Happy New Year (83/01/01)
Happy New Year! According to the so-called Gregorian calendar in use in most of the world, today is the first day of the year 1983. The base line of this calendar is supposedly the birth of Jesus Christ, although the calculation was later seen to be faulty. Actually, Jesus was born between 7 and 4 B.C. In Japan, this is the first day of the 58th year of Showa, whose base line is the accession of the present emperor. In the Islamic world, this day is in the middle of the 3rd month of the year 1403. The Islamic calendar recognizes the hejira, or flight, of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, which occurred in 622 A.D., as the beginning of the new era. And, according to Jewish reckoning, today is midway in the 4th month of the year 5743, which supposedly dates from the creation of the world. How to divide up time into such portions as weeks, months and years depends on the standpoint and reasoning of the calculater. In whatever way we divide the time, we should recognize its value and be careful how we use this precious gift. Benjamin Franklin wrote, "Dost thou love life, then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of". And in the 90th Psalm we find the words, "Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Kakizome and Hatsuyume (83/01/02)
If one combined a sketch of a garment with a sketch of a sword, what meaning do you think would be portrayed? Evidently in old China, these two sketches caused one to think of cutting cloth as the first step in making some new clothes, for the Chinese character for "beginning", pronounced sho, is made up of a garment and a sword. In Japanese, this character is often pronounced hajime, but sometimes when it comes first in a compound word it is pronounced hatsu, as in hatsuyme, but when it comes last it may be pronounced some or zome, as in kakizome. This makes the Japanese language very difficult for foreigners to master. In Japanese tradition, today is the day for kakizome, or "first writing" of the New Year. Calligraphy, or "beautiful writing", of Chinese characters is considered an art as well as a means of communication. And tonight is the night for the hatsuyume, or "first dream" of the New Year, which is supposed to presage one's fortune during the coming year. (I wonder if no one has dreams on the night of New Year's Day?) It is all right to dream, but we need to work to convert our dreams into reality and to put foundations under the castles we build in the air.
Alaska with abundant resources (83/01/03)
When I was a schoolboy, there were 48 states in the United States of America and 6 rows of 8 stars each in the American flag. That's the way it was for 47 years after Arizona was admitted as the 48th state in 1912. I never thought that my country might continue to grow and also add more stars to its flag, but in 1959 two additional states were admitted to the Union. With the admission of Alaska as the 49th state, just 24 years ago today, Texas lost its proud place as the largest state and the U.S. increased its area by 16%. Alaska is over twice the size of Texas. Although it has the largest area, it has the smallest population, with a density of only about one person per square kilometer. The territory of Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7, 200,000. Although many people considered it foolish to pay that amount of money for that barren land, it was later found to have abundant resources of gold, oil, coal and natural gas. People also may have attractive features that lie below the surface, so we should not judge another on the basis of physical appearance alone. True beauty is a quality of spirit not of appearance.
Shinto worship and Christian worship (83/01/04)
Many Japanese find it difficult to distinguish the pronunciation of warship and worship. Warship, spelled with an a, refers to a ship used in fighting, such as a battleship or a destroyer. Worship, spelled with an o, comes from the word "worth" and the suffix "ship" and originally meant something of worth, dignity and honor. Now, it refers to a religious act of devotion or prayer. Yesterday's newspaper reported that, during the first 2 days of the New Year, 1,890,000 people visited Atsuta Shrine. I also visited the shrine near my home in the early hours of New Year's Day, but I did not worship there. Rather, I observed the jostling crowds of people who spent a few seconds tossing in a coin, clapping their hands and bowing their heads. As I watched, I wondered how many are really and sincerely worshipping. A few hours later, I attended the New Year's Day Worship Service at the church I serve in Takahama. There, we sang hymns, prayed, read from the Bible and I gave a short message before each person quietly came forward and silently prayed, individually, before the altar, where they were encouraged to give thanks and to also pray for someone other than themselves. Personally, I felt a great difference between Shinto worship & Christian worship.
Meaning of "New" year (83/01/05)
Today is the day that many people will be going back to work for the first time in the New Year. I wonder how many will begin their work in this New Year with a new feeling. The Chinese character for "new" includes an ax and a tree, with the original meaning of cutting down trees to prepare a new field. However, "new" can have different meanings. In Greek, there are two different words translated "new". The one, neos, from which the English word "new" is derived, refers to new in relation to time--that is, something that has recently come into existence. The other word, kairos, refers to something new in relation to quality--that is, something which has never been used. Certainly, this New rear is "new" in the temporal meaning, because it has just begun. However, whether or not it is "new" in a qualitative sense depends on the spiritual attitude of the individual. To the pessimistic writer of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, there is nothing new in the whole world, but to the person with a living faith in a loving God, the heavenly Father's love and mercy are new every morning. The Christian faith leads the believer into a new life, whereby he becomes a new person with new power and new hope. To begin a new year of work with a new spirit is one of the blessings of a vital faith.
Epiphany (83/01/06)
Today, January 6, is the 12th day after Christmas and thus officially ends the Christmas season. In the Christian Church calendar, this day is called Epiphany, from the Greek word for appearance or manifestation. In English, "epiphany" refers to the appearance or manifestation of a god or some other supernatural being. In the Eastern Church, Epiphany was originally a feast day to commemorate the baptism of Christ, but later it was associated with the visit of the Wisemen from the East who came to worship the baby Jesus. Since the Wisemen were not Jews, but Gentiles, Epiphany also refers to the manifestation of the universal Christ to the whole world. From its early days, the universal character of the Christian faith was recognized. This Good News of God's love and salvation which were manifested in Christ could not be limited to one nation alone. It was Good News for all who believe. Christmas celebrations have spread to non-Christian lands like Japan, but the true joy of this season comes from the manifestation of God's love within the heart of the believer. That is the real epiphany.
Nanakusa (83/01/07)
Seven is a sacred number or a special number in many religious or cultural traditions. In Japan, the 7th day after the birth of a child as well as the 7th days after the death of a relative are occasions of special celebration or commemoration. Today, the 7th day of the 1st month, is the day, in Japanese tradition, to eat a gruel containing 7 prescribed herbs known as nanakusa . In olden days it was believed that eating these particular herbs would ensure a year free from illness. I presume that eating the 7 varieties of vegetables is more effective in attaining good health than relying on the shichifukujin, or 7 good luck kami, but genuine good health is not only related to what we eat. It is important to have a healthy attitude as well as to eat healthful food. In the Old Testament book of Proverbs, chapter 3, we read, "Put all your trust in the Lord and do not rely on your own understanding. Do not think how wise you are, but fear the Lord and turn from evil. Let that be the medicine to keep you in good health." True wholesomeness is generated by a healthy faith!
War of 1812 (83/01/08)
The American War of Independence, which began in 1776, was officially concluded by a peace treaty between the United States and Great Britain, in 1784. However, less than 20 years later, these 2 nations were at war once again. This conflict, called the War of 1812, was indirectly caused by the struggles between England and France during the Napoleonic Wars. During that period of stress, American shippers angered the British by their carrying cargo between the French and Spanish islands in the West Indies and Europe. Britain's seizure of U.S. ships and sailors prompted the U.S. Congress to declare war in June of 1812. Battles were fought on sea as well as along the Canadian-U.S. border. Although a peace treaty was signed on December 24, 1814, the news of that treaty did not reach the British forces that attacked New Orleans a week later. On January 8, 1815, American forces, under General Andrew Jackson, decisively defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans and this day continues to be observed as a legal holiday in the state of Louisiana. This is not the only historical example of battles continuing after a war was over. The Christian believes that the resurrection of Christ brought victory in the conflict with sin, although battles continue even today.
Candlelight for adults (83/01/09)
Saturday of this week is the second of the twelve Japanese national holidays. It is called Seijin no Hi, or Adults' Day. Since today is the Sunday before that holiday, a prefectural ceremony is being held at the Aichi Bunka Kōdō. 1,320 representatives of those who celebrate their 20th birthday during the present school year will attend. 18 students from other countries who are studying in this prefecture are included among these representatives. Many primitive societies have some kind of initiation rites to mark the change from childhood to adulthood. In Japan, it is now common for a candlelight ceremony to be performed. In one sense, young adults are receiving a light from their elders which they, in turn, are to pass on to others. This reminds me of the verses in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 5, beginning with verse 14, where Jesus is speaking to his disciples. "You are the light of the world. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on a lampstand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven."
The Ten Commandments (83/01/10)
Today is the tenth day of the first month. Ten is the basic number in the decimal system. Decimal comes from the Latin word for tenth. The metric system is also a decimal system, for it is based on the number ten. The convenient use of the number ten for calculation derives from the number of fingers we have on both hands. Both Roman and Chinese symbols for ten are in the shape of a cross. The Roman numeral, however, looks like an X, while the Chinese character is in the shape of a plus sign. In the Bible, the most sacred numbers are 3 and 7, the sum of which is 10. The Ten Commandments given to the children of Israel from God through Moses are the heart of the Old Testament law. These Ten Commandments, also called the Moral Law, are found in two different chapters of the Old Testament; in the 20th chapter of Exodus and the 5th chapter of Deuteronomy. Because people could not perfectly obey this law and earn their own salvation, Jesus provided a new way of salvation through his sacrificial death on the cross which both crossed out the sins of the believer and provided the "plus" of a new and meaningful life in fellowship with God.
Kagamibiraki (83/01/11)
Today is January 11th, the traditional day in Japan for kagamibiraki, which literally means "mirror opening". However, in this case the expression does not refer to opening a mirror but to cutting the rounded rice cakes called kagami mochi, which have served as New Year's decorations or as offerings. In the olden days, these 2-tiered rice cakes were offered on the mirror stands of ladies and on the armor of warriors. Since the word waru, meaning "to cut", was an imi kotoba, or taboo word, hiraku, to open, was substituted for it. This, kagamibiraki refers to removing the hardened rice cakes from their honored places and cutting them into small pieces for use in such New Year's dishes as zōni and shiruko. And so the New Year's celebrations come to a close. All festive seasons in this life must end, but the New Testament teaches that the child of God has an inner joy and spiritual peace that will never end. In John 6:47, Jesus promised that those who believe will have eternal life. You may receive a typewritten copy of these daily messages by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥100 in stamps to: Daily Word, Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, 463.
A cyclist from India (83/01/12)
Since I enjoy riding my bicycle on errands within the city, I was attracted to an article and picture that appeared in the Chunichi Shinbun a couple of days ago. Last Friday evening, a bicyclist appeared at a police substation on national highway #1 in Arimatsu. He asked if he could spend the night there. The policemen were surprised at such a request. Since there was no place for him to stay there, a room was found for him at the Midori Police Station. The cyclist was a 28 year old university student from India. He had cycled that day from Hamamatsu on his way from Tokyo to Nagasaki. However, this is only a short portion of its bicycle trip, for he left his home near New Delhi in July of the year before last and has cycled through such Asian countries as Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea. After leaving Japan, he plans to continue his bicycle tour through the United States, Canada and European countries. He referred to his trip as a journey of peace and friendship. We need not cycle around the world to promote peace and friendship. We can do that right where we are, with simple words and deeds of love and compassion.
Horatio Alger (83/01/13)
There is a Roman legend about Horatius, who is said to have defended a bridge over the Tiber River against an enemy army until Roman soldiers destroyed the bridge. He then swam across the river to safety. Probably the most popular writer of books for boys in American history was named after this Roman hero. Horatio Alger was born near Boston, Massachusetts 149 years ago today, on January 13th, 1834. He was the son of a Unitarian minister and became a minister himself. He later left that calling to devote himself to writing. He was the author of over a hundred books for boys. The heroes in all of his books succeed in gaining honor and riches by their courage and virtue in struggling heroically against heavy odds. His books were very popular and left a strong mark upon the character of a generation of American youth. Actual life does not always follow the simple plot of Horatio Alger's stories, but the person with a healthy faith finds joy and satisfaction in doing good and showing love regardless of the outcome. In the 6th chapter of the Gospel according to John, Jesus taught that people should not work for material rewards but for the food that lasts eternally.
Birmingham (83/01/14)
The second largest city in England is Birmingham. Because of its natural resources of iron and coal, it has become a great steelmaking center. The largest city in the American state of Alabama is also called Birmingham and it also is a steel manufacturing center, utilizing the iron and coal found in its neighborhood. One of the outstanding liberal arts colleges of the south is found in Birmingham. It is Birmingham Southern College and is related to the Methodist Church. Today, some 30 junior and senior students in the business and economic department of that school will be leaving Nagoya after a four-day visit. In order to study Japanese business practices, they visited a machinery company and an automobile factory, but as participants in a people-to-people program, they have been staying in Japanese homes and have gotten acquainted with Japanese life style as well. After visiting the cultural sites of Kyoto, they will go on to Hong Kong and mainland China before returning to the United States. This is a part of their college course work, for education is not limited to the classroom. In fact, all of life should be a learning experience and there is much that we can learn from people of other countries, if we have open minds!
Adults' Day (83/01/15)
In feudal Japan, a special ceremony was observed for samurai boys who attained a certain age which marked their entering adult society. At that time, they received a new samurai name and were permitted to wear their hair in a top-knot, which was the sign of a gentleman. There was also a ceremony for girls who attained a certain age and who were then able to wear their hair and dress as an adult. Depending upon the time and place, these ceremonies were for youth who reached ages from 12 to 16. In modern Japan, however, the age when a person becomes an adult has been set at 20. This higher age for attaining adulthood reflects a definite change in life style. Today is a national holiday called Adults' Day, when ceremonies are held throughout the country to honor those who reach their 20th birthday during the present school year. In Aichi Prefecture, there are 103,924 young people who officially become adults today and in the city of Nagoya there are 38,842. The Bible teaches that true maturity is not a matter of physical growth or attaining a certain age. It is thinking and acting in a mature way, which is characterized by a concern for others rather than being concerned only for oneself.
Yabuiri (83/01/16)
If you put a grass crown, or a kusakanmuri, on top of the old Chinese character for number (kazu), the result is a character pronounced yabu, meaning thicket in English. A thicket refers to a thick growth of shrubs or small bushes. In Genesis, chapter 28, is found the story of Abraham who was about to offer up his son, Isaac, upon an altar, but then found a ram caught in a thicket, which he offered up instead. In the Japanese almanac, today, January 16th, is called yabuiri, thicket entering. It refers to the custom of giving servants or wives a holiday and permitting them to return to their homes in the thicket-infested countryside. Since it was one of two annual holidays that servants received, it was anticipated with great joy. All workers enjoy having a holiday, a day that they can relax or do as they please. For most people today, Sunday is such a day every week. Although called a holiday, it is actually a holy day and the kind of recreation we enjoy on this day should include spiritual re-creation or revitalization also. It is a good habit to attend a church on the first day of the week to worship God, cleanse our hearts and find new strength for the week ahead.
Benjamin Franklin (83/01/17)
Today is the birthday of a famous American statesman, printer, writer and scientist. Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, 277 years ago today. He was the 15th of 17 children. His father was a chandler, which means a candle maker. He left school at ten years of age to help his father, but disliked that work and became a printer and then a writer. Many of his famous, common sense sayings were first printed in his Poor Richard's Almanac. He invented bifocal glasses, lightning conductors, the platform rocking chair and the water powered harmonica. By flying a kite in a thunderstorm, he proved the identity of lightning and electricity. He was one of the drafters of the Declaration of Independence and influenced the writing of the U. S. Constitution. He served in various government positions, including that of ambassador to France. One of his memorable sayings is: "One today is worth two tomorrows". Speaking of tomorrow, since it is the 3rd Tuesday of the month, it is the day I teach a Bible Class in Japanese at the city kyōikukan in Sakae, west of the Aichi Bunka Kōdō beginning at 6:30. Please join us in this study of the Gospel according to John if you are interested.
Rudyard Kipling (83/01/18)
You have probably heard the quotation that "East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet." Do you know whose words they are? They are found in "The Ballad of East and West", written in 1899 by Rudyard Kipling. A ballad is a narrative poem or song that tells a story. Rudyard Kipling was an English short story writer, novelist and poet who was born in Bombay, India in 1865. He was educated in England, married an American woman and lived in the United States for a few years. His experiences in India and travels through Asia and Africa provided the background for much of his writing, which romanticized British imperialism. In 1907, he became the first Englishman to receive the Nobel prize for literature. Kipling died 47 years ago today on January 18, 1936. As a man of his day, he strongly felt the superiority of the white man, but as Pearl Buck later wrote: "The main barrier between East and West today is that the white man is not willing to give up his superiority and the colored man is not willing to endure his inferiority". The Bible teaches that, in God's sight, all people are equal.
Robert E. Lee (83/01/19)
In some of the southern states of the United States, today, January 19th, is a state holiday. It is a holiday to commemorate the birthday of an American hero and the outstanding general of the Civil War, although he was on the losing side. Robert E. Lee was born on this day in 1807. His father was a commander in the Revolutionary War and a member of the Continental Congress. Although Robert E. Lee was personally opposed to the secession of the southern states and to the custom of slavery, he had a deep sense of loyalty. When his home state of Virginia seceded from the Union, he resigned from the Union army and assumed command of the military forces of Virginia. Eventually, he became commander-in-chief of the Confederate army and his surrender to General Grant at Appomattox ended the Civil War. After the war, he served as president of Washington College, which was named for George Washington. The year following his death, however, the name of that school was changed to Washington and Lee University and his tomb is in the school's chapel. Lee considered "duty" the sublimest word in the language. "Do your duty in all things," he said. "You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less."
Smiling (83/01/20)
Someone has said that the longest word in the English language is the word "smiles" because there is a "mile " between the first and last letters. As you listen to these recorded messages, what kind of expression is on your face? it may be that you frown as you try to understand my difficult words or rapid speech. However, I hope that sometimes you also smile as you listen and enjoy the message. Are you smiling now? if not, try smiling and see what happens. Kenneth Goode has written: "No matter how much madder it may make you, get out of bed forcing a smile. You may not smile because you are cheerful; but if you will force yourself to smile, you'll end up laughing. You will be cheerful because you smile. When man assumes the facial expression of a given mental mood, then that mental mood itself will follow." The person with joy within need not force himself or herself to smile. Jesus said to his disciples, "I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11) Inner joy is a result of a healthy faith.
"Big cold" season in Japan (83/01/21)
Did you smile when you got up this morning? Beginning the day with a smile may determine your disposition for the rest of the day. Even if you have nothing else to smile about, remember that almighty God, your heavenly Father, loves you. That is a reason for smiling. Some people may think it is more difficult to smile when its cold, and today begins the "big cold" season in Japan, according to the almanac. Yet, E. B. White has written that "extreme cold when it first arrives seems to generate cheerfulness and sociability. For a few hours all life's dubious problems are dropped in favor of the clear and congenial task of keeping alive." And Pascal included in his Pensees, these words: "Continuity in everything is unpleasant. Cold is agreeable that we may get warm." So don't let the cold wipe the smile off of your face. And if you meet someone today who has lost his smile, give him one of yours. A weekly copy of these daily messages is sent each Saturday to those who request it by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥100 in stamps to: Daily Word, Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, 463.
Victoria (83/01/22)
The longest reigning monarch in British history was Queen Victoria. She reigned for 63 years during a period of great imperialistic advance, resulting in many places around the world being named in her honor. There is a Lake Victoria and a Victoria Falls in Africa, a Victoria Island in Canada, Victoria Land in Antarctica, cities, towns and counties in over a dozen countries called Victoria and a state named Victoria in Australia. This state is a sister state of Aichi Prefecture and there are now ten school teachers from Victoria visiting this prefecture during the Australian summer vacation. While they are here, these teachers are visiting the Nagoya International School, and Japanese elementary and junior and senior highschools, along with tourist attractions in this area. I hope these 8 women and 2 men have an enjoyable and informative stay in this prefecture and return to their homeland with a deeper understanding of this land, its people, culture and educational system. The name Victoria, of course, comes from the word "victory". According to the New Testament First Letter of John, chapter 5, it is our faith that ensures the victory that overcomes the world.
Elections in Japan and the U.S. (83/01/23)
An election campaign for governor is now being conducted in Aichi Prefecture. A few days ago, I received a phone call from a television station saying that there seemed to be a lack of popular interest in this election. It was suggested that the observations of a foreign resident might light a spark of interest, so yesterday I was transported to Toyokawa and Gamagori, where I observed the campaign efforts of the two major candidates and conducted a short interview with them. I then expressed a few observations and comparisons or contrasts with elections in the United States. The edited videotape was broadcast on the 6 o'clock News-wide program on CBC channel 5. Did you happen to see it? Voting for public officials is one of the key privileges in a democratic society and a responsibility which all citizens should fulfil. The Bible teaches that Christians should be responsible citizens, but their primary allegiance is to God. Next Sunday afternoon at 1:30, we will have another Daily Word Listeners' Meeting at the YWCA in Sakae. I hope you can attend, for I'd like to talk with you there. I will give a talk about religion in Japan and am interested in hearing your thoughts on this subject also.
Timothy (83/01/24)
Do you know the meaning of "timothy"? Timothy is a kind of grass having long, narrow leaves and bearded spikes of flowers. It is used for fodder, which refers to the coarse grain given to cattle. This grass was named for Timothy Hanson, an American farmer who took the seed from New York to Maryland about 1720. Timothy Hanson was named after St. Timothy, whose feast day in the church calendar is today, January 24th. The name Timotheus in Greek is made up of two words meaning "honor God". Timothy was a young convert of St. Paul. According to the book of Acts, chapter 16, his father was Greek, but his mother was Jewish. He became a trusted friend and faithful companion of Paul and two letters in the New Testament bear his name. Timothy became the first bishop of Ephesus. In the First Letter to Timothy, chapter 4, he is urged to be an example for others--in his speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. The same exhortation applies to us also today. Next Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the YWCA, the 9th meeting of listeners to these daily telephone messages will be held. The 3rd issue of "Daily Word" Echoes will be distributed. Please attend if you can.
Robert Burns (83/01/25)
In Japan, the most popular song sung at times of farewell and graduation ceremonies is Hotaru no Hikari, "The Light of the Fireflies". The tune for this song is an old Scottish melody to which the Scottish poem "Auld Lang Syne" is sung. "Auld Lang Syne", one of the best loved poems in the English language, is the Scottish rendition of "Old Long Since". It was written in 1788 by the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns, who was born on this day, January 25th in 1759. Burns was the eldest of 7 children in a farmer's family. As a farmer, he was a failure, but as a poet, he was outstanding. He depicted with loving accuracy the life of his fellow rural Scots in a manner that gave his poetry a universal appeal. His poem, "To a Louse", contains these lines: "O would some Power the small gift give us, to see ourselves as others see us. It would from many a blunder free us, and foolish notion." To see ourselves as others see us is important, but to see ourselves as God sees us is an even greater insight that comes through reading God's Word, the Bible. Will you be able to join our meeting at the YWCA on Sunday afternoon at 1:30? I hope so, for I'd like to meet you there. I will give a short talk on religion in Japan. What are your thoughts on this subject?
Australia Day (83/01/26)
The 6th largest country in the world is the Commonwealth of Australia. It is the only nation to cover an entire continent. The name "Australia" comes from the Latin word for "southern". In Australia, today is known as Australia Day, in commemoration of the 1st settlement of Europeans in 1788 at Port Jackson which is the port for Sydney. That first settlement was a British penal colony and many of the first settlers were convicts or soldiers. For the next 80 years, Britain continued to send convicts to this far off region, but as the number of free settlers increased, this practice was discontinued, and in 1901 the Commonwealth of Australia was born. Ideally, "commonwealth" refers to a democratic society in which the welfare of all citizens is considered equally. Do you think Japan can be continued a commonwealth? The church is a commonwealth in which all members share equally of God's grace. On Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the YWCA, there will be a meeting of "Daily Word" listeners. Following that meeting, I will be preaching in English at the Nagoya Union Church. You are invited to both of these meetings.
Unclaimed articles (83/01/27)
A recent news item reported about the many articles left behind on trains and in stations over the New Year's holidays. Because the number of passengers on the national railways has been decreasing, so have the number of lost articles. However, the Nagoya Station Lost and Found Section is puzzled about the large number of unclaimed articles which were found between December 25th and January 10th--totalling 1,202 items, an increase of 20% over the previous year. The top 7 categories of lost articles are: umbrellas, accessories such as glasses, lighters and caps, food, valuables such as watches, cameras and purses, and clothing. It seems that passengers have become more careless. Dr. Thomas Fuller has written that "we have all forgot more than we remember", and Elbert Hubbard notes that "A retentive memory may be a good thing, but the ability to forget is the true token of greatness". Although many Bible passages teach that God remembers, in Isaiah 43:25, it is written, "I will not remember your sins". The sins of those who repent and receive God's forgiveness will be forgotten. I hope to see you at our "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting on Sunday afternoon at the YWCA at 1:30. Please come if you can.
Henry V‡V (83/01/28)
Henry has been a very popular name among European royal families. In the list of British kings, there have been 4 Williams, 6 Georges, 8 Edwards and 8 Henrys. There have also been 7 King Henrys among German monarchs, 5 King Henrys of France and 4 Spanish kings bearing this name. My father's name was also Henry, but he was not a king--of a country, at least. Today, January 28th, was the birthday of England's King Henry VII, who was born in 1457. He was the first king of the House of Tudor. Today is also the date of the death of his son, Henry VIII, who died in 1547. It was Henry VIII who broke away from the Roman Catholic Church and established the Church of England because the pope would not recognize his divorce and remarriage. The basic difference between the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church was that the English king was recognized as the head of the church rather than the pope. Protestant churches recognize only Christ as the Head of the Church, rather than a human ruler. At the "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting at the YWCA on Sunday afternoon at 1:30, I will give a talk on Religion in Japan. I would be happy to hear your thoughts on this subject at that meeting if you can attend.
Kansas (83/01/29)
The original 13 colonies which established the United States of America were all on the eastern coast of the North American continent. Therefore, at that time, "west" referred to the land beyond the Appalachian Mountains. As the country moved westward, however, the term "west" continued to change in meaning. Now, the term "west" or "far west" refers to the states west of the Rocky Mountains, with the large area between east and west called the "midwest". In the center of the midwest is the state of Kansas, which contains the geographic center of the 48 contiguous states. However, the name Kansas comes from a Souix Indian word meaning "south wind people". It is one of 26 state names that are derived from native Indian words. The state of Kansas was officially admitted to the United States as the 34th state on January 29, 1861, 122 years ago today. It is called the Sunflower State and its state flower is the sunflower. The state motto is a Latin phrase meaning "To the stars through difficulties". It is good to set our goals high but to recognize there may be difficulties in attaining them and not to be discouraged if there are. I hope to see you tomorrow afternoon at the YWCA at 1:30 for our 9th "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting.
Kakizome and Hatsuyume (83/01/02)
Alaska with abundant resources (83/01/03)
Shinto worship and Christian worship (83/01/04)
Meaning of "New" year (83/01/05)
Epiphany (83/01/06)
Nanakusa (83/01/07)
War of 1812 (83/01/08)
Candlelight for adults (83/01/09)
The Ten Commandments (83/01/10)
Kagamibiraki (83/01/11)
A cyclist from India (83/01/12)
Horatio Alger (83/01/13)
Birmingham (83/01/14)
Adults' Day (83/01/15)
Yabuiri (83/01/16)
Benjamin Franklin (83/01/17)
Rudyard Kipling (83/01/18)
Robert E. Lee (83/01/19)
Smiling (83/01/20)
"Big cold" season in Japan (83/01/21)
Victoria (83/01/22)
Elections in Japan and the U.S. (83/01/23)
Timothy (83/01/24)
Robert Burns (83/01/25)
Australia Day (83/01/26)
Unclaimed articles (83/01/27)
Henry V‡V (83/01/28)
Kansas (83/01/29)
Miso (83/01/30)
Franz Schubert (83/01/31)
Happy New Year (83/01/01)