National Freedom Day (85/02/01)
Until the Civil War, slavery was common in the southern states of the United States of America. Near the end of that war, President Abraham Lincoln signed an historic document abolishing slavery throughout the country. After this document was ratified by three-fourths of the states, it became the 13th Amendment to the Constitution which declares that slavery shall not exist within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction. It was 120 years ago today on February 1st,1865, that President Lincoln signed that document so, in commemoration of that event, February 1st is annually designated National Freedom Day in the United States. In a speech he made in Baltimore the previous year, Lincoln said: "The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep's throat, for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as his liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act, as the destroyer of liberty, especially as the sheep was a black one." Freedom is a precious gift for those of us in the so-called Free World, which must be used in a responsible manner. We must not selfishly seek to extend our freedom in a way that violates the freedom of others. Some people are politically free while still in spiritual slavery.
Groundhog Day (85/02/02)
Japan is not the only country in which out-dated traditions survive in the modern age. In America, this 2nd day of February is known as Groundhog Day. A groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, is a common American marmot that hibernates during the winter. According to a theory which came to America with European immigrants, the groundhog comes out of his winter quarters on February 2nd. If it is a nice day and he sees his shadow, he becomes frightened and returns to his hole for another 6 weeks during which winter weather will continue. But if the day is cloudy, he will remain aboveground, which means that spring will be coming soon. Although meteorological studies over a 60 year period have shown that this theory has been correct only 28% of the time, some people continue to predict an early or late spring on the basis of the weather on this day. In some American communities there are Groundhog Clubs and Groundhog Day observances which most people do not take seriously. Speaking of holes in which animals live, I am reminded of Jesus' reply, in Matthew 8:20, to a man who promised to follow him wherever he went: "Foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."
Setsubun (85/02/03)
Today is the day before the beginning of spring, or risshun, according to the old Japanese calendar. It is called setsubun, which means "season divider". The ancient Chinese tradition of performing a ritualistic purification at this season was imported into Japan during the Muromachi Era in the 15th century. Today, many people will be saying Fuku wa uchi, oni wa soto as they scatter beans around their home. Jesus was very critical of people in his day who were very careful to observe the various purification rituals but whose hearts and minds remained unclean. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 23, he said to such men: "You clean the outside of cup and dish, which you have filled inside by robbery and self-indulgence! Clean the inside of the cup first; then the outside will be clean also. You are like tombs covered with whitewash; they look well from outside, but inside they are full of all kinds of filth. So it is with you: outside you look like honest men but inside you are brimfull of hypocrisy and crime." While some people try to chase the demons out of their homes today, let us pay attention to purifying our hearts. Dirty hearts are made clean when by faith, God's Holy Spirit of love is received within.
A hog on the highway (85/02/04)
A "hog" if really a large pig, but it also used in colloquial speech to refer to a selfish, greedy or gluttonous person. As a verb, it may mean to take an unfair share of something. Thus, a "road hog" is a driver who drives his car or truck down the middle of the highway, making it hard for other cars to pass. Last week, however, a real road hog upset motorist in Portland, Oregon, when a 270 kilogram hog jumped off of a farmer's truck into the middle of traffic. Policemen were called and they began chasing the hog down the highway. Traffic was backed up for more than 50 blocks during their vain attempt to catch him. The farmer objected to the idea of injecting the animal with a tranquilizer to slow it down because he could not sell a drugged hog. After an hour of evasive action, the hog got tired out and an earth moving vehicle was called to scoop it up. In Matthew 7:6, Jesus told his disciples not to throw pearls in front of pigs for they have no appreciation of such valuables and will only trample on them. Biblical pearls will be presented to a more appreciative group at our Bible Study in both Japanese and English tomorrow evening, beginning at 6:30, at the Y.W.C.A. You are invited to attend.(1447)
Essays expected (85/02/05)
These "Daily Word" telephone messages provide listeners with the opportunity to hear English. Our Listeners' Meetings on the 5th Sundays of the month provide a chance to speak in English. On the 6 Tuesdays following a 5th Sunday, I suggest themes on which listeners may write essays, which I correct and print in our periodical, "Daily Word" Echoes. Today's 6th and final theme for the next issue of the Echoes, scheduled for publication on march 31st, is related to the discussions now being carried on among politicians regarding Japan's defense program and its cost. Defense Programs Guidelines were established in 1976, when the Cabinet decided to keep their cost below 1% of the Gross National Product. Now, Prime Minister Nakasone refuses to promise to continue that policy. What do you think of Japan's present defense policy and its relative cost? How does it square with the Constitution? What comments do you have regarding the proper military role of Japan in the world today and what hopes or fears do you have about the military buildup as you consider the future? Send your essays on this theme and the previous themes of New Year's Activities, Music, Kimono, Rice and Funerals to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463 to reach me by February 16th.(1448)
New Zealand (85/02/06)
Much of the land of a small, European country bordering on the North Sea lies below sea level. Its name, the Netherlands, means low-lying lands, and much of its land was reclaimed from the sea through centuries of hard work. Thus, a southwester province of the Netherlands is called Zealand, or Seeland, referring to this land reclaimed from the sea. In 1642, a Dutch navigator discovered some islands southeast of Australia and gave them the name of New Zealand. Later, the islands came under British control and, on February 6, 1840, 145 years ago today, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between a British representative and native, tribal chiefs in which British sovereignty was recognized. In commemoration of that treaty, February 6th is the National Day in New Zealand, also called Waitangi Day. In English, the word "zeal" refers to eager interest and enthusiasm, ardent endeavor and fervent devotion. Zeal is a characteristic of some very sincere people. That's fine, but care must be taken to keep zeal under control and not run to extremes. In the 2nd chapter of his Letter to Titus, the Apostle Paul wrote that Christians should be zealous to do good deeds. (1449)
Hair color (85/02/07)
In the United States, it is common for personal identification cards to indicate the color of eyes and hair along with height and weight. Needless to say, in Japan it is not customary to include color designations for the purpose of identification. The common classifications of hair color in America are blond(e), brunet(te), red and gray. There is a common misconception that men prefer women with blonde hair, but surveys have repeatedly shown that this is true for only 1 out of 3 men. Nevertheless, some American and European women whose hair is not naturally blonde make it that color by artificial means--even as some Japanese women likewise keep their hair color a youthful black. Of course, most women who dye their hair try to keep it a secret, so the former hairdresser of pretty blonde Princess Diana of Great Britain has been criticized for recently revealing that the Princess' natural hair color is a "mousy brown". Everyone would like to appear more beautiful than they really are, but we should remember that physical beauty is only skin deep. As we read in the New Testament letter of I Peter, chapter 3, verse 4, true beauty is an inner, spiritual quality.(1450)
Famous schools (85/02/08)
Harvard University is the oldest college in the United States, but do you know which is the second oldest? It is named after the only joint monarchs in English history. In 1689, William III and Mary II were both crowned as king and queen of England and ruled together for 6 years until Mary's death, after which William continued to reign for another 7 years. The college, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, is called William and Mary and its charter was granted 292 years ago today on February 8, 1693. George Washington received his first surveyor's license there and Presidents Jefferson, Monroe and Tyler also studied there. Speaking of famous schools, there is one here in Nagoya called Nanzan University. My daughter, who was born and raised in Japan, will be returning to Nagoya next month to begin teaching English at that university. We are now looking for a suitable apartment for her to rent for 2 years not too far away from the school. If you know of any possibility, please let me know, by telephone (793-2376) or by letter (Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463). In Matthew 7:7, it is written: "Seek and you will find". (1451)
Japanese in Hawaii (85/02/09)
As you know, citizens of the United States of America are a mixture of many racial and cultural backgrounds. The state of Hawaii in particular has a large percentage of citizens of Oriental ancestry. Over 1/4 of Hawaiians are said to be of Japanese lineage. Special events are being held in Hawaii at this time to commemorate the arrival in Honolulu of the City of Tokio, just one hundred years ago yesterday, on February 8, 1885. On this ship were 943 men, women and children from Hiroshima and Yamaguchi prefectures who had come to work in the sugar plantations. The 3-year contracts of these immigrants required them to work for 10 hours a day, 26 days a month. Beside their food, lodging and medical care, men were paid $9 a month and women received $6. From 1885 to 1924, when Asian immigration was halted, some 200,000 Japanese contract workers had entered Hawaii, Today, the influence of Japanese culture and tradition is seen in various ways. At the present time, the state governor and both U.S. senators are Japanese Americans. The United States has been referred to as a melting pot and certainly it has been enriched by the free intermingling of a variety of traditions in its history.(1452)
Using talent (85/02/10)
When you hear the word "talent", what image comes to your mind? Probably a television personality because that is the usual meaning of the word in Japanese. However, the English word basically refers to a natural ability or special gift. In this meaning, not all the so-called "talent" are talented. The English word comes from the Greek word talanton which originally referred to a scale. Then it came to mean a unit of weight--of gold, for example, and later was used as a monetary unit. In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 25, Jesus told the story of a man who went on a trip and gave money to his servants to make use of in his absence. According to their abilities, he gave 5 talents to one man, 3 to another and 1 to a third. He rewarded the servants depending on how they used their talents. From this parable, the word came to mean natural ability or a gift from God in English. Thomas Wolfe has written, "if a man has talent and cannot use it, he has failed. If he has a talent and uses only half of it he has partly failed. If he has a talent and learns somehow to use the whole of it, he has gloriously succeeded, and won a satisfaction and a triumph few men ever know." God expects us to make good use of the gifts he has given us.(1453)
National Foundation Day (85/02/11)
Today is a Japanese holiday called National Founding Day or National Foundation Day. Why was this day chosen for this celebration? Although the method of calculation is questionable, in 1872, the 5th year of the Meiji Era, February 11th of the so1ar calendar was considered the date corresponding to the day of the enthronement of Japan's first emperor, Jimmu, some 2531 years earlier. In the 22nd year of the Meiji Era, or 1889, the Meiji Constitution was promulgated on this day. Before and during the war, this day, known as kigensetsu, was a day of great nationalistic emotion, so after the war, it was eliminated along with other nationalistic holidays. In the decade beginning with 1957, the Liberal Democratic Party and the government failed on 8 attempts to receive Diet approval to reestablish a holiday on this day, but finally, in 1966, they succeeded and National Foundation Day came into existence. According to the Old Testament book of Proverbs, chapter 14, verse 34, it is righteousness that makes a nation great and on this Japanese holiday, I pray that in this meaning, Japan will become a truly great nation. (1454)
Lincoln's birthday (85/02/12)
Today is the birthday of the 16th president of the United States. He is called the Great Emancipator because he issued the Emancipation Proclamation during the American Civil War which declared all slaves held in the rebellious states to be free. Abraham Lincoln was born 176 year ago today in a log cabin in Kentucky. Although he considered himself a very common man, he is recognized today as one of the truly great men in American history. Because of his efforts to establish racial equality, the Sunday nearest his birthday is celebrated in many churches as Race Relations Sunday. Unfortunately, the ideal of genuine racial equality in the United States has still not been achieved, due to the hardheaded, hardhearted attitudes of many white Americans who feel superior to other races. Of course, the feeling of ethnic superiority is not limited to white Americans. Many people living in Japan can testify that it is present in this county also. It is too bad when people are judged on the basis of such superficial things as skin color, national background, religious faith and educational attainment rather than on individual character. In John 7:24, Jesus taught that we should not judge by appearances.(1455)
Soy sauce (85/02/13)
My hometown is located in the northeastern corner of the state of Illinois in the midwestern United States. About 70 kilometers west of that town is a rural community in southern Wisconsin, called Walworth. 12 years ago the Kikkoman Company of Japan built a plant in Walworth to produce soy sauce. The plant is close to the source of the ingredients of that product, which are soy beans and wheat. In the first year of operation, the plant produced some 6000 kiloliters of soy sauce, but now it is producing over 22,000 kiloliters a year. However, Kikkoman is hoping to expand its production further, for the average consumption of soy sauce per person per year in America is only 105 milliliters, while in Japan it is over 90 times that--9.5 liters per person per year. The company is trying to persuade Americans to use soy sauce in American cooking, such as hamburgers, as well as in Oriental dishes. Soy sauce adds flavor to bland food and when Jesus called his disciples the "salt of the earth" in Matthew 5:13, he implied that they were to flavor the world with the spirit of love. What kind of flavor are you adding to society these days?(1456)
St. Valentine's day (85/02/14)
Since today is February the 14th, I wonder what would be an appropriate topic for today's message. Well, in the United States state of Oregon, special observances are held in schools throughout that state to commemorate the admission of Oregon to the United States as the 33rd state on this day in 1859. In the state of Arizona, today is a legal holiday commemorating that state's joining the Union on this day in 1912 as the 48th state. For the next 47 years, until the addition of Alaska and Hawaii, the number of states remained at 48. Oh yes, February the 14th is also known as St. Valentine's Day, but people who celebrate this day are not thinking about St. Valentine at all. In fact, even historians know very little about the man now known as St. Valentine, whose feast day is today. He is said to have been a Christian martyr who was killed in Rome in the second half of the 3rd century. As a Christian pastor, I approve of the idea of showing love to others through concrete acts, but I have doubts about the depth or quality of love that consists in giving chocolates once a year. The kind of love taught in the Bible is a spiritual quality that is shown at all times to all people alike.
Sake (85/02/15)
The traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage is called sake, the Chinese character for which is a combination of water and bird. According to an old Chinese legend, once upon a time some sparrows picked up some grains of rice and stored them in a piece of bamboo. After the rain, the rice fermented and sake was produced. In fact, the Japanese word may come from sasake, meaning bamboo smell. The consumption of sake in Japan has been decreasing in recent years, but sake makers are promoting a new use for the old beverage. They recommend adding sake to bath water, saying it is good for both health and beauty. A book published last year asserts that soaking in a hot bath containing sake makes the body warm, the skin smooth and is healthful. Although I don't know how healthy it is for the bather, I'm sure it's beneficial for the health of the sake maker. The wine mentioned in the Bible is not made from rice but from grapes. It was commonly used at Jewish festivals, but Jesus told his disciples that they should remember his death on the cross for them whenever they drank wine. Even today, Christians commemorate Jesus' death by drinking wine and eating bread, which is good for our spiritual health when accompanied by faith.(1458)
Lithuania (85/02/16)
Since the end of the war, the Soviet Union has occupied a number of islands just north of Hokkaido which are historically a part of Japan. On February 7th, Japan focuses attention on the continued occupation of those islands and presses for their return. Today is the day that Lithuanians living outside of the Soviet Union celebrate as their national day and remind the world that the Soviet Union is also illegally occupying their land. Although Lithuania is now one of the 15 union republics within the Soviet Union, it has an independent history dating back to the 13th century and was one of the largest states in medieval Europe. It was under Russian control until the First World War, when it was occupied by Germany, but on February 16, 1918, it declared itself a republic. Following the Second World War, the Soviet Union annexed it, but a number of areas in the United States with many Lithuanian families hold special observances today to commemorate Lithuanian day and to protest continued Soviet domination of their homeland. Communist organizations often speak out against imperialism, but the greatest imperialistic power in the world today is the U.S.S.R. The Biblical commandment, "Thou shalt not covet" applies to nations as well as individuals.(1459)
Lost sheep (85/02/17)
The English word "parable" comes from a Greek word meaning "to throw beside" which was used when making comparisons between two different kinds of things. In English, "parable" refers to a simple story used to illustrate some moral truth. In effect, it compares a concrete narrative with a spiritual truth. Jesus told many parables that were easily understood by the common people of his day, in contrast to many Christian preachers today (including me) who use such abstract, philosophical language that common people find it difficult to understand. One of his well-known parables is found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18, verses 12-14. It is the story of a shepherd who had 100 sheep, but 1 of them got lost. The shepherd left the other 99 sheep on the hillside while he went to search for the 1 that was lost. When he found it, he was overjoyed. In fact, it seemed that he was more concerned about that 1 lost sheep than about the other 99. Using this story, Jesus taught that God, our spiritual shepherd, is especially concerned about every one of his sheep that has become separated from his flock and gone its own way. Jesus came to find and save those lost sheep. Has he found you?(1460)
President's Day (85/02/18)
This 18th day of February is a legal holiday in the United States this year, not because it is the 18th day, but because it is the 3rd Monday, of February. Since 1971, the dates of certain traditional American holidays were changed by Congress to regularly fall on Mondays instead of a particular day of the month. Traditionally, the birthday of George Washington has been celebrated on February 22nd, but now it is celebrated on the 3rd Monday. Most states call this day Washington's Birthday, but some refer to it as Washington-Lincoln Day or as Presidents' Day, since Lincoln's Birthday is on the 12th of February. President Reagan celebrated his birthday this month also. He is the oldest man to hold that office. The 2nd oldest president at the time of his inauguration, William Henry Harrison, was also born in February. This Presidents' Day is a good day to remember to pray for the leaders of the nations of the world that under their leadership progress will be made toward world peace. Tomorrow evening our Bible Class in Japanese and in English will be held as usual from 6:30 and from 7:30 at the Kyōikukan in Sakae. Anyone interested is invited to attend. (1461)
Copernicus (85/02/19)
In both Japanese and English, it is common to speak of the sun rising in the morning and setting in the evening even though we now know that the sun does not actually move. Rather, it is the earth which revolves around the sun. In Japanese, the theory that the earth moves is called chidōsetsu. Do you know the English equivalent of this term? It is called the Copernican Theory after the man who formulated it. Nicholas Copernicus was born in Poland on February 19, 1473, 512 years ago today. He is well known as a mathematician and astronomer, but he also practiced medicine and was a clergyman as well. Copernicus' research and meditation led him to question the accepted theory that the earth was the center of the universe around which the heavenly bodies revolved. His new theory that the earth moved around the motionless sun was opposed by the Church as being against the teaching of Holy Scripture. However, finally the Church had to acknowledge the validity of his theory and adjust its interpretation of Scripture accordingly. This has been a common occurrence. New theories which question old traditions are always opposed by the established authorities, but the one convinced of his belief or opinion should hold fast to it until others recognize it to be true or until he sees it to be mistaken. (1462)
A Good Samaritan (85/02/20)
The Bible teaches that we should love our neighbor as ourself. To explain who our neighbor is, Jesus told the Parable of the Good Samaritan which is recorded in the 1Oth chapter of the Gospel of Luke. In this parable, a Samaritan stopped to help a badly wounded Jew who was lying by the side of the road. I was reminded of this story when I read the report in yesterday's newspaper of a motorman operating a train in Gifu Prefecture who saw an elderly man in a field alongside the train tracks whose clothes were on fire. He stopped the train and, along with the conductor, ran to the man and put out the fire while the passengers watched from the train windows. An ambulance was called and the seriously injured, 86-year-old man was taken to the hospital. When we see a person in need, genuine love prompts us to offer assistance regardless of the race, nationality or social level of that person. In the church calendar today is the first day of Lent, a 40-day period before Easter, during which Christians quietly reflect upon their own impurities and their need for God's cleansing. It is a good time to consider who our neighbors are and whether or not we are showing love to them.(1463)
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do" (85/02/21)
There is a well-known Japanese proverb, gō ni iritewa, gō ni shitagae, which literally means, "when in a village, follow the village [customs]". You may know the common Western saying used to translate this proverb ("When in Rome, do as the Romans do") but you probably don't know the origin of this saying. It was first spoken by the famous bishop of the Italian city of Milan near the end of the 4th century whose name was Ambrose. Ambrose had been a governor, but because of his deep concern for justice and for the welfare of people, he was later appointed a bishop. He became a very popular preacher and stimulated the conversion of Augustine who became a great Christian scholar. In the 4th century, it was the custom of the citizens of Milan to feast on Saturday while the Romans fasted on that day. When Augustine asked for advice about whether he should eat or not eat on Saturday, Ambrose replied with those famous words, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." In his first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 9, the Apostle Paul wrote that he followed Jewish customs in order to influence Jews and followed Gentile customs in order to win Gentiles to the Christian faith. He became "all things to all men" to persuade them to follow Christ. (1464)
Obelisk (85/02/22)
An obelisk is a tall, four-sided stone pillar with a pointed top. The word comes from the Greek word for "needle". These slender monuments were often placed in pairs in front of an Egyptian temple. The tallest obelisk in the world is the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., which is 555 feet, 5.5 inches, (or about 170 meters) tall. This monument, in honor of the first president of the United States, was dedicated just 100 years ago yesterday, approximately 100 years after it was first proposed. George Washington, sometimes referred to as the father of his country, was born 254 years ago today. His birthday is now celebrated as a holiday on the 3rd Monday of February. Washington likened government to a fire, "a dangerous servant and a fearful master", which must be carefully controlled. He also said that "true religion affords government its surest support", and he encouraged people to "keep alive in your heart that little spark of celestial fire called conscience". His birthday is a good time to remember his words. If you wish to receive a typewritten copy of these daily messages, send your request to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Translations of the Bible (85/02/23)
Because of the many similar dialects, it is sometimes difficult to define the limits of a particular language, but a report was issued this week regarding the number of languages in which the Bible has been translated. A worldwide group of Bible societies aims to provide all people on earth with the Bible in their own language. According to this report, the entire Bible, including both Old and New Testaments, is now available in 286 languages, the New Testament alone has been translated into an additional 594 languages, while there are translations of at least a part of the Bible in still another 928 languages, making a total of 1,808 languages in which some portion of the Bible is available. The motive behind this effort to translate the Bible into all languages is not merely to provide fine literature for people to read. It is to share the Good News of God's purpose and love for all people and to let them read for themselves the words which have brought new meaning, comfort, joy and hope into the lives of people throughout the ages and have changed the course of history itself. The Bible is available in a number of Japanese and English translations. If you haven't read it recently, I suggest that you do so. (1466)
Christianity prohibited (85/02/24)
During the Tokugawa Era, Christianity was prohibited in Japan and signboards were posted to publicize that fact. However, after Japan resumed contact with the outside world, the prohibition of Christianity proved to be an obstacle in relations with Western nations, so on February 24, 1873 (the 6th year of Meiji), 112 years ago today, those signboards were removed and Christianity was no longer officially prohibited. I don't know how Chinese characters are chosen to represent the sounds of foreign words but those chosen for the word "Christian", or kirishitan, mean "cut", "support" and "true heart". During the time of persecution, Christians were cut off from society but were supported by their own true hearts or faithfulness. The word "Christian" is found in the New Testament book of Acts, chapter 11, verse 26, but many Greek manuscripts have the word chrestianos, meaning worthy or good people, instead of christianos, which means followers of Christ, but of course, either term should apply to Christians. In I Peter 4:16, we are told not to be ashamed if we suffer for being a Christian, but to be happy to be identified with Christ.
Enrico Caruso (85/02/25)
When you hear the name Caruso (Crusoe), what image comes to your mind. It is probably that of a man on a deserted island because of the famous character in the story written by Daniel Defoe in 1719, called The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. It is said that this story has been translated into more languages than any other English book. However, there is another famous Caruso, although his name is spelled C-a-r-u-s-o instead of C-r-u-s-o-e. Enrico Caruso, who has been called "the greatest singer who ever lived", was born 112 year ago today, on February 25, 1873 in Naples, Italy. He started out as an engineer until a friend told him there was a fortune in his voice and he began taking singing lessons. As an opera singer, the unusual quality and range of his tenor voice made him world famous. His repertoire included more than 40 operas and he sang in cities around the world. If we have a natural talent, we should try to make use of it in some way, whether our name is Robinson or Enrico. According to Romans, chapter 12, we all have been given gifts by God to be used according to our faith for the good of others. (1468)
Divorce complicated (85/02/26)
Frank Colandro is a 26-year-old man who lives in Stamford, Connecticut in the northeastern United States. He was recently divorced from his wife and evidently still harbored some ill feelings toward her. As his first payment in the divorce settlement, he sent her the required $1,500. However, he sent that amount of money in cash--all in pennies! He had 2 large barrels containing 150,000 pennies delivered to his ex-wife. She refused to accept them, however, and had them sent to her lawyer. The lawyer contacted the judge, who ordered Frank to take the pennies back and write her a check instead. Frank is upset with this decision because he considers pennies legal tender. He said he'd like to appeal the judge's decision but he can't afford it. He already spent $80 to have the pennies delivered to his ex-wife and another $80 to have them forwarded to her lawyer. It is a human tendency to desire revenge, but in the 12th chapter of Paul's Letter to the Romans, he writes that we should never take revenge, but leave vengeance to God, who will deal justly with all people. He taught that we should not repay evil with evil but that we should overcome evil with good. (1469)
Groundhog Day (85/02/02)
Setsubun (85/02/03)
A hog on the highway (85/02/04)
Essays expected (85/02/05)
New Zealand (85/02/06)
Hair color (85/02/07)
Famous schools (85/02/08)
Japanese in Hawaii (85/02/09)
Using talent (85/02/10)
National Foundation Day (85/02/11)
Lincoln's birthday (85/02/12)
Soy sauce (85/02/13)
St. Valentine's day (85/02/14)
Sake (85/02/15)
Lithuania (85/02/16)
Lost sheep (85/02/17)
President's Day (85/02/18)
Copernicus (85/02/19)
A Good Samaritan (85/02/20)
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do" (85/02/21)
Obelisk (85/02/22)
Translations of the Bible (85/02/23)
Christianity prohibited (85/02/24)
Enrico Caruso (85/02/25)
Divorce complicated (85/02/26)
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (85/02/27)
The pace of life (85/02/28)
National Freedom Day (85/02/01)