By Nathaniel Hawthorne, American author (1804-1864); based on a paragraph from The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin    When Benjamin Franklin was a boy he was very fond of fishing; and many of his leisure hours were spent on the margin of the mill pond catching flounders, perch, and eels that came up thither with […]
1381) Young Ben Franklin Learns a Lesson Read More »
 Above and below: Building character (from Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson). ***************************    It is only in the heat of pain and suffering, both mental and physical, that real human character is forged.  One does not develop courage without facing danger, patience without trials, wisdom without heart-and brain-racking puzzles, endurance without suffering, or
1314) Character Building Read More »
“THE MORE WE LIE THE EASIER IT BECOMES” By Julie Borg, posted 11-1-16 at http://www.wng.org —————–    Every time Pinocchio lied, his nose grew longer.  Of course, a real boy’s nose does not change when he lies, but his brain might, according to a new research study published in Nature Neuroscience.   Â
1306) Your Inner Pinocchio Read More »
   The wireless mic I wear every Sunday when I lead worship makes me nervous.  A couple times I have forgotten to turn it off after the service, and my conversations out in the hall were broadcast for all who hear.  When I was told that my mic was on, I immediately shut my
1214) Watching Your Tongue Read More »
“Five Things I Pray I Will Not Do as a Senior Adult in the Church” by Thom Rainer, July 18, 2016 at: Â www.ThomRanier.com ————————————- Â Â Â I received my first AARP material in the mail six years ago. Â I turned 61 years old two days ago. Â I am a senior adult. Â Â Â Have I
1196) On Not Becoming a Cranky Old Church Member Read More »
Above: Daniel’s Prayer, 1865, by Sir Edward Poynter  (1836-1919) ———————-    (…continued)  The story of Daniel and his friends reminds us that we belong to two kingdoms.  We are citizens of the United States of America, a nation of this temporary, worldly realm.  We are also children of God, and thereby members of God’s
1156) Daniel: A Brave and Godly Man (b) Read More »
Above painting: Daniel in the Lion’s Den, 1872, Briton Reviere  (1840-1920) ***************************    In 587 BC Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar besieged, defeated, and occupied the city of Jerusalem.  The people were his to kill or enslave.  He chose to make use of the talented young men of the city in his own government.  Daniel and
1155) Daniel: A Brave and Godly Man (a) Read More »
   The Bible teaches us how to live not only by giving commandments, but also by the listing of important moral virtues.  In Galatians 5:22 Paul wrote: The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If only everyone had such qualities!  Life would be so much better.
1133) The Fruit of the Spirit Read More »
   Lord Horatio Nelson (1758-1805; pictured above), British admiral and war hero, achieved all his triumphs by overcoming great physical hardships.    He was a small and sickly child.  Frail and weak, he fell victim to yellow fever and various other diseases.  He was a navy commander, yet suffered all his life from
1103) Overcoming Physical and Spiritual Weaknesses Read More »
Ruby Bridges, 1960 ——— Â Â Â Robert Coles, the distinguished child psychiatrist, went to New Orleans in the 1960s to help black children living with the trauma of trying to integrate their schools. Â Ruby Bridges was the first black child to help desegregate her public school in New Orleans. Â Every day Ruby would walk to
1064) “It’s Not Easy” Read More »
