Photographer: Karen Ruhl
This area is loved by so many. Lake Lure, The Flowering Bridge, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave, and so much more were wiped out. I am posting these as a tribute and pray they are able to rebuild and once again be a wonderful place to visit.
Craig and I use to go here often, when we first moved to NC, we lived about 20 minutes from here. It was our go to place to relax, grab lunch, and take some photos. God Bless Them!
Witnessing something I have never seen to this extent.
Hurricane Helene hit a month ago on 9/24/24. In some ways, it feels like it was yesterday. Driving around the county I live in, I see houses that are being restored after huge trees fell on them. We see many piles of trees, bushes, and debris at the street waiting for FEMA to pick them up. And, as I meet people and talk to them, I am aware that we are all still in shock at the impact and devastation that hit Western North Carolina, Tennessee, George, and Florida.
While many of us are trying to get back to “normal,” so many are still waiting to see if their loved ones will be found. I cannot even imagine that pain and that loss. And so, I ask you all to take a minute right now to pray for those who lost a loved one, are still hoping to find a loved one, and for those who were injured and had a loss of houses, businesses, and other property.
My extent of the hurricane was a flooded basement and garage, a few tree limbs down, and the loss of food. Our electricity was out for four days, the worst thing about that was my grandson Damien (almost 3) bringing me the remote (he calls it the mote) and asking for the television to work. When I told him the remote doesn’t work, he then asked for YouTube, fully expecting the television to play. All-in-all, we were blessed.
I encourage each of you to get closer to your families, your friends, and take time to let each other know how much you love them.
I love you all.
May God bless you and your family
Karen Team@faithoneverycorner.com
COVER ART AND INSIDE COVER PHOTOS By Karen Ruhl
A Tribute to Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and in Road Trippin - South Mountain (Copyright 2024 - all rights reserved)
Thanksgiving ... by John Alexander ... Pages 6-7
Giving Thanks to God ... by Melissa Henderson ... Pages 8-9
Fans Verses Followers ... by Yvonne M. Morgan ... Pages 10-11
My Testimony Is Not The Good News ... by Jessica Allen ... Pages 12-13
Morning Coffee ... by Michael E. Wells ... Pages 14-15
I Found God ... by Irene Surya ... Page 16
Left...Left...Left, Right, Left ... by Laurie Glass ... Page 17
A Beautiful Church ... by Donna J. Miller ... Pages 18-19
Aging Male Elders and the Contradictions of their Faith ... by Mitchell Milch ... Pages 20-21
Hurry Sickness ... by Brianna Barrett ... Pages 22-23
Feeling Myself Again ... Gina Meredith ... Pages 24
Gold Mine Anniversary by Bill Warren ... Page 26-27
You’ll Have What You Need When You Need It ... Shara Bueler Repka ... Pages 28-29
One Foot Forward ... By Karen Ruhl... .... Pages 30-31
Being A Christian / Moses Poem ... By David Sowers ... Pages 32-33
Take time to look around your table and give thanks for your family. Much Love, Karen
Be Thankful In All Things ... by Linda Castro ... Pages 34-35
Spirit Of Change ... by Dr. Kathleen Oden ... Pages 36-37
Finding Family ... by Mike Buchanan ... Pages 38-39 Road Trippin’ ... by Karen Ruhl ... Pages 40-41
Lost in Hurricane Helena
(Craig and I visited this area often, I am so sad for the residents and pray daily for the area to get all of the supplies they need) Pages 48-51
Please hold the people of North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida in your prayers. There is so much yet to do and so much loss and pain.
Pray for all who are helping - it is amazing to see how many people and how much support has come from all over the world.
Some years due to circumstances beyond our control, a Thanksgiving celebration gets interrupted and changed. I pray that you are blessed to be able to take time to thank God for His blessings regardless of how or where you’re able to gather with friends, family, or even others you don’t yet know. I pray this Thanksgiving Day, you are able to reach out and gather with those around you, count your blessings, and lift a prayer for the year to come. I pray you find meaning in these poems from Give Thanks.
Blessings, John Alexander QuietTimeRhymes.com
Thanksgiving’s a holiday perfectly named. In that one single word its intention is framed. The traditions have followed, built up through the years. Taking time to be grateful for what we hold dear Doesn’t have to be formal or festive or grand. Just share with another, reach out, take a hand. Perhaps it’s a stranger who’s sharing a meal. Thanksgiving’s a time to be genuine, real. Reflect on the blessings in life we have known. Give thanks for kindnesses others have shown. Give thanks for the people, the ones we call friend.
Reach out to the Lord, on His love we depend. No matter the circumstance, manner, or place, Give thanks to the Lord for His love and His grace.
We’re grateful Lord, we’ve been so blessed, You comfort us in times of test, You give us peace when troubles flare, We know Your love, You’re always there. We pray for those who’ve suffered loss, Laid heavy burdens at the cross. I pray Your love will lift them up, Refreshing waters fill their cup. We’re grateful Lord for loved ones near, Those cherished friends to us so dear. We pray for them some near, some far, Lord help them glow, shine like a star. I pray our gratitude this day Will linger Lord, not fade away.
Thanksgiving’s the day when we pause to reflect, A practice, when busy, we often neglect.
I’m grateful the day’s set aside when each fall, We gather with loved ones and friends to recall The blessings we’ve known through the months, through the year,
The memories of loved ones, some no longer here, The moments we cherish, the blessings we’ve known, The joys and the tears, and the ways we have grown.
I pray as we gather on Thanksgiving Day, We share cherished memories, the love they convey. The children will learn from the stories we share, Down through generations, compassion and care. I pray we find others, reach out, share our love, Share all the blessings received from above.
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
By Melissa Henderson
What are you thankful for today? How do you give thanks to God? November is when we hear or read words of thanksgiving. We may begin to think about the holiday meal preparations. Lists are created, a day and time for celebration are chosen, and loved ones are invited to feast and fellowship together. Giving thanks to God reminds us of the many blessings He has provided.
Thanksgiving can be celebrated in different locations. Perhaps you’ve invited family and friends to share a cooked meal. Or this year you may have a special meal at a restaurant. Maybe you will be volunteering to help those folks who are in homeless shelters, or nursing homes, or are unable to leave their homes due to medical issues. Wherever and whenever we gather together, God is there.
My husband(Alan) and I have experienced different ways of giving thanks on Thanksgiving Day. We have cooked and shared food with family and friends. We have volunteered at a homeless shelter and served turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, and warm rolls. Other times, we have met with a group of volunteers and packed meals to take to shut-ins in our community.
As a young girl, my parents cooked meals for the family. Other times, we visited family in another part of the state. The food was always delicious. The laughter, conversations, stories of childhood memories, and yes, the spilled potatoes, created great memories to be passed down from generation to generation.
There is joy in sharing God’s love with others. I give thanks to God for His blessings upon each person. Volunteering on holidays like Thanksgiving brings an opportunity to learn the life story of a stranger. Sometimes people want to talk and share their experiences. Other times, sitting in silence is appreciated. Every situation is different.
I remember making “Thanksgiving” leaves in elementary school. Now, I can create those crafts with our grandchildren. We take a construction paper leaf and write a name on it. Then, we can tape it to the window or glue it to a piece of paper. With each leaf, we can say a prayer for the name listed. A simple activity that has great meaning to the younger and older folks.
Times are sometimes tough. How do we give thanks after devastating hurricanes and tornadoes? How do we say “thank you” to God when given a troublesome medical diagnosis? Or when a prodigal child hasn’t returned home? The answer is to pray. Pray and give thanks to God for His love and comfort.
If you have trouble giving thanks, try to make a list. Thank God for His love, the sunshine after the storm, the laughter of children, the green grass, the birds flying in the sky, and so much more. The more we give thanks, the more we realize how much God loves us.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
Click on the book covers to purchase Melissa’s books.
Yvonne M Morgan, Christian author and speaker
https://yvonne-morgan.com
Blog at Turningmountainsintomolehills.org Twitter: @ymmauthor Website: Yvonne-Morgan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YMMauthor/ Turning Mountains into Molehills (2017)
By Yvonne M. Morgan
As college and professional football seasons approach, experts analyze and predict who will win the NCAA National Championship and Superbowl. Loyal followers of a team stay loyal, no matter what happens. Fairweather fans jump on board when they spot a winning team. Fans want to belong to a winning group with the sense of invincibility it brings. However, they become distraught and move on to other teams when their team loses, hoping to recapture that winning feeling.
Fans Verses Followers of Faith
I’ve observed a shift in churches from nurturing followers of Christ to creating fans of our Heavenly Father. The distinction lies because fans desire closeness to Jesus for the perks, but not if it demands anything from them. On the other hand, followers of Christ enthusiastically live out the teachings of the Bible in their daily lives, prioritizing Jesus and placing Him at the center regardless of the cost or outcome. Jesus Himself cautioned His disciples about those who followed Him for the benefits He offered.
26 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. 27 But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”
John 6:26-27 (NLT).
To follow God, we must do more than just be fans. We need to live according to His Word. James, the Apostle, observed this in his time and wrote to the people of that era. And this message still applies to us today.
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are onlyfooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your facein a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. James 1:22-24 (NLT).
Can we confuse our knowledge of Jesus with intimacy with Him? Many believe so and often mistake knowing about Christ for having a genuine relationship with Him. Are we fans of Christ, seeking Him as a safety net, or are we true followers, ready to do whatever He asks of us?
In this chaotic world, it is crucial to assess the true nature of our relationship with God. Our connection with Christ is what matters. When faced with challenges, let us not be like the superficial fans of Christ mentioned in the Bible. John 6:66 (NLT); “At this point, many of his disciples turned away and deserted him.”“But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would youprefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15 (NLT).
Oh, Heavenly Father, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for your boundless mercy and love in my life. I don’t want to be just a fan, but a true follower of you. Please reveal to me the areas in my life where I am not following you. Assist me in defining our relationship honestly and according to the Bible. I ask this in the name of Jesus, amen.
Click on photos to purchase Yvonne’s Books on Amazon.
Jessica Allen lives with her athletic Mexican husband and their toddler son in Southeast Asia where they use sports to bring the gospel to those who have never heard about God.
Jessica writes about life with a toddler living abroad at her blog, jessyallenhernandez.com.
By Jessie Allen
As a child I always walked the line. Although I grew up in a family that never considered biblical values, my conscience was hyper-sensitive, and I stayed far away from the behaviors practiced around me. I seemed to instinctively know what profanity was and my family teased me for keeping certain terms from my vocabulary. I never dared to steal even an unwanted pencil lying on the ground. If there was a rule written about something, my thoughts would not even linger upon possibilities. A teacher says, ¨No bathroom breaks in my class, ¨ and I would rather hold my desire to urinate and cause my own bladder infection rather than to disobey. I scoffed at others who dared to enter through the exit doors, and I never got a report sent home claiming I was talking simultaneously with the teacher.
So, when Jesus infiltrated my life while playing my clarinet at the high school football games and studying about the Unit Circle in Algebra 2, my life did not make a drastic turn. I stuck to my studies and gave what I could everywhere I went. Perhaps now, I had a more formal rule book to follow rather than my own instinct in the strange world around me.
As I grew in my Christian faith and became more connected with the local church, I began to understand the need to share the same transformational gospel that converted me into a daughter of the Father. I began to desire to share with my friends at school and my own family about the Lord´s power to lift them out of their sin and bless them with a new life. Yet, my new faith and hope did not give an image of what others were drawn to as they searched for new hope and life.
While attending young adults’ groups or even soup lunches for visiting missionaries, I heard countless times about the need to prepare our own personal testimony to share with others.
This was considered opening a door to share what God could really do. I heard stories of how the Lord transformed their drinking habits or convicted them about how they treated their children and family. Some shared that recognizing Jesus as their Savior led them to a new community and eventually more fruitful jobs and therefore physical blessings.
My story seems so opposite many times. Of course, the Lord has blessed me with new life and perhaps more winning battles against sin than before, but I did not see myself transformed as others had been. The only significant changes were that I now knew I had my Father fighting with me along my journey of life and that I had a secured ticket to his buffet when He chooses to end my time here.
I did not have new circumstances in this current life. I had the same family and the same ears. I did not suddenly or even slowly become a better student or have more money. Honestly, most of the time I did not feel psychologically better either. While my faith has been placed in Jesus for my salvation, most days I struggle to feel the presence of God. Many days I consider whether my faith is genuine and true. To sum it up, most days of my Christian walk I struggle and sometimes suffer. That is not the story that attracts people to Jesus.
And yet, the Lord has sent me to the nations. He has sent me out to share the gospel to those who have never heard and to bring the hope living in me to others. He is using my brokenness and my hardship and resilient faith to do his work, just as he has used so many who have gone before me.
When I share or teach others how to disciple, the Lord uses my not-so-attractive testimony to teach others to fight in the faith. I have lived in countries where the people spend all day in the sun in their rice fields to bring food to the table at night. These subsistence farmers often hear the gospel from a foreigner who does not live their day to day finding food, and they chase after Jesus and what he can offer until this chasing and this belief does not get them what they want. Their circumstances remain unchanged, and their previous gods seemed more powerful.
In these places, it is so important to share about Jesus and his suffering and the hope of the future life, rather than focus on a personal testimony of personal gain or transformation. Romans 8:18 has become a mantra when I share about the reality of the Christian life being difficult, ¨For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (NKJV)¨ There is persecution and distress. There will be hard work and lament. But God will be right there with us through it. And the promise of what comes next is worth enduring in faith.
I am truly blessed by my Creator, both in this life and with the promise to come. Yet, the struggle day to day remains real and I am thankful that the Lord has given me this life story to reveal true faith and shed light on the hope of the gospel, rather than the false hope of better life now. It is this gospel that changes hearts and transforms lives. That is the story I want to keep on sharing.
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 photo to purchase on Amazon.
by Michael E. Wells
I remember mom telling me that when I was young, many times in fact. I also remember telling our children the same thing years later. We all tend to be restless by nature. The times we live in are very hectic and demanding, seldom do we find time to rest and when we do it’s to get some needed sleep. But there is a rest more needful than sleep. There is an old saying, “No rest for the weary.” Many of us feel this as we go through the daily demands of life. We are pulled this way and that only to find at the end of the day we have neglected our own needs.
The writer of Hebrews states there is a rest for the people of God. Seldom do we as Christians walk around bubbling the presence of God. Most often we need to draw deep from the wells of salvation to water our souls again. We live in a spiritually dry and thirsty land. It can sometimes be a daily refreshing needed by us. We are reminded by the Psalmist that God declares, “Be still and know that I am God.” It is in quietness and serenity we hear more clearly, not audibly but from deep within. Again the Psalmist writes, “Deep calls unto deep.”
The apostle Paul writes, “Who can know the things of God but by the Spirit of God but now we have been given the mind of Christ that we may know those things that have been freely given to us.” These are times of refreshing needed for a weary soul. To sit quietly with a thankful heart, though times would have you do otherwise and ponder deeply your relationship with God, though at times it is strained, is to draw deep beside the still waters of the heart. God simply calls you today, to be still and know that He is God and you are still His.
(I highly recommend this book! - Karen)
“If I could only stop thinking about it.” We could all fill in the ‘it’ in that statement. There are some thoughts that just will not let us go. If we have an idle moment there it is. Memories we had, current situations or decisions to be made, we debate back and forth in our minds until we are exhausted. This is truly the human condition, we cannot turn our minds off not even for a second. And we won’t get started about dreams except to say, some good, some bad, some crazy and some sad. There again we have no control.
How many times have you wanted to cry out, “Lord, arrest my mind and seize my heart!” You would not be alone in that plea. In truth God can do that in times of great stress and anxiety. Isaiah wrote that God will keep those in perfect peace whose minds are stayed on Him. It does take effort to place ourselves in that mindset but there you have it. Through our daily routines and habits of focusing on the things of God, we give our heart and mind rest from the world around us. One in which constantly confronts us.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, that we should always take joy in the Lord. Through our prayers with thanksgiving we should let the Lord know what is heavy on our hearts, knowing He hears us. Paul said that time alone with God will give you peace in reassuring your heart. It will also transcend your understanding and stand guard over your thinking. In his letter to the church, 4:8-9, he gives a list to help us in our thinking. It would do us good to read often. For it won’t be long before the incessant noise between our ears and the vulnerability of our heart will have us crying again, “Lord, arrest my mind and seize my heart!”
Some say God leaves us all in the twilight of our years. That life with God is only in the young but this is a misconception, an observation and not the reality. Yes, when we were younger we would run after to find God but as the years advance we are more content to sit with and know God.
It is not one of neglect but of priority. I remind you of the Prophet’s words, “This is what is required of you, to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” A lifelong ambition and challenge. So do not view inaction with absence, for God works from the inside out.
We are all at different places with God. Our greatest work for God in the world is with God in us. He is building something overtime that will last an eternity. As with anything great it takes time and patience. The outside building is erected quickly but the inside takes much longer. Help God finish what He started in you, His greatest work.
By Irene Surya
I found God
In the darkest alleys of life When despair surrounded me When hope was gone.
I found God In the depth of silent nights When sorrow encompassed me When pain was ever-present.
I found God
Dr. Irene Surya is an awardwinning author of her book, In Solitude with God. Her poems have been published in various magazines and anthologies. She has a passion for writing for the Lord and glorifying His name through her writings. She loves and serves the Lord with her husband.
When I needed Him the most True to say, He found me Rather than, I found Him.
I found God
The honey from the rock I saw that the Lord is good. Life will never be the same again.
I found God
The strength from above He strengthened my weary heart He gave me rest from my troubles.
I found God
The shield of my protection He fights my surreal battles In times of fiery trials.
I found God
The spring of living waters He quenched my thirst Illuminating me with His Word.
I found God
The light of my salvation He is full of righteousness and justice He leads in the path of eternal life.
I found God
The rock of ages He was, He is and will always be My profound loving God.
Click on book to purchase from Amazon.
Laurie Glass has a heart for encouraging others through her writing. She has had many poems and articles published and is the author of Expressing Your Grief: Through Poems and Prayers. Laurie is a staff 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.
By Laurie Glass
Copyright July 2020
The call, the commitment, the vow to serve. With love for country, devotion to its citizens, dedication to service, they march on.
Left…left…left, right, left.
With a pledge and discipline, steely-eyed, determined, prepared, equipped, to defend, to perform their duties. Trained, ready, under high expectations, yet unyielding, jaws set, stepping on.
Left…left…left, right, left.
Strengthened, focused, fortified for the task, the weight of responsibility taken in stride. Going forward broad shouldered, with fortitude, stamina, staying power, with boldness, the boots march on.
Left…left…left, right, left.
Maintaining allegiance, remaining loyal, standing strong, acting with integrity.
In the face of fear, adversity, and things unspeakably worse, resolutely pushing forward, persevering.
Left…left…left, right, left.
The strong, brave, and determined in this land. The courageous, tenacious, and steadfast, hear the call, make the commitment, take the vow to serve. Most return, many do not, making the final sacrifice. Others come behind them, some take their positions, none can take their places.
Left…left…left, right, left.
Donna is a preschool curriculum writer for Lifeway and loves teaching two year olds at her church, Hudson First Baptist. She is a retired elementary school media coordinator and K-1 teacher. She loves all childrenespecially her 4 grandchildren! She loves to read, scrapbook, and make cards. Donna lives in Hudson, NC with her husband, Lewis. They enjoy traveling together.
By Donna J. Miller
We recently returned from a Senior Adult trip to Washington, D.C. with many of our church friends from First Baptist Church, Hudson, NC. On our last stop, as we entered a museum, I heard one of the greeters say, “What a beautiful church,” and I glowed thinking of how beautiful the people of our church were as they sought to serve the Lord together. I thought of the friendships and love our members had for each other. It thrilled my soul that it was so obvious to a stranger as we just walked by. I knew she must have seen that we were filled with God’s love and spirit!
As I turned the corner and looked back, I saw a friend in a colorful, gorgeous shirt behind me and realized that the greeter had actually said, “What a beautiful SHIRT!” I was disappointed at first and then realized my misunderstanding had made me aware and very thankful for my beautiful church and the other churches that had guided me through my life!
On road trips, we see beautiful churches by the road. Some are gigantic with elaborate architecture and others are tiny white wooden buildings. Each church has a personality and is a special place of worship for the church members who do life together there.
As a preschool teacher, I often try to help children understand that we meet in church buildings, but the real church is God’s people! The Bible instructs us to “ …consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other…” (Hebrews 10:24-25a).
The Bible tells us to: “…Encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) At Hudson First, we have found the encouragement we need as well as opportunities to build others up.
As a child, my family moved frequently and went to several different churches. My parents were teased for joining Calvary Baptist Church in Asheville, NC three times. They were members there during my toddler years until they moved. Later, when I was a little older, we moved back across town and they rejoined Calvary.
Calvary Church is where I was saved and baptized. We moved again! Ten years later, after I was married, my parents and brothers moved back to Asheville and joined Calvary one more time. Why would they join the same church three times? It wasn’t because of the beautiful building, it was because of the people!
Those people were my parents; friends for the rest of their lives even though my parents moved several more times. When I think of Calvary Baptist, I remember the nursery teacher who taught me that Jesus loved me. I remember the teachers who urged elementary students to learn scriptures and hymn lyrics. I remember an older man who loved to sing about Jesus. I remember the couple who worked in the church library and supplied me with good books. And best of all, I remember the library couple’s daughter who became my sister-in-law.
The Bible tells us: “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10). Each of the people I mentioned found their place as a member of the body of Christ. Their gifts and ministries touched my life and countless others in the community and the church.
As I think of the other churches I have attended through the years, I remember many people using their gifts to minister to others. These people make the churches beautiful by their actions. Some teach people of all ages. Others sing in choirs and praise teams. Others open doors and greet people warmly. Some plan outreach and ministry activities. Others plan activities and fellowships to build friendships. Others run the sound system. Some are on committees varying from finance to media center to maintaining the beautiful church buildings. All together the members of a church make it beautiful!
Just this week, I have seen the actions of many beautiful churches, including my own, as people have sought to meet the needs of Western North Carolina. People wielding chainsaws, dragging brush, serving meals to hundreds, and donating food and supplies are making a difference after Hurricane Helene.
If you are not involved in a beautiful church, I encourage you to visit the churches near you until you find one that encourages you to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word, to seek His will for your life, to become a part of ministries that allow you to use your gifts,and to develop relationships with people who are like family! Join that beautiful church and be active in it!
All scriptures are from the Christian Standard Bible.
Mitchell practiced psychotherapy in Ridgewood, NJ until he retired at the end of 2021. He graduated with an MSW in 1992 and later a certificate in psychoanalysis, in 2012. He published a memoir in 2016 titled: Do I Need My Head Examined or Just A New Pair Of Running Shoes, that chronicled his recovery from developmental trauma.
“The pandemic magnified my existential fears that grew in my 7th decade. This time of hunkering down was a period of spiritual re-evaluation that resulted in my hunger to explore Christianity, I was baptized in 2022. Much of my retired life these days revolves around my role as an Elder of The West Side Presbyterian Church community in Ridgewood, NJ. In my spare time I write articles that marry my secular understanding of growth and development with my Christian understanding, and seek discipleship opportunities that maximize my God given gifts.”
He is married to Laura, a publishing executive. They live in The Radburn section of Fair Lawn, NJ. He have two daughters,they are adults now living independently.
Mitchell Milch, August 2024
There is a logic to such contradictions that defy reason. Today I put my sleuth’s hat on hopeful to make “narrative sense” of habits that accelerate morbidity through acts of sinful disobedience to God’s will. Specifically, I’m referring to elder male believers who desecrate the temples of their souls.
Many of my Christian brothers are some of the most highly respected shepherds in my church. This is the great irony. Men of all stripes, believers and otherwise, betray tragic, self-destructive streaks. The question is why exemplars of sanctified re-creation, namely, male Christian elders, paradoxically remain or become slaves to appetites of the flesh that take them hostage?
Too many of my elder Christian brothers habitually overeat, drink too much, exercise too little, and sport hard earned, “melanomafriendly,” suntans. As a group, they seem to be expressing an unconscious disdain for their existential fears and the attendant hunger to be soothed and comforted. Their counterphobic, daredevil willingness to roll the dice on such ravages of vitality as diabetes, heart disease, and cancers of many varieties, is revelatory. They become exemplars of making self-fulfilling prophecies of their worst fears about helplessness in the face of disability, fast-approaching death, and the dissolution of their valued corporeal identities.
They obsessively and compulsively do whatever they can to eliminate the unknowns and uncertainties of the circumstances and the timing of God taking them from this Earth.
It’s hard to know to a certainty, but I do put stock in the hypothesis that traditionally socialized men, no matter how strong their faith, rigidly defend against earmarks of helpless vulnerability as they age. Such men strike me as the worst models of compartmentalizing the breakdown of their once vaunted identities, often built on the twin false idols of power and control. No matter how strong one’s faith, doubts about how well it will sustain us when we are tasked by God to face death with dignity and grace is universal. This is particularly the case if we as men are unable to adaptively manage irrational fears that we may be less lovable, perhaps even burdensome, to those whose emotional support we hunger for (yet may distrust).
To “die well,” to fulfill our souls’ mandates while the temples of our souls betray cracks in their integrity, require that all of us learn to rely on a fraternity of community support to mourn our losses-loss of roles, loss of vitality, loss of immunity to diseases of aging, etc. You might say that fraternities of brothers titrate our anxieties around burdening their wives and other primary attachment figures. Clearing this developmental hurdle, fortified by clinging to timeless male myths of omnipotence, requires that we get beyond denying death.
To disown and disavow the myriad threats of morbidity as we age is a form of denying death. I would not be surprised to hear some of the most admired and respected shepherds in my community, upon reflection, admit that they regard the time and energy required to manage their physical needs, as impediments to serving our Lord. Many of these men appear to be either stuck in a variation on the theme of adolescent omnipotence, or as aging puts chinks in their defensive armor, they regress back to this stage.
I imagine that the wives of these men, some of whom in their younger years were hard charging, captains of industry, feel as if what their husbands refuse to cope with, is dumped in their laps. Too many wives get a bad rap for “nagging” their husbands to take better care of themselves. The more vehement their protests over habits that are unloving towards both parties, the quicker they are dismissed as overstepping their bounds. Unconsciously, however, these male elders are inducing in their spouses what they themselves want to disconnect from. Their denial may even satisfy their own sense of omnipotence. Unfortunately, these dysfunctional tangos result in men disowning and disavowing responsibilities to themselves and loved ones.
I’m hopeful that reflections such as the ones I’ve shared today will help Christian brothers remove the emotional handcuffs on their need to awaken to the imperatives of their corporeal selfpreservation. The rapturous fulfillment of their souls’ mandates hinge on this.
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 @briannagrams or Facebook at www.facebook.com/ briannagrams1.
By Brianna Barrett
Are you constantly feeling like you are drowning in activities, appointments, and a never-ending barrage of people-pleasing?
The joys of summer are already over, the joy of making new memories on vacation, and the slower pace of the days when we can linger just a little longer. Those days are behind us andwe’ve moved back into the rush rush rush of fall and school being in session. My family isconstantly adding multiple appointments and daily reminders to our shared calendar. As Ilooked over the next few weeks I started feeling overwhelmed by the stress that comes frombeing overbooked. Over the summer I heard a new phrase, “hurry sickness”. Hurry sickness is “a sense of excessive time urgency.” 1
After hearing this phrase I started thinking and asking myself if I was suffering from hurrysickness this season? How can we overcome hurry sickness, which is not an actual medicalcondition, but a sense of constant urgency?
With kids back in school it feels like we are constantly rushing. I have found that rushing causedme to be several things that I don’t want to be. When I’m overwhelmed and rushing around, I’m easily irritated and the slightest things set me off, with snippy comments and sarcastic replies instead of offering kindness and grace to others, and meeting them where they are. I lose it.
The rushing leads me to make impulsive decisions that can be detrimental to my mental state, my bank account, my waistline, or my health! Constantly saying “yes” or adding just one more thing to the calendar can add much unnecessary stress. It can also cause us to chase after riches or compete with others, which can lead to an unstable financial situation. Being hurried can lead me to speak too quickly, allowing foolish words to flow from my mouth.
I’ve found the more time I spend in the Word, the more I’m able to find the wisdom to combat the symptoms of hurry sickness.
Hasty Anger can be combated with the wisdom from Proverbs 14:29 which says, “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” (NIV). The quick anger stirring up conflict is found in the wise words of Proverbs 15:18, “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” (NIV). There is an abundance ofwisdom found in the verses of Proverbs.
The wisdom found in Proverbs 21:5 states, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (NIV). Then we are running through life at breakneck speed, not spending time prayerfully considering things, we make decisions without considering everything. Those impulsive moments could lead to financial, relational, and spiritual depletion but can also cause physical and mental health issues. When we run through the line for just one more overpriced coffee, or buy this super cute sweater that the girl next to me has even though it will deplete our savings, or constantly drink my issues away so that I don’t have to deal with them, I’m not leading the life God called me to. (1 Saripalli, Vara, and Janelle Cox. “Hurry Sickness: Effects on Your Body and How to Manage It.” Psych Central, 7 April 2022, https://psychcentral. com/anxiety/always-in-a-rush-maybe-its-time-urgency. Accessed 13 September 2024.)
When we rush to riches not only are we depriving ourselves of a lot including health, relationships, and sanity. We are not listening to the wisdom from Solomon, “A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished…The stingy are eager to et rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.” (Proverbs 28:20,22 NIV). God has a plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11) and when we rush through the process and try to take matters into our own hands we are depriving ourselves of the lessons and wisdom that come from these seasons.
None of us want to deal with trials, but in those moments I feel close to God and I feel blessed. God loves me so much that he wants me to change to be more like Him because I was created in His image (Genesis 1:28) No one is excited over trials. In the moment we don't see that God is blessing us with this trial to change us, to draw us closer to Him.
We can combat these things and follow the wisdom of Solomon found in the Bible, but first, we have to read and study the Word. The more time I spend in the Word, the less stressed I am.
When I follow through on the intent of being where my feet are—meaning I am an active participant in my life right where we are—instead of looking at or thinking about the next best thing, I can enjoy the moments and the people around me.
Writing in a journal when I feel overwhelmed or need clarity on things helps get the thoughts out of my head and on paper. Sometimes we have to say no to people and things, even if it means letting someone down. When we are overworked and overbooked we could be missing out on God’s best for our lives.
Actively listening to people instead of practicing my rebuttal in my head helps me to better understand where that person is coming from. James, Jesus’ brother, tells us to take note, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19b-20 NIV).
To get off the hamster wheel of hurrying, I must evaluate what’s necessary and what’s more of a guilt obligation. Often we say “yes” without thinking about the consequences of the decision, even when it’s something we thought we wanted to do.
As I have started saying “no” and reevaluating my choices and things that I was granting time on my calendar, I have found that I am less stressed, less fatigued, and have fewer angry outbursts with my family. I am present in the moment and feel closer to God in my calling than ever before. I challenge you today to start saying “no” and watching what you fill your time with,making sure it aligns with God’s calling for your life. With the holidays rapidly approaching take a moment today to settle your heart, to draw into the Lord, and rest.
Gina is a writer and works at Licensed Ordained Minister, Legacy Casting and Greatly Emboldened
By Gina Meredith
Finally, I’m feeling like myself again. Or, maybe I should say I feel like a new person, because pain and fatigue are an everyday part of my life, so I guess that’s the real me....the one who suffers. I’ve been down for 2 weeks, but the last 2 days I feel great. At least as great as someone with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, svt, copd, and migraines can feel. And that’s just some of it. Geez, I’m a mess.
These things are so unpredictable, especially the first two I mentioned. It’s almost impossible to plan anything because you have no idea what each day is going to bring.
I hate complaining about it, because even though my physical health is not the best, which tends to drag my mental health down with it, I do feel very blessed. I believe everyone has a “thorn in their side,” but God also gives you wonderful gifts and brings you joy, even through the toughest of circumstances.
My family is the best. Oh well, I’m sure everyone says that. Everyone feels that way about their family. But I feel very blessed to be mom to my 4 boys, mimi/granny to my grandchildren.
I try to talk to God about everything. Sometimes life gets so busy that our conversations become fewer and farther between, but it doesn’t take long until I feel it in my soul. I feel the need for Him
God wants us to come to Him about anything and everything. He longs for that open dialog with us and sometimes if I listen very closely, I can hear Him. Not always a voice, sometimes just a random thought telling me what I should do and I know in my heart it is our Lord. Also, there are times that I just feel surrounded by an overwhelming peace. It’s glorious. When we listen for the Lord, we must not only listen with our ears, but we should listen with our hearts.
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice, he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3
not only the
Bill & Angie Warren are serial entrepreneurs with a jewelry store, ladies boutique and a marketing company. They have been married for 35 years and have one adult son and a beloved Shorkie dog.
By Bill Warren
As we celebrate our 31st Anniversary in business at The Gold Mine this month...I said I’d share a few stories. This one involves a behind-the-scenes “Faith Walk” in our business which is a good reminder to me every day and a good lesson for anyone. Enjoy this short read entitled “Don’t Use God As Your Spare Tire!”
Things were going along smoothly in the jewelry store we’d just opened back in 1993. Our first year had come off nicely and my wife Angie was ready to quit her job and start helping me in our store. I’d basically grew up around the business and felt very confident I could handle most anything....but then...
Well into our second year, I tried to grow too fast and made some terrible inventory buying decisions. We had all of this gorgeous jewelry and guess what...it kept sitting in our showcases and the bills kept coming due! Of course, we had lines of credit which I quickly maxed out. Power bills, insurance, staff plus the inventory bills all came due and it looked like things would crash around us. One morning my wife told me that if we didn’t have X amount of dollars by the end of the day, it was all over...we’d have to shut things down. So I looked at her and said, “Let’s talk to God about it like we should have in the first place!”
Gold Mine is located at 545 Main Street, Hudson, NC
We both knelt down to pray in the backroom of our old store location and asked God to forgive us for not seeking “His” direction before we made these terrible buying decisions. It’s funny how we’d asked him about everything else but we’d grown overconfident in our own abilities by the second year and didn’t seek his guidance.
We finished our prayer, got up and with tears in our eyes, gave each other a big hug knowing that whatever happened, God would be there to bring us through. We also knew we’d accept whatever his judgement brought. And then it happened...
The phone started ringing, people we’d never met all of the sudden started showing up at our door to do business. By the end of the day, we had exactly the dollar amount we needed plus extra. It taught us both a lesson about seeking God’s will first in not only business but all areas of our life. God showed us his mercy that day...he could just as easily have let the whole thing collapse.
Friends let me encourage today, put God first in all things, seek his guidance to light your path. Don’t use him as a “Spare Tire”.... yes, he can show up and rescue you from your bad decisions but wouldn’t it be better if you asked him about things first and avoided making the bad decision to begin with? Blessings to all...
Shara Bueler-Repka is enjoying life as a singer/songwriter/ recording artist, freelance writer, and award-winning author. She and her husband, Bruce, live in their living quarters horse trailer and call “home” wherever their rig is parked. Their mailbase, however, is Hallettsville, Texas. She loves sharing God’s Word through music with her husband, riding their horses (aka The Boys) in the backcountry, and writing about God’s grace in their various adventures on the trail less traveled.
By Shara Bueler-Repka
And…the Charmin goes MIA once again. One whiff of a labor strike and, like the snapping of a twig, the fear of the unknown sends the whole herd careening over the cliff…again!
Although the longshoremen standoff only lasted a few days, people flew to the stores in a panic of the “what ifs.” I guess we didn’t learn from the overstuffed closets of unused Brawny, Charmin, and other various items during the Covid craze. Unfortunately, in human nature, the norm is usually to panic and ask questions later.
However, as Christians, we’re called to a higher standard—a standard that requires seeking the Kingdom of God (based on His love and righteousness) first. Then, believing “all these things (our needs) will be added to us (met).” (Matthew 6:33)
However, so often, when imminent danger lurks or just the possibility, all faith goes right out the proverbial window.
As Christians, we can’t be part of the problem. We must be part of the solution—if only to take just our fair share of items, leaving the rest to others in the same situation. Of course, fighting the fear of imagining life without … fill in the blank … is difficult. But our good Lord says, “giving is better than receiving”. We will receive a reward if we don’t hoard.
Following is one of our many recorded testimonies we experienced during the Covid confusion: Us younger folk never lived through the Great Depression. And the only shortage I remember was the gas shortage back in the ‘70s. But nothing like this.
Honestly, our little town was pretty sheltered from the shortages experienced by the bigger towns and cities, at first. But, as the big city people panicked, raided their own shelves and hoarded, the fear spread. When photos of empty shelves appeared in the social media outlets, the frenzy exploded.
The shortages finally filtered down to us. Though, we suspected our empty shelves were caused mostly by those from the larger cities raiding them. But that’s another story.
Not joining the stampede for Charmin, Emergen-C, and chicken was hard. My heart beat a bit faster as I noticed more and more vacant shelves with little hope of restock.
Deep breaths. Don’t follow the herd. Don’t panic, stay calm ... pray. “Thank You, Lord, we will have what we need when we need it,” became my prayer-motto, as I reminded myself of the countless times God had taken care of us in the worst of situations. And He had never let us down ... ever.
I voiced my thoughts to Bruce, and he agreed: “Yep, He’ll give us what we need when we need it.” And then a strong thought crossed my mind that really put me in check: “For God did not give us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind—2 Timothy 1:7).
Huh. No fear=don’t panic; love=don’t hoard (depriving others); sound mind=DON’T PANIC!
It’s been several weeks now since the initial intrusion of Covid. Thankfully, (and with a little help), we found all our necessities—even our elusive toilet paper that seemed to all but vanish from existence. (The dreaded one-ply had even disappeared).
The final item that’s always been important to us has remained MIA for weeks—Apple Cider Vinegar for the health of our horses. Every store… nothing. Even online. I went as far as asking Walmart if they even manufactured it anymore. (I mean, who hoards the 5 percent diluted Apple Cider Vinegar?)
My mother-in-law even scouted for it. I scrounged when I could since my days were filled with homeschooling my 3rd grade cousins. I couldn’t hover like a hawk over the pickle aisle until the truck came.
I blew out a healthy sigh as I looked at our dwindled supply of the ACV. One more dose and the bottle was empty. “Well, Lord, I know we’ll have what we need when we need it.
Off to town, we rolled. While I perused the allergy aisle, Bruce disappeared down another aisle.
I glanced up as he navigated toward me, through empty product displays, with a big grin on his face—and a gallon jug of Apple Cider Vinegar in his hand! Apparently, the last jug sat on the edge of the bottom shelf where he easily saw it. Believe me, in the dark cave of those bottom shelves, items are easy to miss.
Now, maybe the need for Apple Cider Vinegar pales in comparison to more urgent needs, but nevertheless, the gift brought us comfort. When we look to Him, God is able…and willing…to supply all the essentials. No matter what they are.
The interesting thing about the above testimony is, much later on, we discontinued using the Apple Cider Vinegar as a horse supplement for various reasons. God knew this in advance. However, He still provided it for us because WE thought we needed it. That’s how good He is.
The Holy Spirit brought me to a verse one morning. This verse packed even more of a punch than the previous times I’ve read it. I John 4:17-19 instructs: “Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.”
So, the next time there’s a scare and, unfortunately, there will be, don’t take the bait. Don’t panic. And be encouraged. Trust that God’s got you covered in ways you may not have imagined.
By Karen Ruhl
Life is certainly interesting, and at times can swipe the rug right from under your feet.
I am almost certain most of you have heard about Hurricane Helene and the devastation that it has caused in several states - including North Carolina. Families were swept away with their houses, people are still on the missing list, churches, houses, buildings, parks, and highways have been destroyed.
It is truly enough to put all of us in a state of shock and disbelief. Yet, what we have seen that helps each of us is an Army of men and women from all over the country either coming down to help look for the lost, clearing the trees, cleaning homes, and help in get supplies to those who have been cut off due to their roads being washed away. While I have seen many churches help in time of need, I am truly amazed at how many jumped in to open their doors in every way they could. Those impacted were invited to come and have warm meals, take showers, get their clothes washed, and get suppllies.
I wish I had a list of all individual companies, as well as those individuals who came to help and are still here. The tast is monumental. I have a new faith in humanity, and I must tell you that of those that have been interviewed, I believe all of them have mentioned that God is getting them through this. Each have said that their lives have been changed. I know mine has.
What I experienced was frightening at the time, but friends kicked in to help me and the only thing that I had to deal with was a flooded basement, and garage, some tree limbs down, and being without electricity for 4 or 5 days. Many of us had to throw quite a bit of food away from refrigerators and freezers. That is small compared to losing your house and all you owned.
Of course, like many others, I have my grandson with me. He was fine with the lights being out, we played with flashlights and he had fun making shadows. But then...he went over and asked for the “Mote” - the remote. I explained the best I could that the “mote” didn’t work and the TV doesn’t either. He looked at me and said with a question in his voice “Youtube?” Now thank you God for nudging me to charge up our tablets, they sure came to the rescue!
To be totally honest, I am still putting one foot forward each day. Most days are good, and I am so grateful. On some days, that foot just wants to sit and not take another step for a bit. I’ve learned to let myself take some time but not too much. I pray and God always let’s me know He is with me helping me move forward.
As I was writing this, one of my favorite verses popped up:
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
I am totally filled with love and I know that God is with me today. When we walk with Him, He gives us assurance of His presence and power in our lives.
I don’t know if you have ever had this experience, but God just spoke to me through His words as I was writing this article. I was going to go back and change some things, but it is my hope that you can see the difference in my writing - and know that this is because God is always with us. When we feel down, He pulls us up, when we are sad, He will lift our spirits, when we doubt, He lets us know He is with us.
I am ending this article with a big smile and lots of love for each of you.
God is good, all the time... All The Time, God is Good!
God loves you and so do I!
David Sowards is a novelist, poet, cartoonist, local TV show host, painter, graphic artist, juggler, songwriter, singer, musician, short story writer, gagwriter, and retired creative soul from Fort Wayne, IN. He was previously involved in working in real estate.
David Sowards
What does it mean to be a Christian?
Many people claim to be Christians, but they do not necessarily live their lives by the words of Christ. There is still a lot of hate in this world. There is still a lot of discrimination against others on the basis of their race, gender, age, sexual preference, economic status, intelligence, religion, personal beliefs, or other reasons.
It’s not easy to accept or understand others who are different from us, but that’s what Christ asks us to do.
Jesus said, “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). While it is especially difficult to love those who might take advantage of us if they are given a chance, that this still the way of Christ.
Jesus said, “Do not judge others, so God will not judge you”(Matthew 7:1). Many people practice bigotry towards as a way of feeling superior. Even some of those who call themselves Christian do this. But this is not the way of God.
“These people honor me with their words, but their heart is really far away from me” (Matthew 15:8). It is not easy to be a true Christian. Very few people today would be willing to make the kind of sacrifices that Jesus and others have made for their faith. But we do not have to hate. We do not have to commit acts of violence. We do not have to tell lies or say negative things about others. We can still live our lives as peacefully as possible - as God would want us to do.
This is the story of Moses.
Whose life was no bed of roses.
His mother feared for his life.
She sent him away from strife.
She sent him in a reed basket.
Better that than a casket.
Pharaoh’s daughter found this boy.
And held Moses up with joy.
So he lived under the Pharaoh.
He learned he had much to know.
Moses killed a man in self defense.
The impact of this was immense.
He had to flee that Egypt land.
Across an endless way of sand.
He found a life on the run.
As he herded sheep in the sun.
One day, he spotted something odd.
A burning bush with the voice of God.
He was told to take a trip.
And go on back to Egypt.
Moses let the Pharaoh know.
He told him, “Let my people go.”
But the Pharaoh said, “No.”
To let the people go.
With God, Moses took his stand.
Many plagues came to Egypt land.
The Egyptians found the Angel of Death.
He took their firstborn’s last breath.
That day, Pharaoh lost his son.
Then the plagues of Egypt were done.
Moses said, “Let my people go.”
The Pharaoh agreed and let them know.
The people of Israel left that day.
Moses led them on their way.
Across the desert of sand.
They sought their promised land.
But Pharaoh’s army would not let them be.
Moses raised his rod to part the Red Sea.
The Israelites escaped that day.
The Egyptians followed, but lost their way. Their army went to their graves.
When they drowned beneath the waves.
The Israelites continued to roam.
Looking for a place to call home.
After many years, Moses was satisfied.
He saw the land before he died.
As former owner and creative director of two advertising agencies, Linda has years of experience creating a public impression of a product through the media using television commercials, radio and print advertising, press releases, and marketing campaigns.
Linda has been a caregiver for her son; a volunteer who travelled to Egypt and helped Sudanese refugees; a volunteer for a local food ministry, and a Creative Writing teacher for the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa for their Artists in the Schools program.
By Linda Castro
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 st Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)
Have any of these things ever happened to you? I know they have happened to me and to other friends and family. Our first thought sometimes is not accepting the circumstance, and we may react in disbelief by saying things like this:
1. “What do you mean I didn’t get the job? I was perfect for that position!”
2. “The Doctor can’t be right! I want a second opinion!”
3. “The payment didn’t go through? Now what do I do?”
4. “My car won’t start and if I’m late again I could get fired!”
Do you ever wonder why God allows bad things to happen? Sometimes we are the ones who allow bad things to happen in our own lives by our own actions or neglecting to take action. We don’t put the situation or circumstance to God in prayer before it happens, then we cry out to God to help us and blame Him for it happening to us.
Keep in mind, there may be times when God does allow bad things to happen because He knows we are capable of handling it and we will grow stronger through it. But many times, we tend to put our trust in ourselves or other people rather than going first to God about any situation. The Bible tells us Philippians 4:6 to “Be anxious for nothing.” This is just one example of how God cares for His people.
So,
1. If you didn’t get the new job you wanted, ask God if He has something better for you. There may be things going on at that company or organization that you don’t know about that could have affected your future there.
2. If the Doctor gives a diagnosis of something bad, trust God to speak to the medical personnel; find medications or treatments to repair your body. Only God knows when it is our time to leave the earth, and we can be ready for that. For ourselves and our loved ones.
3. If you were expecting a payment in your bank account that you needed to pay the bills and it didn’t show up, God can give you favor with the creditors and help you receive the payment you were expecting.
4. If you have been late to your job several times, even through no fault of your own, God can give your employer patience and understanding while God helps you with car repairs or getting a different automobile.
When we are blaming God for bad things happening, we may say things to Him as to why they shouldn’t be happening. In our defense, we might say things like:
1. “I go to Church.” (Sometimes.)
2. “I listen to the Pastor’s sermon.” (I just don’t read the Bible very often.)
3. “I pay my tithe.” (Sometimes.)
4. “I depend on my job more than anything else.” (Always.)
But. While our Father God is ready and able to help us with all these things, there are some things He asks US to do.
1. ‘"Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together.” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV) Regularly attending Church services or other spiritual gatherings bring us closer with the other children of God to worship Him. It strengthens us to handle difficulties.
2. “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God.” (2 nd Timothy 3:16 KJV) Pastors provide us with an explanation of the meaning of God’s word to the congregation, but personal reading of God’s Word or listening to it on a tape as you drive, can open up very personal meanings to you about things in your life on a daily basis.
3. Withholding our tithes and offerings from God is a way of robbing Him of His portion of what He has allowed us to have as it says in Malachi 3:8 “How have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings.” So much is needed to advance the Salvation of Jesus Christ to many nations and I believe God allows us to be blessed so we can be a blessing to others.
4. “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,” (Colossians 3:17) As we work for our employers, we need to be doing it as if for God in all honesty, diligence, and compassion for others, showing by example, our work ethics and dependability. Depending on God to be the ultimate rewarder and not just for a paycheck.
There are, of course, bad things that can happen such as the weather, flooding, car accidents and other things whose cause may be out of our control, but God also promises to bring us through all of it. In Psalm 91, God gives His angels charge over us, to accompany, protect, and defend us in all our ways (wherever we go).
Because, through it all, God says, “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).
So “give thanks in all circumstances”.
Dr. Kathleen B. Oden is an author, missionary, and Bible teacher. She has been the Administrator of God’s House of Refuge Church & School of Evangelism, for 25 years. Dr. Oden attained a Doctorate degree in Christian Theology in 2000. After a bad fall in 2014, she realized that she had to start eating healthy, in order to fully recover. She became a Certified Health Minister and a Certified Essential Oil Coach. She loves ministering to people and God gave her a health ministry called, Create AnewU Health Ministry. Her health ministry has opened the door for her to share what the WORD OF GOD has to say about eating healthy. Dr. Oden has published over 20 books through Amazon.com and several of them are about health and wellness. https://createanewuhealthministry.com
By Dr. Kathleen Oden
I feel it by the Spirit. A change is coming.
I look up in the sky, I don’t see it.
I feel it, by the Spirit, A change is coming.
The leaves are falling, the ant is crawling, But i feel it, by the Spirit, A change is coming.
A good change a bad change, Who can know it.
I feel it, by the Spirit, A change is coming.
A good change for the saints, Not the ones who faint.
I feel it, by the Spirit, A change is coming.
Don’t be weary, and don’t tarry! Jesus is soon to come, hurry!
I feel it, by the Spirit, A change is coming.
I feel the heat, hotter and hotter, But He has my hand, Throughout every matter. I feel it, by the Spirit, A change is coming.
Am I ready, am I done?
Only the potter knows, this one. But I just feel it, by the Spirit, A change is coming.
I am turned, this way and that, Trying not to cry, He, would not want that, I feel it, by the Spirit, A change is coming. And when it arrives, I want to be waiting, like a Bride. I want to feel it, by the Spirit. A change is coming.
It feels exciting! And it feels new. He comes with a reward
For me and you!
I feel it, by the Spirit, A change is coming.
To bring us out, to reign us in, To bless and free, And show us HIM!
I can feel it, by the Spirit, A change is coming!
Are you ready?
Are you prepared?
Can you feel it, by the Spirit, That a change is coming? Let’s receive it, let’s welcome it! God will make it ok.
But we have to feel it, By the Spirit.
Because a change is coming, to stay.
WRITTEN: 8-18-2011 BY: Dr. Kathleen Oden
Enjoy these hot drinks anytime of the day!
Your favorite hot chocolate with 1 drop of peppermint Essential Oil and 1-2 teaspoons of peppermint honey!
Hot apple cider with 1 drop of ginger essential Oil.
Black coffee with 1 drop of cinnamon essential oil And 1-2 teaspoon of raspberry honey.
Lemon tea with 1 drop of lemon essential oil and 1-2 teaspoons of Lemon honey.
Turmeric tea with 1 drop of cinnamon essential oil with 1 cinnamon stick and 1-2 teaspoons of ginger honey.
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.
By Mike Buchanan
It’s fairly common that the holidays have some of the highest rates of depression and suicide. People feel alone. They don’t feel as if they matter, even to family and friends. In this season of Thanksgiving, why not take a lesson from what might seem like a very unlikely place, and remember, family is not only blood, but who we make it.
“When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’” (John 19:26)
One thing that can cause someone to look down the easiest is when they feel isolated. People can feel alone even in crowds. How much more than when they have lost the most important person in their life? Jesus understood we would all face situations like that in our lives. He knew what we would need.
Jesus is hanging on the cross. He’s barely alive and only has minutes to live. He looks down and sees two people. One of them was His Mother, one of them His Closest friend. they are both at the foot of the cross. Yet, even through His pain, He sees theirs. He has a plan for them to take care of each other in the following years. They look up at Him to hear what He says. He has them “adopt” each other.
Jesus has the same idea for us. He wants us to adopt our Christian brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers (those older in their faith than we are). He intends for us to never go through life alone. He wants us to care for one another. He’s still looking out for us in what seems to be some of our darkest times. Look up!
That ends the written portion of the original article. Since I first wrote it, the mid-east has exploded. Again, but worse than anything in 80 years. A hurricane that did more damage to a part of the United States than has been done in quite some time. The world’s unpredictability seems higher than ever.
With that in mind two things, I would suggest two things. First, be thankful for who and what you have in your life. For your friends and family let them know you’re thankful. Second, don’t let people be alone in this holiday season. Invite
them to your house for dinner. Bring back the idea of church potlucks, but do it the way Jesus suggested, provide enough food for not only your family, partner with a local senior home, or homeless shelter, and invite them to come as well. Did I mention not letting anyone being alone?
If you don’t feel like you have a family, in the above verse, Jesus’ Arms were nailed wide open on that cross. I’ve heard it said nails weren’t needed, His Love would have kept Him there. Thing is, either way, His Arms are open wide to those that will come to Him at the foot of the Cross. He just asks that you lay down your old life of doing things your way, and let Him show you how to do things His Way.
Ask Him to forgive you of everything you’ve done wrong, you don’t have to list them. Trust me, He knows. Then ask Him to Lord (controller) and Savior of your life. If you do that, and no one invites you to a church Thanksgiving Dinner or Christmas Play, go anyway. Tell ‘em Brother Bear sent you.
By Karen Ruhl ROAD TRIPPIN’
This park is another place Craig and I loved to visit. While he couldn’t hike, he would open his van window and do a little people watching. There was a small stream that he could see and the trees were amazing. I am praying it opens soon.
The path above takes you up to the water falls. I walked there once but it is too steep for me now. The park is a wonderful place to walk, picnic, and just enjoy family and friends.
Please pray that all of the parks that were damaged from Hurricane Helene come back better than ever. And please pray for all of the Rangers, and people who are cleaning the parks up.
North Carolina Strong.
by Donna Arthur Downs
Reviewed by Karen Ruhl
This book is about a young girl who lost her grandmother who promised she would be with her “always and forever.” She is confused and grieving her grandmother’s death and wondering if always has to end.
I loved reading this, it is for children but will touch anyone who has experienced a loss. It is written well and the illustrations are beautiful and touching.
This book has a 5-star rating and deserves every one of them.
Always and Forever is a much needed book and resource to help children cope with the loss of a loved one.
As I read through the reviews on Amazon, one thing was clear, this book will touch everyone who reads it. It is lyrical and heartfelt. Death and grief are not easy topics, the words along with the beautiful illustrations make this a must for all bookshielves.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Click on the book cover to purchase on Amazon.com
By Karen Ruhl
Yep, I am going to do a shameless plug for my children’s book! Over the past couple of years, many of you know that my husband has been very ill and passed away this year in March. One thing he told me was he wanted to see me to continue to write children’s books and to market them.
So, I had room in this issue and here you go!
Scooter and the blanket snatcher will keep your kids guessing while they try to figure out who keeps stealing Scooter’s blankets at night. He gets up in the middle of the night when he gets cold. You will have to read it to find out what happens each night as he finds his blanket missing.
This is a fun read. One of my friends told me that her young son gets to pick out 5 books in the evening to read together. She said he picks this one every night. Now how is that for a pretty good review.
Blessings to you all. Click on the book to purchase on Amazon.com.
We have read over 160 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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Staff Writers: Karen Ruhl
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A Tribute to The Flowering Bridge and all of the Master Gardeners who worked daily to bring us this beautiful place to visit.
My heart is truly broken by the devastation from the flooding. It not only took out the bridge, but the entire town of Chimney Roack.
Please take some time to pray over all who lost much.
by Karen Ruhl
Sadly, the parkway has been closed until further notice due to downed trees and damage along