Nowadays, few remember them. But in a previous century, aprons were an everyday essential in every woman’s wardrobe. With an overhead strap and tied in back, they were worn to protect a lady’s dress, “because women couldn’t afford to ruin the few dresses they had,” recalled David Beckman from his 1940s upbringing in rural southeast Minnesota. Compared to a dress, an apron … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage Unexpected at the door!
Not everyone may consider themselves to be a host or hostess. For some folks it comes naturally, but whether or not we see ourselves with such a gift, there are times when we have that very opportunity to entertain guests. We had that chance recently. Now you might find this list of events a bit much to handle. Back to back like this, they might be. Despite being … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotion – It’s all about the perspective
By Pastor Bridget Sheely Racine/Wykoff/Sumner Center UMC The word perspective has made its way into my mind space quit often lately. I have seen Facebook posts pop up out of nowhere pronouncing that maybe it’s time to clear my vision, news reports that cause me to get distracted from what is truly important, and now in my churches book study of “Revelation,” by Margaret … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Few “flamboozles,” but there were velvet capes
They thought the valley the “grandest spot on Earth, their home without an equal in the land and which they would not exchange for any other in all Christendom.” That grand valley was Yucatan Valley in Houston County, Minn., as described by Capt. Samuel B. McIntire. McIntire (1838-1917) was the first Minnesotan appointed to West Point. Graduating in 1862, he was thrust into … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotion – If we say we have no sin
By Pastor Michael Harman St. Johns Lutheran Church and School There is great Christian comfort in First John 1:8-9. “If we say we have no sin, then we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” “If we say we have no SIN.” What is sin? Is it something … [Read more...]
You can look at an eagle for a long time
“Which is better, one or two?” I wasn’t a jam judge at the county fair. I was having an eye exam. The optometrist asked me repeatedly which of the two lens choices improved my vision. I couldn’t tell and never can. I picked one by doing a “One, two, sky blue, all out except you” in my head. I want splendid vision and I appreciate those with splendid visions for the … [Read more...]
Fresh off the Farm
Three ways to rescue the last drops of summer (start with my Creamsicle recipe!) For the record: I don’t hate school. However, I recently saw something mildly horrific: “Back to School Supplies” My summer just started, and then WalMart had the gall to go back to school on me?! (Don’t they know we’re squeezing out the last few drops of sunshine?!) Then Mr. Guilt attacked … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Battling with rubber bands, biking without pedaling
Part two of a series During the Great Depression of the 1930s, resourceful children – often with parental assistance - used what they had for entertainment. Automobile tires had inner tubes to retain the air. Discarded inner tubes could be cut into narrow but strong rubber bands, which became ammunition. “Through judicious use of wood and bands, we were able to fashion rubber … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotion – The greatest promise!
By Pastor Paul Hauschild Chatfield and Root Prairie Lutheran Churches There are 66 books in the Bible, and some are so difficult and confusing to read… detailed, deep, and even dark. But when all is said and done, one verse stands alone! The verse is none other than John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that everyone who believes in … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Enjoyment, surely some romance, on Sunday afternoons
Part one of a series It was before television, movies and even radio. There were not yet competitive sports. It was the late 1880s and 1890s near Hokah, Minn., which had been settled by those with European heritage in 1849. Many young folks comprised their family’s first generation to be born in North America. There were very few traveling entertainers that came to Hokah - a … [Read more...]