On this day in 1820 Susan B. Anthony was born.

What do you know about Susan B. Anthony, besides the fact that today is her birthday? (And the only way you know that is because you just read it. You probably haven’t planned a party!) Maybe you’ve seen Susan B. Anthony’s image on a dollar coin (you know, the one with the odd shape about the size of a quarter). Several years ago she received the honor of appearing on our money. During her lifetime, she worked hard to free slaves, improve education, get better pay and working conditions for laborers, stop drunkenness and alcoholism, and give women the right to vote. No wonder she’s famous!

Every one of those actions took courage. Imagine the opposition she must have faced from people who were against those causes. In fact, just for her work against slavery, she encountered angry mobs, armed threats, and objects thrown at her. A dummy of her was hanged and, in one town, her image was dragged in the streets. Some people were really upset at Susan. But she kept working.

Courage means doing what you know is right, regardless of the cost or danger.

It means telling the truth when others are lying, sticking up for a friend, reaching out to someone who’s not popular, and taking a stand for your beliefs. It means telling someone that you trust in Jesus when you know that person might make fun of your faith.

The Bible is filled with stories of courageous men, women, boys, and girls who made a difference for God and for good in the world. You can be a person of courage too, like Susan B. Anthony.

But now take courage, says the Lord. . . . Take courage all you people still left in the land, says the Lord. Take courage and work, for I am with you, says the Lord Almighty (Haggai 2:4).

To Do

Look up Susan B. Anthony on your computer and read about her life. If you can, get a silver dollar with her picture on it and keep it as a reminder to be a person of courage.

Also on this day . . .

This is National Gum Drop Day.

1564—Galileo was born.

1758—Mustard was advertised for the first time in America.

1903—Morris and Rose Michtom, Russian immigrants, introduced the first teddy bear in America.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

Today is Valentine’s Day.

This is probably the only day in the year that you eat those pastel colored hearts. You know, the ones with love messages on them, like “Be mine,” “Sweetie Pie,” and “Love ya.” The messages aren’t too deep, but, hey, how much room is there on a candy heart?

Actually, even if the writing space were much bigger, the message probably still would be pretty shallow. That’s because we say “love” so easily and casually. For example, every day we proclaim love for hot dogs, puppies, warm weather, TV shows, fudge, and a host of other favorite things and activities. So when we say, “I love you” to a person, do we feel the same as we do for an electronic game or a friend’s hairstyle (“I love what you’ve done to your hair!”)? No wonder it’s confusing.

Jesus said that his followers would be known by their love for each other (check out John 13:35). And he said that soon after he had washed his disciples’ feet and had told them to follow his example. So it seems that the love Jesus was talking about is more than a feeling or a sweet compliment. His type of love involves action, a decision to act for someone else’s good. He did that when he chose to come to earth and to die on the cross for our sins. That’s true love!

Look at the verses for today. This passage emphasizes the attitudes and actions of love.

So whom do you say that you love? Mom? Dad? Brother? Sister? Friend? Think how you show it, how you act. That’s the test—because actions speak louder than words.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

To Do

Make a valentine for a special person in your life. Use part or all of today’s Bible passage to thank that person for his or her love actions toward you. You could say, for example, “Thanks for being such a good friend. Paul wrote that ‘love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful’ and I see that in you.”

Also on this day . . .

This is National Ferris Wheel Day.

1741—American Revolutionary War traitor Benedict Arnold was born.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

This is Get a Different Name Day.

Johnny Cash once had a hit song entitled, “A Boy Named Sue.” It tells the story of a young man who had to fight his way through life because people would make fun of his name. The end of the song reveals that the man’s father named him “Sue” to make him tough.

You may have wanted to change your name. Perhaps someone with the same first or last name did something terrible, and it was all over the news. How would you like to be named “Saddam”? You’d quickly get sick of all the comments and jokes. Or maybe you think your last name is too long or confusing, like “Froomerwhipplesnitczle.” Try putting that on the back of your baseball jersey!

Names are interesting because we are so attached to them. If asked, “Who are you?” we answer with our name. And if someone whispers our name, even in a noisy room, we hear it—we’re tuned in.

But people are more than their names. Beyond your name, you are a student, a son or daughter, or a team member. You are a citizen, a musician, or a friend.

The truth about you and every person is that you are good, special, important, and loved by God. You were created in his image. No matter what happens or how you feel, always remember that you are not just a boy or girl. And you are much more than your name. You are a child of God, made like your heavenly Father, and you bear the family resemblance. Wow!

So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27).

To Do

Make a bookmark out of cardboard. On it write, “In His Image—special and loved!” Then use that bookmark in the textbook you use the most to remind you of who you really are.

Also on this day . . .

1635—The first public school in the United States was established.

1965—Sixteen-year-old Peggy Fleming won the ladies senior figure skating title at Lake Placid, NY.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

On this day in 1809 Abraham Lincoln was born.

When you hear the name “Abraham Lincoln,” what do you think of? Great president? The one who freed the slaves? “Honest Abe?” Lincoln got that nickname because he was known for his honesty. He had a reputation for honesty.

A reputation is what a person is “known as.” It reflects what the person is like, what he or she has done, or how he or she has acted. Sometimes reputations aren’t fair or accurate. Someone’s reputation might be based on a rumor or on one act. For example, the new kid might keep to himself and get the reputation of being stuck up, but he may just be shy. Or a girl might be caught cheating on a test one time and then be known as a cheater. But usually reputations are built over time with a pattern of behavior. So, because of the way Abraham Lincoln lived and spoke, he became known as “honest Abe.”

A good reputation is valuable. Today’s verse says that having one is “better than having silver or gold.” That’s especially true for a Christian, a follower of Christ. A Christian’s reputation reflects on God.

Think of people you know. How would you describe their reputations? Funny, brainy, dishonest, angry, fun?

If others thought of you, how would they describe your character or reputation? What would you like to be known as? Loyal? Sincere? Kind? Someone close to God?

You build a reputation one day at a time and one action at a time. So start now. What can you do today and then tomorrow to be known as someone who is like Christ?

Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1).

To Do

Think about one or two kids at school or in the neighborhood who have good reputations. Then think of how they earned them.

Also on this day . . .

This is National Lost Penny Day.

1733—English colonist James Oglethorpe founded Savannah, Georgia.

1878—Frederick W. Thayer patented the baseball catcher’s mask.

2004—Mattel announced that Barbie and Ken were breaking up. The dolls had met on the set of their first television commercial together in 1961.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

On this day in 1847 Thomas Edison was born.

The inventions of Thomas Edison include the phonograph, generator, motor, motion pictures, and more that 600 patented products. Probably he is most famous for inventing the light bulb. Just think of what life would be like without those amazing glass appliances that turn on at the flick of a switch or tap on a button, pushing away the darkness. Before the light bulb, people would do most of their work between sunrise and sunset and then rely on candles. What an amazing, life-changing invention.

But that’s not Edison’s greatest achievement. Even more important is his fantastic system of generating and distributing electricity. Because of Thomas Edison, we can light, not just one bulb, but the whole house! Without the power and the power grid, we could have a thousand light bulbs, but they would be useless. It’s one thing to have a light bulb and a lamp. It’s quite another to have it actually work. A light bulb only works when connected to the power source.

That may seem obvious. But have you ever wondered why the lamp in your bedroom didn’t work . . . or the DVD player . . . or the radio, only to discover that it was unplugged? Every electrical appliance needs to be plugged in. It needs electricity. It needs power!

The same is true for people. One day Jesus told his followers that they would receive power to live his way and to tell others about him. This power would come from God himself, the Holy Spirit. But they had to be plugged in.

This happens when we trust in Christ as Savior and then stay close to him through reading his Word and praying.

So how are you doing? Are you plugged in?

“But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

To Do

Make a small sign that says, “Power!” Put the sign on a lamp in your bedroom to remind you to stay plugged in to God.

Also on this day . . .

1752—The Pennsylvania Hospital opened as the very first hospital in America.

1809—Robert Fulton invented the steamboat.

1990—Nelson Mandela was freed after 27 years in captivity.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

This is Umbrella Day.

Here’s a riddle: What can go up the chimney down but not down the chimney up? The answer—an umbrella. Think about it. If the umbrella is down, you could move it up and down the chimney. If the umbrella is up or open, however, you couldn’t bring it down the chimney from outside because it would be too big. Use that riddle to stump your family and friends.

Actually, the umbrella is a great invention. We can carry it around and then open it when we need to, usually in a rain shower. Or we can open one up on the deck, at the pool, or on the beach to keep us in the shade. Umbrellas protect us from rain and sun.

But umbrellas don’t provide much protection against hurricanes, rockslides, rattlesnakes, volcanic eruptions, meteorites, or stampeding cattle. Umbrellas can be helpful, but sometimes we need more help than they offer.

King David the psalmist wrote songs about God’s protection. At many times in his life God had protected David. When David was a shepherd boy, God protected him from a lion and a bear that attacked his sheep. When David faced the giant Goliath, he was confident of God’s protection and he killed the giant with only a sling and stones. As commander of Israel’s army David experienced God’s protection in battle and from his enemies. But David’s protection didn’t come from umbrellas, shelters, weapons, or even armies—it came from God. Today’s verse is a good example. David trusted in God to shield him, strengthen him, and save him—in every situation. Did he use weapons in battle? Sure. Did he seek shelter in a storm? Of course. But he knew that ultimately his protection, especially from evil, had to come from the Lord.

No matter what you face, remember that God is your ultimate protector. Trust him, talk to him, and turn over your concerns to him.

My God is my rock, in whom I find protection.

He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold,

My high tower, my savior, the one who saves me from violence (2 Samuel 22:3).

To Do

Tell someone the chimney riddle. And whenever you see an umbrella whisper a prayer of thanks to God for his protection.

Also on this day . . .

1763—The Treaty of Paris ended the French and Indian War. In the treaty, France yielded Canada to England.

1863—The fire extinguisher was patented by Alanson Crane.

1870—The YMCA was founded in New York City.

1933—The Postal Telegraph Company of New York City introduced the singing telegram.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

On this Day, in 1870, the National Weather Service was established.

Take a quick look outside. Is it clear or cloudy? Sunny or snowy? Wet or dry? Coolish or warmish? And here’s a question for you: Does the weather match the forecast for today?

Weather affects everyone—some people much more than others. Farmers, for example, need sun and rain in the right amounts at specific times of the year. Pilots have to fly around or above storms. Those who fish, sail, and do other water activities keep their eyes on the skies. And no athlete wants the game cancelled because of inclement weather.

The weather can affect a person’s mood, too. How do you feel when the day is dark and cloudy compared to bright and sunny?

What frustrates many is that we have no choice. Weather is what it is, and we have to accept it and deal with it.

We can’t choose a lot of things. Besides the weather, we can’t choose our families, our basic physical and mental characteristics, the laws of the land, and many of the events around us.

But we can choose our attitudes. We can choose to be positive and pleasant, even when everything doesn’t go our way. We can choose how we act toward other people. We can choose to move closer to God rather than away from him. We can choose to obey and believe God and trust him for the future.

In today’s Bible passage, Moses is about to leave the Israelites, turning over the leadership of the nation to Joshua. So in this final speech, he challenges the people to make the right choices. Imagine yourself in that crowd, hearing these final words from this great man of God and leader. What does it mean for you to “choose life”?

Meet Moses’ challenge. Regardless of the weather or anything else, make choices today that honor God.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

To Do

For one day, keep track of things and events that you can’t control. Make a note of how those things affect your attitude. Each time you write one down, think about making a positive, God-honoring choice.

Also on this day . . .

1773—William Henry Harrison, the 9^th president of the United States, was born in Charles City County, VA

1895—W.G. Morgan invented volleyball.

1964—The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.

1997—The Simpsons became the longest-running prime-time animated series. The Flintstones held the record previously.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

This is National Boy Scouts Day.

The Boy Scouts of America is about 100 years old. You may not know much about the organization, but you’ve probably heard their motto: “Be prepared.”

That’s great advice for Scouts who are hiking and camping. The equipment needs to be in good shape, the food and other supplies need to be gathered, and everyone needs to be organized. Heading out for adventure unprepared could bring serious problems.

But that motto gives great advice for non-Scouts and for the rest of life, too. Good preparation is important for students in school, for athletes on teams, for workers on the job, for anyone who wants to do be successful and do something well.

When talking to his followers, Jesus used the same expression: Be prepared. He was explaining that he would ascend to heaven after his resurrection and that he would come to earth a second time in the future. He made the point that no one knows the exact time of his second coming, so they should always be prepared for it.

Being prepared for Christ’s return means living as though he might come at any moment. A good way to do this is to ask, “Would I like to be doing this when Jesus returns?” If you have a close walk with God and you spend time with him through prayer and Bible reading, you can look forward to Jesus’ second coming as a wonderful, exciting day, and the beginning of eternity with him in heaven.

So what about it—are you prepared?

So be prepared, because you don’t know what day your Lord is coming (Matthew 24:42).

To Do

Read Matthew 24:1-30. On a sheet of paper, list all the signs of the second coming of Christ.

Also on this day . . .

This is Kite Flying Day.

1693—A charter was granted for the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA.

1922—The White House began using the radio after President Harding had it installed.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

This is Charles Dickens Day.

Charles Dickens was a famous English author who lived from 1812 to 1870. Dickens’ writings include A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations, Oliver Twist, and David Copperfield. One of Dickens’ most well-known books, A Tale of Two Cities, tells of the French Revolution and has this famous opening line: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

Whenever you hear reports on the evening news you may think that these days are both the best and the worst. All the stories of terrorism, crime, and other terrible problems and conditions make it seem as though things couldn’t be worse. But when you hear of breakthroughs in medicine, technology, and nutrition, and you think, “Life is good!”

The people in Jesus’ day lived in similar times. When Jesus looked around him at all the disobedience and disbelief he pronounced the times evil. But then he hinted at what would be the most significant event in history and the best news ever proclaimed. Earlier Jesus had said, “For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so I, the Son of Man, will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights” (Matthew 12:40). Jesus was predicting his death and resurrection. Through his sacrifice he would break the power of sin and death and give salvation to the evil world.

And you know what? He did it!

So whenever you hear all the bad news, remember the Good News. Jesus came; Jesus lived; Jesus died for our sins; Jesus rose from the dead; Jesus loves you. That’s the best news in the worst of times.

[Jesus] said, “These are evil times, and this evil generation keeps asking me to show them a miraculous sign. But the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. . . . What happens to me will be a sign that God has sent me, the Son of Man, to these people (Luke 11:29–30).

To Do

Ask one person to give you the good news for the day. Then say, “And the best news is that Jesus lives . . . and he rocks!”

Also on this day . . .

1817—Frederick Douglass, a leader in the anti-slavery movement and an advisor to President Lincoln, was born.

1943—The U.S. government announced that shoe rationing would go into effect in two days.

1984—Space shuttle astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart made the first untethered space walk.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

This is Pay a Compliment Day.

What a switch! Yesterday we discussed disasters, and today we look at the bright side.

And that’s exactly what a compliment is—looking for something positive in someone else and then telling him or her about it.

Mark Twain said, “I can live a month on one good compliment.” Phrases like, “That’s a nice shirt,” “Thank you for your thoughtfulness,” “I really enjoyed your solo,” and “Your are such a good friend!” are music to our ears—they seem to brighten even a cloudy, rainy day. We feel affirmed and encouraged.

Compliments are easy to give, and they don’t cost anything. You have to wonder why we don’t give more of them.

The Bible passage for today introduces us to a great compliment-giver, a man named Joseph. In fact, he was such a positive person that he was given the nickname Barnabas, which means “Encourager.” Read more about him in the New Testament, and you’ll discover that his encouragement was very important to the Apostle Paul after he became a follower of Christ. So Barnabas’s nickname says a lot about the kind of person he was. It’s sure better than being called “Grouchy,” “Gloomy,” or something similar.

If people who know you best were to give you a nickname based on your attitude, outlook, and actions, what do you think they would choose? Make the switch—be an encourager.

For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus (Acts 4:36).

To Do

In the next 24 hours, compliment five different people (such as family members, friends, or teachers). Be sincere and specific.

Also on this day . . .

1895—Baseball great Babe Ruth was born.

1911—Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40^th president of the United States, was born in Tampico, IL.

1911—The first old-age home for pioneers opened in Prescott, AZ.

1935—The game Monopoly first went on sale.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.