Natural Resources (89/10/01)
A characteristic of capitalistic countries is that private ownership of property is recognized. People may purchase a piece of land that then belongs to them. Valuable materials found on or under that land, also become their possession. Sometimes, there are disputes about boundaries not only between private plots of land but even between nations. There are also questions about who owns natural resources found in the oceans or in outer space. Is it right for individuals or nations to selfishly use or destroy natural resources or to pollute the earth, rivers and seas which affect the ecology of the whole world? This raises the question of who indeed does "own" our natural surroundings. A Hebrew poet wrote, in the 24th Psalm, "The world and all that is in it belong to the Lord." This confession of faith needs re-emphasis today. The earth and its resources do not belong to fortunate individuals, to profiteering companies or to certain wealthy nations; it belongs to God, its Creator. God has given to human beings the responsibility to make wise use of these gifts for the benefit of the whole world and thus to accomplish his purpose. Individuals, companies and nations must look beyond narrow selfish interests and consider the universal consequences of their actions and policies. (3052)
"Be Prepared" (89/10/02)
"Be prepared", the motto of the Boy Scout organization, is a good saying for us all to keep in mind. A similar attitude is encouraged by the Japanese proverb about having a stick ready before falling down, korobanu saki no tsue. The English saying, "Keep your powder dry", harks back to the time when such armaments as cannons and muskets required dry powder to discharge their cannonballs or bullets. The soldier who kept his powder dry was always prepared for battle. Another proverb along the same line, "Prevention is better than cure", teaches that it is wiser to take precautions beforehand than to have to repair the damage that may result from a lack of preparation. In the 30th chapter of the Old Testament book of Proverbs, the wisdom of ants who have the foresight to store up food in summer is given as an example to foolish human beings. (3053)
Edible Flowers (89/10/03)
Foreigners in Japan are usually deeply impressed with the beautiful way that Japanese food is arranged. Even though they may not consider some of the food delicious, it is a feast for the eyes simply to look at it. Along with the artistic arrangement of the food, there is often a display of pretty flowers to enhance its beauty. Now, in some fancy restaurants, flowers are not only used as decorations; they have been added to the menu itself. In the past, it has been customary to put a cherry blossom into tea at times or to eat chrysanthemums, but this recent fad, involves eating such colorful foreign-grown flowers as pansies, roses, marigolds and carnations. Such flowers add beauty to a bland block of tôfu and make salads more colorful. Calorie-conscious young women are said to be especially interested in this exotic food. A Tokyo hotel now has an edible flower course on its dinner menu that includes ten kinds of flowers from soup to after-dinner tea and a department store in Osaka is selling 20 kinds of packaged edible flowers in its grocery section. In his Sermon on the Mount, recorded in the 6th chapter of Matthew, Jesus pointed to flowers as reminders that our heavenly Father provides beautiful clothes for his creation and encouraged his listeners to rely on God's provision for their needs.(3054)
Sputnik (89/10/04)
A "fellow traveler" is literally a person who accompanies another on a trip. When journeying in a lonely, dangerous area, it is wise to have a fellow traveler rather than going alone. This expression is also used of a person who sympathizes with the tenets and programs of an organized group without actually joining it. During and after the Second World War, those who were accused of being fellow travelers with the Communist Party had a difficult time in American society. It was under the Communist government in the Soviet Union, however, that the first "fellow traveler" was sent into space on October 4, 1957. That first artificial satellite to orbit the earth was called a sputnik, meaning "fellow traveler", because it was a fellow traveler of Earth. With the launching of that unmanned satellite just 32 years ago today, the space age began. Space exploration actually had begun earlier, but this was the first time a man-made satellite was placed in an orbit around the earth. Since then, many further developments have been made, using both manned and unmanned space vehicles. Let us pray that the increased knowledge gained from such explorations will finally be used for the advancement rather than the destruction of the human race.(3055)
Chester Arthur (89/10/05)
The family names, or surnames, of some Americans are identical to the given names of others. For example, my given name of Clark was the surname of the famous educator who uttered those well-known words, "Boys, be ambitious". The 21st president of the United States, who was born 160 years ago today, on October 5, 1829, also had a surname that is more common as a given name. Chester Arthur, the son of a Baptist preacher, was elected vice-president in 1880 and became president following the assassination of President Garfield the following year. In American history, he is one of five presidents who served less than one full term following the death of their predecessors. Before entering politics, he served as a lawyer in New York, where he successfully argued for the release of slaves who were being transported from Virginia to Texas. The ruling established that slaves passing through a free state automatically become free. As president, he vetoed a bill to restrict Chinese immigration, asserting that it violated existing treaties with China. Arthur was not a highly successful president, but he was concerned about human rights, which is an admirable characteristic for any public official.(3056)
Greenhouse Effect (89/10/06)
An atoll, spelled a-t-o-l-l, is a ring-shaped coral island that surrounds a lagoon. There are many atolls in the Pacific Ocean on which hundreds of thousands of people reside. Some of these islands were the sites of fiercely-fought battles during the Pacific War. But now the island residents are faced with a different kind of battle. It is a battle to keep their islands above water, to save their homelands from extinction. The island nation of Kiribati, for example, consists of 33 islands scattered across five million square kilometers of the central and south Pacific. Almost none of this land is more than two meters above sea level. Polluting gases discharged by industrial nations are trapped in the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect. As warmer air causes the ocean level to rise, these islanders fear that their homeland will gradually disappear. Such problems were discussed at the international environmental conference held in Tokyo last month. Unfortunately, the comfortable lifestyle of those of us living in modern, industrial countries is causing serious problems for innocent victims around the world. The basic problem of the environment will not be solved until we take to heart the advice given in Philippians 2:4: "Look out for one another's interests, not just for your own." (3057)
East Berlin (89/10/07)
During our tour of Europe in a camping car enroute to the United States from Japan, our family had an interesting experience in the divided city of Berlin. To reach West Berlin, we had to travel along a certain highway through East Germany. From West Berlin, we had to wait for clearance to pass through "Checkpoint Charlie" into East Berlin. Fortunately, an East German border guard took a liking to our 5-year-old red-headed son and seemed to give our family preferential treatment, so we crossed into this Communist-held part of the city without trouble. Although we didn't know it beforehand, it so happened that that was the very day Soviet Prime Minister Khrushchev was arriving to make an official visit and to give a speech at a public gathering. The streets were lined with policemen and crowds of people who had gathered to welcome him on his way from the airport to the public square. We had no idea of his schedule and my attempt to get that information from a policeman was not successful. There were few cars in East Berlin and ours was the only one travelling on those main streets at that time. We felt very special as we rode up and down with big smiles on our faces while being stared at by thousands of onlookers. I jokingly said to my wife, "It's too bad we don't have an American flag to wave as we ride along." This story will be continued in next Saturday's message. (3058)
White Sunday (89/10/08)
On certain Pacific islands, this second Sunday of October is called White Sunday. In European and American churches, the Day of Pentecost, which commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit, is called White Sunday or Whitsunday from the white robes worn by people who are baptized on that day. In American Samoa, however, this White Sunday is a children's day, and everyone dresses in white. In many cultures, white represents purity, innocence and virginity. This is the symbolic meaning of the white gown worn by the bride in a wedding ceremony. Among the Hebrews, white also symbolized festivity. So in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 9, verse 8, the exhortation to "always be dressed in white" means that we should always be joyful. In John's vision of heaven found in the last book of the Bible, figures in white robes were seen. In this case, it symbolizes victory as well as purity and joy. In Japan, people on pilgrimages may wear white garments. Symbols are useful for communication, but if they become meaningless forms, they should be discarded. I do not encourage you to wear white clothes today, but I do pray that you will know the joy of purity and victory that comes through a healthy faith.(3059)
Inu mo arukeba (89/10/09)
Inu mo arukeba bô ni ataru is a well-known saying in Japan. When I first heard it, I wondered if a dog's coming into contact with a stick was meant to be a fortunate or an unfortunate event, but it seems that the meaning is favorable. The dog, or person, that is active will usually find something, even if he, she or it is not actively looking for it. In other words, we should not just sit and wait for good fortune to come our way. We need to be "on the move". In English, the saying that, "Every dog has his day", is not identical to this Japanese proverb, but it has a similar meaning. It implies that good fortune comes once to all of us. I may be the lucky one today but tomorrow it may be your turn. The Bible teaches that we should keep busy in doing that which is good, assuring us that "nothing [we] do in the Lord's service is ever useless" (I Corinthians 15:58). (3060)
Obesity (89/10/10)
How are you spending this Japanese holiday? Are you engaging in some physical exercise? How much exercise do you get regularly? The number of Japanese who are overweight is growing larger. Such people are more susceptible to heart attacks, high blood pressure and diabetes. A recent survey conducted in the United States indicated that about 20 percent of adult Americans are obese, or significantly overweight, giving that country one of the highest populations of fat people in the world. A person whose weight is 20 percent above the ideal weight for his or her age, height and gender is considered significantly obese, and Dr. George Bray, a leading researcher in obesity, has stated that "The greater the excess weight, the greater excess risk [to one's health]." However, where the fat is located is also important. Fat located in the abdomen poses a greater hazard than fat in the extremities or just under the skin. Adult males seem to be most at risk of developing this unhealthy deposit of abdominal, abominable fat. In I Corinthians 6:19-20, Christians are taught that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and thus should be taken good care of and used for God's glory. (3061)
Eleaner Roosevelt (89/10/11)
One hundred five years ago today, on October 11, 1884, Eleanor Roosevelt was born into a wealthy upper class family in New York. Her mother, a beautiful socialite, was disappointed at the very plain appearance of her daughter, whom she called "Granny". In a family noted for its attractive women, Eleanor was considered an "ugly duckling" and, as a result, became self-conscious and withdrawn. Unsatisfied with the superficial activities expected of a young lady of her social position, she decided to devote herself to the aid of the less fortunate. Her Uncle Theodore was president when she married Franklin Roosevelt, her fifth cousin once removed. During her husband's political career as governor of New York and president of the United States and following his death, she continued her active support for the human rights of the underprivileged. Out of her own experience, she once wrote, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. "On Sunday afternoon, October 29th, we will hold a meeting of listeners to these telephone messages at the Nagoya City Kyōikukan at Sakae. My wife and I would be happy to see you there. Since October 31st is Sekai Kinken De-, the theme for the meeting will be: Diligence and Thrift,(3062)
Karakuri ningyō (89/10/12)
The Japanese word, karakuri, means a mechanism, a device or a scheme of some kind and a karakuri ningyō is a doll with a mechanism at its heart. It is a mechanical doll, a kind of marionette or puppet. 400 years ago, a man from this central region was summoned to Kyoto to repair a Korean clock received by Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was appointed court clockmaker and this Nagoya area became the production center for Japanese clocks. Since the mechanism of the karakuri ningyō is based on that used in such clocks, this area also became proficient in producing these mechanical dolls. More than half of such dolls remaining in Japan, most of which are almost 200 years old, are found in this old Owari Province, some of which are displayed during annual festival processions. Last month, 27 puppeteers with four sets of karakuri ningyō went on a tour to the United States to exhibit Japan's technical expertise as well as its love of festivals. There must be a relationship between this cultural tradition and the fact that there are now over 8000 industrial robots in this Nagoya area. Mechanical dolls and robots may be fun to watch, but we should avoid becoming puppets of wire-pullers or button-pushers ourselves. (3063)
Superstitions (89/10/13)
For superstitious people, today is a good day to stay in bed--all day long. For one thing, it is a butsu-metsu day, the unluckiest day in the cycle of lucky/unlucky days which are heeded by superstitious people in Japan. Nowadays, the characters meaning Buddha-death are used to identify this day and the cycle is so arranged that the traditional day of the Buddha's death, the 15th day of the 2nd month, is always a butsu-metsu day. Originally, however, the character for "thing" or mono was used instead of "Buddha", which would make it a "thing-perishing day". Today is also Friday, the 13th, considered an unlucky day in western countries because there were thirteen people present at the Last Supper of Jesus and his disciples the night before he died, and he is thought to have died on Friday. When Friday the 13th falls on a Tai-an day, fearful people may choose which superstitious system to follow, but today they have no choice, so the safest course would be to stay in bed--but even there they might be the victim of a fire or earthquake or some other so-called "act of God". The person with a healthy faith, however, is not concerned about such superstitions and, for the Christian, the true "acts of God" are not destructive natural occurrences, but acts of love and mercy seen in the life of Jesus Christ.(3064)
Khrushchevs Speech (89/10/14)
While touring Europe in a camping car on our way back to the United States from Japan many years ago, our family was in East Berlin on the day Soviet leader Khrushchev was to give a speech. We found the large plaza before the city hall where people were gathered and we joined them. Our children's shoes had their names written on them so they could identify them when left outside the classroom of the school they attended in Japan. While awaiting Mr. Khrushchev's appearance the man next to us looked at their shoes and read their names out loud. Thus began a conversation with him in English. Mr. Khrushchev's speech was given in Russian and translated into German. Then this German man kindly translated it into English for us, While Mr. Khrushchev spoke of Russian exploits in space surpassing those of the United States, it began to thunder. I jokingly said to our new acquaintance that "Someone up there must not approve of his words", but his reply was that the noise was made by "St. Peter moving the furniture around". The sky drew darker and as the speech ended, it began to rain. We rushed back to our car and to the checkpoint through which we re-entered West Berlin. It was later than our promised time of re-entry because of the unexpected delay caused by our attendance at that rare occasion which prolonged the eventful hours of our first experience in a Communist city. (3065)
Happy/When Persecuted (89/10/15)
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his disciples to be happy, even when they are persecuted for doing what is right. It is not easy to rejoice during times of persecution, but in the 16th chapter of The Acts of the Apostles is the story of two men who did so. Paul and Silas were Christian preachers. In the Greek city of Philippi, they showed mercy to a slave girl and released her from her bondage. As a result of this good deed, they were accused of causing trouble and teaching foreign customs. Without a trial, they were whipped and thrown into jail. Their feet were fastened between heavy blocks of wood. in spite of such cruel and unjust treatment, these men did not complain. Rather, it is written that about midnight they were praying and singing hymns to God while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly, an earthquake occurred. Their bonds were loosened and the prison doors were opened, but the prisoners did not escape. The story ends with an account of the conversion of the jailer and his family and an apology by the Roman officials for the mistreatment of these two men. This story teaches that God is able to bring a good result out of seeming misfortune in the lives of those who rely upon him. The faith of Paul and Silas was seen in their actions as well as heard in their words. (3066)
Like father, like son (89/10/16)
According to a Japanese proverb, The child of a frog is a frog. This statement may be called a truism, which is a self-evident or obvious truth. A similar English saying is: Vipers breed vipers. I think both of these expressions are usually used in a negative way. That is to say, one cannot expect much of the offspring of frogs or vipers. They will never advance beyond their lowly status. There is a different nuance in the English proverb, Like father, like son, however, for this may be used in a positive sense. Although this word is used of a son who manifests the same weaknesses as his father, it is also used for a son who shows the superior qualities of his father. This proverb may also be applied to those of us who consider ourselves children of God, for our character should resemble that of our heavenly Father as seen in the life of his Son, Jesus Christ. (3067)
Loanwords (89/10/17)
Anyone who reads the Japanese newspaper or scans advertisements recognizes that the number of words written in katakana has been increasing over the past number of years. Many people, especially older folk, are confused about the meaning of such words and even some who think they know the meaning do not really have a clear understanding of their precise significance. Some people think that using foreign "loanwords" implies proficiency in a foreign language, but often such words are used in a different sense than in the original language with the original pronunciation. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has decided to eliminate obscure English words from its official documents so the public can better understand its policies. Such words as konsepto, masuta-puran and niizu are to be replaced by kihonteki kangaekata, kihon keikaku and kokumin no motome. I heartily approve of this move and hope that other government agencies will follow suit for I think it will both improve communication and remove obstacles to gaining a more perfect understanding of a foreign language. Plan now to attend the meeting of listeners to these "Daily Word" telephone messages to be held on Sunday afternoon, October 29th at the Nagoya City Kyôikukan at Sakae. (3068)
Truancy (89/10/18)
The Education Ministry has reported that 36,000 junior high school students and 6,000 elementary school pupils were absent from school for over 50 days last year for reasons other than illness. To discover the underlying reasons for this truancy, a survey was taken among truants in certain institutions. From the more than 500 replies, the following facts were obtained: 47 percent traced their truancy to problems with their peers, indicating that they could not make friends and were isolated by their classmates; 44 percent pointed to difficulties with their teachers and 45 percent noted problems at home, citing difficulties with parents or siblings. Regarding the reactions of parents and teachers, most of them said their parents scolded or beat them and tried to take them to school forcibly and some teachers also tried to take them to school by force. The Ministry's conclusion was that too many parents and teachers tend to rely on physical or verbal coercion rather than trying to find the reasons behind a child's behavior and seeking to solve the underlying problems. Human relations problems begin when we are children and continue throughout our lives. At the heart of most such problems is a self-centered attitude that needs to be discarded. (3069)
Horsing around (89/10/19)
The news item, datelined "Moscow", began: "Workmen 'horsing around' while painting a Soviet military storehouse set fire to an ammunition dump, killing one soldier and sending shells screaming into a nearby town ...." In this sentence, do you understand the meaning of the expression, "horsing around"? A horse is a large, strong animal with four legs, solid hoofs, a flowing mane and a long tail. Horses are used for pulling loads or carrying riders. A person who rides horses may be called a "horseman" and "horsemanship" is the art of riding a horse. "Horseplay" originally meant play involving spectacular horsemanship but it has now come to mean simply rough, rowdy play. "Horsing around" is an informal expression meaning to engage in horseplay. Thus, the Soviet men painting a storehouse at an ammunition dump were playing while, or instead of, working and accidentally caused a fire which required the evacuation of people from nearby communities. Fortunately, most of the shells that were sent into the surrounding area did not explode on impact so there were no civilian casualties. Plain, unsophisticated common sense is sometimes called horse sense and people who horse around should also use horse sense.(3070)
Instrumentalism (89/10/20)
There are various kinds of instruments in an orchestra, such as violins, clarinets, trumpets and flutes. Speaking more exactly, these are musical instruments for there are many other kinds of instruments. An instrument is a means by which something is done, so tools and other mechanical devices may also be called instruments. In fact, people are sometimes used as instruments to accomplish some purpose. According to the philosophical theory known as instrumentalism, ideas are instruments that function as guides to action and the validity of the idea is determined by the success of the action. Thus, the philosophical instrumentalist maintains that there is no eternal truth. Rather, truth also is an instrument that is constantly changing according to the human situation. John Dewey, the founder of this philosophy of instrumentalism was born 130 years ago today in the American state of Vermont. Rejecting authoritarian teaching methods he advocated educational reforms emphasizing experimentation and practice instead of abstract learning. Dewey's influence upon so-called progressive education is still felt today although his more radical views are no longer in vogue. (3071)
A Czech Policeman (89/10/21)
Traveling in Europe in a camping car, we had to change money into a different currency every time we crossed a border. Since the rate of exchange is lower when selling money than when buying it, I exchanged as little as possible. After touring Prague Castle on a Saturday morning, I realized that we would need more Czechoslovakian money before crossing into Germany. Since Czech banks close at noon on Saturdays, I hurriedly drove up and down streets with a $10 bill in my hand, looking for a bank. After turning down one street, I recalled hearing a policeman's whistle, but I didn't realize he was signaling to me until I was half-way down the one-way street going in the wrong direction. I turned around and came back to the corner where the policeman was standing. He motioned for me to stop and, in a language I could not understand, I presume he was telling me that I had violated the law. I apologized in a language that he could not understand and, holding the bill in my hand, tried to explain that I was looking for a bank and asked him where I could find one. My attempt to communicate was not successful but, looking back at the incident, I imagine he thought I was trying to bribe him. Fortunately, he did not take my money and I later found a hotel where I was able to change it after this frustrating experience. (3072)
Choices (89/10/22)
Three important characteristics of a human being are reason, emotion and volition, that is to say, the ability to think, to feel and to will. Because we have these abilities, our lives are characterized by tension. There may be tension between logical reasoning and natural feeling when we make decisions. Yet, the freedom to choose is a valuable gift which is especially important in a democratic society. When confronted by a powerful influence, we must make a choice whether to submit or to resist. Choices may be based on reason or emotion, but for the sincere Christian, they are also based on faith. In the 4th chapter of the New Testament Letter of James, we are advised to "submit to God" and to "resist the Devil". The results of these choices are also indicated. If we resist the Devil, he will run away from us, but if we come near to God, he will come near to us. All choices we face are not so clear-cut. It is not always easy to distinguish the voice of God from that of the Deceiver, but in every decision we make, our underlying values and priorities are seen. According to Jesus' words in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 7, verse 13, choosing the easy way is not the wise decision. (3073)
Birds of a Feather (89/10/23)
At international gatherings, it is common to see various groups develop according to common language, nationality, profession or common interests. The Japanese proverb, ushi wa ushi zure, uma wa uma zure (cows with cows, horses with horses) was composed to express this natural tendency to associate with others who are like us. The English counterpart to this Japanese proverb is not related to domesticated animals but to birds. We say "Birds of a feather flock together." "Of a feather" means "of the same kind or family" and the verb "to flock" means to travel in a group. Flocks of birds that fly together are all of the same species. This natural inclination to associate with others having the same heritage may be a hindrance to true internationalization and those of us who speak more than one language should try to break out of that rut. (3074)
Thrift and Diligence (89/10/24)
Next Sunday afternoon at 1:30, we will hold a "Daily Word" Listeners Meeting at the Nagoya City Kyôikukan near Sakae. Since October 31st is Sekai Kinken De-, the theme of the meeting will be "Thrift and Diligence". These qualities have been considered characteristic virtues of the Japanese but now, some nations are criticizing Japan for being too thrifty and over-diligent. Do you think such criticism is justified? Do you see any change in Japanese attitudes toward these qualities? If you do, what do think is the reason for the change? In modern Japanese society, should these qualities be emphasized, downplayed or discarded? Will thrift and diligence continue to be characteristic of Japan in the future? if you cannot attend the meeting to share your thoughts, you may write a short essay on this theme and send it to me. I will correct it and print it in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. The Roman orator, Cicero, wrote, "Men do not realize what a great income thrift is." And the Chinese philosopher, Confucius, wrote, "The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools." (3075)
Pidgin English (89/10/25)
English is one of the most widely-used languages in the world today, but it has many different varieties. British English and American English may be the most popular, but probably the most interesting is that known as Pidgin English. This peculiar kind of English was developed over a century ago as a trade language used among many Pacific islanders. It has become the main means of communication among 4 million Melanesians who live on islands having 900 different languages and dialects. Forms of it are spoken in Papua New Guinea, Solomon islands and Vanuatu. When the latter was jointly administered by the French and English, both of those languages were used, but when it gained its independence in 1960, the government made Pidgin the official language. Some of the Pidgin terms used for unfamiliar items brought from the West are very picturesque. For example, a piano is literally called a "big European box with some white teeth and some black teeth; when you strike it, it cries out" and a violin is a "little sister of the piano; if you scratch its stomach it cries." Noticing the strange phrases on Japanese-made clothes these days, a new and peculiar variety of English seems to be developing in this country also. (3076)
Austria (89/10/26)
Located in the heart of Europe, the Republic of Austria is a little larger than the Japanese island of Hokkaido and shares a border with seven surrounding countries. Although it has an ancient history, the present republic was established following the Second World War. Russian troops continued to occupy that country for ten years after the end of the war but finally withdrew on October 26, 1955, 34 years ago today. Thus, today is Austria's National Day, commemorating that event and the regaining of its freedom. Its name, Austria, comes from German words meaning "eastern kingdom" and is not related to Australia, which comes from the Latin word for "southern". Due to its location, Austria has been conquered and ruled by many different peoples, but today it is a neutral country, having no military alliances and no foreign military bases. Hungarian statesman Kossuth once stated that "Neutrality, as a lasting principle, is an evidence of weakness." Do you agree? On Sunday afternoon at 1:30, we will hold a meeting of listeners to these telephone messages at the Nagoya City Kyôikukan, located two blocks north of the Mitsukoshi Department Store at Sakae. You are invited to attend.(3077)
Pretty Names (89/10/27)
A number of new strains of rice are being developed in various areas of Japan. Farmers are planting more and more of these new kinds of high-quality rice because they sell for higher prices than the common variety purchased and distributed by the government. Some of these new strains have been given pretty names that appeal to young house-wives who have been consuming less and less rice in recent years. In 1984, Akita Prefecture named its new variety of rice Akita Komachi. This name should not be taken literally to mean "small town of Akita". Rather, from the legendary beauty of an ancient singer with this name komachi has come to mean a pretty lady. The following year, Yamagata Prefecture named its new variety of rice Hana no Mai, or Dance of Flowers and a brand new strain of rice on the market this fall is called Aomori Otome, Aomori Maiden. Names may be attractive, but more important than the name is the quality of the product it signifies. Following our listeners meeting at the City Kyôikukan on Sunday afternoon from 1:30 to 3:30, I will preach at the English language worship service of Nagoya Union Church which is held from 4:00 to 5:00 at the Kinjô Kyôkai. You are also invited to attend that service if you are interested. (3078)
Bulgarian Restaurant (89/10/28)
While touring through Europe in a camping car which had a small icebox and a portable gas stove, the most economical way for our family of five to eat was to purchase food at stores or markets and to prepare our own meals. Nevertheless, we did try to eat at least one meal of native food in a restaurant in each country we visited. In a Bulgarian restaurant, however, we had a language problem. The menu was written in Cyrillic letters which we could not read. We had no idea of what was soup, salad, meat or dessert. There were no pictures of food on the menu and no imitation food on display as is the case in Japan. None of the waiters spoke English. While wondering how to order, I noticed a waiter clearing another table which had some leftover food on the plates. I went over to him and pointed to some of that food and to food that other customers were eating and ordered the same food for us all. We enjoyed our meal of steak, French-fried potatoes, peas and rice along with a glass of orangeade. Fortunately, the bill came to a little less than the amount of Bulgarian money I had on hand. Join us if you can for some American-style refreshment and conversation at our "Daily Word" Listeners Meeting tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 at the City Kyôikukan near Sakae. The theme for the meeting is: "Thrift and Di1igence". (3079)
Offering (89/10/29)
When Christians gather in churches to worship on Sundays, the worship services include a number of elements, including singing hymns, praying, reading the Bible and listening to a sermon. Another important part of worship is the offering of gifts to God which symbolize the offering of ourselves to be used in God's service. The Bible teaches that what is important when offering money to God is not the amount but the attitude with which it is offered. In Jesus day, the Jewish temple in Jerusalem had offering boxes in the courtyard similar to the saisenbako at Japanese shrines and temples. At the end of the twelfth chapter of the Gospel of Mark is a story of Jesus watching worshippers put money in the offering boxes. Many rich people put in large sums of money, but Jesus told his disciples that a poor widow who dropped in two copper coins, worth about one yen, put in more than all the others. He said, "the others put in what they had to spare of their riches, but she, poor as she is, put in all she had--she gave all she had to live on." The sincere Christian will not simply give what is left over after his or her own needs are taken care of. He or she will give sacrificially, remembering the sacrificial love of God for us. The basic gift to God is not our money. It is ourselves. (3080)
"Be Prepared" (89/10/02)
Edible Flowers (89/10/03)
Sputnik (89/10/04)
Chester Arthur (89/10/05)
Greenhouse Effect (89/10/06)
East Berlin (89/10/07)
White Sunday (89/10/08)
Inu mo arukeba (89/10/09)
Obesity (89/10/10)
Eleaner Roosevelt (89/10/11)
Karakuri ningyō (89/10/12)
Superstitions (89/10/13)
Khrushchevs Speech (89/10/14)
Happy/When Persecuted (89/10/15)
Like father, like son (89/10/16)
Loanwords (89/10/17)
Truancy (89/10/18)
Horsing around (89/10/19)
Instrumentalism (89/10/20)
A Czech Policeman (89/10/21)
Choices (89/10/22)
Birds of a Feather (89/10/23)
Thrift and Diligence (89/10/24)
Pidgin English (89/10/25)
Austria (89/10/26)
Pretty Names (89/10/27)
Bulgarian Restaurant (89/10/28)
Offering (89/10/29)
Mekuso Hanakuso o Warau (89/10/30)
95 Theses (89/10/31)
Natural Resources (89/10/01)