by Mark Miller, Chaplain

My name is Mark Miller. I have been in ministry for over 30 years, served as a Hospice Chaplain, and now serve in the Tulsa area with SYNERGY Homecare. I was privileged to be asked to write a short devotional for The Veterans News Magazine. The word that continued to come to me when thinking of our committed men and women of our military is the word
“discipline”. Military discipline is defined as, “the prompt, willing and intelligent obedience to orders, regulations & codes of conduct, designed to ensure operational efficiency & unit cohesion under difficult conditions”. Definitely a mouth full but absolutely correct. Discipline is a necessity to succeed in most all of life’s challenges but is most recognizable under pressure. It is no less recognizable spiritually. Spiritual discipline is what enables a believer
to stand when the waves of life crash all around. Spiritual disciplines, including Bible study, prayer, fasting, submission, steadfastness and rest are all necessary for spiritual growth, spiritual assurance and it’s what enables us to make a difference for the Kingdom of God.

2 Timothy 3: 16-17 reminds us of the importance of using God’s Word as a guide for this process: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Take a look at that list of spiritual disciplines again. Jesus did all of those things

By Freddy Groves
On a recent National Slam the Scam Day for 2026, the VA stepped up, along with other federal agencies, with an array of information to keep veterans safe from scams and fraud. Thieves don’t just work one day per year, however. We need to stay vigilant all year long to protect our benefits and personal information from getting to the scammers. Why do they want us? Because we have income and benefits.
How do they approach us? Phone calls, emails, text messages, social media, phishing, impersonation, fake charities — you name it, the crooks have thought of it as a way to get to us.
If you’re approached, whether on the phone or in email, the more urgent the problem, the more likely it’s a scam. A scammer might pretend to be from the VA and try to claim there’s something wrong with your benefits — and that you need to hand over your personal information so they can “fix” the problem. They might want your bank account access info or password, your Social Security number, your date of birth. The answer is no. Don’t do a direct deposit into another person’s account — even if it’s a relative! If you need a fiduciary situation (where someone helps you with finances), have that person go through the accreditation process and be authorized to assist you. You’re protected that way.
If you’re told you need to hand over a fee to get claims assistance from the VA or to apply for increased benefits, it’s fraud.
Invest in a shredder and use it to cut up not only VA documents with personal information on them, but any documents that can go astray, even when you put out the trash.
If someone calls and claims to be from the VA and asks you to pay for something with a gift card or bitcoin, feel free to laugh as you hang up the phone. It’s an impostor. Report it to the VA at 800-827-1000.

by Oklahoma Department of Securities

Imagine you’re a senior living in a quiet retirement community. One day you receive a phone call that sounds exactly like your bank: the number on the screen looks legitimate, and the voice on the other end is professional. The caller tells you your account has been compromised and in order to protect your money, you must act quickly: you’re coached to download a screen-sharing app and log into your account. While you believe you’re doing the right thing, you’re inadvertently handing over the reins to strangers to drain the savings you’ve built over a lifetime.

This isn’t a hypothetical situation. It’s a real scam aimed at older adults and it’s happening across Oklahoma inside the very places designed to keep them safe: retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
As Administrator at the Oklahoma Department of Securities, I hear versions of this story far too often. Older adults are disproportionately targeted by financial scams including investment, banking and tech-support schemes. Each crime is carefully designed
to prey on the vulnerabilities of seniors, many of whom live in close proximity in communities and facilities for older adults where they feel insulated from crime. That proximity opens the door for entire communities to be exploited by scammers who send convincing emails, make persistent phone calls and knock on doors offering fraudulent services.
The fraudsters of today are master manipulators and skilled actors. They build trust, sometimes over weeks or months, forming relationships online and over the phone using technical jargon, and by appealing to seniors’ hopes and fears. They pose
as bank agents, financial advisors, and friendly companions, and they’re incredibly persuasive, able to coerce seniors into giving away personal information, money, and even real estate to complete strangers. The fallout can be devastating.
Criminals are savvy; they understand why older adults are attractive targets. Seniors often have significant assets, including life savings, retirement accounts and home equity they’ve worked hard for decades to accumulate. Many are navigating major
life transitions: the loss of a spouse who previously handled the finances, smaller social circles, or the move from independent living into a care setting. Some are uncomfortable with new technology, while others may be suffering from memory loss or cognitive decline. Sadly, it’s the perfect storm for opportunistic scammers.
Financial fraud harms more than just a victim’s bank account. Victims often experience shame, anxiety and depression, in addition to financial and identity theft repercussions that can follow them for years. In some cases, victims are left unable to afford the same level of care or living situation. Families may be forced into making difficult financial and caregiving decisions, and relationships can become strained. Yes, money is stolen, but so is peace of mind.
So how can we protect seniors from these devastating scams? It requires a coordinated effort among caregivers and families, but a few practical steps can make a big difference:
Prevent: Prevention begins with education. Raise awareness about common red flags like urgent requests for money or asking to download software. Financial safety should be discussed as routinely as physical safety.
Recognize: Pay attention to warning signs, such as large withdrawals, extended time on the phone with unknown callers or new online “friends” who request financial assistance.
Record: Document concerns including message screenshots, call logs and names used by suspicious individuals.
Report: Notify banks, law enforcement and agencies like the Oklahoma Department of Securities to step in. Quick reporting can prevent additional losses and help in recovering funds.
Oklahoma’s seniors deserve to spend their golden years in peace, not defending themselves from criminals looking to defraud them, and together we can make sure they’re protected. A single phone call can upend a lifetime of hard work, but
a single conversation about the dangers of financial fraud can help stop these scammers in their tracks.

The Cleveland County OHCE Craft Show will take place May 8-9, 2026, at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in Norman, Oklahoma. Sponsored by Cleveland County OHCE, this event brings together talented local artisans and crafters for a weekend of shopping, creativity, and community engagement.
The event will feature up to 50 vendor booths showcasing a wide variety of handmade goods, including crafts, home décor, gifts, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet local creators and explore unique, one-of-a-kind items.
The craft show is open to the public with free admission, making it an accessible and family-friendly outing. A concession stand will also be available on-site.
Organizers invite the community to come out and support local vendors while enjoying a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Whether searching for special gifts or simply wanting to experience local craftsmanship, the Cleveland County OHCE Craft Show offers something for everyone.
Who: The event will be at the Cleveland County OHCE (sponsor and host) May 8-9 at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds, 615 E Robinson St, Norman, OK 73071 and admission is FREE.
For more information, contact (405) 627-4370 or email [email protected] . Event details can also be found on Cleveland County Oklahoma Home and Community Education Facebook page.

Car enthusiasts, families, and travelers along historic Route 66 are invited to attend the Third Annual Classic Cars A-Round the Barn Car Show on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the historic Arcadia Round Barn. This fun, family-friendly event welcomes all classic cars, motorcycles, trucks, and unique vehicles to participate in a day of vintage style and community celebration at one of Oklahoma’s most iconic landmarks along Route 66.
Visitors can enjoy a full day of activities including: Classic Car Show, Round Barn Tours, Food Trucks, Live Music, Local Vendors and more surprises throughout the day
Event Schedule • 8:00 a.m. – Vehicle Registration Begins 11:00 a.m. – Judging • 1:00 p.m. – Awards Presentation
Vehicle registration is $20 per entry and will be available on the day of the show only.
The event is sponsored by the Arcadia Historical & Preservation Society and serves as an important fundraiser to support the preservation and maintenance of the historic Round Barn. The Arcadia Round Barn is maintained by the society as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all proceeds from the car show directly support the care and upkeep of this beloved landmark.
“The Round Barn has welcomed travelers and the local community for generations,” organizers say. “Events like this help ensure the barn continues to stand proudly along Route 66 for years to come.”