J. Davy Crockett III

Children’s books often entertain and educate young readers with stories and illustrations of animals. Sometimes the animals depicted are realistic in appearance and the lesson or message is made with the circumstances and surroundings. In others the animals are cartoonish, having human like characteristics. Anthropomorphism—attributing human characteristics to animals—is very popular. As a result, there is a generation of young adults that have very unrealistic attitudes toward animals and their place in the food chain and social order.

When I was a Boy Scout, many years ago, going to Summer Camp was a great adventure. Living in a tent with other boys, hiking forest trails, and learning new skills were memorable experiences. One class that was useful then—and which I still find useful today—was how to safely handle a hatchet or small axe. These hand tools are essential in camping and being a woodsman. Our counselor showed us how to sharpen the cutting edge of the axe, explaining that a sharp tool is much more useful—and safer—than a dull one.

Music plays a role in countless human lives. Emotions, memories, and even spirituality can be bound up in music. God is a lover of good songs, too.

Music lovers, particularly country music, blues, and some pop or rock tunes, listen to a steady stream of sad songs with lyrics and melodies about lost love, broken relationships, conditions of poverty, and depression. Love songs are big too, but the plaintive sounds of marital strife, separation, and discord dominate the various genres.

Is gender really a matter of choice? God’s teachings tell us it isn’t, and for some very important reasons that will help you understand His plan for humankind.

Some things are so obvious that there should be no question about whether they are fact or fiction. Is it up or down, black or white, hot or cold? The physical facts determine the answer.  And yet, in the mixed up, confused, confabulated times in which we live, some people defy the obvious and embrace an alternate view, not based on fact or truth, but on their opinions and imaginations.

What is your favorite story? The power of a well-told parable can change a life, for those who understand.