“PAINFUL DIVERSITY” One of the most bizarre land disputes came to an end on July 31, 2015, when the governments of India and Bangladesh agreed to an exchange of 162 enclaves between themselves.  These enclaves consist of small bits of territory within each other’s borders.  Within India’s borders, for instance, there were over 51 Bangladeshi […]

“SLEEPING ON A FORTUNE” On the 23rd of August 2016, there was a story all over the news about what is probably the largest pearl ever discovered.  An unidentified fisherman found the pearl inside a giant clam off Palawan Island in the Philippines – a site famous for many other large pearls.  This pearl had

“CHAPLAIN DAVID’S MESSAGES OF TIMELESS TRUTHS” Some people retire from ministry. Others never stop running the race. Chaplain David Losey was the kind who never slowed down. Even into his mid-80s, he served with passion, showing up for chaplain calls, encouraging young people, mentoring others, and pouring out God’s Word with clarity and grace. His

“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