An Autumn Reading Invitation

With autumn dramatically announcing itself here in Nebraska with falling temperatures and oodles of drizzling rain, I’m keenly reminded that it’s my favorite time of year to read. Sure, I read all year round and I greatly appreciate winter reading too, but fall reading is somehow really special. For instance, fall is usually the time when I revisit long-treasured friends – Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, the Dumas classics of The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, Stevenson’s Treasure Island and Kidnapped, Milne’s beloved The Wind in the Willows, Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe and Rob Roy, and the adventure novels of such talents as Rafael Sabatini, Alistair MacLean, John Buchan, and C.S. Forester.

But I am planning a somewhat different approach for this fall, the autumn of 2026. This time around I’m planning on piling in a lot more non-fiction books. And, not only that but, as avid a re-reader as I am, these non-fiction books are ones I have never read before. 

But why am I bothering to go public with this news? It’s because I'm inviting you to join me in the project. Read through the list of books I’ll give you in a moment and, if one or more strikes your fancy, consider joining me. How would a book partnership of this kind work? Well, in a variety of ways. You may be encouraged to read it merely because I am -- a kind of stimulant and accountability factor. Or you might want to read and exchange ideas and opinions about the book, as over coffee or just a letter or email. The fact is that after ending our 30 plus years of the Notting Hill Napoloeons book club, a club in which the members met every month to discuss our mutual reading of the best of classic literature, Claire and I really miss talking to friends about books. And thus this invitation.

And the books I’ve selected for the fall? The Counter Revolution: The Fall & Rise of Donald Trump and the MAGA Movement (Victor Davis Hanson); Going Further: The Incomparable Clarence Thomas (Senator Ted Cruz); Revelation: How God’s Plan for the Future Can Change Your Life Now (Amir Tsarfati); Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story (Wilfred M. McClay); and The Theft of America's Soul: Blowing the Lid Off the Lies That Are Destroying Our Country (Phil Robertson). A couple of these I bought at Hobby Lobby, the others I bought in Kindle version. And I’m starting on the Phil Robertson one this evening.

So...if you’re interested in a reading connection involving any of these this autumn, just let me know.

Remembering 9/11

On this the 25th anniversary of the horrific terrorist attacks by Islamic jihadists on the United States -- attacks which murdered nearly 3,000 people and created immense and long-enduring waves of fear and grief -- I’m not only remembering those despicable events this morning but also considering how very little America and the rest of the Western world learned from them. Let me write down a few of my reflections.

1) I was in southern Poland when the mass murderers struck. I was part of a small team serving handicapped people and their families by making friends, sharing the gospel, and distributing much-needed wheelchairs and walkers. We were doing so through the graces of Joni Eareckson-Tada’s Wheels for the World ministry. We had concluded most of our work for the day and had just begun a meal with some town officials when shocked faces and whispered conversations suggested something terrible had happened. But no one told us anything; well, except in learning the meeting was canceled due to a great tragedy occurring back in the United States. The locals suggested we go back to our hotel. 

Imagine hearing this and then walking back through the little town shadowed by unknown fears and sorrow and speculation. Had there been an earthquake or tornado swarms? An assassination? We were at a complete loss. Then, finally we arrived at the hotel where there were a few Poles who spoke English. But before they tried explaining, they openly wept, embraced us, and then pointed us to the television screens where we saw the films of the airplanes striking the Towers. The reality turned out to be more dire, more wicked than anything we had imagined. And there were a lot more horrors to come. 

Miraculously, I was able to make telephone contact with Claire fairly quickly and there was much comfort in that. But, as the hours and days stretched on, there was much more to learn, to mourn, and to try and deal with. And we had to do it apart from one another for there were no planes flying into the U.S. They wouldn’t be for many days to come. Therefore, our team decided to go ahead and complete the ministry tasks before us. Claire had to “play the medic” with friends and family stateside while also praying, getting accurate information to pass on to me, and fighting the paralyzing shock which came from sitting too long before the television’s endless replays of the attacks. It would be another 10 days or so before I got back to Nebraska to be with her.

2) My remembrances of these awful, awful days will always brightened a bit by the recall of Poland’s remarkable outpouring of sympathy and solidarity and tender friendship towards the United States...and to me personally. Everywhere we went there were tears and embraces and flowers and attempts to say in English “I am so sorry” and “We are praying for you” and so on.

I was to eventually learn that there was no nation that even came even close to expressing the love and loyalty and spiritual kinship to America as did Poland in that time. And being one of those blessed to experience in direct and abundant ways their tender hearts, I thank the Poles from the depths of my heart.

3) There was a lot made in those first days about the terrorist attacks serving as an awesome alarm, a trumpeting judgment, an ominous warning to America and the West about our indifference to God and to the low stupidity of mere secularism as a way of life. And, as Claire explained to me over the phone, there were people going suddenly to church, there were more references to God even by politicians and media agents, and more of an honest recognition of our nation’s spiritual unpreparedness. But what happened? Well, it was a very shallow, very brief awakening indeed. And by the time I arrived back into the country, everything was back to its dead normalcy. It turned out that even the shock of these historically unique and unimaginably barbaric terror attacks was not enough to persuade us to get right with Almighty God. In fact, the powers that be were soon twisting these demonic attacks into a bizarre tapestry of symbols and slogans, religious syncretism, empty (and coldly ironic) platitudes about unity and brotherhood, and over-the-top praises of our brave, tolerant, enduring, and free-spirited selves.

Oh yes; there were a few brave and faithful voices calling out for genuine repentance and close attention to the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ: Franklin Graham, Jack Hibbs, John MacArthur, Greg Laurie, and others. But most Christian leaders, including the local pastors, failed to take this dramatically open door to teach the truths about the wages of sin, the exclusivity of the gospel, and the brutal and wicked blasphemies which pervade the “peaceful” religion of Islam.

4) And that last point introduces my 4th theme of these reflections this morning. My friends, we must admit that a combination of a) an unconscionable ignorance of the tenets of Muslim religion, b) an unconscionable ignorance of the history of Islamic militancy, and c) a rank cowardice to take a stand for truth that kept America and the West from honestly, effectively dealing with 9/11. For we can read what the Koran openly teaches. We can read the history books detailing Islam’s attitudes (and actions) toward the non-Muslim world. And we can look around us to see how far the evil character of Muslim jihad has invaded the West in just the last 3 generations.

If the Muslim inspired mass murders of 9/11 cannot awaken us to what Islam is and what Islam demands, what on earth will? If Europe (including the United Kingdom) tolerates (and sometimes even embraces) Islamic extremes -- sharia law, forced conversions, honor killings, genital mutilation of women, rape, and lazy individuals leeching off the fruits of Western civilization until they’re completely used up -- who will ever draw a “no more surrender” line? And as goes Europe, so too is going Canada and Australia...and the United States of America. 

Alas, the slogans of 9/11 ring terribly hollow now. For rather than dealing with the horrid realities, we are electing vehemently anti-American Muslims to public office, allowing loudspeakers to sound their strident calls to prayer throughout the day, requiring citizens to observe Muslim holidays, and so on. And, all the while, acting with straight faces like Islamophobia is a real thing while ignoring the waves of anti-Semitism and anti-Christianity that are engulfing the world. Good grief. 

So...my reflections on the anniversary of 9/11? They are intense; they are sad; and they are not very optimistic. But then, I joyfully remember this overarching fact -- because I have trusted Jesus Christ as my Savior, I am a citizen of another country, another kingdom and He has settled my eternal future in the New Jerusalem which He will bring out of heaven as eternity begins. And because of that glorious future, because of the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit available to me right now, and because His Word is solid and effective in directing my steps now and until He takes me home, I can live my life as a light-bearing ambassador for the Lord Jesus in any culture, any circumstance. Thank You, Lord. Revive Your people and cause us to walk in Your ways. 

A Major Summer Buzz? The Odyssey.

There’s an awful lot of buzz this summer over The Odyssey. But alas, the attention is not on Homer’s epic poem, one of the genuine wonders of ancient literature. Oh no, moderns never bother with originals. Their egos insist on the new, the novel, and selected revisions of important works that cover their own ignorance and flatter their own ideological and fashion preferences. That's why the buzz going round is not about Homer’s flawed yet noble hero, but rather on Christopher Nolan’s big-budget and extremely splashy (pun intended) movie.

Of course, reading Homer’s classic is itself far too difficult for most people nowadays. Good grief, don’t imagine I’m going to really read a book! Give me instead an awesome flick with blaring sound, cinematic wizardry, and 2026 progressivism. And then, after comfortably being ensconced in a theater for a mere 90 minutes, I can pride myself on not only knowing full well The Odyssey; I can even applaud my own experience of the work as being more authentic, more profound, and more impressive to my peers than all those squares before me that only read a boring book.

An exaggeration? Hardly. But the most relevant thing to note is that whatever the understanding of The Odyssey is for this summer’s moviegoers, it will be a far, far cry from the real thing, the classic poetic work of Homer.

Now you’re right in guessing that I have not seen the film. I was never tempted to. I rarely go to the movies and I almost never watch a movie version of a book. But in the case of Christopher Nolan’s movie, I had more reasons than usual to miss the thing. Among those reasons were Nolan’s oh-so-hip bow to the woke fads so worshiped by the left today: casting a skinny transgender actor as a fierce Greek warrior; casting a Kenya-born actress as Helen of Troy; and, most damning of all, portraying Odysseus as a weak, feminine, vacillating, drug-addled, dishonorable man -- all of which Homer’s Odysseus was not.

Therefore...because I believe Homer’s original poem to be a far more worthy artistic work than the movie which is getting all the attention, I wanted to pass along 2 suggestions of how to respond to this summer's fuss. 

Number One -- dare to read the original. Claire and I are doing so right now. We are, in fact, adding to our understanding, pleasure, and inspiration by also reading The Iliad, Homer’s first work. We are reading them in Robert Fagles’ translations, but any you find available can open the doors to rich adventures. And Number Two -- we are adding to our reading of these exciting texts the free online lectures offered by Hillsdale College regarding The Odyssey. As some of you know, Claire and I have enjoyed many of Hillsdale’s online courses in recent years, but these lectures from literature professor Dr. Benedict Whalen have quickly become among our most delightful. 

Indeed, I’ll go so far as suggesting to those of you who feel a moderate interest in The Odyssey but do not figure that you’d not go so far as to tackle the book, to go ahead and at least enjoy these lectures. You'll find them very interesting...and they just might lead you to the book itself. 

Gratitude Down the Manhole

Returning home after walking my regular course one afternoon, I came across an unusual scene.  In front of the Christian school that I pass by were two men I know who worked there. One was kneeling beside the sewer opening at the curb while the other was actually lying on the pavement and trying to reach down inside.  A nicely-dressed woman was standing nearby.

I stopped to help and discovered they were trying to retrieve a schoolbook that had a girl had dropped down into the sewer and which was lying, safe and dry for the moment, on a bit of concrete shelf.  Being dressed down in shorts and T-shirt and already dirty, I offered my help and got down beside my friend.  Though taller and having a longer reach, I couldn’t get to the book either even though I got down as far as I could into the sewer opening.  Even using a pole with a gripping device wouldn’t work.

Well, we worked at it quite awhile before my friend thought about possibly prying the manhole cover from its rust-encrusted position so that he could drop inside.  It wasn’t easy and the iron cover proved heavy and cumbersome -- but finally we got it off.  Once we had, it took just seconds for him to drop down, retrieve the book, and but another minute to maneuver the manhole cover back into place.  

Hooray! Our efforts had produced a successful conclusion and we all felt a wonderful sense of achievement. But the most notable detail of this story was one that wasn’t wonderful at all for that was the inaction of the young girl whose book had been saved.  

During the whole time of the adventure -- 15 minutes since I had showed up and who knows how long before that -- she had merely sat in a nearby car, messing with her phone.  It was the girl’s mother who had stood alongside watching our efforts in her daughter’s behalf. The mom was encouraging and very grateful.  But, even when the book was retrieved, the girl herself displayed absolutely no gratitude, not even any interest. 

The mother was terribly embarrassed by her daughter's attitude and she finally had to order her daughter to roll down the window and thank us for getting her book. (Remember, it was her book and she was the person who dropped it.) The girl, visibly perturbed, let the car window come down, snatched the book from her mom’s hand, gave us what was more of a quick smirk than a sincere smile, and…zip…up went the window and she returned her attention to her phone. The mom repeated her own thanks and assured us that her daughter was grateful too.  The evidence of that, however, could hardly been weaker.

I shook hands with the other guys and thanked them for their efforts in behalf of the student.  I thanked them too for letting me be a part of the project for, when all was said and done, it had been kinda’ fun. 

But, as I walked the rest of the way home, I thought about how sad an example this presented of modern youth, even in Christian circles.  Self-centered. Ungrateful.  A haughty indifference to elders -- even when beholden to them. Indifference to parental expectations or feelings. And being so tied to “social media” that true social responsibilities are ignored.

I wonder -- will those of us who are older finally recognize the trouble our youth are in (and, through them, the whole culture) because of the counter-productive polices we’ve practiced in the schools, the church youth programs, parenting priorities, and the tragic extent that we have allowed kids to be engulfed in technology, fad and fashion, and Hollywood media? 

And, even if we recognize the situation, will we begin to take steps to instruct (and require) our youth in respect, responsibility, a work ethic, humility, real life skills, rites of passage to adulthood, and a personal devotion to both the precepts and the power of biblical Christianity? 

Make no mistake, this is a critical matter, one that must be seriously and continually addressed. If not, the future of Christian culture (short of heaven) is bleak indeed. Lord, please help us to help them.

What's A.I. Saying About Vital Signs Ministries?

After a conversation with a friend lately about the increasing presence and influence of A.I. on all aspects of our lives, we decided to try a couple of experiments. We thought you might find the results of interest also.

Here’s the deal -- we asked an A.I. program to “tell us about” 1) Vital Signs Ministries, 2) “When Swing Was King,” 3) my novel “The Christmas Room,” and finally 4) Vital Signs Blog. Here were the answers...

Vital Signs Ministries

Vital Signs Ministries is a Christian nonprofit organization based in Omaha, Nebraska, founded in 1982 by Denny and Claire Hartford. The ministry describes itself as “Christian activists in the service of ‘the least of these’” and operates with a core commitment to a comprehensive sanctity of life ethic. 

Here are the key aspects of their work:

Mission Focus: Their primary goals include preaching the gospel, making disciples, and serving others through education, direct action, intercession, advocacy, and fellowship. They are particularly known for their pro-life stance and efforts to promote a culture of life. 

Key Programs: Pregnancy Counseling: They established the AAA Center for Pregnancy Counseling to support women and families.

Sidewalk Counseling: They engage in prayerful, peaceful, and winsome sidewalk counseling at abortion facilities. 

Senior Outreach: They run the popular “When Swing Was King” ministry, which provides entertainment and companionship in senior care facilities. They also conduct Sunday services at local senior living communities like Aksarben Village. 

Media & Education: The ministry has produced radio broadcasts (“Vital Signs” and “Vital Signs Weekend”), maintains an active blog and social media presence, and hosts book discussions and film showings. Also, founders Denny and Claire Hartford have conducted thousands of speaking engagements across the U.S. and internationally. The organization remains active in 2026 continuing its long-standing work in Omaha and beyond through various outreach and educational initiatives.

“When Swing Was King”

“When Swing Was King” is a ministry program by Vital Signs Ministries designed to bring joy, memory stimulation, and social connection to seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The program features a live presentation that combines big band music from the 1930s and 40s (featuring artists like Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Frank Sinatra) with a slideshow of 240–265 era-specific photographs depicting fashion, cars, military life, and daily life from that time.

Hosted by founders Denny and Claire Hartford, the show includes a DJ-style commentary that adds humor and historical context, followed by personal visits with residents to foster friendship. While primarily an entertainment outreach intended to combat boredom and lift spirits, it also serves as a winsome witness for the Christian faith, often opening doors for spiritual conversations and prayer. The program began in July 2010 as a single event for Denny’s mother but has grown to serve multiple facilities monthly.

“The Christmas Room”

Denny Hartford’s novel “The Christmas Room” is an inspirational Christian fiction story set within the walls of a nursing home, focusing on themes of faith, dignity, aging, and the enduring spirit of the elderly.

Plot Summary -- The story begins with Grace Trinisi, a woman in the ICU who is unaware that Christmas has passed. Her son, Tony, fulfills her wish to see a Christmas tree in her room, creating a small sanctuary of holiday cheer that becomes known as “The Christmas Room.” This space not only comforts Grace but also inspires the hospital staff. Grace survives her illness but is diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia, leading her son to move her to Villa Vista Care Community, an innovative nursing home. The Christmas Room travels with her, becoming a central, year-round fixture of the facility under the guidance of the visionary director, Carolyn Kovacs.

The narrative weaves together the lives of various residents and staff, exploring their struggles and triumphs. Key characters include: Clark Gritzner, the difficult son of a resident whose actions create a medical emergency for his wife, Mattie, and who hides a personal crisis; Carolyn Kovacs, the dedicated director who manages the facility's daily challenges, from lawsuits to expansion plans; Rita Costello: a nurse aide whose compassion leads to professional growth; and Ralph Yarborough, an elderly custodian whose heroic actions in a restaurant change the facility’s future.

The plot balances the day-to-day realities of long-term care with a mystery involving Clark Gritzner and a broader message about the value of every human life, regardless of age or ability 

Reception and Reviews -- The book has received a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon based on reader reviews. Readers and reviewers consistently praise the novel for its realistic and empathetic portrayal of nursing home life.

Emotional Impact: Many reviewers describe the book as “uplifting,” “heartwarming,” and “full of love.” It is noted for bringing tears and joy, resonating deeply with those who have cared for aging parents or worked in healthcare 

Educational Value: Several readers, including those working in senior care or studying for Clinical Pastoral Education, highlight the book’s ability to provide insight into the “blood, sweat, tears, and joy” of nursing homes. It is often recommended for training staff or helping families understand the aging process 

Spiritual Depth: As a work of Christian fiction, the story is praised for its exploration of faith, forgiveness, and the healing power of love. One reviewer noted it felt like “a bit of heaven in this cursed world.” 

Realism: While the setting is idealized, reviewers appreciate that it does not shy away from difficult topics like dementia, abuse, and family conflict, ultimately showing the potential for nursing homes to be places of dignity and community. One reviewer, a pastor, mentioned that while they initially wanted to deduct a star for the idealized nature of the facility, they awarded five stars because the book shows what nursing homes “can and should be.”

Vital Signs Blog

The Vital Signs Blog is the commentary platform for Vital Signs Ministries, a non-profit Christian organization based in Omaha, Nebraska. The blog is primarily written and curated by Denny Hartford, who co-founded the ministry with his wife, Claire, in 1982.

The blog and its content center around several core pillars:

1. Cultural and Political Commentary

Hartford writes extensively from a traditional Christian, conservative, and pro-life worldview. He frequently provides commentary on current events, local and national politics, and what he describes as the “culture wars.” This includes curating consistent roundups like “The Top 5 Plus,” where he highlights and critiques media articles on topics ranging from religious freedom to societal trends and geopolitics.

2. Pro-Life Advocacy

A major focus of both the ministry and the blog is anti-abortion advocacy. Hartford uses the blog to share insights on pro-life theology (such as analyzing biblical texts regarding the preborn), promote local activist events, and discuss political initiatives, particularly within Nebraska.

3. Literature and the Arts

Beyond politics and theology, Hartford frequently shares his personal reflections on classic literature, films, and history (he holds a master’s degree in history). He has a deep affinity for classic authors like Charles Dickens, Alexandre Dumas, and G.K. Chesterton, often drawing moral or spiritual applications from their works. He also runs a closely related secondary blog called The Book Den, which is dedicated more strictly to literature and popular culture reviews.

4. Ministry Updates and Community Engagement

The blog serves as a ledger for the ministry’s practical outreach programs. This includes updates on their “When Swing Was King” program (a multimedia big band music show they present at senior living communities and nursing homes) and their regular “letter-writing parties” aimed at advocacy and encouragement.

You can read his updates and commentary directly through The Blog - Vital Signs Ministries or follow his personal, ongoing posts at the standalone Vital Signs Blogspot.

If a Good Book Is a Good Friend..."

If a good book is a good friend -- and it is -- then why on God’s green earth would you not want to enrich your life by hanging out with good friends? I’m delighted to say this has been a priority in my life since I was little kid. Well, yes; there was a tragic period in my terribly misspent teen years where I departed from that lifestyle. But first with Thornton Wilder’s Our Town and then with Fyodor Dosteovsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, I see now how the Lord was using good books to draw me away from my intellectual and moral slide -- and towards the supernatural light and liberty He offered me through Calvary’s atoning sacrifice.  I began to read again. I began to think again. And I began to dream, aspire, and appreciate again. 

I thank the Lord for His rescue of my soul and my mind...and for continuing to bring the good gifts of good books my way. I thought of this the other morning when I mentioned to someone having had such delightful times the past couple of months in hanging out with old friends. “Really,” he asked. “What friends are you talking about?” I smiled and told him: C.S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles Dickens, Rafael Sabatini, and the writers of the Old Testament books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I and 2 Samuel. Very good friends, indeed.

Charles William Eliot once observed, “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” He was spot on. And I pray I will effectively live out that conviction until I’m allowed entry into the libraries of the New Jerusalem!

“The Earth Is the Lord’s” -- Arbor Day vs Earth Day

In 1872, right here in the state of Nebraska, a journalist turned politician began a campaign that he hoped would help stabilize and beautify the rather sparse landscape of his state.  The man was a Nebraska City resident who believed that such a campaign would be a good idea in other places too.  And it was.

J. Sterling Morton’s call for tree husbandry was answered by the National Agricultural Convention meeting in St. Louis that year and by numerous municipalities, newspaper editors, and thousands of citizens.  The result was that the very first Arbor Day, April 22, saw almost a million trees planted.

But though J. Sterling Morton was a tree planter extraordinaire, he was not a tree hugger.  His attitude towards the natural world was the traditional one; namely, that the earth was the Lord’s and man, acting as God’s servant, was to effectively oversee nature, to subdue it in a rational way, to beautify it, and properly benefit from it.

Morton was thus acting in accordance with the biblical mandate -- the program originally given to Adam in the garden of Eden -- a call to responsibly appreciate, nurture, and enjoy the created things with which God had adorned the earth.

And most of the people who answered the challenge of Arbor Day were operating in the same spirit.  They were planting trees because trees were good things.  They bore fruit that man could eat.  They helped with soil conservation and provided protection from wind.  And they were pretty.

These people understood that trees were pleasant and productive plants, but they were for man’s use.  They were good things, not fellow souls.

Indeed, J. Sterling Morton (a conservative Democrat who served as Secretary of Agriculture under Grover Cleveland and whose son became a prominent Republican who was Secretary of the Navy under Theodore Roosevelt) was a faithful Episcopalian.  His understanding of the monumental difference between man (created in the express image of God) and nature (created for the enjoyment and benefit of man) was part of the basic Christian worldview.

The kind of conservation ethic he represented was rational, healthy, far-seeing, and well-rooted in sound environmental ideas.  It was the same enlightened conservation ethic of farmers like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, of visionaries like Johnny Appleseed, and conservation champions like Teddy Roosevelt and George Bird Grinnell, and other sportsmen who led the way in establishing our national parks and wildlife refuges. It was part of the longstanding tradition of taking care of the environment for man’s use -- not for nature’s sake.  It was the perspective of the farmer, the rancher, the hunter, and fisherman that we all be responsible and take care of the environment in order that man -- both in the now and in the future -- may be best served.   

Thus, Arbor Day was (and, by the way, still is) a responsible event, one that calls for individual volunteer efforts rather than government coercion.  In fact, the people associated with Arbor Day are decidedly apolitical.  “The only stand we take,” says an official with the Arbor Day Foundation, “is that it’s a great thing to plant trees.”  No demands for government intrusion.  No insistence on group think.  No call for Nanny State regulations and taxes. No worshipping Gaia or Mother Earth.

What a dramatic difference this is from the “holiday” that has tried to bully its way over and past Arbor Day, the extremely political, propagandist, and manipulative event that pirated the same day, April 22, and now tries to crowd out the very memory of Arbor Day. That event of course, is Earth Day. Or as the United Nations calls it -- International Mother Earth Day. To be sure, this newly-invented, politically-charged “holiday” is often dominated by socialist (even pantheistic) tenets and, therefore, absolutely ignores who the true heroes of American environmentalism are; namely, those hunters, fishermen, and other genuine conservationists mentioned earlier. 

And, of course, International Mother Earth Day also ignores the innumerable passages in Holy Scripture which deal with God as the Creator and Sovereign King of the earth...and those which testify to the glory of Almighty God that is revealed in His creation...and those which exhort men to carefully serve as responsible stewards of the natural order...and the eventual destruction of the earth which occurs not through man’s ecological failure, but rather by the holy judgment of God. 

The last item, by the way, occurs just before God creates a new heaven and, yes, a brand new earth. 

International Mother Earth Day vs Arbor Day? For the Bible-based Christian, the choice is an obvious and easy one.

“The Monstrous Crime of Abortion: An Old Testament Perspective.”

A careful look at Exodus 21:22-25 results in a profoundly important understanding of the Creator God's value of preborn human life. And though the passage has been repeatedly misused by those who seek to “soften” the crime of abortion, even explain it as excusable violence, Exodus 21:22-25 is actually a strikingly clear passage -- when translated correctly.

Indeed, the opportunity for pro-abortionists to misinterpret the passage is aided by poor translations of the Hebrew text. For instance, the original Wycliffe translation and the Douay-Rheims version of 1899 insert words into the passage that are simply not in the authentic Hebrew text. Instead of simply translating the Hebrew words, the scholars preparing both the Wycliffe and the Douay-Rheims versions made remarkable presumptions, laying down their own ideas rather than honestly transliterating the text as it stood. Their errors were quite serious in that they created for some readers of the Bible a false impression that the life of a child in the womb is not as valuable in the sight of God as the life of the mother. 

I print those poor translations below.

Wycliffe -- “If men chide, and a man smiteth a woman with child, and soothly he maketh the child dead-born, but the woman liveth over that smiting, he shall be subject to the harm (he shall be subject to a fine), as much as the woman’s husband asketh (for), and as the judges deem (appropriate). Soothly if the death of her followeth (And if her death followeth), he shall yield life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, sore for sore.”

Douay-Rheims 1899 -- “If men quarrel, and one strike a woman with child, and she miscarry indeed, but live herself: he shall be answerable for so much damage as the woman’s husband shall require, and as arbiters shall award. But if her death ensue thereupon, he shall render life for life. Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”

You can easily see how these versions suggest that the preborn baby’s life isn’t measured by the same standard as the mother’s. The passage thus mistranslated implies that if the child is harmed in a premature delivery caused by the men’s fighting, it is merely a cause for a fine. Only if the mother is harmed does the strict law of retribution kick in. Does such a conclusion fit in with other Scriptures that deal with the sanctity of prenatal life like Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 1:5, Luke 1:21, Isaiah 49:15, Job 31:15, Psalm 22:10, and so on? No, they don’t. Not even close. So, what is going on in Exodus 21:22-25?

As I suggested, the problem simply arises out of poor translations and, of course, the desire of certain people to minimize the seriousness immorality of abortion. Abortion advocates have thus sought to use this passage to claim the Mosaic law did not consider preborn boys and girls to be worthy of the same value as adults. But more authentic, more responsible translations present a much different case. 

Here, for example is the passage taken from Young’s Literal Translation: “And when men strive, and have smitten a pregnant woman, and her children have come out, and there is no mischief, he is certainly fined, as the husband of the woman doth lay upon him, and he hath given through the judges; and if there is mischief, then thou hast given life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”

Let’s note a couple of important Hebrew words that are necessary for a full understanding of the passage. In the first case, the word translated “mischief” in Young’s version above is the Hebrew word “ason.” It means harm, hurt, injury. It is only used three other times in the Old Testament (Genesis 4:24, 38 and 44:29) where the word is used each time to describe Jacob’s fear that physical harm (including death) might befall his beloved son Benjamin. The second important word is one that isn’t here in the text at all. That is “lah,” the Hebrew word for woman. If God through Moses wanted to specify that only the woman’s life and health were to be protected by the law of retribution, He would certainly have used it here. But He didn’t. Rather, the statement is left open, meaning that lasting damage inflicted upon any innocent person must be paid by the law of retribution. An eye for an eye.

The natural application of the Hebrew text would be that if a premature birth occurs as the result of a pregnant woman getting between two fighting men -- but there follows no “ason” to either the mother or her children (the Hebrew here is a plural noun, broadening the application to twins or more) -- then the penalty is merely a financial one. However, if there is “ason” (again, injury, let alone fatality) to any innocent party, then the law of strict retribution is then applied. Rather than being a passage that undermines the value of life in the womb, a careful look at the authentic Hebrew text proves the exact opposite.

Let’s allow the Amplified Bible (another literally-based translation) to also weigh in here: “If men fight with each other and injure a pregnant woman so that she gives birth prematurely and the baby lives, yet there is no further injury, the one who hurt her must be punished with a fine paid to the woman’s husband, as much as the judges decide. But if there is any further injury, then you shall require as a penalty life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.”

But what’s the deal with the law requiring a financial penalty of the fight’s instigator -- even if the premature birth doesn’t seriously harm either the mother or her baby? The commentary by reformer John Calvin explains: “Since it could not fail but that premature confinement would weaken both the mother and her offspring, the husband is allowed to demand before the judges a money-payment, at their discretion, in compensation for his loss.”

But let’s not stop yet. Let’s hear a bit more of what Calvin said about this passage. It’s a good way to dismiss further the attempted twisting of the Scripture by pro-abortion liberals. Calvin writes that Exodus 21:22-25 might “at first sight seem ambiguous, for if the word death only applies to the pregnant woman, it would not have been a capital crime to put an end to the foetus, which would be a great absurdity; for the foetus, though enclosed in the womb of its mother, is already a human being, and it is almost a monstrous crime to rob it of the life which it has not yet begun to enjoy. If it seems more horrible to kill a man in his own house than in a field, because a man’s house is his place of most secure refuge, it ought surely to be deemed more atrocious to destroy a foetus in the womb before it has come to light.”

“On these grounds,” Calvin continued, “I am led to conclude, without hesitation, that the words, ‘if death should follow,’ must be applied to the foetus as well as to the mother. Besides, it would be by no means reasonable that a father should sell for a set sum the life of his son or daughter. Wherefore this, in my opinion, is the meaning of the law, that it would be a crime punishable with death, not only when the mother died from the effects of the abortion, but also if the infant should be killed; whether it should die from the wound abortively, or soon after its birth.”

I hope this brief exposition helps those of you who may have (or someday will) come across people who try to pervert the true meaning of Exodus 21:22-25.

Chemical Abortion -- An Open Letter

Dear Senator Fischer,

We’ve had a lot of talk about “nibbling around the edges” when it comes to the scourge of chemical abortifacients, particularly the widespread use of mifepristone (the powerful drug now responsible for the majority of abortions in the U.S.) but finally, Senator Hawley is directly addressing the primary issues with the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act. 

This bill seeks to rightly strip mifepristone of its longstanding approval from the Food and Drug Administration. After all, it is a profoundly powerful poison out that most barbarically kills reborn boys and girls as well as leaving women to face such severe complications as heavy bleeding, sepsis, and worse, usually without any genuine medical oversight. It is a lucrative business for abortionists, but a tragic and evil one.

As Senator Hawley emphasized, “Only Congress can address this situation. Only Congress is placed to regulate the flow of interstate drugs. Only Congress can withdraw the FDA’s approval rendered way back in the Clinton administration for this drug that has proved to be inherently dangerous and inherently prone to abuse. Only Congress can act. Congress should act. And we are here today to call on them to act.”

Senator Fischer, please join him quickly as a co-sponsor of the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act and work enthusiastically for its passage.

Thank you.

“Complimentary Living”

“Complimentary Living”

(Denny Hartford, Director Vital Signs Ministries)

“Praise is warming and desirable. But praise is an earned thing. It has to be deserved like an honorary degree or a hug from a child. A compliment, however, is manna, a free gift.” (American poet Phyllis McGinley)

As Phyllis McGinley suggests above, a sincere compliment is a gift we give to others, a special gift that has the power to encourage others and help lighten their burdens. Compliments reflect a servant-oriented life that generously expresses kindness and goodwill as we selflessly delight in the virtues, skills, and demeanor of those whose lives touch ours for the good. Indeed, giving the gift of compliments should be a normal part of our relationships -- and part of our winsome witness of loving in word and deed. 

Think of Jesus’ compliments to Nathaniel, to Mary Magdalen, to the widow who gave her mite, to the Roman centurion, to the Syrophonecian woman, to Mary of Bethany, to the churches in Revelation, and to all the saints who will one day hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” And note also the many compliments we read of in the ministry of Paul and the other writers of New Testament letters as they followed the lead of their Lord’s example by expressing praise, appreciation, admiration to other believers.

No, there’s no doubt about it. The conscientious student of the Bible realizes that “complimentary living” is a serious thing to pursue for compliments are a precious, important, and inspiring gift. We should most definitely be handing them out more than we do. They have a beneficial effect to others even when they might seem small and insignificant. Robert Breault, the famed operatic tenor, once wrote, “There is no effect more disproportionate to its cause than the happiness bestowed by a small compliment.” And Mark Twain agreed with the sentiment. He wrote, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” Oh, yes, even the very small compliment has a dynamic effect. 

And once we realize that basic truth, to refrain from “complimentary living” is a serious omission of our light-bearing, salt-spreading, love-sharing duties as Christ’s ministers. We are commanded over and again in the Scriptures to love our neighbors, to bless and honor them, to thank and encourage them, and, when deserved, to praise them for jobs well done. So to fail to perform these duties is disobedience. It is a form of hoarding -- selfishly hiding away in the cellar those compliments, kind words, expressions of gratitude that would richly bless others and “encourage them to love and good deeds.”

Certainly, many of the reasons that we do not engage in “complimentary living” relate to our pride, fears, envy, a sense of competition, ingratitude, lack of humility, and so on. There’s also a problem of ignorance. Because of poor teaching and a lack of role models in our past, we haven’t learned the social skills necessary to effectively stimulate our fellow believers to pursue “further love and good deeds.” We thus need motivation (and frequent practice) to learn how to best express praise and thanks to others for the purposes of lifting their spirits, encouraging them in the Faith, strengthening friendships, and making our witness to the world more winsome. We will get to some specific examples of how to do that in a moment.

But first a word about flattery. Granted, the Bible does warn against flattery. But those passages condemn the false-hearted man who uses kind words and other gifts as a bribe or a seductive trap. Language can be perverted by base motives as when compliments are used to dishonestly move people to like us, or to distract from our bad behavior, or to try and manipulate people into doing us favors. God forbid such exploitation. But again, the sin in such cases is not the spoken blessings. It is the flatterer’s motives and purposes that are wicked, not the compliments themselves. We must not, therefore, avoid words of lovingkindness, esteem, and gratitude merely because they can be misused by manipulative people. Rather it is our spiritual duty to “love in truth” and thus honor others with words that come from honest, sincere, and servant-oriented hearts.

Okay, now for a few specific applications. Consider the following scenario. The Christian committed to a “complimentary living” walks into someone’s house and is looking for ways, not only to bless and encourage his host, but also to build a stronger foundation for their friendship. Therefore, he regards his surroundings before saying, “Oh my, what a lovely and inviting room this is. And an interesting one too. That photograph, for instance, is stunning. Is there a story behind it? And those figurines in the breakfront, they are also quite fascinating. What’s the deal with those?” What might you imagine to be the response from such a pro-active complimentary introduction? The homeowner would quite reply, “I don’t think anyone has ever asked me about the figurines or about the photograph on the wall. And that’s always been a bit of a disappointment. You see, I suppose we all decorate our homes in a way that we hope will be attractive and interesting to visitors, yet no one ever seems to notice. So, thank you so much for noticing and being interested...and for complimenting me on them. I really appreciate it.”

What a blessing it is -- a simple, but way too rare a blessing -- to take notice, to express sincere interest, to pass along compliments.  And that goes for compliments expressed in hundreds of other ways. The lady with a chic new hairstyle. The young man’s diligence in mowing his grandpa’s lawn. A sibling’s thoughtful birthday card. The cook’s beef stew. The elderly woman’s smile that lights up a room. You get the idea. And don’t forget that before the spoken accolade, showing your attention to the other person is in its own place quite invaluable. As Ann Sophie Swetchine observed over a century ago, “Attention is itself a tacit and continual compliment.” 

Now please keep in mind that, though I take nothing away from the legitimacy of praises for a person’s orderly garage, someone’s fingernail polish, or the humorous piece of bric-a-brac they won at the county fair, the compliments which are the most important and lasting of all are those which note with appreciation the practice of biblical virtues. Indeed, the highest compliments (like the ones you read of so frequently in the Bible) point to a person’s godly character and action: perseverance in prayer, faithfulness, generosity, obedience, holy behavior, purity of thought, purity of doctrine, courage, preaching the good news, abiding in Christ, endurance, sacrificial love, care of the needy, wisdom, remembering God’s providential care, laying up treasure in heaven, and so on. To be sure, these passages provide excellent motivation and direction for how best we engage in “complimentary living.”

And speaking of the best compliments, let me share something which illustrates the importance of our selecting the most relevant, and motivational compliments possible. Many years ago, Claire and I created a couples game that involved spouses trying to match their respective answers to questions about their history, opinions, aspirations, etc. It always made for a fun evening but one which was also provocative and enlightening. For instance, one of the questions we asked in the game was, “What compliment does your spouse most like to hear from you?” Well, we played this game with maybe 150 couples over the years but, surprisingly enough, only 3 or 4 times did the responses of the married couples match to this question. Isn’t that something? It didn’t mean, of course, that the spouses were failing to pass along to one another any compliments at all. But it did reveal that the compliments each most desired to hear from each other were going largely unsaid. 

Example? The husband might have frequently been complimenting his wife on her beauty and/or her gracious spirit while she praised her husband on his ability to fix things around the house and his generosity. Yet, the answers to the game’s question revealed that the wife would have preferred even more to hear her husband praise her for her dedication to pro-life ministries or her patience and skill in teaching their children to read. And, despite the love and admiration and gratitude the husband knew was given him by his wife, he still yearned to hear her express appreciation for his courage or his consistency in Bible study or how closely his work ethic resembled that of his father’s. In other words, all compliments are not equal. Therefore, we must carefully watch and listen to others so that we are more in tune with their spiritual adventure. And, as we do so, our compliments (as well as our words of challenge or correction when needed) will be more relevant, more welcome, more profound.

One final thing. How should you receive a compliment? Well, you should definitely avoid offending your brother in Christ by thoughtlessly dismissing his kind words. How often it happens that, in an attempt to be humble (or perhaps, merely to appear to be humble), people treat heartfelt compliments as insignificant or, worse still, as illegitimate. At all costs, avoid doing that. For instance, do not disrespect a brother’s compliment by shrugging your shoulders and saying, “No problem” or “No big deal” or “Well, I had nothing better to do.” And don’t play the sanctimonious Pharisee with a response like, “Oh, my misguided brother, praise not the arm of flesh! For I am nothing but a profligate sinner, a low-down knave in whom there dwelleth nothing good. No, be not deceived; if there was anything of value in my deed, it came not from me but from the gracious kindness of God Who condescended to use such a worm as I. Therefore, tempt me not to pride by thy honeyed phrases but rather confess there is naught in any of us that is worthy of a compliment.” Yipes! 

Much more appropriate, humbler, and more loving responses to sincere compliments are things like “You’re more than welcome. I was honored to do it and I’m really pleased I was able to be of help.” Or “I’m so glad you liked it. That makes my day.” Or a simple, sincere “Thank you.”

Okay, let me wrap this thing up. And I’ll start with is 1) My earnest compliments to you for patiently reading through this whole article! 2) I heartily encourage you to be more complimentary to others. Pay attention to them so that when you do speak kindness into their lives, it is of the most relevance and value. 3) Be liberal and frequent in your praises. Don’t be like those described by American humorist Kin Hubbard, “Some folks pay a compliment like they had to go down in their pocket for it.” And finally, 4) Let your compliments be sincere, kind, and designed for a person’s spiritual good. Concentrate on expressing thanks and encouragement for things relating to character and virtue.

“Everybody likes a compliment.” (Abraham Lincoln)

What's This About Work in Heaven?

I am really enjoying David Jeremiah’s new book, Heaven. Yes, I’m a big fan of the heaven-oriented books written by Randy Alcorn and Joni Eareckson Tada, but this one is also an impressive work. Enlightening. Inspiring. Full of exciting hope and joyful expectation. 

Let me give you an example from Chapter 20 of the book,“Won’t Heaven Be Boring?” After citing such key verses from Revelation as 7:15, 19:5, and 22:3, David comments, “When we enter heaven, we won’t be put on some kind of divine Social Security list. No, listen to this welcoming speech (and promise) from the Lord himself: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)

That verse surely doesn’t sound to me like we’re going to be sitting around doing nothing forever and ever in heaven. It doesn’t sound like retirement but a promotion! In other words, eternal life is not a break from work, it is a breakthrough to better work. It is purpose without pressure, service without fatigue, and joy without end.

There are two things against which we all revolt. One is work that is tedious and meaningless or encumbered by a difficult working environment. The other is idleness and the lack of occupation. But the work that awaits us in heaven will be a delight to the soul.

(David Jeremiah, Heaven, Chapter 20, pages 177-78)

Hallelujah!

Is Reading Among Your Resolutions?

Is an increase in reading among your resolutions for 2026? If not, consider making that the plan.

And to help stimulate that resolve, check out this 90-second "public service" announcement, True, I recorded it several years ago but the 10 Reasons to Read More are as sound and relevant as ever.

The Reading Year in Review

Okay, I am a reader. I have been since I was a little kid -- blessed by a mom who taught me (by precept and example), by an early acquaintance with libraries, and, in the 6th grade, my enthusiastic involvement with SRA Reading programs which in 1962 were still free from the leftist schlock that now dominates almost every public school exercise.

But my early love of and devotion to reading has, of course, been profoundly encouraged by the writers I’ve discovered along the way: Dickens, Doyle, Chesterton, Dumas, Lewis, Schaeffer, Stevenson, Scott, Tolkien, Solzhenitsyn, Alcorn, Buchan, Shakespeare, Beach, Sabatini, Thurber, O. Henry, Forester, Melville, Ironside, Heyerdahl, Wilder, Barrie, Sayers, Verne, Morison, Tournier, Churchill, Aldrich, Karon, Barnhouse and several other favorites.

However, even with this legacy, I must confess that a life of “purposeful reading” is not easy to maintain. The temptations to opt for more immediate gratification (television, internet surfing, social media trolling, getting lost in the political news, you name your poison) are always looming on the horizon. So too is the easier path of reading “fluffier” stuff, consuming the literary equivalent of potato chips instead of a nutritious, well-prepared, thoroughly-enjoyed meal. No, a life of “purposeful reading” takes work -- commitment, planning, motivation, accountability, creating a conducive atmosphere, and sharing the fruits of your laborers with others. 

For 30 years, these things were provided in great abundance to me by the Notting Hill Napoleons, a book club of dear friends and pro-life colleagues who tackled quality novels every month. But with the passing of that noble company 3 years ago -- and with the normal waning of energy that comes with advancing years, I have had to really redouble my efforts to keep a healthy pace. I still set reading goals; I still keep track of my reading; I still cherish those friends who help inspire me to read; and, from time to time, I still share my own book adventures to motivate others.

All of this today serves as a preface to my expression of thanks to a few of my reading friends (Greg, Ian, Jack, Jessica, Nancy, and, of course, Claire) whose devotion to good books (and reflections thereon) serve well as an ongoing motivation for me. Thank you; I do indeed appreciate your lives of purposeful reading and below I’ll share a quick report of my own reading this past year. Here you go...

2025 began with reading the Richard Hannay series by John Buchan and ended with E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker. The total for 2025 was 59 books, most of which were re-reads. The most noteworthy authors this year were old friends: Buchan, Dickens, Forester, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Randy Alcorn, Francis Schaeffer, George Patton, Edward de Vere (aka William Shakespeare), Dumas, Tournier, C.S. Lewis, J.M. Barrie, Zane Grey, Chesterton, Louisa May Alcott, and Rafael Sabatini.

"Why Protest Outside An Abortion Chamber?"

October was an unusual month for us and I share a few of those happenings in this edition of the Vital Signs Ministries news letter. But the primary feature of the letter is a brief essay which explains the 5 purposes served in a Christian's peaceful, prayerful protest of abortion chambers. 

Check it out at this link from the VSM website.

There Are Wolves in the World

"Brothers and sisters, there are wolves in the world — ravenous, treacherous, and relentless wolves in the world. These beasts are also proud, wicked, and full of bloodlust. And, make no mistake, their frantic passions are ever-increasing to kill and devour, to spread panic and despair..."

The rest of the September letter from Vital Signs Ministries is right here.

Everything I Needed to Know I Learned from Sherlock Holmes!

Well, it was just about this time in 1902 that Sir James Damery came to 221B Baker Street in London to consult the great detective Sherlock Holmes about what Dr. Watson eventually described as “The Adventure of the Illustrious Client.” Ah yes, it’s one of the most provocative cases in Holmes' long and illustrious career. And with the September chill in the air this morning, I recalled that exciting case and remembered an item I decided upon a couple of weeks ago; namely, to provide in a Vital Signs Blog post the links to all four compilations I made many years ago featuring quotations from the marvelous Sherlock Holmes series. Any fan of the great sleuth will find them of interest...and value. So here they are, all four lists of “Everything I Needed to Know I Learned from Sherlock Holmes!”

“Everything I Needed to Know I Learned from Sherlock Holmes!” (Volume One.

“Everything I Needed to Know I Learned from Sherlock Holmes!” (Volume Two.

“Everything I Needed to Know I Learned from Sherlock Holmes!” (Volume Three.

“Everything I Needed to Know I Learned from Sherlock Holmes!” (Volume Four.)

Denny & Claire Join Nebraska Right to Life at the State Fair

Earlier this week, Claire and I enjoyed once again the opportunity to help out Nebraska Right to Life by manning their information booth at the State Fair in Grand Island. We took the Monday evening shift and the Tuesday morning opening shift and, as always, we were honored to partner with the excellent pro-life champions of NRL. And an added blessing this year was having friends join us for the outreach – Ralph & Carolyn Tate on Monday night and Virgil and Becky Patlan for the Tuesday morning shift. That was great. 

Among the highlights of these shifts were a lot of wonderful conversations with teenagers -- teenagers from Nebraska Christian School, from a community of special needs kids in Hastings, several musicians from a variety of the high school marching bands who were at the Fair that day, from a nearby high school which was using the Fair as a field trip, and more. 

But we also had plenty of profitable visits with adults, including people wanting the free fetal models we were offering, Christians who wanted to come by and thank us for being there at the Fair, a number of curious vendors who had booths in the building, a goodly number who agreed to sign our petition urging Congress to completely defund Planned Parenthood ASAP, and many casual conversations with people who were drawn by our pro-life information, video, fetal models…and our winsome selves!

Thank you, Father, for the opportunity to serve You and the cause of “the least of these” through this important outreach. And please protect, encourage, and use for Your wise purposes all who will be serving at the NRL booth for the rest of this year’s State Fair.

Pro-Life Quotations? We Got a Bunch of 'Em!

Looking for a few striking and impressive pro-life quotes to grace your conversations, social media communications, and public presentations? Well, then you need to check out the remarkable lists of quotations that are on the Vital Signs Ministries website. As a matter of fact, you'll find three large groups of quotes on this VSM page -- enlightening and challenging quotes like these...

“The hairsplitting difference between formed and unformed makes no difference to us.  Whoever deliberately commits abortion is subject to the penalty for homicide.” (Saint Basil)

“When we consider that women are treated as property it is degrading to women that we should treat our children as property to be disposed of as we see fit.” (Pioneer feminist Elizabeth Cady Stanton)

“It seems to me as clear as daylight that abortion would be a crime.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

“Abortion does not kill a potential human person, it kills a human person with great potential.” (Anonymous)

“Probably nothing has been as damaging to our cause as the advances in technology which have allowed pictures of the developing fetus, because people now talk about the fetus in much different terms than they did 15 years ago. They talk about it as a human being, which is not something that I have an easy answer on how to cure.” (Harrison Hickman, pollster for the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League)

“The best decision I ever made was keeping my baby.” (Poet Maya Angelou)

“The Bible makes it clear that God sees the unborn infant not as a piece of superfluous biological tissue, but as a person created by Him for life.” (Billy Graham)

“Abortion kills the life of a baby after it has begun.” (1963 pamphlet by Planned Parenthood)

The Stories You Tell, the Story You Live

“You know, Denny, my friends and I don’t do this at all. I mean, we never tell stories like you and Dad do. The closest we come to anything like it is to recall some scene in a movie or describe something that happened in a NFL game. We don’t tell stories about stuff that happens to us, you know, that have us actually doing anything. And tonight, listening to you and Dad again, it made me realize that I don’t really have many stories to tell.”

Denny talks about storytelling -- and story living -- in the August letter from Vital Signs Ministries right here.

The Only Thing of Importance Now

John Bacon (1740-1799) is widely accepted as one of the greatest sculptors in English history. Winner of numerous awards and given high acclaim by his peers, the public, and the royal court, Bacon’s work impressively adorns such treasured landmarks as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Bristol Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey.

Bacon was a committed Christian who wrote his own epitaph which was etched on his gravestone when his body was buried at Whitefield’s Tabernacle in Tottenham Court. That gravesite (as well as the church itself) was destroyed by Nazi bombs in WW II but the epitaph nevertheless echoes through history: “What I was as an artist seemed of some importance while I lived; what I really was as a believer in Jesus Christ is the only thing of importance to me now.”