June 23, 2026

Reading a number of articles now on the subject of tree farmers seeing an increased demand in fresh-cuts for Christmas this year. Photo essay in The Detroit News yesterday. On Black Friday, Gillian Flaccus reported it for Click On Detroit under the headline “Many turn to real Christmas trees as bright spot amid virus.”

via Baptist Beacon (February 2, 2022)— "Peace during a pandemic," by Dr Dan Russell, Executive Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Southgate, Michigan: To help strengthen the pastors and church families of our Convention as we face this coronavirus crisis, here are some encouraging reminders on how to keep your…

– February 6, 2022
National Day of Prayer— "How to Pray for America," via National Day of Prayer: Why pray for America? God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught…

– May 5, 2022
via Got Questions (December 26, 2018)— "How is Satan god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4)": "The phrase 'god of this world' (or 'god of this age') indicates that Satan is the major influence on the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes and views of the majority of people. His influence also…

– July 3, 2022
via Southern Baptist Convention (February 26, 2019)— "Who's Your One?" Day 10: Romans 10:1-3, "Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of…

– July 24, 2022
President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 this morning — via The White House, Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. As always and particularly in the face of this affliction, we pray for The President of the United States, his loved ones, and those in whose care he has been…

– July 21, 2022
re United States Supreme Court decision in Kennedy v Bremerton School District— On April 4, 2022, Compelling Truth revisited the question, "What is the separation of church and state?" Noting that this "is not foundation and is not found in the US Constitution," this assessment went on to assert that…

– June 27, 2022
via Baptist Beacon (April 1, 2022)— "Called: Living the life God created you to live," by Karen Blanchard, women's life group leader with Lakepointe Church in Shelby Township, Michigan: The words “called” and “purpose” are buzzwords in our culture today. People are constantly searching to find their calling and purpose…

– May 1, 2022
via Baptist Beacon (February 2, 2022)— "Words without wisdom," by Coye L Bouyer, founding pastor of Kingdom Life Church, in Lansing, Michigan: A life-giving tongue creates a positive environment, and even brings joy to a community. However, too often many of us choose conversation that is callous and criticizes as opposed…

– February 27, 2022
Juneteenth— via Center for Faith & Culture (June 14, 2021) by Sherelle Ducksworth, sociology instructor at Louisburg College in Louisburg North Carolina: "We celebrate Juneteenth because of what this holiday reveals to us about the inherent dignity and humanity of Black people. Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is essential to…

– June 19, 2022

40th annual Saline Christmas Parade, Washtenaw County, Michigan.

It Is Truly Amazing To Consider How Much Goes Into Making So Many Christmas Celebrations Merry, And To Share In That

December 25, 2018

According to the Pew Research Center, nine out of ten Americans say they celebrate Christmas. How they do so and what that means to each person individually is a different matter. [1] Curiously, the usually reliable and authoritative History site appears to have struggled with the “History of Christmas” as a subject matter. Awkwardly balancing recitation of origin stories, structured prose closed with a section dedicated to the Charles Dickens “classic holiday tale, A Christmas ....

America also Honors Its Heroic “War Dogs” on Memorial Day for their Devoted Service and Ultimate Sacrifice

May 27, 2018

Imagine any of the things you might have expected to hear on a locally produced program called “Veterans Radio” on the Sunday before Memorial Day weekend. Would you have ever guessed an interview about dogs? [1,2] If so, it likely focused on emerging research into the benefit of canines helping military personnel with PTSD and issues related to the aftermath of serving in combat. Very important work to be sure. But the Memorial Day recognition ....

Saline City Council was challenged by two of its members to assess its approach to competitive bid contracting

April 17, 2019

New Business item 19-75 on the April 15, 2019 Saline City Council agenda seemed straightforward enough. [1] [Acknowledge] receipt of the April 10, 2019 memo from City Manager Campbell; to approve or not approve the request to renew the Swisher Commercial Reality Agreement for another 12 months. After having been properly moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Linda TerHaar and seconded by Council Member Heidi McClelland, Mayor Brian Marl turned to City Manager Todd Campbell for a brief ....

Not a trick question: Look closely at this local Scouts BSA troop photograph; see if you can spot anything different about it

February 11, 2019

The Boy Scouts of America has a well established process for starting new “Units.” Most familiar are Cub Scout “Packs” for youth in kindergarten through fifth grade crossover, and Scout “Troops” based on age, starting at ten or eleven, until the participant’s eighteenth birthday. [1-7] Two weeks ago, Troop 439 held its first meeting as another among the more recent additions to this 109-year legacy. That Monday, February 4, largely passed without fanfare or note. ....

Here are ten compelling reasons to test drive a vehicle at Briarwood Ford “Drive One 4UR School” event this May

April 19, 2019

It’s a well known annual happening if not tradition for most us who’ve been around for any length of time here in Saline Michigan. “Drive One 4UR School” is a nationwide offering from Ford Motor Company aimed at providing a no cost, no pressure opportunity to take its latest vehicles out for a drive on the familiar roads of your local community. Just you and the car. Or truck. [1,2] With additional friends or family ....