I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! We know Abby did!

April was a month of war and heroism, considering the sacrifices made by both soldiers and missionaries to serve others in need.

The Monthly Feature discussed the value of making sacrifices to help others, showing how small changes can have a lasting impact, in “Rambo”.

Weekly Blogs also covered different aspects of the movie, about learning how to accept yourself enough to find peace in “Rambo” Part 1: “Coming Home” and “Rambo” Part 2: “The Anvil”.

An excerpt from The Missionary Part 1 and Part 2 by William Carmichael and David Lambert showed the danger of trying to solve big problems too quickly, and losing sight of your real purpose in the world.

Huey Lewis and the News paid tribute to Vietnam veterans, inspiring us to honor those who serve.

And Ricky Gervais and Elmo demonstrated how NOT to help people get a good night’s sleep!

The “What’s New?” segment spotlighted the Hutaree militia, a group of so-called Christians fighting wars without listening to authority, in “Backward, Christian Soldiers!” Other segments highlighted Andrew Pogany, a soldier who used his own negative experience with post-traumatic stress disorder to help other suffering soldiers to receive proper benefits. A final segment questioned the wisdom of punishing local heroes, under the same system that rewards criminals who get injured during their crimes.

Finally, “The King’s Mouse” – the children’s story co-written by me and my wife, Nicki, is now available to read online at the Clubhouse, Jr. website.

Have a great week!

- RAD

In a startling story, two good Samaritans have been fired for attempting to prevent a robbery.

No, really.

I understand that companies want employees to handle threats and emergencies in a safe way, and – of course – to avoid any potential lawsuits. But doesn’t anyone consider that we might have a flawed mindset when all of our lawsuits punish the people protecting us, while paying out thousands of dollars to the criminals trying to rob us?

Just be careful out there. Trying to help people could get your fired … or even sued!

Click one of the picture links for the story.

Andrew Pogany was once branded a coward by the military and the media. While he was discharged and initially denied full medical benefits, Pogany discovered that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Finding his own peace through Zen Buddhism, Pogany now works to assist other soldiers with similar medical conditions, bringing much-needed aid to PTSD victims and their familes.

Click the picture link for the full story.

“The King’s Mouse”, the story that I wrote with my wife, Nicole, is now available to read online at the Clubhouse Jr. website! Click the picture link to enjoy!

- RAD

Abby came in the kitchen on Easter morning while I was making coffee, excited to show off her new Easter dress.

I told her, “You look very pretty … and dainty!” I knew this would bug her, even though she doesn’t know what “dainty” means.

She gave me an irritated glare. “YOU are dainty!” she grumped.