Photo Scavenger Hunt

During my 4th of July celebrations, one event stood out among the rest, namely, a patriotic Photo Scavenger Hunt. As a photographer, I thoroughly enjoyed this activity. But the neat thing about it is that everyone is involved, photographically talented or not. Each team of about seven people was given several different things to act […]

Points of Interest for Puzzled Patriots

Thanks to everyone for their participation. I’m glad that I could be a part of your celebration this year even if it did come from afar and necessitate a week of suspense. After all, the role of a teacher is to raise questions before answering them right? So, the points of interest … 1. July […]

Our Help is in the Name of the LORD

On Independence Day, our family happened to read Psalm 124 in our morning devotions. We could hardly believe how perfectly it fit the occasion! As you read the chapter, relate it to these historical facts: 1. God protected the armies under George Washington by sending a heavy fog to allow them to escape from Long […]

An HQ 4th of July

I have celebrated the 4th of July in many different places. Over the years, I remember celebrating with friends in Manassas, Winchester and Fairfax VA, with family in Salem and Morgantown WV, and away from home in Indianapolis IN. This year, I happened to be in Hinsdale, IL. The morning started off with, well, catching […]

A Puzzle for Patriots

Before reading too much further, grab a pen or pencil and some note paper. As you think back to one of history’s most climactic days, jot down your best guess for the following 20 questions. Check back next week for the answers and have a memorable Fourth! 1. July 4 became an official national holiday […]

Day of Light… and Rest!

There have been so many things going on here at the Staddon house that it has been impossible for me to get anything posted for a while. It seems too bad because those things would make great blog posts. We’ve been splitting bee hives, planting trees, harvesting honey, chipping branches, and all kinds of other […]

Praise the Lord for Bikes!

Ever since late spring, when you can expect things to stay hot and muggy and there is no fear of it ever getting cold again (or at least for a while), I have always wanted to get a bike and explore the surrounding area. I’ve always enjoyed biking, whether it was racing through neighborhoods playing […]

Incredible Example of a Giver

I was in serious trouble! I had promised to bring back dinner from a certain restaurant for a friend who was busy at work. Unfortunately, by the time I was finished enjoying my own dinner, the restaurant had closed and I was unable to fulfill my promise. It was a terrible feeling! A while later […]

A Historic Disaster

At this time 145 years ago, not only had West Virginia just gained statehood, but the famous Gettysburg campaign was in full swing. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia moved unchecked into the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania, General Meade was about to take command of the Federal Army of the Potomac, and the stage was set […]

Happy Birthday West Virginia

Today is June 20th and it is West Virginia’s 145th birthday. We are thankful that we are free mountaineers. West Virginia is in the heart of the Appalachian Highlands. It is a very beautiful place to live and is nick named the Mountain State. West Virginia entered the union on June 20, 1863 as the […]