Just A Little Lump of Clay
The little lump of clay sat patiently awaiting the potter’s attention. As he did so, he began to anticipate what he might become. Perhaps the craftsman would shape him into a large wide pot to store freshly harvested grain that would be ground into flour to feed the family. Perhaps…
Responding To God’s Benefits
It’s hard to believe we are on the doorstep of Thanksgiving already. It seems Labor Day was just last week. Nevertheless, the naked trees and early sunsets convince me that it is late November. As we celebrate another Thanksgiving holiday, I pray we truly reflect on the many blessings God…
Deformed Antlers and Distorted Lives
Tomorrow marks the beginning of Rifle Season for deer in most Shenandoah Valley counties. This day used to be somewhat of a local holiday with excused school absences, various business closures, and the influx of many hunters from Northern Virginia. However, since Muzzleloading Season started arriving two weeks prior to…
God’s Insurance Policy
Earlier this year, Florida got hammered by two massive hurricanes in a short period of time. Helene hit the west coast on September 26 wreaking widespread havoc before turning north to drop devastating rainfall in North Carolina and Tennessee resulting in over 230 deaths. Less than two weeks later, Milton…
Apprenticeships And Trade Secrets
The first Saturday of November ushers in Black Powder season for deer in Shenandoah County. Archery season has been in during October and Rifle Season will begin in two weeks. Hunters are making their last minute preparations as they envision the “big one” stepping out from behind that tree. With…
The Seminary of Jimmy and Violet
This coming Tuesday, October 29, would have been our parents’ 74th wedding anniversary. This year, along with the last 9, they’re celebrating in heaven. I’ve written before about what a blessing it was to have Christian parents who loved us and set godly examples. While they were not perfect, they…
Carving Birds and Christians
During my days of teaching Natural Resources, I often invited guest speakers to come and tell students about their occupations. Conservation Police Officers, Game Biologists, Fishery Managers, US Fish and Wildlife personnel and more visited the classes to share experiences, advantages, and disadvantages of their jobs in the natural resource…
Helping Others In Jesus’ Name
Hurricane Helene has wrought massive destruction throughout the southeastern United States. Heartbreaking images continue to remind us of the devastation caused by massive amounts of rain. I’m thankful for the thousands of individuals and ministries that are providing help and hope to those affected. Samaritan’s Purse has been the tip…
Licking the Fruit
Most Wednesday evenings, our church hosts over 100 elementary and middle schoolers for the BLAST program. This Believing, Loving, And Serving Together ministry includes snack, recreation, dinner, and class learning time. In addition to driving the bus, my main responsibility is to teach Bible lessons each week. Since the themes…
“Tear Down This Wall!”
I still get goose bumps every time I remember that warm summer day in the White House Rose Garden. I was privileged to represent the Virginia FFA Association at the State Presidents’ Conference in Washington, DC and what an incredible week it was. We met with our Representatives and Senators,…