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Female Veteran of the Quarter Cleopatra Jones - Veteran's Outreach Ministries - Delaware
05 Jun
0

Female Veteran of the Quarter – Cleopatra Jones

by in Veteran of the Quarter

Veteran Article Written by Female Veteran of the Quarter Cleopatra Jones…

I was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. My parents moved to Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico, when I was three years old. At the age of five, my parents moved us, once again, this time to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

My parents always thought of their children first and foremost – they wanted to give us a better life. In Philadelphia, I attended the Incarnation of Our Lord School and later went to Cardinal Dougherty High School, or CDHS, graduating with top honors. I received a college scholarship, but I chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in 1981.

Soon thereafter, the head nun and principal of CDHS came knocking at our door, very upset. The nun was quick to reprimand my mother because she “permitted me to throw away my scholarship” and join the U.S. Marine Corps. My mom was appalled. When I look back now, becoming a Marine was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.

I went to basic training, or boot camp, at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina. There, I spent 13 weeks feeding the sand fleas during the summer of 1981. I arrived with painted nails and toenails, black eyeliner, corvette red lipstick, and topped off with a full “updo” hairstyle, which was made possible thanks to an entire can of hair spray.

“Whew… Was I in for a rude awakening.”

After boot camp, I remained at Parris Island for Advanced Individual Training, or AIT, learning my Military Occupational Specialty, MOS 0151, which is an administrative clerk. I completed all my initial training by 1982.

My first assignment after AIT was at Twentynine Palms, or 29 Palms, in San Bernardino County, California. The place was pure desert and complete with 120-degree weather on the daily. I had to get adjusted to the climate change and did not have PT for about six weeks. That place was where my Marine Corps journey truly began.

While there, I attended College of the Desert and received a degree in business management. I started a family, getting married to a man named Rodney, and together we had a son – Rodrell Darren Jennings. When Rodrell was just three, we received orders to Okinawa, Japan, where we spent a year.

Some of my other duty stations have been Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; Camp Pendleton, California; and has traveled to places like Seoul, South Korea. No matter what country or continent I was in, my mother always called on my birthday and sent me treats and cards. Like many Devil Dogs, mail call was one of the highlights of my days in the Marine Corps!
It was not easy being a woman in the Marines, which is still the most physically demanding branch of our military and the one with the smallest percentage of female service members – just 7.6 percent.

I’ve always believed, “if you could do the Marine Corps, you could do anything and succeed at anything in life.”

Like I said, joining the USMC was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It wasn’t always “rainbows and unicorns,” but it made me the strong, self-confident, independent woman that I am today. I’m very thankful for the friends that I made and the experiences I had.

I received my honorable discharge at Camp Pendleton as a sergeant and moved back home, where I spent three years as a Marine Reservist at the Philadelphia Naval Yard.

After totally getting out of the Marines, I started a long career, working my interesting jobs. I worked at the Philadelphia Airport, United States Postal Service, Alamo Rent a Car, Delaware Open MRI, the Delaware Department of Labor, and the United States Senate.

Since 2019, I’ve worked as a constituent advocate in the Office of U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) In the Senate, I draw on my live experiences. As a Senate staffer, I’m responsible for helping constituents with questions and issues with immigration, veterans, military, and postal service.

With my military experience and my passion for fellow veterans, I love helping veterans, active military members, and their families. I’m now married to Kevin Jones, and have three children and nine grandchildren.

We live in Bear, Delaware, and I’m very active in my local church, Victory Christian Fellowship, where I’ve worshipped for the last 20 years. I consider myself firm in my faith, and Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life. I’m currently a dance ministry co-leader, children’s ministry dance leader, and also a Sunday school teacher.

“God Bless Our Troops, our Veterans, and the United States of America. Semper Fidelis. Oorah!”

View the Full Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

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Communication begins with a willingness to meet where you are... - VOM Magazine - Veteran's Outreach Ministries
04 Jun
0

Communication Begins with a Willingness

by in Religion

By Ken Cushwa
Youth Pastor Stepping Stones

Communication begins with a willingness to meet where you are…

In a world of cell phones, laptops, virtual reality, and instant results we have forgotten the importance of just talking to one another. Communication is delivered via text or video messaging and often times is considered the most intimate means of talking. The problem is we lose our ability to consider the message or the intent without seeing the person and their facial expression. Emotions are eliminated right away and the directness of the black and white text in front of you now causes you to draw conclusions without any emotions and possibly ends in the incorrect response.

One of my fondest memories came as I was sitting on the front porch of my Grandfather’s house on the wall of the porch and talking.

My grandfather was mayor of our town and so anytime people would be on their evening walks they would wave and say “Hello Mayor” or “Good evening Mayor” and my grandfather would wave and respond back with a smile and “Hello”. Often times they would come to the steps leading to this amazing porch and request to talk with him or just sit and relax for a spell.

Some of the things they discussed were in regards to city business and I can remember not always knowing exactly what was being talked about. What I do recall is a comfort and a peace I felt just being there. It was the presence and small conversations that made me feel special because whoever was on that porch was considered family and treated as such. Love was extended in the form of a greeting, a handshake, the rocking of chairs; and the warm conversation that would arise in company. I still can feel the warmth of the evening, the sounds of crickets, and the great conversations over the din of passing cars or just the sounds of nature.

I often think back to come to the conclusion that my grandfather was simply doing what Jesus called us all to do and often demonstrated much to the surprise of the men who followed him. Throughout scripture Jesus met people where they were and wanted to communicate the love he had and the conversation to help them to come to know him and what comfort and peace his grace could give. In Romans 12:9-10 it says; “Love must be without hypocrisy” detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love, outdo one another in showing honor. When Christ would meet someone it was always with an open heart to who they were and not what they displayed or how they acted. Jesus went directly to the heart of people because he knew it was the heart that needed change and not the outward appearance. I believe we have learned to complicate our lives and our daily walk with things that have no bearing on ultimately who we are.

The best way to get back to showing love towards one another begins with your heart and what needs to be corrected there. Once that change has been made it is you who will make the impact on someone with a simple smile, a “Hello”, or handshake. You don’t need a front porch to bring back the feeling of communicating but boy wouldn’t it be great if you did. I leave you with this last thought, if you find that you lack joy or a heart to love others. Jesus is waiting for you to call on him to get a new heart and start back on the journey of rocking on the front porch and talking. Philippians 2:3

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

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Managing Stress - Veteran's Outreach Ministries
04 Jun
0

Managing Stress

by in Health and Wellness

By: Rebecca Rondone
Owner of Pura Vida Yoga
& Physical Training

Stress in the right amount can be helpful and motivating. However too much stress over a long period of time can cause serious behavioral, emotional, and health problems. It can affect your career, your relationships, and your overall well-being.

Just like God created us all authentically, we all have a different way of dealing with stress. It is key to better understand your own stress and to have practical tools, guidelines, and tips for developing and maintaining a healthy level of stress in your life.

Below are (7) stress management techniques. There will always be different strategies that best suit your lifestyle and the stress or problems you identify. It is important to set aside at least 15 minutes each day to do management methods.
It is key to keep track of your physical and psychological states while you use these management techniques and coping skills. You can learn a lot about your self by tracking.

Technique 1

Diaphragmatic breathing is a slow rhythmic pattern of breathing that produces a general feeling of calm. It is a simple technique that involves breathing in through the nose slowly and deeply, and breathing out through the mouth, again, slowly and easily. This can often help with anxiety and excess tension.

Technique 2

Yoga is a series of postures or stretches that are held for several seconds to several minutes. When paired with slow, deep breathing, the stretches induce the feeling of relaxation. The aim of yoga is to achieve mental, physical, and spiritual health. There is also a philosophy and lifestyle associated with true yoga practice.

Technique 3

Guided imagery is a cognitive mental approach that involves focusing on developing a calming image, or series of images, that form a relaxing seen in the mind. guided imagery or visualization makes use of your natural ability to create pleasant images in your mind and weave them into peaceful and relaxing scenes resulting in a feeling of comfort.

Technique 4

Meditation is a form of relaxation that helps train the mind to focus and concentrate on a word, phrase, or number while ignoring distracting thoughts. Meditation is a simple yet effective technique for her to do Singa relax feeling that helps counteract stress. It helps to adopt a passive, non-judge mental attitude.

Technique 5

Rational thinking is a systematic approach to learning how to recognize and change upsetting thoughts and beliefs that give rise to negative feelings such as anxiety, anger, depression, fear and guilt. Rational-emotive behavior therapy is based on the idea that your emotions largely stem from how you interpret events. Your thoughts, attitude, beliefs, and self-talk can strongly influence your reaction to different situations. While you may not always be able to control how people behave toward you or the event that occurs around you, you can control the view you have of them.

Technique 6

Progressive muscle relaxation is a method where relaxation is produced through the systematic tightening and releasing of major muscle groups throughout the body. Tension often results in muscles feeling tight and stiff. Prolonged tension may result in spasms and pain. Various types of head, back, and neck aches are often caused or made worse by tension. A progressive series of isometric exercises popularly known as progressive muscle relaxation training can be useful in a number of ways.

Technique 7

Lifestyle management is crucial in developing and maintaining positive and healthy habits, such as regular exercise, sensible eating, and getting enough sleep. This also includes in eliminating unhealthy behaviors. The choices you make in your daily life can have a major effect on increasing or decreasing your risk of stress related problems in the future.

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

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Red Tails Tuskegee Airman - Veteran's Outreach Ministries
04 Jun
0

Red Tails Tuskegee Airman

by in Patriotism

Article by Antionette Blake

On January 20, 2012, George Lucas released the movie Red Tails, a movie that featured a crew of African American pilots in the Tuskegee training program, having faced segregation while kept mostly on the ground during World War II, under the guidance of Col. A.J. Bullard.

During World War II, the Civil Aeronautics Authority selected 13 black cadets to become part of an experimental program at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. The program aims at training “colored personnel” to become fighter pilots for the Army. However, discrimination, lack of institutional support and the racist belief that these men lacked the intelligence and aptitude for the job dog their every step. Despite this, the Tuskegee Airmen, as they become known, more than prove their worth.

I was recently talking to a family friend who told me the story about her cousin, Major Lemuel Rodney Custis, a Tuskegee Airman, so I decided to learn more about him.

Red Tails Tuskegee Airman - Veteran's Outreach MinistriesMajor Lemuel Rodney Custis, was an African American Military Pioneer. He was the last surviving member of the first class of the Famed Tuskegee Airmen headed by General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Having received a BS Degree from Howard University in 1938, he became Hartford’s first African American police officer in 1939.

In 1995, he was a consultant for the HBO movie, “The Tuskegee Airmen” and served on the Board of Directors at the New England Air Museum in Washington D.C. His life achievements were recognized by Central Connecticut State University with an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities Degree in 2001.

Many of the men who served are no longer with us which is why any time there is an opportunity to acknowledge and thank a Tuskegee Airman for their service it is a prideful moment for all Americans.

Recently at the Superbowl in Miami, Col. Charles McGee, a Tuskegee Airman during World War II, participated in the coin toss before the NFL Super Bowl 54 game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Over the course of his 30-year military career, McGee flew 409 fighter combat missions, more than any other U.S. serviceman. McGee flew 136 combat missions in World War II, as part of the Tuskegee Airmen, the only African-American pilot squadron in the war.

Super Bowl coin flip honor for 100-year-old Tuskegee Airman from Bethesda Col. Charles McGee recently celebrated his 100th birthday in December and having a lifetime of service to his country, McGee downplayed his contributions: “We human beings are just one small aspect in a mighty grand world.”

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

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I Know the Psalm, But He Knows The Shepherd - Veteran's Outreach Ministries
04 Jun
0

I Know the Psalm, But He Knows The Shepherd

by in Religion

Psalm 27:14 NKJV
Chaplain Gene Manuel MA, CPE

After graduating from high school in 1959, Iimmediately joined the U.S. Army. My basic training was at Fort Hood, Texas, and advanced training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. I was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC for a few months and my final two years were at Dachau Germany. I was honorably discharge on August 10, 1962.

I attended The University of Kentucky on the G.I. Bill and obtained a master’s degree in communications.

My career in the hospital setting began in 1966 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center as a media specialist, University of Louisville Medical Center as chief of biomedical communications, and then took a position at Perry Point Veteran Medical Center as chief of medical media where I retired in September 1999.

My combined military service and VA service permitted me to retire at the age of 57. My wife and I love to travel and have been blessed to visit over 50 countries. After thirteen years of retirement, I completely changed my profession and began volunteering as a chaplain at our local hospital. I volunteered for three years and then joined the staff as hospital chaplain. As hospital chaplain, I was required to have additional spiritual training whereby I obtain a clinical pastoral education “CPE’ certificate.

Serving as a chaplain I am occasionally asked to preside at funeral services. I believe the Twenty-third Psalm is one of the most appropriate scriptures to read at a funeral. For centuries it has been one of the most treasured passages in the Holy Scripture. It is among the most familiar, so much so that even people who are not religious or very knowledgeable about Scripture recognize these words.

They are among the most comforting, often being quoted in times of trouble or distress. There are many images in this psalm which hold a particular meaning.

One image comes from the verse, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

God is frequently described in the Bible as being a shepherd who cares for and tends to a flock of sheep. Many of us can remember when we were a child in Sunday school seeing the picture of the shepherd carrying the little lamb or the one with the good shepherd watching over his flock.

The shepherd uses his rod to ward off evil and to direct the sheep as they walk. The staff with its large crook at the end serves to support the sheep’s body when it crosses a dangerous path. The Lord protects, guides, and supports us. He does not send us through the dark valley with a cheery promise to meet us again on the other side. He goes with us each step of the way. The Good Shepherd reliably guides us through the valley of tears. He quiets our fears, comforts our hearts, and reassures us that we will make it through, though at times, we may not be so sure.

Recently, a friend shared a story with me about cruising down a river in Europe. He said as they passed a large flock of sheep grazing on the shore near the river, he was amazed that this large flock of sheep had no shepherd watching over them. Then he happened to notice on a distant hill side there was the shepherd perched on a rock not with a rod and staff but with an AK47 with a telescopic scope on the rifle. The shepherd was there to watch over his flock. I am certain that at one time or another we all have felt as though we were walking through such a “valley of the shadow of death.” but, God is always at our side watching over us.

Another image that comes from the verse is, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” I find this verse especially appropriate at military funerals.

Some time ago I heard a story about a veteran of World War I, which is often referred to as the trench warfare. This was a fascinating story about a battle that had taken place in Europe. The veteran was an American, but he had enlisted with the British army and was fighting in the war for quite some time before most Americans enter the war.
They had been fighting on a stretch of land for many days. Both armies seemed to be at a stalemate. It so happened that the battle continued into Christmas Day. The fighting stopped, and all was quiet. Later in the morning, the German officers moved toward the British lines under a flag of truce and conferred with the British officers. After extended conversation, the two armies agreed to a truce to stop fighting for the day. They agreed to share their food for a Christmas meal.

The soldiers from each side joined together, ate together, and sang a few songs that had different words, but common tunes.

History tells us that these two armies hated one another. Americans especially hated Germans with a deeply racist attitude. But there they were, eating together in the presence of an enemy.

The veteran said after sharing their food, it was hard to go back to fighting the next day. They had shared food. They had sung songs of Christ’s birth. He said these soldiers were just like us. They had mothers and fathers just like we did. Some had wives and children, brother and sisters just like us.

He said he had glimpsed a time in the future when all of them would be together in heaven, and all their earthly conflicts would disappear. To all believers, what a glorious day that will be.

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, I say: wait on the Lord!

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Daily Priorities for Faith - VOM Magazine - Veteran's Outreach Ministries
04 Jun
0

Daily Priorities for Faith

by in Religion

Article by Debbie DiVirgilio
Faith Based Non-Profit with permission

What are your daily priorities? Do you wake up every morning and make your faith a priority… or is your faith an after-thought that might get squeezed in? Over the years, I have found that if I don’t consciously make my faith a priority, it doesn’t happen, maybe you have found the same? So, what are some strategies for giving it first-place in life?

Plan to spend time reading the Bible each and every day. We learn about the heart of God through His word –this is one way that He speaks to us. This probably means more than just a cursory glance at a scripture, but instead really understanding what the God’s word is trying to teach us. Look at the context of the passage-what is happening before and after, what was going on in the culture, what do the words mean in their original Greek or Hebrew form?

But, we also have to be careful. Sometimes we get in the habit of reading the Bible just to read it, or for knowledge. While knowledge is wonderful, it is not able to really speak to the heart matters in our lives. It is easy to fall into a trap of reading for knowledge—especially when we read the Old Testament. But, God wants to get to our hearts, to the essence of who we are. Each day, before you begin your reading,

When scriptures really speak to you, take a minute to pray and ask God what he wants you to learn from the passages you are about to read.

When scriptures really speak to you, take the time to write them down and begin to memorize them. When we memorize scripture, we are able to call on it and apply it when we need it.

Now it is time to spend time actually communicating with God. Far too often, we spend our time talking and asking God for what we want (not necessarily bad things….but let’s face it, it is really all about what we want.) Plan some time sitting in the quiet and listening for God to communicate with you. It won’t happen when you are talking or when you haven’t prepared your heart, but when get quiet and listen, you will hear Him.

As a leader, faith is an essential part of who you are. When we cultivate our faith, it will flow into everything we do and are. We begin to see ourselves as a puzzle piece within the bigger picture of God’s plan. How exciting is that!
How can you plan to make your faith a priority today? Personally, I find that making my faith a priority means I start the day with God—before I do other things, before my mind is filled.

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

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Two Grandfathers, Their Stories - Veteran's Outreach Ministries
04 Jun
0

Two Grandfathers, Their Stories

by in Patriotism

Article by Brandon S. Boas

What is a role model? To me, it involves any person that influenced me to become the best version of myself. I’m proud to say I’ve had two major role models that not only guided me toward becoming a professional, career-oriented man, but also one who is compassionate and loving to his family and those that are in need.

Those role models are my grandfathers; John Barrie Boas and Fred Davis Tate. Because of their influence I’ve become a public educator that gives back to my community as much as I can through education, commitment, and events.

When my grandfathers were young men they joined the Armed Forces and gave back through their efforts of protecting this great country and making sure that their community, families, and fellow citizens were safe.

Although both of these great men passed away in the last decade, it is important to keep the memories of our veterans and their contributions alive. One way to do this is by recounting stories and memories, and sharing pictures.

It was always a pleasure sitting for hours at my grandfather Fred’s house listening to stories about how the Navy helped him mature into a strong-hearted, and caring man through the training he endured. The tours he had to go on out at sea and the friendships and bonds he made during the time he served helped mold him.

On the other side of the family tree, listening to John talk about all the missions he was apart in when it came to flying in the Air Force, whether it was over Tripoli or later in his life, the Gulf, was something that was uncanny when you got to listen to his stories.

From seeing John Wayne film a new movie in Libya to being in the middle of a battlefield with his plane, the stories seemed like they were straight out of Hollywood and being premiered on a television screen in my own home.

The rich history that I learned from other parts of the world through his eyes and stories, as well as Fred’s is something that is priceless.

It is rather hard to understand when you’re a kid, but as you grow old, you realize the importance of learning all the stories, events, and things that made up your family members to become who they are today. Especially the ones that served and protected all of us in times of war and uncertain events, the stories that detailed both Fred and John’s life mean more to me than I could ever explain.

This is why it is important to remember not only the ones you loved that served in the armed forces, but also to remember their stories of trials and tribulations, the history that spawned from these events, and the way a single human (or two in this case), could paint such an amazing story from their own experiences.

That is why these memories, depictions, and stories will forever hold a special place in my heart, but also be the same information that I can carry on to the next generation of my family tree.

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

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Removing the Barriers to Women in the VA Healthcare System
04 Jun
0

Removing the Barriers to Women in the VA Healthcare System

by in Patriotism

An Article by Lishamarie Hunter

Our country has an obligation to provide quality healthcare for those who have served and sacrificed to defend our constitution. In many ways they do this very effectively.

Female veterans were not entitled to Veterans’ benefits until 1981. Women make up a total of 8% of our society’s veteran population. The increase of female presence in our military and serving in multiple areas of conflict, with repeated deployments more women are requiring healthcare through the VA Healthcare system. Their increase presence is creating a demand on the VA Healthcare system to provide services that are limited or not available because of the uniqueness of the female veteran population’s needs.

Roles for women are changing in our society. Women are participating in more and more non-traditional roles both in and out of the military. Jobs and titles within the institutions that were traditionally dominated by males now include females.

Woman are currently in all combat arms roles: armor, artillery, infantry etc. In recent years women have graduated from among the military’s elite service training schools, to include: Ranger school, special forces, and navy seal training. As modern warfare evolves the front lines fluctuate and fighting techniques advance, no person is a noncombatants in theaters of operation.

Removing the Barriers to Women in the VA Healthcare SystemFemale service members find themselves fighting side by side with their male counterparts serving in every aspect of our military.

The Department of Veterans Affairs to provide quality healthcare has created the Center for Women Veterans to address various issues that are specific to women who have served. They are conducting research into all areas of women’s healthcare. Women’s signs and symptoms are very different than male Veterans when it comes to heart disease, reproductive issues, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and PTSD/MST in women.

The Center of Women Veteran has started a website womenshealth.va.gov that provides information for female veteran on all the research and programs that concern the Women Veteran population. The organization released their findings on the multiple barriers to women obtaining the necessary services they require upon departing from the Military.
In 2010 Congress passed the legislation Caregivers and Veterans Ominbus Heath Services Act (Public Law 111-163). This law requires the VA to examine healthcare barriers to women Veterans utilizing and accessing health care through

Veterans Heath care services.

It identified the nine barriers that impede women from accessing the VA Healthcare system, which are:

  1. Comprehension of Eligibility Requirement and Scope Services
  2. Effect of Outreach Specifically Addressing Women’s Health Services
  3. Access to Care (effects of Driving Distance)
  4. Location and Hours
  5. Childcare
  6. Acceptability of Integrated Care
  7. Gender Sensitivity
  8. Mental Health Stigma
  9. Safety and Comfort

The VA Office Women’s Health Services conducted research to address the nine barriers. They awarded the research to a contractor who conducted a phone survey of over 8,400 female Veterans of all branches of service, and released a report Barriers to Care Study, 25 April 2015. The entire 225 page report that details research findings and solutions are available on the website womenshealth.va.gov

Change takes time. The Department of Veterans Affair has taken the first steps to remove barriers to many women that have served and to future women who continue to enlist and serve honorably in our military. They are developing programs, provide funding, research and implementation of the findings. All for the sole purpose to provide a holistic approach to healthcare for those who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity because of their selfless service to this country.

References
Barriers to Care Study, womenshealth.va.gov retrieved on 16 February 2020
Bumbler, E & Shanker, T, Pentagon is Set to Lift Combat Ban for Women, New York Times, 23 January 2013. Retrieved, 16 February 2020

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

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Fruit of the Spirit - VOM Magazine - Veteran's Outreach Ministries
01 Jan
0

Fruit of the Spirit

by in Health and Wellness

By: Rebecca Rondone
Owner of Pura Vida Yoga
& Physical Training

The fruit of the Spirit, found in Galatians 5:22-23, is made up of the following nine qualities or gifts: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. They reside within each and every person who walks this Earth. Our responsibility it to harvest them out onto others to share our authenticity of these gifts.

Fruit of the Spirit list: 1. Love 2. Joy 3. Peace 4. Patience 5. Kindness 6. Goodness 7. Faithfulness 8. Gentleness 9. Self-control Love “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’” (1 Peter 4:8). In these next few months, be intentional by displaying love by action. Joy “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). Our Joy is tied to what we desire most. The problem with seeking Joy is that often we seek it in things that can’.

What is the fruit of the Spirit?

The fruit of the Spirit, found in Galatians 5:22-23, is made up of the following nine qualities or gifts: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. They reside within each and every person who walks this Earth. Our responsibility it to harvest them out onto others to share our authenticity of these gifts. This is Pure Health and Wellness.

Fruit of the Spirit list:

1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self-control

Love

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’” (1 Peter 4:8). In these next few months, be intentional by displaying love by action.

Joy

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). Our Joy is tied to what we desire most. The problem with seeking Joy is that often we seek it in things that can’t be sustained. I urge you to use “J~O~Y” Jesus~Others~You. Notice the order.

Faithfulness

“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Take away one of our 5 senses and the others grow. Children learn this at a young age. Faith is yet another Fruit we must maintain walking through life harvesting. Live out of a place of Faith that God will redeem every situation for his glory and our good.

Patience

“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). So some may say that time is an Illusion. And that this Illusion is like giving permanence to something that flickers in an out of existence. Like those things not bound to time. Gods planted seed of Patience is not bound to time. It’s our Human minds that are ignorant to put patience in a compartmentalizations bounded box.

Kindness

“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves” (Proverbs 11:17, NIV). Simply put. Practice the Golden Rule. Be Kind and through Gods Kingdom it shall loop back in abundance. Gods Kingdom of ~Kind Karma~.

Goodness

“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom” (James 3:13). Goodness sits within us. It’s the seed that grows and gives through a lifetime. Like a sponge. Soak up wisdom of goodness and ring it out.

Gentleness

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). Remind yourself to breath and take a pause in both words and action. Use these fruits of the Spirit as a painter uses his brushes. How more magnificent will our life be if we always pause to grab our brush.

Peace

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). Remind yourself everyday or even every breath that the fruit of the Spirit of Peace reside within you and don’t cease on allowing it to Rule you.

Self-control

“Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit” (Proverbs 25:28). God has given us this tool, use it to walk close to him and live fruitful.

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WWII Documentary Recommendations Streaming on Netflix - VOM Magazine - Veteran's Outreach Ministries
31 Dec
0

WWII Documentary Recommendations Streaming on Netflix

by in Interest

Recommended by Meredith S. K. Boas
Owner of Grunge Muffin Designs

If you find yourself looking for a new docuseries or documentary to delve into, consider the some of the Netflix series that are out now. In the ‘Great Events Of WWII in Colour’ the series provides a decent overview of the war and how certain events and innovations affected outcomes and progressions. I was personally was anxious to see Episode 7 and the colorized footage of the Battle of Bulge where my grandfather Joseph Baker fought.

If you’re already a history-buff when it comes to WWII then the series isn’t likely to provide you with new information, but the colorized footage, and historian interviews provide a fresh perspective. Each episode has a focus topic, and in order they are:

  • Episode 1: Blitzkrieg
  • Episode 2: Battle of Britain
  • Episode 3: Pearl Harbor
  • Episode 4: Battle of Midway
  • Episode 5: Siege of Stalingrad
  • Episode 6: D-Day
  • Episode 7: Battle of the Bulge
  • Episode 8: Dresden Firestorm
  • Episode 9: Liberation of Buchenwald
  • Episode 10: Hiroshima

You’ll come to recognize some of the speakers throughout the series, as they frequently appear in other documentaries about the war. I recommend delving into some of the other series available on Netflix that take a closer look at key political figures at the time, weapons, or morals and ethics surrounding the war.

Spitfire: The Plane That Saved the World

2018
In this epic documentary, last-surviving veterans trace the history of a legendary fighter aircraft that dominated the air during the Battle of Britain.
8/10 on IMDB

Nazi Death Squads

2009
Testimony from witnesses, survivors and Nazis themselves reveals the truth about the mass executions carried out.
7.5/10 on IMDB

Prosecuting Evil

2018
A portrait of Ben Ferencz, the last surviving Nuremberg Trial prosecutor, who continues to wage his lifelong crusade in the fight for law and peace.
7.5/10 on IMDB

The Accountant of Auschwitz

2018
70 years after WWII, Oskar Gröning, one of the last surviving members of the SS, goes on trial as an accessory to the murder of 300,000 people at the Auschwitz.
7.3/10 on IMDB

The Devil Next Door

2018
A Cleveland grandfather is brought to trial in Israel, accused of being the infamous German death camp guard known as Ivan the Terrible.
7.7/10 on IMDB

Hitler’s Circle of Evil

2018
This is the story of the rise and fall of the Third Reich told like the drama it really was: through the personal relationships of the movers and shakers of the Nazi Party.
8/10 on IMDB

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