Tournament of Roses (84/01/01)
Happy New Year! According to the Gregorian calendar now used throughout most of the world, today is the beginning of a new year. In Jewish, Islamic and Chinese traditions, however, another calendar is used, so today is just another day of no particular significance. Many countries have special customs related to New Year's Day. A famous New Year's Day event in the United States takes place in the city of Pasadena, near Los Angeles, California. The Tournament of Roses has been called the world's greatest parade. This traditional parade of flower-decorated carriages began 93 years ago and it now includes many beautiful floats blanketed with flowers and many marching bands and prize-winning horses. Following the parade, the famous football game between the champion college teams of eastern and western conferences is played in the stadium called the Rose Bowl. The parade and football game are said to be viewed by over 125 million people by means of television. As we begin a new year, we may recall the words of the 96th Psalm: "Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing to the Lord, all the world! Sing to the Lord and praise him! The Lord is great and to be highly praised."
The first dream of the year (84/01/02)
In the Japanese almanac, this 2nd day of January is listed as the day of hatsuyume, or 1st dream. However, I am a bit confused. Does this 1st dream occur in the early morning of the 2nd or the night of the 2nd? Some people think this 1st dream of the year is especially significant as a portent for the coming year. It used to be thought that placing a picture of a treasure ship under one's pillow would induce a dream of good fortune. Dreams of Mt. Fuji, a hawk, snake or fire are considered good, while dreams of a horse, fish, star or earthquake are considered bad. One of the common sense sayings of an Old Testament sage found in Ecclesiastes, chapter 5, as translated in Today's English Version, is: "The more you worry, the more likely you are to have bad dreams, and the more you talk, the more likely you are to say something foolish." If you dream tonight, I hope you enjoy a good dream, but it's foolish to live in a dream world. It is fine to have good dreams, but we must try to translate dreams into reality. Let us dream of a peaceful world and then let us work as peacemakers.
Mouse or Rat (84/01/03)
According to Oriental tradition, this year of 1984 is the year of the nezumi in Japan. Should we translate this as the year of the mouse or the year of the rat? In English, these 2 terms evoke quite different images. A mouse is a small rodent that may be thought of in a kind of affectionate manner. Sometimes, people keep mice as pets, and "mouse " may be used as a term of endearment for a young woman. It may also refer to a timid or spiritless person. Not so with "rat"! A rat is a larger rodent and would never be considered affectionately. Rather, it is a loathsome animal, and to call a person a rat is a serious insult--referring to a sneaky, contemptible person. Thus, as far as feeling is concerned, most native speakers of English would probably react more positively to the year of the mouse rather than the year of the rat. Of course, what name we arbitrarily give to a year is not as important as the way we use the year. Time is one of the most valuable gifts given to us and we shou1d use it wisely.
George Washington Carver Day (84/01/04)
120 years ago in the American state of Missouri, a black, slave woman gave birth to a baby boy. Soon after his birth, the infant child, along with his mother, was kidnapped by a band of men. He was held captive until ransom was paid for his release by his master, Moses Carver, who raised him and gave him the name of George Washington Carver. At the tender age of 10, he became independent and worked his way through high school and college. He became a foremost agricultural researcher, and encouraged people in the south to diversify their crops--planting peanuts and sweet potatoes, which enrich the soil, rather than only cotton, which exhausts it. From his research, he developed over 300 products from peanuts and over 100 products from sweet potatoes. Although the date of his birth is not known, today has been designated his birthday. A number of states observe January 5th as George Washington Carver Day in commemoration of his death on that day in 1943. Dr. Carver, whose research illuminated many agricultural secrets, stated that "Anything will give up its secrets if you love it enough."
Twelfth Night (84/01/05)
One of Shakespeare's dramatic comedies is called Twelfth Night. Tonight is the 12th night after Christmas and in old England, this 12th night was a time of festive celebration which included music and dancing and dramatic productions. In the Christian calendar, today is the final day of the 12 days of Christmas which began on Christmas Day. A European festive tradition associated with Twelfth Night is the so-called "cake of kings". A special cake was baked that had one bean in it. The cake was divided among the guests and whoever got the piece of cake with the bean in it became "king of the bean" and then became the leader of the following celebration. Even today, in a number of European countries, this "king of the bean" tradition continues and in the Drury Lane Theatre in London, the cutting of the Twelfth Night cake is an annual ceremony complete with attendants in 18th century dress and wigs. As the Christmas season officially comes to a close, I pray that the joy of the season will stay with you throughout the New Year. As the Apostle Paul wrote in his Letter to the Romans, chapter 15, verse 13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace."
Epiphany (84/01/06)
The English word "epiphany" comes from a Greek word meaning manifestation or appearance. It is used in general to refer to the appearance of a god or other divine being. When spelled with a capital "E", it refers to a festival of the Christian Church that is celebrated on January 6th, following the 12 days of Christmas. Actually, the celebration of Epiphany is older than that of Christmas. Originally, it commemorated the baptism of Jesus. Later, it was associated with his birth and the visit of the Magi, or Wisemen, in particular and also with the first miracle that he performed at a wedding, where water was changed into wine. All three of these events are manifestations of a divine being, or epiphanies. Because Christmas was celebrated on this day according to an older calendar, today is also called "Old Christmas" or "Little Christmas". Christians consider the visit of the Gentile Magi from the East as symbolic evidence that the birth of Christ has worldwide significance and that the Christian Gospel is for all people. Titus 2:11 states that "the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men" and the Greek word for "appear" is the verb form of epiphany.
Healthful herbs (84/01/07)
According to traditional Chinese reckoning, the 1st day of the year is the day of the chicken; the 2nd is the day of the dog, followed by the days of the sheep, pig, cow and horse. The 7th day, today, is the day of human beings and is also the 1st of the traditional 5 seasonal festivals in Japan. The other 4 fall on the 3rd day of the 3rd month, the 5th day of the 5th month, the 7th day of the 7th month and the 9th day of the 9th month. On this 7th day of the 1st month, 7 special herbs are boiled together with rice to make a gruel, which is considered to be especially healthful. Speaking of what is healthful, our spiritual attitude and daily behavior affects our health as well as our diet. In the old Testament book of Proverbs, the wise man wrote in chapter 3, verse 8, that obeying God and refusing to do wrong is like a good medicine, to keep us healthy and easing our pains, and in chapter 16, verse 24 he wrote that "kind words are like honey--sweet to the taste and good for your health." I pray that this will be a year of good health for you--both physically and spiritually.
George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four (84/01/08)
As you know, this year is 1984, according to the calendar of the western world. You may also know that 1984 is the title of a novel, written by a British author in 1948. The novel pictured the world of 1984 as a place where freedom and individuality is completely suppressed and where mankind is enslaved by technology and coldhearted authorities. Thankfully, the real 1984 has not reached the gloomy depths of the novel by that name. George Orwell, the author, died in 1950, but he has a namesake, that is, another person bearing the same name, living in Australia. This 68 year old retired transportation worker, who calls himself the real George Orwell, has been the object of many surprised looks, offhand jokes and a few serious questions over the years. This George Orwell began the year of 1984 in a dance hall and thinks the New Year will bring further problems because of his name. Although none of us knows for sure what kind of a year this year will be, the person with faith in the living God, who is also the Ruler of history, can face the future with faith and hope.
Connecticut (84/01/09)
Have you ever tasted eggnog? Eggnog is a thick drink made of beaten eggs, milk, sugar and nutmeg. Nutmeg is a spice, made from the grated nuts of a nutmeg tree. All of the states in the U.S. have nicknames and one of them is called the Nutmeg State. Do you know which one it is? It is one of the smallest states, but it has a long name. The nickname was not given because that state grows nutmegs. Rather, it was because imitation or wooden nutmegs were said to have been made there as an example of Yankee inventiveness. Yankee originally referred to a native of New England and the state song of that Nutmeg State is "Yankee Doodle Dandy". The state is Connecticut, which was the 5th of the original 13 states to ratify the Constitution, which it did on January 9, 1788, 196 years ago today. Connecticut is also the name of a river which runs through the state from north to south and the name comes from an Indian word meaning long, tidal river. In the 1st Psalm, the person who trusts in God is likened to a tree planted by a river, which produces fruit. What kind of fruit is produced in your life?
League of Nations (84/01/10)
There are two English words pronounced league and spelled l-e-a-g-u-e. One refers to an old measure of distance of about 3 miles. The other refers to an association of individuals, groups or nations. In America, professional baseball, football, soccer and hockey teams are joined together in leagues, and 64 years ago today, on January 10, 1920, a League of Nations came into being following the 1st World War. Although American President Woodrow Wilson was one of the foremost advocates of this league, he could not persuade the Senate to ratify the League covenant, so the United States never became a member. Certainly, this was a serious setback for the organization, but American opinion favored isolationism rather than international cooperation at that time. Although Japan was a charter member of the League, it withdrew in 1933 after beginning its invasion of China. In President Wilson's address to the Senate on January 22, 1917, he stated: "There must be, not a balance of power, but a community of power; not organized rivalries, but an organized peace." His words are still relevant today.
Kagamibiraki (84/01/11)
Today, January 11th, is the day of kagamibiraki or "mirror opening" in Japan. In this case, "mirror" refers to the mirror-shaped rice cakes, or kagami mochi, which are a Part of the New Year season decorations. Since "cut" and "break" are considered unlucky words, the term "open" is used instead, The word kagami is a corrupted form of kage mi, meaning to see a reflection. The metallic mirrors of old Japan were considered mysterious, sacred objects and, according to one theory, the word kami originated from kagami. The sacred object of worship enshrined in the Ise Shrine is an ancient mirror and kagami mochi also were considered as offerings to the unseen kami. The English word "mirror" comes from a Latin word meaning to look at or to wonder at and is similar to "admire". Some people look into a mirror to admire themselves, but the Bible has been referred to as a mirror to reflect the true condition of the human heart. According to the Letter of James, chapter 1, we should not forget what we look like after looking into this mirror. We should try to make ourselves more like God's plan for us.
United States and Vatican (84/01/12)
The smallest sovereign nation in the world is the State of Vatican City. The area of this state is less than one half of a square kilometer. It lies entirely within the Italian City of Rome. Vatican City is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Over 100 nations have diplomatic representatives in Vatican City and on Tuesday it was reported that that number was increased by 1 as formal diplomatic relations between the United States and the Vatican were reestablished after a lapse of 116 years. For almost 20 years in the middle of the 19th century, the U.S. had an official ambassador in Vatican City, but because of the opposition of Protestants who held that this violated the principle of separation of church and state, formal ties were severed. Some presidents appointed personal envoys to represent them, but now official ties have been reestablished despite the opposition of some of President Reagan's supporters. Henry Wotton has satirically written that "an ambassador is an honest man sent to lie abroad for the commonwealth." This is "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Superstition (84/01/13)
According to Japanese superstition regarding lucky and unlucky days, today is the most unlucky one, known as a butsumetsunichi or "buddha-death-day". According to superstitious people in the west, today is also a most-unlucky day, for it is Friday the 13th. This superstition is said to be based on the tradition that Jesus was crucified on Friday, following the Last Supper with his 12 disciples. Superstitious people in Japan or American would probably avoid making a plane reservation for today, but my daughter, who was born and raised in Japan and who now lives in America, leaves this afternoon from Narita international Airport for Chicago. She is not superstitious and neither are her parents. We enjoyed having her visit us for the past 3 weeks. Incidentally, her older brother left for the U.S. on a butsumetsunichi last week. One of the blessings of a healthy faith in God as revealed in the Bible is to be free from the fear and bondage of superstition. If you wish to receive a weekly, typewritten copy of these daily messages, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥100 in stamps to "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
A typist fired (84/01/14)
Many places in the United States have obsolete laws that are very outmoded but remain on the lawbooks even though they are no longer enforced. The same is true in other countries as well. A recent news item from Rome told about Antonella Crieseli, a 29 year old typist in the Italian Ministry of Justice. She was fired from her job--not for incompetence nor bad conduct, but because she was found to be below regulation height. In 1940, when Italy was under fascist rule, a royal decree was issued requiring employees of the Justice Ministry to be of the "Aryan race", members of the Fascist Party and at least 1 meter 60 centimeters tall. Although the other restrictions were abolished after the fall of fascism, the minimum height requirement remains on the statute books and Ms. Crieseli is 4 1/2 centimeters short. Some people tend to judge others by their size or appearance, but in I Samuel, chapter 16, God told Samuel, "Pay no attention to how tall or handsome" a man is "because I do not judge as man judges. Man looks at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart."
Adults Day (84/01/15)
When counting in English, the numbers between 12 and 20 end in "teen", which is an altered form of ten. Thus, 13 means 3 and 10 and so on. Young people from 13 to 19 years of age are called "teenagers". The teen-age period is a time of rapid change in the young person, and many parents of teen-agers also seem to age rapidly as well. Today, ceremonies held throughout Japan signal the completion of the teenage period for those who have reached the age of 20, for today is seijin no hi, Adults Day. The Chinese characters for seijin refer to one who has become a person and the English word "adult" also refers to a mature person. Unfortunately, not all people who have reached the age of maturity and whose bodies are mature have attained spiritual maturity. In I Corinthians, chapter 3, people who quarrel with one another because of jealousy are said to be immature and in chapter 13, Paul writes, "When I was a child, my speech, feelings, and thinking were all those of a child; now that I am a man, I have no more use for childish ways." Christian maturity is seen in loving concern for others rather than thinking only of one's self. How mature are you?
Furikae kyūjitsu (84/01/16)
Yesterday was one of the 12 legal holidays in Japan. However, because it fell on a Sunday this year, today is called a furikae kyūjitsu, or a transferred holiday. Furikae means transfer and a furikae chokin kōza is a transfer savings account. There is such an account in the name of deiri-wa-do for those who wish to make a periodic contribution for the expenses involved in this telephone service. Its number is Nagoya 3-37078. In the United States also, when a legal holiday falls on a Sunday or a Saturday, it is usually celebrated on the following Monday or the preceding Friday. A number of U.S. holidays have now been changed from a particular date to a certain Monday near the historic date to make a long weekend. Washington's Birthday is now celebrated on the 3rd Monday in February; Memorial Day is the last Monday in May; Columbus Day is the 2nd Monday in October and Labor Day has always been celebrated on the 1st Monday of September. Tomorrow evening at 6:30, the 1st Bible Study of the new year which I teach in Japanese at the City Kyōikukan in Sakae will be held. We will study the 16th chapter of the Gospel of John and you are invited to attend.
Benjamin Franklin (84/01/17)
Many Americans have 2 given names as well as their family name, which is also called a surname. Sometimes, one of the given names is given to honor a person respected by the parents. My middle name is Benjamin, which was also the name of one of my father's brothers. Of course, it is also a biblical name, for the youngest of Jacob's 12 sons was called Benjamin, which means son of the right hand. Can you think of a famous American named Benjamin? Today, January 17th, is the birthday of the statesman, writer, inventor, printer and scientist named Benjamin Franklin, who was born on this day in 1706. Benjamin Franklin is often quoted because he wrote many pithy, common sense sayings in his Poor Richard's Almanak. One of them is the following: "If you love life, then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of." On Sunday afternoon, January 29th, we plan to hold another meeting of "Daily Word" listeners at the Y.W.C.A. I would like to meet you there. The theme for our meeting will be favorite proverbs or famous sayings. Tell us one of your favorite proverbs and why you like it. This is "Daily word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
A robber imprisoned quickly (84/01/18)
In some cases, it takes a long time to catch a person who has committed a crime. It then may take another long time before the person is convicted by a judge and finally goes to prison. However, a recent report from Hawthorne, Nevada in the U.S.A. indicates that arrest, conviction and imprisonment may also be accomplished very quickly. John Cook, a 64 year old man living on a pension, was out of money, so at 10:30 in the morning he walked into a bank, told the bank clerk he had a gun and handed him a note demanding money. He was handed almost $2000. He only wanted a couple of hundred dollars, and after leaving the bank he was somewhat frightened to have so much money, so he went back to the bank and returned it. 2 hours later, he was charged with attempted robbery and 5 hours later, he was convicted. 8 hours after he first entered the bank, he was eating his first meal in prison at the start of his 7 1/2 year sentence. Some people who have committed much greater crimes with no evidence of repentance find it easy to avoid going to jail, so we may question whether this is really an example of justice. The Bible teaches that the true justice of an all-knowing and loving God will finally prevail.
Bread (84/01/19)
A basic food in many western countries is bread, so sometimes the word "bread" is used to refer to food in general. In the "Lord's Prayer", which Jesus taught his disciples and which is repeated today in Christian churches around the world, are the words, "Give us today our daily bread." This refers to food or our physical needs in general. Likewise, the biblical expression, "Man does not live by bread alone", refers to the material necessities of life. Today, "bread" is used also as a slang term for money and a "breadwinner" is a person who provides the living expenses for a family. The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that the number of women breadwinners is increasing. In 1981, in over half of American families, both husband and wife were working. In over 8% of American homes, the wife earns more than the husband and in almost 4%, the wife is the sole breadwinner. This is a great change from the situation of 25 years ago. Another saying of Jesus bread-winner should remember is found in the Gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 27: "Do not work for food that perishes but for food that endures to eternal life."
Dinosaurs (84/01/20)
4 1/2 years ago, a high school teacher and his son found a strange object in a bluff alonside a road in a small town in Kumamoto Prefecture. The 7.5 centimeter long fossil has now been identified as the tooth of a dinosaur. The word "dinosaur" comes from 2 Greek words meaning terrible lizard and the Japanese word kyōryū literally means terrible dragon. Although dragons are mythical monsters, dinosaurs actually existed a hundred million years ago. Fossils of dinosaurs have previously been discovered in Iwate and Nagasaki prefectures, but they were of the plant-eating kind. This one is the 1st fossil of a flesh-eating dinosaur to be found in Japan. Thus, the animal inhabitants of these islands in ancient times were probably not as peace-loving as had been previously imagined. In the visions recorded in the Revelation to John, the last book in the Bible, a huge, red dragon, representing the devil appeared, but in the end, the dragon was conquered and victory was gained by the Lamb of God, who is King of kings and Lord of lords, so the Christian believes in the final victory of good over evil.
Stonewall Jackson (84/01/21)
In the U.S. state of Virginia, the 3rd Monday of January is a state holiday called Lee-Jackson Day, commemorating the birthdays of 2 great generals of the southern states in the American Civil war. Robert. Lee was born on January 19, 1807 and Thomas Jackson was born on January 21, 1824, 160 years ago today. General Lee was the commander-in-chief of the Confederate armies and he considered General Jackson his right-hand man. During Jackson's hospitalization for the amputation of his left arm, General Lee wrote, "he was lost his left arm, but I have lost my right." Because of his stubborn resistance to the attacks of enemy forces, Jackson was referred to as a stone wall and came to be called "Stonewall Jackson". The stern, resolute qualities that earned him that nickname were also evident in his religious life. He hated to fight on Sundays and preferred to delay a battle rather than miss a prayer meeting. Some of us may see a contradiction in such a combination of devotion to both religious and military activities. To have strong convictions is admirable, but even firmly held convictions require periodic review in the light of truth and love.
Bloody Sunday (84/01/22)
Today is Sunday, January the 22nd. January the 22nd also fell on a Sunday 99 years ago in the year 1905. This was during the Russo-Japanese War, which ended in a humiliating defeat for Russia. The internal weakness of the Russian government was also recognized by Russian workers who were led on a protest march by a priest to demand changes in its corrupt policies. Suddenly, soldiers fired into the defenseless crowd, resulting in hundreds of dead and wounded. This day is now known as "Bloody Sunday" and has been called the beginning of the Russian Revolution that continued for the next 15 years and finally brought the Socialists into power. There is sometimes a long period between the time a sacrifice is made and when its purpose is achieved. Next Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Y.W.C.A. in Sakae, we wi11 hold a meeting of listeners to these "Daily Word" messages. I would like to meet you there. Please think of a proverb or famous saying and tell us why you like it. At that meeting, the new issue of "Daily Word" Echoes will also be on sale. Please join us if you can. This is "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Heart transplant (84/01/23)
In recent years, there have been many cases of bodily organs being transplanted from one person to another. It was 20 years ago today, on January 23, 1964, that the 1st heart transplant was performed on a human patient. It was done at the University of Mississippi in the United States by Dr. James Hardy, who had performed the 1st human lung transplant only 7 months before. The patient was fatally ill with heart disease, but the young man, dying from irreparable brain damage, whose heart was to be transplanted, continued to cling to life so another donor had to be found immediately. So it was that the heart of a chimpanzee was used instead of a human heart. Although the operation was a success, the patient died for the heart was too small. In biblical thought, the heart is the essential part of a person and all of us need to have a change of heart, turning from self to God and our neighbor. In Ezekiel 36:26, the Lord said, "I will give you a new heart. I will take the heart of stone from your body and give you a heart of flesh." Through a healthy faith in God, we may get a new heart and begin a new life.
Fine for books overdue (84/01/24)
As an adjective, "fine" may refer to something of superior quality or enjoyable. It may refer to the weather on a clear day or to something consisting of very small particles. As a noun, "fine" refers to a sum of money imposed as a penalty. In America, it is common to impose a fine of a few cents per day for library books that are overdue. Last week, Lynn Barthel went to a library in California to return 3 books that were overdue. If the rules were strictly enforced, she would have paid more than $5000 in fines because the books, recently found in a bookcase in her home, were borrowed by her grandmother almost 80 years ago. However, instead of fining her, the library put these books on a special display. The Good News of the Christian faith is that God does not impose the penalty sinners deserve but forgives those who trust in him because of his great love. Next Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Y.W.C.A. in Sakae, a meeting of "Daily Word" listeners will be held. I hope you can attend and tell us some proverb or famous saying that you like.
Robert Burns (84/01/25)
In the sanbika, or hymn book used in many Christian churches in Japan, some tunes are included that are familiar to all Japanese, including those who never go to church. One of these is hymn #370. The tune is a Scottish melody called Auld Lang Syne and is well known as the tune for Hotaru no Hikari, often sung at graduation ceremonies in Japan. The writer of the poem "Auld Lang Syne", which in modern English means "old long since", was the Scottish poet, Robert Burns, who was born 225 years ago today, on January 25th 1759. Robert Burns was the eldest son in a poor family and decided to leave his homeland to seek his fortune in the West Indies. To help finance his trip, he published a book of poems which were so well received that he changed his mind and remained in Scotland to become the most famous of Scottish poets. He wrote: "The social, friendly, honest man,/ Whate'er he be,/ 'Tis he fulfils great Nature's plan,/ And none but he!" Plan to join us at the meeting of "Daily Word" listeners next Sunday afternoon at the Y.W.C.A. in Sakae at 1:30 and tell us about some proverb or famous saying that you especially like.
India and Pakistan (84/01/26)
Today, January 26th, is the 34th anniversary of India's officially becoming a republic in 1950. India has one of the oldest civilizations in the world, covering some 5000 years. From this civilization, Hinduism arose and out of Hinduism came Buddhism. Today, however, there are more Christians in India than Buddhists, who account for less than 1% of the population. When Britain granted independence to India in 1947, a separate country, called Pakistan, was created for the Muslims of that subcontinent. Today, India is 84% Hindu and 10% Muslim, while Pakistan is 97% Muslim and 1% Hindu, but hostility between these 2 countries continues--partly due to their religious differences. Despite such religious hostility between peoples, the Bible teaches that God is a God of peace. Following our "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting next Sunday afternoon at the Y.W.C.A., I will be preaching in English at the Nagoya Union Church, meeting at the Kinjō Kyōkai in Daikan Chō, Higashi Ku, from 4 to 5. You are invited to that service also.
Diamond Anniversary (84/01/27)
I'm not sure when or how it got started, but a tradition has developed relating certain wedding anniversaries to particular symbolic elements or appropriate gift categories. The most commonly remembered ones are those of the 25th and 50th years known as the silver and golden anniversaries. Both the 60th and 75th years are now called diamond anniversaries. Yesterday, the Emperor and Empress of Japan celebrated their 1st diamond anniversary, for their wedding took place on January 26th, 1924. According to newspaper reports, they have lived a happy life together during these past 60 years. Although I gave my wife a small diamond ring to signify our engagement before we were married, we still have a few years to go before our diamond anniversary. If I follow tradition, I would give her something made of coral or jade on our anniversary this year, but I tend to be untraditional. Somerset Maugham has written that "Tradition is a guide and not a jailer." Don't forget the meeting of "Daily Word" listeners at the Y.W.C.A. in Sakae next Sunday afternoon at 1:30. I'd like to meet you there. Tell us some proverb or famous saying you especially like.
Face lift (84/01/28)
As people get older, wrinkles appear on their skin. Some women have their facial wrinkles removed by plastic surgery. Such an operation is called a face lift. In a more general sense, face lift may refer to any alteration or restyling to improve the appearance of something. The famous, 46 meter tall Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor is about to receive a face lift. This statue, which was a gift to the United States from France, will celebrate its 10Oth birthday in about 2 1/2 years. Before that date, some $39,000,000 will be spent to replace the 1600 iron bands that hold the copper exterior to the inner frame, replace the torch and install an elevator. The original cost of the statue was $400,000. Some 1,800,000 people visit Liberty Island every year, but for the next couple of years the statue will be surrounded by scaffolding. A face lift may improve one's outer appearance, but it is more important to have an inner change--a change of heart. If one's heart is pure, facial wrinkles will not detract from one's beauty. I hope to see you at our "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 at the Y. W.C.A. in Sakae.
Kansas Day (84/01/29)
Today is called Kansas Day in the United States. It commemorates the admission of Kansas as the 34th state on January 29, 1861. However, the day has especial historic significance in relation to the slavery problem and the development of the Republican Party. For some years before Kansas was admitted as a state, there were frequent clashes between the pro and anti slavery forces in that territory, foreshadowing the American Civil War which broke out 2 1/2 months after Kansas was recognized as a free state. The Republican Party had been formed 7 years earlier in opposition to the practice of slavery and viewed the admission of Kansas as a free state under Republican President Abraham Lincoln as a victory of its political stand. Through the years, Kansas Day has been a day of celebration for the Republican Party in particular. "Kansas" comes from an Indian word, meaning "south wind people". According to Luke, chapter 12, verse 55, a south wind is a sign of hot weather and the entrance of this state of "south wind people" into the Union of States actually did result in raising the political temperature that finally boiled over into a civil war.
The first dream of the year (84/01/02)
Mouse or Rat (84/01/03)
George Washington Carver Day (84/01/04)
Twelfth Night (84/01/05)
Epiphany (84/01/06)
Healthful herbs (84/01/07)
George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four (84/01/08)
Connecticut (84/01/09)
League of Nations (84/01/10)
Kagamibiraki (84/01/11)
United States and Vatican (84/01/12)
Superstition (84/01/13)
A typist fired (84/01/14)
Adults Day (84/01/15)
Furikae kyūjitsu (84/01/16)
Benjamin Franklin (84/01/17)
A robber imprisoned quickly (84/01/18)
Bread (84/01/19)
Dinosaurs (84/01/20)
Stonewall Jackson (84/01/21)
Bloody Sunday (84/01/22)
Heart transplant (84/01/23)
Fine for books overdue (84/01/24)
Robert Burns (84/01/25)
India and Pakistan (84/01/26)
Diamond Anniversary (84/01/27)
Face lift (84/01/28)
Kansas Day (84/01/29)
Franklin Roosevelt (84/01/30)
About proverbs (84/01/31)
Tournament of Roses (84/01/01)