Released in July, 1976 "If You leave Me Now" by the American rock group Chicago, written and sung by the band's bass player, Peter Cetera, brings back fond memories of that summer and hearing this popular love ballad playing on different radio stations while traveling north into New England with my Dad and Mom, sisters, and brother on our annual camping trip to Jackman, Maine.
"If You Leave Me Now" was one of the few non-Disco songs to reach Number One on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart that Bicentennial year.
The song won Grammy Awards for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus- the first Grammy won by Chicago. It was also nominated for Record of the Year.
By August, 1978 the song had sold 1.4 million copies in the United States alone and has been certified gold and platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
If You Leave Me Now (1976) Chicago Band (Uploaded January 22, 2018)
Just in time for your next cook out, America's favorite cowboy cook Kent Rollins shares some savory and sensational recipes for the perfect gourmet hot dog! Fire up the grill!
3 Unexpected Ways To Upgrade Your Hot Dogs! How To Make The Perfect Grilled Dog! Cowboy Kent Rollins (July 29, 2026)
The largest city per square mile in southern New Jersey, Vineland is also known as the "Dandelion Capital of the World" and is the birthplace of both Welch's Grape Juice, and the prolific Christian poet Annie Johnson Flint.
It was also chosen to be the place where an eccentric man named George Daynor would build his "Palace of Depression" on a piece of former swamp land.
A Vintage Postcard from "The Palace of Depression" Image courtesy/Flickr
Daynor, who was said to have made and lost a fortune in Alaskan gold after the Stock Market Crash in 1929, claimed that angels appeared to him in a dream and inspired him to build a fantastic palace. He and his wife Florence lived in an old car on the property while he constructed his "dream house" primarily from stone, salvaged junk, and other oddities.
Features of the pastel-colored palace included 18 towering spires, a circular shell-covered door, as well as the bizarrely named, "Knockout Room" where Daynor would allegedly drop a bowling ball on a visitor's head in order "to erase" their worst memories. This refuge of rubbish further included special accommodations for none other than the legendary Jersey Devil!
Calling his finished masterpiece, "the greatest piece of originality ever brought about in the history of Man" Daynor opened the palace for tours to the general public on Christmas Day in 1932, originally charging 10 cents for admission.
Although considered a bit on the kooky side, the "Palace of Depression" became a popular roadside tourist attraction for many years. Unfortunately, George Daynor was a known publicity hound, which proved to be his undoing.
In 1956, he reported to the authorities that suspects involved in a baby kidnapping case had visited the palace after they were described in the news media. According to the website, Atlas Obscura, Daynor at one point insinuated that he was actually the kidnapper. After the F.B.I. became involved and discovered that his claims were false, Daynor served time in prison for his outrageous publicity stunt.
George Daynor was reported to have been well over 100 years old when he died penniless in a Bridgeton, New Jersey hospital in 1964. He was buried in the potter's field at Oak Hill Cemetery in Vineland, with the city providing a headstone for his grave.
Not long after George Daynor's death, a mysterious fire destroyed the palace. The city eventually bulldozed the ruins in 1969. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest as well as an ongoing effort to restore this long-lost relic in memory of it's enigmatic creator, and to preserve one man's unusual legacy of thrift and ingenuity during the early years of the Great Depression.
The newly restored Palace of Depression is today located on privately owned property at 265 S. Mill Rd. Vineland, New Jersey.
Restoration of The Palace Of Depression Continues In New Jersey N.J.com (March 25, 2022)
"His presence would be deeply hurtful and inappropriate- like an unwelcome guest at a deeply personal ceremony." -Giovanni Galante, whose wife was killed on 9/11
Image courtesy/New York Post
In response to the recent news stories concerning family members and friends who lost loved ones in the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York City and are now seeking to bar that city's controversial mayor, Zohran Mamdani from attending the upcoming 25th year commemoration ceremony due to his radical views and support for the apologists of Islamic jihad and terrorism, I submit a letter I wrote to the Editor of The Sentinel of Franklin Twp. in December 2011.
Kudos To Lowe's For Not Caving In!
For those of you who don't know, Lowe's Home Improvement Stores are pulling their commercials, along with other companies, from sponsoring the new and controversial TLC (The Learning Channel) program, "All American Muslim".
As a result, they have come under a tremendous backlash for their decision.
California Senator Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) called the move, "bigoted, shameful, and un-American". But, is this action on the part of Lowe's really, "bigoted, shameful, and un-American"? Why is it that Muslims are constantly receiving preferential treatment over the rest of Americans from politicians and the social media?
Furthermore, the title, "All American Muslim" is an oxymoron.
While it is true that there are American citizens who are Muslims, there is nothing "All American" about Islam. This archaic and often violent religious and political system has never had any significant impact on our history as a nation, or in our traditional and unique American culture.
Aside from the increase in challenges to our laws in courtrooms across America, and the threat of using litigation against American companies, school districts, etc., for perceived, "religious discrimination" or worse, bringing trumped up charges of "inciting hate" against non-Muslims as a means to impose their beliefs, our enemies are employing a much more subtle approach in their stealth jihad against America, a well-known practice in Islam called, "Taqiyya" which in Arabic means, "Concealing, precaution, guarding".
"Taqiyya" disguises the real beliefs of Islamists through lying and deceiving and in the case of "All American Muslim" feigning to appear "just like everyone else" in America.
To be fair here, there are many American Muslims who are good, law-abiding citizens who are tolerant of the beliefs of others, and would never harm anyone. The problem is Islam.
And, contrary to the wishful thinking of liberals in Washington D.C. and Hollywood, and their push for one big politically correct, "multicultural society" Islam refuses to be "just like everyone else" in America. Sharia, or Islamic Law, will never coincide with the U.S. Constitution, or any other laws in our established judicial system.
America has always been, first and foremost, a beacon of hope and freedom to the rest of the world. Islam has always been, and remains to be, an anathema to hope and freedom.
"We Are Taking Over" Islamic Call To Prayer Blasted Over Loudspeakers In New York City CBN News (February 27, 2026)
July's Full Moon is called the Buck Moon. It's arrival coincides with the time of the year when male deer grow new antlers.
According to the Iowa Wildlife Federation, deer antlers grow at an astounding rate- as much as one and a half inches per week!
Although growth slows down in August, by early September, the buck's antlers are "sparkling with newly polished elegance, ready to aid its owner in the age-old struggle for dominance." -Iowa Wildlife Federation
The Forest Deer In The Moonlight Image courtesy/Dreamstime.com
According to the folks at The Old Farmer's Almanac, today's Full Buck Moon reached peak illumination at 10:36 a.m. EST this morning. Look to the southwestern horizon at sunset to see beautiful Luna rise again tonight.
Pending on the weather conditions in your area, she may appear to be a hazy orange color due to the excessive heat. This month's moon will appear larger than average as she ascends on the horizon tonight, and will also be the host of a mini planetary parade, leading Saturn, Mars, and Mercury into the summer night sky.
🌝I hope the skies are clear where you're at tonight, fellow sky watchers!🌝
"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." (1 Corinthians 5:7-8)
Ruins of Ancient Corinth in Greece Image courtesy/Pinterest
In this teaching, Les discusses the problems besieging the Corinthian Church. While they were believers, they were saved, and one day we will meet them in glory, they had many problems!
What was going on in Corinth in A.D. 60? Was it no different from what has been happening within the Church today?
The apostle Paul addressed the issues plaguing Corinthian believers after they wrote a letter to him asking how to deal with the immorality in their church. Through the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul responded to their request, admonishing church leaders to step up to the plate and deal correctly with the gross sin being tolerated within the congregation.
Problems And Consequences Of Carnal Believers Part One (1996) Les Feldick Ministries-Official Site (July 19, 2019)
Problems And Consequences Of Carnal Believers
Part Two (1996) Les Feldick Ministries-Official Site (July 20, 2019)
Problems And Consequences Of Carnal Believers
Part Three (1996) Les Feldick Ministries-Official Site (July 23, 2019)
Problems And Consequences Of Carnal Believers
Part Four (1996) Les Feldick Ministries-Official Site (July 24, 2019)
A delightful surprise awaited me this morning when a dainty, bright yellow bird with black wings and black markings on his head and tail joined the usual crowd of breakfast feeders at the pile of seeds I leave for the birds on the little patio near the back door of my home.
Eastern Goldfinch Image courtesy/Pinterest
The reason I toss the seeds in a neat pile on the cement is due to the fact that I have yet to buy a hanging feeder that is 100% squirrel proof!
I have actually caught these ornery critters with their chubby fur bodies flung out across the top of the seed pile to try and prevent other birds or other hungry animals, like the patient little brown rabbits, from getting anything to eat. However, it is the pesky, but pretty, blue and white feathered Blue Jays whom often present the greedy squirrels with a formidable challenge, launching relentless dive-bomb attacks from the air.
Showdown! Blue Jay vs. Squirrel Image courtesy/Reddit
It is also the mischievous Jays who like to sound the alarm whenever new seeds are added to the pile. They seem to like luring the other birds in my backyard with their familiar shrilling and then, buzzing at, and trying to scare them away from the seed pile too.
Of course, the beautiful red male Northern Cardinals and their yellow-red mates do not seem to scare easy, and often make it to feed at the edge of the pile of seeds. In addition to Robins and Mourning Doves coming to feed too, there are small flocks of little birds which I cannot identify, however, I think the brown-feathered feasters might be called House Finches. After the blizzard this past January, one of these little brown birds somehow got inside our house. Fortunately, we were able to chase the little fellow back outside again before the cat got a hold of him!
I am also occasionally treated to the appearance of a red-headed Woodpecker, with striking black and white zebra-like plumage, whom I think resides in the large tree in the side yard next to my house. Sometimes, when I go out to water my flowers in the early mornings at sunrise, I hear him busy at his mysterious work, hidden high up in the tree tops.
Although I have spotted them in the area where I live, I have never seen a Goldfinch this close up before today.
The Eastern Yellow Goldfinch holds the distinguished title of being the official State Bird of New Jersey. Two other states also claim the little yellow bird as their own: Iowa, and Washington State, where it is called the Willow Goldfinch.
"If anyone desires to come after Me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me. For whoever will save their life, shall lose it: and whoever will lose their life for My sake, shall find it." (Matthew 16:24-25)
Image courtesy/Bible Art
As I've been pondering the subject of happiness this morning-an elusive and seemingly unattainable state for so many-I am led to these words of Jesus. I believe the secret of happiness lies embedded in those words, painful though they appear to be.
How else explain radiant people like the young man who sat in our living room and described how his six year old boy died in his arms from leukemia. Today, this man finds fulfillment in giving himself totally to helping college students. Or the woman I visited recently whose husband turned out to be a homosexual and demanded a divorce. Some years later, this woman also lost her eyesight. Yet, she is a cheerful, loving person, fully self-supporting.
You might say that such people almost have a right to be unhappy. That they are not, lies in the way they spend themselves for others. I have observed that when any of us embarks on the pursuit of happiness for ourselves, it eludes us. Often I've asked myself why.
Image courtesy/Amazon.com
It must be because happiness comes to us only as a dividend. When we become absorbed in something demanding and worthwhile, above and beyond ourselves, happiness seems to be there as a by-product of the self-giving.
Catherine Marshall (1914-1983) American Christian writer and best-selling author Image courtesy/Alchetron
"Happiness Is..." By Catherine Marshall
A Devotional taken from The Women's Devotional New Testament With Psalms And Proverbs New International Version (c. 1995) Zondervan
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things, because were curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." -Walt Disney
Image courtesy/Wikipedia
75 years ago today, on July 26, 1951, Walt Disney's animated, comedy- fantasy version of Lewis Carroll's "Alice In Wonderland" premiered at the Leicester Square Theatre in London, England. The film premiered a few days later in America on July 28, 1951 in New York City.
Walt Disney with 13 year old Katherine Beaumont, the voice actress of Alice, attending the premiere of "Alice In Wonderland" in London, England on July 26, 1951. Image courtesy/Reddit
These two favorite scenes of mine from Walt Disney's "Alice In Wonderland" brings back memories of when my children were little and liked to watch " Disney's Sing-A-Long Songs" VHS tapes on the VCR.
Does anyone still own a VCR these days?
Golden Afternoon Alice In Wonderland (1951) Walt Disney Productions Uploaded by Princess Aurora sleeping beauty (April 20, 2024)
The Unbirthday Song Alice In Wonderland (1951) Walt Disney Productions Uploaded by Ruben Vernier (April 26, 2014)
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze." (Isaiah 43:2)
The things we want in life can take possession of us if we're not careful. When this happens, anxiety can take hold of us in the form of fear, worry, or other paralyzing emotions. In Part One of this classic sermon, Dr. Charles Stanley teaches how the believer can find relief from anxiety, by first and foremost trusting in God.
All Our Anxieties/Part One Dr. Charles Stanley/In Touch Ministries (Uploaded April 12, 2026)
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
When we do not deal correctly with anxiety, it can become very destructive in our lives. In Part Two of this classic teaching, Dr. Stanley teaches about the sources of anxiety and how we can overcome our fears and worries by trusting God who already has the solution to our problems.
All Our Anxieties/Part Two Dr. Charles Stanley/In Touch Ministries (Uploaded April 19, 2026)
From 2003, this patriotic musical salute to America stars many of the talented dancers, musicians, and singers from the Welk Musical Family, including Anacani, Elaine Balden, Bobby Burgess, Jo Ann Castle, Guy Hovis, Ralna English, Myron Floren, Norma Zimmer, Jack Imel, The Lennon Sisters, and more!
This presentation also features a special 100th Birthday tribute to Lawrence Welk, who was born to German immigrant parents in Strasburg, North Dakota on March 11, 1903. Through hard work and determination, Mr. Welk lived the American dream, becoming one of the most beloved television personalities and Big Band leaders of all time.
Hosted by cast members Mary Lou Metzger and Tom Netherton, "Lawrence Welk: God Bless America" features The Welk Champagne Music Makers conducted by John Bahler.
Lawrence Welk: God Bless America (2003) Uploaded by Lawrence Welk LPs (July 1, 2023)
"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make music." (Psalm 57:7)
Mary and Laura listening to Pa playing his fiddle in the book, "Little House In The Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder Illustration by Garth Williams Image courtesy/Pinterest
Long years have passed since childhood's happy day.
Sorrow and joy have fallen in my way.
Sunshine and shadow along my pathway lay.
Happiness and misery have come and passed away.
And rosy morn and twilight cold and gray,
Never to fade and never to decay.
Until this paper's page I print
With stylus of steel on slate of flint,
The words which shall forever be
A record of the melody
That lifts my soul, Oh, God, to thee.
Those sweet old strains shall ever rise
And be with me beyond the skies,
Shall be with me and never die,
Sweet strains of the "Sweet By and By."
And oft the merry footsteps flew
And happy heart beats faster grew
As o'er the strings the bow he drew.
And "Swanee River" "Home Sweet Home"
Shall be with me where e'er I roam
Through desert wild, o'er ocean foam,
And make the glittering teardrop start
And faster beat the throbbing heart.
But like some brilliant beacon star
As o'er the world I wander far
I seem to see my home again,
My father and his violin.
Sweeter by far to my loving heart
Than minstrels of cultured art
Was music from those mystic strings,
My father's hand to give it wings.
Oh, how I wish for an hour once more
In that dear old home on Vermillion's shore.
How I long to enter that vine-wreathed door
And stand on that old familiar floor,
Once more the dear ones there to greet
To think of the years that have passed so fleet
Since with childish romping feet
We roamed through the gardens and meadows sweet;
And to look with many blinding tears
Into the vista of the coming years.
What the future may bring we cannot know.
Joy's wings are fleet, sorrow's are slow.
Sorrow from joys of the present may glow
Or joy may come of our grief and woe.
But ever and always the song in my heart
Shall be of a time when never to part,
In the Heavenly home we'll meet again,
Sanctified, gloried, cleansed from all sin.
"My Father's Violin" A Poem by Mary Amelia Ingalls
Mary Amelia Ingalls (1865-1928) Image courtesy/Wikipedia
The older sister of "Little House" author Laura Ingalls Wilder, at the age of fourteen, Mary lost her eyesight after contracting what is now believed to be viral encephalitis. She was later able to attend the Iowa College for the Blind. After a seven year study course she graduated from the school in 1889.
Unlike her portrayal on the NBC television series, "Little House On The Prairie" the real life Mary Ingalls never became a teacher or married, but after college returned to De Smet, South Dakota to live with her parents. She contributed to the family's income by making hammocks and fly nets for horses. Mary loved to read and to write poetry. She was also actively involved in church work and with local social organizations.
Mary had a beautiful soprano voice and like her father, Charles Ingalls, a natural talent for playing musical instruments. She served as the organist at the De Smet Congregational Church for 30 years.
After the deaths of Pa and Ma, Mary lived in their home on Third Street in De Smet with her youngest sister, Grace, and her husband, Nate Dow. She later went to live with her younger sister, Carrie in Keystone, South Dakota where she died after suffering a stroke in 1928. She was 63 years old.
