Here in the Shenandoah Valley, we are blessed with many caves. Our karst limestone topography has yielded numerous underground rooms and passageways that crisscross beneath our feet without our knowledge. Several of these caverns are open to the public and provide tours into the subterranean world of wonders below us. …
A few years back a baby grand piano showed up at a local thrift shop. One of the generous couples in our church with huge hearts offered to buy and donate it to the congregation for use in our worship services. We were all very excited and thankful for this…
It’s hard to believe another year is nearly in the books. Twelve months ago we were peering into the unknown days of 2018 and now nearly all of them are complete. If you’re going to accomplish a goal or keep last year’s resolution, you’d better get busy for the time…
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is only a few days away! For those who aren’t fully ready, the hours are limited and the rush is on! Shopping, wrapping, decorating, caroling, visiting, eating, and traveling are now down to their final moments. In all the busyness, don’t forget to meditate…
The little lump of clay sat patiently awaiting the potter’s attention. As he did so, he began to anticipate what he might become. Perhaps the craftsman would shape him into a large wide pot to store freshly harvested grain that would be ground into flour to feed the family. Perhaps…
Last month, Nancy and I enjoyed an incredible bucket list trip to Israel to literally walk many of the places where Jesus Himself walked. We entered the Bethlehem cave where very ancient tradition says He was actually born and we visited Capernaum to see the excavations of the very house…
A few years back, Nancy and I traveled to Germany for a friend’s wedding. While we were there, we also took in a side trip to Switzerland, Austria, and Lichtenstein. It was a wonderful trip that continues to bring smiles every time we remember it. To enable us to get…
One component that has been added to our turkey, dressing, and gravy Thanksgiving traditions is an NFL football game. After the large noon meal, many gather around their televisions to let their stomachs begin the work of digesting all that their taste buds enjoyed. May the best team win and…
Five years ago next month, over one hundred concerned citizens met near Woodstock to discuss the challenges of homelessness in our community. God enabled the seeds planted at that initial gathering to quickly sprout and speedily bear good fruit through what now is Family Promise of Shenandoah County. This ministry…
One of the curses we have learned to live with in Virginia is the brown marmorated stink bug. This is the official name of the pest that arrived in the US from Asia some 20 years ago that has now spread throughout much of the nation. Although similar in appearance…