“THE FATE OF OLD OBSERVANCES” Old observances, holidays, and remembrances that are based on historical events tend to die out. It’s inevitable. Just think of V-E Day, AKA Victory in Europe Day (May 8th). Who celebrates it today – I mean, really celebrates it, with kids off from school and the like? Who celebrates V-J […]

“CONTEMPT FOR GOD’S KINDNESS” When observers first saw this behavior among crocodiles, they thought it was cannibalism.  But it was tender, loving, care: a mother alligator gently carrying its young in its mouth, bearing them from the nest safely to the waters.  The “gentle jaws” behavior of the mother alligator toward her young is common

“TRUST GOD – HE KNOWS BETTER” A surprising article told the story of a cancelled check, dating from July 11, 1949, that was up for auction.  What was significant about this piece of paper?  It was the “sign-up bonus check” written out to the newest member of the New York Yankees – Mickey Mantle.    

“TIME & PATIENCE” Never was a project so hopelessly mired in failure, disappointment, and doubt.  Congress had high hopes for this building that was to measure 170 feet long and 85 feet deep.  But when they were handed the estimated cost of $400,000 (in 1790 dollars), the plan was dramatically scaled down. And when construction

“TROUBLED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?” Ever have a gloomy holiday season? Be encouraged, you’re not alone. A famous American General passed through his darkest valley during one Christmas season. In 1776 Thomas Paine had written, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” Never truer words, especially for General George Washington especially as the holiday season

“WHAT DOES A NAME CONVEY?” We were all given a name by our parents.  Some are family names, names of significant people in our parent’s life, or someone admired.  Our name is one of the first things we share with someone when we first meet them.  When we hear our name, it causes our head

“LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED” In January 2012, ABC News correspondent Katie Kindelan reported on a perfectly pleasant flight that was turned into a nightmare by a thoughtless flight crew. On British Airways Flight 206, about 3AM, passengers were abruptly awakened when a taped emergency message blared: “This is an emergency. We will shortly

Enlisted At times, after a long stressful week, I find myself curled up on the couch with a warm blanket, a glass of wine, and fully engrossed in television series where the characters only experience happy endings. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I have been watching far too much of one show in particular;

God Cares for Others Through You Matthew 25:40 (ESV) And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’  On Feb. 3, 1943, the U.S.A.T. Dorchester carrying 902 servicemen, merchant seamen, and civilian workers was sunk

Persistent Predators Shark attack! It happened to 22-year-old Luke Tresoglavic while snorkeling off Caves Beach, near New Castle, Australia, on February 2oo4. A small carpet shark, also known as a Wobbegong, latched onto Tresoglavic’s leg and thrashed violently. Tresoglavic tried to steady the shark with both hands to keep it from tearing his leg apart.