Monthly Archives: June 2017

THE PRESENT REALITY

Biblical Truth, Christian Discipleship, Spiritual Growth
The Arabic letter N, short for NAZARENES– It is the name ISIS has given  to Christians.

On this week prior to our nation’s annual celebration of American Independence, I turn my thoughts to the billions of people worldwide who do not and have never enjoyed the blessings of liberty and freedom. I am especially focused on the plight of multiple millions of Christians worldwide who are under the gun, literally– for simply exercising their faith in Jesus Christ.

Believers in North Korea, Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Yemen, and Eritrea can be legally hunted down and imprisoned, tortured, or killed for the “crime” of meeting together, praying together, owning a Bible, or trying to convince another person of the good news of Jesus Christ.

Continue reading THE PRESENT REALITY →

HIGH LIFE ON THE TOWN SQUARE

History, Humor, Small Town America, , , ,

There is a chemical compound called carbon disulfide– commonly known as “High Life.”  Its vapors are very poisonous, which is why the bottle has a skull and crossbones on the label.  It is also very flammable, and the gas formed by burning is even more deadly than the natural fumes.

It was kept on most farms in days past for many purposes.  A big bed of fire ants could be exterminated with only two treatments. Just dig a small hole in the bed area and pour a couple of tablespoonfuls inside and cover it up. It was used more widely to keep weevils and insects out of grain that was stored in a barn. A small hole in the cork of the bottle let enough fumes out to keep insects out for a long time.

Perhaps it was called “High Life” because when it was squirted on any animal, the poor victim came to life. A few drops into a hollow tree would bring a rabbit or possum out instantly. Some knew it by the name, “Dog Disabler.” More than a few mail carriers from yesteryear kept handy a water gun loaded with High Life.

The following is another “true story” excerpt from my upcoming book about my late father, Calvin Coolidge Sims.  I hope to have it released by September.  Enjoy.

Continue reading HIGH LIFE ON THE TOWN SQUARE →

MAMA SIMS’ HOUSE

Christian Discipleship, History, Humor, Small Town America, , ,

We called my dad’s mother Mama Sims. She was not just a grandmother, she was the grand matriarch of the family.  Certain things about the house she called home are forever embedded in my mind– there are things about a house that little kids never forget.  My ten first cousins and two siblings who share memories of Mama Sims’ house  will certainly remember them all, but it’s time to share them with the world.  Let’s take a tour of Mama Sims’ house through the eyes of me as a child. Continue reading MAMA SIMS’ HOUSE →

MINT TO BE

Christian Discipleship, Humor, , , ,

Charleston, South Carolina  August 23, 1947

The wedding was at set for 5 pm at the Citadel Square Baptist Church.  The Lawrence family and the Skinner family were thrilled that Frances and Bill were about to tie the knot. There were no finer young people in the land than those two. Bill was finishing medical school and about to receive his honorable discharge from the Navy.  Francis was working as the church secretary for the Citadel Square Baptist Church.  Each of them had previously professed a call to the mission field, and were now making plans to follow their call together.

But the important thing at hand on the morning of August 23 was to complete the detailed preparations for the five o’clock wedding ceremony.  It was nine o’clock and there was still more to do.  Frances was in a race against the clock.

Continue reading MINT TO BE →