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The spicy smell of baked lamb wafted through the house as religious leaders and other men of distinction moved to take their places at the table set for the occasion. The conversation flowed easily and the excitement mounted as they wondered what words this controversial teacher, who also was a guest, would have to say.

Dear Kids, I Corinthians 1:25b. … the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. It seems that many people these days spend a lot of time and money investing in their bodies. It is greatly valued in today’s society to be physically and mentally strong. I have watched many press themselves to the limit to…

Today we spend much time and money gaining knowledge. The cost of a college education is extremely high but very important to have. In this day and age it is often expected to go on with your education and get a Master's degree and even a Doctorate. Even after finishing school and getting a job we are required to take continuing education classes so we can keep current in our field and expertise. Over the years I have learned to enjoy gaining more and more information. There is never an end to what you can learn.

The topic of conversation at church the past few weeks has been the persecution throughout the world for believers who stand firm for Jesus Christ. There are many faithful men and women who have persevered through difficult trials, even to the point of imprisonment and death, without backing down on what they know to be true. What gives these brothers and sisters the strength to carry on in the face of terrible suffering? What would I do in a similar situation?

I can still see the little girl with the blonde pixie haircut sitting in the front row on a small wooden chair. All of the children had taken their seats in order by age as the Sunday School superintendent called all to order. She straightens her pink flowered dress and takes one last glance at her new, shiny, patent leather Mary Janes before the music begins to play. A big smile brightens her face and she sings out lustily the words to one of her favorite songs.

I grabbed my 5-gallon bucket and joined a group of workers headed out into the field. Scanning the horizon I saw a hundred or more laborers carrying buckets, driving John Deere Gators, and pulling trailers. Each had the same purpose in mind - to support our friends and neighbors after a violent tornado had taken a path of destruction through their homes. For miles remnants of the houses and barns along with the contents were strewn across the newly planted fields. When I arrived much of the large items had been picked up and thrown into piles where backhoes were pushing them into huge pits and burning them. Yet there was still a good deal of smaller pieces of sharp metal, glass, and other construction materials to be gathered from the fields.