How would you feel about a ministry that offered to help nearly 120 families including over 260 children in the next nine months without any local tax money? Help provided would include housing, budgeting, finding jobs, acquiring employment skills, transportation, food, and more. That is the 2021 record of Family…
The Out of the Past photo in Monday’s Northern Virginia Daily brought back good memories for many readers. The picture of Shenandoah County Weekday Religious Education teachers from 1971 reminded many of us of great life lessons from women who knew and loved Jesus! As I reflect on that part…
Cool crisp mornings turn my thoughts to fall hunting seasons and fall hunting seasons bring fond memories of my father’s taxidermy shop. With the arrival of archery season each year, successful hunters began the parade of customers bringing game heads for dad to mount. Dad’s shop was divided into three…
A few weeks back, news cycles were dominated by the withdrawal of US troops and personnel from Afghanistan. Few Americans opposed the pullout but many continue to be very concerned by the lack of forethought and the swift takeover of the entire nation by the Taliban. The failure to adequately…
As I shared in a previous column, two years ago I was privileged to enjoy a trip to Colorado to hunt western game. My father’s taxidermy shop implanted a lifelong dream within me to pursue elk and mule deer and experience the Rockies. Having been warned by veteran hunters, I…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…