Beech Tree News Network

In the ‘90’s, black comedy on television is enjoying a moment.  Shows such as Martin (one of my favorites),

I’ve always been a big fan of organization—don’t look at my bedroom, though.  (I tripped over something in there last night, and I have a big bruise on my knee, and a small knot on the back of my head.)  I like things boxed up or stored in plastic bins, and I’m always repositioning things for maximum use and aesthetics, so it would stand to reason that I would admire the inventors of cardboard and plastic.  

Why doesn’t God do something? That is essentially the question Habakkuk asked. That is like the questions we sometimes look around and ask. “If God is all powerful, then why does he allow evil and suffering?” “Does he notice all the troubles that take place in the world?”  The prophet was really asking “Does God care?” 

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a solemn day of remembrance for the men and women who have died in military

At the start of the ‘90’s, tv news goes tabloid.  Sex scandals, gruesome murders, reporters going rogue was all the rage.  The public sees a chance to cash in.  For decades, the nightly news in America was a serious affair.  In the ‘90’s, not so much.

Step Back and Reflect this Memorial Day

It has been one of those weeks when I have questioned the wisdom of my having brought children into this world.  This is not one of those “back in my day” columns.  I am pretty much a forward-looking person.  This week, however, the clamor of the world and all the vitriol it is spitting at our children and grandchildren have caused me to reflect.  I understand why some people have chosen to homeschool their children, and why others have completely removed their children from social media.

Sometimes folks’ recoil at emphasis on bible obedience. Sometimes they will counter by offering “love” and “just being like Jesus” as if they are alternatives that stand in opposition to any emphasis on obeying God’s will. Consider what John, the Apostle of Love, recorded regarding Jesus’ example of obedience.

 Jesus & Obedience in John’s Gospel:

This week, I’ll conclude my two-part series on the UFC.  The following information comes from Vice Network’s Dark Side of the ‘90’s.  When I left you last week, the bloody sport had sparked political backlash, spearheaded by former war hero and Arizona senator, the late John McCain.  The company Semafore had purchased the UFC for 7 figures after just 5 events.

May is traditionally the month for graduations. College graduations were earlier in the month, and our local high school graduation is later this week. Each graduate reached a milestone worthy of celebration. My children’s and grandchildren’s graduations were moments of both thanksgiving (for meeting a standard) and hope (for the future). This week one of my granddaughters will graduate from high school. I know it, too, will be memorable, as family and friends celebrate her achievement.