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Who Touched Me - VOM Magazine - Veteran's Outreach Ministries
31 Dec
0

Who Touched Me?

Article By Harry Marcus

In Mark 5:25-34 we have a familiar story. It is about a certain woman who has a blood disorder for twelve years. This not only was a medical problem but it had emotional consequences as well. In Jewish law others must avoid physical contact with her. She was not able to hold one’s hand, feel a needed hug when hurting or lonely, or enjoy the company of others.

The story goes on to say that she had spent all she had. She suffered many things of many physicians and was none the better, but rather grew worse. Before you read on pause here for just a moment to reread and meditate on what it might be like to endure this absolute feeling of helplessness and loneliness.

The story continues. She hears that Jesus is near. There is a large crowd and clearly it would be difficult to get an audience with Him. However, undeterred she presses forward believing that if she could “but touch the hem of His garment” she would be healed. Once again pause for a moment to meditate on the faith this woman had. Her faith is rewarded as she accomplishes her mission and “the fountain of her blood is dried up”!

Twelve years of constant bleeding, shame, embarassment, avoidance, and a human guinea pig for physicians GONE in an instant. What is more amazing to me is found in verse 30.

One, Jesus immediately knowing that virtue is gone out of Him. And two, He asked the question, “who touched me”? We could easily land here for a day or two just to meditate and dig deeper but time will not permit. So as we enter the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, known to be the loneliest time for many. Perhaps they are in a hospital, lost their job, it’s their first time experiencing the absence of a loved one during this season, or have just found out they have a very serious helath issue, and on and on.

All of this and the crowds of shoppers, hustle and bustle of life, deadlines, appointments, people jostling for position, pushing and shoving. Perhaps if you and I pause, and if we really want to be more like Jesus, maybe, just maybe God has impressed on a hurting someone’s heart that if they seek you or I out they have heard that we care.

The verse says that Jesus looked around to see who had done this. We need to look around as well. It could be recognizing the absence of a co-worker, the lack of response when asking casually “how’s it going”, noticing watering eyes in a friend. All of these are evidence of “who touched me”. But more important is we must turn around “in the press”. The press of daily obligations, time schedules, and comfort zones. It will cost you to cost Him. Selah.

*Selah – found 71 times in the Psalms. It means to meditate, to pause, to “think of that” or “stop and listen”.

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Religion - VOM Magazine - Veteran's Outreach Ministries
31 Dec
0

Religion

By Kelvin Ramsey
Deacon at Oasis Church

Life does not have to be like a store-bought tomato.

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. James 5:7

I look forward to the summer. Tomatoes, peppers, corn, squash, beans dance like sugarplums in my head. Vegetables fresh from the garden become a part of my diet. The winter’s soups and stews are banished until the weather turns cool again. Every summer I have a small garden. Even though I come from a heritage of farmers and from a rural area, it never turns out quite as well as I had planned. A few bugs here, a rabbit there, a bit of fungus on the tomatoes, make it somewhat less than perfect. Yet every year I work at it, get the plants or plant the seeds, and expect the best garden yet that produces so much that I share with all those around me.

Jesus constantly used the example of planting, growing, and gardens to tell us about our spiritual lives. Farmers planted with the expectation of a harvest. The harvesters went out to fields full of grain. My garden reminds me of my own spiritual life that may never quite reach perfection because of the sin in my life, but which is constantly planned, sowed, worked, and harvested with the expectation that the next summer’s crop will be even better. I have thought once or twice about not planting a garden because of the previous year’s disappointment. The thought quickly leaves me when I think of the tomatoes from the grocery store (no flavor, a texture like plastic, and rots overnight).

If we choose not to work our spiritual lives because of expectations not met or from previous disappointments, our relationship with God ends up not being plowed, worked, or harvested. The result leaves us with a spiritual life that has all the flavor of a store-bought tomato. I pray that you will work in your spiritual garden and that it will produce a harvest beyond all your expectations!

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

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Irish Christmas Blessings - Veteran's Outreach Ministries - Delaware
25 Dec
0

Irish Christmas Blessings

Irish Christmas Blessings

Here are some Irish Christmas blessings, poems, songs and sayings to share with your family, friends and loved ones this Christmas season!

Blessing #1

God grant you lightness in your step,
A smile on every face you meet,
Loved ones gathered at your hearth,
And at your door, good friends to greet,
A holy hymn upon your lips,
A window candle burning bright,
And may the Good Lord bless your heart,
And come to dwell here Christmas night.

Blessing #2

The light of the Christmas star to you,
The warmth of a home and hearth to you,
The cheer and good will of friends to you,
The hope of a childlike heart to you,
The joy of a thousand angels to you,
The love of the Son and God’s peace to you

Blessing #3

This Christmas may you have…
Walls for the wind,
And a roof for the rain,
And drinks bedside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
And those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire.

Read more article in the VOM Magazines found here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

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Next Day Mobility - Veteran's Outreach Ministries - Delaware
12 Dec
0

Business of the Quarter – Next Day Mobility, LLC

Article Written by our Business of the Quarter, Next Day Mobility
Rhonda and Kenneth McMullen
– Owner
www.nextdaymobility.com | (410) 469-8748

Rhonda and Kenneth McMullen started Next Day Mobility in 2011 to deliver mobility and accessibility solutions to those faced with limited physical mobility. We started in a small town in rural Maryland, serving our local community and helping both families and businesses meet their accessibility needs.

Our company has grown, but it still remains in the same small town while serving the needs of four states within the Mid-Atlantic region. The small hometown values of compassion, friendliness and responsiveness to our client’s needs are still maintained as the bedrock of our core principles.

Kenneth has a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and was employed by the US Army at Aberdeen Proving Grounds for 31 years specializing in soldier survivability. Now that he no longer works for the US Army he has turned his focus to those who have served, veterans with needs that Next Day Mobility can meet by providing accessibility solutions making life easier.

If you or a family member are faced with mobility restrictions, limitations, challenges or frustrations, Next Day Mobility’s team of experts will work with you to determine which of our mobility products will best suit your needs. We understand no two situations are alike, so rest assured, we will meet with you to discuss your specific situation before suggesting mobility solutions.

The true benefit of Next Day Mobility is our people—the experts, the problem solvers, the trusted friends that work every day to deliver the best solution at the best value to our clients. It’s our mission to stand by your side and be there when you need us. Changing lives for the better is what drives us.

Next Day Mobility will not abandon you after the sales and installation process is done. We offer friendly and quick mobility scooter repair and stair lift repairs to our clients. Accessibility and mobility equipment may be our business, but customer support is where Next Day Mobility started and it’s our passion to this day.

Your freedom is important to us.

Read the full magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

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Women in the Military - VOM Magazine - Veteran's Outreach Ministries
11 Dec
0

Women in the Military, Part 4 of 4

A Series by Lishamarie Hunter

This is the last installment of the four part series celebrating all the contributions that women have made for this nation’s democracy and freedom. Women have always stood ready to serve and fight for this country, starting in the revolutionary war to our current conflict situations throughout the world. Within this last article I will list some of the memorials and monuments that you and others could use to plan your summer vacation around. Or possibly celebrate Women’s Equality Day 26 August or Women’s History Month during the month of March.

Maryland Women in the Military Memorial

This Memorial focuses on the contributions specifically of the women who have served. Maryland has approximately 463,000 military veterans. As of 2007 of those, 44,000 are women. Lawmakers began planning of the Memorial, in 2005. After several committees and task forces the monument never was built. In 2014, a push to honor the service and sacrifice of women was renewed. The monument was a tribute to women of Maryland who have served and are serving whether in peace time or during conflict in the United States or Overseas. Jerry Boden, chief of staff for Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs suggested putting the monument where people from all over could see it. So it currently resides at the Chesapeake House Travel Plaza with the approval of the Maryland Transportation Authority.

The Chesapeake House gets over 5 million visitors annually. The designs are made up of several triangular plaques at the base of trees. These are made from granite each are engraved with inspirational quote about women’s service in the military.

Women in Military Service for America Memorial

Women in Military Service for America Memorial (WIMSA) was established by the government and honors women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The monument is located at the end of Memorial Avenue and he entrance of Arlington Cemetery.

This monument was originally known as the Hemicycle and was built in 1932. The Hemicycle was to be used as the entrance to the cemetery. It was built as a to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington the first president of the United States and Revolutionary War hero.

It was never used as the entrance to the cemetery, its original purpose. By 1986 it was it quite a bit of disrepair. In 1985, Congress approved the Memorial and in 1988 they allowed the Hemicycle for the WIMSA. Competitions were held and Marion Weiss and Micheal Manfredi’s designs won. Much controversy surrounded the design of the WIMSA.

The design was revised and eventually approved in March 1995 and ground was broken in June 1995. The structure was dedicated in Oct 1997. Women have contributed to the rich history with articles of clothing and stories of their contributions to the Armed Forces. You can find much more history about the Memorial at the www.womenmemorial.org.

Vietnam Women’s Memorial

The Vietnam Women’s Memorial is dedicated to the women of United States Military who served in Vietnam during the war. The majority of women who. Served during the war served as nurses. The monument reminds those who visit the National Mall of the service to the country during this time of conflict. The monument is part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A former Army nurse founded the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in 1984. Glenna Goodarce designed the Memorial and it was dedicated on Veterans Day 1993.

There are plans for a monument dedicated to the women in military service in Delaware. The monument will be built next to the Legislative Hall. The dedication was scheduled for Mother’s Day 2018. The cost of the project is $51,000. The purpose is to ensure that all the women in Delaware are represented in the finished project. No image was found upon researching.

What I discovered while writing these articles were that women have served throughout this nation’s history. It has been a struggle to get support for their issues and concerns, through agencies who would provide those services. Lastly, that there are very few monuments and memorials that provide acknowledgement or celebrate their accomplishments.

 

References

Brown, Jeff. Memorial to honorDelaware’s women veterans. Dover Post. Posted. 20 December 2017. Retrieved: 12 October 2019.

Vietnam Women’s Memorial, images.

vietnamwomensmemrial.org. Retrieved: 1 November 2019.

Wood, Pamela, Maryland poised to dedicate monument to women in the military, The Baltimore Sun, 10 November 2014, Retrieved: 1 November 2019.

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Male Veteran of the Quarter - Jorge Cruz - VOM Magazine - Veteran's Outreach Ministeries
10 Dec
0

Male Veteran of the Quarter – Jorge Cruz

Article Written by Male Veteran of the Quarter Jorge Cruz, SFC, US ARMY Retired, Finance Corps…

My name is Jorge Cruz, born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico; I graduated from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, with a degree in Accounting and Management. I entered the military in 1981, with the Finance Corps. I Attended Basic training at Fort Leonard, Missouri, attended the Finance School at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana and subsequently was assigned to various locations overseas, spending fifteen years in Germany. I had a tour in Kuwait, Macedonia, and was instrumental in 1991 during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, providing finance support in Frankfurt Germany, to all soldiers in theater. In 1996, I deployed to Kuwait in support Operation Desert Strike, and 1999, I deployed to Macedonia, on a Peace Keeping Mission.

I was honorable discharged, retired, after twenty years of services with The United States ARMY, at Fort Stewart, GA.

I am currently a Local Veterans Employment Representative, Business Service Representative with the Maryland Department of Labor, located at Bel Air, MD. I has been with the Maryland Department of Labor, for over fifteen years of services. I engage and network with employers such as the Federal Government, Federal Contractor Employers, Unions, Universities, Colleges and Small Businesses, with the focus/intend on referring qualified veterans, for employment and training opportunities.

I am very proud of my services provided to the United States ARMY and the Maryland Department of Labor. “Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier” HOOAH.

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

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French Toast Recipe - Veteran's Outreach Ministries - Delaware
09 Dec
0

French Toast Casserole

French Toast Casserole by Kittencalskitchen on July 25, 2004

MAKES:
9 servings

TOTAL TIME:
50 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

  • 10 cups white bread (cubed into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2/3 cup hald-and-half cream
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar (to garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Place the bread cubes in a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Seperately, Beat the cream cheese at medium speed of mixer until smooth.
  2. Add in the eggs (one at a time) mixing well after each addition.
  3. Add in the eggs (one at a time) mixing well after each addition.
  4. Add in the milk, half-and-half, ó cup maple syrup and vanilla; mix well until smooth.
  5. Pour the cream cheese/milk mixture over the top of the bread cubes; cover, and refrigerate overnight.
  6. The next morning: Set oven to 375 degrees
  7. Remove the bread mixture from the fridge; let stand for 30 minutes before baking.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until set (should be a nice golden brown color)
  9. Remove from oven, cover with powdered sugar. Serve with maple syrup.

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

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Female Veteran of the Quarter - Veteran's Outreach Ministries - Delaware
09 Dec
0

Female Veteran of the Quarter – Deborah A. Sides

Veteran Article Written by Female Veteran of the Quarter Deborah A. Sides…

When you are part of a military family no one ever asks what will you do when you grow up; the assumption is you will follow in the family’s footsteps and become a soldier too. As an Army Brat, we lived by the rules of Duty, Honor, Country. I graduated high school I was going to college. I had dreams of becoming a chef. I realized I didn’t have a way to pay for the dream, so I joined the Army in August 1983. I went to Basic A 5/1 at Ft. Jackson, SC. I attended Advance Individual training as 31D Radio Communications Operator Training at Fort Gordon, GA.

My first duty was Kaiserslautern Germany. My job required me to go to remote stations and install antennas to send and receive radio communications. We continuously moved throughout the field exercise; breaking down antennas and reinstalling them. Often times during my enlistment I was the only female on site. My second duty assignment was: D 313th Signal Company, 16th Signal Bn, on Ft Hood Texas. While assigned on Ft Hood, I was married and had two daughters. I was injured during my units deployment preparations, and worked with rear detachment during the deployment. I ETSed November 1990 I was honorably discharged.

I decided to use my military leadership skills ad GI Bill to become a teacher. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Mary Hardin Baylor, Belton, Texas, June 1997. I majored in education, minored in reading. I have been teaching in a public school environment for 25 years. I have taught middle school math.

Throughout my 25 yrs of teaching I continued to challenge myself to achieve. July 2003 I graduated Sum Cum Laude from Jones International University Masters in Curriculum & Assessment with a minor in principles of Leadership. I became an Assistant Principal in 2010 and currently have 1 yr towards my Doctorate of Curriculum from Capella University. Urgently I am teaching Algebra I and 8th grade Math. I am a Team Leader and the math department Chair person. I will be retiring next year and I’m looking forward to a new adventure.

I love teaching and know that the skills I learned in the Army helped to shape me into the strong teacher I am today. I look back at my military training and teaching career, and I’m reminded of my family’s most important lesson: service to community and country. I feel I have done both with Courage, Pride and Grace.

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

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Chicken Pot Pie Recipes - Veteran's Outreach Ministries
30 Aug
0

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Taste of Home’s Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

MAKES:
6 servings

TOTAL TIME:
30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup 2% milk
  • 3 cups cubed cooked chicken
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
  • 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 450°. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Stir in flour and poultry seasoning until blended; gradually whisk in broth and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until thickened. Stir in chicken and vegetables.
  2. Transfer to a greased 9-in. deep-dish pie plate; place crust over filling. Trim, seal and flute edges. Cut slits in crust. Bake 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.

MAKE IT VEGAN!

Simply substitute chicken for potatoes, use vegetable broth, and soy milk.

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Male Veteran of the Quarter - Theron Palmer, Sr. - Veteran's Outreach Ministeries
30 Aug
0

Male Veteran of the Quarter – Theron Palmer, Sr.

I enlisted in the Marines in 1987 and graduated from Parris Island S.C. serving a total of 10 years. My path included, Ground Radio Repairman school, 29 Palms, CA., 1st Low altitude air Defense Bn, Comm Plt., Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan and 1st Recon Bn, Hdqtrs Comm, Camp Pendleton, CA. which is who I was deployed with to the Persian Gulf for the 1st Gulf war.

I separated in 1992 and re-upped in 1997 (broken time) finishing out my service at Combat Service Support Group-1, Maintenance Bn., 29 Palms, CA. as a Sgt.

After the Marine Corps I worked for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in Northern California. I worked my way through to supervisor level and nearly worked in every unit in the department. I eventually moved back to my home of record in Delaware. I married my 1st love in 2008 and I worked alongside my wife in the real estate field building up our business into a full-service real estate brokerage, ELM Properties in Wilmington, DE.

With support at home I started my own contracting company and utilized all the skills the Corps provided me to help build our business into a leading property management and sales company. My wife and I both sit on the board of the Mutual Advancement Coalition, a real estate development company that will serve our community with training, networking, and job opportunities for the underserved and underrepresented, which includes minorities and veterans.

I haven’t forgotten my more physical life in the Corps, my wife and I began cycling together to have fun and get a little exercise in 2008. We have grown from a few family members cycling around New Castle county to Grumpy Gramps Cycling Club. The cycling club has created our own signature ride, the DE Head 2 Toe Relay. It is a 142-mile team relay event from the top of the state to the bottom. This is our third year hosting it and we couldn’t do it without the determination of my wife Evette and all our teammates and volunteers. Charity and giving have been always be a large part of our cycling life since the beginning. We have not missed a year riding in an MS ride. From the MS Bike to the bay in Delaware to the MS City to Shore in New Jersey. All MS rides support multiple sclerosis research with the funds raised from the yearly event in multiple states. The DE Head 2 Toe proceeds go to support Bike Delaware our non-profit partner and they promote cycling and cycling related issues.

I have been blessed in my life with 4 sons, and 2 grandsons, all great kids to a man. I have a wealth of friends’ military and civilian. My wife is supportive and a great teammate. Were it not for the Corps, I might have missed out on this portion of my life. I will be forever greatful for what I went through and learned in the Marines. The Corps has allowed me to appreciate the good things. Semper Fidelis has become the bedrock of my life and as I’ve said… I have been blessed.

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