Summer is a great time to explore the Shenandoah Valley and our surrounding mountains. A multitude of trails beckon us to discover all they have to reveal. Several summers ago, my son and I hiked a National Forest trail near the headwaters of Little Stoney. As we meandered up through…
The Pew Research Center just released the results of a new poll. According to a 2019 study that included over 38,000 respondents in 34 countries, only 45% considered it necessary to believe in God to be moral and have good values. At first blush, these results seem generous toward human…
As July prepares to roll into August, areas of the Valley are drying out. Although some have had regular showers to keep them green, others have been left out causing the ground to crack and the corn to roll. We’re all praying for some good soaking rain for our…
One of the benefits of growing up as country boy is the freedom to explore. As a youngster, my cousins and I spent many days roaming the hills and valleys near my home discovering hidden streams, gigantic trees, and spectacular views. It’s difficult to believe that our parents gave us…
A few weeks back, Woodstock lost a special man. Danny Hottel was an icon around town and an important thread in our local fabric. His dedication to his hometown, to the Woodstock Fire Department and to his community continues to provide a good example for the rest of us to…
Happy Birthday to us! Most Americans look forward to the holiday that celebrates our nation’s official birthday. On July 4, 1776, 56 founders risked their fortunes, their lives, and their sacred honors by signing our country’s birth certificate, the Declaration of Independence. What many do not know is what George…
Miss Petty Tunia bloomed profusely in the warm June sunshine. Having been planted by her gardener many weeks earlier, she had all the moisture and nutrients she needed or desired. And whenever the rains were too long in coming, that gracious gardener turned his hose on his flowers for…
Sunday is Father’s Day and what a blessing it is to both be a father and to have had such an outstanding one. God is so very good to me. Only Adam and Jesus entered this world without earthly fathers so God’s design in providing us with dads is…
A little over a year ago Gary Burrell passed away in Kansas. That name probably doesn’t ring any bells, but most of us have benefited from one of his inventions. Burrell used his background in marine and aviation electronics and worked with fellow engineer, Min Kao, to develop an affordable…
As we head into the heat of summertime, it seems that tempers and relationships are heating us as well. The recent rioting has been particularly ugly and disheartening. Police officers have been killed and injured, struggling businesses have been looted and burned, and our nation’s capital has been wounded…