First, a note from Kim: One morning in February of 2009, I began experiencing pain in my left arm and neck. I was teaching at the time and toward the end of the school day, the pain worsened. I called my husband and he recommended stopping at the chiropractor’s office on my way home. We had been seeing Dr. Corrado for a few years at that point, and he had helped me through a few times when my back went out. So I made an appointment and stopped by on my way home from school.

When Dr. Corrado heard my symptoms, he said, “Kim, I’m really sorry to tell you this, but you’re going to get a lot worse before you get better.” He went on to tell me that I had two herniated discs in my neck. He told me which discs were herniated and other details that would later be confirmed by an MRI. He said it would take about two months to get through this. He also said, “If you do exactly as I tell you, you won’t need surgery, but if you don’t you will definitely have to have surgery.”

Thanks to Dr. Dave’s diligent care and treatment, I did NOT need surgery. God brought this incredible doctor into our lives who blessed us during that difficult period, even calling to check on me during the most difficult first few days. He has taken care of our family (most of us with chronic back problems) for almost fifteen years. Through those years we have gotten to know Dr. Corrado. We have great conversations about how to solve the problems of the world, how to raise kids, and the importance of our relationship with God and obeying the principles of the Bible. Dr. Dave is a committed dad of two boys and invests much time in teaching them to be young men of integrity. I asked him to share something he has learned from the book of Proverbs, and I appreciate his willingness to participate in this month’s focus on Men of Integrity.

By the way, if you need a good chiropractor, Dr. Dave Corrado is the best! Corrado Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center is located in Marlton, NJ.

Blessings of the Lord

by Dr. Dave Corrado

The blessing of the Lord maketh man rich; neither shall affliction be joined to them. – Proverbs 10:22

What could be more precious to men?  The blessings given to us by our Father are all that is needed in life to sustain us.  These gifts give us direction and purpose in life, provide a moral compass by which to self-govern, and replenishes our soul with compassion, peace, love and respect.  Without the benefactions of the Lord our hearts can grow sick and weary.  Without them there is no fulfillment.

Today, in our world men are rushed, pulled from place to place, stressed and worried at our places of employment, distressed with the maintenance of our homes, and concerned for our children and loved ones.  Always our minds are thinking, deciding, and trying to fix problems or help others.  In our world, especially the secular world, we become embroiled with financial problems, political quandaries, desires for comforts and conveniences, jealousies and dislikes.  These are afflictions that can over take us at times.  In the end, these fears and anxieties can burgeon within us affecting our spiritual well-being, affecting our happiness.

However, the Lord always accommodates with His blessings for He truly loves us.  He ends our troubles and no affliction can be joined to us or stay with us because we are well provided for.   A man simply has to stop and listen, pray, or let go.  The amazing gifts of the Lord surround us and He is present within us.  He is a continual presence in our lives and this presence is so complex and yet so very simple.  His blessings are found in nature at dawn with the cacophony of birdsong, in the stillness of the bluish-blackness of dusk, in the endless rolling of the ocean at the surf, and on the mountain in the wind above the trees.  His blessings are as profound as in the middle of the night with piercing stars in an eternal universe and as simple as the tinkling of snow from a branch on a bitter winter’s morning.  His blessings are embedded our relationships with one another.  His blessings are in the sound of children playing, a baby’s giggle, the meeting of old friends, a stranger’s smile, the humbleness of an apology, a touch of a compassionate hand, a family gathered at the table for a meal, the coolness of a mother’s hand on a fevered brow, and the tenderness of a kiss.  His blessings are in our own being.  They are the tears that fall down our faces, the sanctuary of our prayers, the gift of charity, the love of our children, spouses, and all others.

We as men only have to stop and look around us and most importantly, inside of us…the Lord is there and will always be there with His blessings, and no affliction will be joined to us.

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Dr. David Corrado is a chiropractor who practices in Marlton, NJ.  He is a lifelong resident of South Jersey growing up in Pennsauken and now residing in Medford.   He had two sons Nicolas, age 14 and Joseph, age 12 and spends his days fishing, exploring nature, and learning with them.

First, a note from Kim: Today is a momentous day in the lives of the Olachea family. Our oldest son, Joe, III, and his wife, Christina, parents of three healthy, rollicking boys, are becoming the parents of our first granddaughter, Carys Lynn, who is scheduled to make her appearance today.

I thought this would be an appropriate day to share this article submitted by our son, Joe, III, for this month’s focus on Men of Integrity. From a young age, we knew that Joe was incredibly gifted as a writer. He thinks deeply on issues and is passionate about God and the study of theology. He has surprised us in his success as a full-time stay at home dad, and yet we are not surprised in his willingness to step out of what is considered typical to do what he believes God has called him to do. He is a talented and persuasive speaker and I am blessed and honored to be his mom. His Dad and I know that God is using his life in unexpected ways and we look forward to seeing the rewards of his faithfulness and service in the coming years. He desires to serve the Lord in some form of full-time ministry, and for the time being this means being a full-time dad to Carys Lynn, Joey, Cameron, and Ocean.

A Brother Wronged

by Joe Olachea, III

“A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.” -Proverbs 18:19

We are a people disconnected. With all the advances of technology and all the “progress” it seems we have become more and more incapable of building long term fulfilling relationships. I see this in my life. It’s easier to send someone a text or an online message than it is to give up the time, space, and money for a face to face visit. So we spend time on our phones, our computers, our tablets rather than doing the hard work of community. Most of the time, even when we are together in person we are not really together. Technology brings us many good things but, when it comes to the kind of community that Christians are called to be a part of, it seems mainly a distraction.

Our lack of connectedness is causing further deficits in productive communication. For millennia humans have worked out their problems by discussing them together in person. Even when using telephones or letters our conversations were not haphazard public discussions that anyone could comment on. They were personal, and when we were cruel or rude there were real and immediate consequences. Now with social media people give their opinions on everything. If you’ve ever taken the time to scroll through the comments section on a news story you know exactly what I mean. Without visible and immediate repercussions to our words, we seem to have lost the art of conversation. We have no filters. When someone’s offended or upset they launch into a verbal assault of almost anyone with a slightly opposing view. Of course those of us who follow Jesus (should) know better. The Apostle Paul in the book of Ephesians tells us not to “let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (4:29). Yet many of us fall in the same trap as others forgetting that online words can do as much damage as audible ones.

Right before his ascension, in what is known as the Great Commission, Jesus called his followers to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). One of our primary vocations as believers is to declare Jesus as the Messiah and Lord of the world, and to call others to come under his reign. Paul puts it this way in II Corinthians 5:16-20:

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Our words matter and for those of us who follow Jesus this is even more true. We are pleading with the world to be reconciled to God. So, how we plead and how we speak will affect the way the message is perceived. The book of Proverbs is a profoundly real world book. With most of Scripture we have to do the hard work of interpretation and application. This is true of Proverbs many times also, but Proverbs packs punches of wisdom in short snippets. Though they may be difficult to practice, they are not usually difficult to understand. One verse seems especially relevant when speaking of the Christian message of reconciliation. Proverbs 18:19 says, “A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.” Though this verse says “brother” it is applicable to any relationship. When we hurt or wrong others (in word or deed) it can cause them to build barriers of self-protection. Proverbs compares these barriers to both a citadel and a fortified city (basically the same thing); They are difficult to penetrate and end up shutting down communication. The way we communicate can do serious damage to the message we bring and cause our attempts to be ministers of reconciliation to fall on deaf ears.

Our faith should compel us to examine how we are communicating. Are we making issues out of non-issues? Are we burning bridges before others have heard our plea for reconciliation? Are we being like God and “not counting people’s sins against them”, or are we picking up stones with the crowd? Jesus Himself defended and loved the adulterer before telling her to “Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11 – We usually forget there was a man involved with this whole act too, yet his sin was blatantly ignored by the religious to advance their agenda). In a world where division abounds, we are called to be a people who “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). Instead of being an extra added call, this is integral to our proclamation of the Gospel. If Jesus is King, then we are under the law of love (Mark 12:30-31; John 13:34-35). Proverbs has something to add to the conversation: We must be careful not to offend those whom we are calling to be reconciled to God, lest they become fortified cities against the Gospel.  

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Joe Olachea III has a Business Administration degree and a Biblical Studies degree from Cairn University. He lives in Frederica, DE with his wife, Christina, and their 3 boys, Ocean, Cameron, and Joey. Their newest addition, Carys (their first girl!), is due June 10^th (today). He speaks occasionally and enjoys writing. His blog can be found at http://godsfoolishness.blogspot.com. 

First, a note from Kim: I met Dave in the fall of 2006, when I began teaching at King’s Christian School in Cherry Hill. Dave was a retired school teacher, now serving at the school doing various things in the maintenance department. But most importantly, he spoke into the lives of students and teachers alike through his gentle spirit and great wisdom. I learned a lot about Dave as we had occasional opportunities to chat while cleaning up after the middle school kids who swarmed out of the lunchroom, leaving us with the remnants of lunches and left over messes blind to the eyes of energetic tweens too involved in their social lives and excitement of recess to notice that their version of leaving the lunchroom “in order” was a far cry from the expectations of their teachers. It was the adults who stayed behind to get the room, “in order” and sanitary for the next wave of young people who came in hungry, looking for a table and bench free of crumbs, sticky fingerprints, and splattered drops of juice from careless pre-teen eating habits.

I learned more about Dave and his growing up years when I read his first book, Take Me With You, published in 2011. Since then, I’ve learned that he is not only an excellent writer, but a poet and artist as well. When I read this article submitted by Dave, it confirmed what I already knew. That Dave was indeed a man of faith and prayer. Dave has faced some very difficult and tragic circumstances in his life, but the Lord has brought him through these times giving him abundant blessings and joys as well. Please keep Dave in your prayers as he and Karlyn are walking through yet another deep trial, as Dave is being treated for cancer, which has been complicated by other health issues discovered over the past few months. Dave’s faith and example of trusting in God in every circumstance will encourage you and challenge you in whatever you are facing in your own life.

Prayer

Acknowledges Him in all our ways

 

Proverbs 3:5, 6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He will make your paths straight.

 

In my life, prayer has taken on an image that is growing and changing as I grow closer to our Savior.  When I think my prayer life has reached a plateau and can’t grow any more, I realize that I’m starting to fail again.  A quick analysis reveals what has happened.  Usually, I’m praying less frequently, or, I’m spending less time in prayer.  Also, there are fewer blessings received.

Over time, the reality of the plateau I was living on turns out to be one of many steps leading to God.

A few steps ago, (40 years), God took my wife home to be with him in heaven.  We had been battling her cancer for two years.  I was sure God was going to heal her.  When her illness became critical, I became angry.  Why are you doing this God?  Why would you take my wife and leave me with two children, 10 and 7 years old?  What is the logic in that?

I decided to stop talking to God.  I refused to pray.  Fortunately, my Godly mother moved in with us.  She would pray in front of me.  When she was through she would just look at me without saying a word.  She was so loving and patient.

After a while, I decided that I was not going to get married.  I was defying my wife’s wishes that I meet someone to help me care for our children, Lori and Dan.  My mother said I should look for a nurse to marry.  One month later, a friend of mine introduced me to a woman named Karlyn…  Yes mom, she was a nurse! She lost her husband to cancer about the same time that I lost Pat.  When I met her, everything changed.  She invited me to have dinner with her.  She even volunteered to wrap my children’s Christmas presents hiding in the trunk of my car.  Although she never had children, she wrapped presents like a pro….

Later, we went into her kitchen to enjoy the Tuna fish sandwiches she had just prepared.  As we sat down, she said, “David, would you pray?”  I didn’t know what to say.  I muttered a quick prayer “Thank you for the food. Amen.”

Hearing myself pray and hearing Karlyn pray in the following days and months, my heart was softening.  Self was no longer in control.  God had used Karlyn as the catalyst to draw me back to him.

Karlyn and I have been married for thirty-nine years.  We have three children and nine grand-children.  We have been privileged to counsel others who have lost mates or are going through a divorce and are suffering loss.  We have taught many about the importance of prayer.

A few weeks ago, my doctor told me that I have Colon Cancer.  After the initial shock of this diagnosis, Karlyn and I have experienced the joy and peace we spoke of so many times.  My pastor friend who lives nearby asked me, “David, are you worried?”  Without hesitation I replied, ”I am privileged to be chosen to suffer, I am in His will and in His hands!”  Many people have warmed our hearts by telling us they are praying for us.  God’s plan for us to use the tools of prayer is amazing!  God blesses the giver and the receiver of prayer.

Proverbs 3:5, 6 mentioned earlier is one of my favorites.  Especially, “Acknowledge Him in all our ways.”  Actually, it is rather simple.  Recognize God in everything we do and everywhere we go.  In other words, in all aspects of our life, make Him a part of it by thanking Him and praising Him throughout our daily activities.

Last year I wrote a book entitled “Along the Way.”  It is a book of poems that I have selected over a fifty-year period.  It includes illustrations and narrations that describe why each poem was created.  In the book there are a variety of poems that include Spiritual, Life applications, Humorous, and Love poems.  One of my favorite poems in about Christ’s experience in the Garden of Gethsemane, Mathew 28.  It is called “Take this Cup.”

Christ prayed three time for God to “Take this cup.”  Humanly speaking, He did not want to go to the cross.  He had just told His disciples that He was going to die.  Was He changing His mind?  This unique and revealing prayer was showing us that Christ was human and He was also the Son of God.  Had He not concluded His prayer with, “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will,” all was lost.  God’s plan was victorious.  I give you:

Take This Cup

For more information about my first book TAKE ME WITH YOU, visit my website at  www.loridanjon07.wordpress.com

Davidlewisbooks1@yahoo.com

 “Take This Cup”

         Waiting in the Garden,

                 Betrayed by a kiss.

         Thirty pieces of silver?

                 Father, not like this.

         They said, “You are guilty.”

                 I made no plea.

         Their hearts were hardened,

                 They convicted Me.

 

         Take this cup, I am willing,

                 I know You’ll lead the way.

         Take this cup, You are my Father,

                 I trust You every Day.

         Take this cup, the road grows weary,

                 I need to be strong.

         Take this cup, oh my Father,

                 Your words shall be my song.

 

         Ten thousand Angels waiting!

                 Waiting for my command!

         Tear down this wretched cross,

                 Take the nails from My hands!

         Your plan, oh Lord, I must do,

                 I will love You until the end.

         You are the great “I am.”

                 Abba, My Father, My friend.

 

         Why have you turned Your face?

                 You cannot look at sin.

         Your love is still with me,

                 Till the very end.

        

         And now  “It is finished.”

                 God has given Me victory.

         The Angels sing a new song:

                 “The Lamb went willingly.”

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David has shown us his love for family in his first book, TAKE ME WITH YOU.  Having a diversified life experience, his Midwestern roots flavor and influence what he writes.  His writing experience has blossomed from a humble beginning in the corporate world of interdepartmental communication, creating training manuals and marketing material, to writing drama skits, a play, poetry, short articles for the Ohio Historical Society, and his first book.  He is presently working on his third book about a runaway slave family during the Civil War entitled “Broken Bondage.”  It should be available in the latter part of 2016.

David is a retired schoolteacher.  He and his wife Karlyn have been married for thirty-nine years, and have three children, and nine grandchildren.  Born in Ohio, he presently resides in New Jersey.