Our Local Version of Oak Island
Last year I was privileged to acquire another book of local history entitled, Welcome To Fort Valley by Jeanette Ritenour, James Trott, and Margaret Trott. This 600 page volume is chocked full of anecdotes, photos, and background of the Valley Within a Valley. Although I’ve just started reading it, what…
Shenandoah County’s Race Riot
A few months ago, I mentioned a great book of local history, Shenandoah Iron by Norman H. Scott that details the incredible industry that once flourished in the Shenandoah Valley. This thriving enterprise has left its mark not only with the now cold and silent stone crucibles throughout our mountains,…
An Update on Weekday Religious Education
As January has turned into February, we know that spring will soon be here! And this spring brings renewed hope and optimism for public school children in Shenandoah County! The School Board officially voted at their first meeting of 2022 to allow released time for Weekday Religious Education and plans…
A Ski Trip To Remember
Although it seemed to take longer than normal to get here, winter has certainly arrived in the Shenandoah Valley as evidenced by snow cover and single digit temperatures. Such frigid conditions set the stage for some excellent skiing, or so I’m told. My last skiing excursion was during my college…
Of Eagles And Babies
What a blessing to catch a glimpse of a Bald Eagle soaring here in the Shenandoah Valley. After an absence of many years, it’s refreshing to know that they are reproducing again in this part of their former range. It is important, however, not to destroy or even tamper with…
How To Live Longer And Be Happier
What if someone offered you an opportunity to extend your lifetime, enhance your marriage, and help you find more meaning and purpose in life? A rigorous study by Tyler VanderWeele at Harvard University can help us find what this sounds-to-good-to-be-true solution is. VanderWheele found that regular participation in a religious…
Becoming Jesus’ Fine Wine
Nancy and I finally got around to watching the first episodes of The Chosen video series given to us by a good friend. Consequently, we have already ordered the second season! If you haven’t availed yourself of this tool for spiritual growth and evangelism, I encourage you to do so…
New Year’s Thoughts
It’s hard to believe the books are about to close on another year. It seems just last month 2021 was beginning with much promise, hope, and expectation. Hopefully you enjoyed the fulfillment of some of those even if this past year did bring its share of sadness and pain as…
Lining Up For Jesus
We have arrived once again at Christmas! What a blessed time to celebrate and remember the birth of the world’s Savior and the giving of the best Gift ever! Luke tells us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem fulfilling Micah’s 700 year old prophecy. His mom and stepdad made their…
Turning To The Light
Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat. Personally I prefer turkey, and ham is even better, but the reality is that Christmas Day is fast approaching! While Luke details Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and Matthew tells us about the Wise Men, John’s nativity story is much different. Instead…