The Friday Flyover Replay : Trump Rebukes Putin, NFL Draft Begins, and a Shipwreck Sale.

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The Friday Flyover Replay : Trump Rebukes Putin, NFL Draft Begins, and a Shipwreck Sale.

Presented by Russell Sherrard.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Our Hosts are Christopher and Jenny.

THE FLYOVER REPLAY.

We are also a Podcast, if you want to listen there instead. Plus current and all previous episodes https://russellsherrard.podbean.com/

Friday, April 25, 2025.

Good Morning! On this day in 1960, U.S. Navy submarine USS Triton (SSRN-586) achieved a milestone by completing the first underwater circumnavigation of the world, code-named Operation Sandblast.

Speaking of submarines: A British cargo ship sunk by a German U-boat in 1917 just sold on Facebook Marketplace for $400. Who says shipwrecks don’t appreciate in value?

We hope you enjoyed reading today’s Flyover. Let us know how we’re doing by replying to Russell Sherrard at russellsherrard@reagan.com.

The sponsors keep the tanks full around here. Be sure to check out today’s sponsors.

TAKEOFF.

Trump to Putin: ‘STOP!’.

President Trump sharply rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, calling for an immediate halt to missile and drone attacks on Kyiv following one of the most destructive strikes on Ukraine’s capital in more than three years.

“Vladimir, STOP!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”

The assault killed at least eight and wounded dozens, marking one of the deadliest attacks since last summer.

While Trump’s administration continues to push for a ceasefire, U.S. officials have warned they may abandon peace efforts if talks stall.

Titans Take Cam Ward to Kick Off NFL Draft.

The NFL Draft kicked off last night with the Tennessee Titans selecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick. Ward led the Miami Hurricanes to a 10-3 season last year, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 39 touchdowns.

Heisman winner Travis Hunter of Colorado went #2 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who traded with the Cleveland Browns to get that pick. Hunter is expected to play both wide receiver and cornerback.

Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter rounded out the top three, heading to the New York Giants.

Woodpecker Wreaks Havoc in Rockport.

A woodpecker in Rockport, Massachusetts, sparked neighborhood chaos after mistaking its reflection for a rival and attacking cars and homes across the neighborhood.

The pileated woodpecker—nearly the size of a crow with a bold red crest—has shattered mirrors in 25 cars, cracked windshields, and even drilled into siding, alarming residents.

One was even caught in the act, perched on a pickup truck and pecking away.

POLITICS.

The Department of Justice added terrorism charges for the first time to an alleged high-ranking Tren de Aragua member.

A second federal judge blocked the Trump administration from withholding funds from K-12 schools with DEI programs, ruling that proper procedures weren’t followed.

The U.S. Court of International Trade sided with the Trump administration, rejecting a request from small businesses to block President Trump’s sweeping tariffs from taking effect.

President Trump was expected Thursday to sign a memo targeting ActBlue, a key Democratic donor platform, as part of a probe into potential illegal campaign contributions.

TV journalist Chris Cuomo will host a two-hour town hall next week marking President Trump’s 100th day in office, featuring both Republicans and Democrats—including President Trump himself.

After a word from one of our sponsors Jenny will be Narrating the last half of the news.

And Now, A word From one of Our Sponsors.

Add Audio to your blog posts.

Are you an author or writer with a Blog or anyone with a blog and wonder if it is being effective?
I have added audio to my blog posts and am getting good comments. I can add voice to your blog posts. You choose Male/Female $10 per post. Direct your inquiries to russellsherrard@reagan.com

Thanks Christopher.

Now, back to the News.

SPORTS.

NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, facing a $50 million rape lawsuit, announced he will temporarily step away from ESPN to focus on his family and addressing the allegations.

The landmark House v. NCAA settlement allowing payments to student athletes will not be approved unless the two sides can find a solution to limiting college roster sizes. The deal would force schools to cut dozens of athletes from their teams under current rules.

The LA Dodgers topped ESPN’s latest MLB Power Rankings despite recent pitching injuries. The next four were the San Diego Padres, New York Mets, New York Yankees, and San Francisco Giants.

Robert Griffin III is set to join Fox Sports as a college football analyst for the 2025-26 season. The former Heisman winner was let go by ESPN in August of last year.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler injured his pelvis in a Wednesday night matchup against the Houston Rockets. His status for tomorrow night’s game is unclear.

FINANCE.

Big Stock Move: Shares of autonomous driving startup Pony AI skyrocketed almost 40% on Thursday after unveiling its seventh-generation self-driving system at the Shanghai auto show.

Existing home sales plummeted 5.9% in March to a 15-year low as soaring mortgage rates chilled the spring housing market.

The $Trump meme coin spiked over 70% after President Donald Trump announced a private gala dinner for the token’s top 220 holders, with a VIP reception for the top 25.

Hershey opened a new 250,000-square-foot chocolate processing facility in Hershey, Pennsylvania—the company’s first new plant in its namesake town in over three decades.

SCIENCE AND TECH.

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope in Maui released a striking new image of the sun, showcasing a massive sunspot in close detail.

A British diver purchased a 3,300-ton WWI-era cargo shipwreck on Facebook Marketplace for just $400.

Geoscientists have discovered a volatile-rich magma cap just 2.4 miles beneath Yellowstone National Park, a structure that may be key to preventing a massive eruption.

THE ROTATOR.
ENTERTAINMENT.

Amazon Prime Video reported a 3,200% spike in viewership of the Oscar-winning film Conclave following Pope Francis’ death, with a 283% increase across all U.S. platforms.

Comedian Jay Leno opened up about life since his wife Mavis’s dementia diagnosis, saying his conservatorship reflects “what love is” and adding, “I would rather be with her.”

Superstar Hugh Jackman performed Sonny and Cher’s I Got You Babe with King Princess, his costar in the upcoming biopic Song Sung Blue about a Neil Diamond tribute act.

ET CETERA.

The Army suspended Col. Sheyla Baez Ramirez, garrison commander at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, after portraits of President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were turned to face the wall on the base’s chain of command display.

Judy Benjamin, an 80-year-old woman diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at 67, is walking 3,000 miles from San Diego to St. Augustine to raise awareness for others facing cognitive decline.

Milo, a 7-year-old English bulldog from North Liberty, Iowa, was named the winner at Drake University’s 46th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest.

Daily Quote.

“We seem to have a vandal in our neighborhood. I’m describing him as 18 to 24 inches tall, wearing black and white with a red hat.”

— Janelle Favaloro, a local, on the woodpecker that has damaged more than 20 vehicles so far in Rockport, Massachusetts.

And thats the news for today.

And Now, a word from our sponsor – Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals.

Go to https:// payhip.com/ Christian NonFiction eBookStore then scroll down and click on Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals

Organized by month, this devotional has a morning and evening meditation for every day of the year. Although these devotions are short in length, they are filled with spiritual goodness. In just a few sentences, Spurgeon is able to convey the wisdom of Scripture with eloquence and purpose. These daily messages provide Christians with the spiritual energy they need to begin and end each day. Spurgeon weaves a verse of Scripture into each devotion, helping readers draw deeper meaning out of the selected passages. This powerful devotional provides Christians with the spiritual nourishment required to strengthen their relationships with God. Readers will find themselves inspired by Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotionals.

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Thoughts on “More Than This” 4/25/2025

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by Staci Stallings.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Jenny.

Click Above to Read/Listen to the Devotional

Along this writing path, stories happen that you never really see coming. At least that’s the case for me. I get a great idea and start writing, seeing what I’m seeing in my dreams or “visions” and translating that into words so someone else can share the story with me.  While this sounds a lot like telling a story I already know, what happens a lot is I’m telling a story and “watching” it happen right along with the reader.  That was the case with “More Than This.”

The genesis idea for this one was it was set in a coffee shop, and I could see the two waitresses. They had this game about making up stories about the patrons that came in.  One guy in particular attracted their attention. He was incredibly quiet, always came in alone and much later than someone should be drinking coffee.  He always wore a dark, wool trench coat and never took it off. He would come in and not really talk to them or even look at them as they served him coffee after coffee as he bent in the corner table over his laptop.

Of course, these two let their imaginations run wild. He’s in the CIA.  He’s a Russian spy, etc.

The older of the two is in perpetual fix-the-younger-one-up-with-someone mode, and so she pushes Liz to go try to talk to him “to find out what he’s doing.”

Well, that doesn’t really go as well as Liz or her friend, Mia, would like because the guy, Jake, is pretty much, downright anti-social.  However, Liz finds herself now fascinated with this unreachable guy, and the story is on.

The crazy thing about this story is I was literally 50 pages into writing it before I even knew what it was about.

This is hard to explain, but some characters are open to the world. Yes, they all have secrets, but most are not nearly as closed off and in their own little worlds as these two were. That made writing this one an immense challenge because about the time one of them opened their heart up a crack, the other one would run the other direction!

Just to get them to talk was a monumental challenge.

The other thing that made this book a real challenge was how much Jake was like me. Let me tell you, I would have never thought it was easier to live than to write about, but it was!

When the idea for this book first came to me, it was a scene deep in the book where the two of them have gone to a museum. They are looking at a diorama of the French Revolution, and Jake, with no warning, starts telling her the story of all the little people he sees in the set.  His mind, his imagination, is so vivid to him that often he can’t tell what’s real and what’s not.

Of course, he tries to use this to write the stories his mind is conjuring up. Unfortunately, writing has never been his forte as Liz soon learns.  As she begins to get to know the real Jake, the one underneath the dark coat and slumped shoulders, she finds a whole new world of a person who has struggled most of his life with issues he always assumed were his fault.

I distinctly remember “watching” him live life in my imagination, and I could “see” how closed off he was from everyone—and life itself.  Then one day I made a startling discovery. When I wrote “as Liz,” Jake did his level best to not let me see the screen of his computer.  When I wrote “as Jake,” I saw what he saw in his imagination, never the computer screen itself.

Confused by this, I started asking, “Why? Why won’t he let anyone see that screen?”

The answer became the foundation of the entire story.

Add to this that Liz is dealing with her own deep, dark secrets, and you end up with a book that feels like you’re on a permanent Tilt-a-Whirl—never really sure just where you are or when or where the ride will stop.

Lots of people have commented in the reviews that this books feels “slow” at first. I think mostly that’s because they are both so closed off that dynamic anything would’ve been impossible.  But I also have many that say if you stay with it, you will learn things you never knew you didn’t know.

So, to you, my loyal readers, a gift today.  “More Than This” is FREE on Kindle as well as available on Kindle Unlimited.

I hope you enjoy this story and don’t get too frustrated as you walk through life with two locked-tight characters who have given up on life… and their journey through the issues of life into becoming who God created them to be!

More Than This

About the Author:

Staci StallingsA stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Although she lives in Amarillo, Texas and her main career right now is her family, Staci touches the lives of people across the globe with her various Internet and writing endeavors.

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The Thursday Flyover Replay : Food Dye Ban, Cheating AI Glasses, and an Underwater Station Wagon.

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The Thursday Flyover Replay : Food Dye Ban, Cheating AI Glasses, and an Underwater Station Wagon.

Presented by Russell Sherrard.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Our Hosts are Christopher and Jenny.

THE FLYOVER REPLAY.

We are also a Podcast, if you want to listen there instead. Plus current and all previous episodes https://russellsherrard.podbean.com/

Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Good Morning! On this day in 1800, President John Adams approved $5,000 to purchase books for Congress, establishing the Library of Congress. The first catalog listed 964 volumes and nine maps.

Imagine showing up for a friendly game of pickleball… and finding out you’re playing against Andre Agassi. Yep, the Grand Slam champ has traded in his tennis racket for a paddle. Read more in the Sports section below.

We hope you enjoyed reading today’s Flyover. Let us know how we’re doing by replying to Russell Sherrard at russellsherrard@reagan.com.

The sponsors keep the tanks full around here. Be sure to check out today’s sponsors.

TAKEOFF.

RFK Jr. Sets Ban on 8 Food Dyes.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Tuesday plans to ban eight government-approved synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply within two years.

Several of these artificial dyes already face restrictions in the European Union, Australia, and Canada. Here’s a list of the dyes.

Kennedy also declared sugar “poison” on Tuesday and recommended Americans consume “zero” added sugar, while acknowledging the federal government likely cannot eliminate it from food products.

Kennedy emphasized the need for better food labeling and new nutrition guidelines recommending people avoid sugar completely.

Dick Durbin, Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, to Retire.

Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, announced Wednesday he will not seek a sixth term in 2026, ending a congressional career that began in 1982.

The 80-year-old has been a central figure in Democratic leadership, and his departure is expected to spark a crowded and competitive Democratic primary in Illinois.

Reps. Lauren Underwood and Raja Krishnamoorthi are viewed as early frontrunners, with Krishnamoorthi holding a major fundraising edge thanks to a $19 million war chest. Durbin predicted “at least a dozen” candidates could enter the race.

Forecast: Most of U.S. Bracing for Hot Summer.

Both the Climate Prediction Center and Old Farmer’s Almanac forecast above-average temperatures across most of the U.S. this summer, with the Southwest, southern plains, and heartland expected to be the hottest.

June may start near normal, but July and August are predicted to bring intense heat, up to 4 degrees above average in some areas. See a map here.

Rainfall is likely to be below normal in the West, while parts of the Midwest and Northeast may see slightly wetter conditions.

POLITICS.

Twelve states, including Illinois, Arizona, and New York, filed suit Wednesday against President Trump in the U.S. Court of International Trade, aiming to halt his tariff policy.

Vice President JD Vance issued the Trump administration’s second warning to Moscow and Kyiv on Wednesday, calling for a ceasefire deal or risk the U.S. withdrawing from the process.

A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration must give Venezuelan migrants in Colorado 21 days’ notice before deportation and inform them of their right to challenge removal.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed he will reduce his Department of Government Efficiency workload in May. “I’ll be allocating far more of my time to Tesla,” he told investors concerned about Tesla’s falling value.

After a word from one of our sponsors Jenny will be Narrating the last half of the news.

And Now, A word From one of Our Sponsors.

Add Audio to your blog posts.

Are you an author or writer with a Blog or anyone with a blog and wonder if it is being effective?
I have added audio to my blog posts and am getting good comments. I can add voice to your blog posts. You choose Male/Female $10 per post. Direct your inquiries to russellsherrard@reagan.com

Thanks Christopher.

Now, back to the News.

SPORTS.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft kicks off tonight, with the Tennessee Titans holding the No. 1 overall selection. One general manager said the event could get “a little wild” because of immense trade interest around the league.

Tennis legend Andre Agassi announced he’ll play at the US Open Pickleball Championships next week in Florida. The almost 55-year-old will play alongside teenage phenom Anna Leigh Waters in the mixed pro division.

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard was named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year on Tuesday, securing 82 of 100 possible first-place votes.

Longtime ESPN commentator Mike Patrick passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80. Patrick was an instrumental piece of ESPN’s football coverage, hosting Sunday Night Football from 1987 to 2005.

FINANCE.

Big Stock Move: Pegasystems stock soared nearly 30% on Wednesday after delivering strong first-quarter results, fueled by surging subscription revenue and growing demand for its AI-powered software tools.

The Dow rose more than 400 points Wednesday after President Trump said he has “no intention” of firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell and suggested that China tariffs could be reduced “substantially.”

Cybercriminals stole a record $16.6 billion from Americans last year, a jump from $12.5 billion in 2023, according to the FBI. Older adults were hit hardest, losing $4.8 billion, much of it through cryptocurrency-related scams.

Intel is preparing to slash over 20,000 jobs—more than 20% of its workforce—as part of a sweeping cost-cutting and restructuring effort under its new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan.

SCIENCE AND TECH.

Two 21-year-olds have raised $5.3 million to launch an AI tool embedded in smart glasses, designed to help users “cheat on everything”—from job interviews to exams.

A 3D animation is peeling back the layers of the Roman Colosseum to reveal the hidden engineering marvels that powered the ancient arena’s spectacles.

NASA’s Lucy spacecraft captured its first close-up images of asteroid 52246 Donaldjohanson, revealing a bizarre, two-lobed structure and unexpectedly complex geology.

THE ROTATOR.
THROWBACK THURSDAY.

A nostalgic photo feature captures life across all 50 states in the 1980s, spotlighting everything from soaring gas prices in Alabama to seafood parades in Alaska.

Here are 17 classic recipes Boomers still dream about—meals that once ruled Sunday dinners, church potlucks, and weeknight suppers.

General Motors is revisiting one of its earliest electric concept cars—the 512E, a futuristic two-seater bubble car that first turned heads in 1969.

ET CETERA.

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul, Turkey, on Wednesday, injuring at least 230 people—most hurt while fleeing buildings or suffering panic attacks.

A fragment of a 17th-century letter may upend the old story that William Shakespeare left his wife, Anne Hathaway, behind in Stratford. The letter, addressed to “Good Mrs Shakespeare,” suggests the couple lived together in London between 1600 and 1610.

Researchers exploring the sunken USS Yorktown uncovered an unexpected relic: a black 1940–41 Ford Super Deluxe “Woody” station wagon sitting upright in the ship’s hangar bay, three miles beneath the sea.

Princess Isabella of Denmark celebrated her 18th birthday with a regal debut, donning her first tiara and posing for official gala portraits at Amalienborg Palace.

Daily Quote.

“Sugar is poison, and Americans need to know that it is poisoning us.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services secretary, urging Americans to eliminate added sugar from their diets.

And thats the news for today.

And Now, a word from our sponsor – Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals.

Go to https:// payhip.com/ Christian NonFiction eBookStore then scroll down and click on Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals

Organized by month, this devotional has a morning and evening meditation for every day of the year. Although these devotions are short in length, they are filled with spiritual goodness. In just a few sentences, Spurgeon is able to convey the wisdom of Scripture with eloquence and purpose. These daily messages provide Christians with the spiritual energy they need to begin and end each day. Spurgeon weaves a verse of Scripture into each devotion, helping readers draw deeper meaning out of the selected passages. This powerful devotional provides Christians with the spiritual nourishment required to strengthen their relationships with God. Readers will find themselves inspired by Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotionals.

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CrossReads Book Spotlight: Dance With Me 4/24/2025

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CrossReads Book Spotlight

CrossReads Book Spotlight

Dance With Me

by Staci Stallings

Dance with Me

Kaci MacLaren’s ballet dreams came crashing down in one catastrophic moment.

For three years, Kaci has steadfastly guarded her heart to keep it from thinking she will ever dance again, somehow pushing what she really wants under what she needs to do to be successful in life. Then a chance walk down a side street ignites the fire to dance once again. Can Kaci keep her passion reined in, especially when the studio owner’s son seems determined to drag it out of her no matter what she tries to keep it under wraps?

Josh Garrison hates to dance. He has ever since he was made fun of for it ten years ago. But Josh is in dire straits financially, and if he has to dance to make life work, maybe he has no real choice. Unfortunately, his partner in this venture is a headstrong, obstinate former prima ballerina who loves to dance but absolutely refuses to let herself love it. She want to focus on steps and technique when his spirit has always wanted only to soar on the dance floor. Can two polar opposites in life find common ground when they hit the dance floor together?

Find out in USA Today Best Selling Christian Author, Staci Stallings, contemporary Christian Romance, “Dance with Me.”

“Dance with Me” is a contemporary Christian romance novel filled to the brim and overflowing with real romance. The dance sequences create a poetry all their own, and the relationship between Kaci and Josh is both magical and challenging. Both have their way of dancing and living, and they are determined to prove their way is the only way. However, as the masks come off and their true realities begin to be unveiled, what appeared to be differences just might not turn out to be so different after all. Inspirational, hopeful, and heartbreakingly romantic, “Dance with Me” will surely find its way into reader’s hearts and onto their to-be-read-again-and-again shelves.

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The Wednesday Flyover Replay : Military Border Control, Smiley Space Face, and Dating After 50.

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The Wednesday Flyover Replay : Military Border Control, Smiley Space Face, and Dating After 50.

Presented by Russell Sherrard.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Our Hosts are Christopher and Jenny.

THE FLYOVER REPLAY.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Good Morning! On this day in 2005, YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim uploaded the platform’s first video, Me at the zoo, marking the humble beginnings of what would become the world’s largest video-sharing site. Watch it here.

In romantic comedies, the three most important words for the man to say are, “I love you.” But psychologists say there’s a different three-word phrase that makes a man truly irresistible to women. You can see what it is in our Wednesday Wisdom item below.

We hope you enjoyed reading today’s Flyover. Let us know how we’re doing by replying to Russell Sherrard at russellsherrard@reagan.com.

The sponsors keep the tanks full around here. Be sure to check out today’s sponsors.

TAKEOFF.

U.S. Military Authorized for Border Control.

U.S. military personnel now have the authority to detain and search illegal immigrants in New Mexico after President Trump transferred control of border land from the Interior Department to the Defense Department.

The move, announced Monday by U.S. Northern Command, designates a 170-mile stretch along the U.S.-Mexico border as part of Arizona’s Fort Huachuca, allowing troops to operate outside the constraints of federal laws that limit military involvement in domestic law enforcement.

Service members can temporarily detain trespassers, provide medical assistance, and implement crowd control until customs officials take custody, marking a significant shift from their previous supporting role at the border.

The White House indicated similar authority will soon extend to parts of Texas.

Roche Commits $50 Billion to U.S.

Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche is joining a new surge of corporate reshoring with a $50 billion commitment to expand U.S. manufacturing, driven by new White House tariffs and policy incentives.

The investment includes major upgrades in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and California, along with a 900,000-square-foot facility for next-generation weight-loss drugs at a yet-to-be-disclosed location.

Similar announcements include TSMC’s $100 billion investment in advanced chip plants in Arizona, Eli Lilly’s doubling of its U.S. footprint with four new pharmaceutical sites, and Apple pledging $500 billion toward AI-driven manufacturing and training, including a Houston facility.

Nvidia is launching domestic production of its AI supercomputers in Texas, while Hyundai plans to invest $21 billion to expand its U.S. auto output and innovation efforts.

NCAA: Schools Can Pay Student-Athletes.

The NCAA approved sweeping and historic changes to the compensation structure of college sports, allowing student-athletes to be paid directly by their schools for the first time.

While expected, this move represents a landmark moment in college sports history. Just five years ago, student-athletes weren’t allowed to make money at all. Now, price tags from school-backed “collectives” can stretch into the millions.

The new rules now permit the schools to pay students directly without having to use outside groups. However, all of this is dependent on the House v. NCAA settlement’s approval, which would set parameters on how revenues would be distributed.

If approved, each school would have about $20.5 million to share with its student-athletes, constituting a salary cap of sorts.

POLITICS.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. State Department on Tuesday, cutting staff by 15% and consolidating over 100 international bureaus.

Roughly 5 million Americans with defaulted student loans will have their loans sent to collection agencies starting May 5, the Department of Education announced.

Dr. Anthony Fauci’s net worth doubled from $7.6 million in early 2019 to $15 million by late 2023, according to his financial disclosures. Most growth occurred during and after the pandemic, including $3.5 million earned in 2023, his first retirement year.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 Democratic Party presidential contender, slammed the Democrats for refusing to assess their 2024 election collapse, saying party leaders haven’t done “a forensic of what just went wrong.”

After a word from one of our sponsors Jenny will be Narrating the last half of the news.

And Now, A word From one of Our Sponsors.

Add Audio to your blog posts.

Are you an author or writer with a Blog or anyone with a blog and wonder if it is being effective?
I have added audio to my blog posts and am getting good comments. I can add voice to your blog posts. You choose Male/Female $10 per post. Direct your inquiries to russellsherrard@reagan.com

Thanks Christopher.

Now, back to the News.

SPORTS.

U.S. gymnast Simone Biles was named World Sportswoman of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards this week, while Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis took home the award on the men’s side.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is not attending the team’s offseason program as the two parties are still “far apart” on a contract extension.

A new survey shows that parents annually spend an average of $3,000 on their children’s sports activities, and 83% of those parents believe their child is talented enough to play at the college level.

Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison admitted that he didn’t understand “to what level” the fanbase loved Luka Doncic when he traded the star guard earlier this season.

FINANCE.

Big Stock Move: Northrop Grumman stock fell nearly 13% on Tuesday after reporting first-quarter earnings results and full-year forecasts that fell short of analysts’ expectations.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 965 points Tuesday, fueled by investor optimism after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted at a potential de-escalation in U.S.-China trade tensions.

Walgreens has agreed to pay $300 million to settle federal claims that it filled millions of unlawful prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances over more than a decade.

Americans now believe they’ll need $1.26 million to retire comfortably, down $200,000 from last year, according to a new study.

SCIENCE AND TECH.

Early risers may catch a rare celestial “smiley face” on Friday morning formed by a crescent Moon, Venus, and Saturn.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially updated its rules: films that use AI tools can now compete for Oscars, so long as human creativity remains in the driver’s seat.

An insect-sized drone, designed for future tasks like artificial pollination and disaster monitoring, can now land softly instead of crash-landing, thanks to its newly added legs.

THE ROTATOR.
WISDOM WEDNESDAY.

A University of Michigan neurologist shared three lifestyle habits he wishes he’d avoided in his younger years, all tied to long-term brain health.

An essay outlines 15 quirky yet relatable challenges women often face when reentering the dating world after 50.

The most swoon-worthy phrase a man can say isn’t “I love you”—it’s three words that convey emotional strength, reliability, and a quiet sense of protection that many women find deeply attractive.

ET CETERA.

The Vatican released solemn images of Pope Francis lying in an open coffin at the Casa Santa Marta chapel, his former residence, ahead of his funeral on Saturday.

Nearly 500 nails were found embedded point-up in roads, driveways, and under parked cars in Falmouth, Massachusetts, early Friday, in what police are calling a dangerous and deliberate act of vandalism.

A small cockapoo named Ivy cautiously investigated what appeared to be a massive anaconda in a bay—until a clever twist revealed the truth behind the scene.

Daily Quote.

“I don’t know what the party is. I’m still struggling with that.”

— Gavin Newsom, California governor, on the Democratic Party’s identity crisis following its 2024 election losses.

And thats the news for today.

And Now, a word from our sponsor – Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals.

Go to https:// payhip.com/ Christian NonFiction eBookStore then scroll down and click on Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals

Organized by month, this devotional has a morning and evening meditation for every day of the year. Although these devotions are short in length, they are filled with spiritual goodness. In just a few sentences, Spurgeon is able to convey the wisdom of Scripture with eloquence and purpose. These daily messages provide Christians with the spiritual energy they need to begin and end each day. Spurgeon weaves a verse of Scripture into each devotion, helping readers draw deeper meaning out of the selected passages. This powerful devotional provides Christians with the spiritual nourishment required to strengthen their relationships with God. Readers will find themselves inspired by Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotionals.

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CrossReads Short Takes: The Secret Door & Mouse in Your Pocket 4/23/2025

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CrossReadsShortTakes

 

CrossReads Short Takes

The Secret Door

(Lost and Found Book 1)

by Scott R. Rezer

The Secret Door

024. When Army Specialist Brant Morgan returns home to Castile, New York, to lay his mother to rest after her unexpected death, he inherits a mysterious key to an unknown lock. A key that sends him on a search for answers to questions about his mother’s past he didn’t even know existed. He is not alone in his search, however. His childhood friend, Taylor Ross, encourages him to stay the course and discover the long-held secrets his mother hinted about in her last letter to him. But Taylor has a secret, too, one she hasn’t even told her father, the pastor of a small local church. As Taylor and Brant’s relationship deepens, will fear and shame prevent her from standing beside the man she has loved since high school? When the past and present collide, he needs her more than ever as the answers he uncovers threaten to shatter his future.

1777. When Louise Ahrenson finds herself unexpectedly sent back in time to the beautiful Vale of Three Falls in the heart of the Seneca Nation—a place she has always known as Letchworth Park in her own time—she is at a loss to understand the circumstances that brought her there. However, she is immediately and irresistibly drawn to Michel Allende, a French trapper who reluctantly shelters her, a man whose tragic life strangely mirrors an old Seneca legend she learned about as a child. As a new chapter of her life unfolds, she prays that Michel’s love, and the friendship of the native Seneca people who adopt her as their own, can silence the siren call of her past that beckons her back to the future.

A dual timeline story about mothers and sons, and the special bond of love between them…

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Mouse in Your Pocket

by Janetta Fudge-Messmer

Mouse in Your Pocket

essica Montgomery inherits her uncle’s property—i.e., a junkyard. After much deliberation and prayer, Jess decides to clean up the mess Melvin left her…with her family and friends’ help, of course.

But amid this seemingly overwhelming situation, she meets Jimmy Barnes. He claims her uncle left him the old truck parked on her front lawn. Did she mention he has no proof of ownership, and a tree is growing out of it?

In Mouse in Your Pocket, Jessica soon learns that her common sense flies out the window, except for when it comes to Jimmy Barnes. Can life get any more complicated? In Miss Montgomery’s case, yes, it can.

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The Tuesday Flyover Replay : Pope Funeral Plan, Gold Soars, and Living Concrete.

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The Tuesday Flyover Replay : Pope Funeral Plan, Gold Soars, and Living Concrete.

Presented by Russell Sherrard.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Our Hosts are Christopher and Jenny.

We are also a Podcast, if you want to listen there instead. Plus current and all previous episodes https://russellsherrard.podbean.com/

THE FLYOVER REPLAY.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Good Morning! On this day in 1889, the Oklahoma Land Run began at noon as thousands of settlers claimed nearly 1.9 million acres of land previously part of Indian Territory, resulting in the rapid establishment of Oklahoma City and Guthrie.

Many thanks to readers who sent us their personal Easter stories! It was inspiring to read about sunrise services at church, on beaches, and even in pastures where antelope wandered by. We’re grateful to everyone who shared their experience.

We hope you enjoyed reading today’s Flyover. Let us know how we’re doing by replying to Russell Sherrard at russellsherrard@reagan.com.

The sponsors keep the tanks full around here. Be sure to check out today’s sponsors.

TAKEOFF.

Pope Francis Dies at 88.

Pope Francis died early Monday morning, at the age of 88, just one day after greeting tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square with a final Easter blessing.

The Vatican confirmed the cause was a stroke that led to coma and heart failure.

Francis’ body was placed in a coffin last night, with public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica expected to begin midweek. The funeral is expected to take place later this week.

With his passing, the Church enters the sede vacante—the “vacant seat” period—setting the stage for the College of Cardinals to elect a successor. The secretive conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel, is expected to begin 15 to 20 days after Francis’ death.

Editor’s Note: Several readers noted that Monday’s edition covered the Pope’s Easter message without mentioning his passing early that morning. The email had been scheduled the evening before; the news broke overnight. Thank you for your understanding.

Resale Market Surges as Dow Sinks.

The Dow fell nearly 1,000 points Monday after President Trump escalated pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, calling for immediate rate cuts.

Tech stocks led the decline, with Nvidia off 5% and Amazon down 3%. Meanwhile, with tariffs impacting the cost of imported goods, consumers are turning to secondhand markets.

Resale platforms like Back Market reported a threefold jump in sales, and apps like Poshmark and ThredUp saw increased traffic.

The U.S. secondhand apparel market is projected to reach $74 billion by 2029, growing five times faster than traditional retail. The refurbished electronics market is also expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 10.2% through 2032.

Space Legend Returns to Earth at 70.

NASA’s oldest active astronaut, Don Pettit, marked his 70th birthday on Sunday by returning to Earth after a 220-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Pettit has logged over 18 months in space across four missions in his 29-year career. NASA reports Pettit is in good condition and en route to the Johnson Space Center in Texas.

He and his Russian crewmates orbited Earth 3,520 times, traveling more than 93 million miles while conducting research on water purification, plant growth, and fire behavior in microgravity.

Known for his passion for space photography, Pettit captured and shared stunning images of Earth, including auroras and rare atmospheric phenomena like sprites and blue jets.

POLITICS.

The White House on Monday dismissed an NPR report claiming it was seeking a replacement for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling it “fake news.” The report followed revelations that Hegseth used the Signal app to discuss military strikes in Yemen with his family and lawyer.

Nadine Menendez, wife of former Sen. Bob Menendez, was found guilty Monday on federal bribery and corruption charges tied to a scheme involving cash, gold bars, and a luxury car.

Harvard University sued the Trump administration over what it called “unlawful” multibillion-dollar budget cuts to the school’s research funding.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse, containing $3,000 in cash, her passport, ID, keys, and medication, was stolen Sunday night while she dined at a D.C. restaurant, police said.

President Trump’s approval rating on the economy has fallen to its lowest point since taking office, with just 43% of Americans approving and 55% disapproving, according to a new CNBC survey.

After a word from one of our sponsors Jenny will be Narrating the last half of the news.

And Now, A word From one of Our Sponsors.

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Are you an author or writer with a Blog or anyone with a blog and wonder if it is being effective?
I have added audio to my blog posts and am getting good comments. I can add voice to your blog posts. You choose Male/Female $10 per post. Direct your inquiries to russellsherrard@reagan.com

Thanks Christopher.

Now, back to the News.

SPORTS.

Sharon Lokedi set a new women’s record of 2:17:20 for the Boston Marathon on Sunday, shattering the previous record by nearly 3 minutes. John Korir took home first place on the men’s side.

Duke basketball’s Cooper Flagg confirmed he was entering the NBA draft after all. Flagg had hinted at a return to college earlier this year.

Soccer matches have been postponed or cancelled across the globe as Italy, Argentina, and other Catholic countries mourn the death of Pope Francis.

The first round of the NBA playoffs continued last night with the Pistons facing the Knicks and the Nuggets taking on the Clippers.

In the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs last night, the Avalanche faced the Stars, the Blues played the Jets, the Canadiens took on the Capitals, and the Oilers faced the Kings.

FINANCE.

Big Stock Move: Tesla shares fell nearly 6% on Monday after news broke of a major delay in its production plans for the launch of its lower-cost Model Y.

Shipping giant DHL said it was temporarily suspending global business-to-consumer shipments over $800 to individuals in the United States starting on April 21, due to new U.S. customs rules.

Gold prices rose above $3,400, a new record, in the wake of President Trump’s criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Sam’s Club plans to eliminate traditional checkout at its 600 stores and replace them with an app that customers will use to scan goods on the go and then pass through an AI check as they leave.

SCIENCE AND TECH.

Engineers at Montana State have developed a self-healing “living concrete” from fungus and bacteria that can repair itself and adapt to structural damage over time.

Every “please” and “thank you” typed into ChatGPT adds up, costing its maker OpenAI tens of millions in computing power. CEO Sam Altman called it “dollars well spent.”

Jeff Bezos is backing Slate Auto, an under-the-radar EV startup developing a $25,000 “Transformer-like” pickup that can shift into multiple body styles.

THE ROTATOR.
TRAVEL TUESDAY.

Starting May 7, Americans and permanent residents will only be able to pass through airport security if they have a Real ID. Most state-issued IDs are not yet fully compliant. Are you ready?

The TSA has changed its rules for which liquids can be carried onto a flight, including medications, breast milk, ice packs, and fresh eggs.

Fewer international travelers are visiting the U.S. this year. Between January and March, foreign arrivals dropped by around 4.4% compared to last year, while arrivals in March dropped by 10%.

ET CETERA.

A Delta Air Lines flight headed for Atlanta caught fire Monday morning while taxiing at Orlando International Airport, forcing 282 passengers and 12 crew to evacuate via emergency slides. No injuries were reported.

Severe storms battered eastern Nebraska last week, unleashing baseball-sized hail and winds up to 82 mph. In Fremont, hotel guests captured video of hailstones crashing through windows.

Actor Rob Lowe dressed as the Easter Bunny over the weekend, but the costume scared kids into tears, prompting a hasty egg dump and quick exit.

A gray cat named Sophie wandered onto the White House North Lawn Friday morning, delighting reporters before being safely returned to her owner.

Daily Quote.

Pope Francis’ compassion embraced all humanity, and today he will be mourned by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.”

— Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, on Pope Francis’ passing.

And thats the news for today.

And Now, a word from our sponsor – Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals.

Go to https:// payhip.com/ Christian NonFiction eBookStore then scroll down and click on Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals

Organized by month, this devotional has a morning and evening meditation for every day of the year. Although these devotions are short in length, they are filled with spiritual goodness. In just a few sentences, Spurgeon is able to convey the wisdom of Scripture with eloquence and purpose. These daily messages provide Christians with the spiritual energy they need to begin and end each day. Spurgeon weaves a verse of Scripture into each devotion, helping readers draw deeper meaning out of the selected passages. This powerful devotional provides Christians with the spiritual nourishment required to strengthen their relationships with God. Readers will find themselves inspired by Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotionals.

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Faith’s Checkbook: Power to Raise 4/22/2025

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Faith's Checkbook

by C H Spurgeon.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Eric.

Click Above to Read/Listen to the Devotional

The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down. (Psalm l46:8)

Am I bowed down? Then let me urge this word of grace before the Lord. It is His way, His custom, His promise, His delight, to raise up them that are bowed down. Is it a sense of sin and a consequent depression of spirit which distresses me? Then the work of Jesus is, in this case, made and provided to raise me up into rest. O Lord, raise me, for Thy mercy’s sake!

Is it a sad bereavement or a great fall in circumstances? Here again the Comforter has undertaken to console. What a mercy for us that one Person of the sacred Trinity should become the Comforter! This work will be well done since such a glorious One has made it His peculiar care.

Some are so bowed down that only Jesus can loose them from their infirmity, but He can, and He will, do it. He can raise us up to health, to hope, to happiness. He has often done so under former trials, and He is the same Savior and will repeat His deeds of lovingkindness. We who are today bowed down and sorrowful shalt yet be set on high, and those who now mock at us shall be greatly ashamed. What an honor to be raised up by the Lord! It is worthwhile to be bowed down that we may experience His upraising power.

About the Author:

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (June 19th 1834 – January 31st 1892) was an English Particular Baptist preacher. Spurgeon remains highly influential among Christians of various denominations, to some of whom he is known as the “Prince of Preachers.” He was a strong figure in the Reformed Baptist tradition, defending the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, and opposing the liberal and pragmatic theological tendencies in the Church of his day.

 

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The Monday Flyover Replay : Pope’s Surprise, Robot Race, and a Moose Named Helga.

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The Monday Flyover Replay : Pope’s Surprise, Robot Race, and a Moose Named Helga.

Presented by Russell Sherrard.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Our Hosts are Christopher and Jenny. Jenny has the day off today.

THE FLYOVER REPLAY.

Monday, April 21, 2025.

Good Morning! On this day in 753 BC, Romulus founded the city of Rome after a legendary dispute with his twin brother Remus, marking the mythical birth of what would become one of the greatest empires in history.

In a scene straight out of a sci-fi blooper reel, humanoid robots clanked and wobbled their way through Beijing’s first-ever robot half-marathon, reminding everyone that, for now, the flesh still outruns the circuits.

Today’s edition is shorter, as we gave our team time to celebrate Easter with their families.

We hope you enjoyed reading today’s Flyover. Let us know how we’re doing by replying to Russell Sherrard at russellsherrard@reagan.com.

The sponsors keep the tanks full around here. Be sure to check out today’s sponsors.

TAKEOFF.

Pope Makes Surprise Easter Appearance.

Pope Francis made an Easter Sunday appearance at St. Peter’s Square, delivering the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing and delighting more than 35,000 faithful with a surprise ride in his popemobile.

The 88-year-old pontiff, recovering from a life-threatening case of double pneumonia, appeared visibly stronger, greeting pilgrims and blessing babies in a 15-minute loop through the square.

Earlier, he met briefly with Vice President JD Vance, offering Easter gifts for his children.

While Cardinal Angelo Comastri presided over Mass, Francis’ balcony appearance and improved voice marked his longest public outing since a five-week hospitalization that raised serious concerns about his health.

Half-Marathon Goes Half-Human, Half-Robot.

Beijing hosted the world’s first half-marathon for humanoid robots on Saturday, with 21 bipedal bots running a 13.1-mile course alongside human racers.

The bots ran in separate lanes with human escorts and made pit stops for battery swaps—each costing a 10-minute penalty. Some teams even swapped entire robots mid-race.

Only four robots finished within the four-hour limit. Tiangong Ultra, also known as Sky Project Ultra, won the robot division in 2:40:42, running at about 5 mph and finishing on its third battery.

Many bots wore human sneakers, and mishaps were frequent—one lost its head, another crumbled, and some didn’t make it off the starting line. Awards went to endurance, gait, and innovation, but just staying upright might have felt like a win.

QUICK HITS.

The White House Easter Egg Roll returns today, keeping a 147-year-old tradition alive with 30,000 real eggs donated by farmers and sponsors like YouTube, Meta, and Amazon.

A helicopter rained down 15,000 marshmallows over Worden Park in Royal Oak, Michigan, on Friday, drawing cheers from hundreds of children during the annual Great Marshmallow Drop.

Developers spent $64 million transforming the former Lorton Reformatory in Virginia into Liberty Crest Apartments, a 165-unit complex that blends modern living with preserved prison history.

Speaking of real estate transformation, Dutch architects are converting a century-old church into a public pool and event space dubbed Holy Water, where an adjustable floor creates a shimmering layer across the nave, letting visitors appear to walk on water.

Researchers say they’ve uncovered a new color, dubbed olo, by using lasers to stimulate isolated retinal cells, producing a vivid blue-green hue that doesn’t occur in natural vision.

A Florida homeowner was startled to find two large alligators lingering on their front porch, one even standing on its hind legs and pressing its snout against the door, as caught on a Ring camera.

A moose named Helga, a frequent visitor to an Alaskan home, surprised a grocery delivery driver in a moment caught on camera.

And Now, A word From one of Our Sponsors.

Add Audio to your blog posts.

Are you an author or writer with a Blog or anyone with a blog and wonder if it is being effective?
I have added audio to my blog posts and am getting good comments. I can add voice to your blog posts. You choose Male/Female $10 per post. Direct your inquiries to russellsherrard@reagan.com

Daily Quote.

“The looks on their faces as they’re picking up their marshmallow and turning in the marshmallow for prizes are great.”

— Melissa Nawrocki, Oakland County Parks recreation program supervisor, on the annual Great Marshmallow Drop in Royal Oak, Michigan.

And thats the news for today.

And Now, a word from our sponsor – Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals.

Go to https:// payhip.com/ Christian NonFiction eBookStore then scroll down and click on Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals

Organized by month, this devotional has a morning and evening meditation for every day of the year. Although these devotions are short in length, they are filled with spiritual goodness. In just a few sentences, Spurgeon is able to convey the wisdom of Scripture with eloquence and purpose. These daily messages provide Christians with the spiritual energy they need to begin and end each day. Spurgeon weaves a verse of Scripture into each devotion, helping readers draw deeper meaning out of the selected passages. This powerful devotional provides Christians with the spiritual nourishment required to strengthen their relationships with God. Readers will find themselves inspired by Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotionals.

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CrossReads Weekly Devotional: Gems From Pastor Jim 4/21/2025

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by Jim Hughes.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Eric.

Click Above to Read/Listen to the Devotional

 

CrossProv. 4:14-17 Do not do as the wicked do or follow the path of evildoers. Avoid their haunts. Turn away and go somewhere else, for evil people cannot sleep until they have done their evil deed for the day. They cannot rest unless they have caused someone to stumble. They eat wickedness and drink violence!

We have a tendency to put people on a pedestal. We idolize people we don’t even know. We pay no attention to how they live if they are talented and we enjoy their talents. We pay to buy their products and feed on what they offer more than we care to admit. Discernment in the public arena is not one of our strong suits.

Many of the people who are popular and have a measure of fame are unrepentant sinners. Some flaunt their sinful lifestyles with seemingly no shame or remorse. Some blatantly advocate a belief in false gods or untruth. We sometimes follow and support the lives of those who are wicked and going to hell.

Scripture clearly reminds us that we must be more discerning as to whom we let into our minds and influence our hearts. We must be sensitive to the affect others have on us. If we are not being built up in our faith by others, they are tearing us down. Be careful who you let influence you. Your relationship with God is at stake.

Instead of idolizing the wicked, we should be praying for them. They need the Lord just like we do. Unless they repent, they will go to hell. Shouldn’t we care enough for their souls to ask the Lord to convict them of sin? We don’t know what is going on inside of them. What we see may just be a cover-up for the turmoil in their souls. Someone’s salvation may just be a prayer away. Jesus said to look out on the harvest field and pray that the Lord will send laborers into it. Ask the Lord to lay some soul upon your heart to pray for. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much.

About the Author:

 

Jim HughesSpending his formative years in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jim followed the love of his life to southeast Iowa where they married and have spent the majority of their lives. Jim has pastored several churches throughout his life and has worked many years in local factories to help support his family. The father of two married adult children and one son still at home, Jim is a first-time author.

C Through Marriage came into being through many years of pastoral and life experiences. The book first took on a life of its own over 20 years ago when I sought to address the much publicized moral failures of prominent leaders in the church. In the chapter on Chastity, I include the guideliness that I developed then to protect one’s self from such failures.

I am a firm believer in order to make sense out of life you have to use much common sense. We need to get back to the basics of what has worked for many, many generations. If it isn’t broke, why try to fix it? I strive to return to the basics of what really works in all my writings.

This site contains Third Party Advertising, using online behavioral tracking technology. Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers.
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