Recalibrating Our Hearts
One of my part-time jobs in high school was working for a huckster. My boss left Maurertown very early every Wednesday morning to travel to northern Virginia to sell fresh produce, eggs, and meat. He had a regular route and standing orders from customers that he filled faithfully each week…
Sharpening Each Other
Each trade has its own set of specialized tools. Auto mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and all others have their own instruments unique to their individual professions. But nearly all such vocations rely on some type of cutting tool. As a taxidermist, my father used countless knives during his career. In…
A Different Kind of Salamander
Anyone interested in valley history owes it to themselves to read Norman H. Scott’s book, Shenandoah Iron. This treasure contains many stories about the prosperous iron industry that once thrived in this area and, together with its agriculture, created a climate not unlike today’s Silicon Valley. Sadly, all that remains…
Safe Behind Enemy Lines
Much of the world’s attention has been focused on Afghanistan and the tenuous situation there. Americans, Christians, and those who have assisted the US continue to need our prayers as the days drag on and as the crisis deepens. Pray for preservation of life, liberty, and property. As I’ve watched…
Fighting Our Orangutans
It’s that time of year when county fairs rotate around the valley. Some surrounding counties have already enjoyed theirs and Shenandoah County’s begins next weekend. Children are preparing livestock, adults are baking, canning and selecting their best vegetables, and mechanics are gearing up for the demolition derby. Fairs bring all…
The Praying Moose
As many readers remember, my father operated Bowers’ Taxidermy for over 60 years. Not only was his work iconic, but his shop became a landmark along the Valley Pike. I consider it a privilege to have been his son. I’ve shared before that dad’s shop was always fascinating as customers…
Training For the Olympics and Life
Many people around the globe have enjoyed watching the various events of this year’s Summer Olympics. From track to soccer to swimming and more, over 11,650 athletes will have competed in 339 events before it is all over. According to the Washington Post, somewhere in the neighborhood of 5,000 gold,…
An Unexpected Upgrade
When I was a freshman at Virginia Tech many years ago, I had the privilege of meeting another student that would become a lifelong friend. Not only did Marlon and I share the same birthday, we also shared the same Savior and a love for agriculture and the outdoors. A…
Passing Faith’s Baton
The long delayed Summer Olympics got underway in Japan this week with opening ceremonies and great excitement. Athletes from around the world have finally converged in Tokyo for the thirty-second edition of skill and speed. Sadly, the events will be conducted without in-person audiences or even family members due to…
Demolishing Life’s Strongholds
Many readers are familiar with Antony and Cleopatra. Shakespeare immortalized this ancient couple in one of his most memorable plays. Although he took some poetic license, the real life interaction between these two was characterized by passion and power involving Roman and Egyptian kingdoms and every realm in between. What…