If you ever have a hankering for a story, just say the word, “snake.” Everyone has their own favorite tale about these legless creatures that strike fear in the hearts of all humanity and most are anxious to share them with anyone who will listen. My friend, Benny, shared a…
Many years ago a man came into enormous wealth. No one was ever quite sure where it came from, but his net worth seemed infinite. With part of his money he purchased several square miles and built a huge two story castle that sprawled over several acres. He constructed the…
This coming Tuesday, America observes its 241st birthday with cookouts, parades, and fireworks. Although we often take our freedoms for granted, Independence Day really should be celebrated with great fanfare and all citizens should pause to thank God and our founders for the rare privileges we enjoy. Fifty-six men of courage…
June is the month for weddings. According to Soundvision.com, nearly 11% of all couples tie the nuptial knot sometime during this month. Not only is the weather favorable, but the timing also coincides nicely with graduations when many are ready to begin the next chapters of their lives. As such,…
Our Shenandoah Valley forests are taking another hit. A little over 100 years ago, the Chestnut Blight eliminated one of the most useful and stately trees in our woodlands. About 50 years later, the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid began to hammer our Eastern Hemlocks and many have succumbed to their relentless…
It’s a special weekend here in Shenandoah County as our high school seniors walk across stages, pick up their diplomas, and head off into life. Many surrounding localities have already celebrated these milestones and a few are yet to come, but by mid-June most schools are out and students who…
In 2002, Millennium Partners pitched a proposal to build the tallest residential building west of the Mississippi in San Francisco. The Planning Commission approved their request and the $350 million construction project began in 2005. Four years later, the 645 foot 58 story skyscraper known as Millennium Tower was completed…
As I shared in last week’s column, Nancy and I were privileged to recently visit Hawaii and enjoy many scenic and historic sites as well as the local cuisine, of which I brought back not a little on my person. It was truly an enjoyable trip and we are thankful…
The first Thursday of every May has been designated as America’s National Day of Prayer. Although we should pray every day, this special time is set aside for Christians to join together to pray for our nation, our citizens, and our leaders. The USA has and continues to enjoy many…
Sunday marks the observance of the greatest miracle in human history. The resurrection of a human being who had been dead for three days was unprecedented until it occurred just outside Jerusalem in the first century. There have been reports of miraculous healings, incredible weather changes, sudden provisions, military turnarounds,…