Springtime is an Appetizer for Heaven
Don’t you just love springtime? I can’t honestly think of any aspect I do not enjoy. The daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are welcome indicators of a warming landscape. This is also the finest hour for redbuds, dogwoods, apples, pears, and all manner of trees displaying their gorgeous blossoms followed in…
The Greatest Event In History
This Sunday we remember the most important event in all of history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. No matter how many times we’ve celebrated this incredible event, we can never do so enough, for it has eternal implications for all people. As I mentioned in last week’s…
The Bible’s Blood Trail
Christians are about to begin the most special week of the year. Although the rest of the world champions Speed Week, March Madness, or even Christmas, those who follow Jesus realize the eternal significance of all that happened over the next eight days. That’s why we call it Holy Week.…
There’s Gold in Them Thar’ Hills!
One of the blessings of meeting new people and traveling to new places is hearing new stories. During a recent trip to West Virginia a good friend shared a Civil War story that holds a lesson for all believers. While showing me around the area and pointing out some good…
Awaiting Jesus With Dogged Anticipation
Thirty years ago this week, I was blessed to become the father of a sweet little girl. Over the years Mary has grown into a beautiful young woman and wife. She and her husband now live near Dallas, Texas and we don’t get to see them nearly as often as…
An Earthquake for Your Etch A Sketch
Anyone who follows me on Facebook knows how much I like corny humor. Many of the memes I share include puns or slightly twisted cartoons. In the midst of life’s seriousness and struggles, laughter is vital to maintaining some sense of sanity. One cartoon I shared a while back featured…
Restoring Old Cars and Wrecked Lives
The Shenandoah Valley has some of the most scenic roads anywhere. What a treat it is to enjoy this natural beauty on routine commutes and errands. Too often, however, we get accustomed to the beauty and take it for granted. Some items that occasionally mar this setting are junk cars.…
Our Common Sense and Ukrainian Justice
As I write this column, Russian troops are bearing down on the capital of Ukraine as well as other cities throughout that country. Just last night I watched as doctors failed to revive a little girl about the same age as my granddaughter. The images and stories coming out of…
The Purpose and Pain of Winter Pruning
It’s hard to believe that March is just a few days away and that 2022 is already two months old. As we move into this new month, we will be seeing more warm days and more spring flowers announcing their victory over winter’s long siege. Gardeners realize that their busiest…
Our Local Version of Oak Island
Last year I was privileged to acquire another book of local history entitled, Welcome To Fort Valley by Jeanette Ritenour, James Trott, and Margaret Trott. This 600 page volume is chocked full of anecdotes, photos, and background of the Valley Within a Valley. Although I’ve just started reading it, what…