America 250: Why it matters for communities and the future

January 17, 2026

Once the calendar page turned from 2025 to 2026, the phrase America 250 suddenly seemed to be everywhere. It appeared in headlines, on social media, and in conversations among community leaders and organizers. Along our highways, billboards began popping up with patriotic slogans and bold designs celebrating this historic milestone. But why is 2026 such an important year? The answer is simple, yet profound. In 2026, our nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a moment that forever altered the course of history and gave birth to ...

How books are ordered at MCL

January 17, 2026

Let’s talk about library books. There are a lot of books published every day but at Mifflin County Library we have to be a little selective in what books we offer. That doesn’t mean we censor, that means we have to stay within budget. Shelly, the assistant director, orders all of the adult books for MCL in Lewistown and for the Kish Library in Belleville. She orders all of the fiction, nonfiction, Large Print type books and paperbacks that are for readers over 18-years-old. MCL is a popular materials library. This means we order New York Times bestsellers and books that are ...

Juniata County Library in 2025: Facts, figures and more

January 17, 2026

I look forward to writing this column every year. I love seeing which titles were most popular and what was sought after. It helps me get a glimpse into what the interests are here in Juniata County. I’m always surprised to see an item on the list that I wouldn’t have imagined to be as popular as it turned out to be. Conversely, I find it interesting that some books or authors are missing from the list. Below I list our top 10 most circulated books: “The Ex” by Freida McFadden (20 circulations) “Broken Country” by Clare Leslie Hall (20 circulations) “Ward D” by ...

Living to please God

January 17, 2026

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16 Have you ever been criticized? How did it make you feel? Some people can say very unfair, negative things at times, can’t they? The apostle Paul knew what it was like to be criticized. In the New Testament church there was a group of people known as the Judaizers who wanted to keep Christianity as a Jewish sect. Since Paul was determined to take the faith to the Gentiles, these Judaizers looked for every opportunity to find fault with him. They accused him of being in the ministry just for the money. That was a joke. Paul continued to support himself as ...

See, say and spell

January 17, 2026

At this time of year many are thinking about plans and purpose for the rest of the year. If we are to fulfill God’s plan for our lives and walk in His Word, we must have vision. The following teaching shows us steps to how we can see the vision God has for us come about. Prov 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” To be victorious as a Christian, to succeed in life and overcome all the obstacles that the world, the flesh and the devil throw our way, we must first and foremost have a vision. Because as the ...

A secret rapture or the second coming of Christ?

January 17, 2026

Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Matthew 24:40 This week, we want to look at Matthew 24:36-44, for our consideration of the Pre-Tribulation rapture. This is a belief that is held by Dispensationalists. The word ‘rapture’ in our modern day refers to a ‘snatching away,’ to be taken quickly and quietly. Luke 17:34 says, “Two men will be in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left.” This verse in Luke certainly seems to be consistent with Matthew 24:36-44. Are these two passages referring to a secret rapture, or are they ...