A WOODPECKER'S PRIDE. The story goes something like this.... "One day, a rather proud woodpecker flew to the top of a tall, majestic pine tree. After just three mighty pecks, a bolt of lightning struck the tree, crashing it to the ground in a heap of splinters. The woodpecker, having flown to a tree nearby, clung in terror at what had just happened. It remained motionless in shock expecting more to follow. However, as all remained quiet for some time, it began to chuckle to itself saying, "Well, well, well. Who would have ever imagined that just three pecks of my beak could have such power as that!" I have to wonder if this story reflects the reality of a man named Samson. It was God who sent His angel to Samson's mom to announce that, though she had been barren, God would give her a son (Judges 13). In other words, the very birth of Samson was due to God's direct intervention. Samson was to be a unique servant of God, a Nazarite, and was to never drink wine, nor eat anything unclean, nor cut his hair. And it's clear that God's hand was upon Samson, for Scripture says, "the LORD blessed him. And the Spirit of the LORD began to move upon him... (13:24-25). We also read of 3 instances in Samson's life in which "the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him" (14:6, 14:19, 15:14). Yet, in the whole account of Samson, he only called upon God twice—once when he thirsted greatly (15:18) and once to ask for strength so that in his death he could take vengeance on the Philistines for putting out his eyes (16:28). We certainly don't know Samson's heart, but the impression from his life seems to be that his life was all about himself. In fact, after his hair was cut while sleeping and he awoke, he had not thought of God at all but pridefully said, "I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free!" Sadly, Samson never learned that, "those who walk in pride He (God) is able to put down" (Daniel 4:37).

We finished up in the Old Testament this week from Chapter 21 of The Story. Specifically, we looked at Chapter 8 of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. Simply stated, at this time, life was a mess. In fact, saying life was a mess may very well sum up those last several hundred years from the exile in Babylon to the return to Judah.

The menus for the week beginning Monday, June 29, are as follows: Monday—Chicken strips, hashbrown casserole, peas and carrots, bread, five-cup salad. Tuesday— Chef salad, cottage cheese, crackers, and watermelon. Wednesday through Friday—Menus not available prior to press time.

NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD. In Old Testament times, agreements were put into effect by the shedding of blood. Animals were slaughtered, split in half, and the halves laid on the ground with enough room left to walk between. When it was time to ratify the agreement between the two parties (e.g. buyer and seller), both would walk between the bloody animal halves as if to say, "May you do this to me if I do not keep my promise to you." Seems rather odd by modern norms, but would have been commonly understood in that day. When God chose to raise up a special people to especially bless, He began with Abram, "So He said to him, 'Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon'" (Gen. 15:9). So Abram brought the animals to God and then "cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two" (Gen. 15:10). When it came time to ratify the agreement, Abram fell into a deep sleep but "there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces" (Gen. 15.17). In other words, God alone ratified the agreement with Abram thus placing no conditions upon him. This "Abrahamic Covenant" included the promise of land, of innumerable descendants, and of God's special blessing and protection. Jumping ahead in time some 2,000 years, brings us to the making of a "New Covenant" between God and man which was also ratified by the shedding of blood. In this covenant, God promises that He will eternally forgive the sins (past, present, and future) and restore to fellowship all those whose hearts are turned to trust alone in the death of "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Rev. 13:8). No wonder John exclaimed, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). And no wonder we rejoice in singing, "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!"

Did you know that you are here on earth for a purpose? You are. The fact is God put you at the right place at just the right time to serve Him and accomplish His will. Do you believe that? If not, maybe you should spend some time in the book of Esther.

It’s a sign of the season – campaigning to support your favorite political candidate. However, if your plans involve placing a political sign, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) reminds you to make sure it’s not located on highway right of way.

A RETIREMENT CEREMONY was conducted Friday, June 5, for SKC Willard D. Purdum. It was 25 years to the day from when he reported to Cape May for basic training. The ceremony was attended only by training center personnel and Willard’s family due to the pandemic lockdown. Willard (or more likely, Tiffany) wrote and posted this review of his career on Facebook: “Twenty-five years ago today, Will got off the bus in Cape May for boot camp. Little did we know what an adventure we were in for or that today we would be having his retirement ceremony: not the way we planned but the best we could in a pandemic. It has been quite the adventure. Only four big moves, 6 different units: USCGC Edisto, Crescent City, Tracen Petaluma x3, CAMSPAC Pt Reyes, USCGC Aspen, San Francisco, Base Kodiak, Alaska and Base Elizabeth City, North Carolina; 5 years at sea, 7 different homes, and two beautiful girls. We’ve crossed the country twice. I’m so proud of your service and accomplishments. Looking forward to our next adventure!” Willard’s mom and dad (Harry & Willardene Purdum) had planned to attend the ceremony, but the pandemic made travel impossible.

Wheat farmer board members of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and Kansas Wheat Commission held board meetings this week via conference call. They discussed current crop conditions throughout the state.

The Hobart Homemakers FCE group met Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at the United Methodist Church in Stockton at 7 p.m. Ruth Ann opened the meeting with the flag salute. Roll call was, "What was a special time for you during this pandemic?” It was answered by six members. We decided to donate money to the Ray and Lou Kriley Fund, who lost their house in a fire. We also discussed our scholarship and we gave $250 each to Tatum Hamilton and Macy Odle.

On Sunday, June 7th, Wagner Park at Smith Center was the date and location for the annual Butler Reunion. A small but mighty group enjoyed a wonderful potluck dinner at noon, minus the cotton flying, but with the wind and heat present. The afternoon was filled with lots of visiting and picture taking. Those attending were: Joseph V. Taylor, North Pole, Alaska; Dave, Sheila and Jade Humble, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Tom and Judy Butler, Enid, Okla.; Arrow Zanghi, Deb Kola and Mocha, Coldwater; Linda Buster, Galva; Taylor, Jamie, Haegan and Haecie Rippe, Osborne; and Jim and Erny Kee, Stockton. The afternoon was filled with lots of visiting and picture taking.