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Male Veteran of the Quarter - Steve Hague - Veterans Outreach Ministries
28 Oct
0

Male Veteran of the Quarter – Steve Hague

by in Veteran of the Quarter

This article is written by and features Steve Hague

Steve Hague enlisted in the United States Air Force in May, 1976 at the age of 21. After basic training he went to Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois for technical training as an Airframe Repair Specialist. As the name implies, Steve was taught how to repair various components of an aircraft’s structural foundation, such as wing spars and ribs, fuselage and control surface systems, the sheet metal skin, and any other part of the aircraft classified as structure.

After completing the scheduled 16-week self-paced training in only 10 weeks, with honors, Steve received orders to the 436th Field Maintenance Squadron, Fabrication Branch, Dover AFB, Delaware, home to the C5A Galaxy cargo jet. At the time, the largest jet aircraft in the world. Steve was fortunate to get this duty station assignment because Dover is only about 50 miles from where he grew up in Talleyville, DE.

The Air Force has a program where after three years in one career field, an airman can cross-train into another career field as long as there’s an opening in that career field. Steve had worked in his Grandfather’s home machine shop since about twelve years old, and wanted to become a Journeymen Machinist.

However, when he enlisted, there wasn’t any openings in the machinist career field. After four years as an Airframe Repair Specialist, not only was he accepted into the machinist career field, he was also able to stay at Dover. In January of 1980 he reported for duty at the base machine shop, which was literally right across the street from the airframe repair shop. By this time Steve was an E3, Senior Airman. After another year or so, he was promoted to E3, Sergeant, the first grade of the NCO ranks. When eligible, he tested for the rank of Staff Sergeant and passed on the first attempt. Steve also attended the NCO Leadership course and finished near the top of his class and was awarded 2nd place for “Best 5 Minute Presentation”.

By this time Steve had been stationed at Dover AFB for close to seven years and official orders to a new location would be imminent. Being a single parent with two small children, Stephanie 8 years old, and Michael, 6, a remote tour of duty was out of the question. Through a stroke of luck and the grace of GOD Steve was granted a special duty assignment to Lackland AFB, Texas, as a Basic Military Training Instructor, aka “TI”, the Air Force version of a Marine drill sergeant. Having meet and married his current wife Leslie, and with a new four-month-old, Collin, Steve and the crew reported for duty at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in January 1985. After six weeks of on-the-job training and another six weeks of “TI” school, he was now able to wear the coveted Instructor Badge and the fear inducing campaign hat and was assigned as a Team Leader, 3708 Basic Military Training School.

Still stationed at Dover, and having already attended college and earning close to 20 credit hours before enlisting, Steve was eligible to enrolled in college courses through the Southern Illinois University extension program that offered junior and senior level courses towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. This was a rigorous 18 month program where the student attends classes every other weekend for 8 hours per day, both Saturday and Sunday. Each three credit hour course is completed in three weekends.

The 12-16 hour days, sometimes for weeks in a row as a TI, prevented Steve from getting the supplemental courses required in order to get the 125 or so credit hours required for his BS degree. At the time, the Air Force was undergoing an R.I.F. (Reduction in Force). With his fourth child on the way and wanting to get back to machinist, and to Delaware to finish his degree, Steve started the process of getting an “early out” discharge. In the meantime, Joe, who was supposed to be a Shelly, was born three months premature. Again, by the grace of GOD, Joe was born in July 1987, at the Wilford Hall Medical Center, the largest training hospital in the military which also has the most comprehensive and largest neo-natal intensive care unit in military, maybe even the world. Born at 3 lbs, 10 ozs, Joe wasn’t allowed to leave the hospital until reaching 5 lbs. Exactly 30 days later, a very healthy and happy Joe was able to come home. Thanks to GOD that all his various bodily systems were fully developed; he was just little and wanted to make an entrance into the world.
Steve was honorably discharged in September 1987. Wanting to get back to his passion for making things out of metal, Steve, Leslie, Stephanie, Michael, Collin and Joey stayed in San Antonio for about two more years.

He was working for EG&G Automotive research as a machinist and was also able to pick up a few more courses needed for degree completion. Steve and family were able to move back to Newark, DE in December 1989 where he and his lovely bride, Leslie, still reside. Steve was working for Chrysler at the Newark Assembly plant as a Journeyman Toolmaker when he finally got his Bachelor of Science degree in October 1993. He was then promoted to the position of Tool and Process Engineer in January 1994.

Steve worked for Chrysler for a total of 15 plus very satisfying, successful, and thankful years. Seeing the writing on the wall, he took a buyout in May 2007 to start his own business. He’s currently the owner of PolarStar Engineering & Machine in Newark. DE. A 10,000 sq. ft., veteran owned and operated fully equipped CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine shop. PSE&M currently produces the most advanced, sought after, award winning, and patented electro pneumatic airsoft launching systems in the world.

It’s with honor and humility that I thank all the Veterans, past and present who served this great country of ours.

Always remember: “All gave some, but some gave all.” – (author unknown)

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Financial Focus: Prepare for a Long Retirement - Veterans Outreach Ministries
21 Oct
0

Financial Focus: Prepare for a Long Retirement

by in Interest

This article was written by Edward Jones for us by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Tyler Simonds. Edward Jones, Member SIPC. You can reach Tyler at 410-398-4214

We all want to live long lives. We all expect to live long lives. But are we financially ready for this longevity?

Before we get to the issue of preparation, let’s look at a couple of interesting findings from a 2022 survey by Age Wave and Edward Jones:

The surveyed retirees said, on average, they expect to live to 89, and they said the ideal length of retirement is 29 years. When asked if they want to live to 100, nearly 70% of the respondents said “yes”. The main reason for this desire for a long life? To spend more years with their family and friends. Of course, none of us can see into the future and know how long we’ll be around. But with advances in medical care and a greater awareness of healthy lifestyles, these aspirations have a real basis in reality. However, if you’re going to enjoy a longer lifespan, and the extra years with your loved ones, you need to ensure your finances are also in good shape. How can you make this happen?

Here are some basic steps to follow:

Save and invest early and often.

This may be the oldest piece of financial advice, but it’s still valid. The earlier you start saving and investing for your retirement, the greater your potential accumulation. Consider this: if you began saving just $5,000 per year at age 25 and earned a hypothetical 6.5% annual rate of return and didn’t take any early withdrawals, you’d end up with $935,000 by the time you reach 65. But if you wait until 35 to start saving and investing, and you earned the same hypothetical 6.5% return – again with no early withdrawals you’d only end up with $450,000. And if you didn’t start saving until 45, you’d end up with just over $250,000 again given the same 6.5% return.

Be mindful of debt.

You may not want to be burdened with certain debts when you enter retirement. So, while you’re still working, try to reduce unwanted debts, particulate those that don’t offer the financial benefits of tax- deductible interest payments. The lower your debt load, the more you can save and invest for the future.

Keep reviewing your progress.

It’s important to monitor the progress you need to make toward achieving your goal of a comfortable retirement. Over the short term, your investment balances may fluctuate, especially in volatile financial markets such as we’ve seen in the early part of this year. But you’ll get a clearer picture of your situation if you look at long-term results. For example, have your accounts grown over the past 10 years as much as you had planned?

And going forward, do you think you’re in good shape, or will you need to make some changes to your investment strategy? Keep in mind that, if you’re 50 or older, you can make catch-up contributions to your IRA and 401(k) that allow you to exceed the regular limits. You may also want to adjust your investment mix as you near retirement to [potentially lower your risk exposure.

Hopefully, you will enjoy many years of a healthy, happy retirement. And you can help support this vision by carefully considering your financial moves and making the ones that are right for you.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

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A Special Room for God’s Special Children - Veteran's Outreach Ministries
14 Oct
0

A Special Room for God’s Special Children

by in Family

Dee Jones - Light 2 World, Inc.

Dee Jones – Light 2 World, Inc.

Article by by Dee Jones, President of Light 2 World, Inc

Can you imagine walking on a floor that feels bouncy? You close your eyes and hear soft bubbles floating softly nearby. Your hyperactive child can hold a soft doll that smells like strawberries. I recently entered such a room filled with cushy chairs, delicious smelling stuffed toys, and expandable tubes for little ones to crawl through.

Oasis Church of Newark, Delaware has a wonderful sanctuary for children and adults with special needs. I walked into their Sensory Room and could not believe my eyes or my nose. Colorful bubbles floated in a long tube filled with water. Multicolored lights and fish shapes danced in rhythm. A corner of the room had plush toys and soft cushioned seats. A mini circus tent provided just enough room for story time or a nice place to hide in the quiet.

When the lights were dim, the children played an exciting game with moving shapes. This game was projected from a ceiling projector and they had a blast stepping on the pictures illuminated from above. This projected Matching Game was excellent for gross motor or large muscle movement. The darting animation provided interaction for group play or solitary interaction.

A Special Room for God’s Special Children - Veteran's Outreach MinistriesThe Liquid Fusion Pads were soothing as the pressure of little hands and feet cause colorful liquid to dance across the large smooth padding. The aquarium-like tubes were a soothing touch to this room. The Sensory Room could be used for napping under the stars, story time, or dancing on a soft surface.

Music, lighting, and textures are soothing for children and adults with various special needs. My son visited this room for the first time, and he had so much fun, he forgot I was even there. The warm welcome from the volunteers put both our hearts at ease. Both of us could have spent hours in this sensory paradise. So how do you create this oasis at your facility or home?

Pathfinders for Autism (PFA) offers the following resources and information to assist children or adults who are affected by noise, lights, or movement. Your sensory room should create a calming environment with low lighting, and items to crawl inside of to assist children with autism, anxiety, and sensory disorders. Music that promote bouncing, rolling, and large movement are effective strategies as well.

Target, Walmart, and Amazon provide various fidget toys, bean bags, pillows, and environmental electronics to create a sensory retreat. The Beam Interactive Floor turns your surface into a wonderland of activities to calm hyperactivity or enhance creativity. Sensory toys and equipment can range from five to over three thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of your innovative design.

Whether you are designing a small room or a gymnasium, there is a variety of toys and gadgets to fit your budget and meet the needs of your loved one. My little fella currently has scented markers, a tent, wiggle stool, a light galaxy, and a karaoke machine that plays various music and provides small light show. Be creative and have fun with your design. Feel free to visit The Sensory Room at Oasis Church in Newark, Delaware. The volunteers would be delighted to meet you.

Light 2 World Inc.

Dee Jones, President
1013 Beards Hill Road Suite M #237
Aberdeen, MD 21001
410-459-5060
www.DeeJones.org
www.DeeJones1.wordpress.com
www.Facebook.com/DeeJonesMinistry

Resources:

www.WebMD.com/children/sensory-processing-disorder
www.AdditudeMag.com/screener-sensory-processing-disorder-symptoms-test-children
www.PathfindersForAutism.org
www.JoinBeam.com 

Oasis Church

2200 Glasgow Avenue, Newark, DE
www.OasisDE.org

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6888th Central Postal Directory Women's Army Corp - Veterans Outreach Ministries
07 Oct
0

6888th Central Postal Directory Women’s Army Corp

by in Patriotism

An Article byLishamarie Hunter

Throughout history, handwritten letters have been preserved and displayed in museums. Soldiers and loved ones back home have kept handwritten letters to reread hundreds of times while longing to be reunited. Writing a well-crafted letter shows the recipient that you care enough to take the extra time to put in the personal touch.

6888th Central Postal Directory Women's Army Corp - Veterans Outreach MinistriesDuring WWII it was important to the morale of soldiers that they received communication from loved ones. However there were issues with the mail arriving overseas to the soldiers. In February 1945, there were warehouses in England filled with millions of pieces of mail intended for members of the U.S. military, government personnel, and Red Cross workers serving in Europe.

Airplane hangars held undeliverable Christmas packages and massive amounts of incoming mail that already backlogged the mail delivery system. Much of the mail was addressed to “Jr, U.S. Army, or Buster, U.S. Army.” Mail delivery was hampered by the constant moving of the troops throughout Europe. Seven million Americans were in the European theater, many (7,500) of them share the same name i.e. Robert Smith. At one point they predicted that it would take 6 months to sort, process, and deliver the mail. There was a shortage of qualified postal officers within the conflict area. The Postal Division continually search for qualified individuals and even though there were personnel stationed to handle the mail, the system was in chaos.

The Women’s Army Corps (WAC) of the U.S. Army was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 1, 1943. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights leader Dr. Mary McLoed Bethune advocated for the admittance of African-American women as enlisted personnel and officers into the WAC, when throughout the rest of the Army segregation was prevalent.

It was 1944 that African-American WACs were extended the opportunity to serve overseas. A battalion of 824 enlisted personnel and 30 officers created the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. In 1945 the first contingent left for Britain. These women were trained in the aspects of the military as well as their specialty job. The unit worked in 8 hour shifts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The conditions were not favorable, the warehouse was cold and damp. There was no lighting at night due to the air raids. They maintained 7 million information cards on the personnel serving in Europe. They had to research and locate the insufficiently addressed packages and envelopes. They also, were responsible for sending mail back to the family members of personnel who had been killed or died during deployment. The unit was under heavy pressure due to the civil rights situation at the time. They, however, produced great results. They created and implemented a new tracking system and the women processed an average of 65,000 pieces of mail per 8 hour shift, and they cleared the 6 months of backlog in 3 months.

In 2009, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, was honored at the Women In Military Service of America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. Three of the surviving members attended the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute, Alcye Dixon (101 yrs), Mary Ragland and Gladys Shuster Carter, they received certificates, lapel pins, and letters of appreciation. Gladys Shuster Carter “evoked one of the greatest legacies of Six Triple Eight by calling attention to women, currently serving in the U.S. military: You are standing on our shoulders.”

In 2021 H.R. 1012 awarded the 6888th the Congressional Gold Medal. A section of H.R. 1012 is listed below.

SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL

(a) Award Authorized. — The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate arrangements for the award, on behalf of Congress, of a single gold medal of appropriate design in honor of the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (commonly known as the “Six Triple Eight”) in recognition of —
(1) the pioneering military service of the women;
(2) the devotion to duty of those women; and
(3) the contributions made by those women to increase the morale of all United States personnel stationed in the European Theater of Operations during World War II.

Even though email has taken the place of a hand written letter in modern history, we owe these courageous trailblazers our gratitude for their selfless service to this country, under the harshest of times.

References:

  • Bellafaire, The Women’s Army Corps: A Commemoration, p. 22
  • Earley, One Women’s Army. Pp. 153-154 and 156-159 and Moore, To Serve My Country, p. 134-136.
  • Farley, Kathleen, 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, (Women’s Army Corp), www.history.army.mil/topics/6888th, retrieved on 10 August 2022.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

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Female Veteran of the Quarter - Ronda Kamahele - Veterans Outreach Ministries
30 Sep
0

Female Veteran of the Quarter – Ronda Kamahele

by in Veteran of the Quarter

Article Provided by Ronda Kamahele

I was born in Baltimore, MD. Like my Father, I joined the Army. Even though I wanted to be in the military, I had a passion for helping others. This desire to help others lead me to work at the First Aid CPR Local Fire Company at age 14. At age 16, I worked at the Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Fire Dept and then progressed to the Emergency Medical Technician – Certified. While waiting to join the military, I entered Jr. and Sr. High School at Harford Technical High School Nursing Assistant Program. I am so grateful for my education that followed at the Medix School Towson, MD Certified Medical Assistant and Job Johns Hopkins Hospital ER as a Technician, because this prepared me to my career in the Army Reserve. I graduated with an AA Degree from Harford Community College in January 1986.

My military career lasted for 8 years as follows:

1988-1989 Army Reserve 100th Station Hospital Army Nurse Corp.
1988-1989 Concurrently-Walter Reed Army Medical Center Washington DC
1989-1995 Army National Guard 136th Combat Support Hospital

I earned the following metals and awards:

  • Army Commendation Metal x 1
  • Army Achievement Metal x 1
  • Army Service Ribbon
  • Army Reserve Component Overseas Training
  • Army Commendation Ribbon
  • National Defense Service Ribbon
  • Army Achievement Medal

The Army reinforced leadership qualities and skills that I used throughout my career. The military has a way of moving you out of your “comfort zone” which really helped me in the service and as a nurse. I resigned my commission after eight years of military service due to medical issues. I was honored to serve in the Maryland National Guard and to be a part of the Army Nurse Corp for the time I was there.

Before completing my military career, I continued my nursing education earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 1992 from University of Maryland Baltimore County. Next, I completed my master’s in nursing from Wilmington University in 2005. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner was a highlight of my career. I continued serving the military population by working with Veterans at Veteran’s Health Administration. It was an honor go give back in this way by serving our nation’s Veterans and educating nursing staff as a Nursing Educator for 25 years.

The Army reinforced leadership qualities and skills that I used throughout my career. I resigned my commission after eight years of service due to medical issues. The Army assists you with stepping out of your comfort zone as a nurse.

I am honored to serve in the Maryland National Guard and to be a part of the Army Nurse Corp. Now I spend time in ministry to others with my church and helping those in need. I live happily with my dog Buddy and my cat Hamish.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

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Hand~Plan~Provision: True Strength in Prayer - Veteran's Outreach Ministries
23 Sep
0

Hand~Plan~Provision: True Strength in Prayer

by in Health and Wellness

By: Rebecca Rondone of Pura Vida Yoga in Maryland

If you are facing a battle that hit you from behind get with God. If you try to meet the the righteous requirements of the law in your own strength and don’t let the power of Christ flow through you and the Holy Spirit direct you, you are going to keep losing the battles because you are wrestling on the levels of what you see, but it’s not against flesh and blood ~ it’s Spiritual.

Feel his presence.

No enemy can take it away. Centripetal Force ~ Jesus will Pass Borders and Boundaries. Connect on a personal level. When you have a spiritual body of friends, who know how to pray for you, it build confidence. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:19–20) Prayer, then, is the vehicle whereby we invite His Spirit to be with us.

Unleash your love of Christ In You and you will experience Akoluros: Unhinderence. Gods Love is Stronger than our Comforts! Prayer transcends ~ give it back to God! Focus and look beyond what’s coming against you and look towards what’s within you. Greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world.

tran·scend

/tran(t)’send/
verb
3rd person present: transcends
1. be or go beyond the range or limits of (something abstract, typically a conceptual field or division).

We have 3 different enemies

  • World ~ values that oppose your purpose
  • Flesh ~ patterns that oppose your purpose
  • Devil ~ principality that oppose your purpose

The nature of the battle determines the strategies. Romans 8:31: “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” These things are very real. We as believers may face opposition and failure. Any experience as a Christian can have people or things against us. Persecution is a reality. Stand Firm and Be in Prayer. It might be bigger than you but not bigger than God.

Explore more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

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Fall 2022 VOM Magazine - Veterans Outreach Ministries - Delaware
16 Sep
0

Fall 2022 VOM Magazine is Here!

by in Interest

WELCOME from the Board of Directors

Here we go again as we successfully transition from Summer with its heat, humidity, and sun to Fall with its change of colors and cooler weather. Take heed as medical issues and other problems may be brought to light because of the weather and/or the economy. We all needs God’s help and with your prayers we will get through these trying times of health, weather, and the economy. We must remind ourselves that the Lord is still in command and is responsible for the change of seasons and every change in our lives. God knows your problems from the beginning of your life until the end. There are many who are suffering from conflict in their lives – families, veterans, seniors, children, and pets, yes, also pets. Please check on these loved ones.

As we reflect on our relationship with God and pray for his understanding and guidance, know that this can be accomplished with prayer, worship, or fellowship at the church of your choice and where you feel comfortable. Using the Matthew 7:7 bible verse one can feel a very powerful force for healing and of self reflection to build a relationship with God our Father, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find it; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

You can also go online at www.OasisDE.org for more guidance.

We should pray for the safety of all U.S. Military Forces that are located at home and abroad, saying “Thank You”. This includes all military forces that are coming home from deployment and/or those being deployed. The prayer for our troops is from Isaiah 40:31, “But, those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.” We should also say a prayer for our first responders, EMT, fire, and police personnel.

In the Fall 2022 Edition of the VOM Magazine, we feature articles focused on veterans, community, faith, and patriotism. Each member of the board of directors and/or volunteers have offered prayers for another successful news magazine edition. We welcome articles, upcoming events, and information about services to inspire veterans and their families. We also welcome suggestions for improvement either to this magazine or the VOM organization.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

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Business of the Quarter - PAWS for People - Veterans Outreach Ministries
09 Sep
0

Business of the Quarter – PAWS for People

by in Business of the Quarter

Article Provided by PAWS for People

Our Mission:

PAWS for People is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of people in our community by lovingly providing individualized, therapeutic visits with our specially trained volunteers and their certified gentle, affectionate pets.

Founding and Growth

PAWS for People was founded in 2005 with 21 trained therapy teams visiting ten sites. PAWS has grown significantly over the past 17 years, now with over 400 volunteer teams and partnering sites throughout Delaware and the adjacent counties in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Those sites range from local libraries and schools to major hospital networks and military bases. With each new environment or population, we have worked with experts to develop free training so our pet therapy volunteers are better prepared for their visits.

What We Do

PAWS trains volunteers with their own gentle, affectionate pets to provide pet therapy in a variety of settings. Together they offer comfort, companionship, and a myriad of other benefits. Our therapy companions (dogs, cats and bunnies) offer their calming presence, their animal energy, and their uncanny natural ability to sense distress and the need for comfort in people they don’t even know. And today, the need and demand for PAWS pet therapy visits is greater than ever.

PAWS in Action

PAWS therapy companions visited with the staff of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System at Dover Air Force Base at the end of May. The resiliency event provided an opportunity for the AFMES team to DeStress with gentle, affectionate pets. It was a glorious event and PAWS’ first visit back at the Medical Examiners Unit since Covid. There was a squeal of joy when the teams arrived! Even through masks, our teams could feel the smiles and see the tears in the staff member’s eyes.

How to Get Involved

PAWS for People serves areas throughout Delaware, in southern Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey and Maryland. Do you have a gentle, affectionate pet or would you like to receive PAWS pet therapy visits?

Learn more at www.PAWSforPeople.org or call 302-351-5622.

The WAG & Walkathon is PAWS for People’s signature fundraising event. This year’s month-long cumulative marathon will begin with a Facebook Live Step Off event, a month of mile-tracking & fun challenges, and conclude with an in-person Cross the Finish Line Celebration on Saturday October 15th at Glasgow Park in Newark, DE. If you have always wanted to run a marathon but cannot complete 26.2 miles all at one time, the cumulative marathon concept lets you log your 26.2 miles anytime, at your own pace, throughout the month. You can run/walk on your own, with a pet, or with friends. The in-person Cross the Finish Line event will feature doggie games & contests, vendors and awards for mileage tracking, fundraising, and team-building.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

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Choose Wisely - Veterans Outreach Ministries - Delaware
02 Sep
0

Choose Wisely

by in Religion

Article by Pastor Scott Stevens,
US Army and Disabled Veteran

JESUS asked. “Who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:15

Certain decisions in life are made for us, while others we have to personally make on our own which have life-long consequences. Where you were born, who you were born from and the area or country you were born in were chosen for you. Yet, your career, who you marry (for the most part), and who you choose to serve and call God is a personal and individual decision.

As you read in the above scripture Jesus is asking his disciples and followers a question, and prior to asking this question, He had spent many years with his disciples and followers and they have seen Him perform many miracles. They had left everything to follow Him, yet now Jesus is challenging them with this question “Who do you say that I am?”

Let us look back in a few scriptures before this to see Jesus setting up his disciples wherein He had asked an easier question in Verse 13 “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
Peter, being the vocal leader of the group responds in Verse 14, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Then Jesus asks the more difficult question in Verse 15 NIV “But what about you?”, he asked, “Who do you say I am?”

To have Him and now them decide and commit with their mouth “Who am I to You?” Peter then goes on to say in Verse 16 , “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Peter had answered correctly, YOU (Jesus) are the Messiah, the anointed One, the one who will save us.

Many times in life we do not have to make decisions and we just have to go through life, yet when you hang around God long enough, He will ultimately ask you to commit and say to your spirit “Who do you say that I am?” He will ask us for a personal decision that you must answer. He may ask you for MORE, or just as He has said to so many of us “Am I just your friend?” Are you going to treat Jesus like a neighbor or co-worker, a person that you see every now and then, but there is no personal time or commitment? Or are you going to say, You are the Messiah, the Lord of my life and I want Not my will, but thy will be done.

There have been times in my own thirty years of marriage that I have been busy with ministry, helping others, or even at times selfishly focusing on things that please me rather than committed to my marriage and my family. There have been occasions when my beautiful wife has said to me “Hey Scott, remember me? I am your wife and I need you to commit to this relationship and our family more than the needs of others or you selfish desires.” I had a choice, I could continue to do my will and meet the needs of others and my own desires or I could repent and humble myself to her request for me to Love her and our family. I am so glad I have a loving and patient wife who is willing to work with me and see my heart and prays for me to lead with integrity, humility and passion. And I am also glad to have a God who is willing to challenge me, when my priorities are out of place.

God never wants to be second or third in your life, that is why the scriptures say in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.” He doesn’t want to just be your friend or someone you go to occasionally with your request, stresses and problems. He created you, loves you, died for you and has a glorious plan for your life. It is your choice to choose God or something else. Anytime you put your job, your activities, your relationships or your personal plans before God, He will always ask you the hard question “Who do you say that I am?” Or to paraphrase “where am I at in your life?”

Sometimes, it is sin that separates us from the relationship with God. In the Bible when Adam had disobeyed, followed his wife into sin by eating the forbidden fruit, he tried to hide and cover his sin from God. When God came to spend time with Adam in the Garden of Eden, God asked a similar question that He asked of Peter, in Genesis 3:9 “But the LORD God called out to the man [Adam], “Where are you? Adam had separated himself from God and now God was coming to tell him you are not where you belong . Just as Peter had to commit an answer to the question “Who do you say that I am?”

Let me ask you now to search within your heart and within your life and ask yourself “Where is God in my life?” and “Who do I say that God is in my life?”

I want you to choose wisely, because this decision will affect the next years of your life. If you want to make a personal commitment to God, it looks something like this, “God I realize that I do not have You in the place in my life that has you in the center, I am sorry for separating myself from you with my sins and I need your forgiveness and salvation. I believe in you, I accept your sacrifice of dying on the cross for me and want to live my life according to your direction and not mine. Help me find a good Church who believes and teaches your word. Lead me to a small group that can help me grow, and help me find a mentor, In Jesus name I pray, Amen”.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about God, feel free to reach out to me via email at PastorStevens@aol.com. And thank you for choosing wisely and following God.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

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Financial Focus - Veteran's Outreach Ministries
11 Aug
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Financial Focus

by in Interest

This article was written by Edward Jones for us by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Tyler Simonds. Edward Jones, Member SIPC. You can reach Tyler at 410-398-4214

What’s your investment risk tolerance?

Risk is a normal part of investing. If you didn’t take on any risk, you wouldn’t have the potential to achieve higher returns. But how much risk should you accept?
You don’t want to incur unnecessary risk. So, you’ll need to assess the amount of risk you’re comfortable taking and then determine if this risk level supports your ability to achieve your long-term goals.

Here are some of the key factors in determining your own capacity for investment risk:

  • Personality – We all have different personalities. And your individual personality can certainly affect your comfort level with risk. If you enjoy taking chances or pushing yourself outside your comfort zone in other aspects of your life, you could be more likely to accept greater investment risk, too, because you know that greater risk means greater potential reward. Conversely, higher-risk investments also carry greater potential for volatility, including steep short-term declines.
  • Time – Risk tolerance can change over time. When you are first starting out in your career, with decades to go until you retire, you may feel comfortable with a certain degree of investment risk, knowing you have time to potentially overcome the inevitable downturns in the financial markets. But as you near retirement, you might consider lowering your risk level and investing more conservatively, because once you do retire, you’ll likely have to start withdrawing money from your retirement accounts, which means you may need to liquidate some investments – and, ideally, you won’t want to have large fluctuations in value at that time. However, even during retirement, you may want your portfolio to include some growth-oriented investments to help keep you ahead of inflation.
  • Type of goal – You might have different risk tolerances for different goals. For example, if you know you need a specific amount for a particular goal in two years – such as buying a new car or taking an overseas vacation – you may want to put away money in a low-risk, liquid vehicle. This type of investment might not have much growth potential, but for this goal, you are less interested in achieving a high rate of return than you are in being reasonably sure the money will be there when you need it. So, in this instance, you may have quite a low tolerance for risk. But for a long-term goal, such as a comfortable retirement, you may be prepared to take more risk in the hopes of greater returns, given the longer time horizon.

By understanding your risk tolerance and knowing how it can change over time and under different circumstances, you can be better prepared to face investment volatility. And there are certainly things you can do to mitigate risk. By owning a variety of investments – domestic and international stocks, bonds, mutual funds, government securities and so on – you can reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification can’t prevent all losses or guarantee profits.)

In any case, the biggest risk of all is simply not investing. If you are going to achieve your financial goals, you need to invest for them. By understanding your own risk tolerance, and by making wise choices along the way, you can stick with an investment strategy that can work for you in the long run.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

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