in promoting their event, which attracted parents and relatives of the students to attend. Two men from the War Council stood at each podium and gave a brief talk about the origin of Memorial Day, explained its meaning, and offered suggestions on how the children and their families could take part in paying respect and honor to our fallen heroes. The last page of our brochure included directions to the nearby National Cemetery where a person or family could visit and pay their respects. As everyone filed out of the assemblies, our men handed out small flags mounted on sticks to display at each person’s home. The most often heard remark at the end of event was, “God Bless America!”

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We are so proud to announce this book. Kerri Daniels has made this free to all who would like to read it. It will help you see your struggles in a completely different way.

You will come away feeling blessed. To receive this digital book, simply click on the photo below. You can download the book once you open the link. Blessings to all.

Get to know more about Kerri by visiting Kerri Daniels Ministries

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“ W H AT I F O U N D AT T H E T H R I F T S TO R E ”

by Pamela McCormick

My husband and I had been hiking at Deep Creek in Bryson City. On our drive back to the motel, I saw a thrift store on the left side of the road, and because I love thrift stores, I asked George to turn the car around. We had gone long past it, but he turned the car around and proceeded to take me to this place. I did not understanding the draw this place had on me.

I opened the door and the song, “The Never Ending, Overwhelming Reckless Love of God” was playing. I had not felt like being close to God. I hadn’t heard Him answer any of my prayers, and I just was plain angry. Was He not listening?

It says in the Bible that Jesus will leave the 99 sheep to go find the one that is lost and bring it back to the fold. God knew where I was at. God met me where I was at. He was calling me back.

I found a lot of things at the thrift store that day. Nothing I saw compared with God calling this wounded soldier back to Himself.

“The believer cannot be removed from the supporting, comforting presence of his Almighty friend.

No outward circumstances can separate him from his Lord.” Matthew Henry “Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God. Oh, it chases me down, fights til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine. I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away. Oh the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God.” From Reckless Love by Cory Asbury.

“If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.” ~Psalms 139:8 KJV “Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” ~Lamentations 3:23 NLT FAITH ON FAITH ON 24 | M AG AEVERY Z EVERY I N E N ACORNER M E CORNER

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THE TREASURES O F H I S TO R Y

By Lynn Downham I love history. Knowledge of the history of our country, our family, our world, and our faith brings insight and understanding to our unique places in this world and our unique place in God’s plan.

Memories are powerful and many of them, particularly from childhood, stay imprinted on our minds for years. My brothers and I were blessed to have a teaching mother who taught us about the history of this great country, the United States, and about its cornerstone celebration, the 4th of July. During one of these celebrations, my mother put us three kids into the neighborhood’s 4th of July parade.

Since Mom always made all our costumes, she had us all properly attired. One brother was riding his two-wheeler all decked out in red, white, and blue crepe paper and the other was dressed in a George Washington costume and riding on a bouncing hobby horse in a wagon pulled by another person. I was a rocket. The rocket was tall and skinny with a small hole cut out to see through, but its diameter was so narrow that you could only take about a foot and a half step at a time. Every five minutes or so Mom would have to run up to me, lift the rocket off, let me catch up to my place in the parade, and then slide the rocket back over me. Hard to forget. I think I was the laughingstock of the parade.

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When my Dad gave me the written idea for The Mouses book, which was published a couple of years ago, my family memories came spilling out for picture ideas for the book’s illustrations. The 4th of July parade was an easy contender. This particular illustration of the 4th of July parade will be included in the sequel to The Mouses, the Mouses’ Holiday Book, which I hope to publish next year. The first book, The Mouses, is about a family of homeschooling mice who lead a community of ladybugs to salvation. It is available now and perhaps I will use some of its illustrations in a future article.

In closing, I’d like to go back to history for a moment. The greatest history book ever written is obviously the Holy Bible. If God didn’t believe knowing history was important, we wouldn’t have this book. It gives us a true sense of our identity in God and provides us with a “true North” compass for our lives. In the same way, knowing our history as a nation gives us and our children roots, a true sense of what it means to be a United States citizen. This knowledge is essential to truly grasp the sacrifice that others made that we might be free. In order to fulfill God’s destiny in this world, in this country, it is imperative that we all remember the giants upon whose shoulders’ we stand.

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 “When your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments which the Lord our God has commanded you?’ “then you shall say to your son: ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt...”

Deuteronomy 6:20-21 Beware lest we forget.

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Anna Friend

DEAR CARL

(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, Today your mom took a long look at herself in the mirror. I stood and thanked God for my multiple lines, pudgy curves, and grey hair growing beneath my Shirley inspired blonde hair. I thanked Him for legs that still move without a walker, arms that still can hang a few pieces of laundry, eyes that still see color and familiar faces, a mind that remembers familiar faces, a nose that can smell smoke and alarming heat, and especially ears that hear you say, “Aw, Mom, you are my forever girl.” Son, I am a little slower, have arthritis, must watch my sugar, and take a few meds, but I am healthy.

This morning before I stood before that aged oak mirror, I had a Face Time chat with Shirley. She had made sure before she left for the cancer center that I knew how to operate this fancy phone. She is struggling with her treatments. For the longest time it was hard for me to talk about it. It happened so suddenly. Thank you for listening so intently when you called and asked. She is younger than me by almost 15 years. She was a source of adventure, fun, and most importantly she led me to know Jesus this late in life. I need her back. The silly woman looked like a million bucks this morning, not much makeup but had on her lipstick, mascara, and drawn in eyebrows. She tells me the doctors are young and handsome. They call her Nana there. She never had children or grandchildren. The staff have truly made her feel special.

We are still hunkered down in our cottages with food being delivered, and neighborhood telephone check-ins. I find myself watching more TV news than I like. It is a different time in our country right now and I believe that we will establish a new normal. I find myself looking at the audiences, the people interviewing, and being interviewed. I try to imagine them at home with their own thoughts and home lives, as opposed to their postured appearances. I watch the daily update on our national pandemic, and I, too, check out the scarf lady’s trendy scarf of the day. When you were young you bought me a scarf from the five and dime store. It was a Mother’s Day present. I opened it up and immediately wrapped it around my neck, it was the brightest orange scarf with huge colorful parrots on it. Son, it was ghastly. I wore it with pride. You were so proud to buy it and wrapped it in the comic pages from the newspaper. I should leave it in my will for Donna. Joking, son. It found a new home after a few long months of donning it with you alongside me.

Memorial Day is coming up and we are expecting a drive by parade. Kids are making decorations for their cars. The office said they will stay in their cars but be waving and playing music. It does not take much to excite us old folks. In times past, we would have baked cookies and served punch to the kids, but this year we will stand on our front porches and wave back. The community is looking ahead to still honor Memorial Day. Patriotism is alive and well in these parts of my world. It is good that families are still teaching children a love of our country. We still are uniquely free, and we have a beautiful country.

Those that died serving our country in the military deserve honor and recognition. I read this morning that we are to be like a soldier for Christ, and that we may even suffer. We may not be defending our country, son, but we are enlisted to serve Him by serving others. It may not always be easy but we should do it humbly like Jesus. Maybe if by serving others, caring for others, and praying for others, our country will be a little better for it.

Well say hello to Donna. It is hard to stay home these days but as you say she finds joy in seeing the delivery people throughout the week. Call me.

Love, Mom 2 Timothy 2:3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

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ROAD TRIPPIN’ WITH KAREN & CRAIG P H OTO S BY K A R E N R U H L

Craig and I haven’t been able to go very far with everyone being quarantined. We have however, taken a few drives to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather we have had lately.

I am in love with old houses, abandoned houses and buildings across America. One day, I will publish a book of the photos from our drive from California to Ohio. We followed Route 66 for quite a while and visited true Americana with the old gift shops and tourist attractions that are all but gone.

In these photos, I found three old houses really close to where we live in Hudson, the one middle right is in Hudson, just a few blocks from us. In my imagination, I can see someone coming in and making it into a grand bed-and-breakfast.

The other two houses a few miles from us, on the same road just about 1/2 mile apart. The smaller house on the top right has a beautiful old barn behind it. I couldn’t get a good shot of the barn from the road.

The two barns are very much in use and just beautiful. The middle barn is used by the horses on the bottom right.

You don’t have to go far to find something interesting to photograph. Go out and take a ride, see what you can find.

We would love to hear from you!

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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.

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.

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