Robinson Crusoe (88/02/01)
Alexander Selkirk was a Scottish sailor who quarreled with the captain of his ship and asked to be put ashore on a deserted island over 600 kilometers off the coast of Chile. He remained on that island for four years and four months before he was rescued on February 1, 1709, 279 years ago today. The English writer, Daniel Defoe, was so intrigued by Selkirk's experiences that he wrote a fictional story entitled The Life and Strange Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. This book was published in 1719 and became so popular that it has been translated into many different languages. I suppose that you have read about Robinson Crusoe. Daniel Defoe also wrote the following poem: "Wherever God erects a house of prayer, The Devil always builds a chapel there. And 'twill be found, upon examination, The latter has the largest congregation." (2475)
Meeting of listeners (88/02/02)
Last Sunday, my wife and I enjoyed meeting about 40 people who attended the 29th meeting of listeners to these "Daily Word" telephone messages. The 22nd and final issue of 'Daily Word Echoes', a periodical made up of essays contributed by listeners, was on sale there. Unfortunately, due to the recent increase in the number of callers, I will no longer be able to correct and print listeners' essays. Is there such a saying in Japanese as Saiwai chū no fukō? At our meeting, a representative from the local 'Captain' system, known as NAMOS, explained that these "Daily Word" messages are now available nationwide through the "Captain" system. Using that system today's message, last week's messages or next week's messages can be viewed on the computer screen of a 'Captain' terminal. If you wish to have more exact information about this service, you may call Miss Noriko Suzuki at the Nagoya Joho Center at 052-201-1234. Beginning this week, I will send out copies of the messages for the coming week so listeners may have the printed message before listening to the spoken word if they so desire. Messages will be sent out on Thursdays to those who request them by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥30 in stamps to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box30, Moriyama Post Office 463. (2476)
Beans (88/02/03)
Today, February 3rd, is the 'season-dividing' day, or setsubun in Japan. On this day, it is customary to throw beans to scare the demons away. Although soy beans were cultivated in China 4000 years ago, they were introduced into Japan only in the 19th century. Soy beans are an important source of protein in Japan, but at the present time, more than half the world's soy beans are grown in America. In English there are a couple of common expressions related to beans. To be "full of beans" means to be in high spirits. Players on the baseball team that wins a tournament are always "full of beans". On the other hand, "full of beans" sometimes refers to talking non-sense or being foolish. The person who says that Japanese students cannot learn to speak English well is "full of beans". To "spill the beans" means to tell a secret to someone who is not supposed to know about it. If you are planning a surprise for someone and someone else "spills the beans" ahead of time, you will be disappointed. I'm not sure why Japanese think that demons are afraid of little beans, but I believe that it is not from our homes but from our hearts that such demonic influences as selfishness, pride, prejudice, hatred and anger need to be cast out. For this purpose, beans are not effective. We need the help of God's Spirit to accomplish that task (2477)
Sri Lanka/Japan (88/02/04)
Today, February 4th, is a national holiday in the island nation of Sri Lanka, off the southern coast of India. This country, previously ruled by Great Britain, was granted independence on this day in 1948. At that time, it was known as Ceylon but in 1972, it changed its name. Other countries also have changed their names from those given by foreign colonizers after becoming independent. This raises the question of the correct name of your country. Although known in the West as 'Japan', that name is a corrupted form of the Chinese designation, Jih-pen. In Japanese, those Chinese characters are pronounced Nippon or Nihon. Nippon is also known by many people in the West and is found in the names of such internationally recognized companies as NHK and NTT. However, it is quite unusual that these varied pronunciations are all used for the same country and that there is even disagreement among Japanese scholars themselves as to the correct pronunciation of this country's name. Shakespeare has written: "What's in a name? That which we call a rose/ By any other name would smell as sweet." My own hope is that, in the future, when people hear the name "Japan", they will not think first of economic power nor of technological excellence, but of a nation of peace-loving people. (2478)
Bobby/Bob (88/02/05)
Did you know that a policeman in England is sometimes called a bobby? In fact, he may also be called a peeler. Both of these colloquial terms come from the name of Sir Robert Peel, who was born on February 5, 1788, 200 years ago today. Before Sir Robert became prime minister, he was the home secretary, the man who established London's police force. The common nickname for Robert is Bob and the diminutive of Bob is Bobby. So it is from the name of this man who was interested in public safety and liberal reforms that the terms "bobby" and "peeler" came into being. Have you ever heard of a bobby pin? Although the Japanese translation is heapin, in English, there is a difference between a hairpin and a bobby pin. A hairpin is a slender piece of wire in a U-shape that is used to fasten up the hair. A bobby pin is a small metal hair clip with the ends pressed tightly together. This word comes from the word bob, which may refer to a short haircut. The short tail of an animal is called a bobtail. There is an American songbird called a bob-o-link from the sound of the song it sings. According to Psalm 104, verse 12, birds sing because of God's blessings to them. We should follow their example. (2479)
Magnet (88/02/06)
In Japanese, the same word, jishaku, may be used to refer either to a magnet or to a compass which uses a magnetic needle. A magnet is a body that attracts iron. The word is derived from an ancient city named Magnesia and originally referred to a Magnesian stone. Japanese scientists are working on a new kind of high-speed train that floats above its tracks by using magnets. At the Miyazaki test center, a world speed record of 517 kilometers per hour has been set by an experimental version of the train, which has been named MAGLEV, for "magnetically levitated vehicle". "Levity", from the Latin word for "light", the opposite of "heavy", may refer to a light or frivolous attitude, but to "levitate" means to rise in the air and float in seeming defiance of gravity. The MAGLEV's magnets cause it levitate 10 centimeters above its guide way which contains metal coils having the opposite magnetic charge. Besides its high speed, MAGLEV makes less noise and will be cheaper to construct and operate than conventional trains. We may also refer to a person who has an attractive, or magnetic personality, as a magnet. Arthur Dunn has written that "Personal magnetism is a mixture of rugged Honesty, pulsating Energy, and self-organized Intelligence." (2480)
Lost sheep (88/02/07)
The English word "parable" comes from a Greek word meaning "to throw beside" which was used when making comparisons between two different kinds of things. In English, "parable" refers to a simple story used to illustrate some moral truth. In effect, it compares a concrete narrative with a spiritual truth. Jesus told many parables that were easily understood by the common people of his day, in contrast to many Christian preachers today (including me) who use such abstract, philosophical language that common people find it difficult to understand. One of his well known parables is found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18, verses 12-14. It is the story of a shepherd who had 100 sheep. When one of them got lost, the shepherd left the other 99 sheep on the hillside while he went to search for the one that was lost. When he found it, he was overjoyed. In fact, it seemed that he was more concerned about that one lost sheep than about the other 99. The underlying teaching of this story is that God, our spiritual shepherd, is especially concerned about everyone of his sheep that has become separated from his flock and has gone its own way. Jesus came to find and save those lost sheep. Has he found you? (1460a)
Confederate States (88/02/08)
127 years ago today, the Confederate States of America was established and Jefferson Davis was elected president. This group of seven southern states withdrew from the so-called United States of America following the election of President Abraham Lincoln. The Constitution of the Confederate States closely resembled that of the United States, but placed greater emphasis upon states' rights and permitted slavery. Two months later, war broke out between the Confederacy and the Union. As a matter of fact, "confederacy" and "union" have basically the same meaning, but in the United States, they stimulate quite different feelings. Similarly, the word "democracy" seems to have a different connotation in communist and non-communist societies. Disagreement between proponents of different viewpoints can be both healthy and productive--if it is carried on with words rather than with weapons.(483a)
Nine (88/02/09)
Since today is the 9th day of February, I will talk about the number 9. Have you heard the proverbial expression, "A cat has nine lives"? It refers to the nimbleness of cats escaping from what seems like certain death. The English idiom, "a nine days' wonder", refers to something that arouses great excitement and interest for only a short time and then is forgotten. A "cat-o'-nine-tails" may refer to a whip made of nine knotted cords attached to a handle and used for flogging or to a tall plant that grows in marshes. To be "on cloud nine" means to be very happy, for the U. S. Weather Bureau divides clouds into nine classes and cloud nine is that uppermost cumulonimbus cloud that extends high in the sky on a hot summer afternoon. The game of ninepins is similar to the modern game of bowling, except that nine wooden pins are set up at the end of an alley instead of ten. According to the New Testament book of Acts, chapter 3, the ninth hour was an hour of prayer in that day. However, since the Jews began counting hours from 6 AM, the ninth hour would correspond to 3 PM in our present manner of calculation. For those who know God as their Father, however, anytime of day may become an hour of prayer when we take the time to have communion with him. (484a)
Hamburger (88/02/10)
If a person who lives in the German city of Berlin is called a Berliner, then it seems fitting to call a person living in the German city of Frankfurt a Frankfurter and a resident of the German city of Hamburg a Hamburger. However, in English, the words "frankfurter" and "hamburger" do not usually refer to people but to food. Frankfurters, which originated in Frankfurt, are smoked beef sausages enclosed in membranous casings. A smaller pork and beef sausage, which was made in Vienna, was called a wienerwurst, or Vienna sausage, and from this word we get the English word "wiener". In America, both frankfurters and wieners, when put in a soft roll, are referred to as "hot dogs"--which, hopefully, has no reference to the kind of meat used in them. Hot dogs were the most popular fast meat food in the U. S. until they were overtaken by hamburgers. A hamburger, originally made of ground beef, was developed in Hamburg and was previously called a hamburg steak. Now, the cooked meat by itself may be called a Salisbury steak, after the man who popularized it, but when placed in a bun it is called a hamburger. Some people enjoy eating meat and others don't, but according to Romans, chapter 14, whether we eat or refrain from eating, we should give thanks to God. (481a)
National Foundation Day (88/02/11)
Today, February 11th, this a national holiday in Japan. It is called National Foundation Day, commemorating the nation's origin. The problem is, no one knows when the Japanese nation began. Some countries, including the United States, can point to a particular date as the beginning of a new nation. However, the historical origins of the Japanese nation are lost in the hazy myths of the ancient past. According to the Kojiki, Japan's first emperor, Jinmu Tennō, began his reign on what has been calculated as the 11th day of the 2nd month in the year 660 B.C. In 1872, the Japanese calendar was reformed, using 660 B.C. as the base year, which made 1945, the last year this calendar was in use, the year 2605. Formerly, February 11th was called kigensetsu and was celebrated with great nationalistic emotion. It was also the day on which the Meiji Constitution was promulgated in 1889. There are groups in Japan today which are promoting a reversion to the political-religious nationalism of the past, but both past and present examples of extreme nationalism clearly indicate the dangers to democratic freedoms they entail. Constant vigilance is required to make certain that past mistakes are not repeated and that present freedoms are maintained. (163a)
Abraham Lincoln (88/02/12)
There are over two dozen cities, towns or villages in the United States named Lincoln. There are also 24 counties with that name. This is a clear indication of the nation's respect for its 16th president, who was born on February 12th, 1809, 179 years ago today. Abraham Lincoln was the nation's leader during a most crucial period of its history, the Civil War. Like his biblical namesake, Lincoln was a man of faith who sought divine help for the weighty decisions he had to make. He said, "I have been driven to my knees [to pray] by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day." Although there is a Western proverb that "Might makes right", Lincoln turned that saying around and said, "Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it." In this day when some governments seem to be relying more and more on military might, we should remember Lincoln's view that true power has a moral base. From a biblical point of view, a nation's greatness is not determined by its political, military or economic might, but by its moral character. Proverbs 14:34 states that "righteousness makes a nation great". (797a)
Searching for lens (88/02/13)
Because many news articles these days make us feel sad, mad or fearful, it is good, at times, to find some that make us feel good. I read such an article in a newspaper sometime ago. It was about a 15-year-old high school student in the suburban Nagoya city of Seto who was riding home from school on his bicycle one evening. It was raining and darkness was approaching when one of his new contact lenses fell to the road. He stopped and spent some ten minutes on his hands and knees searching for the tiny lens. He was about to give up and go home without it when a car stopped and a man and woman got out to help him search. The headlights of their car made the area brighter. Another car stopped and its driver also joined in the search. Within another minutes, the lens had been found. The driver of the first car then washed it in battery fluid to make sure it was not scratched. Then the boy happily continued on his way home with an inner warmth and brightness that could not be dampened nor darkened by the weather. These kind people were following the Golden Rule, found in Matthew chapter 7, verse 12: "Whatever you would have others do to you, do just the same to them." (486a)
Love (88/02/14)
Since February 14th is known as St. Valentine's Day and is celebrated by some romantically-inclined people even in Japan, you may think that my sermon today is related to St. Valentine. However, if you think so, you are mistaken. Although there are many legends related to a Christian priest named Valentine, who was martyred in the third century, there is very little historical information about this man. Because his feast day coincided with the day that birds were thought to begin mating, it became associated with lovers. Greeting card makers and chocolate manufacturers have capitalized on this association. The superficial, emotional, romantic love expressed by lovers on this day is very different from the love taught in the Bible even though the same English word is used. When the Bible speaks of God's love for us or encourages us to love one another, a much deeper kind of love is meant--the sacrificial love seen in the life and death of Jesus Christ whose love resulted in his death on the cross. True love endures all things for the sake of the loved one--even when that one is not worthy. The basic Christian statement that "God is love" is found in the New Testament book, the First Letter of John, chapter 4. To understand the true and deep meaning of Christian love, this chapter must be read.(2481)
Susan Anthony (88/02/15)
In United States currency, six different denominations of coins are used. A one-cent coin is called a penny and a five-cent coin is called a pickle. A ten-cent coin is a dime and a 25-cent coin is a quarter. There are also half-dollar and dollar coins. Many of these coins bear the likenesses of famous American men, most of whom were presidents, but one coin bears the likeness of a woman. Dollar coins minted since 1979 have the face of Susan Anthony engraved on them. Ms. Anthony, born 168 years ago today, on February 15, 1820, was an early leader in the movement to grant women the right to vote and to gain other rights to make them equal with men. Unfortunately, in Japan, the place of women continues to be inferior to that of men. According to Galatians 3:28, there should be no distinction between men and women among Christians. (2482)
Lithuania (88/02/16)
Today, certain communities in the United States are celebrating Republic of Lithuania Day. Do you know where Lithuania is? When I was a schoolboy, it was one of three Baltic states on the east coast of the Baltic Sea. Its name comes from a Latin word meaning "coastland". For over 3000 years, Lithuanians have been living in that area and, during the Middle Ages, Lithuania became one of the largest states in Europe. In 1795, it came under Russian control but declared its independence on February 16, 1918, after the First World War. In 1940, Russian troops occupied Lithuania and it became incorporated into the Soviet Union as one of its constituent republics. The United States has never recognized the jurisdiction of the U.S.S.R over the Baltic States--even as Japan does not recognize the Soviet occupation of its northern islands. At Lithuanian Day rallies today, leaders continue to call for the support of foreign governments and the United Nations for the Independent Democratic Republic of Lithuania, which proclaimed its independence 70 years ago today. Earl Warren, a former chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court once said, "Liberty, not communism, is the most contagious force in the world." Do you agree with him? (2483)
Tōson Shimazaki (88/02/17)
In Japan, as in the West, most people have both a surname, or family name, and a given name. In those Christian churches where infants are formally given their names at baptism, which may be called a christening, the given name may be called a Christian name. Some given names are also used as surnames. For example, my given name is Clark, but some Japanese mistakenly think this is my surname because they know of the Dr. Clark who taught at the Sapporo Agricultural College over a hundred years ago. In some cases, a Japanese given name may also be confused with a surname. For example, the great Japanese novelist, who was born 116 years ago today, on February 17, 1872, has a given name that looks like a surname. Actually, the name he was given at birth was Haruki, but later he acquired the name of Toson, using the same characters as the surname, Fujimura. Tōson Shimazaki wrote a significant novel entitled The Broken Commandment, in which he narrated the struggles of Ushimatsu, who finally broke his father's commandment and made known the secret that he was a member of the despised outcast group. Has Japanese society changed since this novel was published or are people still judged by family names or backgrounds rather than by personal character? (2484)
307 carats (88/02/18)
A couple of weeks ago, the headline of a short newspaper article caught my attention. It read: "307 carats found in potato patch". Can you understand its meaning? I'm sure your understanding will be mistaken if you only hear the words instead of reading them, because the word "carats" is spelled c-a-r-a-t-s. Although pronounced the same as the orange vegetable eaten by both rabbits and human beings, its meaning is quite different. This kind of carat is a unit of weight for precious stones. The article told of a farmer in the African country of Sierra Leone whose spade struck a stone when he was planting potatoes in his garden. He dug the stone out and took it to a government office. It was found to be a genuine diamond, weighing 307 carats, one of the largest diamonds ever found in that country. This article reminded me of Jesus' parable, written in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 13, verse 44, about a man who happened to find a treasure hidden in a field. The man considered that treasure so valuable that he went and sold all of his possessions in order to buy that field. Some people stumble upon a great treasure, such as the treasure of God's truth, by accident, but if they recognize its value they are willing to give up everything to obtain it. (2485)
DINK couples (88/02/19)
In informal English, the word "dinky" spelled d-i-n-k-y, refers to something quite small. It is from this word that a small, close-fitting hat worn by college freshmen came to be called a dink. Recently, I have seen the word, DINK, spelled in capital letters, both on television and in an English-language newspaper published in Japan. In this case, D-I-N-K, means "Double Income, No Kids". I'm not sure whether this word is used in this sense in the United States or not, but a recent newspaper article indicates that DINK couples are causing changes in traditional Japanese life-style. Now that women are advancing in the business and professional world, some of them refuse to give up their freedom and financial independence to become mothers and traditional kanai, who remain at home. New types of apartment buildings are being built in Tokyo to cater to DINKs. Until now, apartments were designed for single people or for families, but these apartments feature one bedroom with a large living room and a dining kitchen. I may be old-fashioned, but I feel that a family is not complete without children. In Psalm 127: 3, we read, "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing." When considered a gift from God, children are raised with loving care. (2486)
Dunce Cap (88/02/20)
The Society for the Preservation of English Language and Literature, or SPELL, has its headquarters in the U.S. state of California. Its aim is to encourage the proper use of the English language. Every year it gives a Dunce Cap award for outstanding language blunders. The first place award for 1987was given to a Japanese knife manufacturer which affixed labels to knives which read: "Caution: Blade Extremely Sharp. Keep Out of Children." Presumably, the manufacturer meant to say, "Keep out of the reach of children" or "Keep away from children", but considering the odd behavior of some people these days, maybe the label is not so far-fetched after all. Incidentally, a dunce cap is a cone-shaped, paper cap which was put on the head of a slow or lazy pupil who had to sit on a stool in the corner of the classroom as a kind of punishment. The word "dunce", which refers to a slow-witted or stupid person, comes from the name of Duns Scotus, a brilliant but very conservative, scholar of the Middle Ages. He and his followers were opposed to any changes in the traditional doctrinal formulations of the church. This designation can be applied to some people today also who are against change and progress, for the God who makes "all things new" [Revelation 21:5] is still at work in the world today. (2487)
The "Diamond Rule" (88/02/21)
I presume you know the so-called 'Golden Rule'. Based on Jesus' words in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 7, verse 12, its common wording is: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." A similar maxim was taught by Confucius. However, his was given in a negative form; which has been called the "Silver Rule": "Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you." This Silver Rule is not so difficult to follow as the Golden Rule. A still more precious, yet difficult, principle of a somewhat different character might be called the 'Diamond Rule'. It is: "Do unto others as God has done unto you." In the 13th chapter of the Gospel of John is the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. After he had done so, he told them, "I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you." Later he added, "As I have loved you, so you must love one another." A parable he told in Matthew 18 teaches that we should forgive others just as God has forgiven us. In English, "give" and "get" have opposite meanings, but if we add the prefix 'for' to these words, they have a close relationship. If we truly forgive someone, we will forget that person's sin against us even as God forgives and forgets the sins of those who put their faith in him. (2488)
George Washington (88/02/22)
Although today is the 256th anniversary of the birth of the first president of the United States of America, since 1971, the third Monday of February has been observed as the legal holiday commemorating his birth. George Washington, born in the Colony of Virginia, worked as a surveyor before becoming a colonel in the Virginia militia and later commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. As a military strategist, Washington was not a great general, but his intense patriotism, calm wisdom and serene moral courage inspired his countrymen and brought final victory to the revolutionary forces. Following the ratification of the constitution of the new republic, he was unanimously chosen its first president. Although criticized by opponents, he left these immortal words: "To persevere in one's duty and be silent, is the best answer to calumny." (2489)
Olympic Games (88/02/23)
These days, the eyes of the world are focused on a city in the western Canadian province of Alberta. Calgary, the site of the Winter Olympic Games, is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Named after a town in Scotland, it began as an outpost of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1875 and has now become the sixth largest city in Canada and the center of the country's oil industry. The first Olympic Games were held outside the Greek town of Olympia in 776 B.C. At that time, they were limited to foot races, but over the years various other events were added. Since they were held every four years, the four-year-period between the games was called an Olympiad and in ancient Greece dates were reckoned according to Olympiads. These games were discontinued at the end of the 4th century A. D. The modern Olympic Games have been held every four years since 1896, except during world wars. In recent years, political considerations have caused some countries to boycott the games, but this year athletes from most countries that engage in skiing and ice skating are taking part. In his letter to the Philippians, chapter 3, beginning with verse 12, the Apostle Paul compared his life to a race in which he was seeking to gain the prize of eternal life with God.(2490)
Takafuda removed (88/02/24)
One of the problems for foreigners studying Japanese is the different pronunciations given to the same Chinese character and the different meanings such characters may convey. For example, the combination of the character meaning "high" with another meaning "card" may be pronounced either takafuda or kōsatsu and it may refer either to a notice-board or to the highest bid. For over 250 years, notice-boards were posted throughout Japan indicating that Christianity was prohibited. Even after the Meiji Restoration, these notice-boards remained. During the visit of the Iwakura mission to Europe and America, strong criticism of this prohibition of the Christian faith was reported to the home government. As a result, 115 years ago today, on February 24, 1873, such notice-boards were removed. Legally, there is religious freedom in Japan today, but the effect of this long period during which Christianity was outlawed and Christians were persecuted is still seen in the unreasonable antagonism to this religion that remains in the hearts of some people. Freedom of religion and respect for the beliefs of others are important elements of a democratic society which must be carefully preserved. (2491)
Physiques (88/02/25)
A number of English words are derived from the Greek word, phusikos, meaning natural or according to nature. "Physics" is the science that deals with matter, energy, motion and force. "Physical" pertains to the body or to material things. A "physic" is a medicine or drug and a "physician" is a person licensed to practice medicine. And finally, "physique" refers to the physical structure of a person's body. A report by the Education Ministry regarding the physiques of Japanese children was recently released. It indicated that, in general, children are taller and heavier than those of the same age who were examined one year ago. Thus, if larger bodies are considered preferable, then the physiques of Japanese children are continuing to improve. However, the same report indicated that the percentage of children with poor eyesight is also increasing, which is definitely not an improvement. It was suggested that the popularity of video games was one reason for this unhealthy condition. The Bible teaches that the inner, spiritual state of a person is more important than his or her physical condition, but there is an obvious relationship between inner peace and physical health. In I Corinthians 3:16, Christians are encouraged to keep their bodies healthy because they are the dwelling place of God's Spirit. (2492)
A strange hobby (88/02/26)
Do you know what a hobby-horse is? Originally, it meant a small or medium-sized horse. Then, it was used to refer to a child's plaything consisting of a long stick with an imitation horse's head at one end. Using the hobbyhorse, children pretended to ride a horse. From this word, the word "hobby" was derived to mean an an activity or interest pursued outside of one's regular work and engaged in primarily for pleasure. People have different kinds of hobbies, but Sunao Miyake, a 25-year-old man who lives in Hiroshima, was arrested a couple of months ago because of a strange hobby he had. Miyake's occupation was a truck driver, but he confessed to burglarizing about 500 homes, stealing cash and then hiding it in a safe in his home as a hobby. He usually burglarized homes in the evening and took cash from dressers while housewives were busy preparing dinner in the kitchen. When police searched his home, they found about ¥50 million which he had stolen. Due to the perverseness of the human heart, some people find pleasure in causing suffering to others. All of us need to be careful not to cause trouble to others in seeking to satisfy our own selfish desires. In the Letter to the Philippians, chapter 2, verse 4, it is written, "look out for one another's interests, not just for your own." (2493)
Blinking (88/02/27)
The American idiom, "on the blink" means that something is out of order or not in proper working condition. Recently, the computer I use to compose and print these daily messages has been acting a bit strangely and I am concerned about what I will do if it goes on the blink. Actually, to blink means to close and open the eyes rapidly. It is commonly thought that the reason people blink is to moisten the eyes. However, recent research has indicated that there are other reasons for blinking. In fact, babies blink only once every few minutes and studies have shown that people need to blink only once every two minutes in order to moisten their eyes. Nevertheless, adults blink an average of 10 to 15 times a minute. The reason seems to be that there is a relationship between blinking and the mental process of storing information, making a decision or performing a difficult mental task. People tend to blink when they have understood the question another is asking even if the questioner is only halfway through the question. They also tend to blink when they are formulating a question of their own or sorting out information in their own minds. Blinking the eyes is sometimes related to shedding tears. People shed tears when they are sad, but according to Revelation 21:4, in heaven, God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. (2494)
Meeting of listeners (88/02/02)
Beans (88/02/03)
Sri Lanka/Japan (88/02/04)
Bobby/Bob (88/02/05)
Magnet (88/02/06)
Lost sheep (88/02/07)
Confederate States (88/02/08)
Nine (88/02/09)
Hamburger (88/02/10)
National Foundation Day (88/02/11)
Abraham Lincoln (88/02/12)
Searching for lens (88/02/13)
Love (88/02/14)
Susan Anthony (88/02/15)
Lithuania (88/02/16)
Tōson Shimazaki (88/02/17)
307 carats (88/02/18)
DINK couples (88/02/19)
Dunce Cap (88/02/20)
The "Diamond Rule" (88/02/21)
George Washington (88/02/22)
Olympic Games (88/02/23)
Takafuda removed (88/02/24)
Physiques (88/02/25)
A strange hobby (88/02/26)
Blinking (88/02/27)
Two sons (88/02/28)
Leap year (88/02/29)
Robinson Crusoe (88/02/01)