When it comes to cleaning out between the cushions of the couch one often finds interesting things like coins, keys, popcorn, other random stuff. But when family members of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, went through her couch, they found something much more interesting; they found a handwritten will. Since the will that was…
You are cursed by the god yhw, cursed. You will die, cursed – cursed, you will surely die. Cursed you are by yhw – cursed. These are the words found on a lead tablet that was recently discovered in a pile of discarded archaeological material on Mount Ebal in the land of Israel. The tablet was so fragile that scientists had to use…
The minute we die our bodies start to decay. According to scientists, a year after we die all that is left of our bodies is our bones. Embalming can slow the process so that a proper funeral can be held but the decay of our bodies is inevitable. Scripture tells us this is because of…
Another day, another fascinating pair of headlines. First, I saw a headline reporting that Karen Bass’ first move as the new mayor of Los Angeles was to declare a homelessness state of emergency. According to the accompanying article Mayor Bass promised to, “break new ground to maximize our ability to urgently move people inside and…
As we approach the end of another church year, the focus turns to Jesus’ return at the end of the world. In Luke, chapter 21, verses 5-32, Jesus urges us to do two things to prepare for his return: watch the signs that will precede the end and watch ourselves to be sure we are…
A young woman was stunned by the conditions of the troops when she visited the Jockey Hallow encampment during the Revolutionary War. Ten thousand unwashed, poorly-clothed, poorly-fed, American soldiers were packed into drafty log huts during the bitter cold winter. She brought up the topic of the poor conditions of the troops with one of…
For a news junkie like me, there are times when the news can be inspiring and other times disheartening. That was the case a few days ago. First, I read the fascinating story of how scientists pinpointed the date that Vikings were living in North America. It was long before Columbus showed up. They proved…
Suicide Prevention Week and World Suicide Prevention Day are held each year in September. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Experts estimate that for every suicide there are 29 attempted suicides. Whites and American Indians have the highest rates of suicide…
When was the last time you clapped your hands? In the days before the COVID-19 pandemic we thought nothing of clapping our hands at concerts, sporting events and other gatherings. There’s nothing like showing your appreciation to a talented performer by clapping enthusiastically. Then the pandemic hit. Large gatherings came to a halt and so…
It was announced this week that Amazon would be buying MGM Studios, the second-largest acquisition in Amazon’s history. The deal once again raised antitrust concerns related to Amazon as the company continues to gobble up companies in a wide variety of industries. Back in March, the AP’s Marcy Gordon had a very interesting article about the…
