Love for Foreigners (91/12/01)
The first five books of the Bible are called the Pentateuch, from the Greek word for "five scrolls." The fifth of these books is called Deuteronomy, from the Greek word meaning "second law." It is written in the form of a series of addresses delivered by Moses who led the Israelites out of Egypt. In the last half of chapter 10, Moses describes God as the supreme ruler of the whole world. Although the Israelites are considered his chosen people, he taught that God is not partial even though he is especially concerned about the well-being of those whose human rights tend to be ignored by society at large, such as orphans, widows and foreigners. After declaring that God "loves the foreigners," he urged the Israelites to do so too. He exhorted them to "show love for those foreigners [who live among you], because you were once foreigners in Egypt" [18-19]. These words have special significance in Japan today as the number of foreigners is increasing accompanied by various social problems due to language and cultural differences along with discriminatory practices. A few decades ago, Japan was a poor and suffering nation. Japanese in foreign lands have also suffered from discrimination. Remembering the past and recognizing the blessings we now enjoy, we should be willing to share the divine love with those less fortunate. -- Clark Offner (3778)
Ten o Aogite Tsubaki Su (91/12/02)
A simple figure of a person with outstretched arms was the origin of the Chinese character meaning "big". When a line is drawn at the top of this character, originally signifying the person's head, the resulting character now means "heaven". In an old Buddhist writing there is a saying about spitting against heaven: 'Ten o aogite tsubaki su.' The meaning is that the person who seeks to cause harm to another will be harmed himself. That is to say, the stone you throw will fall on your own head. A similar saying of Jesus, in Matthew 7:2, that "whatever measure you deal out to others will be dealt back to you" may be interpreted in both a positive and negative sense. In other words, if we are rude or cruel to others, we ourselves will be treated in that way, but if we are king and generous to others, we will receive like treatment, from God if not from them. --Clark Offner (3779)
Eating Habits (91/12/03)
Rice, the staple food of Japan, has become a subject of contention between this country and trading partners in the West. A recently released report shows, however, that the eating habits of the Japanese have been changing over the years. As a result, people today eat only a third as much rice as people ate 50 years ago. In October 1990, the average person in Japan ate 3 kilograms of rice compared with 9.4 kilograms in the same month of 1941. A greater change is seen in the consumption of sardines, which used to be the most popular source of protein. The daily intake of sardines in October 1900 was 38 grams per person, compared with 487 grams in 1941, a decrease of 92 percent. A similar decrease is seen in the amount of sweet potatoes consumed. On the other hand, 3 times as much beef, 7 times as much milk and 12 times as many eggs are being consumed now compared with 50 years ago. Since modern Japanese are not doing as much physical labor as before, they need not eat so much starchy food as rice and potatoes. Diet is an important element in keeping healthy. This is true for spiritual as well as physical health. Our diet of books and television programs cannot help but influence our spiritual health. --Clark Offner (3780)
Thomas Carlyle (91/12/04)
Today, December 4th, is the birthday of the great Scottish writer, Thomas Carlyle, who was born into the family of a stone mason on this day in 1795. As a youth, Carlyle began studying for the Christian ministry at the University of Edinburgh, but after developing doubts regarding his faith he became a teacher of mathematics. Later, he returned to the university to study law but eventually he found his niche as an essayist and historian. He later wrote: "Blessed is he who has found his work; let him ask no other blessedness." Carlyle was the leading social critic of his day, attacking the shams and corruption of British society. He advocated social reforms, believing a strong, paternalistic government under intelligent, conscientious leaders, was needed to improve the conditions of the poor. His vivid, dramatic and satiric account of the French Revolution established his reputation as a writer even though his style has been called one of the most tortuous in English literature. According to Carlyle, "the three great elements of modern civilization [were] Gunpowder, Printing and the Protestant Religion." Critics may disagree, but these three elements, for better or worse, have certainly had a lasting influence on world history since they came into being. --Clark Offner (3781)
Thursday (91/12/05)
In Japan, the days of the week are called 'yobi', literally meaning shining sun or bright day. Their several names come from the sun, the moon and the five basic elements of fire, water, wood, metal and earth. This fourth day of the week is 'mokuyōbi', wood shining day. In English it is called Thursday, derived from the name of the Norse god, Thor. Norse is the old name for the northern countries of Europe now called Scandinavia. Nowadays, Scandinavia includes Norway, Sweden and Denmark and, sometimes, Iceland and Finland. In Norse mythology, Thor was the god of thunder and the god of war. Armed with his magical hammer, which returned to him after it was thrown, his belt of strength and iron gloves, he was the implacable enemy of the giants. It was the wheels of his chariot that caused the thunder. In Icelandic literature, Thor is pictured as slow-thinking and burly, but kind. Thor became identified with the Roman god, Jupiter, or Jove. So it was that the Latin word for the fourth day of the week, literally meaning Jove's day, became Thor's day, or Thursday, in English. I hope this Thursday will not be, is not or has not been a day of thunder or war for you, but a day of peace and tranquility. -- Clark Offner (3782)
Joyce Kilmer (91/12/06)
Given names in Japan are usually clearly recognized as names of girls or boys, but sometimes we are surprised to find a name that seems to be feminine is bestowed on a boy. In Western countries also, names usually considered girls' names are sometimes given to boys. Two examples are the names Marion and Joyce. A famous male American poet named Joyce Kilmer was born 105 years ago today on December 6, 1886 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Educated at Rutgers College and Columbia University, he became a journalist and also composed poems which he contributed to various publications. When the United States entered the First World War, he volunteered for service and was killed in battle in France when he was 31 years old. The poem for which he is most famous is entitled "Trees." It was a poem I memorized and recited in an elocution class over fifty years ago. Now, I can only remember the first and last lines that go like this: I think that I shall never see A poem as lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth's sweet flowing breast. A tree that looks at God all day And lifts its leafy arms to pray. Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree. -- Clark Offner (3783)
Garbage Collector (91/12/07)
On the campus of the University of Dubuque, five major buildings surrounded the grassy open space in the center. On one side was the dining hall, where I worked daily in the kitchen, washing dishes. On another side was main building that housed administrative offices, classrooms, the men's dormitory and the library, where I worked a couple of nights a week as a librarian. Across the central open area was the women's dormitory where I also had a weekly assignment. Although the job itself would be scorned by some, I was envied by many of the other male students. On Saturday mornings, I had the opportunity, or responsibility, to go through the halls of the girl's dormitory to empty the trash containers in the hall ways. That is to say, I was a garbage collector. Before entering the hallway of each floor, I was required to yell out for all to hear, "Man on the floor!" to warn the residents of my presence. Sometimes, after giving that warning, I would hear screams as girls ran into their rooms. At other times, I would hear friendly comments or wisecracks that made the job more interesting. After emptying the trash into the large container I carried with me, I took the contents to an incinerator where they were burned. It was not a difficult job and, I must admit, it was not entirely unenjoyable. -- Clark Offner (3784)
Pearl Harbor and "Pearly Gates" (91/12/08)
In the Christian Church calendar, Advent, which means coming, is a period of preparation for celebrating the birth of Jesus. It includes the four Sundays before Christmas. This 8th day of December, the second Sunday of Advent, is also the anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, which took place fifty years ago, in 1941. This 50th anniversary is considered a golden anniversary and older people will have different memories of their reactions to news of that event. Some people enjoy looking back and recalling their feelings of pride, fear, anger or hatred. Looking back may be helpful if we learn from the past to live better lives in the present, but the person with a healthy faith will look to the future rather than dwelling on the past. Both pearls and gold are included in the description of the future city of God given in Revelation, chapter 21, where it is stated that each of the twelve gates were made from single pearls and the street of the city was made of pure gold. So it is, that "pearly gates" and "streets of gold" have become popular descriptions of heaven. On this golden anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, let us look ahead with hope to the bright and glorious future which Christ's coming has made possible instead of looking backward with sadness. -- Clark Offner (3785)
Mochi wa Mochiya (91/12/09)
The word "trick" is rooted in a French word meaning to deceive and some tricks do deceive people or upset them. But in another sense, the word denotes a special skill or knack. Thus, the English saying that "There are tricks in every trade" may have a double meaning. It may imply that salesmen use deceptive means to attract customers; they may trick people into making a purchase. On the other hand, it may simply mean that in every trade or business, certain skills are required. A skillful craftsman will know the tricks involved in his trade and will teach them to an apprentice. Although common folk also will be making 'mochi' as the year draws to a close, according to a Japanese proverb, making 'mochi' should be left to the specialist, 'mochi wa mochiya', but each one of us has special abilities that we should utilize for the good of others. --Clark Offner (3786)
Cross-Cultural Exchange Association (91/12/10)
As an adjective, "cross" may mean ill-tempered, cranky or angry. As a noun, it denotes an upright post with a transverse bar near the top on which criminals were crucified long ago. For Christians, the cross is the symbol of God's love and salvation for it was on the cross that Jesus died for us sinners. As a verb, cross may signify the mixing of two different varieties of something. In biology, a crossbred plant or animal is called a hybrid. When comparing or dealing with two different cultures, the combination word "cross-cultural" may be used. Nine years ago, a women's group in Nagoya was formed to bring together women from different cultures to establish friendships and to deepen their understanding of a culture other than their own. This group, called the Cross-Cultural Exchange Association, held their annual Christmas luncheon yesterday. The only man present at that meeting was the speaker who had no reason to be cross as he offered food for thought to accompany the food for the body. If you wish to receive written copies of these telephone messages before they are spoken, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥60 in stamps for each week of messages desired to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. --Clark Offner (3787)
Edward VIII's Abdication (91/12/11)
One of the disadvantages of being born into the royal family of England is to be given more names than necessary. The elder son of King George V was christened Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David when he was born in 1894. I wonder if his parents, or anyone else, ever called him by his full name in order to get his attention. Edward became a very popular prince and served in the First World War. His fondness for hunting and riding gained him the reputation of a sportsman. He also showed an interest in social problems of his day. In January 1936, upon the death of his father, he became the king of England, the first bachelor king in 176 years. His intention to marry an American woman who was suing her husband for divorce precipitated a crisis. The government opposed the marriage, but the king insisted upon his right to marry the woman of his choice. As neither side would back down, the result was King Edward VIII's abdication which took place 55 years ago today, on December 11, 1936, less than 11 months after his coronation. The problem of how to harmonize personal freedom with social or political responsibility is a difficult one. Should not we commoners feel sorry for the poor people born into royal households? --Clark Offner (3788)
Eat Crow (91/12/12)
There are various meanings of the word "crow". When spelled with a capital C, it donates a tribe of Native Americans, mistakenly called Indians. As a common noun, it signifies a large, black bird that emits a loud, hoarse "caw" sound. As a verb, to crow means to brag or boast, but a peculiar, American informal expression "to eat crow" means to be forced to admit one was mistaken. A recent news article reported that the town of Kisakata in Akita Prefecture has been plagued by thousands of noisy, hungry crows that damage soybean and rice crops. Three years ago, townspeople began capturing and killing the birds, sometimes as many as 200 a month. Then someone got the bright idea of making use of crows as food. Since other kinds of fowl are considered good to eat, why not eat crow? Others protested that it would not taste good. Recently, finely sliced beef, pork, lamb and crow were served to eleven residents who were asked if they could identify which was the crow. Now the town is hoping to create a local special dish using crow meat as a tourist attraction. If the plan is successful, townspeople may have to raise more crows for that purpose, but if the plan fails, they may have to eat crow in the informal sense. --Clark Offner(3789)
A Great-Grandmother (91/12/13)
The word "grand" may signify something or someone large and impressive in size, dignified or noble in appearance, having more importance or being of higher rank than others or, simply, something or someone that is wonderful. I wonder which of these meanings is primary in the word "grandparent", who is the parent of one's parent. The word "great" has a number of similar implications, including large, remarkable, outstanding, powerful, eminent and distinguished. As you know, a great-grandparent is the parent of a grandparent and the children of grandchildren are great-grand-children. Although I know that some grand parents listen regularly to this "Daily Word" message, I wonder if there are any great-grandparents who are listening today. How old must one be to be a great-grandparent? Last month, a woman from France's wine-producing Loire Valley became a great-grandmother at the age of 49. Suzanne Ferrer is the mother of six children and grandmother of 27. She had her first child at the age of 16. Her eldest daughter gave birth to her first child when she was 17 and now, that 15-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter has become a mother herself. It would be really great if all great-grandchildren, including us, became great and grand people! -- Clark Offner(3790)
A Tutor (91/12/14)
The foreign language I studied in high school was Spanish. In my first year at university, I took a third year of Spanish and joined the Spanish-American Club. This was probably one reason why the dean gave me another part-time job to help defray my college expenses. Along with my other job as a dishwasher, a librarian and a garbage collector, he asked me to be a tutor of foreign students from Central American countries. Therefore, I met for a couple of hours a week with a few students from Mexico, Puerto Rico and Panama to help them with their English pronunciation and comprehension. I enjoyed meeting with them since I was able to improve my proficiency in Spanish as I helped them with their English. A concrete benefit resulting from this contact was an invitation from a student from Mexico City to come and visit him during the summer vacation. He was the son of a wealthy lawyer whose home was in an exclusive residential area of the city. I accepted his invitation, hitchhiked to Mexico City and spent six weeks there, attending summer school at the University of Mexico while living as a guest in his home. From that experience I realized that the best way to learn a foreign language is to reside in a country where that language is spoken. -- Clark Offner (3791)
Sheep and Goats (91/12/15)
Sheep and goats are similar animals but are obviously different. In Palestine, sheep and goats are raised together in the same pasture but at night may be separated into different enclosures. In a parable of Jesus found in the 25th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, he used the figure of sheep and goats to denote two similar but different kinds of people. In that parable of the final judgment at the end of history, people of all nations are gathered together before the universal Ruler, who divides them into two groups just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep signify people who will enjoy eternal happiness and the goats denote those who are destined for eternal punishment. The stated basis on which this separation is made is not obedience to certain rules, the performance of some ritual or a particular profession of faith. Rather, it is the concrete response of people when they see others who have material or spiritual needs. How did they respond when they saw someone hungry, thirsty or naked, lonely, sick or imprisoned? On the basis of their practical actions which reflected their inner attitudes, their eternal destiny was determined. Reading this parable, those of us living comfortable lives today should reflect on our attitudes and actions in the midst of a world in need. -- Clark Offner
Temae Miso (91/12/16)
The person who proudly boasts of personal achievements may be said to be blowing one's own trumpet or singing one's own praises. Some cooks have special dishes they like to prepare and consider especially tasty, but for people who highly recommend their own cooking, expertise or ability, the Japanese saying 'temae miso', 'miso' made by one's own hand, may be used. The implication of this expression is similar to that of the English proverb, "Self-praise is no recommendation". Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for people to have a high opinion of themselves and to look at their own accomplishments through rose-colored glasses. Such people may think of their own geese as swans, but the Old Testament book of Proverbs, chapter 11, verse 2, gives us this advice: "People who are proud will soon be disgraced. It is wiser to be modest." --Clark Offner (3793)
Day-Care Sentō (91/12/17)
In American speech, "bathroom" is a euphemism for a room with a toilet rather than a bath but in Japan, real bathrooms are important in daily life not only as places to wash but to relax and get warm as well. Traditionally, public bathhouses were also places for friendly conversation. Now that most homes include bathrooms, many public bathhouses have been going out of business. in the city of Kawasaki over the past two decades, almost a quarter of public bathhouses have been closed, but the city has begun a new program to help both public bathhouses and senior citizens. In its Day-Care Sentō for the Elderly Program, older residents are invited to gather twice a month at public bathhouses for a time of relaxation and recreation between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., which is before the usual opening time. Guests are served lunch and entertained with karaoke-style singing contests and games, following which they enjoy a bath. Because of a city subsidy, participants need only pay ¥500 for this service, intended especially for senior citizens who live alone or who are physically weak, and medical checkups are given before entering the bath. This program should help to promote happy spirits as well as clean bodies. --Clark Offner (3794)
Tap Water (91/12/18)
A tap is a device to start or stop the flow of liquid from a pipe and tap water is the water that comes out when we turn the tap or faucet in our homes. A recent survey revealed there is a great disparity in the cost of tap water in Japan. In Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture, the monthly consumption of tap water cost households an average ¥630, the lowest rate in the country. In contrast, households in the town of Yokohama in Aomori Prefecture paid over ten times that amount, ¥6798. The explanation is that Tsuru City has a wealth of spring water and its water supply service has been in operation since pre-war days, while Yokohamacho is still developing its service, begun in 1985, to reach nearly half of its households which do not have tap water. The survey showed that monthly water rates averaged lowest in Kanagawa Prefecture (¥1343) and highest in Aomori Prefecture (¥3662). How convenient it is to simply turn a tap in our kitchens or bathrooms and have water run out, a convenience many of our great grandparents never knew. These days, some people complain that tap water smells and tastes bad, so the consumption of mineral water is increasing. Water is an important natural resource and efforts must be made to keep it unpolluted. --Clark Offner (3795)
Meishi Vending Machines (91/12/19)
In the United States, salesmen and business representatives carry business cards with them and certain other individuals make use of calling cards with their name, address and telephone number printed on them, but the use of such cards is much more limited than in Japan, where many people feel at a definite disadvantage if they are without a 'meishi'. To forget to take name cards or to run out of them while on a trip is especially upsetting. According to the Nippon Auto-Photo Company, however, beginning early next year, personalized 'meishi' will be obtainable through vending machines placed in railroad stations and department stores throughout the country. Customers will be able to choose from 21 different formats and, by pressing the appropriate keys on the vending machine, will be able to obtain personal name cards printed in Japanese or English in less than 30 minutes at a charge of ¥1000 for 30 cards. By using a special stylus on a small liquid-crystal plate, customers can even have cards made in their own handwriting. It is expected that young people, in particular, will make such personalized cards for giving to friends rather than for business purposes. How convenient the world is becoming! --Clark Offner (3796)
Jerk (91/12/20)
Reading a recent news item, I was reminded of the uproar that occurred in the Japanese Diet many years ago when Japan's autocratic prime minister, Shigeru Yoshida, called a representative who opposed him a "bakayaro." The news article reported an incident that took place last month in the British Parliament. Neil Kinnock, the leader of the British opposition Labor Party, during a parliamentary debate on European integration called a member of the majority Conservative Party a "jerk." According to the article, howls of outrage erupted while "bewigged officials in buckled shoes stiffened into alertness on their green leather benches in the neo-Gothic chamber and reached for their guides to proper parliamentary behavior." The speaker of the House remarked that he doubted whether "'jerk' is an entirely parliamentary expression" and advised Mr. Kinnock to "refine his reference to the honorable gentleman." The following day, the speaker explained that a list of "unparliamentary expressions" which had previously been used as a guide in ruling on language has been discarded because many of the expressions are no longer considered offensive. My modern American dictionary indicates that "jerk" is a slang term for a "dull, stupid, or fatuous person." As times change, however, so do the imprecations of words. How offensive certain words are depends on the circumstances as well as on the intonation of the speaker. -- Clark Offner (3797)
Business Manager (91/12/21)
The city of Dubuque in the state of Iowa was named for Julien Dubuque, a French-Canadian who became the first white settler in that area in 1785. The school paper of the University of Dubuque, located in that city, is called 'The Cue,' which is similar to the last syllable of Dubuque. A "cue" may be a word or signal of some kind and "cue in" means to tell what has been happening. 'The Cue' of the University of Dubuque included many words or signals to inform students what was happening on and around the campus. During part of my undergraduate days at that university, I served as the business manager of that periodical. Other staff members of the newspaper, including the editor, reporters and feature writers, received no payment for their work, but the business manager, who had to solicit advertisements from local businesses, did receive remuneration for his efforts. The other jobs I held as a student--dishwasher, librarian, garbage collector and tutor--served to offset expenses for tuition, room and board. Because I had also received a scholarship, one school term I actually earned more money while attending university than I spent there, which was quite unusual if not unique. -- Clark Offner (3798)
God with Us (91/12/22)
The Old Testament prophet, Zephaniah, proclaimed the judgment of God upon the sins of both his own nation and those of surrounding nations, but his prophecy ends with words of hope in a joyful future for God's faithful people. Twice these words are repeated: "the Lord is in your midst." Christians see the fulfillment of these prophetic words in the birth of Jesus Christ, who was also called Emmanuel, which means "God with us," according to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 1, verse 23. On this Sunday before Christmas, churches hold special Christmas celebrations, but Christmas is a happy time not only in churches and homes of Christians. The joy of this season extends beyond the circle of Christian believers and I hope you also are touched by its gaiety. At the same time, I hope you will remember the reason for the celebration. The birth of Jesus, the Christ, reminds us that God has not forsaken us. The eternal God has come to us; God is with us. The holy God who judges the sins of wicked people is a God of love who has provided a way of salvation to those who will accept it. Christmas is a time to remember that God is with us and gives joy, peace and hope to those whose hearts are turned to God. I hope you have a truly meaningful and merry Christmas. -- Clark Offner (3779)
Continual Christmas (91/12/23)
In the West, Christmas is a time of joyful celebration, commemorating the birth of Jesus, the Christ. As in most festivals, feasting plays an important part. The favorite Christmas dish in England is goose while in the United States, turkey is at the center of the traditional Christmas meal. In the days before Christmas, some parents urge their children to be good so that they may receive fine presents as a kind of reward for good behavior, but there is an English saying that "A good conscience is a continual Christmas", which means that the happiness of the Christmas season will continue all year long to those whose conscience is clear. Children should be taught to be good, not only at Christmas but always, not to gain some personal benefit, but because that is finally the true road to genuine happiness. Adults need to remember this too. --Clark Offner (3800)
"A Silent Night" (91/12/24)
Tonight is Christmas Eve and in many churches as well as at parties and festivities in other places, Christmas songs will be sung. One of the most famous Christmas carols was written in 1818 by Joseph Mohr, a German priest. He gave his poem to the church organist, Franz Gruber, who was so deeply impressed that he composed a melody to accompany it. Because the church organ was under repair, the melody was first played on Mr. Gruber's guitar. As far as we know, that was the only lyric written by Father Mohr and the only melody composed by Mr. Gruber. In English, each of the four stanzas begins with the words "Silent night, holy night", referring to the night when Jesus was born in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem. Although for many partygoers, tonight will not be a "silent night", for those who attend church services, it should be a "holy night". The carol tells of how the earth's darkness was expelled by heavenly light at Jesus' birth. The final three stanzas of the carol end with the words, "Christ the Saviour is born". This is the reason for the joy of this season. If all those who sing this song would think deeply of its meaning and seek to reflect Christ's light into the darkness around them, the world would be a brighter, happier place. --Clark Offner (3801)
Evangeline Booth (91/12/25)
In Christian homes throughout the world, this 25 day of December is a day of joyful celebration. Surrounded by bright Christmas decorations, families gather around the table to enjoy traditional Christmas food. Reading the story of Jesus' birth from the Bible, giving and receiving gifts in commemoration of God's gift to us and singing joyful songs, called carols, may be a part of the celebration. During the Christmas season, uniformed members of the Salvation Army may be seen on city streets soliciting donations for the poor and needy. People born on Christmas Day often feel slighted because their birthday celebration is eclipsed by the more important festivity, but it was on this day in 1865 that a seventh child was born to the founder of the Salvation Army and his wife. This daughter, Evangeline Booth, spent her life working for that organization. She began evangelistic preaching when she was 17, worked as a field commissioner in London, became commander of the Canadian Salvation Army and, later, of the Salvation Army in the United States. Author and composer of many Salvation Army songs, she was the first woman to be elected a general in that Army. Her name means "Good News" and the "good news" of Christmas is that God loves you! Merry Christmas! --Clark Offner (3802)
The Day After Christmas (91/12/26)
Today, the day after Christmas has different names and is celebrated in various ways depending on the country. In many British Commonwealth countries it is called Boxing Day, the day on which gift boxes or gratuities are given to trades people, mail carriers and faithful employees. In the African country of Namibia, it is Family Day and in the Republic of South Africa, it is a holiday called Day of Good Will. In a number of countries, it is celebrated as Saint Stephen's Day, in honor of the first Christian martyr who was stoned to death, as recorded in The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 7. And in a certain area of Ireland, today is known as Wren Day. A wren, spelled w-r-e-n, is a small song bird with a somewhat curved bill, very short wings and a short upturned tail. Its plumage is usually brown or reddish above with a white, gray or buff-colored breast. Wrens are active, nervous, aggressive, highly musical birds whose food consists almost entirely of insects. On this day in the Dingle Peninsula, in memory of Saint Stephen, wrens are hunted without practicing the one-time custom of stoning them. This day following Christmas is an appropriate time to quietly consider the reason for the hustle and bustle of the preceding weeks. --Clark Offner (3803)
The Number 27 (91/12/27)
Today is December 27th. As the year draws to an end, you are probably busy and tired, so you may not be interested in the mathematical information in today's message, but there is something special about the number 27. I'm not sure who takes the time to uncover such useless, if interesting, information, but this number is the sum of the digits of its own cube. In mathematics, the square of a number is the product of a number multiplied by itself and the cube is the result of multiplying its square by the original number. Thus the cube of 27, in other word, 27x27x27 is 19,683. When the digits of this number are added together, that is to say 1+9+6+8+3, the result is 27. Whether or not that is considered interesting, it is a fact. Because people are so busy at this time of year, we will not hold the meeting of "Daily Word" listeners on the 5th Sunday of this month as we usually do. Rather, the meeting will be held at the Nagoya YWCA on Sunday afternoon, January 19th. If you have any observations or suggestions regarding this telephone service, I will be happy to consider them. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. -- Clark Offner(3804)
A Salesman (91/12/28)
On this last Saturday of the year, I will bring to an end the series of Saturday messages relating to part-time jobs held during my school days. Following my graduation from the University of Dubuque in the midwestern state of Iowa, I attended seminary and graduate school in New York for three years to further prepare myself for the Christian ministry. During my first year in seminary, I worked as a waiter in the seminary dining hall. I then got married and brought my bride to New York City where she became a secretary and the so-called breadwinner. During the summer vacation between my second and third years in seminary I obtained my last part-time job as a door-to-door salesman for an 8-volume set of Bible books, using the classical King James Version of the Bible accompanied by classical works of art and photographs as illustrations. Daily, during the hot summer, I first visited pastors and then church-related families in an effort to persuade them to buy this impressive and helpful set of books. Personally, I was convinced of the worth of the books and purchased a set for my own home, but I recognized that I did not have the natural ability to become an effective, high-pressured salesman. -- Clark Offner (3805)
The Eternal God (91/12/29)
Today is December 29th, the last Sunday of the year 1991. Human beings are sensitive to the passing of time, dividing it into days and weeks, months and years. We are temporal creatures. The Bible affirms a sphere of existence unaffected by time, the sphere of the eternal, which is without beginning or end. As a year which has been filled with many startling changes draws to a close, it is well to remember the eternal, changeless character of God, the Creator. The writer of the 90th Psalm contrasted the eternal God with transient human beings. To God, who existed before the world came into being, a thousand years "are like one day, they are like yesterday, already gone, like a short hour in the night." Human beings, on the other hand, "are like weeds that sprout in the morning, that grow and burst into bloom, then dry up and die in the evening." In the light of this contrast, the poet includes the request: "Teach us how short our life is, so that we may become wise." These are relevant words to ponder at this time of year. God has given us a limited time on this earth and we should resolve to make good use of it--not only for our own benefit but for the good of others, and to accomplish the purpose of God. -- Clark Offner (3806)
Ten o Aogite Tsubaki Su (91/12/02)
Eating Habits (91/12/03)
Thomas Carlyle (91/12/04)
Thursday (91/12/05)
Joyce Kilmer (91/12/06)
Garbage Collector (91/12/07)
Pearl Harbor and "Pearly Gates" (91/12/08)
Mochi wa Mochiya (91/12/09)
Cross-Cultural Exchange Association (91/12/10)
Edward VIII's Abdication (91/12/11)
Eat Crow (91/12/12)
A Great-Grandmother (91/12/13)
A Tutor (91/12/14)
Sheep and Goats (91/12/15)
Temae Miso (91/12/16)
Day-Care Sentō (91/12/17)
Tap Water (91/12/18)
Meishi Vending Machines (91/12/19)
Jerk (91/12/20)
Business Manager (91/12/21)
God with Us (91/12/22)
Continual Christmas (91/12/23)
"A Silent Night" (91/12/24)
Evangeline Booth (91/12/25)
The Day After Christmas (91/12/26)
The Number 27 (91/12/27)
A Salesman (91/12/28)
The Eternal God (91/12/29)
White Elephant (91/12/30)
George Marshall (91/12/31)
Love for Foreigners (91/12/01)