A Poor Widow

By Sandra M. Hart   Then Jesus saw a poor widow. She put two small copper coins into the box. He said, “I tell you the truth. This poor widow gave only two small coins. But she really gave more than all those rich people.” Luke 21:2-3 (International Children’s Bible) If you saw someone put two pennies into the offering basket, you might not think they gave a big gift to God. Jesus saw a woman put two small coins into the temple money box. He told his friends that she had given more than the rich people. Even though it was a small amount, she gave all she had. When I was a teenager, I felt badly when I put a quarter in the offering. My babysitting job only provided two or three dollars a week. Twenty-five cents was hard for me to give, but others around...

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Posted by on Jul 9, 2011 in Devotions Archives | 0 comments

A Battle at Fort McHenry Inspires a Song

Did you know …   Francis Scott Key is best remembered for writing a famous poem, The Star-Spangled Banner, which he wrote on the back of an old letter after witnessing a long battle. It happened during the War of 1812. Shortly after the British attacked Washington D.C. in August of 1814, Key learned that one of his friends, Dr. Beanes, had been taken as prisoner on the enemy ship, Tonnant. He received permission from President Madison to discuss his release with the British. He took Colonel Skinner with him to help. They placed a white flag of peace on their small boat and sailed Chesapeake Bay to find the British ships.  They boarded the ship and convinced the general to release Dr. Beanes. However, he wouldn’t let the three men leave until after they...

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Posted by on Jul 2, 2011 in Stories | 0 comments

A Persuasive Writer Inspires a Nation

Did you know …   Thomas Paine wrote an important pamphlet called Common Sense which was published on January 10, 1776. Written in clear, easy-to-read language, it became an overnight best-seller. About 500,000 copies sold shortly after publication. Many newspapers around the country reprinted quotes from Common Sense. Paine lived in England until 1774 when he came to America. He got a job writing articles for the Pennsylvania Magazine. He wrote about issues such as slavery and women’s rights. After the Battle of Lexington and Concord in April of 1775, George Washington was appointed as commander-in-chief of the Continental army. We were already at war with England and still many hesitated to split from England. In Common Sense, Paine wrote about the need to...

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Posted by on Jun 25, 2011 in Stories | 0 comments

Did You Know . . .

  On his way to California, William Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, met Pony Express agents and started working for them. He became a Pony Express Rider at the age of 15. When his relief rider was killed, he made his longest ride of 322 miles over dangerous territory in 21 hours and 40 minutes. He changed horses 21 times. Buffalo Bill also worked on the railroad, herded cattle, and took part in the gold rush. He received his nickname when he scouted during the Civil War. Buffalo Bill’s Wild West and Rough Riders of the World Show used some of the Pony Express Riders. Bronco Charlie Miller, who worked on Buffalo Bill’s show, became a rider at the age of 11. His father heard they needed a rider and volunteered Charlie. He claimed to be the last...

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Posted by on Apr 11, 2011 in Stories | 0 comments