Faith On Every Corner Magazine by Faith On Every Corner

Zechariah 14:8 And in that day living waters will flow out of Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and the other half toward the western sea; it will be in summer as well as in winter.

The Dead Sea

Cover

Photo By Susan Strawn

Photographer: Susan Strawn

My name is Susan Strawn, and I hold a BA in Sociology. After dedicating nearly 40 years to North Carolina’s State Government, primarily within the criminal justice system, I’ve embraced a vibrant and fulfilling retirement for the past 11 years. Travel has become a significant part of my life; I’ve explored over 50 countries and am excited to add four more destinations in 2025. Photography, a passion I’ve cherished for years, truly blossomed about a decade ago when I transitioned from a point-and-shoot to a “big girl” camera, allowing me to capture the world’s beauty through a more sophisticated lens. I love spending time outdoors with my camera in hand and am actively involved in both the Rotary Club of Lenoir and Saint James Episcopal Church in Lenoir, NC. Family is a cornerstone of my life; I am proud to be a mother to one son, a grandmother to three granddaughters, and a step-grandson.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre... built around what is believed to be the site of Jesus’ burial and resurrection. It was breath taking.

I will show more of Susan’s photos throughout the magazine.

Note From Karen Ruhl, Editor

Welcome September

Hello everyone - we are quickly going to be moving into the Fall, and I for one look forward to cooler weather. This summer was too hot!

I am also looking forward to doing some road trips with a couple of my friends. Watch for the photos in the magazine! I will have a short trip in this month.

I want to take time to thank all of you for reading the magazine and continuing to follow us after a bit of a break. I love being able to bring the articles, poems, photos and more to you each month. You can find us on FB too, at https://www.facebook.com/faithoneverycorner

Be sure to sign up for our magazine when you visit our site, we will put you on a list to get a link!

I would love to hear from you if you took any drives or vacations this summer. I would love ideas on where to visit and what is in the area. You can send me an email at Team@FaithOnEveryCorner.com

Please be sure to pray all year now that the schools are back in. Pray for the kids, teachers, administrators, support personnel, and all who work in the school systerm. My dad was a school janitor as he got older. He worked for a high school in a very wealthy neighborhood. He had a way with the kids, they loved him. He helped some of them out of troubled situations and the school staff loved him for it. So remember everyone no matter their role . We neeed prayer in all aspects of our life but the kids they are so vulnerable.

May God bless you all.

Karen Team@faithoneverycorner.com

COVER ART AND INSIDE COVER PHOTOS By

Susan Strawn

Quiet Time Rhymes ... by John Alexander ... Pages 6-7

September Dreams and Prayers ... by Melissa Henderson ... Pages 8-9

Redwoods, Avenue Of The Giants ... by Yvonne M. Morgan ... Pages 10-11

Wild Grief: Indispensable To Healthy Morning ... by Mitchell Milch ... Pages 12-13

Morning Coffee ... by Michael E. Wells ... Pages 14-15

LET ME ... by Irene Surya ... Page 16

Drought My Soul ... by Laurie Glass ... Page 17

Hope Of Ages ... by Andrea Marino ... Pages 18-19

Laughter ... by Karen Ruhl ... Pages 20-21

But God ... by Brianna Barrett ... Pages 22-23

The Irrelevancy of Moods and Feelings ... by Steve Carter ... Pages 24-25

Outdone By A Nine Year Old ... By Pam McCormick ... Page 26

Though I Walk Through the Valley… Adventure 3: A Time for Everything ... Shara Bueler Repka ... Pages 28-29

Tag Team Made In Heaven ... By Mike Buchanan ... .... Pages 30-31

Compelling Testimony ... By Lara Silverman ... Pages 32-35

The Tabernacle is Still Alive and Still Wandering ... By Gratia Lynn ... Pages 36-37

Plain Vanilla vs. Rocky Road ... By Donna J. Miller ... Pages 38-39

Moving From Sin To Salvation ... by Dr. Kathleen Oden ... Pages 40-41

Book Reviews ... by Karen Ruhl ... Pages 42-43

Bobbing and Weaving /

The Dance of Justification and Rationalization ... by Craig Lounsbrough ... Pages 44-45

Joy ... by Linda Castro ... Pages 46-47

Wrestlers For Christ .... Mike Buchanan ... Pages 48-51

Road Trippin’ ... by KarenRuhl ... Pages 52-54

To the writers and contributors of the September edition of this magazine, your September articles and poems are great!! Keep them coming.And don’t forget to share with your family and friends!

God Loves You - and so do I!

Karen

Why Write

I began writing poems during my morning quiet time in February 2020. Little did I know that Covid would be a worldwide event in the months and years to come, nor did I know I’d have written well over 800 poems and continue to write over four years later. I love writing, but sometimes question the sharing part and that questioning is sometimes reflected in my poetry. My conclusion is “Why not?” If the Lord has blessed me with a poem, I should share it, even if it resonates with just a few. This month I’ll share a few poems from a collection of poems titled Why Write. I pray you can relate as you read the words.

Blessings, John Alexander

Why Write?

What happens to words that I write, and I share? Will anyone read them? Will anyone care?

If I capture the visions I see in my mind, It helps me see clearly to share what I find. Should I limit my verses, and carefully choose? Why should I hold back? I have nothing to lose. Perhaps there are others who’ll hear what I say. Find those who relate and who feel the same way.

If I write what’s inside me and share what I feel, Will the words that I’ve written help someone else heal? Can words from my heart and from deep in my soul Penetrate others and help them be whole?

I think that’s the purpose that drives me to write, Help someone now hurting in darkness find light.

Compelled

In early hours before the dawn I sip some coffee, read, and yawn. Before the morning’s early light, I search inside for words to write. I feel compelled, a nudge, an urge, To form a rhyme as thoughts emerge From deep inside, from heart to mind. The words and rhythm form each line. I find some thoughts may try to hide, Prefer instead to stay inside, But patiently I coax them out, A gentle whisper, not a shout. I pray, if shared, my words take flight, Help others soar into the light.

Obscurity

Though my rhymes may remain in obscurity, I’d rather pen words with sincerity, Than rising to fame writing pages of filth Consumed by the masses ignoring the guilt. If the size of my audience comes to expand, I pray that it comes by the touch of God’s hand. I pray that I serve what God puts on my plate. God grant me the wisdom and patience to wait. I pray I continue to write from my heart. I pray that my passion will never depart. I pray I will always with words I convey, Be a blessing to others who read them someday. I pray that I’ve listened. I pray that I’ve heard. I pray what I write is aligned with God’s Word.

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

September Dreams and Prayers

By Melissa Henderson

Peaceful sleep, comfy bedding, and pleasant dreams are what I hope for every night. After arranging the covers, and snuggling into position, I say my prayers. Sometimes those prayers are shared in whispers and other times, I speak aloud. There are nights when the words are thought instead of spoken. Either way, God listens and hears my prayers. God knows my hopes and dreams. As summer turns to autumn, I wait for September dreams.

Have you experienced nights of restless sleep? Perhaps aches and pains cover your body. Maybe worries or laments filled your thoughts. God is with us when we have good dreams or bad dreams. Our rest and hope is found with Him. I pray for a good night of sleep and pleasant dreams.

The month of September brings changes. School for our grandchildren started again in August. The schedule was delayed a few days due to a tropical storm and flooding in some areas. As the first school day approached, our family had conversations about the first day and what to expect. Our grandson is a first grader and he is familiar with the routine. Our granddaughter is attending a new program at the same school as her big brother. She will be learning how things are done each day.

A few days before school started, I began having dreams about the new schedule and how I would miss the grandkids visiting. I prayed for the children, their families, teachers, administrators, volunteers, and the entire school system. School is more than a daily activity. Many folks are involved in the education and emotional paths of children.

The first day arrived. All went well. Grandson Rowan shared about the new student in his class. Granddaughter Eden shared that her class can bring “stuffies” to snuggle at rest time. Both children are happy with their school time.

I’m thankful for sweet September dreams. My September prayers are being answered. God is good and He loves His creations.

In the days to come, the air will be cooler and the daylight will lessen. Change is happening. As we adjust to different ways of daily life, we can rest in knowing God is guiding us along the way.

My September dreams and prayers will remind me of the life changes and how God blesses us with opportunities to share His love with others.

Sweet dreams. Rest in the presence of God. Know that when you pray, He is listening.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalms 119:105 NIV)

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)

Redwoods, Avenue of the Giants

By Yvonne M. Morgan

For my husband’s birthday, we checked off an item on our bucket list instead of presents. He wanted to visit the Redwood Forest of Northern California. We traveled to Humboldt County to drive along the Avenue of the Giants. This famed road through the redwoods is one of the finest forest drives in the world. Lined by massive trees, the 31-mile route offers an incredible vista of the surrounding areas. And, yes, we drove through one tree as part of our journey.

Standing amid these amazing trees left me speechless as I listened to the wind blow through their lofty limbs. Markers along the trails explained the Redwoods are the tallest trees on earth, reaching over 300 feet. There is evidence the trees existed at the same time as the dinosaurs. And they live for thousands of years. The oldest known Redwood is over 2,200 years old, which means it existed at the same time Christ lived on earth.

At one stop along the drive, a sign offered a poem dedicated to these majestic trees. The sign did not list the name of the author, but the words cause me to stop and reflect.

Here, sown by the Creator’s hand, In serried rands, the Redwoods Stand; No other clime is honored so, No other lands their glory know.

The greatest of Earth’s living forms, Tall conquerors that laugh at storms; Their challenge still unanswered rings, Through fifty centuries of kings.

This is their temple, vaulted high, And here we pause with reverent eye, With silent tongue and awe-struck soul; For here we sense life’s proper goal.

To be like these, straight, true and fine, To make our world, like theirs, a shrine, Sink down, Oh traveller, on your knees, God stands before you in these trees.

These trees can teach us some lessons about faith as we admire their beauty and resilience. Let’s look at some ways:

The bark of the Redwoods can be up to a foot thick and full of tannins that protect it from bugs, rot, and fire so it can live for thousands of years.

Christ protects us from all the dangers of this life and He gives us eternal life. “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers Him from them all.” — Psalm 34:19 (NIV).

Fire can burn a cave like hole in the tree’s trunk without it dying. These holes become home to some of the forest creatures.

God can show us how to use our troubles to help others. “Even when troubles stricken us, God helps us to use those times to encourage others to continue in faith. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:3–5 (NIV).

Redwoods intertwine their roots with each other to stabilize one another and share nutrients.

When we fellowship with other Christians, we strengthen our faith and we grow together. “24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV).

A redwood’s leaves can both absorb moisture from fog right from the air and can also condense fog into drops and rain them down to soak the surrounding soil.

Like the trees, our faith can thrive in any environment if we draw our refreshment from the living water of God. “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:38 (NIV).

We can see God’s messages all around us when we take the time to look and listen. I love how He used the trees to speak to my heart and encourage me and I hope the message inspires you as well. May God give you a message of hope this week. And, like the Redwoods, may you stand tall and strong in your faith, resisting all the temptations of this world.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father. Thank you for the beauty of nature you provide for us to enjoy. Please continue to teach us your ways through the gift of nature. Let us feel your presence as we move through our days and bring us safely home to be with you when the time comes. Thank you for so many blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click on photos to purchase Yvonne’s Books on Amazon.

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.

Wild Grief: Indispensable To Healthy Mourning

Mitchell Milch, August 2024

Kudos to a local Pastor for sharing with me Francis Weller’s “The Wild Edge of Sorrow.” The text has inspired me to write this devotional. The Holy Spirit used his ordained shepherd to initiate in me a train of associations that resulted in a most cherished “A-ha” moment based on a theme of Weller’s book.

Weller makes the case that sorrow has a wild edge to it, and that this wild edge is best teased out of the mourner by a community of supportive souls. Weller asserts that it takes a village of human spirits past and present, in union with the spirits of flora and fauna, for raw, wild, and cathartic gates to open.

The author points to our pervasive tendency to resist the experience of vulnerability around “wildly” losing control of our emotions. This resonated with me. I had never thought about “grieving wildly” as integral to healing and moving ahead. This was curious since I had so much personal anecdotal evidence to draw upon. Until I commenced psychotherapy at age 27, my emotional growth had been stagnant. It was only after forging a secure attachment to my first shrink that the dam broke and together we braved my raw emotional storms of anger, rage, vindictiveness, despair, and sadness. Thankfully, our therapeutic alliance survived these episodes of chaotic turbulence: A transformation-generating trust in this man

and in the process, welled up inside of me. He modeled how to contain, tolerate, and re-interpret my shame-searing traumas into revised narratives that made space for hopeful, reinventive transformations.

In reading Weller’s book, I was stunned to realize that I also needed to address the betrayals I had suffered at the hands of schoolmates and childhood “friends” within a therapeutic community of peers. As a child, I had been damned repeatedly for being “sensitive” – easily slighted, hurt, and disappointed. My peers echoed my family’s humiliating reactions to my personality traits. I was often mocked as “baby-like”, “out of my mind”, or “weak”.

For me to normalize and lend dignity to my vulnerabilities, to wind down my obsessive ruminations over unforgiven wounds to truly participate in life as a Christian, I still have some “wild grieving” yet to accomplish. I don’t quite feel ready to take this step – at least, to open myself up within a larger group setting of quasi-strangers (such as a Christian Men’s retreat). However, if the opportunity presents itself within a smaller group of Christian intimates, I am inclined to believe I would now take it.

David and Goliath

By David Sowards

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.

Goliath was a giant from Goth. He could throw boulders aloft. He served with the Philistines. The biggest guy anyone had seen. He challenged the armies of Israel. He threatened them with his steel.

He asked, “Will anybody fight?”

“I will beat any with my might.” He held his sword up so high. He shook it in the sky.

When that message was heard by all, The Israelis looked to their King Saul.

The king looked for someone to beat him.

But only one boy said he could defeat him.

In order to protect his flock,

David knew how to throw a rock. He knew how to keep Danger away from his sheep. He was not a fighting man.

But he was willing to take a stand. David promised to fight the giant. But Goliath remained defiant.

Goliath sneered at his foe.

“I could beat you with one blow!”

David had his trusty sling. He could hit most anything. He swung a stone in the air. It hit its target, fair and square. It struck Goliath’s head. He fell down, but not quite dead. His heavy armor held him down. He couldn’t get off the ground.

David took his sword and cut off his head.

Goliath was beaten as David said.

Victory! Israelites cheered him.

The Philistines ran and feared him.

David was a hero to all in Israel.

A legend in his time. They talk about him still.

Morning Coffee

by Michael E. Wells

COMFORTER

It is the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer that is the uniqueness of Christianity. No other faith provides both Savior and Companion. It is this dynamic that many have failed to experience and why many have found the Good News simply another myth to be discarded.

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.

(I highly recommend this book! - Karen)

The Holy Spirit is not a performer or exhibitionist but one who resides deep within. The Holy Spirit brings comfort when sorrow overflows and peace of mind when confusion takes hold. The Holy Spirit replaces the voice of condemnation with one of affirmation.

It is this be still and know that I am God aspect of the relationship that is unmistakable. Always inhabiting the believer the Holy Spirit is our assurance of both the reality and eternity of our faith.

COMMUNION

Webster’s Dictionary defines this as the intimate exchange of thoughts and feelings. God once spoke through the Prophet Jeremiah saying, “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, thoughts and plans for peace and not evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.”

Many of us go through life wondering what does God really think of me, is there some way to know His thoughts and feelings? The answer is yes, through daily interaction in His word with His Spirit. It is as simple and mysterious as that. It is there that the intimate exchange happens.

It is there that we close off the world and He opens the heavens. Don’t take lightly the opening of the book. It is our touch-stone in communion. The test of quality in our exchange. This is the time, today is the day for meaningful conversation with your Creator.

SEAT OF MERCY

The priest, “...shall take blood and sprinkle the mercy seat…and so he shall make atonement for the holy place and the altar.” “You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark...and there I shall meet with you and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat.” Lev. 16:14, 20 Exodus 25:12, 22. Incense was also necessary to cloud the brilliance of His glory. For many generations this was how God spoke directly to man. I believe it is a representation of how God meets with us today by the blood of Jesus. Peter wrote that we have been sanctified by the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus. The question is where is that blood applied and from where does He speak, where is the mercy seat of God now? The writer of Hebrews 9:14, makes clear the blood of Jesus is applied to our conscience, our mind that we might be set apart for God. In 10:22, it declares our hearts (minds) are sprinkled with blood from an evil conscience and our bodies are washed with pure water.

It is interesting to note that in Lev. 16:4, 24, the priest had to wash his body then put on the holy garments, before ministering to the Lord and then wash his body again after taking them off. In Eph. 5:26 Paul reveals that now it is the Lord our High Priest Who cleanses His Body the church, by the washing of the water by the word. He writes that our transformation is by the renewing of the mind. He also writes in 1 Cor.2, that we have received the Spirit from God that we might know those things that have been freely given to us. But how do we come to know that? He further writes to explain, “Because we have been given the mind of Christ.” God said once the mercy seat is set on top of the ark, on the altar, in the temple and cleansed with the blood for atonement, He would then meet and speak. Today I believe, as the Word declares our bodies are the temple of God, our souls must then be the altar upon which our minds [spirit] becomes the ark, where the mercy seat rests. It is where God’s presence comes to meet and speak with us.

In the Book of Acts, we read where the Holy Spirit came as a fire, a glory above the heads of those in the upper room. I believe it was God now hovering above the new mercy seat on the earth. Now there are multiplied millions of mercy seats where God can come and talk to His creation. I can envision the Spirit coming down and resting upon the mercy seat on the ark in our mind [spirit] which has been cleansed by the blood of Jesus and placed upon the altar of our soul in His temple which is our body. It has now been cleansed by the washing of the water by the Word, that He may whisper to us in that still small voice. Before Christ, God was selective in His approach and response to man but not it is whosoever will. As we know the Old Testament has physical types and shadows of New Testament spiritual realities. I understand that His Spirit of adoption rests with us always but I do believe the voice of His Presence comes and goes. Either way something to ponder the next time we approach the Seat of Mercy with God.

LET ME

By 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.

As the turbulent waves of the rough sea

Tries to rock my staggering boat, My anchor is in the Lord Who holds me steady in obscure waters.

I look to the Lord, my strength In every storm which may betide, Through the ebbs and flows Of the uncertain, uncharted life.

Let me delight in the Word of truth To obtain wisdom and knowledge To stride across the right terrains In every aspects of this perplexing life.

Let me walk in God’s unchanging ways With the Word which is my heritage, Which is a lamp to my unsteady feet And a light to my path.

Let me hope in the word of God To obtain the hope of eternal life, Hope in Christ’s second coming, The joy of being in His presence forever.

Let me soak in God’s perfect love Which is beyond human comprehension, The merciful love of God Which is a gift of His great majesty.

Let me spread forth tediously His steadfast, faithful love His awesome works and splendor His resurrection for everlasting glory.

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.

DROUGHT MY SOUL

By Laurie Glass

Deep inside, where peace is blocked by doubt, faith is drained by fear, my well of hope is dry, there’s a drought in my soul.

My spirit thirsts for Life-giving Source, an escape from the sand, grace to sustain me and strength to endure.

Parched, I pant for a beginning, a splash to alleviate the burning, the longing, the yearning in my soul.

I leave the desert behind, zealously seek the Water, upraised hands, withhold nothing in my search, resist looking back for even a second.

Swallow cold drop, experience a moment of peace and crave more of this comforting drink. Stream opens up, from a trickle to a steady flow. Thirst is quenched, fears are vanquished as faith floods in to take their place, and hope fills my heart.

Grace pacifies, strength soaks in, deluge saturates my whole being.

Delighted the drought is over rejoice in divine relief, my soul is satisfied.

“I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.” Ps. 143:6 (NIV)

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

Hope Of Ages

by Andrea Marino

For sure, these are tough days! Christians are weary of living under the weight of evil. The cry of many is for our nation to be restored to greatness. But is a return to former days the best? Was any era that great? Jesus came to set the captive free. Luke 4:18. Four years ago I didn’t know the depth of darkness we were in. No surprise many are praying for God to favor us this November. I’m not against voting, but honestly, I don’t see a change in administration the answer to our woes. The Bible instructs us not to focus on the temporary riches of this world, rather focus on the unseen riches of The Kingdom of God, which are eternal. 2Corinthians 4:18. We simply aren’t to love the current world and its things. 1John 2:15,16.

If not for God’s love we would all be sent into the Lake of Fire. Oddly enough, it is trials and tribulations that can cause blind eyes to open to the reality that we cannot make it on our own. Our every breathe comes from God, who lavishes us with love, giving hope beyond this world. Breaking the chains of sin, He sets us free from death and hell. While God created every person; not every person is His child. My prayer is for all take care to seek His truth; for it is wonderful to know you will be with the Lord when you take your last breath.

Scripture bears evidence of God’s great favor upon His people, Israel. Many times, ‘doing evil in His sight’, they did experience severe consequences. Hardship and death are throughout the Bible for disobedience. And yet, God’s covenant promise to Israel will not be broken. Miracle after miracle, the Jews survived by the grace and mercy of God. Curiously, Mark Twain took note of the ‘immortality’ of the Jews. Will God’s supernatural protection continue? I believe so; but not without hardship, because, as many Jews failed to see Messiah’s first visitation upon earth, many still fail to see this truth. God, nevertheless, always brings a remnant through. Narrow is the path that leads to righteousness and Eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

In similar way, God’s favor has been upon America. Founded upon Judeo /Christian principles, America was designated to be a light to all nations. With the erosion of Biblical Truth and blatant rejection of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - even to tolerate prayers to pagan gods, declaring one as “the one true God”- I have to question if Supernatural protection remains upon America to restore its greatness. Many prominent pastors are decreeing this to happen. And certainly, God can and has raised up people to slay giants. He blesses and performs miracles for those who do not deserve it. Perhaps a catastrophe can help to get Americans back on track. (Regrettably, the 911 revival was short-lived.) I’d take a jolt of reality over an eternity with Lucifer.

How much longer should we expect Divine favor to cover us? False prophets are out there and have infiltrated the church of Jesus Christ. Their focus is on the current world, which they appear to love. Wouldn’t Satan want us to place our hope in his world when God says those whose hope is in this world are to be pitied. 2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 Corinthians 15:19. God may not be finished with this nation. He may still have use for it, just not in the way many Christians are thinking. Jeremiah 17:5 tells us not to trust in the strength of man. It is the Lord God who establishes law and order; only He can provide lasting peace, restoring all that the locusts have eaten. Having revealed the hidden works of darkness, we are called to come out of ‘mystery Babylon’. Luke 12:2, Revelation 18:4. Scripture verifies this world is not going to end well for the unbeliever. If a person will acknowledge they are a sinner and cry out to God, they will receive the gift of eternal life. Today is the day of salvation.

What the world needs is The King. And one day, government will be upon the shoulders of Jesus. Isaiah 9:6

Click on the book cover to purchase The Hobble by Andrea Marino

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 a publisher, author, photographer, social media and graphic artist, and writer.

LAUGHTER

by Karen Ruhl

I love to laugh, and I have several close friends who do too. When we are together, we chat and laugh and then laugh some more. Sometimes it is silly things we do or something that just seems humourous.

Does the Bible say anything about laughter?

Proverbs 17:22 (NIV) - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Laughter is a gift from God. Laughter is a great way to stay encouraged. When I was younger and still at home, my mom’s mother would tell us we are laughing to much and that if we didn’t stop, someone at the end of the night would cry. I hate to tell you this, but that just made us laugh and giggle more. We were not making fun of my grandmother, we just knew that laughter was good.

The Bible reminds us that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17). Laughter is a good gift from God to humanity.

I put the photo with the camels next to this because my good friend Susan is in the coat smiling and waving. Just looking at this photo makes me smile.

I pray that you have many things happen throughout the day that brings a smile or a giggle. God bless you all.

Copyright Susan Strawn

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.

BUT GOD

By Brianna Barrett

In this season, I’ve found myself wrestling with life. Each time I get one thing settled, another one comes at me. It feels like I should just raise my hands in defeat. Blame the Southern stubbornness in me because I just keep going. I keep putting one foot in front of the other as I duck, pivot, turn, and move throughout this journey called life. I’ve found myself knee-deep in a tumultuous wave that keeps pounding down at me, yet I still have hope that God will work it out.

In Psalm 32, David writes, “For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.’” (Psalm 32:7-9 NLT). I feel like that passage was written for me, right now. My stubbornness often leads me to stray from the path that God has set out before me whether it’s because I want to skip the waiting and go right to the reward or I get discouraged so I start looking around at the other pathways.

King David faced a lifetime of twists and turns. He was a child King (granted he had to wait his turn to reign over the kingdom.), He defeated a giant with a sling and stone. He was chosen and anointed over his strapping, fit brothers. He was hunted down by his best friend’s dad who wanted to kill him. He had a man killed so he wouldn’t feel guilty about stealing his wife and impregnating her. David lived a full life. He spent time alone with God in the hills and caves while at other times he found himself feasting on God’s goodness.

We can all relate to David. During some seasons we feast with our enemies present, while during other times, are more agonizing laments to God as we try to understand the whys of life. God never told us that we would understand why, He doesn’t rebuke us for asking but at times we just have to say May Your Will be Done, not mine and I’m going to trust you no matter what.

I’ve been in those moments this month, struggling to understand. Struggling to find God in the situation only to be reminded that God is in control. The procedure didn’t happen because God was healing him in a different way. The door closed on that opportunity because God has something else in store. The relationship ended because God was protecting us from harm.

We all face giants, they may not be tall like Goliath but we all face things that seem intimidating, monstrous, and scary. God knows the next move, He knows your next step and His next step. I pray each day those steps are in harmony; however, I know that I notoriously think I’m listening to His will and still walk on my own path. Usually, the path that’s not uphill or as daunting. But God, He uses those uphill battles, those daunting action steps, those moments of total surrender. When we start walking in His presence, His will, and His way–even when we are afraid–He’s right there with us. He’s holding onto that right hand, helping us climb that hill, helping us not stumble or fall, making sure that we don’t stub our toes.

No matter what season you are in right now, know that God cares. God is in control of the situation. I’m learning that patience is hard and I know when I pray for it in a situation I’m going to struggle. My human brain struggles with the concept of allowing God to be in control. But I find when I take these thoughts and my will captive, and make them obedient to God then I will have victory over them. I like the one-and-done mentality. However God has other plans, so each day I wipe the sweat off my brow, pull out God’s word, and sink into the words. There is so much wisdom among those pages, so much comfort and peace. In my darkest moments, when I open the word of God I find hope, peace, and comfort.

The next time you are faced with discouragement and are lacking peace and hope, I encourage you to open Psalms and rest in the words found there. These six verses have brought me through this last season to encourage me and provide me with hope.

“But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.” ( Psalm 3:3 NLT)

“I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:1-3 NLT).

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” (Psalm 23:1-4 NLT).

“So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!” (Psalm 31:24 NLT).

“In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.” (Psalm 34:6 NLT).

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” (Psalm 91:1-2 NLT).

May these verses encourage and equip you to remember where to turn the next time trials come up, hope seems lost, and plans go awry. Remember always that the Lord is there with you, He has plans for you and you are cherished. Blessings friend.

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

The Irrelevancy of Moods and Feelings

By Steve Carter

A Sneak Peek from Steve’s next book “Little of This, Little of That! Coming Soon.

I’ve been around the block a time or two and while I’m basking in the glow of God’s blessings, and have been for several decades, I remember well when times were very unstable!

As a teen and into my early adulthood, I found myself often on dire straits. Some of that can be attributed to my upbringing or lack thereof, but most of my problems came from good old fashion bad judgment on my part. Some major decisions made in my youth were the direct result of the influence of whatever mood I happened to be in at the time.

Some of us (not mentioning any names here) wake up grumpy and stay that way until well into the morning. I have never understood that. I mean, it’s a given that unless we’re rich and influential, we must get out of bed eventually, if for no reason other than finding something to eat. My take on that is, since it’s going to happen anyway why not put a positive spin on it? I mean, come on now, open those “peepers,” grab a cup of joe (coffee) rub the sleep out of your eyes and put on a happy face.

There are many things that put us in a bad “mood” or make us “feel” one way or another. Some of these are easily addressed and adjusted, while others take much effort to overcome. Being bullied, both physically and mentally, not enough rest, things not turning out our way or a chemical imbalance in our brain are but a few influences we often face daily. Controlling how we feel at any given time is not always easy but, I have found the result to be well worth our effort.

The group of men I meet with on Wednesday night at church have been discussing the effect “moods” or “feelings” have on our decision making. Following thought provoking remarks from Tony and Reggie, there are always welcome observations and opinions from the numerous men in attendance. We decided, to the man, that it’s stupid to let these shifting “states of mind” hold sway on our behavior.

Who among us (I’m not asking for a show of hands, because I need both of mine to type) is guilty of going on a shopping spree in order to feel better? While that might well enough be fun at the time, the six months it takes to pay off that “feel good” time generally leaves us in yet another bad mood!

Your shopping spree or growling at your spouse (never a good idea) because of their excessive use of the credit card is not a very serious situation. Expensive, but relatively easily overcome. However, there is a very dark side of impulsive (mood controlled) thinking. Action taken while under the control of a “mood swing” can not only lead to financial ruin, but to deep seated problems that often lead to a split in one’s family.

What we need to do is recognize that moods and feelings are a state of mind that is abnormal and temporary. I certainly know those who stay grumpy or depressed, or flip back and forth between personalities to the point where I never know which one of them will show up next time! Not me! If I’m having a “bad day” or have a good case of the “blues,” I start pleading the blood of Jesus, and rebuke whatever is bothering me.

Ultimately, we have only ourselves to blame when we allow a “bad day” or “life’s trials” to control our actions and the way we interact with others. I personally know of people, while being in a depressed state, have turned to suicide. Over the years of trying to comfort those left behind, one thing is obvious to me. Regardless of what drove them to take their own life, the sadness and loved ones wondering “what could we have done,” far overshadow any problem that drove them to that act.

Sitting here, in my rocking chair typing away, my hindsight is perfect. I can see now that those tough times that had me “on the ropes” (that’s for you boxing fans) were worth the lesson learned, and strength gained! King Solomon pointed out in Psalm 72: 12-14 that God has any “trials” we ever suffer through covered. In Gods’ boundless wisdom, He will ultimately use them to transform us into veteran warriors in His kingdom! These seemingly insurmountable difficulties, while being no fun at the time, are a small price to pay compared to the advantages gained from the experience. Elevated blood pressure and overall time spent in our “unhappy place” will drop if we keep in mind that any tears shed will soon be a distant memory.

Pam McCormick writes to share her wonderful Savior and all that He has done for her. She is a retired teacher and has two adult children, Adrienne and Joseph. Joseph and his wife, Sheila, have given Pam and her husband, George, four beautiful granddaughtersMerryn, Charlotte, Kathryn, and Abigail. She has published a children’s book called Holy Cow, Freddie and Lulu, and is currently working on a memoir of God’s faithfulness in her imperfect life called Celery Stalks and Coffee Grounds. She is a contributing author to Ancient Stones, Timeless Encouragement and Living Stones, Indwelling Encouragement.

OUTDONE BY A NINE YEAR OLD

By Pam McCormick

It had been raining all day, but I was scheduled to teach children’s church that night, so I put on my pink slicker raincoat and my pink tennis shoes and went out to see what I could find for my lesson that night. I ended up going to four different stores to find everything I thought I needed. Very chaotic, and yet I had to find things to make lions’ faces for the story I would be teaching on Daniel in the Lion’s Den.

Maybe I was too concerned with this, that, and the other thing, but I was on a mission to find rice cakes, pretzels, and gooey multi-colored gummy worms for the children to make the lion’s mane. I knew I needed curly pretzels for the lion’s mane, so why did I go back and exchange the curly pretzels for stick pretzels instead.

And I never found my rice cakes either!! I ended up getting honey graham crackers instead.

The discombobulation of this woman’s plans would make sense later in the evening.

The children were all creating magnificent creations using the things I had bought, while enjoying a nibble or two on some candy noses I had found as banana pieces for the eyes.

A child named Chase spoke up and said, “Hey, Miss Pam, look what I made!” I stood in awe of what he had done. He broke the graham crackers and made a cross. He used peanut butter to seal it. He draped purple gummy worms over both sides and drew a hill under his cross, showing it was lifted up high. He used the stick pretzels to make thorns and nails. I wish I had taken a picture of it. It was powerful.

Chase told our small group that he had seen a little black boy being laughed at, because he was praying for his lunch at school. The friends that Chase was sitting with started laughing too. Chase got up from his seat and told his friends, “Hey, don’t laugh at him. You better go talk to Jesus about that.”

The next day, Chase’s friends came back and apologized to Chase and the little boy for laughing at them.

The best laid plans for this woman were to be outdone by a little child with a big heart for Jesus, an awesome testimony of how great our God is.

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.

Though I Walk Through the Valley… Adventure 3:

A Time for Everything

By Shara Bueler-Repka

Thankfully, we arrived at our home base in Texas safe and sound from our blown-engine-adventure in New Mexico (#2 in this series). But when the dust settled, we realized the heavy load we haul required a tougher truck, and we sold our old Dodge, The Black Stallion. We also knew if the Lord still wanted us on the road, He would have to provide that truck.

Family members offered to take us to town for groceries or horse feed, if needed. However, we figured we could saddle our horses and make a grocery run too. I’m not kidding.

But God had us covered.

A week after we sold our truck, we got a phone call from Bruce’s sister. “You can borrow our truck, if you want,” she offered. “We’re not using it, and it’s just sitting here.”

The truck, affectionately nicknamed The Turtle, was a green Chevy Silverado pickup with tinted windows, sounded like a souped up roadster, and sported dents all over its body from a baseball bat. It was a far cry from our beautiful Black Stallion, but we were grateful. A bit humbled, but grateful.

As the months passed and a new year found us still at our home base in Hallettsville, we faced the common questions when normal life comes to a screeching halt. Did we do something wrong? Did we get benched? Will we have to switch gears because our road ministry is over?

Our direction was foggy, especially when the Lord would miraculously swoop in and shut the doors on potential trucks. One intervention was particularly painful.

We’d found a used truck that spurred our hopes of hitting the road again. Bruce started calling the seller a day or so before our meeting to confirm. No answer. A couple of days later, the seller called with an abundance of apologies. Someone showed up unexpectedly, cash in hand, and bought the truck…right out from under us.

That blow hit hard. Bruce and I fought back tears of disappointment and frustration. We tried to keep focused on the fact that God had a plan and that He had our best interests at heart.

As the days and months drifted on and the calendar flipped from month to month, and then, year after year, a bigger picture came into view. We realized we weren’t drifting down a trail of admonition. We traveled a trail of purpose.

From the time we rolled into our home base in October 2016, a variety of ministry opportunities unfolded. We still sang/ministered here and there, but we understood, again, that our ministry isn’t always about the music.

Bruce took care of farmstead duties to help his parents; I became a desperately needed holiday and summer babysitter for our aunt’s grandkids, one of them autistic; We got involved in producing a children’s magazine, and I wrote for several other publications, as well; And a re-edit of my book was also in the mix.

As 2017 faded into 2018, more doors swung open. Bruce’s dad became very ill and Bruce became an anchor for his mom and an encouragement to his dad until he passed. In addition, they needed help to move to the farmstead.

Clearly we had assignments here, but it was still tough not being on the road. Full disclosure, sometimes I’d stare at the TV, tearyeyed, when beautiful mountain sceneries and horses appeared (especially during the Texas heat!). one day, allow us to return to the backcountry!”

But though it was difficult at times, no trail, no nothing would have been worth not hanging out with those kids, helping Bruce’s mom and Dad, walking through every door the Lord showed, and learning invaluable lessons while being anchored in Texas.

Our familiar road had drastically changed, but we were right where we were always supposed to be.

We continued to try to find a truck we could make work, but Bruce dreamed of a specific truck—a silver Ram dually. Me? I didn’t care. I just wanted a truck that could pull our rig with our horses.

God heard Bruce’s heart. In the fall of 2018, two years after rolling into Texas, God miraculously provided us a new truck. A NEW truck. It was everything we needed, even down to the color Bruce wanted.

Even though we knew this was our truck, we greatly appreciated the Lord’s many creative clues and confirmations.

A few of the more fun clues came when, while watching a football game, a Ram truck commercial displayed its slogan: “Built to Serve.” This slogan was first introduced during the Superbowl in February 2018—the same time Bruce discovered a promise in Isaiah 60:7: “the rams shall serve you.” Our truck’s manufacture date? February 2018!

When we picked up our truck at the dealership, Bruce told me to pinch him. “Is this really real? Are we dreaming?”

The salesman informed us that the truck had been sitting in the back lot for months. This was confirmed by the bird nest in the bumper! God hid this truck from us and for us until the timing was right.

“Lord, I can’t thank you enough,” I prayed, as I drove The Turtle behind Bruce and “Hi Ho Silver”, tears streaming down my face.

We were chompin’ at the bit to roll again! For sure, the Lord would release us back on the road, right? Why not?

But He had other plans…

Stay tuned for the next Adventure of “Though I Walk Through the Valley”…

“And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” (Titus 3:14)

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.

TAG TEAM MADE IN HEAVEN

By Mike Buchanan

Abundant TV is the fastest growing Christian streaming service in the world. Jason Webb is the VP of sales. Wrestling is reaching a different population than anything else they’re doing. Their show “The Clash” featuring former wrestler, Chris “The Masked Saint” Whaley, is the most watched show on the network. Abundant TV is one of only three streaming services to broadcast from the NFL Draft. It is draft focused, not so much spiritually.

Everybody had a mutual friend in Fraser Ramsay. Mark Smith had been on Ramsay’s podcast “Ramsay Unleashed.” Mark learned about an online chat, and met Jason Webb. Jason asked to talk to Mark, and had Rob Patz join him in the conversation. Rob owns SGN Scoops a website that had a 1,000,000 hits in one week in August. He also owns Coastal Media, so he wanted to talk to Mark about Christian wrestling coming to Abundant. Rob is a great wrestling fan. Rob’s family new a lot of the wrestlers that Mark mentioned. They talked shortly after that, and Rob asked Mark about Christian wrestling. Mark called someone out west, but the gentleman didn’t meet what he needed. Mark didn’t stop there.

Mark called Chris Whaley, and talked about about a show Mark had an idea for called “The Clash”. He told Chris the network was looking for shows. Mark asked if he would be interested in doing a show that tackled every day issues on the network. Chris talked to his pastor before agreeing to his show. Then Chris introduced Mark to Richie. Mark talked to Richie Scruggs to make sure they had the same foundation for wrestling, and wanted to see if Richie’s guys were capable workers.

Wrestling for Christ was started while Richie Scruggs was travelling to the Philippines in 2008 as a missionary. He told a pastor over there he was a professional wrestler. The pastor told the hotel and when Richie arrived he found people in the lobby searching for videos of him wrestling. The pastor thought GI stood for God’s image, but he doesn’t want anyone to think this is about him, it’s all about God.

In 2015 a Philippine pastor came over to the US and saw a show in Spartanburg, SC. He started measuring the wrestling ring to precise specifications. He asked Richie if he built a ring, would they come to the Philippines? Richie said yes. Their first show over there was in 2017. There were 10,000 people in the area set up for the ring and audience, but the wrestlers could see an estimated 5,000 more watching from rooftops around the location. Almost 2000 decisions for Christ were made. In 2023, with wrestlers competing in 135 degree heat, 2500 made decisions for Christ. WFC is more than wrestling however, they conduct VBS, basketball camps, they did a haircutting event in the Phillipines, whatever it takes to reach people.

Richie wanted to have a show that could be family friendly, and be able to share the gospel. He also wanted to show that wrestling could be entertaining without having some of the less godly stuff others have. The wrestlers always wear shirts for modesty.

Mark Smith helped fine tune the wrestlers to get them ready for the Praise and Power Hour debut on August 17, 2024. He also brought his experience from having been in World Championship Wrestling, and has taught the crew at WFC a lot about cutting a promo (talking about what is happening in their wrestling life). He tells them to be as true to life as possible. Mark estimates about 80% of the wrestler’s persona’s is true to life. It has been most difficult to bring out rage.

In 5 years Jason sees Abundant TV leading the way globally. Streaming is now 38% of TV viewership. Rob Patz has been at the forefront of Christian media for a long time. Having interacted, even long distance, with several people involved in this joint venture, this author can see and feel their desire to unite to spread the Gospel in the US, to the Philippines, and beyond.

For more information on Wrestling for Christ, please check out: wrestlingforchrist.org For more information on Abundant TV, please check out: abundanttv.com

Lara Silverman is an Armenian American lawyer, jazz singer, comedic actress, violinist, and songwriter. She holds a JD from Stanford Law School and a BA from UC Berkeley, where she double-majored in Economics and Political Science.

COMPELLING TESTIMONY

By Lara Silverman

Matt Silverman once said verbatim to me “Babe, God always writes the best stories.” Let me tell you one now. You see, I started praying for an Armenian Christian husband at age 16. But I was always fascinated with God’s chosen people. So what did God do? On January 1, 2022, while in the throngs of my own serious illness, God gave me both of my heart’s desires by sending me a 5 foot ten half Armenian, half Jewish package named Matt Silverman. God’s hand in orchestrating our love story was so evident that you could say Matt was signed, sealed and delivered from God to me. A few years earlier when we were both healthy, we had driven to Christian camp alone by chance, discovering our chemistry even as friends, laughing about diverse topics like physics and broadway.

Fast forward five years and Matt, amidst his own cancer, rang my doorbell and sat across my bed to give me spiritual support on how to persevere in suffering. He sat there patiently until 11pm with his warm smile, tenderly answering all my questions and accusations against God. At the end of the night, I thanked him for coming and he responded with a surprising answer that flooded my heart with butterflies: he said verbatim “There’s no place I’d rather be.” After about six visits we literally just realized we were falling in love, hard. As Matt said, “we never dated did we? We just fell in love.” I had finally found my unicorn, a quirky musical nerd just like me.

I would melt when Matt even said Lara in his deep voice. His calm demeanor absorbed my energetic disposition. Right before visits, I would perk up, get out of my pit of self-pity, and start preparing love songs to sing to him as he lay down. My dad would roll his eyes jealously, “Oh, Matt must be coming again.” To which I said, “Dad listen, this guy is the crème de la crème, a handsome evangelizing engineering PhD who likes politics and theology like me. Get with the program.” When I told Matt once his eyes were like beautiful chocolate almonds, he teased, “I didn’t know my eyes were edible.” I would mail him bright pink Victorian love letters doused in glitter addressed to “Trouble Silverman” to embarrass him in front of his roommates. I don’t know if it worked but he proposed a few months later. Then, when we took engagement photos at the Pulgas Water Temple, the verse on the temple was Isaiah 43:20, which was also my devotional verse that very morning in my Bible app. The more we thought about it we decided: this must be our wedding theme. Thus, God even orchestrated our wedding verse to teach how he gives believers streams of refreshing water in their desert times. This is our love story.

The measure of a life is not its duration but its donation. I told Matt on date one he was the closest representation of Christ I had ever met. It was irresistibly attractive. He gives all his money to charity, fasts when praying for others, teaches children, preaches internationally, and his eyes tell the story of great perseverance in suffering. Matt was cut from a different cloth: his entire countenance shined radiantly with Christ’s peace. Thus, Matt’s greatest donation was his example of Christlikeness. I will tell you now about four of Matt’s Godly traits.

1) First, Matt was driven by an unquenchable desire to grow in wisdom, which is why many called upon him to preach. I watched him edit sermons to perfection late at night in agonizing pain. He even drove himself to a Christian camp for six hours, with his chemo pump literally hooked up to his chest, to share his wisdom. Matt was a realist about interpersonal struggles in marriage, so he even sought wisdom by joining a Christian men’s group called “Husbands with Grit.” His desire for wisdom had no endpoint; even while watching Ducktales, Matt lit up and informed me of the episode’s implicit moral lessons. I was obsessing over popcorn while he was analyzing the moral implications of stealing McDuck’s fortune. Living with someone so wise was frankly humbling; like a microscope convicting me of my own sin.

2) Matt’s second trait is that because of his past sufferings, he instinctively displayed great compassion for others. When I moved in, I found an old notebook where he had meticulously scribbled people’s names, their specific needs, and the day of the week to pray. My heart melted. As for me, he made me feel extremely understood. He was constant and patient with me in my outbursts against God as to why we’re suffering, answering my theological questions until 2 am. He never once judged me for my bitterness, which is very easy to do when both spouses are struggling. Instead, he gave me grace time and time again and gently said, “God wants us to have joy in our suffering, right babe? Let’s try.” I was riding on the coattails of Matt’s faith, which literally upheld my own and helped me give up my idols like health and career. Words do not suffice to convey the transformative impact his compassion had on my personhood and faith.

3) Third, Matt was incredibly humble and servant hearted, laser focused on church, family, and his students. I watched him give lectures in sharp pain lying down in bed, putting his students’ needs over his own. And despite his literal brilliance, at bottom he was a simple man, giving no importance to pomp and circumstance. When I told him once he is the perfect Christian, he got flustered and said “Lara stop. I’m not perfect just like any sinner. Don’t idolize me.” So even in compliments, he stayed rooted in the gospel.

Another example: I once surprised Matt with a fancy new wardrobe and he started tearing up and said: “I always felt guilty spending money on myself but I’m so happy my wife is taking care of me now.” It just never occurred to him to think of himself. Moreover, despite the fact that he wasn’t into theater, he sacrificially never once said NO to any of my silly requests to record skits or duets at 10pm. He even sacrificed his ear drums, not making a single complaint while I screeched on violin at midnight. If that’s not sacrificial love, I don’t know what is. Instead, Matt fostered my passions, saying once: “Lara, you’re my Maria from Sound of Music. I was suffering and then you came into my life bringing music and joy.” For a musical lover like me, such a profound compliment flew me to the moon and back.

For a Type A engineer, Matt was also surprisingly romantic. The first time he put me in his car he flirtatiously smiled, “me lady, your chariot awaits.” One time while he was in the hospital, I sent him an 1800s Spanish song in which a lover picks flowers for his senorita in a field. A day later, Matt came home with not one but two large flower bouquets, saying “I just had to reenact that video you sent me and metaphorically pick flowers for my girl.” We sat there, shocked that he had made it out alive one more time.

COMPELLING TESTIMONY Continued

By Lara Silverman

4) Last, Matt was supernaturally courageous, teaching me how to be fearless. Chemo after chemo, surgery, CAT scan, you name it, he came back, laid down, smiled and said the same thing every single time: “there’s my girl.” No bitterness. No fear. Some frustration? Yes. But not more. And in hospice, Matt went through an excruciating phase of not eating a crumb for 9 weeks and watching his body deteriorate, without a SINGLE complaint about pain or dying young. It was shocking. And despite facing cancer twice, Matt praised God privately to me until his last breath — without a trace of bitterness — and only had immense peace and excitement about meeting his God. This is Matt Silverman. A model of Christlike submission to God’s will; a living testimony of what he preached. His courageous outlook bears powerful witness to the reality that for the Christian, death is nothing but a doorway into Christ’s presence forever. For this reason, I proclaim today: MY HUSBAND IS ALIVE RIGHT NOW! See John 11:25 (“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.’”). THIS is the power of the gospel.

I will pivot here to thank God for blessing our short marriage. Falling in love amidst illness was a miracle itself. Even after, Matt focused us on Ephesians 5:16: “make the most of every opportunity for the days are evil.” Indeed, they say those who are not afraid to die are not afraid to live. So we didn’t waste time. We made Christian parodies, filmed a movie, started a theology and music YouTube channel, put on 3 musical concerts, gave 2 Christian testimonies, and raised $13,000 for Haiti. I say this not to boast but to bear witness to the truth of 2nd Corinthians, where God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Even though behind the scenes we laid down holding hands for 50% of every day, God made us “fruitful in the land of our affliction” by giving us strength time and time again to do the work He called us to do.

I will not mince words: We begged God to give us a long life together. God answered NO. But, Matt always told me: “this life is a blip in light of eternity, so focus on eternal things.” 1st Corinthians 13 says, “Three things endure faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love.” Thus, ultimately God did not deny us more beautiful years. Matt and I will have ETERNITY to enjoy heaven together in resurrected bodies. This gives me unshakeable hope amidst my unfathomable loss. And as I cry out to God WHY?, I will remember one of Matt’s lasting legacies: his constant preaching that God has a sovereign and good PURPOSE for all suffering, even if we cannot understand it on this side. Thus, our love story as tragic as it is has great meaning to God.

Indeed, God’s story NEVER ends in ashes. This is the beauty of Christianity. Just look at Jesus hanging on the cross and then resurrecting. Thus, Matt’s story is not over, as much as it cuts like a knife now. When Matt first got diagnosed, the sermon series at church was the story of Joseph, and Matt drew great strength from that famous line in Genesis that what Satan intends for evil, God intends for good. Three years later, the night Matt entered Heaven, I opened my Bible devotional and lo and behold it was on the Joseph story and it emphasized how God works all things for good, no matter how tragic. That’s NOT a coincidence; it’s God’s encouragement to us that there is a purpose to Matt’s story and this is NOT its end. And just as Joseph’s sufferings led to his premiership, I believe God will reward Matt immensely in heaven for suffering faithfully to achieve God’s redemptive purposes. In Christianity, the cross always leads to glory.

I will end here: if grief is the price I have to pay for experiencing Matt’s love, I will pay it. Thank you Matt Silverman for all you gave me and letting me serenade you. Last summer, you surprised me with a photo album titled “A musical love story.” That story is not over. I will see you in heaven my sweet Matthew, where I will love you forever.

Gratia Lynn writes because she wants the chosen to fall more in love and life with Jesus. Messiah has been entirely faithful to her during lifelong health challenges, and she is free because He calls her healed wrapped up in His wings (Malachi 4:2; Psalm 91:4). Her blog is https://furnacefuelsfaithfulness.wordpress.com/ GL loves Tolkien, all art and creativity, dancing, and experimenting with herbal teas.

The Tabernacle is Still Alive and Still Wandering

By Gratia Lynn

“And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” -2 Corinthians 12:9(NASB)

In this verse, the Greek word for “dwell” means “tabernacle”, as well as “spread tent upon” and “reside” and “take possession of”. I thought “tabernacle” was especially cool, since the Tabernacle was the first Building God decided to have resemble His Presence. The Tabernacle was a place of purity, confession, and holiness. It was given almost a fearful respect. This is the place where the ceremonial laws were carried out. Here, in the Tent of Meeting, only the priests could be. This is where the most important religious possession, the Ark of the Covenant, was held, inside the Holy of Holies, where only the High Priest could go. (More on the Tabernacle in Exodus 25-31 and 35-40)

At Jesus’ death, the curtain to the Holy of Holies was torn in two from top to bottom (Mark 15:37-38), signifying the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice. We were all welcomed into the holiest Presence, anytime. And if that wasn’t enough, the Holy Spirit entered into each believer’s heart, making us His Tabernacle and Temple(1 Corinthians 6:19).

Just think, God dwells in us like He did with the Tabernacle. When Jesus’ sacrifice split the curtain to the Holy of Holies, He was saying, “I, God over death and God over Heaven and Earth, call you to Be My Home. I’m not about rituals or being good enough. I’m about pursuing you in all your filth. I’m about cleansing you and filling you with worship.”

God delights in us!

He fills us with Himself.

He doesn’t give us a piece of Himself. He dwells in us with all His power and glory.

He still hides some mysteries and will never be finished revealing parts of Himself to us, but even the things we can’t comprehend about Him are in a way already in us through His Power and Spirit.

I can’t quite word what I can’t comprehend, but basically, Jesus doesn’t go half way. All of Him is fully ours. We have access to His perfect Power!

This God wants us. He has no need of us, but He delights in using us to display His awesome power. Treasure in earthen vessels(2 Corinthians 4:7).

In the verse at the beginning of the post, Paul, the writer, was saying Christ’s power is perfected in our weaknesses, but when comparing us to Christ, of course we’re weak. The perfect God still wants to continue perfecting us. We’re not perfecting Him, and He isn’t perfecting Himself. He, being good and giving purpose and life to everything, decides to use our weak selves to promote His perfection and wholeness.

As I said, I do not fully comprehend how this can be or what it fully means, but I love how Jesus truly does decide to dwell in us. It makes me realize how in control God is of everything and how loving He is with that control.

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” -Romans 8:11

I encourage you to read Hebrews nine for more on Christ’s fulfilling sacrifice and what that means for us as His Body today.

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.

Plain Vanilla vs. Rocky Road

By Donna J. Miller

A few weeks ago I asked a friend to share her testimony, not realizing the heart-wrenching struggles she endured before completely turning her life over to God. Today His love and grace and a commitment to serve Him shine through her life. I was deeply moved as she shared her experiences. I am so thankful that we serve a God who makes all things new.

I felt led to share my testimony with her but my testimony seemed boring like plain Vanilla ice cream with no interesting lumps or chunks like Rocky Road. I have always felt this way. I am amazed by the testimonies of people who conquered addictions, motorcycle gangs, destructive relationships, imprisonments, and more when they accepted Christ. In their testimonies, they give God the glory and their testimonies often lead many people in similar circumstances to the Lord.

While struggling to share my testimony but feeling reluctant, God spoke to me through a sermon. Frequently the songs on the radio, the scripture I read, the pastor’s sermon, or something a friend says - all reinforce what God is teaching me.

Our youth director, Ben, mentioned things he had struggled with as a new Christian. He said many people have sins, addictions, and other problems before they accept Christ. In contrast, he said that some people have a testimony where Jesus was mentioned early and often in their lives. His comment reminded me of a familiar verse. Proverbs 22:6 says: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (KJV) Ben said he wanted that kind of testimony for his children. He reminded us that both kinds of testimonies are valid. That is exactly what I needed to hear to encourage me to share my testimony with my friend.

My first word was “Jesus” because a loving nursery teacher held me up to a picture of Jesus every time I came to church and told me Jesus loved me.

When I was seven, I found a tiny white book, “Angel Unaware” on our family bookshelf. It was my mother’s so I asked if I could read it. Mom said, “If it is not too hard.” I settled into my reading corner and read about Robin Rogers, the daughter of Dale Evans and Roy Rogers. Baby Robin had many health issues in the 1950s. She died at age two. Her mother, Dale Evans, imagined Robin sitting on Jesus’s knee, healthy and whole. She wrote what she thought Robin would tell Jesus about her life on earth.

“Angel Unaware” is a sad, sweet book and it convicted me. I knew for certain that if I died, I would NOT be sitting on Jesus’ knee. I would go to hell. Our church had a revival a few days later, and convicted, I tightly gripped the pew in front of me, too shy to go forward. I wished they would quit singing. I didn’t rest that night and struggled the next day.

Playing outside that next day, I decided I would go to the altar that evening. Mom called us into dinner and said we weren’t going to church. I insisted we needed to go and after a few exchanged glances, Dad said he would take me.

We arrived at church late and sat in the last row of the balcony. When the invitation hymn started, I pushed past Dad on the second note. He asked, “Where are you going?” I told him and he asked, “Do you want me to go?” I said he could as I hurried down the steps and to the front of the church. I wasn’t waiting for anyone! Later, he was teased about chasing me to the altar. I was a good kid but I needed Jesus in my heart! I was a sinner. We classify sins. We know that pinching your little brother has a different consequence than cold-blooded murder and stealing a cookie from Mom’s cookie jar is different from robbing a bank. However, God is holy and we are ALL sinners in His eyes. Romans 3:23 says: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (NIV) The only way to be forgiven and clean is to believe in God’s Son, Jesus, and ask Him for forgiveness.

I was forgiven that night and adopted as a child of God. I was especially blessed that our family stayed active in church and I had wonderful teachers, youth directors, and older friends who taught me and demonstrated a faithful life to me. I went to a Baptist college and married the brother of a Christian friend.

I have steered clear of most of the “Rocky Roads” life holds. I am thankful I can ask for God’s forgiveness and know His presence in my life. Even though my husband and I have faced some hard times, God has led us in our forty-seven years of marriage. I am truly blessed!

As a child, I didn’t understand everything I needed to know (I still don’t!) but it was enough. Remember Matthew 18:2-3? He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (NIV)

The faith of a child is all we need! The faithful nursery teacher who told me Jesus loved me started me down the road which led to my teaching preschoolers and writing preschool Sunday School curriculum for over 40 years. A simple, plain Vanilla testimony is meant to be shared and speaks of God’s power as much as a Rocky Road testimony! I pray I will never forget that again!

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

MOVING FROM SIN TO SALVATION

By Dr. Kathleen Oden

There are many trips and journeys that people take throughout their lifetime moving them from moment to moment. However there is only one journey that ALL CHRISTIANS take and that is MOVING FROM SIN TO SALVATION. And this journey is one of the basic themes of the Holy Bible.

It’s a theme that all Christians can identify with because it reflects our own personal spiritual journeys from bondage to freedom and from darkness to light. One of the most compelling examples of this theme is God’s deliverance of the Children of Israel from Egypt.

The Exodus story is not just a historical event; it’s a powerful illustration of God delivering His people. It shows us how God, in His infinite mercy and grace, reaches down to liberate His people from the bondage of sin, much like He freed the Israelites from their physical bondage in Egypt.

And this story symbolizes the protective power of God’s salvation. Just as the blood of the lamb saved the Israelites, the blood of Christ saves us and brings us out of sin and into salvation. Exodus 12:13

It is a testament to the transformative power of obedience by faith that moves us from sin to salvation. God’s deliverance of Israel was a demonstration of His mighty power and a testament to His commitment to His people. Likewise, our salvation also demonstrates the power and grace He has given to each and every one of us.

Just as the Israelites were freed from the bondage of Egypt, Yehoshua has freed us from the bondage of sin. This freedom is not just a liberation; it’s an invitation to a new life filled with hope, filled with purpose, and filled with the joy of the Lord.

The story of the Exodus, is a good example of God’s unconditional love and desire to set His people FREE. All through the ages and all through the Bible, we are reminded not only of the price of freedom, but also, the joy of salvation. John 8:36, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

Just as our spiritual journey from sin to salvation transforms our soul, adopting a lifestyle focused on health and wellness transforms our body and mind. This holistic approach empowers us to live out our salvation with energy and health, enabling us to fulfill our God-given purpose more effectively. Embracing healthy habits, such as proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate rest, parallels our spiritual disciplines of prayer, scripture study, and fellowship.

Together, they fortify us against the trials of life, ensuring we are equipped to walk in the freedom and light of Christ. As we reflect on our own personal journeys from sin to salvation, let us remember the benefits that salvation plays in each of our lives like faith, obedience, and the transformative power of God’s love. We are now set free through Yehoshua and live as Christians MOVING FROM SIN TO SALVATION!

Heavenly Honey Almond Fruit Salad

This simple yet delightful recipe symbolizes the sweetness of salvation and the nourishment we receive from embracing a life of health and wellness, both spiritually and physically.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup of mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)

- 1 apple, diced

- 1 banana, sliced

- 2 tablespoons of honey

- A sprinkle of almond slices

- A dash of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine the mixed berries, diced apple, and sliced banana.

2. Drizzle the honey over the fruit mixture.

3. Gently toss the fruit with the honey until well coated.

4. Sprinkle almond slices on top for a crunchy texture (optional).

5. Add a dash of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor (optional).

6. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing, nourishing treat.

Bookshelf Reviews

Always and Forever

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

Bookshelf Reviews

Scooter And The Blanket Snatcher

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.

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

Bobbing and Weaving The Dance of Justification and Rationalization

By Craig D. Lounsbrough

We’re not all too bad at bobbing and weaving. We’re pretty good at side-stepping and side-lining issues. We’re quite adept at cutting and spinning, doing a bit of fanciful dodging, as well as deftly running the obstacle course without getting so much as a scratch on us. We’ve learned to see things coming from a long ways away, and we’ve figured out how to duck and cover with rather amazing agility so that all that stuff rolls right by us without so much as a scratch. We get the game, we get the need to master the game, we get the need to succeed at the game, we get gamey at playing the game, and we bob and weave in order to win the game.

Bobbing and Weaving - The Curse of Accountability

What we typically don’t do is to evaluate our culpability. Our mindset isn’t naturally one of accountability where we step up, take what’s ours and own it. We aren’t necessarily blessed with a pressing sense of responsibility, and we’re rather lax when it comes to developing an awareness that we’re answerable to the choices that we’ve made. We aren’t particularly prone to own what’s ours; to settle up when we’ve screwed up, fess up when we’ve faltered, and mop up when we’ve messed up. Rather, we bob and weave.

Bobbing and Weaving - Ethics, Value and Morals

Sometimes bobbing and weaving is nothing more than a character issue. It may rest in selfishness, self-centeredness, varying degrees of rancid narcissism, and a tainting dash of ego here and there. It’s the attitude of self that’s interminable driven by such pathetic questions as “what’s in my best interest, what course of action is going to get me the most of whatever it is that I want, what’s going to put me in the best light or advance my agenda the furthest?” It’s about the tedious strategy and the uncompromising prioritization of the brass ring that unflinchingly dictates any and all decisions. So, if bobbing and weaving most effectively gets me to my goal, let’s have at it.

Bobbing and Weaving - Bad Habits

In some instances, bobbing and weaving is simply the stuff of habit. Habit is simply a behavior that’s become so natural that we do it without even thinking about it. The hidden danger in a habit is that, in time, the habit is presumed as normal and healthy. The behavior becomes so habitual that we never take the time to question the habit. We never think to pause long enough and think about what we’re doing and the exact nature of whatever it is that we’re doing. Habit moves the action beyond evaluation. We just go about the business of doing it. And when this becomes the nature of our business, we better believe that our business will embrace a whole bunch of bobbing and weaving.

We are Not Designed for Bobbing and Weaving

You may want to take a personal inventory and ask what you’re doing. You might have learned how to bob and weave with a superb degree of dexterity. Indeed, many of us have become quite proficient at this sordid dance. But in the bobbing and weaving, we will bob and weave past priceless opportunities for growth, precious possibilities of all kinds, and we will wholly forsake opportunities to stand up and force all lesser things to stand down. We will become terribly compromised people living out a terribly compromised life of perpetual avoidance.

We are not designed to bob and weave. Rather, we are undeniably designed for battle, and we are matchlessly equipped for victory in battle. We are designed to grow in the face of adversity and not in the flight from it. We are far more than bobbing and weaving would ever cause us to be. We are built to seize and not side-step. Ingrained in us is the ability to own what’s ours, to settle up when we’ve screwed up, to fess up when we’ve faltered, and to mop up when we’ve messed up. In doing these things, bobbing and weaving will find no place in a life within which it should never find a place in the first place.

Licensed Professional Counselor

19029 East Plaza Drive, Suite 255 Parker, Colorado 80134 (303) 593-0575

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.

JOY

By Linda Castro

“In God’s presence there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11 KJV)

The word ‘joy’ is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as, “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires…the expression or exhibition of such emotion…a state of happiness”.

The Bible lists the word “joy” hundreds of times and has many different applications of it. Even the book of Job, that many would not think has the word “joy”, it appears as a reminder of the brief joy of the hypocrite (Job 20:5 KJV) which shows us that joy in a worldly sense is brief.

But for those who believe in God, and have claimed Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirt lives in us with each of the nine fruits (gifts) of the Spirit. Joy is listed second only to Love. That’s how important God thinks joy is to His children.

When I was diagnosed with an incurable stomach condition, I thought I had lost my joy. With that type of diagnosis, what was there to be joyful about?! So, I had to dig deep into God’s Word for comfort. And, of course, I found many encouraging verses about being joyful in all things! For instance, James 1:2 (KJV) which says “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” And, of course, Proverbs 17:22 (KJV) which says “A joyful heart is good medicine…” so I knew to start each day by confessing God’s joy in my life!

There is always something to be joyful about! It doesn’t have to be anything life-changing! Did the sun come up this morning to bring light to your world? Or did it rain to help the farmers water their crops? Both are something to feel joy about! Did you get stuck in traffic on the way to work thereby protecting you from a possible car accident by sitting there and letting others pass? Or did you arrive to work on time, thankful to have a job that helps provide for your needs and those of your family? Again, things we take for granted are things to feel joy about!

Sometimes we can feel overcome with sadness and think there is no joy in our lives. Like when my only child died. But, as God’s children, He loves us enough to promise in Revelation 21:4 (KJV) “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes…”. Do we feel fear sometimes? As in my diagnosis of an incurable stomach disorder? But as always, God is right here with me reminding me in Isaiah 41:10 (KJV) “Fear thou not; for I am with thee…”

So, do we always feel joy in our lives? No. But is joy always there from God for us to receive it and help us? Yes. No matter the circumstances, God’s love is full of joy. He gives us peace.

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace….” Romans 15:13 (KJV).

WRESTLERS FOR CHRIST

By Mike Buchanan

Ken “Loaded Gunz” Magnum was born to extremely young parents. From a very young age people have said God had His Hand on his life. He was born a blue baby (one who did was not receiving enough oxygen) in 1981 and had to be transported by ambulance rather than helicopter.

He was raised in church youth groups. In his early 20’s, he ran away from God, and hit his wild side. God has different ways of getting people’s attention. Between 8/03-04/04 he had 4 vehicle accidents in 8 months. He was supposed to have his first main event when he hit a deer on a motorcycle.

As a result of the above combined with losing everything he had at the time, everything else that had transpired in his life coupled with the loss of a young woman he was in love with at the same time, he contemplated suicide. However, that night he told the Lord, he was through, and rededicated his life over to the Lord. On 9/18/04 while performing for American Pro Wrestling, he hit a turnbuckle, saw a beautiful red head in the crowd, and new she was the one. He met her that night, they began dating, began attending church together, and now have been together for 20 yrs, married for 18 of those years, they have 2 sons, and by the grace of God are still going strong.

His wrestling journey began in 2004. When he broke in Richie Scruggs was in a tag team with Brian Linder. Ken found himself standing across the ring from Scruggs and Linder over the next couple of years developing a rapport among Christian brothers in the process so it was only natural when the Abundant TV deal came up Richie reached out to Ken.

His favorite Christian song is Ray Boltz’s “One Drop of Blood.” He thinks it can move anyone with a pulse

He asks for continued prayer they can continue to model a Christian marriage. He says the secret to a good marriage is to “Only be married when (you) have to be, (be) best friends the rest of the time.” while ensuring to keep GOD first and foremost in your marriage!

Travis Roberts went to church when he was growing up, but didn’t understand any of it. Now, however, he is bringing up his 8-yr old daughter in church. He was bullied when he was younger because of his weight. His two brothers went into the military, but because his grandfather introduced him to it, he went into wrestling. Now his daughter can watch him on TV, just like he used to do with his grandfather.

In April 2012, he met his wife and started going back to church. During a revival Richie gave his life to Christ on April 29, 2012. He and his wife were married in 2013. He loves Wrestling for Christ because it allows wrestlers to connect with the audience in relatable ways.

His tag team partner, Dylan Dollar, and he found out about WFC in 2018 when they heard about WFC making trips to the Philippines. The two went with them in 2019, 2022 and 2023. They don’t just go over to wrestle but to serve and evangelize. Travis referenced a time when after they had wrestled, they were signing autographs in 115 degree heat. Under the table was a puddle of sweat.

He feels we should be more interested in other people’s spiritual condition. People place too much emphasis on temporary things. We prioritize things we want over things that we need. He says “At the end of the day you can’t take it with you.”

The best spiritual advice he ever received is don’t give up. In his favorite movie “Facing the Giants,” that lesson is played out. Too many people are want to quit, and commit suicide. Travis’ brothers have mental issues. His goal is to bring hope to others.

Dan “The Prayer Warrior” Holman always had a strong belief, but never acted on it. Over time he became complacent and drifted away from the church. Then when he got married, he and his wife decided to start attending church to build their family and find his faith. He knows salvation is a personal decision between each person and Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for their sins.

Dan and Richie Scruggs started Wrestling for Christ together, but it originated from Richie’s trips to the Philippines. WFC is a group of Christian wrestlers that don’t all go to the same church but are united in Christ, no matter where they come from. Their mission is presenting God to the audience in a way that piques the audience’s curiosity.

WRESTLERS FOR CHRIST (CONTINUED)

When asked about wrestlers being presented with temptations, he mentioned he drank while in high school. When he started wrestling in 1992, as he traveled, he thought of himself as a babysitter. He would look out for the others to try and keep them out of trouble. He has been married 35 years, so having a wife at home helped him resist the temptation of women.

His favorite verse is Ephesians 6:11. He makes morning family prayer a priority and prays nightly with his kids.

He asks prayer that more people can be reached through WFC’s entertainment; that people would stay long enough for at least one person to hear and respond to the Gospel. Also, pray for his family that they continue to be able to minister to their children and in their jobs where they touch people’s lives for the Lord, and they would lead by example.

Richie “GI” Scruggs grew up going to church, but he sat in the back of the church, passing notes to girls. He went to summer camps to be with friends. He had head knowledge, but not heart knowledge. He met a young lady at Bojangles in 1987, went to church on Valentine’s Day with her, and gave his life to Christ.

He had his first pro wrestling match July 4, 1990 vs. Russian Bear Ivan Koloff. He won! He travelled with his brother, J.R. with Professional Wrestling Federation. Several stars came out of the PWF that would go on to shine in the WWE. He had an opportunity to work in TV, but didn’t travel as much as others. He was able to avoid temptations like women, alcohol, and drugs because of his relationship with Christ.

Richie is glad that wrestlers in WFC are like friends and family. He doesn’t think he would change anything. He wants people to see Jesus through him because, “We may be the only Jesus some people will ever see.” He thinks it’s important that people don’t see one thing on TV and something else on social media.

He requests prayer for his family. They have a grandbaby coming in December. He also asks for prayer for the ministry, for more people to be saved. He believes in the saying “to save the lost at all cost.”

ROAD TRIPPIN’ YEAH!

This past month has been so much fun. My friend and phtographer, Susan Strawn has hit the road with me the past 3 Saturdays. I am going to share photos from Mt. Airy. I mean, who doesn’t love Andy, Barney, and Floyd!! I was surprised at how many people told me they watch refuns of the show. It was a great show. I hope you enjoy photos from our trip.

We visited the Mayberry Museum, It is a nice (small) museum filled with great memories. Tgere are guitars and banjos painted and displayed all around town too.

By Karen Ruhl

There is so much to see and do in Mt. Airy, we took the Parkway back - we had a major detour our as they are working on the parkwy. We also drove to Fancy Gap, VA and visited the FancyGap Pottery and had lunch. What a wonderful day out. Get out if you can and enoy!

Ruhl Photography

On our way home on the parkway, we stopped at Tom Dula’s marker. As I stood taking a photo three bikers pulled up. I oticed the cross on the bike with the Holy Cross. Then I looked at the other bike and we all started laughing, there was a sticker from a gas station that, well let’s just say I won’t post it in here!

We could not have met anyone nicer than these three!

Milton Ligeberger - had the motorcycle shown here.

Dareke Crockett had the one with the sticker, I really teased him, he had such a wonderful personality. All five of us were laughing. Keylee Love was riding a motorcycle too.

When we parted ways, I got two of the nicest hugs ever! I would love to run in to them on the parkway again.

Milton, Keylee, and Dareke, God Bless You All. Love you!

Photography by Susan Strawn

Petra, Jordoan and St. Petere

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