Planting Seeds For Jesus
After several years in finance and hospital administration, God called St. Luke native Michael Cooley to a different vocation. He is nearly finished with his Master’s Degree in Agroforestry from The University of Missouri and has advised numerous landowners up and down the valley regarding the best use of…
Another Who Died Well
Next Wednesday would have been our mother’s 90th birthday. Many readers will remember her remarkable death following a fiery accident on Christmas Eve of 2014. As she lay in RMH, she used her last few hours to witness to medical personnel and her family and to sing praises to…
Listening To Our Presidents
Many are looking forward to a holiday this month celebrating the birthdays of our nation’s presidents. Because two of the most famous were born in February, the third Monday has been set aside to honor them all. Although many hated Lincoln during the Civil War, most Americans revere…
Tickets of Bone and Blood
Sunday is the Big Game! Super Bowl LIV will be played in Miami to determine the best NFL team of the season. Unfortunately, my Dolphins won’t be competing even though the game will be played on their field. At any rate, 65,326 people will attend and over 100 million…
Forged In Fire
When I was a student at Central High School, one of my Agriculture teachers introduced our class to the forge. In those days, most Ag shops and many farms had a small forge to make or repair various implements. I still remember how the metal glowed red hot after…
Getting Some Terms Straight
Many years ago someone coined the phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Although it presents a courageous front, we all know how hurtful words can be and that the opposite phrase holds more truth, “The pen is mightier than the sword.”…
Instruments in God’s Hand
One of the blessings that God has created for our enjoyment is music. Whether sung by happy birds, diving whales, or gifted humans, music delights our ears and nourishes our souls. I’m very grateful for this unique creation that greatly enriches our existence. Few performances of music, however,…
Making Godly Impressions
We have all seen cement mixers running from one construction site to another. Once they arrive, awaiting crews spring into action spreading the wet mix to fill all the available area. They work feverishly to eliminate air bubbles and gaps and use floats and screeds to level the top. …
Parable of the Firewood
The firewood had been cut and neatly stacked by early September in anticipation of the upcoming winter. As the days and weeks passed, the nights got cooler and cooler and even though the homeowner covered the stack with a tarp to shield the pieces from rain and snow, it…
Mom’s Fiery Trail and Ours
While everyone is busy making last minute Christmas preparations, many are also missing and mourning their loved ones. Some have passed away since last year and others may have died years ago, but the holidays have a way of bringing back their joyful memories, as well as some pain…