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…
NASCAR fans are well aware that the Chase is on for The Sprint Cup. This award is the highest honor in NASCAR and is conferred on only one top driver each year. The winner is the MVP, the World Champion, and the gold medalist of racing all rolled into one.…
This weekend has been designated Youth and Apprentice Deer Hunting Weekend by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. This is a special day for parents and grandparents to take their youngsters into the woods to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors and to experience the thrill of the hunt. …
As I write this column, the mercury in my thermometer is more petite than it’s been the last several weeks and for this I am very grateful. Although we will still have some warm days, their numbers are getting fewer. I have enjoyed the summertime, but I’m always anxious for…