On several recent trips to the grocery store, I noticed how various shoppers have perfected the art of selecting fresh fruits and vegetables. For example: – A thump for a sweet watermelon – A squeeze for a firm, ripe tomato – A sniff for …( read more )

After my salvation experience in 1978, I had an unquenchable desire to read, learn, and understand the Bible. It became my first love. If I heard good lessons from Bible expositors on the radio, I would request their offered cassette …( read more )

In an era of rapidly changing customs and thought patterns, the world of art likewise changes, following trends related to various philosophical worldviews. During my attendance at the college of art from 1961 to 1962, the prevalence of …( read more )

The practice and preparation was an arduous and laborious journey to overcome, only to reach the halfway point. Predicated on excellence, the auditions began. The reward of my effort deserved its worth, as I was one of many select vocal …( read more )

As an enthusiast of art and architectural history, I have enjoyed over the years visiting many early American churches. The buildings were made of either stone or fine wood. My fascination with old houses of worship grew stronger after I …( read more )

One week prior to my high school graduation, the Pennsylvania State University awarded me entrance into the College of Art as an applied art major. As an upstart, studying the masters of art, from the classics to the contemporary, was …( read more )

As a former coin collector, I have always had a fascination with gold, which is one of our most precious metals. There are several YouTube videos on the Internet that show the painstaking refinement process by which all the dross and …( read more )

Our town, Ocean View, Delaware, USA, is a beach resort area on the Atlantic coast having an influx of vacationers yearlong, especially in the summertime. Throughout the year, our area is laced with yard sales, garage sales, and flea …( read more )

A tradition my Italian grandfather brought from the old country was winemaking. Besides the delicious table fruit from his grape vines once native to the hillsides of southeastern Italy, every year he would harvest and press the grapes to …( read more )

A friend of my wife lost her husband about three years ago to cancer. She has no children, and her remaining relatives are scattered, some nowhere to be found. So we make it a point to occasionally include her for dinner, especially …( read more )

Daybreak opens the skies. The picturesque view from my living room bay window displays a miniature freshwater pond as a family of white-tailed deer dashes across its sunlit banks and breaks for a refreshing drink. Suddenly, I'm in awe: …( read more )

In preparation for a sermon during my pastorate, a particularly good idea surfaced. I thought to myself, "What a powerful message the Holy Spirit has laid on my heart!" The Scripture passage was something we all needed to hear. After I had …( read more )

As a young adult who was fond of long hair, I noticed that, with few exceptions, many female movie stars had shortened hair styles. I recall the 1970 movie, Love story: Actress Ali MacGraw revived the trend of long hair in the film …( read more )

I became fascinated while watching a commercial about a waterproofing agent contained in a spray can that was able to repair leakages on almost anything. The salesman even demonstrated a rowboat with a screened hole in the bottom that had …( read more )

In the news, commentators announced that this year's fee for a thirty-second commercial during Super Bowl XLIX (49) will be four and a half million dollars. I thought to myself, *What if I, as an emissary for God, were awarded the …( read more )

In Christian vernacular, we use the word giant as a substitute for a major problem in our lives. This idea or imagery developed from the biblical narrative of David and Goliath. More than three years ago, I had a setback after being …( read more )

For as long as I remember, I've heard people make New Year's resolutions about something they are going to change in their lives. Then later, I observe that they are back doing the very thing that they committed not to do. Year after …( read more )

Growing up in an Italian neighbourhood named Tacony in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, during Christmastime was festive for a young boy. The Roman Catholic Church was steeped in customs, especially during the Advent season. These …( read more )

In a little town in north-eastern Pennsylvania, USA, my wife and I were expecting and preparing for the birth of our firstborn child, Joseph. One day in the fourth month of her pregnancy, Lori said, "The baby is active; go ahead and feel …( read more )

Because I am a non-confrontational person, being forthright, outspoken, or direct when speaking truth becomes an arduous task requiring discernment. I perceive others to have tendencies to sugar-coat truth in fear of animosity or …( read more )

For over five years, I hosted a radio program called The Gospel Train. The joy of the Lord was in my heart as I read Scripture and played classic gospel recordings. One of my favourites was from Grammy Award artist, Andraé Crouch, who …( read more )

Imagine everyone living in perfect peace and harmony. During the 1990s, our autistic son was fascinated by a television show called Barney and Friends. Barney was a talking, teaching, dancing, singing purple dinosaur who captured the …( read more )

When I was a young boy, my grandfather often took me to Ninth Street in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, popularly known as The Italian Market. Vendors would openly sell meat, poultry, fish, fruit, vegetables, and especially …( read more )

During the late 'sixties when I was a musician and singer in a band, I received many requests for the tune, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da. Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the song characterized the attitudes of a youth generation of …( read more )

Several days ago, my wife and I watched a 2004 movie entitled, Mary Of Nazareth: With Jesus From Birth To Death. A particular scene caught my attention as being amusing as well as anecdotal. However, the implications of the story are …( read more )