On this date in 1879, Frank Winfield Woolworth opened the first 5 Cents Store in Utica, New York. Pledging to sell nothing that cost more than a nickel, Woolworth stores increased in number to over 1,000 over the next 50 years. But the chain’s inability to change with the times eventually led to its demise.…
Dr. Lance Dodes, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, offers an interesting perspective on recovery. He writes, “Don’t focus on the consequences of addiction. It’s a waste of time.” Dodes continues, “Focusing on consequences of our behaviors does not help to stop addiction. It is a waste of valuable time that could be spent…
“We became aware that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity” (Step 2, AA). Let’s break down the all-important second step of recovery. 1. Awareness: Until we become aware of our situation and the ability of God to heal, we do not get well. 2. Power: Recovery requires more than personal resolve.…
A drill sergeant asked a new recruit what would happen if he shot off one of his ears. The recruit answered, “Well, sir, I would lose half my hearing.” “And what If I shot off both of your ears?” “Then I wouldn’t be able to see.” The sergeant said, “That makes no sense. Why did…
Abraham was 75 years old when he was promised offspring that would bless the world for generations to follow. After a long wait for his promised son, Abraham became discouraged, as his heart filled with doubt. It was then that God took him on a short road trip. “God took him outside and said, ‘Look…
Violet Jessop lived a charmed life. Jessop was a stewardess abord the RMS Olympic, one of the Titanic’s sister ships, when it collided with another ship in September, 1911. The Olympic was damaged, but made it back to port with no injuries. Les than six months later Jessop was aboard the Titanic, again as a…
Google Analytics can track data on porn site use specific to cultural events. For example, the Cleveland Cavaliers played the Golden State Warriors in the 2017 NBA Finals. When the Warriors were on the verge of winning the final game, porn use in the San Francisco area (home to the Warriors) dropped by 21 percent.…
Two Texas ranchers were each bragging on the size of their ranch. The first rancher said, “My ranch is so big that I can get in my pickup truck on one end of the ranch and head for the other end. When the sun goes down, I’m still not to the other end of my…
According to early tradition, Saint Valentine was imprisoned in Rome, where he restored sight to the blind daughter of his jailer. Another tradition adds on a legend that St. Valentine later wrote a love letter to this woman, and signed it, “Your Valentine,” before his execution. The date of February 14 was set by Pope…
In the fifth chapter of John, Jesus asked a poignant question: “Do you want to get well?” (5:6). For too many of us, we sculpt our lives around the pain. We become so comfortable with it that the prospect of doing whatever is necessary to become well is more frightening than the pain itself. For…