Imagine climbing a spiral staircase that was 25,000 steps tall. Such a fete winds me just thinking about it, but try imagining that each of those steps was perfectly placed and deeply engraved with vital information about your existence. As you climb higher, you learn more and more about who…
As another winter approached in November of 2013, approximately 180 concerned Christians gathered at a local church to discuss issues related to homelessness in Shenandoah County. Perspectives were shared, opinions expressed, and various suggestions were put forward. One of them, the development of a local Family Promise Affiliate, has finally…
February is quite a historical month for our country. Not only is it Black History Month, but it is also when we celebrate the birthdays of two of our nation’s preeminent presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. William Henry Harrison and Ronald Wilson Reagan were also February babies, although their…
Last week our Valley got one of the biggest snowstorms we’ve seen in a while. Since then, most of us have dug out and resumed normal lives and schedules. In fact, those few days of being snowed-in allowed many to enjoy a much needed break or to catch up on…
The amazing complexities in God’s Creation continue to baffle scientists who are constantly forced to change their theories because of new discoveries. Daily revelations on both the microscopic as well as the cosmic levels are rewriting science books and Wikipedia alike. Everywhere we look, we find incredible highly ordered structures…
In last week’s column, we examined Luke’s account of how Jesus and His parents ended up homeless in Bethlehem and were forced to find shelter in a barn or cave. Since most subscribers to this paper have warm homes and ample food, I pray that this reflection isn’t lost among…
I’ve enjoyed many New Year’s Eves over the years with family and friends. Some have been spent quietly at home, some at church for Watchnight services complete with games and great refreshments, and some with a few friends watching the ball drop on television. As a boy, I remember some…
Away in a Manger has long been a favorite Christmas Carol for many children as well as adults. The soft tune conjures up warm and cozy images of a stable’s comfy interior, complete with adoring shepherds and generous wise men. While this picture of the holy nativity dominates our thoughts…
Following the most recent terrorist attack in California, certain politicians and media have mocked and ridiculed calls to prayer. Mike Luckovich’s political cartoon that appeared in this paper on December 7th lampooned certain officials for announcing a doubling of prayers as a potential strategy to fight terrorism. Only in twenty-first…
Several years ago I got hooked on genealogy after borrowing my parents’ ancestry book, The Descendants of Jacob Gochenour. Since then I have been fascinated to discover roots and connections all over the county and the world. When Nancy and I visited Europe last year, one of the highlights was…