The Great Kanto Earthquake (81/09/01)
The Great Kanto Earthquake (81/09/01)
Fifty-eight years ago today, on September 1,1923, at noontime, the Great Kanto Earthquake occurred. In the hours and days that followed, over 100,000 people lost their lives due to the resulting fires, landslides and massacres of hundreds of innocent Koreans. This disaster occurred on the 210th day from the beginning of spring, according to the lunar calendar, which is traditionally considered an unlucky day because of the destructive typhoons that often come at this season of the year. Now, September 1st in Japan is called Kanto Earthquake Memorial Day and also Disaster Prevention Day. In Japanese tradition, the most fearsome things were said to be earthquakes, thunder, fire and father, but the final element in this list has lost its fearsomeness in recent years. In the Bible, natural fires are sometimes considered signs of God's power, but in I Kings, chapter 19, the prophet Elijah does not find God in the wind or earthquake or fire, but in "a still small voice." God does not always speak to us in events of great power. Sometimes, he whispers and we must be quiet to hear what he says.
Japan formally surrendered (81/09/02)
Thirty-six years ago today, on September 2, 1945, an historic ceremony took place on the U. S. battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The formal terms of surrender, officially ending the Pacific War, were signed by Japan's new foreign minister, Shigemitsu. On that occasion, General MacArthur, representing the allied forces, stated, "It is the hope of all mankind that from this solemn occasion, a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past, a world founded upon faith and understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish for freedom, tolerance and justice. A new era is upon us. Military alliances, balances of power, leagues of nations, all in turn failed. We have had our last chance. If we do not devise some greater and more equitable system, Armageddon will be at our door." "Armageddon," in the New Testament book of Revelation, chapter 16, verse 116, is considered by some interpreters to be the place of the final great war at the end of times. I wonder how General MacArthur would view the world situation today.
Beginning of World War Two (81/09/03)
Yesterday's message referred to the formal ending of the 2nd World War on the battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. However, it was 42 years ago today, on September 3, 1939, that the 2nd World War formally began. It was on that day that England and France formally declared war on Germany, whose armies had invaded Poland. Although the 1st World War in 1914-1918 was once referred to as "the war to end all wars," unfortunately, it was not so. In his address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, 1961, U. S. President Kennedy stated: Mankind must put an end to war or war will put an end to mankind." Biblical prophecies of the future include both prophecies of wars between nations and also prophecies of a final era of peace when nations will stop their foolish fighting. But national policies are only the reflection of individuals' attitudes. Jesus told his followers they should be peacemakers. Between individuals, groups or nations, Christians should be working for peace.
Los Angeles (81/09/04)
The city of Nagoya has 3 sister cities overseas: Los Angeles, Mexico City and Sydney. The first of these sister city ties was made with Los Angeles in 1959. Los Angeles, the 3rd largest city in the United States, has a population of 2,800,000, but it is the center of an urban area of almost 11,000,000. Today marks the 200th anniversary of that city. On September 4, 1781, the city was formally founded by the Spanish colonial governor as El Pueblo de Neustra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula. The English translation of this long name is: "The Town of Our Lady, the Queen of the Angels of Porciuncula." "Porciuncula" was the name of a little chapel in Italy where St. Francis of Assisi worshipped. The present abbreviated name, Los Angeles, means "the Angels" in Spanish. In the Bible, angels are God's messengers. But God's messengers need not be supernatural beings. Every child of God should be a representative of God's love and truth to the world. On the afternoon of Sunday, September 27th I am planning to have a meeting of "Daily Word" listeners. I hope you can join us.
Flesh and fresh (81/09/05)
One of the most difficult pronunciations in English for the Japanese is the "R" sound. It is often confused with the "L" sound. Native speakers of English will clearly distinguish the difference between the words "flesh" and "fresh." Did you catch the difference? "Flesh," spelled with an "L" basically refers to that part of the body between the skin and the bones. In Japanese, the same word is used to translate both "flesh" and "meat." The word "fresh," spelled with an "R," refers to something recently produced, obtained or grown and thus having its original strength and taste. Both Japanese and Americans enjoy eating fresh fruits and vegetables, but the Japanese like their fish fresher than most Americans who would object to eating such fresh fish. In Job 33:25, it is said of the man blessed of God, "his flesh shall be fresh, "but refreshment of our spirits is also important. Spiritual refreshment comes through exercising a healthy faith. If you would like to attend the meeting of "Daily Word" listeners on Sunday afternoon, September 27th, please let me know. My address is: P.O. Box 30, Moriyama Ku, Nagoya 463.
Calisthenics (81/09/06)
Last Friday, some 200 women gathered together in a hall at the Chunichi Newspaper Building in downtown Nagoya. What do you think that they did there? They learned how to stretch. Stretching, that is, extending ones limbs or muscles, is a method of calisthenics to limber up the body and to relieve stress. After a lecture on stretching by an exercise specialist, from Chukyo University, these women volley ball enthusiasts practiced 24 different kinds of stretching calisthenics. The English word, "calisthenics," comes from two Greek words meaning beauty and strength and refers to developing strength and gracefulness through bodily exercises. A story in Mark, chapter 3, tells of Jesus meeting a man with a paralyzed hand. He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. For our spiritual development, we need to continue stretching our minds as well as our bodies and not let them remain stagnant. I hope you will be able to come to our "Daily Word listeners meeting on Sunday afternoon, September 27th at the Chuo Kyokai.
Labor Day (81/09/07)
In Japan and many other countries of the world, the workingman's holiday is celebrated on May 1st, or "May Day." This was the day designated by the Socialist International in Paris in 1889. However, 7years before that, in 1882, the Knights of Labor in the United States designated the first Monday of September as "Labor Day." The U. S. Congress made this a national holiday in 1894 and throughout the U.S. and Canada, this first Monday of September is celebrated yearly as Labor Day. The word, "labor," refers to physical or mental work. People in many countries today are suffering because of unemployment. Those of us who have jobs should be thankful. However, do you find your work or study meaningful and satisfying? Meaning and satisfaction in life come from a healthy mental attitude or faith. A healthy faith in God can turn boring work and tiresome study into a meaningful and enjoyable experience. On Sunday afternoon, September 27th, a meeting of "Daily Word" listeners is being planned. Please let me know if you'd like to attend. My address is: P.O. Box 30, Moriyama Ku, Nagoya 463. [2637-8 Hachiryu Omori]
Peace Treaty with Japan (81/09/08)
Hello! How are you today? On this day 29 years ago, the representatives of 52 countries were gathered together in San Francisco, California to draw up a peace treaty with Japan six years after the end of the Pacific War. The Peace Treaty was then signed on September 8, 1951 by 48 representatives of various nations. Unfortunately, however, peace does not come about by signing one's name at the bottom of a legal document. Even this Peace Treaty with Japan was not signed by the Soviet Union and other Communist countries, so Japan and the U.S.S.R. are still without a formal peace treaty. Since the end of the war, "peace" has been a popular word in Japan and among the many brand names of Japanese cigarettes, "Peace" is the one with the longest history, having been put on the market in January 1946. However, peace does not come through smoking a peace pipe or a "Peace" cigarette. Peace is an attitude of mind that comes from a healthy faith. The Old Testament prophet, Isaiah, wrote "You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you" (26:3).
Admission Day (81/09/09)
Today is a public holiday in the state of California. It is called Admission Day there in commemoration of the state's admission to the United States on September 9th 1850, 131 years ago today. California is the 3rd largest state in area, following Alaska and Texas, and the state with the highest population. Although this one state is larger than all of Japan, it has a little over 1/10th of Japan's population. Originally, this area was called Upper California to distinguish it from Lower California, which is a part of Mexico. The name "California" was given by the Spaniards. It was the name of an imaginary island, an earthly paradise in a romance written by a Spanish writer in 1510. The word "paradise" comes from a Persian word meaning "garden." The biblical Garden of Eden was called a paradise, but now the word also refers to heaven or a place of great happiness. The Bible teaches that the way to heaven and true happiness is through faith in God's grace revealed in the life and death of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. [I hope you can attend our "Daily Word" listeners meeting on Sunday afternoon, September 27th.]
Islands in Japan (81/09/10)
The word "island" is one of many English words with a very irregular pronunciation. Spelled i-s-l-a-n-d, the expected pronunciation would be is-land. However, it is pronounced eye-land. An island is land completely surrounded by water. The largest island in the world, not including the continents, is Greenland. The Japanese island of Honshu is the 7th largest island, a little bit larger than Great Britain. Japan itself is made up of some 3,933 islands, counting those with a coastline of at least 100 meters at high tide. In old Japanese, the word shima not only referred to an island, but to a village. That is why many Japanese place names have shima in them. In Aichi Prefecture, for example, there is a city called Tsushima, a town called Nishibiwajima, and a village called Tobishima. John Donne, an English poet and clergyman, wrote, "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent." As a part of a community, we must consider the effects of our words and actions upon those around us. [Sunday afternoon, September 27th, is the date of our "Daily Word" Listeners Meeting. Let me know if you can come.]
Nittaiji (81/09/11)
Near the Kakuozan subway station in Nagoya is a well-known temple called Nittaiji. It has an interesting history. In 1897, the remains of the historical Buddha were discovered while digging up an old temple in India. Since the religion of India was Hinduism, the government presented these sacred remains to the Buddhist country of Siam for enshrinement. Siam, now known as Thailand, later sent portions of the remains to Burma and Ceylon. In response to Japan's request, some of the Buddha's remains were sent here also and the Nittaiji (literally, Japan-Thai Temple) was built to enshrine them in 1904. Most Buddhist temples in Japan are connected with a particular sect of Buddhism, but this temple is independent and its priesthood is rotated among the clergy of various denominations. Although many religions venerate the remains of their founders, the Bible teaches that all that was left in the tomb of Jesus following his resurrection from the dead were the linen cloths in which his body had been wrapped. Christians believe that Christ lives in his followers even today.
The full moon (81/09/12)
The moon has always held a high place in Japanese romantic literature. In the traditional lunar calendar, each month begins with the new moon so the full moon appears on the 15th day of the month. However, the full moon in autumn was considered especially beautiful and a celebration was held on the 15th day of the 8th month to enjoy moon-viewing while eating specially prepared food, including dumplings and sweet potatoes. Today is the 15th day of the 8th month according to the lunar calendar, so tonight, if the sky is clear, many people will be joyfully looking at the moon. In English, the full moon at this time of year is called a "harvest moon." A Hebrew poet wrote in Psalm 8, "When I look at the sky, at the moon and stars, which you set in their places, what is man that you think of him?" The Bible teaches that the almighty Creator of the universe, who set the moon and stars in their places, is interested in each individual human being, including you. If you want to join our meeting of "Daily Word" listeners on Sunday afternoon, September 27th, please let me know.
Grandparents Day (81/09/13)
It is quite well-known that Mother's Day is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of May. It is less well-known that Father's Day is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of June. Even fewer people know that, since 1979 in the U. S. the first Sunday after Labor Day has been designated Grandparents Day. Since Labor Day is the first Monday of September, Grandparents Day usually falls on the 2nd Sunday of the month, which is today. "Grand" refers to something large, great or imposing. Although all grandparents do not literally fit the description, it is well for us to give special recognition to the parents of our parents. The word referring to "grandparent" is found only once in the Bible. It is in Paul's 2nd letter to Timothy, chapter 1, where he writes, "I remember the sincere faith you have, the kind of faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice also had. I am sure that you have it also." It is true that the faith of parents is often reflected in the lives of their children. Is our faith influencing our offspring?
Seppuku of General Nogi (81/09/14)
Today is September 14, 1980. Seventy years ago, on September 13, 1912, the 122nd emperor of Japan, Emperor Meiji, was laid to rest. Becoming emperor at the age of 16, he reigned for 45 years and, assisted by those around him, drastically changed the character of Japanese society. Following his impressive funeral, his loyal follower, General Nogi returned home and, after bathing with his wife, put on a ceremonial kimono. Then, while sitting before a picture of the deceased emperor, he took a dagger, killed his wife and committed ritual suicide (seppuku) as his final act of loyalty to his lord. The Nogi Shrine in his memory is now found in Akasaka, Tokyo. Loyalty to our Lord is also a virtue among Christians. However, we consider it more meaningful to live a worthy life for him rather than to commit suicide as an act of devotion. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans (12:1): "Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God. This is true worship." Living a noble life may even be more difficult than dying for a cause.
Respect for the Aged Day (81/09/15)
Today is a national holiday in Japan. It is called "Respect for the Aged" Day. Since the end of World War II, 12 national holidays have been established or recreated in Japan. Showing respect for the aged has a long history in this land and in other lands influenced by Confucianism. According to Confucius, there are 5 basic relationships in human society. They are those between ruler and subject, parent and child, husband and wife, elder and younger, friend and friend. Every person is in some form of relationship with another and has a responsibility to act in keeping with his status. The Bible also teaches us to respect our elders, but the basic biblical relationship is between God and man, as we see in this quotation from Leviticus 19:32: "You shall rise in the presence of grey hair, give honor to the aged, and fear your God." When our relationship with God is right, human relationships are put in proper perspective.
Recycled items by handicapped people (81/09/16)
The English word, "cycle," comes from the Greek word for circle or wheel. A bicycle is a vehicle with 2 wheels and a tricycle has 3 wheels while a motorcycle has a motor attached to the wheels. To "recycle," however, means to put something back into a useable condition. On this coming Sunday at the Hisaya Hiroba at Sakae, south of the TV tower, there will be a sale of recycled items that handicapped young people have repaired. These young people, who find it hard to find jobs, have taken discarded bicycles, baby buggies, radios, clocks, electric stoves, electric organs, electric fans, etc. and washed, painted and restored them to good working order. They hope to eventually open a recycle workshop where handicapped people can work to repair discarded articles. If you visit their recycled articles market on Sunday, you may find a good buy. The Bible teaches that a person's dirty heart may be restored to purity by accepting the spiritual cleansing of God's forgiveness. A new spirit is God's gift to the humble believer. I hope you will be able to attend the meeting of "Daily Word" listeners on Sunday afternoon, September 27th.
Citizenship day (81/09/17)
In the month of May in the year 1787 in the American city of Philadelphia, delegates from the 13 original states gathered together to formulate a Constitution for the United States. The earlier Articles of Confederation which had been drawn up in 1777 had proved unsatisfactory and so a new Constitutional Convention was organized. After 4 months of labor, these delegates produced this first of modern constitutions which has served as a model for many others. Along with its 26 amendments, it continues to be recognized as the basic law of the U.S.A. until now. It was first signed by 39 delegates on September 17, 1787, 194 years ago today. Formerly, September 17th was known as Constitution Day in the U.S., but since 1952 it has been designated Citizenship day, although it is not a holiday. The word "citizen" originally referred to a resident of a city, but now it also refers to a member of a state or nation. "Citizenship" includes the duties, rights and privileges of a citizen. While the Christian is expected to be a good citizen of is country, the Bible states in Philippians, chapter 3, verse 20 that "our citizenship is heaven." The Christian's ultimate loyalty is toward his spiritual Lord.
Chinese characters for names (81/09/18)
Japanese parents are quite careful regarding the names they give their children. Since the names have meaning and may possibly influence the later self-image of the child, they want to give names with bright, happy and encouraging meanings. According to old Chinese thought, the total number of strokes in the Chinese characters of one's name can affect one's fate for good or ill. Beginning today, Japanese parents will have a wider selection of Chinese characters from which to choose, for the list of characters officially recognized for name registration is being increased by 141 as of October 1st. Since name registration is required within 14 days after birth, children born today can b given names from the new list. Parents now may choose from 2111 different Chinese characters for their children's names. The Old Testament book of Proverbs, chapter 22, verse 1, states "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches," but here "name" refers to one's reputation. A good name or reputation is more important than money.
Setomono Fair (81/09/19)
Seto is a fairly common place name in Japan. There are over a dozen places in Japan named seto, but, of course, there can be only one city with that name and it is on the outskirts of Nagoya. The two Chinese characters that make up this name refer to narrow rapids in a river or channel, so the word is translated into English as "strait" (s-t-r-a-i-t), meaning a narrow waterway between two large bodies of water. Seto City in Aichi Prefecture was the location of a new style ceramic kiln built by Kagemasu Kato upon his return from China in the year 1228 and the porcelain products made there were called setomono, which has become the common term for pottery or chinaware. This week, the 47th Setomono Fair, sponsored by the pottery makers, is expected to attract 480,000 people, including 1000 Americans. The Old Testament prophet, Jeremiah, once visited a potter's house, and while watching the potter at work at the wheel, received a message from the Lord: "You are in my hands just like clay in the potter's hands" (18:6). So Jeremiah understood and proclaimed that the destiny of his nation was in the hands of the Lord, which is a comforting thought,
An American aviatrix (81/09/20)
Today, September the 20th, is designated "Aviation Day." I would like to tell you why, but, frankly, I don't know why, so I can't tell you. I can tell you, however, that the word "aviation" comes from the Latin word, avis, meaning "bird," and a large cage for keeping many birds is called an "aviary." If the pilot who flies an airplane is a man, he may be called an aviator, but a woman pilot is called an "aviatrix." Amelia Earhart became an American aviatrix when she was 30 years old. Until then she had been a school teacher. In 1932, she became the first woman to make a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean and in 1935, she was the first woman to fly across the Pacific Ocean by herself. In 1937, she attempted to fly around the world, but her plane was lost on the flight between New Guinea and Howland Island in the Pacific and her fate has remained a mystery. Although the Old Testament prophet knew nothing about aviation. He wrote in Isaiah, chapter 40 that those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will even fly like eagles and not grow tired.
The White House (81/09/21)
In the American capital city of Washington, D.C., the oldest public building is called "The White House." The site of this executive mansion of the President of the United States was chosen by George Washington and the cornerstone was laid in 1792. In the original plans, it was called "The Palace." During the War of 1812, this building was burned by British troops. Because white paint was used to cover up the smoke stains on the grey stone walls, it became known as the white house. The main building is four stories high, about 43 meters long and 26 meters wide. The first floor is used mainly for public functions with the apartments of the president and his family above. In the White House are rooms known as the Blue Room, where many social, diplomatic and official receptions are held, the Red Room and the Green Room, which are used for more private or semi-official gatherings. In the Bible, white is a symbol of purity, but Jesus criticized those hypocrites who were like white painted tombs--white on the outside, but black and filthy within. I hope you will be able to attend the meeting of "Daily Word" listeners next Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Chuo Kyokai in Sakae.
A patriot's words (81/09/22)
205 years ago today, on September 22nd 1776, a young man by the name of Nathan Hale was hanged as a spy by the British forces in New York. He was 21 years of age at the time, but he has become a famous person in American history because of the final words he spoke on the gallows before his execution. After his graduation from Yale College, Hale was a young school teacher when the American Revolution broke out. He became an officer in the militia and volunteered for the dangerous mission of obtaining information about the British troops. Disguised as a schoolmaster, he obtained the information, but was discovered and captured before he was able to return to safety. The immortal words he uttered before his death were: "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." These are the words of a true patriot. It requires faith to be willing to give up one's life for a noble cause. Jesus told his disciples, "Whoever wants to save his own life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 16:25). I hope you can attend our "Daily Word" listeners meeting next Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Chuo Kyokai in Sakae. This is "Daily Word, Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463.
Higan (81/09/23)
Today is a national holiday in Japan known as Shubun no Hi, literally, "Day of Autumn Division. (In America, we consider this day the dividing line between summer and fall, marking the beginning of autumn.) In English, it is called the autumnal equinox. "Equinox" comes from two Latin words meaning "equal night." It is the time when the sun crosses the equator, making day and night of equal lengths. The equator is an imaginary line equally distant from both north and south poles. In Japan, today is the middle day of the seven days of Higan, the time when it is customary to visit the family graves and hold memorial services for the deceased. Higan means "the other shore," in reference to the other world to which the dead sprits have gone. We cannot know for sure whether or not spirits of the dead know and enjoy the ceremonies offered for them, but we can be sure that if they are conscious of our present acts in this world, it will be our good daily lives which show love to others that will bring them greater joy than periodic formal rituals. Daily lives of goodness and love to others will bring joy to the living as well as to the dead.
Autumn (81/09/24)
A new season has begun. In English, we call this season of the year "autumn." It is the season which comes between summer and winter, but it would not be correct to say that autumn begins in September throughout the world, for this month marks the beginning of spring in the southern hemisphere. Because in this season, leaves fall from the trees, it is also called "fall." The Chinese character for "autumn" is made up of a rice stalk and fire, for it the season for harvesting ripened rice. As we see the leaves fall from the trees, we may think of autumn as a lonely time of year, but when we see the busy farmer, we remember it is also a time to bear fruit. Jesus once told his disciples "I chose you to bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures" (John 15;16) He also told them that genuine teachers and false teachers can be distinguished by the fruits they bear. As the fall season begins, we should reflect upon the kind of fruits our lives are bearing. The principle stated in Galatians 6:7 is true. "A person will reap exactly what he sows."
American Indian Day (81/09/25)
Today is Friday, September 25th. In the United States, this 4th Friday of September is designated American Indian Day. It is a day when the sad status of these original inhabitants of the American continent should be seriously considered. Because Christopher Columbus thought he had reached the Orient when he landed on an island off the American mainland, he called the inhabitants "Indians." Due to that unfortunate mistake, the term "Indian" has become an ambiguous term referring to two very different races of people. Even the term "American Indian" refers to a large number of different tribes and cultures that inhabited North and South America before the coming of the Europeans to disrupt their way of life. In the United States today there are some half-a-million American Indians, with the state of Arizona having the largest number. All American Indians have suffered much mistreatment at the hands of the white men with their superior arms. The Bible teaches that all men are equal in God's sight and that the poor and oppressed people should be shown special consideration. Please join our "Daily Word" Listeners meeting on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at Chuo Kyokai at Sakae.
The Isewan Typhoon (81/09/26)
It was 22 years ago today, on the night of September 26th, 1959 that the Isewan Typhoon struck Nagoya with high winds at high tide. Ocean breakwaters were demolished; lowlands were flooded and huge logs from coastline storage areas were dumped on nearby homes. The casualties included 4,977 dead and missing. On the evening of that devastating typhoon, my wife and I were planning to take some guests from America out for a sukiyaki dinner, but because our babysitter was hesitant to come, we changed our plans. So we were at home, in the dark with our guests and their children and ours, trying to keep the rain out from around the windows, when half of our living room ceiling fell to the floor in the middle of that night. It was an unforgettable experience. In a famous story of Jesus, written in Matthew, chapter 7, he told about a man who built a sturdy house that withstood the buffetings of wind and rain because it was built upon a sturdy foundation. The sturdy foundation upon which to build our lives is God's truth. Please join our "Daily Word" Listeners meeting tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 at Chuo Kyokai at Sakae.
Senior Citizens (81/09/27)
In the U.S. state of Indiana, this fourth Sunday of September is celebrated as "Senior Citizens' Day". Years ago, we used to refer to those of advanced age as "old people", "old folks" or "the elderly". Nowadays, however, it is common to speak of them as "senior citizens" At what age does a person become a "senior citizen"? Although the age requirements for participation in senior citizen programs in the United States depends on the community, I think most places now make age 60 the dividing line. Someone has defined a "Senior citizen" as a person who keeps saying, "I remember when" instead of "Whats new?" The word "senior" comes from a Latin word meaning older or elder and in Spanish speaking countries "señor" is a title of courtesy given to a man, similar to the English word "mister". In a four year high school or college, the members of the fourth year class are called "seniors". However, being a senior in age or status does not necessarily imply seniority in terms of knowledge or ability. The Bible teaches that we should not think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, but to be modest in our thinking and consider others better than ourselves. (Romans 12:3; Philippians 2.3)
"Frances Willard Day" (81/09/28)
In the U.S. state of Minnesota, September 28 is observed as "Frances Willard Day". The given name "Francis" may be used for either a boy or a girl. As a boy's name, however, it is spelled F-r-a-n-c-i-s, while the girl's name is spelled F-r-a-n-c-e-s. Frances Willard was a woman educator who became dean of women at Northwestern University. However, after leaving the university, in 1874 she helped organize the Women's Christian Temperance Union and, in 1879, she became its second president. The word "temperance" literally refers to self-restraint or moderation—especially in eating and drinking. However, it is also used to refer to the total abstinence from alcoholic beverages. The Women's Christian Temperance Union (or W.C.T.U.) has worked for public education against the use of alcohol and harmful drugs and for the abolition of prostitution. Frances Willard was also active in seeking equality for women. The Bible does not teach that drinking alcoholic beverages is wrong, but it does urge temperance or moderation, and warns against drunkenness and the evils it begets. In Ephesians 5:18, we read, "Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead, be filled with the Spirit."
Japan formally surrendered (81/09/02)
Beginning of World War Two (81/09/03)
Los Angeles (81/09/04)
Flesh and fresh (81/09/05)
Calisthenics (81/09/06)
Labor Day (81/09/07)
Peace Treaty with Japan (81/09/08)
Admission Day (81/09/09)
Islands in Japan (81/09/10)
Nittaiji (81/09/11)
The full moon (81/09/12)
Grandparents Day (81/09/13)
Seppuku of General Nogi (81/09/14)
Respect for the Aged Day (81/09/15)
Recycled items by handicapped people (81/09/16)
Citizenship day (81/09/17)
Chinese characters for names (81/09/18)
Setomono Fair (81/09/19)
An American aviatrix (81/09/20)
The White House (81/09/21)
A patriot's words (81/09/22)
Higan (81/09/23)
Autumn (81/09/24)
American Indian Day (81/09/25)
The Isewan Typhoon (81/09/26)
Senior Citizens (81/09/27)
"Frances Willard Day" (81/09/28)
The city of Baden-Baden (81/09/29)
"Daily Word" Listener's Meeting (81/09/30)