The origins of Uncle Sam, America's iconic mascot, date back to the War of 1812, where he was first mentioned in a diary entry by Isaac Mayo. Over time, the character evolved through various depictions in art and literature, symbolizing the American Republic and its values of liberty and freedom. [... more]

Investors are wondering whether the market is getting ahead of itself, especially in AI and tech. A timely article by Mark Biller at Sound Mind Investing explores how investors should handle a potential bubble, focusing on staying diversified, rebalancing periodically, keeping reasonable expectations, and focusing on a long-term strategy that can stick with all different types of market environments. [... more]

Dr. Robert Jeffress explains that suffering is a natural part of being a Christian, and that it can be a catalyst for the spread of the gospel. He shares biblical principles to help Christians prepare for and respond to persecution, and encourages listeners to have a different perspective on suffering, weighing it against the eternal rewards of God. [... more]

A mother shares her journey with two children born with a rare genetic disorder, Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia, and how it has shaped her faith and ministry. She discusses the importance of disability awareness, inclusive education, and the power of storytelling in bridging the gap to compassion. [... more]

Bruce Paddock shares the story of his father's impact on his life, including the lessons he learned about work ethic, entrepreneurship, and the importance of inspecting what you expect. He also talks about how his father's early death affected his family and how he found mentors to guide him through difficult times. [... more]

The Holy Spirit is the divine strengthener who comes alongside believers to provide strength, guidance, and wisdom. He promotes Jesus Christ, provides inner strength, and points us to the truth. The Spirit also prays for us when we don't know how to pray, making intercession with groanings that cannot be uttered. As a Christian, the Holy Spirit lives within us, and it's essential to recognize His presence and allow Him to reign in our lives. [... more]

Arlington National Cemetery, founded as a memorial to George Washington, has a complex history dating back to the Civil War era, with thousands of ordinary Americans buried there, including Isaac C. Hart, a white officer who led black soldiers. The cemetery's history reflects the tension of freedom and slavery in the early Republic, and its motto, Honor, Remember, Explore, reminds Americans of the sacrifices made to preserve the nation's founding ideals. [... more]

When taking a genuine step of faith, expect a fight, as seen in the story of Nehemiah, who faced ridicule, criticism, and discouragement, but responded with prayer and perseverance, ultimately rebuilding the wall and achieving his holy ambition. [... more]

Jesus' compassion is made real as he interacts with those in need, showing that he cares about people and their struggles, and that he is willing to touch and heal even the most marginalized and outcast individuals. He validates and exalts those who come to him, calling them daughters of God and forgiving their sins, and he empowers his followers to continue his work of showing compassion and distributing his grace to a world that has lost its way. [... more]

Meet Louis, a charismatic pool player from St. Louis, Missouri, who dominated the sport for over two decades. Louis's incredible skills, wit, and charm made him a legend in the billiard industry. He even made appearances in the film industry, including in the movie 'The Color of Money.' Unfortunately, Louis's life was cut short when he took his own life in 1991, sending shockwaves throughout the billiard community. [... more]

The story of Margaret and H.A. Ray, the creators of Curious George, who fled wartime Europe and arrived in the US bringing their ideas and art. Their courage and optimism inspire a new generation of readers and artists, and their legacy lives on through the beloved character of Curious George. [... more]

The Christian faith starts with God, continues with God, and ends with God. The ultimate purpose of God is not our happiness, but his glory. He is over all, working through all, and present in all, sustaining and pervading the church He has created. [... more]

A devastating conflict is unfolding in Lebanon, leaving families in fear and uncertainty. Heart for Lebanon is responding with emergency aid and the hope of the gospel, providing food, shelter, and hygiene supplies to newly displaced families. The organization is committed to walking with these families for as long as they need, introducing them to the hope of Christ and the possibility of a lasting eternal peace. [... more]

Christian financial advisors can help clients align their values with their financial decisions, leading to a more fulfilling and responsible approach to money management. By prioritizing stewardship and biblical principles, individuals can make informed choices about their finances and create a more secure financial future. [... more]

The foundation of love is obedience to the truth, which is a reference to the gospel and salvation. Genuine love is sincere, without hypocrisy, and fervent, stretching to the limits of one's capacity. It is an internal principle initiated by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who produces love as the first fruit of the Spirit. Believers are in a new family, related by the blood of Christ, and are under a new authority, the word of the Lord, which endures forever. [... more]

A team from the Salvation Army's Southern Staff Band reflects on their 10-day trip to South Africa, where they led worship services and toured facilities. They share moments that humbled them, including the dedication of the local people and the contrast between their own experiences and those of the South Africans, who showed remarkable hospitality and humility despite facing significant challenges. [... more]

The experience of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane teaches us valuable lessons about responding to pain and suffering, and how it can be a transformative experience in our lives, leading to intimacy with God and a deeper understanding of His will. [... more]

God does not always give us the faith to escape, but he always gives us the faith and the strength to endure when we call upon Him. We are to live, die, and sometimes suffer in faith, trusting that God is sovereign over all circumstances and that He will give us a future and a hope. [... more]

Investing in companies that prioritize servant leadership and biblical stewardship can lead to long-term business success and positive impact on society. Dolores Bamford, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Eventide Asset Management, shares her expertise on evaluating leadership quality and its role in creating lasting value. [... more]

The story of Doc Holliday, a gambler and lawman who traveled the Wild West, getting into gunfights and forming friendships with notable figures like Wyatt Earp. Doc's life was marked by his struggles with tuberculosis and his involvement in the infamous Gunfight at the OK Corral. [... more]

As caregivers, it's essential to learn how to set healthy boundaries and use 'stock answers' to protect ourselves from emotional exhaustion. We also need to prioritize spiritual nourishment by consuming the Word of God and memorizing scripture to sharpen our minds and discern the intentions of others. Additionally, faith-based programs, such as those offered by Core Civic, can be a powerful tool for healing and redemption. [... more]

Paul's letter to Titus emphasizes the importance of older men in the church, encouraging them to pursue temperance, dignity, and soundness in their faith, love, and perseverance, serving as role models for younger men and demonstrating the power of the Spirit of God. [... more]

E. V. Hill and S. M. Lockeridge were two African-American pastors who lived with devotion, courage, and passion for the gospel of Christ. Despite facing challenges and making enemies on both sides, they remained committed to delivering the truth of God's word and were motivated by the approval of Christ. Their lives are worthy of imitation, not for their oratory skills or large congregations, but for their unwavering focus on the glory of Christ. [... more]

The gospel shapes all of life, including family relationships, and parents have a crucial role in nurturing and training their children to become more like Jesus. This involves learning obedience, choosing to give honor, and understanding the importance of both nurture and training in parenting. [... more]

Managing disappointment when prayers are not answered requires faith, endurance, and a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty. Even in the midst of suffering, Christians can find strength in their faith and trust that God is working all things for their good. [... more]

William Cooper, a famous English poet, struggled with mental illness throughout his life, including depression, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts. Despite his struggles, he found comfort and strength in his faith and the gospel, writing many hymns that are still sung today. His story highlights the importance of understanding that personal frailties do not signify God's displeasure and that faith can provide a guided tour through suffering. [... more]

Jesus' experience in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he prayed for the cup of God's wrath to be removed, highlights the importance of understanding God's will and the role of prayer in the Christian faith. Jesus' willingness to submit to God's plan, even in the face of unanswered prayer, demonstrates the depth of his love and commitment to redemption. [... more]

Faith in Finance explores the intersection of faith and finances, offering biblical wisdom for managing God's resources. Host Rob West discusses the importance of stewardship, the role of a Christian financial advisor, and practical tips for navigating financial challenges with a heart anchored in peace and joy. [... more]

A Christian family's journey with adoption, special needs, and caregiving, exploring the intersection of faith, family, and spiritual warfare, and the importance of gospel-centered pastoring in the church. [... more]

James Warner Bella's life was a tale of adventure, military service, and writing. From his early days as a pilot in World War I to his later years as a writer in Hollywood, Bella's experiences shaped his stories and screenplays. He served in both World War I and World War II, rising through the ranks and earning numerous decorations. Bella's writing career flourished, with works such as Fort Apache, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and Rio Grande becoming classics of the Western canon. His collaboration with John Ford resulted in some of the most iconic films of the golden era of Hollywood. [... more]

David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby, and author Bill High discuss the importance of building a generational legacy through family values, stewardship, and a strong Christian faith. They share practical tips on how to create a lasting impact on future generations, including the importance of storytelling, mission, vision, and values. [... more]

The Talking Heads' song 'Once in a Lifetime' is a symphonic embodiment of the band's unique blend of punk, funk, and world music. The song's creation involved a series of jam sessions, misheard counting, and a breakthrough for producer Brian Eno. David Byrne's lyrics, inspired by televangelists, explore the theme of routine existence and the search for meaning. [... more]

The written word has exercised enduring cultural power, shaping culture and thought through the development of the book. From ancient scrolls to modern codices, books have built the world, facilitating history, politics, philosophy, and self-discovery. Christians have long advanced books as instruments of cultural renewal, driven by the zeal to preserve and spread the gospel. [... more]

Robert Johnson, a legendary blues musician, struggled with a tumultuous life, marked by poverty, infidelity, and personal struggles. His grandmother blamed him for her daughter's and grandchild's deaths, leading to Robert's feelings of guilt and pressure. Despite this, he continued to play the guitar, eventually meeting Ike Zimmerman, who mentored him and helped him develop his skills. The myth that Robert sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads to learn how to play the guitar is disputed by his grandson, who believes that Robert's talent came from hard work and dedication, not a deal with the devil. [... more]

Christians have certain heavenly possessions that put earthly possessions in perspective, and knowledge of these possessions helps cope with long-standing troubles and suffering, requiring patience and faith in the coming of the Lord. [... more]

The movie Slapshot, released in 1977, is a true classic of American sports film, comically depicting a minor league hockey team's violent play to gain popularity in a declining factory town. The film's success can be attributed to Paul Newman's performance as an aging player coach and the bespeckled, brawling characters known as the Hansen Brothers, played by former Johnston Jets players Steve and Jeff Carlson, and Dave Hansen. [... more]

The USS Lexington, also known as Lady Lex, was a versatile warship that served in the US Navy during World War II. It was the first aircraft carrier to deploy air-to-surface missiles and sailed enough miles to circle the globe eight times. The ship played a unique role in peacetime, serving as a temporary power plant for the city of Tacoma during a power shortage and providing relief to the people of Nicaragua after a natural disaster. [... more]

The story of Georgia on My Mind, a quintessentially American song about love, longing, and the power of music. Written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorell, the song was brought to life by Ray Charles, who recorded a version that reached number one on the Billboard pop album chart in 1960. [... more]

A story of reconciliation and faith is shared through the history of the White Rock Chapel, a church built by formerly enslaved individuals and their former enslavers, who came together to worship and build a community in 19th century Texas. [... more]

John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, grew up in a family of patriots and was deeply influenced by his father's values of service and courage. He traveled extensively throughout Europe as a young man, learning multiple languages and developing a deep understanding of politics and diplomacy. Adams went on to become a skilled diplomat and politician, serving as Secretary of State and eventually president. However, his presidency was marked by controversy and failure, and he was eventually recalled from office. Undeterred, Adams returned to Congress, where he became a leading voice against slavery, introducing petitions and arguing cases before the Supreme Court. His most notable victory came in the Amistad case, where he successfully argued for the freedom of enslaved Africans on a ship that had been seized by the US Navy. Adams' unwavering commitment to his principles and his willingness to challenge the status quo made him a hero of the anti-slavery movement and a lasting figure in American history. [... more]