Test Your Knowledge Of The Birth of Jesus

by David LangerfeldThe Daily Encourager    How well do you know the Biblical story of Jesus’ birth? Do you know what’s really in the scriptures, or have you assumed some things about the story from all the Christmas stories you’ve read and Christmas plays you’ve seen?    Take the following IQ Quiz. See how well …

Adorable Animals That Are Secretly Vicious

by Kristina Wright interestingfacts.com    Beneath the adorable exteriors of many wild animals lies a beastly side that’s anything but sweet.    The traits that can make an animal seem endearing can also mask a more aggressive nature, one that’s driven by their survival instincts and the protection of their young. When we think of …

Why That Ferret Is Dying For A Little Action

by Kevin Burton    Got these facts from my friend Tracy, labelled as “32 things to make you stop thinking of politics.”    Well I wasn’t thinking of politics, but I am happy to muse on these (snide comments from me in parenthesis): 1. A rat can last longer without water than a camel.  (And …

Animal Names That Are Also Verbs

by Kevin Burton    My late great cat Mex had a verb coined in her honor.    She used to head butt people, as opposed to the usual cat way of rubbing against people with the side of the head or body.  To headbutt became “To Mex.”   Usage: “Stop Mexing me!”    It’s a …

The Hopes And Dreams Of Two Blind Students

by Kevin Burton    Those of us with limited vision don’t have to have limited lives. Often we do, for reasons to numerous to tackle today.    Today, stories of two blind students. The first has reached an important milestone to reach her educational goal. The second wants to fill her life with sights and …

Shelter Dog Adopts Assisted Living Facility

by John Carlisle Detroit Free Press BELLAIRE, Mich. − He’d had enough of being at the animal shelter, so Scout the dog climbed over one tall fence and then another, crossed a busy highway in the darkness, entered the automatic doors of a nursing home down the road, walked unnoticed into the lobby, hopped onto …

Welcome (Not Welcome!) To Kevin’s Ark

by Kevin Burton    Our home Bible study has left Genesis for now and gone to Esther. But before we get too far from Noah and the ark, a few more stray thoughts.    Or should I say “astray thoughts?” Thoughts that show I have gone astray, at least in the moment.    I wrote …

The Great Flood Was No Problem For Fish

by Kevin Burton    Not sure why, but I had never thought about what fish were doing during the great flood described in Genesis chapter seven, until now.    My home Bible study has been in Genesis for the past two months. The first few chapters have not been easy for me.    Comedians have …

Lifelong Learning, Exercise For The Mind

by Kevin Burton    Had some fun last week speculating about new hobbies that could take the place of fantasy football, should that pastime drive me too crazy.    I was picking from a list of 50 hobbies for seniors on the website 55places.com. A few of the hobbies, such as axe throwing, were laughable …

Freedom-Loving Animals Face Obstacles

by Kevin Burton    In my zeal to bring you the most up-to-date news about our two cats, I’m afraid I’ve been lax in reporting on the rest of the animal kingdom.    I sincerely apologize for this, though I am sure you can understand how it could happen. But not to fear, your wait …