Beech Tree News Network

This summer, I’ve noticed that some of the foods that family members disliked in the past are now on their ok-to-eat lists. Many of my preferences have altered over time as well. These changes show that human preference can vary over time.

What if you knew of people who were trying to be just like you? What if folks wanted to dress like you, act like you, talk like you, be employed at the same place, live in the same town you live in, etc.? What would you think of people like that? Do you think this would be a wise thing for folks to do? Would you encourage people in this pursuit? Why or why not?

I couldn’t very well call this installment Against The Grain.  I mean, fish have gills.  I had to change it up a little.  Thursday night I went to the Morgantown City Park for the Green River Catfish Festival, the annual summer rite of passage here in Butler County, for some fish, music and fun.  How do you explain the Catfish Festival to someone who’s never been? Obviously the main attraction is the world-renowned catfish.  But there is so much more!

Fourth of July celebrations seemed to go well. The weather was great, the Catfish Festival was fun, the city provided an outstanding fireworks display, and my family’s gathering was relaxed. Since then, my thoughts have turned to three random topics: cost of living, post-4th of July, and social media.

Independence Day is nearly here. As Martina McBride sang, “Let freedom ring, let the white dove sing!” (Independence Day lyrics). I’m looking forward to this day that I associate with patriotism, family, food, and fireworks.

What was Noah’s wife’s name (Gen. 7:13)? Did Noah and his wife have any other children besides the three boys (Shem, Ham, Japheth) in his 950 years on earth? Why do we read about Adam and Eve’s three sons and not the other children (Gen. 5:4)? Why are we only told of incidents happening to Moses as a baby, at age 40, and after that, we are only told about Moses’ life from ages 80-120? Why are we not told about Jesus’ youth except the one incident at age 12 (Lk. 2:41-52)?

As I’ve said before, family vacations are memory makers. Last week, 24 of us (representing four generations, ages 4 to 83) spent some time in the Smoky Mountains area. And, our vacation was memorable.

If you were to drop by my house unannounced, you’d probably find me in one or the other of my two favorite outfits: cut-off shorts or brown and white checked, seersucker shorts, paired with a tee shirt I’ve cut the sleeves and neck band from—with a small slit in the newly-bandless shirt for extra comfort.  Ragged sneakers and no-show socks complete the ensemble to give me a bag lady sort of appearance.

II Kings 5:1-14 records the healing of Naaman of Syria. In this text, we learn that Naaman was an honorable man. In verses 2-4, we learn that even his slave girl was concerned about his leprosy. She wanted this honorable man healed. The young girl understood how powerful God is, and stated that if Naaman was in Samaria, he could be healed. She was not afraid of speaking of the power of Jehovah to these heathen people.
 

This is Juan Antonio, or "Tony" (12/01), who is a bright reserved young man. Although he is slower to engage with strangers, when he becomes comfortable, he will laugh and joke with them. In his free time, Tony enjoys football, video games and reading books. Tony likes home cooked meals, and is described as a good eater. He amuses himself by playing video games and reading. He also enjoys artistic activities. Tony is bonded to his siblings and will need to be able to participate in their lives. Tony needs a loving and patient family who will always be there for him. Are you that family?