November 2023 Cover Photo by Karen Ruhl
He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3 (NASB) Visit Our Website at www.FaithOnEveryCorner.com for previous issues of our magazine.
Cover Photographer: Karen Ruhl I love sharing photos with you. I always look for Christian Photographers and love to feature them as well. If you would like to see more of my photos, you can click on this link: karen-ruhl.pixels.com I encourage you to pack a picnic lunch, load the family in the car and take a nice drive. Do this often and enjoy what God has given us here on earth. Can you even imagine what Heaven will look like? Blessings - Karen
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Note From Karen Ruhl, Editor Welcome to Colorful October! There is always beauty in what God creates, but I think He really puts on a show during the spring and fall. I love fall because of the colors, smells, and cool temperatures. If you can, get out and take a drive with the family and get away from all the electronics. You will be amazed at how the stress can drop off with a nice country ride. I would like to take a minute to thank our writers and supporters. This magazine is read in over 100 countries. Think about that—it isn’t because of anything Craig or I do to get that kind of audience. It is all about God expanding the territory for this magazine and getting it into the hands of those He wants to read it. We have over 42,000 readers (changes month by month). The numbers for readership are difficult to track because we give links for people to download and share with others and those do not get counted. Our contributors write from their hearts and are so very faithful; we love each one of them. We are also amazed at our readers and would love to hear from you. You can email us at Team@FaithOnEveryCorner.com. I love to share the front cover with other photographers. You don’t have to be a professional; I look for those who love to get a good snap! If you would like to be featured on the front cover, please let me know in an email. If you would like to submit an article, please let us know and we will send you the guidelines. Our email is: Team@FaithOnEveryCorner.com. Love and blessings, Karen
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COVER AND INSIDE PHOTOS BY Karen Ruhl
Note From The Editor ... page 3 Road Trippin’ With The Ruhls - pages 64-67 Quiet Time Rhymes ... by John Alexander ... Pages 6-7 My Grateful Heart ... by Melissa Henderson... Page 8-9 Thankfulness For The Body Of Christ ... by Peter Caligiuri ... Page 10 To Show The World Our Christ ... by Peter Caligiuri ... Page 11 A Hard Saying ... by Dave Evans ... Pages 12-13 Morning Coffee ... by Michael E. Wells ... Pages 14-15 The Lord Is Coming Back ... by Irene Surya ... Page 16 The Shepard And The Lamb ... by Joy Axelson ... Page 17 Making A Difference ... Linda Castro... Pages 18-19 Faultless ... by Nicole Byrum ... Pages 20-21 Simple Trust ... by Andrea Marino ... Page 22-23 Get Over It ... by Steve Carter ... Pages 24-25 My Tribute ... by Sharon Connell ... Pages 26-27 What Does Thanksgiving Mean To You? /Thanksgiving Day Poem ... By Brenda McDaniel ... Pages 28-29 Beatitudes Of Gratitude ... by Laurie Glass ... Pages 30 Attitude Adjusted ... by Brianna Barrett ... Pages 32-33 Believing Like Job ... by Yvonne Morgan ... Pages 34-35 A Moment In Time ... by Pam McCormick ... Page 36 I’m Getting Big Grandma ... by Karen Ruhl ... Page 37
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Rich Living - Climbing Trees and Mending Shoes ... by Craig D. Lounsbrough ... Pages 38-40 Not All You See Is Real ... by Karen Ruhl ... Page 42-43 God Always Provides ... by Jo-Ann Charles ... Pages 44-45 Choosing Our Emotions ... by Kathleen Oden ... Pages 46-47 Trials and Tribulations ... by Karen Ruhl ... Pages 48-49 A Veteran’s Faith ... by Craig Ruhl ... Page 50-51 Book Reviews ... by Craig and Karen Ruhl ... Pages 52-55 Wrestling With Demons ... by Mike Buchanan ... Pages 56-59 Danger ... by Joy Axelso ... Page 60-61 Photos by Karen Ruhl ... Pages 62-63 Road Trippin’ ... by Karen Ruhl with Craig Ruhl ... Pages 64-67 When A Warrior Stands ... by Shara Bueler-Repka ... Pages 68-70
Thank You to our wonderful writers and readers.
Page 6 Quiet Time Rhymes By John Alexander As Thanksgiving approaches and Christmas draws near, I pray we’re aware of those around us who may not find it easy to celebrate this year. So many are hurting or quietly suffering all around us. I pray we each reach out to others this holiday season as we gather to give thanks and then as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. A little effort goes a long way toward making a difference in someone’s life. I pray we all can take time to share joy with others this year. I pray you find love and encouragement in the poems I chose to share. Blessings, John Blessings, John QuietTimeRhymes.com
Love Shared Thanksgiving approaches and Christmas draws near We’re told to be thankful, to be of good cheer, Yet many are quietly hurting inside. I pray they find someone in whom to confide. I pray for the comfort of hugs or a touch, Expressions of love that can offer so much. Love is a gift and let’s each find a way To share it with others to brighten their day. As we share from the heart, we discover great joy Returned in full measure for us to enjoy. No matter the number of days that you live, You’ll always know peace if you’ve learned how to give. I pray that you know the true source of our love, The One born in a manger, love sent from above.
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A Special Time It’s that special time of morning just before the sun is up. A puppy sleeping in my lap and coffee in my cup. I know that soon the day will come with troubles it will bring. But now I’m quiet, peaceful, still, allow my heart to sing. It gives me time to seek the Lord, to contemplate the Word, To listen for that still small voice and make sure that I’ve heard. A quiet time to spend in prayer before I start my day, Sometimes it seems we’ve lost the map; our ship has gone astray. I know, dear Lord, you’re at the helm. Please keep our ship afloat. So many lives at stake right now, they’re not all in the boat. I pray for weary, hurting souls who don’t yet know Your name. I pray that soon they find Your love. They’ll never be the same. I pray that in the midst of pain; You grant us peace inside. Lord, help us learn to lean on You and cast our load aside. I pray Thanksgiving brings a change. May all the fighting cease. This Christmas, Lord, I pray we find Your joy and love and peace.
Thanksgiving Morning A peaceful morning coffee, on this Thanksgiving Day; A day with friends and family; no Santa or his sleigh. A quiet time, alone with God, reflecting on my life. The times of joy, the ups and downs, and even times of strife. I see God’s hand throughout my life with every twist and turn. It’s clearer now, but at the time seemed harder to discern. I’m grateful God is patient; even when I’m stubborn, He lets me go my selfish way and waits for my return. That God who set the stars in place and all that I observe; He welcomes me with open arms and love I don’t deserve. I’ll thank God for my blessings, for each day of my past, Until the day my journey ends, at home with Him at last.
Page 8 A Grateful Heart
By Melissa Henderson Sermons, songs, devotions, articles, conversations, social media, and other messages have discussed ways to be grateful. Recently, I started considering the ways I show God that I am grateful. Do I pause and give thanks for the simple things in life? Or do I wait for a major event to give thanks to God? With every moment, I want to show my grateful heart. My routine of giving thanks each morning, throughout the day, and in the evening, can sometimes become interrupted by selfish thoughts. When I praise God, I feel peace. When I put my “to-do” lists first, I am filled with conflict and turmoil. Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at https:// www.facebook.com/melissa.henderson.9440 Read her blogs at: https://melissaghenderson.com/ It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons
I want to show others my grateful heart every moment. I want people to know God. What happens when tragedy strikes? Perhaps an unexpected medical diagnosis brings fear and tears. Maybe financial struggles are cause for worry. Fear of the unknown can bring stress. How can I express my gratitude when life turns upside down and the evil of the world seems endless? Have you ever heard someone say, “What do I have to be grateful about?” This question is asked during times of uncertainty. God never promised life would be easy on this earth. God did promise He would never leave us. How do we find that comfort in Him?
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Pray. Prepare your mind, body, and soul to share time with God. Breathe in, breathe out. Give Him your worries, angry feelings, and fears. He listens. He hears every prayer. Sometimes I wonder why so many bad things are happening in the world. Yet, within those moments, I find peace when I remember God never leaves us. In good times and bad times, He is always with us. Every day, I can give thanks to God. Today, my list of reasons for a grateful heart includes the tapping sound of rain on the roof, the gentle breeze of lower temperatures outside, the delicious breakfast of toast and chocolate milk (my favorite morning meal), clean clothes, fresh linens for the bed, water flowing from the spigot, letters in the mail from friends, and much more. I am grateful for the laughter of grandchildren Rowan and Eden. Those two sweet kids continue to make us laugh and bring joy to all. Today and every day, I am grateful for family, friends, and ways to show the love of God to others. My husband, Alan, and I often share conversation about being grateful and remembering to thank God for His provisions. What are you grateful for today? Is your grateful heart filling with love and joy? “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good: his love endures forever.” (Psalms 107:1 NIV) In His Name, Melissa Henderson
Click on the book covers to purchase Melissa’s books.
Page 10 Thankfulness For The Body Of Christ By Peter Caligiuri
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV) My wife and I enjoy doing puzzles together, so I was delighted to find at a neighborhood yard sale an almost new 1,000-piece puzzle with a beautiful Thomas Kincade painting on the box. Once I got home, I dumped it out on our card table and began eagerly working to piece it together. Because of the complexity of the design, it took a while, but eventually I sadly realized that, though my puzzle was almost new, it had been put into the wrong box! That puzzle reminds me of how, in spite of God’s design, we sometimes struggle to Life has a funny way of giving us unexpected find where we fit. In today’s verse, the Apostle Paul tells us that together we adventures and detours, and my wife Nancy are the Body of Christ and each of us is a part. Fortunately for us, God puts and I have had more than a few over the 50 the correct picture on the box, (the Bible) and second, we are each intricateyears we have shared. We have two sons, ly designed to be put into exactly the position for which God designed. Paul six lively grandsons and one very special gets very detailed about those parts, calling some of us eyes, others ears and granddaughter! I love to write about nursing others hands and feet. Some of us who suffer from low self-esteem are enhome ministry, as well as devotional articles, couraged by realizing that we, too, are a valuable part. However, we also need poetry and even a few songs. to remember that discovering our usefulness also means finding how our being connected to others gives us the opportunity to serve them. Trying to Peter has published the new book, A Christfind how we fit in the church, without being thankful for people around us, is mas Treasury. It is a 30-day devotional. It begins with a week of looking at our Christ- like our putting our puzzle together with the wrong picture on the box!. mas carols, week two dives into the book of John. Next up are seven days with the wise men, shepherds, and Mary and Joseph, and finally a walk down memory lane, with some personal Christmas memories and treasures.
This month at Thanksgiving dinner tables, all across the world, people will usually take time to thank God for their blessings. But this year, why not go beyond just being thankful for how we have been blessed and take the time to give thanks for how God has blessed others; especially those connected to us? We just might be amazed at how being thankful will clear our vision and help us see the beautiful picture of the puzzle that God has designed that He calls the Body of Christ!
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To Show The World Our Christ By Peter Caligiuri
“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ..” (1 Corinthians 12:12 KJV) Sometimes you just might stop to ask What God wants of you What kind of an important task Has He called you to do The Bible makes it crystal clear That God made us unique Just like eyes and nose appear Quite different from our feet We all in His loving design By simple faith and humble life Can with our little parts combine To show the world our Christ!
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Page 12 A Hard Saying By Dave Evans
The day before, a miracle had taken place. Five thousand men plus women and children had eaten their fill. Five barley loaves and two fish offered by a young boy had been supernaturally multiplied by Jesus into a feast for the famished multitude. Afterwards, the disciples gathered twelve baskets of leftovers. This day, many came seeking Jesus, hoping for more free meals. But instead of feeding them yet again, He preached to them, not about how to satisfy their temporal needs, but about satisfying their hunger and slaking their spiritual thirst forever. Dave recently retired from his career as an estimator for an electrical contractor, but still works part-time. He recently served as Body Care pastor for a small church and previously taught at a local Bible College for several years. God led him to found and serve in several outreach ministries—a pet therapy ministry, visiting several skilled nursing facilities and retirement homes: a prayer booth on a local street corner to allow people in the community to stop by for prayer needs, and an evangelism table, typically set up once a month at various malls or stores, which made Bibles, tracts, DVDs, and other Christian materials available free of charge to interested shoppers. Dave has a bachelor’s degree in business administration/ management. As a writer, he has had many poems and articles published in various periodicals and books. And he’s been privileged to do volunteer work for a local police department.
Jesus claimed to be the spiritual food they needed—“I am the bread of life.” He then went on to explain, saying, “This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” (John 6:50-51 ESV). In this figurative language, He expressed the spiritual truth of His divine origin and of His yet-future voluntary and vicarious sacrifice and atoning death on the cross. What He said next shocked the audience. “So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.’” (John 6:53, 54 ESV). What was He saying? “Some,” as the English preacher and missionary Thomas Coke, remarked, “who still took these things in a literal sense, thought it a monstrous doctrine: they who took them in a figurative sense, as Christ explained them, thought that he blasphemously assumed to himself a divine original and operation; and they who knew not what construction to put upon his words, thought there was something so mysterious in them, that no man in his senses could receive them.”
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Consequently, we read next in John’s account, “When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?’” (John 6:60 ESV). They summarily dismissed it as a hard saying, or an offensive and intolerable one, as the language in the original text signifies. Albert Barnes, an American Bible scholar, observed: “The doctrine which he delivered was opposed to their prejudices; it seemed to be absurd, and they therefore rejected it.” Although Jesus used figurative language, He spoke the truth about the source of spiritual and eternal life. It is only by consuming Him, by partaking of the bread of life, or by eating His flesh and drinking His blood that sinners gain eternal life. His body was broken for us and His shed blood atoned for our sins. For “… without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22b ESV). Some people will acknowledge Jesus as a great teacher, an example for us to emulate, but they don’t want to acknowledge Him as Savior and Lord. His words are offensive and intolerable, so they, like the crowd who heard Jesus speak, turn, and walk away from Him. We must not compromise the hard sayings of Jesus to attempt to appease people’s sensibilities and avoid offending them. For the words of Jesus are the words of life, and they present the bread of life which a spiritually starved world desperately needs.
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Morning Coffee by Michael E. Wells As I write this, mom’s funeral is still almost two weeks away. Although November is the month of thanksgiving, it is also a reminder that the dead of winter is approaching. I would like to share about life, death and renewal. Thank you again for your prayers. Michael
Fall And Rise
Michael E. Wells has a passion for writing letters of Christian encouragement. With poetic style and moving messages, the reader is often comforted and consoled, inspired and refreshed. Since his retirement from Federal Service in 2006, most mornings are spent penning letters of the heart. Tucked away in the foothills of Pennsylvania, his is an idyllic lifestyle in a pastoral setting. This backdrop helps to set both mood and message for his many writings. You can find his book, “Morning Coffee with Words For The Day” at Amazon. com. Click on book to purchase from Amazon.
The colors in my sight cause a reflection in my mind. Yellow, red, green and gold, always about this time. A cycle of life that never seems to change. But what is the purpose? It’s all the same. Year to year, this process boasts. All is reborn, but those I love most. Is there no hope to live again, to see the ones I’ve known as friend? Family too, it seems such a waste. To live and die so others take your place. But I heard by faith I can change my fate. A loving God and mighty Savior is mine for life if I do not waver. So as the trees now change color, it reminds me of my Savior. Beautiful in life, death, and rebirth. Mine now in heaven when I leave this earth.
A LIFE WELL LIVED
How do you put into a few words all that a mother means to you? Countless people loved Mom through many generations. She never met a stranger she didn’t win over as a friend. Her doors were always open to meet the needs of those who would enter. Be they friends through troubled times or those of her adult children, she would take them in until they could piece their lives back together again. She was a great-great-grandmother with dozens calling her Mom Mom, half of which were of no relation in the traditional sense but in her heart, were always family.
Madge Wells
Page 15 Mom and dad enjoyed building their home together. Mom and dad literally built a house over time, block by block and wall by wall. One where her children found shelter through life’s storms. A sign rests over a doorway in their home which reads, “All because two people fell in love”. Her testimony of grace and mercy, of love and forgiveness, lives on in the lives of those she touched. Whether they were strangers or neighbors, friends or family, it was her desire that they be touched by the same God who had changed her life forever. Though memories will fade, love does not and the years that pass, we seem to recall as yesterday. Older age has a way of causing reflection. Something unknown to youth. To outlive those you love is bittersweet. We love longevity but mourn the passing of family and friends. I have known a few close friends who left this life much too early. Now, I find myself losing my mother. Bittersweet, yes, but I am confident of where she is. Not just because of something I have read, but because of something I have felt. Many stories are told of passings. I am reminded of a great king, who at the death of his son said, “He cannot return to me, but I shall go to him.” We who believe in an afterlife take comfort in the fact that you can never lose someone when you know where they are. It causes grief to become hope and sorrow to be anticipated joy, at reunion. So, I mourn the loss of my mother, for she was also my friend, but I live with the confidence that it was not our last goodbye. May you also hope in the life after and the God Who says, “Come, you who are heavy burdened and I will give you rest. I will wipe away every tear and make all things new.” We who live in the north are more mindful of seasonal change than others because it is all around us. It is a type and shadow of the ebb and flow of our life. In the natural we are born, we thrive, we wane and we die. But the earth reveals a truth of God, in that through death there can be new life and as the strength of the sun once again touches the land, so new life comes from old. It is the same with us, also His creation, that there can be new life on the inside even as the outside wanes. Even the timing of Christ’s birth and resurrection reflected this truth. They lay him in the manger in the dead winter and arose, resurrected with the renewal of spring. It is also available to us, in that we can have springtime in the autumn of our life. The Apostle Paul said, “Though the outward person is perishing, the inward person is being renewed day by day.”
Renewal We who live in the north are more mindful of seasonal change than others because it is all around us. It is a type and shadow of the ebb and flow of our life. In the natural we are born, we thrive, we wane and we die. But the earth reveals a truth of God, in that through death there can be new life and as the strength of the sun once again touches the land, so new life comes from old. It is the same with us, also His creation, that there can be new life on the inside even as the outside wanes. Even the timing of Christ’s birth and resurrection reflected this truth. They lay him in the manger in the dead winter and arose, resurrected with the renewal of spring. It is also available to us, in that we can have springtime in the autumn of our life. The Apostle Paul said, “Though the outward person is perishing, the inward person is being renewed day by day.” But it only happens when we have allowed the strength of the Son to touch our lives deep within our souls and only we know if we have done that. It is a renewal of the mind and spirit, a knowing of our relationship with the God Who loves us and an ever-closer walk that causes Life Eternal to spring from our very being. And as we all will one day take our final step on this journey, we are comforted with the words of Christ, “They who believe in Me, though they die yet shall they live!”
Page 16 The Lord Is Coming Back Again! By Dr. Irene Surya
Dr. Irene Surya is an award-winning author of her book, In Solitude with God. Her poems have been published in various magazines and anthologies. She has a passion for writing for the Lord and glorifying His name through her writings. She loves and serves the Lord with her husband.
The serene cerulean sky Calls out vehemently, The Lord is coming back again Are you prepared to meet Him soon?
Those whose names are written In the Lamb’s book of life Walk its gates of pearls And pathways of pure crystals.
When I meet the Lord face-to-face I will see Him in all His glory I will fall down at His feet And worship and adore Him.
The words of the Lord Are true and trustworthy He is the alpha and the omega His promises remain the same always.
He is glorious with hair as white as snow His voice, like the sound of rushing waters His face, like the radiant sun Shining in all its brilliance. To Him who sits on the throne And to the Lamb Be blessing and honor and glory And might forever and ever. I will be in the new heaven and earth In the holy city of Jerusalem It is adorned with gold and precious jewels The glory of the Lord gives it light. The Lord will dwell among man There will be no more tears and pain For the former things have passed away The Lord will be their God forever.
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The Sheperd and the Lamb By Joy Nevin Axelson
Joy Nevin Axelson earned a B.A. and an M.A. in French. She also attended Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. She’s the translation coordinator for GlobalFingerprints, the EFCA’s child sponsorship branch. Her translations of training materials are used at 14 international sites. She enjoys traveling with her husband and two older children.
I went to seek the Shepherd with burdens on my mind. I found Him swiftly searching - a lamb was left behind. The other sheep were jealous. “It’s that lamb’s fault,” they said. The Shepherd didn’t listen; He searched some more instead. The lamb was in the thicket – his leg was gashed and raw. How frantic was his pleading until his Friend he saw. His eyes were filled with sorrow his wool was bloodied, wet thinking of the warm embrace of the kindest man he’d met The Shepherd wrapped the gnarled leg and held him to His chest. His suffering was over – encircled, loved, and blessed.
Page 18 Making A Difference By Linda C. Castro
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” - William James. Wow! Think about that! We may never know, this side of Heaven, what little thing we did that actually made a difference in someone’s life. Or something another person did that changed our lives. Doesn’t have to be earth-shattering. Just some simple little thing. Perhaps a comment that offered a fresh viewpoint on a problem. Maybe volunteering and being nice to a homeless person who many people are not nice to. Maybe letting a car cut ahead of us in traffic that was actually heading to the airport for a last-minute flight and just barely made it. Or perhaps to the hospital with a woman getting ready to give birth. We don’t know what we do that makes a difference. As former owner and creative director But actually, everything does. Positive or negative. We just need to be aware. of two advertising agencies, Linda has years of experience creating a public Has someone in your life said a negative thing to you that hurt you and you still remember years impression of a product through the later? God can help you get free from that memory. Just give it to God and trust Him to make media using television commercials, ra- things right within you. Just say, “I forgive.” With God’s help, you can change a hurtful, negative sitdio and print advertising, press releas- uation into something that can now create a positive difference in your life. Freedom. es, and marketing campaigns Did a teacher, perhaps in grade school, encourage you and you still think kindly of that teacher and . what they said to you? God can use that positive memory and create an influence within you to Linda has been a caregiver for her son; help others. That one teacher encouraged you. Now you can encourage others and they can take a volunteer who travelled to Egypt and that and encourage even more people until that one positive situation makes a positive difference helped Sudanese refugees; a volunteer in many lives. People you may never meet. But always give thanks to God for encouraging that for a local food ministry, and a Creative teacher to make a positive difference years ago. Writing teacher for the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa for their Art- The Bible says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV). ists in the Schools program. God created in each of us the desire to make a positive difference in the world. He has a wonderful plan for each of us, as He said in the Bible: “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). God changes our lives by changing our hearts toward Him and others IF we permit it. We need to decide to allow Jesus to be the Lord of our lives and allow God to use each of us in the plan He created for us to follow.
Page 19 How can we make a positive difference in the world? Here are a few things we can pray about and ask God for the decision to do that: 1. Giving. Provide funding to charitable organizations within the church and other organizations that provide aid to the local area as well as various areas of the world. 2. Create. Work within the Children’s Area of the church, creating projects referencing other parts of the world, bringing understanding that, with God’s help, they can accomplish anything and use that to encourage them to encourage others. 3. Volunteer. Churches and other local organizations such as food and/or clothing ministries help others, and your help can be needed there. The following is a list of some simple ways we can make that positive difference in our local world: l. Hold the door for someone. 2. Give a compliment. 3. Give someone a ride to church. 4. Take part in local Bake Sales or Garage Sales that use the money for a particular need. 5. Smile. Everything you do, God sees it and He tells us in Matthew 5: 16 (NIV): “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”. Making a difference is the impact actions have on the world. It begins with changing one life. Will it be a positive or a negative change? The decision is yours. Do you owe someone an apology? Do it. Do you need to ask forgiveness for something? Do it. Are there areas of your life that need changing? Do it. Remember, the Bible encourages us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Each of us is so powerful. More than many of us ever realize. We can be the candle that lights the world for others just by making a positive difference in the world around us. In addition to church affiliation, this can include your career, political involvement, relationships, family, education, and all other areas of your life. Making a difference is something you do. Every day. What difference will today make? All the difference in the world. Thank You, Jesus, for making such a positive and life-changing difference in our lives and in the world!
Page 20 Faultless
by Nicole Byrum In my mind’s eye, I can still see him behind the pulpit, the aged yet slender man with thinning hair and untamed eyebrows. He, the man with a gentle heart and a gentle voice, offering my most favorite benediction:
Nicole is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 14 years of experience in community mental health. She is the author of Remade: Living Free a book written for women in recovery from substance abuse and unhealthy relationships. Nicole also maintains a blog at nicolebyrum.com as well as a podcast, 5 Minute Word. Both focus on topics related to faith and relationships. She lives in Northwest Ohio with her husband and two children. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, running, or cooking.
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 24-25 ESV) I loved it when he ended the service that way. Those words never failed to bring a smile to my lips and tears to my eyes. There’s certainly much to love about those closing verses from the book of Jude. While I adore the opening line declaring Christ’s ability to keep us from falling, it’s the next part that always strikes me: Jesus presents us faultless before his presence. Faultless. When I think of my sin- of the many, many ways in which I have fallen short in thought, word, and deed—I can hardly comprehend how such a presenting could be true. To be faultless is to be irreproachable, free from defect, error, blame, or guilt. Yet, I know all too well that I am the very opposite- I know that I am guilty and full of fault. Still, the truth of a blameless status is woven throughout Scripture, shouting so loudly that it can’t be ignored. Those in Christ are called guiltless, holy and without blemish, and above reproach (1 Corinthians 1:8, Ephesians 5:27, Colossians 1:27). And so, we humbly ask: How can this be?
Page 21 We find the answer in the beautiful truth of the great exchange. On the God forsaken cross at Calvary, Jesus took upon himself the grotesque sin that is yours and mine. This he lifted from our shoulders onto his and bore the punishment that should have been our own. But as exchanges go both ways, he did not leave us spiritually neutral. No, from his shoulders onto ours was placed perfect righteousness; the righteousness earned from 33 years of sinless living. This was the only way. By no other works could we stand before a great and holy God, for only the works of One who was innocent and unstained could suffice (Hebrews 7:26). And to imagine! This so that we may be received by Him with exceeding joy! That He may look upon us, dressed in the righteousness belonging only to Christ, the King, and welcome us with supreme gladness. I can only imagine such a day! The day when we will stand before Him no longer a ruined sinner, but as a blameless saint; not as one marred by the unsightly stain of sin, but as one who is stainless and pure; not as a condemned child of wrath, but as a faultless child of God.
Nicole’s Books are available on Amazon.com
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Simple Trust
By Andrea Marino “Jerusalem Jerusalem! She who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Mathew 23:37 HCS) Jesus cried over His people in their unbelief. Atheists reject the idea of God, others reason there is no God because of the horrors going on in the world, while suffering Christians give in to questioning why?
Andrea is mom to four great kids and Grammy to four delightful grands. Passionate about Jesus, friends, and people, Andrea loves to share all He has taught her in life. When not writing, Andrea enjoys simple things, such as music, heartwarming movies, reinventing recipes to be healthier, and cycling along one wooded road or other with the Lord. Please visit her Facebook blog: https:// www.facebook.com/In-The-Way-Everlasting-1770074853062907 Andrea is always ready to hear thoughts from her readers. Or you can email her at: rapture927@aol.com Facebook Blog: In the Way Everlasting
I am in the throes of a spiritual battle. I realize many, if not all, believers are in similar circumstances over their loved ones. What initially came as a shock, God revealed as a greater issue, needing attention. Immediately prompting me to question what I did wrong as a parent; I am fluctuating between grief and anger as I walk this difficult stretch of road. I cannot change my heart; I can only agree with what God says in His word that needs to change in me, which I must decide to begin walking in. And so, powerless to change anything or anyone, I entrust this concern to God and pray, as I wait upon Him to do the heavy lifting. Jesus wept for the people in Jerusalem over lost opportunity. His tears are still for no person to forsake the chance to have peace with God. The last days are marked with a great falling away from the words of truth. Jude warned the saints of ungodly men creeping into the fellowship (Jude 1:4). Considering this creeping in going on for over 2 thousand years, that’s a lot of evil-minded, sin-loving people in Christian congregations today, looking like angels and yet seeking to kill, steal, and destroy. How is anyone to spot them unless they know the written words of God? All sin is against God, who took upon Himself all the sins of the world. You prepared a body for Me. (Hebrews 10:5). Jesus came with a listening ear and obedient heart to do the will of His Father. In faith, we, His followers, do well to do the same. No one can afford to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the way of eternal life. I don’t know what it will take for some to see the need to get off of the road they are on. This world is spinning out of control- literally spinning off its axis. Temporary riches are no anchor for any soul.
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Having found the Lord trustworthy over the years, I will lean on Him for every one of my concerns. God desires no one to perish. His promises are for meditating on, standing upon, and wielding as a sword. While I see demon armies in the surroundings, I know a greater number of angel armies are also there and bearing me up. Yes, our faith is going to be tested; but the testing of our faith brings realization of what we are believing is true. Greater is God in us than the god who is in the world. No weapon formed against the church of Jesus is able to prosper. Rest and security, with no fear of danger, are found in simple trust. As I have learned before, God has not given me children to lose them to the enemy. (Proverbs 1:33, Jeremiah 31:16, Isaiah 49:25).
Click on the book cover to purchase The Hobble by Andrea Marino
Page 24 Get Over It By Steve Carter
Oh, good grief, I felt terrible. Sunlight screaming at me through the blinds did nothing to brighten my mood. With a sigh, I fell back onto the pillow, then jerked awake after remembering the “Meet and Greet” duty waiting for me at church! After nearly scaring myself to death looking in the mirror, I stumbled through getting ready for service. While fighting with my boots, the football game I stayed up late watching, lost the allure it held while whittling away precious hours I should have spent sleeping! Despite sipping sweet tea (we do that a lot in the southern USA) I pulled into the parking lot in sad shape to greet members, much less visitors! Although falling well short of “feeling like it”, I did my best to keep my eyes open with a semblance of a smile on my face to make everyone feel welcome! Steve Carter lives in Tupelo, Mississippi. He is a Bible college graduate, military and hospice chaplain, and musician. Steve may be contacted by email at: Msroadkill@bellsouth.net
I’m sure my efforts earned me little more than an “E” for effort. However, I resolved to be 100% fit for duty from then onward! The church I attend is known for the group of “greeters” waiting outside with hearty handshakes and a genuine welcoming spirit. This gathering of godly men is what drew me to our church. While it may seem insignificant, it is a great introduction to visitors and welcome reminder to members. It’s obvious to all that we are glad they are there and want them joining our church family! I sometimes let things God asks of me get scant attention or fall to the wayside altogether! Our common enemy “Old Slew foot” (that’s Southern USA slang for devil) will creep into our subconscious and draw us away from the seemingly small things God asks of us. Then it dawned me, that as imperfect beings, we are in no position to question what God dictates. When we grow weary or distracted, it’s easy to fall into a mood of “why bother” or “someone else will take care of it”. That time tested excuse of “too tired” or “don’t have time” creeps in and God’s work falls on someone who wasn’t His first choice for that task. Then the old “I don’t feel comfortable doing that” creeps in, and the work likely doesn’t get done and if so, not very well. You guys see how we let moods dictate our actions? If we fail to control these passing moods, our ability to execute God’s plan weakens, causing delays in intended blessings.
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It’s been my experience that regardless of one’s calling, there is a need for constant attitude adjustments to keep us ready and fit for duty! Watching a ball game well into the night is only a bad thing if it leaves us unfit to answer our Sunday morning calling. God wants alert and happy people welcoming his flock, not bleary eyed, yawning folks running into walls and falling into the shrubbery! Called to teach on Wednesday night? Don’t feel like doing the research or printing adequate notes? Just going to hope for the best? Whoa! Hold it right there! Our issues and feelings need to be cast aside. Everyone coming in the door has personal problems! The thing is, they are looking to us for a way to deal with their issues, and if we are bogged down with what the devil is throwing at us, we are in no position to help them. Having those who share my calling “watching my back” and holding me accountable is a good way to stay razor sharp. The three men I work with have a mutual pact in place to keep each other well prepared and on task. For that, I am very thankful. Regardless of what any of our personal “feelings” are on any given day, God’s calling is still in place. If one of us is struggling, the other three prop him up until he is back to full strength. We must keep ourselves prepared and alert when duty calls. We don’t get our assignments by chance. Our savior is tasking US to do his bidding, and by doing so we are helping build his kingdom. Remember the time when we needed guidance or encouragement and God sent help? Provide that same hand up for others in need.
Click photo to purchase Steve’s book from Amazon.com
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My Tribute
By Sharon Connell For most of my saved life, I’ve been musical. By that, I mean I’ve sung my way through life, sometimes accompanied by my guitar, most often a cappella. Since I was a young teen, I sang specials in my church, would sing requests at parties, and was even a member of a gospel bluegrass band. Most days, one could find me walking around the house, doing whatever needed doing for the day, singing my heart out to God. Is there any better way to live a Christian life than to sing praises to our Lord and Savior?
Sharon Connell Website www.authorsharonkconnell.com Please subscribe to my monthly newsletter, Novel Thoughts, written for writers and readers. A Variety of articles for everyone. Subscription form is found on my website on the Novel Thoughts page. https://www.authorsharonkconnell.com/
As I got older, I started thinking more seriously about the words I sang. Have you ever studied the words these songwriters penned? Every now and then, I go in search of the origin of a certain song/hymn. They are fascinating stories, and so heart-felt. This song in particular is one I love. My Tribute. Not that I could ever give enough or a high enough tribute to all my Lord has done for me. Read the words. If you know the tune, sing it while you listen to what you’re singing. For me, I know I have to do more of that. I need to give God my best in everything, including my voice. Through the years, my voice has been damaged because of sinus issues and allergies, but I still try to give it everything I have when I’m alone with God. How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me? Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me. The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude. All that I am, and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee
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To God be the glory, to God be the glory To God be the glory for the things He has done. With His Blood, He has saved me With His Power, He has raised me To God be the glory for the things He has done. Just let me live my life and let it be pleasing Lord to Thee. And if I gain any praise, let it go to Calvary. (AMEN!) With His Blood, He has saved me. With His power, He has raised me To God be the glory for the things He has done. The next time you find yourself singing an old or new hymn or gospel song, ponder the words. If you find the time, look up the songwriter and find out where the song originated or what inspired those words. It’ll give a boost to your own faith.
Page 28 What Does Thanksgiving Mean To You? By Brenda McDaniel
It will turn cold soon, in November. Winter will be on its way, with its own beauty. Mother Nature may blanket our beautiful world, with glistening, beautiful snow that cleanses our world. Some people dislike winter because of the cold, snow and ice, but I think all seasons the Lord has made are beautiful! Each has unique natural beauty and benefit for our world. So, I am thankful for our God-given natural seasons, and all of our different seasons in our lives, too! November is the month when we celebrate Thanksgiving. Some people just view the day as a time of family gathering and good food. Although that is great and a big part of the celebration, I think it should also be a time to look back on the past year, as we are nearing a new year. We should look at the positive Brenda McDaniel is the author and the negative things that happened over the past year and what positive changes we can make in our of My Angel My Hero with two lives. Each New Year should be a time of renewal, strength and introspection! more books soon to be published. She is from Roanoke, VA. Thanksgiving, for me and our family, is also a time to be thankful for the many blessings and miracles She holds a B.S in Psychology our God and dear Savior Jesus Christ gave on us. And to thank Him for allowing us to live another year, and M.A. in Counseling. She leaning on Him daily. And feeling His love surround us daily, through all trials and circumstances. has enjoyed writing poetry and short stories, even as a small What does Thanksgiving mean to you? I hope and pray you will truly treat this day as a time of reflecchild. Brenda says she is now tion and thanksgiving! A day like it was with the original pilgrims when they gathered, even inviting the Indians to celebrate with them to thank their God for allowing them to survive another year in the New living her dream come true! World, carved out of the wilderness! The Indians brought what food they had to the celebration. It was a celebration of peace, brotherhood, and love for each other, even though of different races.
Of course, eventually, the peace didn’t last, as is often the case in our world of trouble and distrust. But, as years passed, unity finally came to our nation. Although there still are times of mistrust and violence, the main point is we keep trying, as a nation. The main point is we keep trying as a nation and a people to come together in peace, brotherhood and love for one another. And, if we as a nation and people can lean on our Lord, and truly love the one who died for us, we can better ourselves and our nation. We can eventually live in a new world, with a new body, and be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, forever and always! The end times are near, so make your choices carefully; your eternity depends on it! “In everything give thanks: For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. “ (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV) “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures Forever.” (1 Chronicles 16-34 KJV)
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Thanksgiving Day by Brenda McDaniel
It’s another day of celebration, To give Glory to God’s Son! It’s not just delicious meals. And looking for good deals, At the shopping malls. But it’s a time to give your all! All your thanks and love, To God’s Heavenly Dove!! Who gave us all His Love!!
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Beatitudes of Gratitude Laurie Glass
Blessed are those who cherish the little things in life, for they will discover many reasons to smile. Blessed are those who treasure the beautiful creation all around them, for basking in it will give them a refreshing calm. Laurie Glass has a heart for encouraging others through her writing. She has had many poems and articles published in both print and online publications. Laurie is a contributing writer for Chronic Joy, a ministry for those affected by chronic illness and other health issues. In addition, she won the Open Medicine Foundation poetry contest in 2019. Look for Laurie’s books on Amazon.com
Blessed are those who smile and say thank you to anyone who serves them in any fashion, for they will not take others for granted. Blessed are those who turn from anxious thoughts and give thanks, for they will receive peace beyond their comprehension. Blessed are those who praise God for who he is, for they will see more sides of him. Blessed are those who continually focus on gratitude, for they will experience more contentment, peace, and joy because of it. Inspired by Matthew 5:1-12
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Photo and Photo Art by Karen Ruhl
Page 32 Attitude Adjusted By Brianna Barrett
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.” (Ezekiel 37:26-27 NLT) The day’s activities were jam-packed. I would have to be on time for the first appointment and hope that it didn’t last so long that I couldn’t make it to the next one on time. If I was lucky, I could grab a bite to eat in between the appointments. As I rushed around that day, I noted my mood was rather chipper, despite a two-hour drive to the first appointment with lots of traffic. I had spent my ride that morning in prayer and praise. Brianna is a Carolina girl that loves Jesus and her family. She enjoys watching the sunrise, photography, reading, writing, and paddleboarding. According to her teenage son, she’s a master chef in the kitchen, making gluten-free cuisine from around the world. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including Faith On Every Corner, Magazine, The Christian Journal, Our Story Magazine, and Broken But Priceless Magazine, where she writes the “From A Homemaker’s Heart” column. Check out her latest works at www.briannagrams. com and connect with her on Instagram @briannagrams1 or Facebook at www.facebook.com/ briannagrams1.
It had started as a typical day, but I noticed that lately, my heart had been having trouble finding the joy in things. I felt like I did my stuff each day to only rinse and repeat the next day. The mundane had become monotonous to me. I was struggling with gratitude. The people I do life with were noticing my sour attitude as well. That morning, as I dropped my son off at school, I turned the praise and worship music on loud. I sang songs for the first little bit, till I felt a nudge on my heart. I prayed; I started praying about my heart, the things that seemed to bog me down a bit lately. The everyday tasks seemed more trying than normal. I prayed about my attitude and how it needed an adjustment. I didn’t have any reason for my sour attitude; I was blessed. So, I started thinking about how my prayer time lately had been praying for others. In wanting to make sure that I included everyone who had asked for prayer or who came to mind, I had neglected my own heart. I asked God for an attitude adjustment. Growing up in the heart of the South, I often heard: “You better adjust your attitude, young lady.”
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I needed a heart transplant, not a literal one, but a change in my own heart. I was reminded of the promise from God, “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.” (Ezekiel 37:26-27 NLT). I needed that new heart and spirit. I knew just where I had to turn to in order to get my attitude adjusted. I turned to my Heavenly Father, the One who created me, the One who breathed life into each one of us. As I drove those two hours, I cried out to God to change my heart and attitude to one pleasing to Him, one that would be for His glory. Sometimes our hearts become burdened with things that make us less than our best. Each day my morning prayer is: “Lord, help me be a better version of myself yesterday.” I want to always give the Lord my best, but I know I fail at this often. Sometimes it’s because of emotions or circumstances and sometimes I just can’t figure it out on my own. But God helps me. Not only does He help me identify the problem, but He also helps me to change it. God always provides to those who seek Him. As the holiday season is quickly approaching, I’ve started preparing my heart and mind for the festivities. I want to be loving to others and have an open heart this season. Running from one place to another can wear us down, and all the extra obligations and stresses at the holidays seem to wear us all thin. But every day if I start my day in the Word, holding close to God and His will for my life, I’ll be able to accomplish that. For the month of November, I’m writing out Thanksgiving Psalms. You can join me over on my website at www.briannagrams.com to join in Thanksgiving Psalms.
Page 34 Believing Like Job By Yvonne M. Morgan
Today, I want to take some time to look at the story of Job from the Bible. What does believing like Job and trusting God look like in our lives? I wrote about an adoption story in the past and that story led me to think about parallels between that story and Job’s story. I know in my life God has restored many parts of my life once I put all my trust in Him. But let’s look at the story of Job. Job Summary
Yvonne M Morgan, Christian author and speaker https://yvonne-morgan.com Blog at Turningmountainsintomolehills.org Twitter: @ymmauthor Website: Yvonne-Morgan.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YMMauthor/ Turning Mountains into Molehills (2017)
At the beginning of the book of Job is a scene in heaven where Satan stands before God. God asks Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job?” (Job 1:8), and Satan immediately accuses Job, a righteous man, of fearing God only because God had prospered him. “Strike everything he has,” Satan says, “and he will surely curse you to your face.” (Job 1:11 NIV). God grants Satan limited permission to put Job to the test. (https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Job.html) Job loses everything, all his wealth, health, family, servants, and property. Throughout the book, we see Job’s struggles to understand his situation. But Job never curses God or gives up his faith and God restores all the things he lost. There are so many questions about this story for me but I want to focus on the question; “Can I still trust God when I suffer some kind of loss?” My Job Story If you’ve followed me for a while, you know the story of losing our son when he was just nine days old. My anger burned towards God and left me questioning Him, but I never stopped believing. I knew God still loved me and I kept trudging forward. I continued to follow God and his calling in my life. Now, many years later, through the ministry he provided, many orphans call me mom. I lost one child and God gave me many more to care for and love like he loves me. And even if God had not provided me the ministry to orphans, I know he will reward me and replace everything lost once I get to Heaven. Other Job Stories
A friend shared a story about someone he knew. They had a lawn care business. The man stored many chemicals at his company and one day they caught fire. He lost everything and, to add to his problems, he found out that his insurances had lapsed. But instead of turning away from God, he turned to God for help. After some time, he figured out a way to treat lawns without all the harsh chemicals. Soon, he was back in business and his process kept dangerous substances out of the water supply
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Wrap Up Bad things will happen in our lives. Jesus even prepared us for this in John 16:33 (NIV); “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” How we respond to these situations is key. Do we give up and run away from God or do we run towards God? Running to God assures us that someday, maybe not during our lifetime on earth, he will restore everything to us. So, hold on and don’t give up on God. He never gives up on us. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 NIV). Your Turn Have you experienced a Job situation in your life and if so, how did you respond? Prayer for Job Like Faith Dear Heavenly Father. I know you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Give me strength to carry on when all feels lost and help me trust in all your promises. I want a faith like Job’s, one that never gives up. Thank you for all the blessings I have in my life. I will praise your name forever. In Christ’s most Holy Name. Amen.
Page 36 A Moment In Time By Pam McCormick
If you had told me I would be night hiking to a place that can only be captured in a memory of the heart, I would have responded, “Not me.” First, I’m a born scaredy cat. The idea of walking deep into the woods would not be by choice, but by a desire for the “not so normal” adventurous girl inside of me. See, at night, I think of spiders, creepy crawlers, snakes, bears, bobcats, yep, all of those and more, but tonight was different.
Pam McCormick is a writer and retired from teaching in the public school and community college setting. Pam had a story, “The End,” published in Isothermal’s magazine, The Mentor, in December, 2014. Pam was also published in December 2016 in collaboration with eight other authors to write a devotional book, Ancient Stones Timeless Encouragement. Pam is a member of the Encouragers’ Christian Writers’ Group that meets monthly. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and tent camping with her husband, watching old time westerns, doing crossword puzzles and spending time with her daughter in Maryland and her son, his wife and granddaughters, in Fuquay-Varina. You can contact her at pjmc411@gmail.com.
My husband, George, asked me to go with him. He never said where we were going, but I went. I’m glad I went. We got to a spot, a bridge with a creek running on both sides. And George said, “Look up.” He had told me to do that several times before, because I had gone through some tough times, but this night, this moment in time, I looked up and saw a cloud hugging the moon. It was a quarter moon, but it shed just enough light to reflect itself on the surface of the creek below. My husband said, “Isn’t this peaceful?” And to be completely honest, my fears of the night, my unknown whereabouts at 9:30 PM, and the cold wind that had been blowing all night, made me less than peaceful. Then I realized something. George had arranged this spontaneous moment to help me have more peace. My husband is an original. He doesn’t do the ordinary. He does the extraordinary. Having gone through tough times, I just couldn’t believe I deserved this much love. Thank you, my love, for loving me and helping me see I’m lovable. And the wind stopped on the bridge over the running creek. And there was peace. Click on the book cover to purchase from Amazon.com
Page 37 I’m Getting Big, Grandma by Karen Ruhl
I am getting big now, Grandma Look, just look, I am getting tall! I can reach the countertops, and the photos in the hall. I’m much longer when I lay in my bed, You laugh and say I have a bigger head. You make me smile, grandma, You love to give me kisses and great, big hugs. And I like to play with you and Pop Pop, Because you two tell me I’m the tops! I’m quite chatty at times; I like to hear my voice, I’m trying to learn new words now, Like sheep, dog, cat, and cow. You tell me I am growing up so fast, And you say you wish this time could last. I like getting bigger; I like what I can do, But I really love being little and being held by you. I love to run and play, I really like to jump, You always watch me so my head doesn’t get a bump. I may be getting bigger, but I will always be your little man, So smile and give me kisses, and enjoy this time while we can. Karen Ruhl is an author of children’s books and is currently working on a Christian devotional book due to be released soon. She is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Faith On Every Corner Magazine, a Writing Coach, and Social Media Marketer. You can reach Karen by email at Team@faithoneverycorner.com
Page 38 Thankfulness - Climbing Trees and Mending Shoes By Craig D. Lounsbrough
Snow had graced her headstone, embellishing a life of poverty with a garnish of royalty. In similar fashion, winter’s kiss had adorned the muscular branches of the red oak that stood as a gentle sentry above her grave. She had always wanted to be buried under an oak tree for the simple reason that poverty never thwarted the invitation of any tree to climb into their canopies and rest in their embrace. And so, she had repeatedly scaled them as a child, perching in their lofty branches so that she might leave the world of poverty to run in the world of clouds and sky. And the very trees that had extended such a generous invitation every day of her ninety-five years now stood as an attentive sentry over the place where she ceased climbing the trees of earth and began running the wilds of heaven. Craig’s background includes over thirty years of experience as a counselor in a variety of treatment settings, including psychiatric hospitals, schools for the blind, organizations for the physically handicapped, churches, and outpatient settings. He also possesses ten years of experience in pastoral ministry. Craig spent two years broadcasting on Christian radio and has published both nationally and internationally. To date, he has published six books and has had many other works published in a wide variety of magazines. Craig founded an outpatient practice that provides counseling, coaching, and consulting services to individuals, marriages, families, various businesses, and church and ministry organizations. Craig may be reached at: craiglpc4@ gmail.com
I gently brushed back the snow from the headstone and ran tentative fingers over the lettering. 1890 - 1985. It was a life that had lived in a world of destitution and poverty all the while living above that very world, much like climbing the trees of childhood. It was an utterly amazing feat carried out by an amazing woman who discovered the amazing power of being relentlessly thankful. Perspective and Contradiction My grandmother was impoverished in possessions and yet rich in her person. She was listless and enduringly joyful, though neither her belongings, the wounds that detailed a litany of injustices, nor her scant successes would explain such a demeanor. She possessed little, meandering throughout her meager house with the scant appointments dressing out her modest domain. Yet, in possessing nothing, she possessed everything. She had expended part of her life surviving the brutality of the Great Depression, left greater by the exit of an unfaithful husband. In those darkest years of soup lines, Hooverville’s and scant hope, she would feel the scourge of impoverishment twice and then some. She would struggle to feed her four children as a single mother at a time when a nation was struggling to feed itself. Of her five children, one would die at birth; being robbed of everything that she could have been. Another would die of tuberculosis at twenty-one, just barely beginning to become everything that he was going to be. And yet a third would precariously skirt the fringes of death, only to recover with the trauma of the experience haunting her for years.
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My grandmother existed on the sum total of the pennies, nickels, dimes and the occasional dollar that she collected in her small, floral change purse. Clothes were mended… repeatedly. Shoes were fixed until they couldn’t be. The trolley was her transportation. Day-old bread was considered as good as fresh. She baked eighty pies a day at a small diner that served people a smile, a cup of hot coffee, and a bit of conversation. The job put a few dollars in her purse and a spirit of thankfulness in her heart. The furnace was kept low, and the lights were kept the same. And although I did not live these things, I am deeply thankful for the lessons that her life taught me.
The Lessons Granny Left Me Lesson #1 - What She Wouldn’t Do She would never evaluate her life based on the rubrics that men apply to lives such as hers. She would not appeal to the tenants of justice as they assumed that mankind possessed the right to avoid all that is wrong in a world that had long forgotten that a great wrong sets the stage to do a greater right. She would not play the victim, for that was to miss the fact that defeat holds the raw ingredients from which the greatest victories are crafted. She would not bemoan what she did not have, for that was to miss celebrating what she did. She would not complain, as that was to focus on what did not happen instead of focusing on what could. Lesson #2 - What She Would Do She believed that the course of the day did not represent the course of one’s life. That victory was not based on the nature of any outcome, but on the fact that one stood by their values even in the face of the most devastating outcomes. She believed that life was a privilege even when it didn’t feel that way, and to embrace it as such would always rekindle that sense of privilege, regardless of the darkness of the circumstances. She believed that fear was the absence of faith and that faith would leave us with the absence of nothing. And above it all, she believed that God held every tear in the hallow of His hand, and that each one that she had cried was intermingled with a thousand of His own. And that someday He would welcome her home, draw her deep into His embrace and let the tears of both spill on the floor, never to be collected again. Continued on Page 40
Page 40 Thankfulness - Climging Trees And Mending Fences By Craig D. Lounsbrough What I Learned I stood up, scanned her headstone, drawing its features and forms into some place of the deep soul. I slowly realized that the key to it all was that she had lived a thankful life. But it was more than that. It was a ‘deeply’ thankful life. Not in the form of some cherished ideal that she held, or a practice made habit, or some socially appropriate attitude that she became adept at. Rather, it was a thankfulness that was cultivated to the point that it saturated her being and came to define who she was. A thankfulness that was blatantly revolutionary, even though few would ever have the privilege of beholding it. A thankfulness born of a hard life, of cherishing little things instead of seeking many things, of diligently working to see blessings where others saw nothing, and of understanding that God’s greatest gifts are not that of material things but of inner things that will walk with us into the next life when everything else will fall away in the transition. And Then…To Climb a Tree Looking up at the sprawling oak, I thought that maybe I need to go climb a tree… metaphorically, anyway. I thought, maybe I should do that the way my grandmother did it, by being thankful for the things that she was thankful for, the stuff of bread and shoes and trollies. Maybe I need to do so by finding something to be thankful for in everything. To seek out the good and be thankful for the fact that is it always there to seek out. To give optimism a hand up. To say, “thank you” at the very times where I’d prefer to say “no thank you.” For as I’ve pondered it all, I realize that these are the precious lessons of my grandmother.
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Page 42 Not All That You See Is Real by Karen Ruhl
As wonderful as the internet is, it also brings many troubling things into our houses daily. Craig and I work online many hours each day. During that time, we are marketing our clients and our own business. We have conversations through messenger throughout the day. We have learned and are still learning how to be discerning with what we see and hear.
Karen has a background in broadcasting, television and radio, and as a writer for several newspapers. She started her own marketing agency and enjoys working with her husband, Craig. She is an author, photographer, graphic artist, and writer.
On more than one occasion, I have had friends tell me they feel bad because they don’t measure up to their internet friends. They see all of the beautiful photos of loving families; they see what they think are perfect families. I see the posts too and I am so happy when I see that my family and friends post these wonderful photos. What we don’t see is what is happening in their homes away from the camera. We get prayer requests daily. Gut wrenching prayers, for everything from losing a loved one, to marriages breaking up, children who are sick, loss of jobs, family member on drugs, incarcerations, to family members with terminal illnesses. While we pray, we know that some of these will not be resolved in the time we want or in the way we want them to. Yet, when you see some of the posts online from these families, you will see happy faces, fun activities, and yes, praise for our Father in Heaven. Craig and I were talking the other day about how our lives have changed since the internet was made available to all of us. People do not socialize in person as much as they did when we were younger.
Page 43 Not any of us get through life without having challenges. Major thought-provoking, challenging challenges. I put a post up the other day that was a billboard with a saying about Christ being the only way. Most people hit the love or like button. My nephew, however, challenged it and said it wasn’t true. I answered with a short answer but knew this wasn’t the time to challenge him - we as Christians need to have discernment so we don’t push someone further away from Christ. Craig and I share posts and most of them show things we have done, road trips, photos of our grandson, and happy times. At this time, we are in the midst of what many would consider worrisome. I would rewrite this: ...of what many would consider worrisome issues, both health and family related. Having a 21-month old full-time has certainly added a new dimension to our lives. While we try to keep everything very real, we also love to post the fun times and share the everyday blessings. So, the next time you start to think that everyone around you has that perfect life, remember that no one does. We each have challenges and we all need to rely on God to get us through them. “No temptation (or trials) has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV) As I was ready to wrap up this article, I remembered a verse my neighbor, Carolyn, in California used to say to me. She was a wise and loving woman and I miss her to this day. This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24 NKJV) Let us all cut down our computer time and spend time with family and friends. That is real - the love we share with all of them.
Page 44 God Always Provides By Jo-Ann Charles
Back in 2010, 1 went to my doctor because I wasn’t feeling well. I couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong, but I knew I didn’t feel myself. I know my body so well, so when I told my doctor something wasn’t right, he knew I wasn’t lying. He sent me for test after test. They conducted an MRI, cat scan, ultrasound, x-rays, and blood tests, but they didn’t discover anything out of the ordinary. So, he sent me to a gastroenterologist to do a colonoscopy. The doctor found that I had the pancreas of an eighty-yearold man. He grilled me about doing drugs, smoking and drinking, which I did none of, but he didn’t really believe me. I didn’t like how he spoke to me, so I never went back for the follow up.
Jo-Ann Charles is a 57-year-old wife and mother of two girls, also proudly a grandma to one grandson. She is Co-founder, Administrator, and Street Missions Coordinator of Agents of Rescue Ministries. Her creativity shines not only in her ministry work but also in her home-based baking and cake decorating business, where her artistic talents are always at play. Her passion in life is to help others and to share her testimony about the goodness of God.
Forward three years to 2013. I was at work one day in June when suddenly I doubled over in pain on the counter. I have a very high tolerance to pain, but this felt like someone had a hold of both of my ovaries and was trying to yank them out. I called my husband and asked him to please take me to the hospital. He rushed from work and took me to the hospital. We sat in the emergency room from 3pm to 11pm before a doctor finally saw me. He asked me some questions and diagnosed me with double hernias and said I needed surgery as soon as possible. 3 days later I was on the table having surgery. Almost halfway into the surgery, the doctor stopped, stitched me back up and came out and told my husband that I didn’t have hernias. I would need a hysterectomy. My next appointment was with my gynecologist, who told me he could perform a hysterectomy, but it wouldn’t solve my problem. I had a giant lesion on the head of my pancreas which is why it probably looked dead from the head back. My doctor suggested that I go back to the gastroenterologist where I had to humble myself because he remembered me and how I got upset with him. I apologized for getting off on the wrong foot and asked if we could start again. He said no problem. He did a biopsy on my pancreas in his office he delivered the bad news. It was pancreatic cancer, and the survival rate was 3%. My entire world shattered. I couldn’t believe it but after all the emotions of it subsided, I decided I was not going to accept that diagnosis. I went back to my doctor, who acted as quickly as he could. He was amazing, sending me to the best pancreatic surgeon. He had me set up for surgery less than two months after my original diagnosis. While I waited for the surgery, whenever anyone asked me, “How are you?” I answered, “By HIS stripes, I am healed.” I never told everyone around me or my whole family. There were only a few people who knew—my husband, my kids, my mom, my best friend and her mom and a neighbor. We spent those two months praying every day for this cancer to dry up and leave.
Page 45 Fast forward to a few days after my surgery. It was the middle of the night. I couldn’t sleep and I was reflecting on my life and what it would be like to never see my family again and I started crying uncontrollably. Then I remembered my aunt had given me a book on healing prayers. I started reading and couldn’t stop. I read that entire book that night; it changed my thinking. The next day when my husband and younger daughter came to visit a man in a blue shirt and green track pants came in my room and asked my husband, after they had taken a bit, if he could pray for me and my husband said sure. A peace came over us after that prayer. They discharged me from the hospital a few days later. My husband and I were in the car driving out of the driveway when a man in a blue shirt and green track pants walked up in front of the car, stopped us and said, “I knew you were going home today, the LORD told me.” My husband remembered him and thanked him for his prayers. A few days passed, and I noticed my wound had opened slightly, so we headed off to the emergency room at the same hospital. This was at the opposite end of the hospital from where I had stayed. The wait time was so long that day, we waited in three different rooms. The last room was filled to capacity with people, and I was sure it was going to take hours to see a doctor. Less than 5 minutes into our wait in that room, a man approached us in a blue shirt and green track pants and asked me my name and turned around and left. Not 2 minutes later we heard, “Mrs. Charles!” We were stunned because of how many people were before us. We were out of the hospital in the next half an hour. A few days later we were talking about the whole ordeal when we realized that the man who prayed for me was the same man who stopped us when we were leaving the hospital and the same man who showed up in the emergency room on the other side of the hospital, wearing the same clothes the day we met. My husband and I looked at each other and said, “He was an angel sent from GOD to show us everything was going to be ok.” Eleven years later, with no chemotherapy, no radiation, 20% of my pancreas left, and only prayers, I am cancer free. This is where my real journey to serve GOD came in. Agents of Rescue Ministries, formerly known as Faith Outreach Church, is a nonprofit charitable organization that has been in operation since 2015. Our mission is to equip disciples, change lives, heal hurting hearts through prayer and intercession, help the needy, giving as GOD prospers, and doing local and global evangelism in advancing the kingdom of GOD. Being a part of a ministry changed my life. I have been through a lot of hardships in life, but I am so blessed to have a relationship with GOD. He has been very good to me and my family. This is one reason for our dedication to our street mission for the homeless and destitute. I must begin by giving GOD thanks for His healing power. I know He has a purpose for me. For the past 7 years, we have been feeding, clothing, praying for and with the homeless people on the streets of Toronto, Canada. Many times, we don’t know where the money is coming from, but GOD always provides. We have even witnessed GOD multiplying the food we are preparing right before our eyes. Our God is awesome! He is a mighty miracle working God. We are looking for destiny helpers to donate to our mission. Our greatest need is a van to transport everything downtown and then a continuous flow of funds to support our food purchases. The Bible says in Acts 20:35, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” So that’s what we do. To God be the glory for breath and life, every day!
Page 46 Choosing Our Emotions By Dr. Kathleen Oden
One of the most common excuses we use for losing our temper is, “He or she made me mad”. The truth is, no one can make us mad. As human beings, we can choose how we respond when life throws things our way. Choosing our emotions can be challenging, particularly in situations where we are provoked or dealing with drama. And choosing the wrong emotion can break a valuable relationship. It doesn’t matter if it’s actions or words from others; we are in control or should be, of choosing our emotions. Our emotions are a vital part of daily life. They can bring us joy, happiness, love, and fulfillment; however, they can also lead us down the path of anger, frustration, and resentment. While it may be tempting to blame others for our negative behavior, it is crucial to recognize that no one has power over our emotional status. And the best way to be the master of our Dr. Kathleen B. Oden is an author, missionary, emotions is to cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) says, “But the fruit of the and Bible teacher. She has been the Admin- Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: istrator of God’s House of Refuge Church & against such there is no law.” School of Evangelism, for 25 years. Dr. Oden attained a Doctorate degree in Christian The- When someone says or does something that irritates us, we have a choice at that very moology in 2000. After a bad fall in 2014, she re- ment to choose a positive emotion in order to react correctly. And we really only have 2 choicalized that she had to start eating healthy, in es. #1 react positively #2 react negatively. No matter how we feel about what was said or done order to fully recover. She became a Certified and no matter how we interpret it, our response is based on our heart and on whether we Health Minister and a Certified Essential Oil have mastered our emotions by cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit. Coach. She loves ministering to people and God gave her a health ministry called, Create When we remind ourselves that everyone is fighting their own battles and carrying their own AnewU Health Ministry. Her health ministry burdens, it becomes easier to be understanding. By putting ourselves in the other person’s has opened the door for her to share what shoes, we cultivate compassion and forgiveness, rather than anger or negativity. We can train the WORD OF GOD has to say about eating our brain to think automatically about the Fruit of the Spirit so that we can choose our emohealthy. Dr. Oden has published over 20 books tions instead of reacting by jumping to conclusions that are not real. through Amazon.com and several of them are about health and wellness. https://createan- If we memorize the scripture Galatians 5:22-23, we will soon choose our emotions and our mouth will automatically respond correctly. Our brain is so powerful that our mouth waters ewuhealthministry.com when we just think about something we really love to eat. That is an automatic response triggered by our brain. Our mouth does not water when we think of foods that we dislike eating or we have not eaten them before. I don’t care how you bake a fruitcake; they are just not good to me… yuck!
Page 47 This warm beverage is perfect for any event, personal or private, throughout the fall and winter seasons… For some people, learning to eat healthy is like cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit. It may seem hard at first, but it will bring about peaceable fruit if they stick with it. Now with that said, I must admit to being guilty of allowing my mind to tell my mouth what was good to eat…lol. But after learning to eat new foods like avocados, spinach, kale… etc and other really healthy foods, they are now a permanent part of my healthy living lifestyle and I love them! Trying new recipes is now something that is very enjoyable for me. My mouth waters the moment the Holy Spirit gives me a new recipe to try out! As we move into the fall and winter seasons, finding new healthy tasty recipes can be a challenge if we are not prepared. So, start now, not only preparing to cook new tasty meals but also preparing yourself for socializing with relatives that are coming to visit. Now is a good time to start memorizing Galatians 5:2223, so that by the time you find yourself with those people in your life or family, that are “hard to love” you will have mastered your emotions by learning to cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit. This is a good time to practice choosing to eat healthy and choosing our emotions!
Cinnamon Spiced Apple Cider Ingredients: - 4 cups of apple cider - 2 cinnamon sticks - 4 whole cloves - 1 orange (sliced) - 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey (optional) - Optional garnish: cinnamon sticks and orange slices Instructions: 1. Pour apple cider into a large saucepan on medium heat. 2. Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, & sliced orange. 3. Stir in maple syrup or honey (optional) 4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. 5. Simmer 15-20 minutes. 6. Remove from heat & strain out spices & orange slices. 7. Ladle into mugs, and if desired, garnish with cinnamon sticks and orange slices. This tasty apple cider recipe will fill your home with delightful aromas and create a comforting atmosphere. Enjoy this comforting drink during the cooler months to embrace the flavors of fall and winter. https://cahm.now.site/
Page 48 Trials and Tribulations by Karen Ruhl
Our Pastor in California was preaching one day and talked about trials and tribulations. I will never forget his words when he said, “don’t wonder if you will go through trials and tribulations, just know you will experience them.” That was a hard time for us as someone very close to us had been arrested and we were in great pain that morning. I remember we found the last pew and sat on the outside of the pew in case we had to leave. I was crying softly as I heard the Pastor’s words. We made it through the service and left a bit early. Neither of us was ready to talk to anyone yet. 2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV) reflects the meaning of the sermon: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.” Karen has a background in broadcasting, television and radio, and as a writer for several newspapers. She started her own marketing agency and enjoys working with her husband, Craig. She is an author, photographer, graphic artist, and writer.
We are in another trial and have been for a couple of years. Craig has had and has continuing significant health issues. We know we have seen God’s hand and Craig has received healing more than once. We carry that with us as we enter another health matter that needs surgery. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3 NIV) It is difficult to count trials as joyous, and yet, when we look back on each situation, we see God’s hand and cannot help but feel thankful and joyful. I am only giving my opinion and advise you to take time to look up these verses in a study Bible to see what the meaning is and learn more about our loving Father God.
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You might ask why we go through these times. The trials we go through result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The trials in our lives test our faith. They prove the genuineness of our faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes. It is so easy to get caught up in our own situations and sometimes think it is just too hard to manage them. It isn’t hard to see how most of us are very blessed when we watch the news and see what is happening around the world right now. We watch the news and see countries being destroyed and thousands of men, women, and children being killed. It is so hard to watch those atrocities and still feel the strain of what we are going through. I recently read where someone said that maybe God lets us experience these hardships so we can take a good look at ourselves. Yes, they are painful, frightening, tiring, and sometimes very costly. But when we take the time to take these problems to the cross, He brings comfort—the kind of comfort that comes only from Him. It might just be a feeling, or a scripture, that resonates with you. Or it could be something that lets you know it is from God and that there is no other explanation. Why do we look for explanations, anyway? Our God is a great God. He wants everything for us. The next time you are facing a trial or tribulation, be sure to take it to God. Father God, Help us come to you when we face the trials and tribulations in life. Open our eyes to let us see how you are working through these times with us. Lord, let us come beside each other as we face the challenges in life and help each other get through the hard times. I lift up our family and friends to you and ask that you help them through their hard moments. Let them feel your love. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen
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A Veteran’s Faith By Craig Ruhl
The month of November offers us two days set aside for giving thanks. On November 11, we celebrate Veterans Day. Throughout the land, there are parades, speeches, cheers, and sometimes tears as we honor those who served in the various branches of our armed forces. Please note this is not the same as Memorial Day where remember and honor those who gave their lives in defense of our country. We live in a country that is a beacon of freedom for the world. Many people from around the world suffer unimaginable tribulations to come to the United States and to experience true freedom for themselves. Sometimes, those of us who were born as citizens in the United States take our blessings for granted, not having had to work and struggle to become an American. I believe that the most sacred of our freedoms is the right and ability to exercise our faith in God. Throughout my life, I have understood that I owe my allegiance to God, country, and family. My military service included the oath to bear true faith in the United States and the Constitution. My faithful service to my country and my fellow citizens has always been a source of pride for me. I have always tried to be faithful to my family. There is another faith that I hold even dearer, my faith in Jesus Christ, my Savior. As we were growing up, our parents handed down to us kids the Christian faith, which they had been brought up in and continued to adhere to. We were members of a local church in each town we lived in and took part in church programs, such as Sunday school, youth groups, Bible study groups, and many community-related services. During this time, I came to know and accept Jesus Christ as my Savior and learned about my relationship with God and how that should and would direct my life. As an adult, my faith walk became a little more of a stumbling path. During my active duty with the Navy, I attended regular religious services on the bases or the ship where I was assigned. Most often on a ship, a chaplain would preside over a service open to all personnel, whereas, on a base, there would often be separate services for those of Protestant, Catholic, or Jewish faith. I remember attending many of these services, but I drifted away from my Bible reading and prayer life. For many years, I was what has been called a “holiday” Christian. I still believed in God and that Jesus Christ was my savior, but I often only went to church on those Sundays when my mother would require attending with the family, usually followed by a family lunch or brunch. Christmas and Easter services were mandatory and non-negotiable.
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Twenty-five years ago, I met my wife, Karen. We agreed we desired a closer faith walk with God as a family. Since then, we have grown in our understanding of our relationship with Jesus and continue to practice our faith through church attendance, Bible study, and community involvement. Since 2017, we have operated a home-based business called Faith On Every Corner, LLC. We write, edit, and publish a free digital magazine by the same name. Through the articles, stories, and photography included in each issue, we strive to share our faith with others. Many of our reader are strong in their Christian faith and even contribute content to the magazine. Others reading the magazine may seek more information or support in forming their faith. In the first case, those already of faith can strengthen and grow by interaction with others of similar values. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV) tells us, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Those who are new in their faith need to be mentored, taught, encouraged, and loved. We strive to provide that support through our publication and our activities. We are a work in progress and as we share, we also grow ourselves. Acceptance of and submission to Jesus Christ as my Savior was the most defining commitment in my life. When I was in school, we recited the pledge of allegiance daily and in included the words, Under God. As a young guy, I swore the Boy Scout Oath and later, as a serviceman, I swore an oath of enlistment. In 2004, Karen and I exchanged our marriage vows. I made every pledge faithfully and without reservation. Later this month, on November 23, we will celebrate Thanksgiving Day. On this day, it is traditional to give thanks to our Creator for all that we have and enjoy. As Americans, we have been blessed far beyond most of the world. Although our Constitution and Bill of Rights define much of the freedom we enjoy, they also give proper credit to God as the grantor of all that have. When we gather around our dinner tables this Thanksgiving Day, let’s remember to give proper thanks to God. Let’s also teach our children and their children the true meaning and value of our faith. I think Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) says it best, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
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Bookshelf Reviews
Scooter And The Blanket Snatcher By Karen Ruhl Reviewed by Craig Ruhl This is a fantastic story that will become a family favorite for generations to come. A little boy’s blanket goes missing each night and his family has several suspicions as to what is happening. They solve the mystery with a surprise ending. Karen Ruhl has written another endearing children’s book. The illustrations are crisp and beautiful. Be sure to include this book on your Christmas shopping list; it will be a treasure to receive. It pleases us to place a copy of Scooter and the Blanket Snatcher on the Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf and we highly recommend it to our readers.
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Bookshelf Reviews
Scooter And The Blanket Snatcher By Karen Ruhl Reviewed by Craig Ruhl Many parents will identify with thie surprise in this book. Many children will hide things from their parents, but this surprise is warm and cuddlely. Your kids will enjoy this book and I recommend that you read it with them. It might end up being your childs favorite bedtime story!
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Bookshelf Reviews Rocky Mountain Reflections By Michael Shoemaker Reviewed by Craig and Karen Ruhl This is a delightful book filled with reflections, both in prose and in photographs. Michael Shoemaker shares with the reader his musings on a variety of interesting topics and life aspects. His writing is succinct and smooth. Accompanying the words are gorgeous photographs that support and deepen the experience. The bite sized chapters in Rocky Mountain Reflections make it a perfect book to keep on your desk or in a book bag for that special moment to steal away and reflect. You will enjoy this book! We are pleased to include a copy of Rocky Mountain Reflections on the Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf and highly recommend it to our readers.
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Bookshelf Reviews The Redemption Letters By LeAnn Ploeger Reviewed by Craig Ruhl The subtitle of this book is From Death Row To Heaven: An Account of Salvation from the Darkest of Places. That alone captured my attention. Reading this book was an exceptional experience in that I think it is rare to have firsthand knowledge from a person who corresponded, over an extended period, with a person on death row who later serve a life sentence,. It was also interesting that it involved an internationally infamous personality. The ability to read the inmate’s letters and gain an insight into his mindset was wonderful, but it was especially fulfilling to learn of this person’s salvation and his desire to share his love of the Lord with others. The Redemption Letters is a book that needs to be shared with those who have or are about to give up on life. It is inspirational and I believe it will save lives and lost souls. We highly recommend this book to our readers and are pleased to place a copy on the Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf.
Page 56 Wrestling With Demons By Mike Buchanan
As a teenager in the 1980’s, November meant one thing besides football. Active 1: No, not Thanksgiving (to me thanksgiving was something that should be done daily, and still is). Also, I never liked large groups of people in a house with no real direction. No, it meant Starrcade. ‘Rasslin’, or wrestling, the good stuff before it became this “Sports Entertainment” of the last decade or so.
Mike Buchanan is an author andfreelance writer. His love for writing and poetry, along with his passionto be of help to cancer patients, inspired him to author the book “Mountains ofHope: Surrounding the Valley of Cancer.” This inspirational book provides dailydoses of encouragement for those challenged by the disease. He recentlypublished his most recent book, Feeling Down? Look Up!! Mike is also a featuredcontributing writer for several Christian magazines. Mike and his wife,Darlene, live in Buckeye, Arizona.
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk about a different type of wrestling with an unsung superstar of yesteryear. Mark Smith is a 56-year-old retired professional wrestler. When I asked him to describe his childhood, Mark said it felt like Gordon Solie (nationally regarded at the time, and still today, as probably the best commentator ever) was commentating on Mark’s life. Mark could hear things happening in his parents’ bedroom. It felt like he heard Solie’s gravelly voice doing the voiceover. He said later he would notice behind every photo in the house, there were fist holes in the drywall from where his father had lashed out in anger. This anger would transfer down to Mark, who said, “Football, fighting, anything where I could imagine attacking something with my dad’s face on it, was motivation.” Mark said he grew up in the south, where it was normal to see Christmas parades where the KKK, made of policemen and firemen, were part of the parade itself. He feels the media focusing only on the evil acts of groups of people helps foster the growth of racism. He thinks we should look at the person and not their skin color. Mark thinks racism, at its root, is a division. He says, “It divides to a point where a disagreement leads a person of one color grabbing a gun and killing someone of a different color over their differences.” That summation was, as he would remind me later, not bad for someone who has had 30 concussions. Yet, one of his best friends in high school, and indeed the person responsible for pointing him to wrestling, was an Italian whose dad’s wrestling gimmick was a popular native American Indian, Chief Jay Strongbow.
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After a fight with his step-dad left him with a damaged throwing arm, and cost him a shot at a spring training tryout with the Atlanta Braves, his friend Mark Scarpa suggested he give wrestling a shot. As Mark said, “Mike, people might eventually catch up to a 94-mile an hour fastball, but if you don’t have any breaking stuff (curveballs, etc.), it’s over.” Mark Scarpa (Strongbow’s son) had seen Mark heft a U-Haul car top carrier on top of a car by himself. That type of strength led Scarpa to take Mark to a “ring of dreams”, as Mark called it. The ring of dreams was a wrestling ring set out in the middle of the woods. Scarpa liked what Mark could do and put Smith in touch with the manager of a former team called the Masked Medics. The retired manager talked to Mark, convinced the other Medic to come out of retirement, and Mark started his wrestling career working as one of the Masked Medics. Mark received a lot of help along the way, especially from Kevin Sullivan. Sullivan at the time was portrayed in some very dark, actually demonic, angles in wrestling. Mark, however, was clear the angles were an act to help put butts in seats. Behind the scenes and as a person, Sullivan was a very helpful person in his career. Among the big names Mark Smith wrestled were 16-time world heavyweight champion Ric Flair, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, Sid Vicious, and The Samoan Swat Team (cousins of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson). Mark wrestled for 6 years, primarily in the south for the National Wrestling Alliance, but ended his career with World Championship Wrestling. Mark thought God was a hypocrite growing up. He based it on what he saw in Christians. He came to be a Christian after coming home and finding a positive pregnancy test in the trashcan from his first wife. After trying to reach her, an aunt told Smith, “They had taken care of it.” He said, “Mike, I felt like a murderer because of what she did.” Ironically enough, he went back to his dad’s house and found a Bible. He started reading Proverbs. He was concerned because of all the warnings he had found about what God would do to the wicked. That was when it finally made sense to Smith. In his words, “God becomes God when you realize you are not.”
He went to a church, and as he waited for the service to start, he ran outside and threw up on the lawn three times. When the music started at about 10:30, and the song started, Mark ran to the altar and got down on his knees in prayer. He stayed that way until almost 2 in the afternoon; the pastor joined him at some point. He left a different person. Continued on page 58
Page 58 Continued from Page 57 Wretling With Demons
by Mike Buchanan
The pastor lived next door to his dad. After 2-3 weeks, Mark’s dad went to the pastor and told him he had to do something with Mark, because he had changed too much! Wrestlers who had never been in the area were now driving by the service station where Mark worked. He was concerned there might be a hit on him because he had left wrestling so fast and knew so much about the business. God’s grace allowed Mark to sing at his stepdad’s gravesite. After initially shoveling in the first bit of dirt on his casket, he drove away. In the rearview mirror, he observed his stepsisters arguing. He remembered a promise he made to sing at the graveside and turned the car around, got out, and sang. It led to his stepsisters embracing. After he and Brenda, his second wife, got married, and had children of their own, children of different races started being brought to their door. Mark said, “As soon as I would hug one, I might notice a difference in hair texture, but that was about it.” Any racism he had grown up with was long gone. God had filled him and Brenda with a love for these children. Now, Mark and Brenda are proud mom and dad to 3 biological children. They have adopted 5 more: 2 Hispanic, 1 African American, 1 Native American, and 1 Caucasian. He and Brenda spent over 18 years in ministry working with youth and children. They also have fostered almost 20 children. Mark describes his book, Wrestling With Demons, as the story of an abused kid that carries fury into the wrestling ring. When he hits life’s bottom, he has to confront the reality that God is real. Mark can be reached by email at mbjaas@gmail.com or by phone at 903-263-8067. He’ll be happy to respond quickly.
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Mark as the Masked Medic Click on book cover to purchase Mark’s book
Page 60 Danger
By Joy Axelson 15 years ago, our pastor, Colin Smith, preached a thought-provoking sermon about life. He maintained that the safest place in the world to be is wherever God wants you to be. He quoted George Whitefield, who said that we are indestructible until God deems our work on earth is finished. As I would discover a decade later, it can be riskier to stay home without God’s guidance than to go somewhere dangerous with God’s hand of blessing upon you. While milling around at church after the service, I spotted two Filipino friends. Just preCovid, they were planning to return to the southern Philippines on a medical mission in November 2019. Although I possess few medical skills, Ron informed me, as he firmly shook my hand, that they wanted me to consider going with them. His radiant smile and warm encouragement swept through me, conveying a sense of calm purpose.
Joy Nevin Axelson earned a B.A. and an M.A. in French. She also attended Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. She’s the translation coordinator for GlobalFingerprints, the EFCA’s child sponsorship branch. Her translations of training materials are used at 14 international sites. She enjoys traveling with her husband and two older children.
Soon, I accepted this mission and began learning Tagalog and Chavacano greetings, as I am constrained by my language nerd nature to do. Before embarking on our journey, Ron and his wife informed me of various hazards we would encounter. My teenage son, Soren, learned of this and appeared distraught. “Don’t die, Mom,” he croaked as he wrapped his large arms around my shoulders, dragging me towards the floor like a recently-cast anchor. Our first stop was a child sponsorship site in Manila, where vulnerable kids receive sponsorship from Americans. Years prior, the Filipino government had launched an unsuccessful attempt at bringing Muslims from the southern island of Mindanao to Manila, where they could theoretically work and thrive. Unfortunately, this neighborhood had become a slum. Walking along the stony “road” leading to the Gift of Love Center, the stench of an open sewer made us pull our t-shirts over our noses. Upon exiting our van, we suddenly understood why these kids, trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty, needed a safe place to go. Only later would I discover I had risked my safety by visiting these cherubic, chubby-cheeked children. I discovered that these beautiful kids often faced being pelted with stones for attending a Christian center, and that this haven had been burned to the ground more than once.
Page 61 The perils described to me were real. In the airplane at the Manila airport, on our way to Zamboanga City, a friendly Filipino man got my attention. “Miss,” he queried earnestly, “do you have someone picking you up in Zamboanga? It is not a tourist destination.” I reassured him and we were off, speeding toward the Sulu Sea and the water border with Malaysia. As my security briefing had promised, Mindanao, where we planned a medical mission, was under martial law. In Zamboanga, I had only to peek out of my hotel curtains to find serious soldiers sporting camouflage and carrying the largest guns I had ever seen. They stood ready to shoot at whatever moved. The state of emergency was only the beginning of our challenges. Besides a polio outbreak and widespread malaria, a spate of kidnappings had shut down international business in Mindanao. Three Chinese businessmen had recently been kidnapped by ISIS, along with some unfortunate American who had the audacity to hike a mountain alone. Our team had the common sense to hire Carlo, an off-duty police officer, to guard us as we rode to the most dangerous place we would ever tour. The four police vehicles accompanying us guided us to the church safely. Zamboanga City is on the ocean, so many homes are on stilts, hovering over a fish-filled abyss. The one-room Protestant church we visited was no exception. We were especially surprised at the “bridge” leading to the church door. It consisted of two bamboo poles loosely tied together. Our balance would have to be on point to avoid falling into the warm water below. Carlo helped each person as we shuffled sideways along the rickety bamboo conveyance. Once, my pant leg got caught on splintered bamboo and I pictured myself plunging, like a circus hippo, off a tightrope to the embarrassment below. Thankfully, I caught myself and made it safely to the church entrance. “We could send some money for a more permanent bridge,” we told the pastor, wondering why he had not thought of this. “Oh no,” he replied, “When radicals trying to kill us chase us, we pull up this drawbridge so they cannot harm us.” I later learned that our pastor friend, Jake*, had once been a Muslim imam and that various fatwas had been issued calling for his expeditious murder. “How can someone live and minister with constant danger and threats?” I asked myself frequently. Perhaps Pastor Jake knew what became seared into my consciousness—you are never safer than when you are exactly where God wants you to be. * I have changed the name for security purposes
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ROAD TRIPPIN’ YEA!
by Karen Ruhl with my side kick and driver Craig Ruhl. Fall has been one of the prettiest we have seen in years. We are blessed to be able to go to several states within hours. I am going to share many of the photos we shot in North Carolina and in Virginia. Craig and I live within an hour of South Mountain State Park. This park has a wonderful waterfall. I did walk to the falls once but not on this trip. The water levels have been down, as in many states. We are praying for rain. The creek that is shown on the right runs down from the waterfall. The colors were striking as I walked the park. The park trails are all taken care of, you can walk next to the water or hike into the woods. Either way, your senses will come alive by the colors.
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Virginia is ineed the right place for Love if you like the beauty of the countryside. The mountains were sparkling with oranges, reds, yellows and rusts. It’s hard for me when I see a group of trees as we drive down the highway. But I take the photo anyway because it shows the depth of the colors.
Page 66 Can you imagine how relaxed you would be after staying at this Inn? They have chairs along the balconies so you can sit right outside of your room and watch the water, the horses, and the people. You can also take a wonderful hike on a paved path around the park. New River Trail State Park.
The views from this park are amazing. There is a small restaurant on site and plenty to do - if you are a photographer, be sure to make this a stop while in VA.
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Craig and I live about 40 minutes from The Blueridge Parkway. We love to drive up through Blowing Rock and drive the parkway for a few hours. This year, the colors were amazing. The photos on this page are from the parkway. If you get the chance, make reservations way ahead of time and drive The Blue Ridge Parkway during the Fall. It will be very busy, especially on the weekends, but oh, so, worth it!
We hope you enjoyed the beauty of Fall. As we drove around, we just kept talking about how beautiful the colors were and discussed what we will see in Heaven. Can you imagine?? Get out and take a drive, it is relaxing, beautiful, and fun. May God Bless you all.
Page 68 When A Warrior Stands By Shara Bueler-Repka
I can still see him standing in the middle of our friend’s driveway—a slight man, wearing loafers, Levi’s, and a pale blue shirt. Tony was a quiet man, but his voice rang with authority as he shared his street stories of God’s love and power. One day, while driving through the city, God gave Tony a vision for a ministry that would challenge every area of his life: a mind picture of riding horseback down the Fresno streets, ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the different gangs. Shara Bueler-Repka is enjoying A retired sergeant in law enforcement, he knew well these gang-infested Central California streets. Dangerous life as a singer/songwriter/re- enough during the day, the Lord called Tony to minister in these hellholes at night. cording artist, freelance writer, and award-winning author. She This, in itself, was a tall order, but God wanted him to take an even bigger step: Tony had never ridden a horse and her husband, Bruce, live in and had no money to get one. But God’s “still, small voice” encouraged him, “Don’t worry how you will do it, I their living quarters horse trailer will make it happen.” and call “home” wherever their rig is parked. Their mail-base, He stepped out in faith and Cross and Horse Ministry was born. God blessed him with several horses of various however, is Hallettsville, Texas. breeds and ages and taught him to ride. Mounting up with cowboy hat, boots, sturdy saddle bags, carrying She loves sharing God’s Word Bibles and necessities, he hit the streets almost every night for twenty-four years. through music with her husband, riding their horses (aka “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, The Boys) in the backcountry, And will be secure, without fear of evil.” and writing about God’s grace (Proverbs 1:33 NKJV) in their various adventures on the trail less traveled. His powerful testimonies have inspired my husband, Bruce, and me throughout the years. I hope his following stories will motivate you as well… In ministering to gangs on the streets of Fresno, I first had to learn the principles of walking with God based on Ephesians 6. One night, a man threatened me and my horse, Grace (a 2000-pound Clydesdale) with bodily harm. “Leave now!” the Lord commanded me. That surprised me because God has never told me to leave a potentially dangerous situation. As I rode away, God got in my face, saying, “You haven’t been praying or in my Word (the Bible) as you should. You’ve been just going through the motions. YOU’D BETTER GET OVER THAT QUICK!” I was under strong conviction, knowing He was right. I quickly repented and started praying and getting into His Word as if my life and that of my horse depended on it.
Page 69 Three days later, I encountered five older gang members who were smoking ‘crack’. They were also dealing drugs. They threatened I would get shot if I didn’t leave. This time, the outcome was different as I stood boldly on God’s Word—my only weapon, as I don’t carry physical weapons when I am ministering on horseback. God’s presence was there. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV) Around midnight, I returned from ministering in a certain neighborhood and rode my horse, Cinnamon, down a dark street. Across the street, three gang members attempted to steal something out of the back of a pickup truck. I yelled, “What’s up?” “Don’t put your nose where it doesn’t belong or you’re going to get X’d out {killed}!” the older of the three yelled back. “When I was seventeen years old, I asked Jesus Christ into my life, and He is right here with me now,” I countered. They turned and faced me. Slowly they approached, walking side by side. “We don’t believe in God,” they sneered. I started quoting scriptures from the Bible where God promises protection. They came up to the horse, putting their hands in their shirts as if they each had a gun. “We don’t believe in God or the Bible,” the older gang member repeated. “If you don’t get off our streets, you’re going to be X’d out!” I remembered what Jesus had told His disciples when a “mountain” stood in their way. “In the Name of Jesus, LEAVE NOW!” I commanded. Still, they threatened with their hands in their shirts. I side-stepped my horse, quickly coming up behind them. “Leave, in Jesus’ Name!” I commanded again. Cursing, they spun around to face me once more. But they slowly stepped back, and I followed them. They backed up all the way to the next street. And for the last time I commanded, “In Jesus’ Name, leave!” They disappeared into the darkness, still threatening. As I turned Cinnamon to leave, I thanked the Lord for His faithfulness to His Word. Two weeks later, I was ministering again on Cinnamon and rode down an alley. That older gang member approached me once more, but this time, his attitude had completely changed. “I’m sorry for threatening you the other night,” he apologized. “We were on drugs. And anytime you need to preach at me … preach.”
Page 70 When A Warrior Stands continued from page 69 By Shara Bueler-Repka
Two weeks later, I was ministering again on Cinnamon and rode down an alley. That older gang member approached me once more, but this time, his attitude had completely changed. “I’m sorry for threatening you the other night,” he apologized. “We were on drugs. And anytime you need to preach at me … preach.” “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.” (Psalm 91:14 NKJV) As I revisit these stories, I am encouraged anew by God’s faithfulness. Evil boldly confronts us, causing discouragement and fear in many. But God is faithful to His Word. I believe these are the most important questions we must ask ourselves: Is our relationship with Jesus Christ so tight that we have the faith to use the weapons He’s given us–His Name and His Word–in the enemy’s face? Can we hear His voice of instruction above all other voices? If not, we have work to do before it’s too late. Our very lives may depend on it. “Be strong and of good courage. Do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV)
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Fall Leaves, Photo and Photo Art by Karen Ruhl
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Faith On Every Corner Publishing We have read over 120 books and offered our reviews in issues of Faith On Every Corner. On this journey, we have met many wonderful writers who have experienced the trials and pitfalls of becoming published authors. We first learned of a woman who wrote a beautiful book, only to be taken advantage of by an unscrupulous publisher. She and her husband lost thousands of dollars they could ill afford to lose. We helped her republish her book while she kept all rights to her work. Since then, we have found that there are many writers who shared her terrible experiences. In response, the team at Faith On Every Corner developed a very affordable package of services for writers who would like to publish their book. Our knowledge and experience includes: • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Karen Ruhl, Photographer
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Publisher & Editor in Chief: Karen Ruhl Managing Editor Craig Ruhl Photography: Karen Ruhl (unless otherwise credited) Staff Writers: Craig Ruhl Karen Ruhl
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