Beech Tree News Network

Flag Day, celebrated annually on June 14, holds a special place in the hearts of Americans. It serves as a significant occasion to honor and reflect upon the iconic Stars and Stripes—the flag that symbolizes the unity, ideals, and freedom that define the United States of America.

“It’s just a slap in the face.  I mean, myself and several others laid our lives on the line for this country and now we are fighting for our lives because of this country.  Funny how that works.”  This was the text my niece sent me on Wednesday.

Sunday night, I went to SKYPAC to see the late show from comedian Nate Bargatze’s Be Funny tour.  Hailed as “the nicest man in stand-up” by the Atlantic Magazine, Nate is a Grammy nominated stand-up comedian from Nashville, TN.  Widely known for his clean and relatable comedy for all ages for his Netflix specials :The Tennessee Kid”, “Greatest Average American” and “The Stand-ups”, his latest special, “Hello World”, can be found on Amazon Prime Video.  Currently touring and selling out shows all over the world with his new “The Be Funny” tour.  Nate is also an avid golfer and sports enthusi

Psalm 119:20, 40, and 131 state very interesting thoughts. In Psalm 119:20, we read, “My soul breaketh (is consumed) for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.” Verse 40 says, “Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.” Verse 131 states, “I opened my mouth, and panted; for I longed for thy commandments.”

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has declared a “state of emergency” though there’s no hurricane on the horizon or pandemic threatening to break out. 

As Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) says: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Through the years and again in recent months, I have noticed the truth of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. It’s how the world works: there is a time….

A few weeks ago, my daughter, Natalie, gave me an ultimatum.  “When we get back from Europe, I’m giving you one year to the day to have a book ready to go to the publisher.  That’s not too much to ask.  You have friends who have done it, and you can too.”    I know her, she will bug the living daylights out of me for the next year, and the truth is, she needs to.

This statement was made to me by a dear lady of 96. After she said this, I thought about how much she has seen and experienced. She can surely attest to the fact that “the Devil doesn’t sleep”! Her statement is not a Bible quote, but it reflects a Bible statement found in I Peter 5:8. Peter warned the Christians, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” It is also similar to what was said by Satan himself when speaking to God in Job 1:7 and 2:2.

Months ago, I chronicled the historical events mentioned in Billy Joel’s classic “We

While Memorial Day is now behind us, it still provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the day and carry that debt of gratitude throughout the year. I can’t help but take time this week to remember the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.