Man’s Best Friends Are Superb Sniffers
The dog has long enjoyed the popular designation of man’s best friend and for good reason. These amazing animals possess extraordinary capacities for human relationships with their wagging tails, welcoming licks, and excited eyes. In addition to making lovable pets, however, dogs also provide great assistance to us in many…
The Church’s Foundational Support
Awhile back, several of our members at Antioch were doing some renovations in the old basement. That part of the building was hand-dug by previous church members in the late 1950s to create space for a kitchen, fellowship hall, and classrooms. I can’t imagine the labor involved in shoveling wheelbarrow…
The Five Second Rule For Souls
Most of us have heard and repeated the famous “five-second” rule. According to prevailing “wisdom,” any food dropped on the floor is still safe to eat if it is retrieved within five seconds. Supposedly, four seconds on the floor does not allow enough time for harmful bacteria and other problematic…
Hard Work Is Still Important
On Monday, we celebrate the efforts of all America’s hardworking laborers. Labor Day became a US holiday in 1894 when President Cleveland signed a bill passed by Congress. This grew out of strikes and unrest arising from mistreatment of workers in the late 1800s. Some businesses considered their laborers expendable…
Heralding The Sunrise and the Son
This coming Monday, our Dad would have turned 104. Although he is now with Jesus, I’m so very thankful God gave us our capacity to remember so we can continue to enjoy individuals who have been blessings in our lives. One comical memory of our Dad involved his ongoing grudge…
The Most Valuable Gem of All
Imagine digging in the earth and discovering a 2,492-carat diamond! That’s what happened in the Karowe Mine in Botswana, Africa in August of 2024. With the average engagement stone weighing in at just over 1 carat, this monster was also of high quality and found intact according to the Lucara…
Helping In Jesus’ Name
Last summer I had the privilege of touring the airplane hanger for Samaritan’s Purse in Greensboro, NC and what incredible stories I heard! While many are familiar with the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes that are collected and shipped all over the world, most have never heard about the extensive disaster…
Back to School and Back to Jesus!
It’s hard to believe that public school students in Shenandoah County will be heading back to their classrooms this coming week. As I reflect on my teaching years, I often wonder where my former students ended up. While I have remained in contact with several, others have slipped away. I’m…
Trees Beside The River
In spite of some recent storms, the Valley’s water table remains low as most of Viriginia continues to experience moderate to severe drought conditions. We pray for God to provide rain not only for our crops but to also replenish our wells, streams, rivers, and ponds. Even when showers come,…
Fish Finders And Good Reminders
Summertime is fishing time! Although I’m not as avid about fishing as I am about hunting, I still like getting on the water occasionally to wet a line and waste some time. My father could catch fish anywhere anytime on anything, but I did not inherit his angling talent although…