Cheery Branches on Weeping Cherries
Although Cherry Blossom season ended about a month ago in our nation’s capital, and although Apple Blossom in Winchester is past, many other trees of various species continue to bloom displaying their annual splendor for all to see. Locust trees have most recently shared their glory and dogwoods are also…
Miracle Moms
One of the best parts of my job is to share Bible Stories with the Antioch Little Duckling Preschoolers each week. This usually involves the lesson, a memory verse, a song, and a prayer. It’s such a blessing to see the joy and enthusiasm on their faces as they learn…
Turkey Heads and Spiritual Gifting
Spring is certainly one of my favorite times of the year for a variety of reasons. Not only are the flowers and trees blooming, the songbirds singing, and the spring peepers peeping, but the turkeys are gobbling as well! I’ve enjoyed some special times in the woods the last couple…
Growth Rates of Trees and Christians
A few months back I was visiting with Bob Gochenour about some of our shared ancestors. As we talked about what life must have been like for them, he told me a story from when he surveyed a plot of land for the US Forest Service in West Virginia. The…
Killer Bees And Jesus’ Resurrection
Most readers have probably heard of the killer bees that arrived in the US in 1990. This Africanized honey bee is a cross between the East African Lowland honey bee and different European honey bee subspecies. In 1957, 26 swarms of the African bees escaped quarantine and began moving northward…
Remembering Jesus’ Crucifixion
Next week is often referred to as Holy Week because of all that took place within it. According to the Gospel writers, many events transpired within a very short span of time including Jesus’s weeping over Jerusalem, His Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday, His clearing of the Temple, His teachings…
A Fishy Identity Crisis
As the temperatures warm up, many are returning to the woods and the waters. Youth season for turkeys is this weekend and many have been pulling trout out of valley creeks for weeks. Along with mulching, these too are annual rites of springtime. Although Dad didn’t mount nearly as many…
Springtime Appetizer for Heaven
What a glorious time is spring! After another cold grey winter, it’s so refreshing to see green grass once again! It’s also exciting to see the beautiful yellow daffodils blooming from bulbs that came from my parents’ home. In addition, the advent of spring graces our ears with gobbling turkeys,…
Dinosaur Bones And The Bible
Few topics interest children any more than dinosaurs. Even us older children are fascinated by fossils left behind from these amazing giants! But where do dinos fit into Biblical history and how can we make sense of it all? Although there’s no proof that humans had dinosaur pets like the…
Grant Writing Our Prayers
Before becoming a fulltime pastor, I had the privilege of teaching students about agriculture, natural resources, and leadership. As a part of those responsibilities, I served as an Advisor for the Central Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter and have many great memories of students and activities. At that time,…