Real Religion Is Both Other-Worldly AND Historical

“The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:1-3, New American Standard Bible)

I love this beginning of Luke’s Book of the Acts of the Apostles, emphasizing as it does Christianity’s grounding in real-time, verifiable history. This is seen most clearly in Luke’s care as a historian, in the trustworthiness of his account to an inquiring friend, and in how he begins his letter by reference to the evidential nature of Jesus’ physical resurrection as shown to so many witnesses and in so many “convincing” ways, including His physical presence, other miracles, and the divine wisdom of His teaching.

Ours is a religion of divine, other-worldly origin, to be sure, but God was pleased to unfold His revelation (and the awesome plan of salvation through the atoning sacrifice of Christ for our sins) in human history. That, in itself, is terrific grace.

By the way, this painting of Luke the physician, historian, and missionary was painted by Giorgio Vasari (1570-1571)

The Trumpets Sound!

Here is a stirring passage from John Bunyan’s classic, The Pilgrim's Progress. It comes from Part Two of that classic allegory and describes what occurs after Mr. Valiant-for-Truth is summoned to the Celestial Gate by the Master. Mr. Valiant-for-Truth makes his will, as it were, then speaks his parting words and departs for glory.

“Then said Mr. Valiant-for-Truth, ‘I am going to my Father’s and though with great difficulty I am got hither, yet now I do not repent me of all the trouble I have been at to arrive where I am. My sword I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage, and my courage and skill to him that can get it. My marks and scars I carry with me, to be a witness for me that I have fought His battles Who now will be my rewarder.’

When the day that he must go hence was come, many accompanied him to the riverside, into which as he went, he said, ‘Death, where is thy sting?’ And as he went down deeper, he said, ‘Grave, where is thy victory?’

So he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side.”

By the way, the illustration of Mr. Valiant-for Truth comes from an 1894 edition. The figure was designed by Frederick Barnard and the woodcut engraved for the edition by Dalziel Borthers.

Summer Too Hot for You? Here's Sixteen Very Cool Songs to Help You Out.

This list of 16 songs was, by the way, originally compiled back in 2012. But it probably wouldn't be any different if I made made it today. So, here you go...

1) “All Summer Long” -- The Beach Boys. (But, of course, you could toss in here a dozen others from these guys that could also make the list: “I Get Around.” “Surfin’ U.S.A.” “Surfer Girl.” And so on. They are certainly pop music’s version of The Boys of Summer.)

2) “Summer Nights” -- Marianne Faithfull (Moody, romantic. It’s been a favorite ever since the days of my misspent youth.)

3) “Our Last Summer” -- Abba (Like many of Abba’s later songs, this is great music…but music with a message of particular relevance to my generation.)

4) “Theme from ‘A Summer Place’” -- Percy Faith Orchestra (Beautiful music by which to fall in love. And, as I can also attest, by which to stay in love!) (Note also that the Lettermen have an excellent version of this song.)

5) “See You In September” -- The Happenings (Tuneful, fun but also tender, especially for those who remember the pain of summer partings.)

6) “A Summer Song” -- Chad & Jeremy (A Top Ten hit from 1964. Mellow harmony. Meaningful lyrics. A very pretty number.)

7) “Under the Boardwalk” -- The Drifters (Classic New York soul from one of the greatest vocal groups of the early rock era.)

8) “Summer Rain” -- Johnny Rivers (A dreamy 1967 song that was played on hi-fi sets, 8-track tape machines, and late night FM radio programs throughout the flower power years.)

9) “One Summer Night” -- The Danleers (No doubt about it, this is doo-wop magic. The Diamonds had a nice recording of this too.)

10) “Sealed With a Kiss” -- Brian Hyland (A little saccharine perhaps but this 1962 song effectively captures the feeling of a temporary separation that at least one of the parties suspects might end up being more than temporary.)

11) “V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N” -- Connie Francis (Fun and funky. Connie at her playful best.)

12) “Here Comes Summer” -- Jerry Keller (Could it be that I’ve loved this song for over 65 years? Yep. I first heard it played over Denver's KIMN in 1959.)

13) “Wonderful Summer” -- Robin Ward (A one-hit wonder from a pretty brunette who was raised in Nebraska. And though she didn't have any other radio hits, you can hear her voice in the TV theme songs of Batman, The Partridge Family and several others. Also in hundreds of commercials like those touting Rice-a-Roni.)

14) “Summer in the City” -- Lovin' Spoonful (A harder-edged song that any of the others in this list but still a favorite. I hear this song and...presto...I'm back pumping gas at Banner Tire on West Evans in south Denver.)

15) “Hot Fun in the Summertime” -- Sly & the Family Stone (Did I say “funky” to describe an earlier song. Forget it. THIS is funky.)

16) “Summertime, Summertime” -- The Jamies (Sure, it’s almost a nonsense song but with such a catchy chorus that I had to put it in the mix. And who can't help like a song that contains these lyrics: “Well, I'm so happy that I could flip. Oh, how I'd love to take a trip. I’m sorry teacher but zip your lip. Because it's summertime.”)

If you don't remember these songs (or if you’ve never heard them at all), you can find most of them on You Tube. Have fun. And stay cool, kids!

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. 

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.

You Get Rid of Religion...and You Can't Hire Enough Police

I believe it important to share Clay Christensen's profound video clip every once in awhile. It's only 90 seconds but its ever-relevant, ever-challenging. Watch it; reflect on it; share it.

“When We All Get to Heaven”

“When We All Get to Heaven” 

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus;

Sing His mercy and His grace.

In the mansions bright and blessed

He’ll prepare for us a place.

Chorus: When we all get to heaven,

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus,

We’ll sing and shout the victory.

While we walk the pilgrim pathway

Clouds will overspread the sky.

But when travelin’ days are over,

Not a shadow, not a sigh.

Onward to the prize before us.

Soon His beauty we’ll behold.

Soon the pearly gates will open;

We shall tread the streets of gold.

What a comforting, joyful, exhilarating prospect this song presents!  For though we are certainly walking “pilgrim pathways” these days with “clouds” of lawlessness, lies, and the lunacy of the cancel culture all around us, reminders of our coming redemption are of the utmost value.

“When We All Get to Heaven” was written in 1898 by Eliza Hewitt, a teacher and poet from Philadelphia whose life, though deeply affected by pain caused from a spinal injury, was a profound blessing to family, friends, and the untold numbers of Christians around the world who glorified God by singing such hymns of Eliza’s as “More About Jesus, “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place,” “There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today,” and yes, “When We All Get to Heaven.” I myself have been encouraged by these songs (most of which were set to the music of Mrs. Emily Wilson) and I am looking forward to meeting these faithful saints in what undoubtedly will not be all that far away.

But what is it about the song that so lifts our spirits and sparks our imagination? Well, several things actually:

1) The fact that the only way I can be allowed into God’s holy heaven in the first place is the “wondrous love” of Jesus that is hailed at the very beginning of the hymn.  Jesus demonstrated that love through “His mercy and His grace” as He endured the cross to pay the penalty of my sin.  Thank You, Lord!

2) Jesus is preparing for His people a place amid His heavenly mansions -- a place that will be free of any stain of sin or rebellion.  Instead, there will be purity, peace, righteousness, happiness, and a complete harmony between the believer and himself, with all the saints, with all of redeemed creation, and with the Triune God. Wow.

3) No wonder we will be rejoicing!  No wonder we will “sing and shout the victory” when finally we see our Savior face to face.  No more sighing.  No sorrow or shame.  No excuses or promises to try harder.  The redemption that Jesus purchased with His death will be enjoyed by His adopted children in our glorified bodies and our undivided hearts.

4) That “day of rejoicing” will, of course, be a never-ending one. And though I have no doubt we will have adventures aplenty on the New Earth where God will dwell with men, the “travelin’ days” on this fallen planet where we are beset with continual temptations from the world, our own flesh, and the devil will be forever over.

5) And finally, I love the line from the final stanza: “Onward to the prize before us” for that phrase underscores the glories that will be awarded us by our gracious, generous God as well as the charge to actively pursue our sanctification until that upward call comes. As we relish the reality of those prizes, we find renewed and deepened resolve to endure the tests presently before us.

Today the clouds and sighs. But tomorrow the unveiled face of the Lord, the mansion, the shouts of victory, the prize, the oh-so-real-glories of heaven! That is absolutely wonderful news. And so today, with fresh resolve, I’m going to “sing the wondrous love of Jesus” indeed. Thank you, Eliza.

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.

“Lawlessness Ablaze”

It is an all too obvious and very tragic truth that our world is absolutely ablaze in lawlessness. Absolutely, out of control ablaze. Nevertheless, there remain Christians who stick their head in comfortable sand and try to ignore the flames, while other believers naively downplay the extraordinary degrees of rebellion, blasphemy, and bloodshed of our time, insisting that modern society’s lawlessness is no worse than previous eras in history. The facts are terribly clear, however, that the ever-escalating levels of lawlessness which Holy Scripture reveals as an alarming signal of the end times can be seen daily all around us. 

And the evidence of this lawlessness ablaze is not merely shown in the actions of the primary lawless deeds themselves, but also in the gross inefficiency, indifference, even enablement of our broken judicial system. Indeed, rather than acting as firemen dousing the flames, our modern politics, courts and prosecution policies actually aid and abet the arsonists. For instance, members of my generation can recall days when there were appropriate (and swift) penalties for crimes. But now? Justice is drowned in a complicated, corrupted sea of reduced charges, plea bargains, low (even cashless) bail, early parole and probation policies, laughable “community service” options, and so on. It wasn’t that long ago that “three strike” laws and extended punishment guarantees for gun crimes would put career criminals away for life. But today’s policies excuse and coddle thugs, quickly putting them back on the street to rob, rape, and murder again. Capital punishment even for such crimes as murder, rape, kidnapping, and treason? Forget about it.

Drunk and chemically impaired drivers were once taken from behind the wheel and jailed instead of being given pass after pass until they finally cripple or kill someone. Case in point? Just last week, 70-year old, Grammy-nominated musician Roderick Macleod was out walking his dog when he was run over and killed by a car driven by Shannon Godbout, a career criminal with more than 100 arrests with an additional 82 court warrants served against her over the years as well as 40 traffic citations.

How about how vandals, shoplifters, looters, and rioters are dealt with nowadays? Did you steal less than $1,000? Okay, see you later. Destroy an exquisite, centuries old work of art as an act of anti-Israel protest or climate change activism? Oh well; there’s still plenty of paintings and sculptures. Pay a small fine and we’ll let it go. 

Need more evidence still? Consider the overwhelming corruption of our elections; the flood of illegal immigration which so dangerously threatens the Republic; legalized gambling which has now gone far beyond Las Vegas and into every home in the nation through our phones and internet; sex trafficking; endless scams whereby cruel, conniving thugs stealing money from the most vulnerable; shameless vagrancy (often involving public drunkenness); aggressive begging; the multitude of traffic violations so routinely practiced that police cannot begin to keep up; and rampant drug abuse which destroys both the user and the public peace. And yes, this includes the increasing dependence of young and old on legal, yet still mind-numbing “medical” marijuana dispensed by an endless number of neighborhood shops.  

And, of course, the most horrific crime of all, the bloody lawlessness of the wholesale slaughter of preborn boys and girls via savage curettes, monstrous suction machines, and cruel chemical poisons. Oh yes, lawlessness is ablaze in our day.

Another key element of  today’s lawlessness is its arrogant and highly hypocritical posturing. For while all of these crimes are being ignored (even defended), society leaders, politicians and the police, the judges, and the press are targeting grandmas who pray outside abortion chambers instead. Or parents who resist turning their kids over to the dastardly clutches of the NEA and the government schools. Or coaches who dare lead their teams in prayer. Or a homeowner who uses a legal firearm to defend his family from savages staging a home invasion. Or parents who protest sexual deviants invading their daughter’s bathroom and locker room. Or a preacher who dares to keep his church open when told by government bullies to stay closed. Or a pregnant mother who refuses to get jabbed with a new, untested, and potentially lethal drug while proven medical treatments and medicines are denied her. Or a Christian who dares to voice biblical truths on a college campus. And on and on and on.

No, make no mistake. The furious, wicked flames of lawlessness (the Greek word is often translated as transgression as well) are unprecedently burning out of control just as the Bible predicted would be the case in the last days. The Lord Jesus spoke of this lawlessness in speaking to His disciples (recorded in Matthew 24) as He warned them of wars, hatred, persecution, false prophets, earthquakes, famines, and a dramatic increase in lawlessness.

And though 2nd Thessalonians refers to the anti-christ, the ultimate ringleader of this wickedness, as “the man of lawlessness,” it’s important to remember that the initial force behind this surge of sin in the last days is man himself. The anti-christ will be judged for his rebellion against the Law (more specifically, against the Lawgiver Himself), but he isn’t responsible for the righteous judgment directed against human sinners. No, that’s the wages of our sin that must be paid. The anti-christ will ride the crest of this wave of wickedness, but it became a wave in the first place because men and women surrendered to their own unlawful desires, opinions, and deeds, becoming a law unto themselves. 

This is emphasized by a quick look at the Greek word translated as “lawless” in the passages I’m citing...and will cite. The Greek word is anomia -- nomia meaning law and the prefix a meaning without. The word itself could suggest either an absence of law or even an ignorance of the law. But the most common interpretation of the word by conservative Bible scholars is that lawless (and lawlessness) points to a transgression of the law, a deliberate denial of the law’s authority. This fits. For even as we use the phrase, “ignorance of the law is no excuse,” a person who crosses the line unwittingly, still crosses the line. However, more relevant is that an appeal against the judgment of God because, “Golly, I didn’t know any better” denies the striking fact that I did know better!  For not only does the Law exist wherever God is -- and that is everywhere -- making the essence of His Law (the emanations of God’s own character) also omnipresent. But also because the Bible explains that because man is created in the image of God, His law is a part of our very nature. His law is written on our hearts. And what laws of God we do understand, we have broken. We are guilty before His law; we are even guilty before our own. (Romans 2). No one has an excuse. The lawlessness of our time has been riled up by us. 

So, let’s look at this a bit more closely, not only in how the social lawlessness of the end times plays out in history, but in how the lawless spirit in one’s soul plays out in his personal destiny. All men are sinners; all men are transgressors of His Law, whether it is His Law written on stones or His Law written on our hearts. And so, beyond our individual plight of standing before the all-holy God, we must own up to our contributions to the wave of lawlessness which is now engulfing the world, the wages of which are the “second death” and a terrible, eternal separation from God. That is, unless we can find a substitute, one who could satisfy the demands of God’s righteousness, a completely sinless man who could intercede for us and himself pay the penalty of our sin. 

And, to be sure, that’s the exact definition of a Christian; that is, a sinner who has received by simple faith the gift of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross in their behalf. This is the gift which is forgiveness, cleansing, eternal life. This is the path of rescue, the path of redemption, the only path of freedom. Jesus “gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness.” (Titus 2:14). Indeed, trusting in Christ’s loving sacrifice liberates us forever from both the penalty and the power of our lawlessness. (Hebrews 10:17, Romans 4:7,8)

Thus we see the Bible teaching that lawlessness creates four major tragedies. First, it corrupts each human person and increasingly enslaves them. That’s right, Romans 6:19 reveals that our lawless deeds actually lead to yet more lawlessness. Second, that lawlessness sets us up for divine judgment. (Again, unless you let Jesus step in and act as your substitute.) The third tragedy is that individual lawlessness pollutes the group (family, nation, world) and stimulates social disorders that end up running unchecked...as see happening today. And finally, the fourth tragedy is that lawlessness will usher in the eschatological crisis. This, I believe, is the wave of lawlessness that will culminate in the Rapture of the Church and the beginning of God’s holy judgment upon the world.

And what then of the Christian’s attitude and action in this eschatological crisis? Here are a few of the responses I think are the most important.

* Our culture’s blazing lawlessness should cause us to be ever more careful to avoid getting burned ourselves! For instance, we must thoroughly respect and love God’s law and not be tempted to ignore the devastation lawlessness creates. We cannot ignore lawlessness; we cannot make light of it; we cannot coexist with it. Our gratitude and love for Christ must show a daily devotion to holy living and a bold proclamation of biblical truths.

* Biblically-minded believers in Jesus should be the most ardent champions for law and order. We should be active in this responsibility in prayer and proclamation, in our families and churches, in our neighborhoods and nation. So be informed. Be a watchman on the wall. Be a vocal defender of justice. In whatever ways are open to you, be an opponent of barbarism and crime and false teaching. Stand in the gap for the innocent and needy, especially the unborn children, the victims of persecution, the victims of sex trafficking. And be a firm friend of the police and truly conservative public officials. 

* And speaking of being vocal, you might also find, as I have, that talking about the dangers and shame represented by our society’s increasing lawlessness is an excellent springboard for evangelism. Your neighbor (perhaps even your hard-hearted, leftist in-law) most likely sees what you do and realizes -- to some degree at least -- that modern culture is coarser, crazier, and downright scarier than the world he grew up in. You may discover then that he is more open than ever to consider the biblical view of reality including divine creation, the indispensable rightness of moral law, sin and the subsequent judgment, and, most certainly, the gospel. For Jesus is the world’s only hope.

* Finally, one more very important response to the lawlessness of the present age is to let it stimulate your confidence in and yearning for the day when the government of the entire world will be on Christ’s shoulders -- that forever day when peace reigns in redeemed hearts, when the glorified bodies of God’s children enjoy the splendors of the New Earth, and when delightful harmony is the constant in our relationships with God, one another, and all of his creation. Wow!

So to wrap up this devotional...It is of the utmost importance to frankly admit that the lawlessness of the end times is blazing all around us, even to accept the evidence that is accelerating on its way to a foreordained doom.  But Christians serve the living and almighty God Who not only protects us from human enemies, demons, and the league of the anti-christ, but Who also empowers us with the Holy Spirit to fight for justice, righteousness, and truth while we can. Therefore, this is a most excellent time to “win our spurs” in our Lord’s service as watchmen on the wall, as advocates, as ambassadors, as “wolf fighters,” and as teachers and evangelists. And while we bravely take on these honored challenges, Christians should look forward with joy and confidence to the day of our King’s eternal victory -- a day we will share with Him, His angels, and the whole family of the redeemed. Come, Lord Jesus!

And Another Month of "When Swing Was King" Closes

There's always a hint of sadness when we present the last of each month's showings
of "When Swing Was King." We do, after all, really cherish the songs and the photographs and even the stories and trivia items I recount for our audiences...and so we know we will miss them. And today we closed September's schedule with shows #10 and #11 -- first at Newport this morning and then at Brookstone Village late this afternoon.

However, ending this month's show means we will soon get started on the next gathering of 12 terrific songs, the next collection of 220-250 photos, and the next batch of interesting and fun information to please our friends in the senior living facilities. What a rich blessing God gave us (and so many others) when he gave us "When Swing Was King.

Our 10 Favorite Literary Characters

It's our last night in the Colorado mountains (this time around) and after an eventful day that included an early morning work session at the coffee shop in Dillon, a vigorous and gorgeous hike near Keystone, a scare regarding our car's engine light on the way to Copper Mountain, a late lunch at the Empire Grill in Breckenridge, and more, we played a literature game on the balcony of our condo rental as we watched the sunset over the mountains.

It's a very simple game -- name your Ten Favorite Characters from Literature. And yes, we allowed a little liberty, as in accepting a "company" of characters from a particular work. Here are the lists we came up with. How about you?

Claire's Ten -- in no particular order:

* Aslan, Peter, Lucy, Edmund from The Chronicles of Narnia.

* Samwise Gangee, Frodo Baggins, and Aragon (Strider) from The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

* Fr. Timothy Kavanaugh from the Jan Karon series of novels.

* Miss Ella Bishop from Miss Bishop by Bess Streeter Aldrich.

* John Sidney Howard from The Pied Piper by Nevil Shute.

* Sir Percy Blakeney from The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy.

* Ebenezer Scrooge from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

* Winnie the Pooh and his many friends from the books by A.A. Milne.

* Bishop Myriel from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

* Sherlock Holmes from the stories and novels by Arthur Conan Doyle.

And my list? Well, I agreed with Claire's selections of Sherlock Holmes, Fr. Tim Kavanaugh, Ebenezer Scrooge, Winnie the Pooh and friends, and the characters from The Lord of the Rings. The only point of clarification I would add is that my list read "Ebenezer Scrooge...or whoever is the protagonist from the Charles Dickens novel I'm reading at the time!"

But the differences? My list included...

* Ratty, Badger, Mole, and Mr. Toad from The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.

* D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis from several novels by Alexandre Dumas.

* Horatio Hornblower from the series of novels by C.S. Forester.

* Atreyu from The Neverending Story by Michael Ende.

* Travis McGee from the series of novels by John D. MacDonald.

August's "When Swing Was King" Show Is (Once Again!) A Winner!

It is a busy and blessing-filled week for the “When Swing Was King” part of our ministry with 7 of this month’s 12 shows being presented this week. But we don’t want to be stingy on those blessings. Therefore, we post the August “When Swing Was King” songlist below as a teaser that might encourage you to drop into one of our shows this week or next. We would love to have you...as would the residents of the senior facilities where our shows have won so many hearts over the years. 

Here's what’s playing -- accompanied, of course, by about 240 remarkable photographs from the same years. It makes for a profoundly enjoyable and moving “sentimental journey.”

1) Glenn Miller Orchestra: “String of Pearls” (1942) 

2) The Andrews Sisters: “Begin the Beguine” (1945)

3) Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra: “Can’t We Be Friends?” (1935)

4) Andy Williams: “The Days of Wine and Roses” (1963)

 5) Eydie Gorme: “Hello Young Lovers” (1959)

6) Nat King Cole (Backed by the Billy May Orchestra): “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” (1964) 

7) Connie Francis: “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” (1960)

8) Perry Como (With the Mitchell Ayres Orchestra and Chorus): “Patricia” (1950)

9) Benny Goodman Orchestra: “Here’s Love In Your Eyes” (1936)

10) Robert Goulet: “Gigi” (1962) 

11) Guy Lombardo Orchestra (Kenny Gardner, vocals): “Getting to Know You” (1951)

12) Fred Astaire (With the Johnny Green Orchestra): “The Way You Look Tonight” (1936)

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 Latest Mountain Adventure

We enjoyed a couple of wonderful days in Colorado and even the travel days to get there and back were very pleasant and engaging. The climax of the trip was our annual attempt to summit a 14er and that was a resounding victory for our dear friends Ryan Garvey, and Matt Troutman and his 17-year old son, Luke. They conquered Mt. Sherman in real style. Congratulations, guys!

Alas, Mt. Sherman conquered me this time around! My 74-year old legs got me quite away into the climb (13,510 feet) but, unlike last year, I couldn’t overcome the last mile or so of steep, rugged ascent. Thus, the series of 14er climbs that began on my 65th birthday may well have ended. True, that’s no small accomplishment but the primary challenge now, whether I end up closing the chapter at 7 successful summits or not, is to find new inspiration and resolve to stay in as “fighting trim” as possible.

However, notwithstanding my submission to the heights of Mt. Sherman this time, our Colorado experience produced many extraordinary blessings and I am very grateful to God for each one of them. 

Stimulating conversations with Ron and Linda Scheffler and with Matt, Luke, and Ryan... God’s deliverance when an engine alert light on our rented Jeep Grand Cherokee providentially “went away”... Staying at a secluded, spacious, and beautiful house in Dillon for a very reasonable price... Meals out at the Mave in Fort Morgan, the Driftwood in Ogallala, and such traditional mountain town haunts as the Haywood Cafe in Keystone and the Empire Grill in Breckenridge... A lovely hike from Frisco to Rainbow Lake... Coffee and conversations and prayers throughout our stay...And a daring, 90-minute mountain drive through the dark from our house to the Sherman trailhead.

More than that? Yep! There were the grand panoramic views, the smell of the pines, the quaking aspens, the gurgling streams, the high altitude breezes, the refreshing mountain rains, the grey fox we spotted on the sidewalk of Breckenridge in the predawn hours, the gelato and London fogs alongside the Blue River in Breckenridge, the tour of the historic buildings in Frisco, and the engaging talks on the way back to Omaha about theology, music, race, books, and our personal quests for spiritual wholeness.

And let me mention one more time, the conquest of Mt. Sherman by Luke and Matt and Ryan! It was, for so many reasons, a terrific trip. Thank you, Lord.

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.”

Vladimir Nabokov: An Embarrassing Problem for Darwinians

“When a butterfly has to look like a leaf, not only are all the details of a leaf beautifully rendered but markings mimicking grub-bored holes are generously thrown in. ‘Natural Selection,’ in the Darwinian sense, could not explain the miraculous coincidence of imitative aspect and imitative behavior, nor could one appeal to the theory of ‘the struggle for life’ when a protective device was carried to a point of mimetic subtlety, exuberance, and luxury far in excess of a predator's power of appreciation. I discovered in nature the non-utilitarian delights that I sought in art. Both were a form of magic, both were a game of intricate enchantment and deception.”

The above paragraph was written, not by William Jennings Bryan or Billy Sunday, but by the decidedly irreligious author of Lolita and Pale Fire (and, more importantly for my money, the translator of Pushkin), Vladimir Nabokov.

It turns out that Nabokov served as the curator of lepidoptera (butterflies) at Harvard University’s Museum of Comparative Zoology in the 1940s. In fact, according to his biographer, Nabokov “became the authority on the little-studied blue butterflies (polyommatini) of North and South America” and was “a pioneer in the study of butterflies’ microscopic anatomy, distinguishing otherwise almost identical blues by differences in their genital parts.” And besides his novels and short stories, he published articles in such scientific journals as The Entomologist, The Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, The Lepidopterist News, and Psyche: A Journal of Entomology.

Of course, this creates a problem of embarrassment in the secular academic circles where Nabokov’s literary work has been so highly regarded. I mean, what’s with a renowned liberal humanist vigorously disputing evolution -- and doing so from the most intricate and informed scientific reasoning?

Richard Dawkins, call your office.

“Five Annihilating Words: One Night He Heard Screams”

“The daughter of a former German diplomat in Moscow was trying to explain to me why her father, who, as an enlightened modern man, had been extremely pro-Communist, had since become an implacable anti-Communist. It was hard for her because, as an enlightened modern girl, she shared the Communist vision without being a Communist. But she loved her father and the irrationality of his defection embarrassed her. ‘He was immensely pro-Soviet,’ she said, ‘and then -- you’ll laugh at me, but you must not laugh at my father -- and then one night in Moscow, he heard screams. That’s all. Simply one night he heard screams.’

A child of Reason and the 20th Century, she knew that there is a logic of the mind. She did not know that the soul has a logic that may be more compelling than the mind’s. She did not know at all that she had swept away the logic of the mind, the logic of history, the logic of politics, the myth of the 20th Century, with five annihilating words: one night he heard screams.

What Communist has not heard those screams? They come from husbands torn forever from their wives in midnight arrests. They come, muffled, from the execution cellars of the secret police, from the torture chambers of the Lubianka, from all the citadels of terror now stretching from Berlin to Canton. They come from those freight cars loaded with men, women and children, the enemies of the Communist State, locked in, packed in, left on remote sidings to freeze to death at night in the Russian winter. They come from minds driven mad by the horrors of mass starvation ordered and enforced as a policy for the Communist State. They come from the starved skeletons, worked to death, flogged to death (as an example to others) in the freezing filth of sub-arctic labor camps. They come from children whose parents are suddenly, inexplicably, taken away from them – parents they will never see again.

What Communist has not heard those screams?”

(Whittaker Chambers, Witness, pages 13, 14)

Heads Up!

We cordially invite you to a couple of important Vital Signs Ministries events that are coming up soon. The first is the next Vital Signs letter-writing party. Well, actually there are two of them, each taking about 90 minutes. One is a morning brunch party on Tuesday, August 5th beginning at 10 o'clock with the evening event beginning at 7 on that same date. The location is at Denny & Claire’s home.

 As usual, we will provide recipient options, address sheets, stationery, and stamps as we write letters and cards to government officials, businesses, and Christian ministry leaders about such topics as the sanctity of life, religious freedom, family and moral values, and other biblically-centered concerns. And, of course, along with the opportunity to shine your light through letters, there will be stimulating fellowship with like-minded Christians and plenty of delicious treats to keep up your energy levels!

By the way, your RSVPs are very helpful.

And then the second event is something we did very successfully back in 2017 and that is a home showing on Saturday, August 23 of the outstanding, award-winning, one-man play, An Evening with C.S. Lewis starring David Payne. That DVD showing (informative, entertaining, inspirational) will take the place of Vital Signs Ministries’ quarterly Book Brunch and, though it too will take place at the Hartford home, will be at 7 in the evening with coffee, soft drinks, and desserts served during the intermission of the play. Again, RSVPs are quite important.

So, are you interested? We hope so. Give us a call, text, or email soon.

An Open Letter Regarding Pro-lIfe Measures & Leftist Propaganda

Versions of the following letter are being sent to Senators Fischer and Ricketts, Congressman Bacon, President Trump, and Vice-President Vance. I encourage you to consider writing similar advocacy correspondence.

Dear Senator Fischer,

I wrote last week on behalf of Vital Signs Ministries here in Omaha, asking for your energetic support of the pro-life priorities which remain after the passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill” -- the complete and permanent de-funding of the mega-abortion profiteer that is Planned Parenthood, repeal of the F.A.C. E. Act, a serious scaling back of the poisonous abortion drugs that are killing millions of preborn children as well as severely injuring so many of those children’s mothers, and increased conscience protection for those who refuse to perjure their souls by supporting in any way such blasphemous actions as abortion or sexual perversion.

Thank you, Senator Fischer, for your prayerful attention to those concerns.

However, I also wanted to send along my concerns about a few other important issues, issues that are of grave concern to conservatives across the nation. 1) Would you please co-sponsor and work for the passage of S.669, Disengaging Entirely From the United Nations Debacle Act of 2025 or the DEFUND Act of 2025.

And 2) Would you please join in the move to reverse the historical revisionism, leftist ideologies, and anti-religious trends which have marked the progressives’ control of the Smithsonian, the National Art Gallery, and the National Park Service?

Again, thank you.

Change for the Better: A “When Swing Was King” Update

Adlai Stevenson once observed that “change is inevitable and yet change for the better is a full-time job.” That’s certainly a sage observation, one that emphasizes the need for wise and intentional planning to make the very best of our time, talents, and opportunities. And though change isn’t exactly a full-time job for our “When Swing Was King” ministry, it is always a very important part.

How so? Well, each of our “When Swing Was King” programs consist of 12 original songs and 220-240 photographs. But oh, no; they are not the same songs or photographs at all. They are ever changing in order to keep our audiences of seniors as esteemed, engaged, and entertained as possible. (By the way, our current schedule takes us to 11 facilities every month.) 

Here’s how it works. In creating these shows over the last 15 years, we have developed 24 “base” programs which revolve on a 2-year calendar. And when each “base” program comes round, I go in and change anywhere from 2 to 5 of the songs and up to a third of all of the photos. No kidding. We are thus able to honestly explain to our audiences (and the staff at the senior facilities) that we offer a new “When Swing Was King” show every time. And they all appreciate the efforts we invest to do so as “When Swing Was King” is as beloved a program as ever before.

There is one more aspect regarding change that I might mention regarding “When Swing Was King.” Remember, we have been doing this for 15 years now and, since we remain committed to providing our current audiences with the music of their youth, that means changes need to be applied in our song selections. For today’s residents of the senior facilities (now in their late 80s and 90s) remember and cherish the music that was popular, not just in the 1930s and 1940s which were our focus in the first years of “When Swing Was King,” but also in the 1950s and even 1960s. You can see then an extra motivation for Claire and I to take seriously Stevenson’s exhortation as we conscientiously, creatively pursue “change for the better” in our “When Swing Was King” outreach.

Want an example an example of just what I’m talking about? Below I give you a briefly annotated songlist of the July “When Swing Was King” show. You’ll see how we’re striving to keep the best mix of musical genres possible for our friends. Also, please keep in mind that each month’s “When Swing Was King” is on the Vital Signs Ministries website in case you would ever like to join us! 

“When Swing Was King (Volume 15: Series 7, July 2025) 

1) Glenn Miller Orchestra -- “American Patrol” (1942)

(With military-themed photos accompanying this classic hit, we use this song as a tribute and thank-you to veterans of the U.S. military.)

2) Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (with Frank Sinatra and the Pied Pipers) -- “Dolores” (1941) (One of the several number 1 hits coming from that great combination of Tommy Dorsey -- “The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing” -- and the youthful voice of Frank Sinatra.)

3) Artie Shaw Orchestra – “Frenesi” (1940)

(Also, a number one hit, this was one of Shaw’s “signature” songs.)

4) The Platters – “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” (1959)

(Yes, here’s one of the songs illustrating our entry into early pop music. This #1 song, featuring lead tenor, Tony Williams, was one of their most popular.)

5) Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass – “A Taste of Honey” (1965)

(After an injury, Herb Alpert, an outstanding high school gymnast had to fall back on his musical interests and business savvy. He ended up becoming one of the most popular and successful musicians, promoters, and music executives of his time.) 

6) Pat Boone – “Love Letters in the Sand” (1957)

(The only serious rival to the popularity of Elvis Presley back in the 1950s, Pat Boone scored a #1 hit with this song. The photo theme accompanying it is the year 1957.)

7) Doris Day -- “You Oughta’ Be in Pictures” (1951)

(Photo theme -- Several of the leading men from Hollywood’s Golden Age.)

8) Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians – “Embraceable You” (1950)

(Always a favorite with our “When Swing Was King” audiences, the Lombardo band was promoted as playing “the sweetest music this side of heaven.”)

9) McGuire Sisters -- “Something’s Gotta’ Give” (1955)

(This Johhny Mercer song reached #5 on the pop charts that year and is an excellent example of why Christine, Dorothy, and Phyllis were such a terrific act.)

10) Julie London -- “Misty” (1960)

(One of the all-time best torch singers, the lovely Julie London performs one of the classiest versions ever of this Erroll Garner standard.)

11) Mills Brothers -- “Standing on the Corner” (1956)

(Selling over 50 million records in their long career, this fun song is one of their most popular of all. And our audiences absolutely love singing along.)

12) Lawrence Welk Orchestra -- “Adios, Au Revoir, Auf Weidersehn” (1971)

(This George Cates, Jack Elliott song was the one that the Welk cast always sang at the closing of the television show. And members of that beloved cast are featured in the photos used here.)