VillageVibe: Of all places...

Image via AS Phillips

Personal perspective

This edition of By the Way is a personal one and parts of it fall into two categories on the site, ShoutOuts and a new one, VillageVibe.

I’ve got a fresh cuppa java and I’m writing this at my desk, on the first day of 2024.  First event of the morning was well before dawn. I got Touching Fire’s alfalfa cubes soaking, so her breakfast would be ready by 0800. She’s over 40 and has a specialized diet and feeding schedule to keep her lookin’ like a 20-year-old. She’s worth it, too! 

Touching Fire 

Image via AS Phillips

During the meal prep, for her and our newly adopted barn-cat, Rocky (whose nickname is Sher Kahn, cause he growls, bites and scratches like a tiger) I was also in prayer, being reminded by nearly everything around me to be thankful to the Lord for another day with all of our little farm animals, safe and healthy. A little later, I was thankful for the pretty snow that was only looking good, and not piling up anywhere.

That’s not a brag, just sharing how the day started. I pray your day started in similar fashion, beautifully blessed.

In 2023, I’m thankful to have not had a single overnight stay in a hospital and as of the end of November, I’m still officially cancer-free. There are loads more blessings I could write here, but it’d take days to list them all, so, I’m gonna focus on sharing what’s on my heart.

Blessed!

In my younger years, I loved visiting our little village. Its name is Stewartsville.

My family’s farm was about two miles north of here, and Stewartsville was where we often shopped. Granny Moore’s little store was on the north end of the village. Mrs. Patton’s on the southside. 

This village is about one mile in circumference and when I moved home from Texas, there were nearly as many horses as there were people. 

When I was a kid, my sister and our friend Dennis and I, used to ride our horses into this village. We could tie them up at Granny’s, go inside for some soda and chips, then we’d be on our way. Mostly we shopped at Granny’s but sometimes we rode a bit further, through the village (yup, right down the street), to Mrs. Patton’s, but mostly we shopped at Granny’s when we were on our horses. 

Yup! To this day, it hasn’t ever been better than that!

We, like much of my mama’s family, were all Punkin Runners, meaning we lived in Pumpkin Run, a tiny area made up of gardens, fields, a few chickens, cattle and horses. It was, and is still, tiny, but for us, it was the center of the universe.

Punkin Run folks were very interactive. We camped, had cookouts, fished, took long rides on our horses, helped each other during crisis, like getting livestock out of the weather, and vehicles out of ditches. 

The Punkin Run kids, had a sitter in nearly every direction.

Our parents hunted and dressed meat to share with needy families. We shared what we grew in our gardens, too.

Punkin Run wasn’t without its troubles, but it was a sincerely idyllic place to grow up. I still love it and still ride through the area often. 

The heart of Punkin Run, currently

Image via Google Maps

Village people

I’m happy to report, that (at least here in Stewartsville) most of our village folks are just as caring and interactive. We spend time together, even on holidays. We break bread together. We pray for each other. We guard each other, watching over our own properties as well as those of our neighbors.

During my year of cancer treatment, I got checked on daily. Because I was on social restriction to prevent even something as simple as catching a cold, our neighbors checked on me via my sister and brother-in-law, or stopped by for a visit, from a safe distance on our front steps.

Folks dropped off food that I could keep down, and money for fuel to help with the expense of the Monday through Friday commute to Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana, where I got chemo and radiation. 

It put hundreds of miles on my sister’s car and required hundreds of dollars (in truth, prolly thousands) to fuel her van’s tank.

Like Punkin Run, Stewartsville isn’t without its challenges. There are no perfect people. But, the good aspects dwarf the less-than-best ones.

My friend, Nate, grazing Fire in our front yard

Image via AS Phillips

Gratitude

I’m very thankful to be here and thankful for the wonderful exchanges and adventures I’ve had living here.

The cool thing about living in a village is that the lifestyle we enjoy isn’t limited to hamlets or villages. Cities and towns have villages too, at least in a sense. They’re called neighborhoods. 😉

My close friend and colleague, Vicki Warner of WarnerWords, grew up much like I did, in a rural farming area, but in South Africa. She’s lived and worked around the globe, being originally from England, and has the same appreciation that I have for village life and we share many similar experiences. 

Her site is new, so please pardon the small amount of content there. We’re working on getting it fattened up as quick as we can. Meanwhile, I’m sure she’d appreciate a visit from you!

She’s also been a huge blessing to me, even all the way from Western Canada. She checked on me almost daily, was consistently encouraging, even post-treatment, during this past year of recovery.

We’re from two different countries, but in many ways, we share the same roots.

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”

Psalm 91:1 

(World Messianic Bible)

Youth night in our village--learning to give thanks and pray for others

Image via AS Phillips

The wrap

It’s my sincere hope that wherever you live be it in a city, town or a rural village like mine, you’re blessed with being part of a community you love and one that loves you back!

I’ve lived and traveled to a lot of places, but of all the places I could be, I’m thankful God has me here, at least for now. 

Enjoy the beauty of the road less traveled

Image via AS Phillips

Happy New Year to you and yours and ‘til next time,

Shalom, shalom!

Yup! It's about to happen!

 

Image via AS Phillips

The journey of a lifetime

This week, I’ve watched a young Jewish maiden and her hubby, travel about 90 miles from their home to Bethlehem, with no car! 

I watched some shepherds shaking in their sandals, while an angel apprised them of being some of the first to attend a meet-n-greet, hosted by Joseph and Mary in a stable of all places!

There, they found the promise of Isaiah, the Lion of Judah, swaddled and resting in a manger.

The Light of the World was born in a barn and slept in hay!

Joseph (Eli), Mary (Reagan), Angel Messenger (Olivia)

Image via Kaitlyn Parker

I watched some folks (who can’t care for themselves) break into big smiles, hugs and handshakes. They joined with strangers to sing songs about Christmas and receive tiny gifts as if they were royal presentations.

As always, the joy of the Best Gift Ever flowed through all of us, even those enduring the challenges of missing loved ones, physical discomfort, loss of freedom and limited physical abilities...

Things get exciting when even just a few of us get together to celebrate Him.

Image via Gerd Altmann of Pixabay

He changes people in the most wonderful of ways!

I watched shy kids, I met only a few months back, bloom and blossom as they shook hands with strangers and introduced themselves. Doesn’t sound like a big thing but trust me, it’s a YUUGEE thing! 

Right now, even as you’re reading this, around the world, groups are assembling, big and small to celebrate and experience the joy produced by that same baby boy–the one born in a Bethlehem stable, over two thousand years ago. I know... He amazes me too, every day, all year long!

All for what?

He’s the most famous person there ever was. He’s still making heart-bells ring and voices lift in songs to share His message of peace on earth and goodwill to mankind. That’s what He was born for, lived for, died for and was raised from the dead for, ascended to Heaven for and returned in Spirit to dwell in those who would let Him sweep them off their feet and take up residence in their heart. 

He did all that for us. All for YOU! (Yeah, go ahead and get your praise on. If you know, you know!)

Image via Fotorech of Pixabay

He did it for me. 

He’ll do it for you, too, if He hasn’t already.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. 

And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

(King James Version)

 Launching prayers

This Christmas, Israel and her people (all over the world) are near to my heart, in my thoughts and consistent prayers for the Lord to cover her in His endless grace and mercy. I'm also mindful of those who'll be spending their first Christmas without others dear to their hearts. 

It's also a most important time of the year to remember, that family isn't only defined by blood. Just sayin'...

The wrap!

I pray this Christmas overflows with blessings for you, and if you’re not already acquainted with Him, that He’ll show up and show out so you can get to know Him, too! 

You’ll know when it happens. His presence is unique, and indescribably, wonderful–perfection in every aspect. If you’ll allow it, and trust Him, the King of kings will encompass you with a greater love than you’ve ever dreamed possible!

It’s all about Him, and He really is, All That!

Shalom

The Life Book: A tiny, uniquely fun & refreshing read for juniors & seniors!

Image via AS Phillips

Needing a stocking stuffer?

During Christmas, Maumee Church, in Johnson, Indiana gifted a small variety of books to the congregation. I received two and both are excellent. One I reviewed here, if you’d like to see it. When I finished it, I gifted it to a friend, hoping she would enjoy it and find it as enlightening and encouraging as I did.

The second, I’ve been using as a daily Bible study, because of the fascinating way the content is delivered, and especially love its versatility, making it enjoyable as a solo read or in a group.

There are over 10 million of these in print. After getting into it, I can understand why they needed so many! I’m definitely not the only fan! 

The Life Book is essentially a small compilation of the Bible. One of its unique aspects that makes it such a hit is the interaction of additional characters, who go with you through the book, studying the sections and sharing their thoughts about the content via neat, hand-written notes sprinkled throughout the pages.

The readers along for the ride consist of four students and one elder. Their notes give a good insight into their ages and how they process the information. Their inclusion definitely adds some excellent seasoning to the content!

Image via AS Phillips

Tiny book–big impact

For folks who lead small Bible studies, especially with those new to Christianity, I hope you’ll consider giving this book a read. You’ll find a variety of useful inclusions that can be easily incorporated into your ministry. 

If you do, I hope you’ll revisit this post and share your thoughts on it in the comments!

For more information on The Life Book, visit TheLifeBook.com or  The Life Book on Facebook.

The wrap!

Hope you’ll consider checking out this tiny, literary masterpiece for your own library or as a gift to someone else!

Thank you for visiting and hope you'll be back again soon!

‘Til next time,

Shalom

The Amish Rescue Mission: Safety and support for Amish victims of abuse

 

Image via the Amish Rescue Mission

From Amish to English Christian Minister

A while back, I began following Eli Yoder’s YouTube channel. Much of his content is a testimony of his experiences and reasons for leaving the Amish community. He does a sterling job at keeping his videos lighthearted while maintaining a serious side. 

Yoder refers to the Amish as a cult. Although his vids most often include comical anecdotes from his childhood, growing up Amish, some are very clear about the darker aspects of his former community.

Since leaving the Amish, Eli has dedicated himself to Biblical studies and follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. He uses his knowledge when counseling others who want to leave, or have left, the Amish, who are struggling with the Amish culture and beliefs, in ways they understand to contradict the Gospel.

Although he is no longer an accepted part of the Amish community, he expresses gratitude for still being permitted to visit his Amish mother, in her home, as long as he abides by her rules. He mustn’t park his “worldly” vehicle on her property, and wear Amish-style clothing when he visits.

I’ve learned much about the Amish since viewing his videos, including being introduced to a not-for-profit organization established to provide protection and support for Amish victims of abuse. It’s called the Amish Rescue Mission, and the reason it exists is heartbreaking.

Image via PublicDomainPictures of Pixabay

Help for Amish victims

The Amish Rescue Mission provides help for a sizeable array of crimes committed against victims that include...

• Bestiality
• Grooming
• Human trafficking
• Incest
• Intimidation
• Kidnapping
• Rape
• Victim blaming
• Mental, physical, spiritual and verbal abuse

What help is currently available to Amish victims includes...

• A listening ear (Hotline 888-621-1985)
• Education
• Finding a counselor
• Healing
• Hope
• Resources
• Safe houses
• Sponsorships

Their site info ensures victims they assist may remain Amish or Plain. When their life becomes safe and stable, they will be returned to their home, if desired. 

Below is a short vid featuring Rachel Hershbeger-Hawley, co-founder of The Amish Rescue Mission, why it was founded and their goals.

Vigilance in being aware and pro-active

Despicable acts are a global threat and certainly not a threat limited to individuals within the Amish. However, for those raised within Gospel-associated communities to step forward, alert, acknowledge, renounce and provide help for victims within these communities, I have to applaud them for not being a part of the coverups that so often happen to prevent backlash and the fallout that often comes along when these types of malicious acts become public knowledge. 

I also appreciate their focus being specifically on Amish victims. Having this common ground gives them insight into the inner workings of the community, including how the victims view and process the abuse they’ve suffered.

⁸Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate.

⁹Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.”

Proverbs 31:8-9 

(World Messianic Bible Translation)

The wrap!

Thank you again for visiting today. I hope I've stirred your heart to lift the Amish Rescue Mission, both the staff and those they serve, in prayer.

Although our economy may be in dire straights, God isn't even a little bit limited on funds and His ability to help meet the needs of this wonderful organization and those they strive to help.

Also, thank you for your interest and support of the independent business community, and especially the bloggers and bloggers! It's much appreciated!

'Til next time,

Shalom

The Isaiah 1:17 Project: A Beautiful Community Service

 Image via the Isaiah 1:17 Project website

The shock of an awful situation

Imagine being taken from your home, without warning, by strangers. Let’s also imagine it’s late night, you’re wearing jammies and it’s cold outside. The strangers put you in an unfamiliar vehicle and haul you away, leaving you at a strange house, with people you don’t know.  

This process would be frightening for an adult, even more so for a child. As of 2022, there are nearly half a million kids in foster care--407, 000. Of those, 34% are placed with “relatives or kin”, per the statistics available via childwelfare.gov.

Understanding the challenges of being taken and then delivered to a strange place and being cared for by strangers, is exactly what birthed the Isaiah 1:17 Project.

The project came about in 2017, a dream come to life, for Cameron and Marcia Lambert, foster parents since 2012, and well-acquainted with the struggles of children entering foster care homes as well as the challenges to provide everything they need, quickly.

As stated on their website, children often arrive with nothing but what they’re wearing and in many cases, those clothes aren’t even useable. Initially, the project team provided Blessing Bags, containing clothing, snacks and comfort items for the children. As time went by, the project gained ground and developed into so much more!

Currently, the project provides the following...

• Bags of Hope
• Dream Cycles
• Fortifying Foster Families
• Family Advocacy Ministries
• Care Communities
• Foster Success
• Beauty for Ashes
• Christmas Hopes & Dreams
• Resources

It's always a great time to be thankful!

Not long ago I was privileged to attend a meeting with several of the project team members at a monthly meeting, where I learned so much about this amazing program and the help it’s providing Southern Indiana families involved in foster care.

Right here, I want to thank the project members for welcoming me and allowing me to get acquainted with the project. Also, a big thanks to Port Side Coffee for hosting us, and to Dr. Tamara K. Miley for introducing me to the group! 

I would also like to thank Kathleen Elliot, the program manager of Fortifying Foster Families, for welcoming me to the meeting and after, providing me with a tour of their facility in downtown Princeton, Indiana.

Everyone I met was kind and enthusiastic in their support of the program and the families it serves. Their office and storage areas were well maintained and organized, even tho it was the Christmas season. The amount of work that must have gone into the holiday prep must have been enormous. While I was there, one team member was hard at work in the effort, all the while, engaging with me in friendly conversation, explaining about the items the children and their foster families would receive.

I was sincerely moved by all aspects of the Isaiah 1:17 Project and plan to continue to be involved in its support, and praying for favor and continued success in their endeavors.

I encourage you to please get familiar with them, even if they’re not serving your area. The mechanics of the project could be built in nearly any community, where there’s a desire to improve and be a blessing to the families in the foster care system.

For more information, please reach out to them. They’d love to hear from you!

Call: (812) 386-0117 or email info@theisaiah117project.org. 

If you belong to a church or social group, inviting one of the project’s team members to speak at one of your meetings would be a wonderful way of getting acquainted with the program, as well as introducing them to your community.

At the very least, please lift the project in prayer. Prayer launched from a burden and love is one of the best helps you can provide. 

Learn to do well.

Seek justice.

Relieve the oppressed.

Defend the fatherless.

Plead for the widow.

Isaiah 1:17 

(World Messianic Bible Translation)

The wrap!

Thank you for your visit and your interaction with the independent blogging community is always appreciated! 

‘Til next time,

Shalom!

YouVersion: Tried it yet?

 

Image via YouVersion

Free and portable with loads of features!

YouVersion’s, The Bible App, hit the app stores in 2008. In 2022 it reached a celebrated milestone of being available in 100 languages and 36 countries! There’s no fee for using it, but they do offer a non-pushy option for crowdfunding to help cover development costs.

YouVersion’s mission is “...to encourage and challenge people to seek intimacy with God, every day.”

YouVersion partnered with OneHope in development of their Bible App for Kids. I’ve used it myself, when incorporating it into some life-skill activities with younger folks and found it to be easy to use and engaging.

Here’s a list for you, of reasons I’m promoting The Bible App. They’re why it has maintained as my fav, portable Bible study tool..

• Comes with a boatload of translation versions, including the World Messianic Bible Translation (one of my favs and most used).
• Its main Bible can be downloaded to your mobile devices in whatever translation you prefer, that the app offers.
• You can take notes on it
• You can color-code scripture in it
• It has bunches of study plans, or you can study scripture alone
• You can engage in the studies alone, or let your friends see what plans you’re studying, or invite them to join you in a study.
• You can generate images with embedded scripture to share within the app, download to your device, or export to share in social platforms.
• The study plans are in categories and many of them have the option of linking to a larger version, by the author.
• Doesn’t take up lots of space on your mobile device.
• Has online versions for Windows, iMac, Android phones/ tablets, Windows phones/tablets, iPhones and iPads.
• It has its own community, complete with messaging and chat options. You might be amazed at how many folks you know that are already using it!

The Bible App is currently (2023) installed on “...more than 500 million unique devices around the world. Their generous partners make it possible for them to offer 2,898 Bible versions in 1,884 languages for FREE, and with NO ADVERTISING. 

Oh, yeah, did I mention it’s free? (Grin!)

From my perspective, this is an app to appreciate and celebrate! Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do!

12 for the reckoning of God is living, and working, and sharp above every two-edged sword, and piercing unto the dividing asunder both of soul and spirit, of joints also and marrow, and a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart;

Hebrews 4:12

Young's Exact Translation

The wrap!

Thanks for visiting and I hope you've found this interesting and that I've successfully enticed you to check out YouVersion, if you haven't already.

Hope you'll be back again soon, and thank you for your interest and support of the independent business community bloggers and vloggers!

'Til next time...

Shalom

A God-Wink

 

Image via AS Phillips

The image above

One day I was lying on the floor of my sister's van, heading from a skilled care unit at a rehab center to the hospital, for another of what would become several surgical procedures.

So many things were going on in my life, health-wise, adding up to one shock after another.

I'd had an emergency surgery a few weeks prior. Learned I had cancer. Spent Christmas and New Year's in a hospital and rehab center. I was weak, feeling so sick, and in less than two hours, would be back in the operating room.

Of course, I was in prayer mode, having to trust the Lord to help me quell the fear and maintain a positive mindset. Come what may, I was His child, in His hands and nothing could happen that He didn't allow.

While riding on the floor of the van (since I wasn't able to sit up for long) I was reading my bible. 

Unsure of what scripture to choose, I simply let it open and the pages separated to what I hoped the Lord wanted me to see--Psalm 91. 

There I began to read about the faithfulness of God and how He places His angels to watch over us.

One of my own God-winks

Arriving at the hospital, St. Vincent's in Evansville, Indiana, I headed inside to check in and find us a place to sit, while my sister parked the van.

After check-in, I found us some seats about the time she came through the doors. 

As she settled in next to me, I surveyed the room, finally gazing up toward the high ceiling. 

There, in beautifully ornate print was the same scripture my bible had opened to on my way there. Even now, tears fill my eyes remembering the immediate feeling of being bathed in love and reassurance.

I took a pic of the wall, having no idea I'd end up using it two years later to introduce you to my friend, who is also one of my fav authors, who's also experienced God-winks.

A faith-based fav...

This post is very special in that it was contributed by author, Kimberly Kruise Thompson, a good friend and one of my favorite Christian story crafters. Most of her work has been produced under her writer's nom de plume, Sunny Day. 

If you've ever met Kimi, you'll know why Sunny Day was a perfect choice. She radiates SonShine wherever she goes.

In fact, it was Kimi who introduced me to the term, God-wink, explaining they're  divinely-designed instances, that may be small yet have the ability to make a lasting impact on our lives.

This isn’t a big story, but like a God-wink, much good can (and will) come from it. Sometimes the blessing is exactly the thing needed to brighten someone's day, a God wink created just for them!

Enjoy!

(To read the rest of the post, just click the Read More option below)

Isaiah 1:17 Project: Annual Walk for Dreams (You can even bring your K9s!)

 

Image via Isaiah 1:17 Project

2023 on Riverfront Plaza!

The Isaiah 1:17 Project’s Walking For Dreams event, at Evansville’s beautiful Dress Plaza on the Ohio Riverfront, is happening May 21, 2023. Registration begins at 1 p.m. 

Not only are YOU invited to participate, but your K9s are welcome to come along and enjoy the walk with you! How cool is that?

This wonderful activity makes for some fun fellowship while generating awareness and helping to raise funds for a variety of supports that enhance the lives of area foster children and the families caring for them. 

Image via Visit Evansville, Indiana

I encourage you to not only attend, enjoy and make some new friends at the event but to also get further acquainted with the many types of support that are funded through the Isaiah 1:17 Project. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to help monetarily, physically (as a volunteer) as well as lifting the Project and the families they serve, in prayer.

“Learn to do well. Seek justice. Relieve the oppressed. Defend the fatherless.

Plead for the widow.”

Isaiah 1:17 

(Messianic Bible Translation)

The Wrap!

Speaking of prayer, fair weather for the weekend will be much appreciated.

Hope to see you there!

Shalom