Serve by Design

Monique is back reading again! She grew up hiding under her covers with a flashlight and an enjoyable book (like The   Boxcar Children !) long after her dad warned her to go to sleep. All during our dating years and early years of marriage she was always reading little paperback romance novels or something by Danielle Steel. I was never at a loss for book ideas for her on special occasions like her birthday or our anniversary. Use Your Local Library! It's Free!! Of late, she is back at our local library, most Saturday mornings, checking out a stack of books for her week’s reading. Recently, I was tickled to see that there was a half-dozen boys’ and girls’ bicycles parked (with helmets attached!) at the front bike rack. Monique reported to me the number of hugs those kid-readers gave to their “favorite retired sub” as she was checking out! I did not grow up with an appreciation for reading. My parents were task-oriented and “doers” by personality type, but not readers. My childhoo...

Since 1782, the Bald Eagle has been the national bird of the United States of America. Many believe that the Founders made an appropriate choice because of the eagle’s majestic beauty, powerful strength, and fierce independence. It is likely that our forefathers borrowed the treasured emblem from the Native Americans who revered the Bald Eagle and its feathers in their traditions, culture, and religion. To them and patriotic Americans as well, this beloved symbol represents courage, honesty, truth, wisdom, and freedom. Lincoln In Lincoln, Illinois! Lincoln, Illinois, has distinguished itself for being the only city in the United States to be named after Abraham Lincoln before he would become the Sixteenth President in 1861. Lincoln helped to found the city in 1853 and christened it with watermelon juice. To this day, the downtown Train Depot marks the christening with a historical plaque and a small “watermelon monument.” Lincoln, Illinois was the setting for numerous visits by Abraha...