Tomorrow would have been our parents’ seventy-second wedding anniversary. They are now both in heaven and although they didn’t get to enjoy that many anniversaries here on earth, they did celebrate 58 of them together. As I shared a while back, my siblings and I came across one of mom’s…
As we approach Halloween, we are reminded of frightening stories told around campfires that kept us awake for many nights to come, but few mastered horror and plot twists as well as Alfred Hitchcock. He is considered by many to be the father of the horror movie genre. In his…
One of the stories buried deep in Genesis is the one where Rebekah offers a drink to a total stranger. Little does she know he is seeking a wife for the son of wealthy Abraham. In great hospitality, she offered and drew water for his camels as well. Rebekah also…
Many readers are familiar with Michelangelo’s famous sculpture of the Biblical David which still stands in Florence, Italy. It is viewed by many as an artistic masterpiece that has survived earthquakes, riots, lightning strikes, vandals, and every outdoor statue’s worst enemy: pigeons. What many do not know is the incredible…
One of the benefits of traveling is learning about other cultures. While Nancy and I were in Hawaii earlier this year, we learned a good bit of its history that has helped make the Hawaiians who they are today. Prior to Captain Cook’s arrival in 1778, the Hawaiians had no…
It’s that time of year again! As temperatures drop and the days shorten, that can only mean one thing: hunting season is near! Squirrel and dove hunters have already started and archery season for big game begins next week. September and October were busy months in my Dad’s taxidermy shop…
I have always loved trees. I’m not sure where this affinity came from, but perhaps it was part of the outdoors package handed down from my father and older brothers. I remember when training for the FFA Forestry Contest how proud I was to identify some trees they could not.…
Nancy and I were fortunate to enjoy a recent trip to Hawaii. It was great to finally get away from the frantic pace of normal life and relax a little in a tropical paradise. I thank God for the brief respite and a bit of recharge. Before we left on…
For many in Shenandoah County, next week is crunch week. Young people who are planning to show their livestock at the Fair are making their final preparations, gardeners are selecting their best produce and flowers, and homemakers are baking their best recipes. County fairs are special times in our valley…
Praise God for the abundant rains this summer that have produced beautiful corn and soybean fields, bountiful gardens, and lawns that are still green in mid-August! Although the temperatures have been hot, moisture has remained high and we have yet to see the gaping cracks in our clay soils. Along…