One of the more popular children’s gifts in the last few years has been the Elf on the Shelf. This money maker involves a storybook and doll combo that has recently expanded to include additional accessories that mines even deeper into our wallets. In addition to the Christmas version, birthday…
Here we are in the month of red and green with indoor trees and outdoor lights! What a special time of year to celebrate the birth of the Messiah with family and friends. While decorations consist of many different colors and symbols, one of the older yet still most common…
This Saturday marks the end of another rifle season for deer here in the Shenandoah Valley. Although there is a late Muzzleloader season yet to come, if a deer has escaped his hunters thus far, he has fairly good odds of surviving another year if he can avoid the automobiles…
Although my grandfather, Beecher Bowers, died when I was fairly young, I was fortunate to have heard some of his stories before he passed away. One of those was about the time he was 9 years old and in a one room schoolhouse at Pugh’s Run. He shared with me…
One Christmas, many years ago, I received a very special gift. As I was preparing for four years at Virginia Tech, I opened a package that contained a beautiful orange and maroon comforter with cross-stitched university symbols sewn into it. My parents and siblings had worked on this project secretly…
As we approach Election Day next Tuesday, many Christians are discouraged about our two options for President. Neither candidate reflects the beliefs that most of us could enthusiastically support. Faced with this dilemma, some are considering sitting out this trip to the polls and simply not voting at all. Let…
Almost a year ago now, Syed Farook and his wife Tashfeen Malik, ruthlessly massacred 14 of their fellow human beings and seriously injured 22 more in a terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California. Many of us watched this horrific drama play out on our televisions as the perpetrators were pursued…
As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, the trees begin to take on a new glory all their own. From the brilliant red Dogwoods and Gums to the yellow Hickories and Poplars to the orange Sassafras and Maples, the woodlands become God’s palette of perfection. We can…
Colorful leaves and cooler temperatures both remind us that the warm days of summer are in our rearview mirror for another several months. Crisp nights make us appreciate our warm beds and comfortably heated homes. The approach of winter should also remind us of those who don’t have the basic…
One of the coolest aspects of growing up in a Taxidermy Shop was the excitement of unexpected arrivals. When customers came through the door, we never knew what they might bring with them for dad to mount. Over the years, we saw African antelope, American turtles, western elk, and southern…