Saint (80/11/01)
The first day of November is one of the most important feast days in the Roman Catholic Church. It is called “All Saints’ Day.” On certain days throughout the year, certain saints are remembered, but on All Saints’ Day, God is praised for all his saints, known and unknown. In modern English, “saint,” from the Latin word for “holy,” refers to a holy person, a person who is especially kind or patient, or one who has been designated a “saint” by the Church. However, in the New Testament, “saint” refers to all the believers in Jesus Christ, who are members of his church and many of the New Testament letters are addressed to the saints of a certain area. According to the Bible, a person does not become a saint by self-effort, but by the work of God which is accepted by faith. On this All Saints’ Day, God is calling you also to join his family and become one of his “saints.” Tomorrow, the “saints” will meet together to worship in churches. Why don’t you join them?
Miss Nanzan (80/11/02)
Nanzan University’s annual festival began yesterday amid a controversy regarding the “Miss Carnival” contest. A campus woman’s group accused the planning committee of discrimination and of treating women as a new spectacle. The festival committee chairman replied that “Miss Nanzan” would not be chosen on the basis of external beauty, but upon more intangible factors as well. “Intangible” refers to things that cannot be touched, that is, things that are not physical or material. How can “beauty” be defined? The Chinese character for “beautiful” consists of two parts meaning big sheep, evidently in reference to a tasty meal as well as a pretty sight. True beauty, however, is an inward quality. The Apostle Peter wrote to the women of his day, “you should not use outward aids to make yourself beautiful, such as the way you do your hair, or the jewelry you put on, or the dresses you wear. Instead, your beauty consists of your true inner self, the ageless beauty of an aging and quiet spirit, which is of the greatest value in God’s sight” (I Peter 3:3-4).
Bunka no Hi (80/11/03)
On November 3rd, the birthday of Emperor Meiji, the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo holds its most important festival, which includes many traditional Japanese cultural events. Since the end of the war, this day has been designated a
national holiday called Bunka no Hi, Culture Day. In Japanese, “bunka” is a shortened form of “bunmeikaika,” referring literally to the light, openness and change brought by writing or literature. Both “bunka” and “kaika” may be translated “civilization.” In English, “culture” is related to “cultivate”, which originally meant preparing the soil for growing crops and then raising and developing something better. A cultured pearl is a pearl that has been specially cultivated and a cultured person is one who is civilized, courteous and refined. Before the days of our present inflation, someone defined “civilization” as “the system under which a man pays a dollar to park his car so he won’t be fined five while spending a dime for a nickel cup of coffee.” True civilization or culture cannot be applied like varnish on a rough surface or dressing a savage in a tuxedo. It is through the inward work of God’s Spirit that a person becomes truly human, a child of God.
Election in the U.S. (80/11/04)
In Japan, Sunday is the day on which national elections are held, but in the United States, with its tradition of Sunday as a day of rest and worship, presidential elections are held every 4 years on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. Therefore, today is General Election Day in the U. S. Since absentee ballots must arrive at the polling place by today, however, my wife and I already punched out the holes in our computer-card-ballots 11 days ago. Our ballots from the state of Illinois, listed candidates for president, vice-President and U. S senator from seven different political parties plus one independent candidate for president and vice-president. Our computer-card ballot included 228 numbers, of which 83 were relevant to this election, ranging from president to county officials and local tax propositions. In democratic countries, it is our privilege and right to choose our political leaders. We should use this privilege wisely. But it is even more important whom we choose to rule our lives. Consider for a moment whom have you chosen to be lord of your life? If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about these “Daily Word” messages, please write me
a letter in English or Japanese. I will reply.
Violent drivers (80/11/05)
On the morning of November 3rd in the city of Higashi Osaka, a couple of cars were stopped at an intersection. The traffic light was red. When it changed to green, the cars didn’t move, so the driver of the dump truck behind them sounded his horn. This angered the men in the cars. Three of them got out and pulled the driver out of the dump truck and began to beat him. However, as he was being pulled from his truck, the driver grabbed a knife that was on the seat and began to attack his attackers. The result was that one of them was stabbed to death and that the other two fled after beating up the truck driver with clubs. It was in the same city just three years ago was shot to death with a pistol after sounding his horn at another short tempered driver. One of the marks of a mature person is to keep one’s emotions under control. The Old Testament book of Proverbs chapter 19 verse 11 states: “If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it.” How much happier our world would be if more of us were “sensible”, controlling our tempers and ignoring the insults of others.
Oh retires (80/11/06)
Japanese baseball fans were shocked at the news of the retirement from active service of the most popular player in Japan. Sadaharu Oh, affectionately known as “One-chan,” made his announcement before 38 microphones, 12 television cameras and some 200 reporters. Oh began his baseball career with the Giants 22 years ago as a pitcher, but was soon changed to first base because of his power at the plate. He wore uniform #1 and was the world’s number one homerun hitter. For the past 19 years he has hit 30 or more homeruns every season. The name Oh means “king” and his lifetime professional record of 868 makes him homerun king of professional baseball. His homerun count this season, however, dropped down to 30 and at 40 years of age he decided to quit while still a respectable player—unlike Mohamad Ali, who at 38 should have retired before he retired. How much longer can 36 year old sumo wrestler Takamiyama hold out? As Malcon Muggeridge has written, “Few men of action have been able to make a graceful exit at the appropriate time.” And he wasn’t referring to athletes.
Ritto (80/11/07)
According to the lunar calendar, today is the first day of winter, or “ritto,” in Japanese. The beginning of winter will bring joy and anticipation to skiers and the managers of ski resorts. To others, however, the onset of this cold season of the year will be met with a feeling of dread and apprehension. Coincidentally, today is also the anniversary day of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, which occurred in 1917 and started that country on its chilling Communist path. Many countries of the world and at least half of the population of the United States are also a bit apprehensive about the direction of American domestic and foreign policies as a result of the elections held there this week. Nevertheless, since “variety is the spice of life” the change of seasons and of political directions will always bring new hopes and challenges to the person with faith in God’s overruling providence. The Biblical promise (in Genesis, chapter 8, verse 22) is that “while the earth lasts, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall never cease.” Despite the changes that occur in nature and nations, God’s faithfulness and his love remain the same.
the beginning of Islam (80/11/08)
Islam, which means “submission,” is a religion which began in Arabia over 1300 years ago. Followers of this religion who are called Muslims, meaning those who are “submissive,” consider Muhammed to be the final and greatest prophet of God, whom they call “Allah”. Muhammed was born in the town of Mecca and, at forty years of age, began his religious activity. Because of persecution he fled to Medina in the year 622 AD and in this event the Muhammedan era marks its beginning. According to the Islamic method of counting, today is the 1400th anniversary of Muhammed’s flight (or hejira), so for Muslims, today begins a new century. The sacred book of the Muslims is the Koran, from the Arabic word for “book,” just as the word “Bible,” comes from the Greek word for book. Both Christians and Muslims are people of a “book”. Each one of the 114 chapters of the Koran begin with the words, “In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.” There are many matters on which Christians and Muslims would disagree, but both affirm that God, The almighty Creator, is compassionate and merciful.
Plenty of money can cause troubles (80/11/09)
Some people think that if they only had plenty of money all their troubles would be over. However, Mr. Hisao Oki of Tokyo can testify that a lot of money can cause problems as well as solve them. On April 25th, Mr. Oki spied a package on the Ginza in downtown Tokyo. He put it in his truck and carried it home. When he opened the package, he found it contained one hundred million yen in cash. He reported it to the police, but since no one has claimed the money, tomorrow it will be turned over to him. Accompanied by hired guards and wearing a bullet proof vest, he plans to pick up his check for a billion yen from the police station’s lost and found department and immediately take it to the bank. Since finding this money, the Oki family was bothered by all kinds of phone calls until they had their phone number changed. They have received over 150 letters—some threatening, others asking for gifts or loans, some giving advice and others of a religious nature. Mr. Oki quit his job last September and his wife has been completely upset since he happened upon that treasure. Proverbs 15:16 states “Better to be poor and fear the Lord than to be rich and in trouble. “
Shimoduki (80/11/10)
The traditional Japanese name for this 11th month of the year
is Shimozuki, or “frost month.” It is the month when frosts begin. The word “frost” comes from the same root as “freeze” and refers to the frozen dew or vapor which is found on the ground following a cold night. When the ground and plants are covered with frost, it may remind us of the frosting on a cake, which is also called “icing.” “Frosty” may refer either to cold weather or to the cold and unfriendly attitude of a person. Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan seemed a bit frosty in their recent television debate. “Frosty” may also refer to gray or white hair of an old person. In the Old Testament book of Proverbs, chapter 16, verse 31, it is written, “Long life is the reward of the righteous; gray hair is a glorious crown.” That is an encouraging word to those of us who are getting such a glorious crown. During the month of October, “Daily Word” received an average of over 100 calls a day. I would like to get acquainted with you who are making those calls. You may write in English or Japanese and include in your letter your questions, comments or suggestions. My address is: P.O. Box 30, Moriyama, Nagoya 463.
Veteran's Day (80/11/11)
In the year 1918 at 11:00 am on the 11th day of the 11th
month, that is 62 years ago today, the fighting between the German army and the Allied Force stopped and World War I was over. This war has caused the deaths of some 10,000,000 men while twice that number was wounded. Since the end of that war, November 11th has been celebrated in the United States and Canada as Armistice Day.
“Armistice,” from two Latin words meaning arms and to stand still, refers to the temporary stopping of fighting by mutual agreement prior to the signing of a peace treaty. Since 1954, however, this day has been called “Veteran’s Day” in honor of the veterans of other wars as well as of those of the 1st World War. “Veteran,” from the Latin word “old,” refers to a person of long experience in some service or position, especially in military service. An armistice may also be called a truce and it is our hope that “truce is stronger than friction.” (For those of you who cannot understand this pun, I would be happy to explain it to you if you write to me. My address is: “Daily Word,” P.O. Box 30, Moriyama Ku, Nagoya 463.)
the bald eagle and the lame duck (80/11/12)
Today’s “Daily Word” is about two birds native to the
United States: the bald eagle and the lame duck. Eagles are famous for their strong wings which enable them to fly at great heights and for their keen vision which enables them to spy a small animal from a great distance. The bald eagle was chosen as the national emblem of the United States in 1782, although Benjamin Franklin was said to have opposed the choice of what he considered disagreeable characteristics of that bird. Although the bald eagle is a symbol of the United States, the present president may be referred to as a “lame duck,” for a “lame duck” is a colloquial expression referring to a person in an elected office whose term continues beyond the time of the election at which he was defeated for reelection. Mr. Carter will thus be a lame duck president until his term ends on January 20, 1981. Most people respect the strong and despise the weak. The Bible teaches that God purposely chooses those considered weak to accomplish His purpose and that He gives strength to the weak so that they can fly like eagles. Through faith in God and relying on His power, we, too, may find strength for our lives today.
Thor’s day (80/11/13)
Today is Thursday. The word Thursday comes from the
name of a god in Norse mythology named Thor. (Norse refers to the northern countries
of Europe known as Scandinavia.) Thor is the Norse God of thunder and Thursday was originally known as Thor’s Day. Thunder is actually the sound that follows a flash of lightening, which is caused by the sudden disturbance of air by electrical discharge. In Japanese the word for thunder, “kaminari” comes from the idea of the gods crying out with a booming voice. The present Chinese character for thunder is made up of rain over a rice field, but originally in place of the rice field were three wheels indicating the thunder claps rolling across the heavens. In the Old Testament, the psalmists also referred to thunder as the voice of God, as in Psalm 29:3. “The voice of the Lord is heard an expression of God’s power in nature. But we should remember God’s power in our lives is needed for light than for sound.
A dishonest couple (80/11/14)
Last month the P.T.A. of an elementary school in the town of
Yatomi, outside of Nagoya, conducted a waste paper drive to raise funds to improve the
school library. On a designated day, old newspapers and magazines were brought to a
designated place. At the designated pickup time, a van arrived and the P.T.A. representatives helped the men and women who came in the van load about 400 kilograms of old newspapers and magazines. However, just after that green van with a Mie license plate drove away, the designated truck arrived and the P.T.A. representatives realized that they had been tricked into giving away the collected material to an unknown couple. What made them angry was not so much the value of the material as the warped thinking of the couple who would do such a thing—dishonestly taking these contributions
for a community school project. That deceitful couple may be enjoying the result of their clever caper, but the Bible contains this warning against dishonesty in Proverbs, chapter 20, verse: “What you get by dishonesty you may enjoy like the finest food, but sooner or later it will be like a mouthful of sand.”
Shichi-go-san (80/11/15)
In the 6th century, during the reign of Empress Suiko, traditional Chinese thought, based on the idea of opposite cosmic forces called yin-yang entered Japan and have exerted a widespread influence ever since. Superstitions relating to lucky and unlucky days, directions, etc., are based on this thought. In English, numbers that cannot be evenly divided by 2 are called “odd” numbers, but in Chinese thought, these odd numbers are considered the male, positive, fortunate numbers. In keeping with this tradition, today is called shichi-go-san in Japanese, meaning 7-5-3. It is the day when 5-year-old boys and 7 and 3-year-old girls are dressed up in pretty clothes and taken to the shrine for a short ceremony in which the Shinto priest offers a prayer expressing thanks past blessings and a request for future happiness. Both candy and good luck charms for the children are also given or sold. The candy is more effective in bringing happiness to a child than a good luck charm—even if it is temporary. For permanent happiness, a child or an adult needs to have a living faith in the living God, who is the loving Father of all.
School violence (80/11/16)
Recently, there have been many reports of disorderly behavior on the part of junior high school students in Japan. Teachers have been hit and kicked and school property has been damaged. The Nagoya Police Department has also just reported that crimes committed by junior high school students have greatly increased this year. The terminal areas of Sakae and Kanayama especially have been crime-breeding grounds where groups of students attack and rob other students. A third-year class of a junior high school in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, has decided to write and produce a videotape drama depicting school violence among students as its contribution to the annual school culture festival to be held this week. Although there has been no
such problem at that school, the fifteen-minute scenario aims to point out some causes of student violence and to suggest some remedies. Certainly one of the underlying causes of student frustration is a lack of genuine understanding and effective communication on the part of parents and teachers. Young people need the inward, moral sense that comes from a healthy faith. Can you help them gain it?
Voyager I (80/11/17)
The American spaceship named “Voyager I” and its spectacular information regarding the planet Saturn with its rings and moons has been in the news lately. “Voyager” refers to one who takes a voyage. “Voyage” usually refers to a relatively long journey by water or through the air. “Journey” is a broader term, often referring to a somewhat difficult trip on land. Neither “voyage” nor “journey” necessarily imply a return, but “trip” on the other hand is used for a shorter journey with the expectation of returning. “Voyager I” has been speeding through space for the past three years and has traveled more than two billion kilometers. Having passed by Saturn and a couple of its moons, it is now heading for the unknown. Human life may also be considered a kind of journey. It includes difficulties—both ups and downs. However, from the standpoint of the Christian faith, it is not a fearful journey into the unknown, but an exciting and meaningful adventure, that is finally controlled by the purposes of a loving and almighty God.
Money corrupts ponds (80/11/18)
One of the tourist attractions in Rome is the Fontana di
Trevi. This fountain, built in 1735, is famous not only for its beauty and excellent water, but also for the legend that whoever throws a coin in it will certainly return to Rome. However, the director of the Higashiyama Botanical Gardens here in Nagoya would be happier if people didn’t know that legend or if they didn’ t bring that Roman custom to Nagoya. There are two small ponds related to the large greenhouse in the Higashiyama Park and many people throw one-yen and ten-yen coins into them. Twice a year these ponds are cleaned, but since they have a rocky bottom the coins get wedged between the rocks and are hard to extract. A few days ago, on the biannual cleaning day, some 5000 yen in small coins was retrieved and added to the miscellaneous income of Nagoya City. However, it took a full day to clean out these ponds and the director is asking that people stop polluting the ponds with money. It seems that money not only corrupts people but ponds as well. And ponds are not the only places where people throw away their money trying to realize their hopes.
Escalator accident (80/11/19)
The names of all four department stores in Nagoya now begin with the letter M and there is an increasing spirit of competition between them. To celebrate its 216th anniversary, Meitetsu Department Store began a special bargain sale last Saturday. Thousands of customers were waiting to enter the store when the doors opened. Hundreds rushed to board the escalator. Since one lady in the crush seemed unsteady and about to fall, the escalator girl stopped the escalator. However, it stopped so suddenly that those riding it tumbled back one upon the other, like a row of dominos, sending one 73-year-old woman to the hospital with five broken ribs. Another lady reported that, in the confusion, her hand hit an escalator step and she later discovered that a diamond, worth one million yen, had come out of her ring. After the store closed that evening, 7 to 10 o’clock, ten employees dismantled the 69 steps and carefully searched the escalator machinery to find this tiny stone, but without success. Today, consider the value of little things; a tiny gem, a little mistake, a small act of love.
Hunting for brides (80/11/20)
The Tokachi area in Hokkaido is similar to the Midwestern
United States with its large farmlands and herds of cattle. Many of the farmers in Hokkaido originally came from this Chubu area. Last Sunday, 22 young farmers from Tokachi visited Nagoya on a hunting expedition. Their ages ranged from 22 to 29 and they were hunting for brides who would be willing to join them on their farms. Since many of the young women of Tokachi choose to go to the city to work, there is a lack of eligible candidates in that farming area. At the get-together here in Nagoya, films of Hokkaido were shown and mutual introductions were made. Thirty-nine city girls, 18-28 years old, mostly office workers, attended and expressed their willingness to leave their office job for the farm if they found an appealing mate. How successful this hunting expedition was is not yet known, but in Proverbs, chapter 18,verse 22, we find these words: “Find a wife and you find a good thing; it shows that the Lord is good to you.” If you have questions, comments or suggestions regarding “Daily Word,” I would be happy to hear from you—in English or Japanese. I will definitely reply. My address is: P.O. Box 30, Moriyama Ku, Nagoya 463.
Unwanted dogs (80/11/21)
How many dogs do you think there are in the city of Nagoya? One thousand? Ten thousand? A hundred thousand? A recent report of the city animal center indicated that there are about 90,000 dogs in the city. Last year, the city dog catchers caught about 2,300 dogs, 90% of which were wearing dog collars, showing that they were family pets. However, only a small percentage of the owners ever came to claim their dogs. On the other hand, some 6,000 dogs were brought by their owners to be disposed of. Reasons given for getting rid of their dogs included the complaints that they were troublesome, unsanitary and noisy. Unwanted dogs are either offered to new owners, sent to universities or hospitals for research purposes or put permanently to sleep, which is a nice way to say they are killed. The philosopher who wrote the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes had a very gloomy outlook. But he wrote, in chapter 9, verse 4, that “anyone who is alive in the world of the living has some hope; a live dog is better off than a dead lion.” Certainly, it’s better to be alive and have hope than to be dead. Yet some people are physically alive, but spiritually dead.
Disorderly students (80/11/22)
Some schools in Mie Prefecture have recently had trouble with disorderly students. Some teachers and parents think that stricter discipline is necessary and that students must be more severely punished for disobeying rules, but what kind of punishment is most effective? Last Tuesday, Mr. Yokoyama, a teacher at the
Tsu Girls High School, punished some of his 2nd year students in a controversial manner. On that day, morning classes were cut short at 11:45 to let the students get to the Prefectural Cultural Hall by 1:00 o’clock to attend a performance there. Mr. Yokoyama warned his class that if any were late to that 1:00 o’clock performance, he would make them sit on their legs in front of the cultural hall. Some 20 girls arrived at the hall late, so he kept his word and made each of them sit on the concrete parking lot along the street, in full view of passersby, for 15 minutes. These 17-year-old girls were very embarrassed and both the method of punishment and its effectiveness are now the subject of both pro and con arguments. What is your reaction? If you want to know my opinion, I will reveal it to those who write and ask for it. My address is: P.O. Box 30, Moriyama, Nagoya 463.
Japanese Thanksgiving Day (80/11/23)
November 23rd is called Kinro Kansha no Hi in
Japanese. Kinro, consisting of 2 characters meaning “to see” and “to exert oneself,” means “labor.” Kansha also consists of two characters, meaning “to feel” and “to apologize.” Put together, they refer to giving thanks. Thus, in English, today is called “Labor Thanksgiving Day.” Although this “labor” may refer to the work of a factory worker or an office worker as well as a farmer, it has special reference to the labor of farmers, which has resulted in a fine harvest. Until the end of the war, this day was called Niinamesai, literally meaning “New Taste Festival,” for tonight, in the dead of night, the Japanese Emperor will perform a very sacred ritual when he offers newly harvested grain to the kami of heaven and of the Japanese land and then partakes of it together with them in a sacred meal. In Christian churches, the Eucharist, which also means thankfulness, is a ritual in which bread and wine are taken in a time of Holy Communion with fellow believers and with God. However, every day should be a day of thanksgiving and at every meal, we should have a sense of communion with others and with God.
The festival day (80/11/24)
In Japanese, furikae means “change” or “transfer.” Post
Offices have furikae accounts, through which money transfers are made. Today is a
furikae holiday because this year Labor Thanksgiving Day, an annual holiday, fell on a
Sunday, which is a weekly holiday. Thus the vacation day was transferred to the
following day, which is today. At the Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane Prefecture,
however, today is an important festival day. According to Japanese tradition, all the kami
leave their local shrines during this time of year and transfer themselves to the Izumo
Taisha Shrine. Therefore, October, according to the lunar calendar, is called the month
without kami. Today is the festival day when all of the eight million (yaoyorozuno) kami
are considered to have gathered at Izumo. The Bible teaches that there is only one true
and living God, who never leaves his trusting children, but is always with them and will
help them in their time of need. God’s love never changes and he never forsakes his own.
Comic books (80/11/25)
What kind of books have you been reading lately? Have
they been educational? entertaining? informative? amusing? In this present television
age, more and more people are reading comic books. Although the English word,
“comic,” comes from a Greek word meaning funny, related to “comedy,” present-day
comic books do not always carry funny stories. A coffee shop in Meito-ku, called “The
Magazine,” has become a kind of comic book library with 16,000 comic books on
shelves lining three walls, arranged in alphabetical order according to author and title.
Over a hundred readers, mostly university students, stop in to read every day. Last
Friday, a 24-hour marathon was conducted at that shop, in which 28 young people in
their early 20s took part, reading constantly from midnight to midnight. Some readers
devoured 120 books during that time. Comic books may be read, or skimmed, with a
minimum of mental exertion, but a steady diet of such books will not develop a healthy,
mature mind. Reading a passage from the Bible every day and thinking about it, however,
will provide both intellectual and spiritual food for the reader.
Community of handicapped people (80/11/26)
Setomono or setoyaki refers to chinaware or pottery made in Seto, so bizenyaki refers to earthenware made in Bizen , a district in Okayama Prefecture. Last Sunday, a large-size mural consisting of 2000 Bizen ceramic tiles on the entry wall of a seven story building in Hiroshima was unveiled. The mural, “The Sun’s Poem” depicts the scene of the sun appearing through the clouds. What is of special interest, however, is the fact that this mural measuring 21 meters high and 1.8 meters wide was created by handicapped persons. Bamboo Village in Okayama Prefecture is a community of the handicapped established in 1977 by a teacher of a handicapped class in a junior high school to train graduates of that school to live independently. In the same prefecture over half of the 70 employees of a video tape factory scheduled to open next spring will be physically handicapped—many of them in wheelchairs. These examples of showing genuine concern for the handicapped and providing them with useful employment are heartwarming. The Bible teaches that true religion is not found in meaningless ritual or empty talk, but in actual deeds of goodness to those who are weak and needy.
Thanksgiving Day (80/11/27)
Today, the 4th Thursday in November, is a national holiday in the United States. It is called Thanksgiving Day. Its history goes back to the Pilgrim Fathers of the Plymouth Colony who celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day in 1621. That day was designated by Governor Bradford as a day to give thanks to God for their first harvest following a severe winter when many died of starvation. Since that first thanksgiving feast when four wild turkeys were shared by the colonists and the neighboring Indians, this native American bird has been the customary food at this celebration. Although the individual states had their own Thanksgiving Days, Abraham Lincoln was the first president to proclaim a national Thanksgiving Day in 1863, and from the following year, the last Thursday of November was annually proclaimed by the president as Thanksgiving Day. In 1941, by an official act of Congress, the fourth Thursday of November was designated Thanksgiving Day. The words “think” and “thank” have a common root in English. The person who thinks is the one who gives thanks. Those who think deeply find much for which to be thankful. “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good.”
Burglers take imported liquor (80/11/28)
The Telegraph and Telephone Corporation has just made some changes in its night rates system. Regular night rates are now in effect from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. for telephone calls of over 60 km. while even cheaper late night rates are in effect from 9:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. on calls beyond 320 km. Thus a call from Nagoya to Sapporo which costs 720 yen for 3 minutes during the day now costs only 280 yen after 9:00 o’clock at night. While rates on telephone calls get cheaper at night, the prices of food and drinks at some restaurants become more expensive. For the last three months, however, a night burglar has been getting expensive foreign liquors from clubs and cabarets in the Sakae area without paying. Some 17 break-ins have been reported—usually on Sundays when these places are closed. This burglar takes only imported liquor, leaving domestic brands on the shelves. Losses have totaled over 2 million yen. In 1st Thessalonians, chapter 5, the Apostle Paul wrote that Christians do not belong to the night when people get drunk. Rather, they belong to the light, to the day, and should remain sober.