How enjoyable it was to watch the Summer Olympic Games as athletes from all over the globe competed for top honors in hundreds of different categories. Of course the convincing success of American competitors helped to make it even more exciting for me, but the sheer force of human will…
Can you imagine having 100 million dollars and not even knowing it? Wouldn’t it be a great day when you found out? Last week, a fisherman in the Philippines had this enviable experience. The story began ten years ago when this unidentified man, along with his brothers and father, were…
The end of August foreshadows many things in the Shenandoah Valley. It not only signals the advent of ragweed season, but it also heralds the Shenanodah County Fair as well as the beginning of another school year. Students who have been on hiatus contract that pit feeling as they realize…
Instead of rice, imagine pelting newlyweds with almonds as they leave for their honeymoon. Although it would be expensive and perhaps dangerous today, that’s what the Romans tossed two thousand years ago as a fertility blessing. While I’m not sure of the quantity of nuts thrown, I hope hard hats…
Praise God for tomatoes! They are one of my favorite parts of summertime and certainly at the top of my list of veggie preferences. Once August arrives, those hard crunchy ones from the produce aisles can finally be swapped out for real ones from the garden! Ever since I was…
Imagine your parents being savagely murdered in the doorway of your home while other family members are brutally gunned down or hacked to death. Although this sounds like a recent news report from Syria, Iraq, or even France, this took place right here in the Shenandoah Valley 250 years ago…
While the dog is man’s best friend, the cat may fill that role for his wife. Although it is certainly not my preference, many women enjoy the companionship of these furry felines. As my wife reminds me, even cats can reveal something to us of the great Creator who made…
All modern motorists are familiar with the large fines and insurance increases that accompany a reckless driving charge. I was somewhat surprised, however, to learn that some drivers were cited for this even back in the days of the horse and buggy. I’m enjoying the recollections of local historian Fred…
Imagine my alarm as my twelve year old son exclaimed, “Hey Dad, what kind of snake is this?” Those are the words that will immediately command every father’s full attention, especially when his 9 year old daughter is close behind that son. About a dozen years ago, the three of…
I recently returned from our denominational conference in Greensboro, North Carolina and believe it or not, I don’t feel sick, evil, or guilty. While others boycott the state for its bathroom bill, I enjoyed the peace of mind this protection afforded me and all others. The relentless pressure from the…