2005 October | Our Daily Bread

The Pumpkin Man

By David C. McCasland on October 31, 2005

In the city of Colorado Springs, people called Nick Venetucci “The Pumpkin Man.” Every autumn for 50 years, he invited thousands of school children to visit his farm along the banks of Monument Creek, pick a free pumpkin, and take it home. Nick loved walking through his fields with the kids, helping them find “just the right one.”

The principal of the local elementary school, which was named in Venetucci’s honor, said, “He taught our kids the definition of generosity. He gave, gave, gave, and never expected anything in return.” When Nick died at the age of 93, the community saluted him as a hero because of his kind and generous spirit.

Let's Take A Break

By Dennis J. De Haan on October 30, 2005

According to tradition, when the apostle John was overseer in Ephesus, his hobby was raising pigeons. It is said that on one occasion another elder passed his house as he returned from hunting and saw John playing with one of his birds. The man gently chided him for spending his time so frivolously.

What Did You Say?

By Mart De Haan on October 29, 2005

At Santa Clara University in California, a researcher conducted a study of 1,500 business managers that revealed what workers value most in a supervisor. Employees said they respected a leader who shows competence, has the ability to inspire workers, and is skillful in providing direction.

Redemptive Revenge

By Herbert Vander Lugt on October 28, 2005

In Rumors Of Another World, Philip Yancey tells a story that illustrates the kind of “revenge” Paul spoke about in Romans 12:20, when he said that showing kindness to an enemy will “heap coals of fire on his head.”

Toddler's Creed

By Haddon W. Robinson on October 27, 2005

Elisa Morgan, president of MOPS International (Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers), shared this insight into a child’s view of the world:
Toddler’s Creed
If I want it, it’s mine.
If I give it to you and change my
mind later, it’s mine.
If I can take it away from you,
it’s mine.
If I had it a little while ago,
it’s mine.
If it’s mine, it will never belong to
anyone else, no matter what.
If we are building something together,
all the pieces are mine.
If it looks just like mine,
it is mine.

Sweet Tooth

By Anne Cetas on October 26, 2005

The woman must have had a major chocolate craving! She stopped at a Woolworth’s store in London and asked for every Mars bar in stock. She paid cash for 10,656 candy bars. Nobody bothered to ask why she wanted so many, but one person jokingly said, “Perhaps she has a sweet tooth.”

Deeper Than The Deep Blue Sea

By Dennis Fisher on October 25, 2005

Several hundred miles off the coast of Guam is the Mariana Trench, the deepest place in the ocean. On January 23, 1960, Jacques Piccard and Donald Walsh climbed into a submersible vessel and were lowered into the cold, lonely darkness. Their descent into the deep, which set the world record, has never been repeated.

Who Is God?

By Julie Ackerman Link on October 24, 2005

Thirty-five hundred years ago, Moses asked God who He was and got a peculiar answer. God said, “Say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ . . . This is My name forever” (Exodus 3:14-15).

God's To-Do List

By Anne Cetas on October 23, 2005

God has a to-do list, which, according to Max Lucado in his book It’s Not About Me, consists of one item: “Reveal My glory.”

It's Your Choice

By Richard De Haan on October 22, 2005

As Joshua was nearing the end of his life, he gathered the children of Israel together at Shechem. And there, from the lips of a man who was close to death, came an appeal that throughout the centuries has moved the hearts of many. Joshua said, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15).

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