Today is Hug A Bear Day.

Maybe you don’t want to admit it. Maybe you think that you are too old for such things, or maybe you think that you’re the only one who still has something soft and cuddly to hold on to during a storm. But let’s be honest. If someone were to search underneath your bed or to look under your pillow or hunt through the back corners of your closet, that person might just discover a frayed, torn piece of blanket, or a one-eyed stuffed animal with one of its limbs just barely hanging on.

Like Linus’s faithful blanket, this well-worn and well-loved object has been there for you through all sorts of situations. It was “Teddy” that helped you get through those terrible thunderstorms. You clung to “Bunny” when you were traveling to your new home. It was “Blankie” that comforted you on those long afternoons when you were sick and Mom couldn’t be by your side.

We all have those moments in our lives when we need to feel secure. We need to know that someone is with us when we feel all alone; that someone is there to comfort us when we are frightened or anxious about facing something new. We want someone there to comfort us when we are feeling down.

The good news is that we have someone like that in our lives 24-7. Jesus is there whenever we need him, wherever we are, in whatever situation we find ourselves. Listen to these words Jesus spoke to his disciples: “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” I am with you always. We need never fear being alone or being scared or being abandoned. Jesus is with us. Always.

That’s the best security blanket ever.

And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

To Do

Go ahead, hug a bear—or a blankie or a bunny, or whatever cuddly thing you cherish—today! But remember where you find your real security.

Also on this day

1893—The state of Colorado granted women the right to vote.

1944—President Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first person to win a fourth term as president.

1965—The Pillsbury Doughboy® debuted in television commercials.

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 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected president.

Without a doubt, Abraham Lincoln is counted among America’s greatest presidents. His firm belief that the government should be a positive force to serve people guided him through his life and was at the heart of his desire to become president of the United States.

But it was not a goal that Lincoln easily or quickly achieved. His career path was littered with setbacks and failures. In his first attempt at running for political office as a state representative in 1832, Lincoln finished eighth out of 13. So he returned to practicing law. Then he won a seat in the Illinois Legislature in 1834.

Over the next decade, however, Lincoln suffered numerous business and political setbacks. During that time Lincoln’s sweetheart died, he suffered a nervous breakdown, and he was defeated for Speaker of the Illinois House. Lincoln was overlooked for the nomination for U.S. Congress in 1843. He was elected three years later, but lost his renomination bid two years after that. In 1854, he was defeated for the U.S. Senate, denied the nomination for Vice President in 1856, and again defeated for U.S. Senate in 1858.

With so many failures in his life no one would have blamed Lincoln for giving up and going back to his law practice. But because he was determined to achieve his political goals and dreams, Lincoln never gave up. Though he was knocked down repeatedly, Lincoln continued to get back up and continue on.

That is the very promise that God gives to us in Psalm 37:24. Read it for yourself. God’s promise is that he watches over every step we take. When we stumble, when we fail and suffer setbacks, God is there to help us keep going. He promises to hold on tightly to our hands and lead us on.

So next time you fail at reaching your goal, remember Abe and his persistence. Then remember the One who will hold you up and keep you going!

Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand (Psalm 37:24).

To Do

What failure have you experienced lately? Think about how you can use that experience to help you in achieving your goals.

Also on this day

Today is Saxophone Day.

1861—James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, was born.

1952—The first hydrogen bomb was exploded at Eniwetok Atoll in the Pacific Ocean.

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 Guy Fawkes Day.

Today marks the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, a conspiracy to blow up the English Parliament and King James I in 1605. On November 5, King James was to open Parliament. But the conspiracy came to light when a mysterious letter was sent to Lord Monteagle, urging him not to attend Parliament on opening day.

When the contents of the letter were brought to the attention of others in Parliament, an extensive search of the House of Lords was conducted. In the cellar underneath the building, 36 barrels of gunpowder that were overlaid with iron bars and firewood were discovered. Guy Fawkes, one of the conspirators, was arrested when he entered the cellar.

Guy Fawkes Day—the remembrance of the failure to blow up Parliament—is still celebrated in Britain today with fireworks and bonfires on which effigies of the conspirators are burned.

Seems strange doesn’t it, to have a holiday marking the failure of something? Usually we celebrate victories like the Fourth of July.

When the Roman and Jewish leaders nailed Jesus to the cross, they thought they had gotten rid of Jesus and his radical ideas for good. Little did they expect what was to happen three days later when Jesus left the tomb. Not only was Jesus alive, but his followers were energized and empowered to spread the gospel.

Easter marks the failure of men to defeat Jesus—and ultimately the failure of Satan to defeat God’s plan to offer salvation to all people who accept forgiveness of their sins through Jesus. Satan must have been dancing on that dark Friday afternoon, but it was God who did the ultimate victory dance.

Victory in failure? You bet!

But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God! (1 Corinthians 15:57, The Message).

To Do

Celebrate Satan’s failure today by thanking God for the great victory at the cross when Jesus defeated sin, guilt, and death.

Also on this day

1872—Susan B. Anthony was fined $100 for attempting to vote in the presidential election. She never paid the fine.

1935—The game Monopoly® was introduced by Parker Brothers Company.

1940—President Franklin D. Roosevelt won an unprecedented third term in office.

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.

The patent for the artificial leg was granted to Dr. Benjamin Franklin Palmer in 1846.

Dr. Benjamin Franklin Palmer had lost a leg in an accident. Determined not to let this tragedy hinder him from living a full life, Palmer looked for solutions. Failing to find any type of device that would help him walk as normally as possible, Palmer did the next best thing—he invented an artificial leg.

Palmer’s design included springs and hidden joints that gave the appearance of natural movement. For his efforts Palmer received an award at the first World’s Fair at the Crystal Palace in London in 1851.

Palmer’s response to his situation was different from the man in the Bible who spent his days lying by the pool of Bethesda. You can read about him in John 5:1-14. Although the man had been lying there for 38 years, no one was able to help him . . . until Jesus came upon the scene.

Jesus took one look at the man and asked him, “Would you like to get well?” The man replied, “I can’t, sir.” Then after the man had explained all the problems he faced, Jesus simply told him, “Stand up, pick up your sleeping mat and walk.” And the man did so.

We have a choice when facing difficult and hopeless situations. We can give up, feeling hopeless and trapped like the man at the pool before he met Jesus. Or we can respond like Palmer and look for solutions to our problems. A positive attitude is necessary to overcome obstacles.

Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your sleeping mat, and walk!” (John 5:8).

To Do

What difficulty are you facing today? How would you describe your attitude in this situation? What could you do to take that first step toward a solution?

Also on this day

Today is National Candy Day.

1922—In Egypt, Howard Carter discovered the way into the lost tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen.

1965—Lee Ann Roberts Breedlove became the first woman to exceed 300 mph in a jet-powered car.

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 Sandwich Day.

The sandwich actually goes back as far as the first century bc when the famous rabbi, Hillel the Elder, started the custom of eating a mixture of chopped nuts, apples, and spices between two matzos. In the Middle Ages, thick slices of coarse stale bread called trenchers were used instead of plates. Piles of meats and other foods were placed on top of the bread to be eaten with the fingers.

But it wasn’t until the late 1700s that the first written record of sandwich appeared in a Londoner’s journal. The cooks at London’s Beef Steak Club were said to have invented the first sandwich in 1762. John Montague, the Fourth Earl of Sandwich, was a frequent diner at the restaurant and a devoted card player. Reluctant to quit playing, Montague would order his valet to bring his meal to him—a piece of meat tucked between two pieces of bread. Soon others began ordering “the same as Sandwich” and the name stuck!

However you slice it, bread is what makes the sandwich. Without it, what do you have? A slice of ham and cheese. Tuna on a plate. A glob of peanut butter and jelly. Clearly, it’s the bread that gives the definition and substance to this lunchtime staple. Throughout all cultures and ages, bread has been an important food source.

Jesus called himself “the living bread that came down out of heaven.” Just as we all need bread and food to satisfy our hunger and to help keep us alive, we also need Jesus to keep us going spiritually. And just as we need to eat every day, we need to connect with Jesus on a daily basis. That means spending time praying and reading the Bible to get our daily serving of “living bread.”

Have you had your daily bread?

I am the living bread that came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; this bread is my flesh, offered so the world may live (John 6:51).

To Do

Make up your own sandwich creation today. Enjoy it, and then explain to someone about the “living bread.”

Also on this day

1952—Clarence Birdseye marketed frozen peas.

1957—Sputnik II was launched by the Soviet Union. It was the first man-made satellite to put an animal into space, a dog named Laika.

1998—Minnesota elected Jesse “The Body” Ventura, a former pro wrestler, as governor.

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.

Daniel Boone, the American frontiersman, was born on this day in 1724.

Even as a boy Daniel Boone was training for his future as a man of the wild. Growing up in the Pennsylvania countryside, the young boy made friends with the Indians living nearby and learned the habits of the wildlife. At age 19, Boone fought in the French and Indian War, where he met John Finley—a hunter who had explored some of the western wilds and who filled the young man with dreams of exploring the land for himself.

It wasn’t until 1767, when Daniel was 33 and married, that he set out to explore the uncharted territory that is now Kentucky. It took Daniel and his companions two years to travel and explore one end of Kentucky. On later trips Boone worked to clear the Wilderness Road and establish a settlement that became known as Boonesborough.

At age 64 Boone set out again—this time for the Missouri region. As he paddled by in his canoe, folks would ask him, “Why are you leaving Kentucky?” to which Boone replied, “Too crowded.”

John the Baptist was another man who felt most comfortable in the wilderness. John ate insects and wild honey, dressed in camel hair, and lived alone in the desert. Far from any distractions, John could hear God’s instructions. And his unconventional manner certainly caught the people’s attention. What better way to point to the coming of the Messiah?

John was confident of what God wanted him to do. He prepared people for the coming of the Lord: “Someone is coming soon who is far greater than I am” (Mark 1:7).

Take a lesson from John. You don’t have to eat bugs or live in the desert. But you can reduce the distractions in your life that keep you from hearing God’s voice clearly. And you can introduce people to Jesus.

This messenger was John the Baptist. He lived in the wilderness and was preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had turned from their sins and turned to God to be forgiven (Mark 1:4).

To Do

Go out in the backyard or a nearby park and spend some time in a place where you are away from distractions. Listen for God speaking to you.

Also on this day

1795—James K. Polk, the 11^th president of the United States, was born.

1865—Warren G. Harding, the 29^th president of the United States, was born.

1989—Carmen Fasanella retired after 68 years and 243 days of taxicab service in Princeton, New Jersey.

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 Men Make Dinner Day.

It’s official! Today women across the country have permission to hang up their aprons and hand over the whisk and the spatula to the men. It’s time for Men Make Dinner Day!

So what feelings does the thought of your dad making dinner bring? Maybe fear, if Dad’s last creation was inedible and ended up in the garbage disposal. Amusement, if your dad hasn’t mastered the art of microwaving. Joy, if you know that Dad cooking dinner means you get your choice of carryout.

To be fair, many men know their way around the kitchen. Some of the world’s greatest chefs are men. Not all men panic when they are faced with preparing a meal. But one time, Jesus’ friends were anxious when they were given the task of feeding a crowd.

A huge crowd of people had been sitting all day listening to Jesus speak. At first the disciples had suggested that the crowd leave and find their own food. But Jesus told them, “You feed them.” That’s when they panicked! How were they going to find—never mind pay for—enough food to feed all those people? After all, there were no fast-food joints to zip into and pick up cheeseburgers for five thousand.

Yet when the disciples listened and followed Jesus’ instructions to gather all the available food and arrange the people in groups, they witnessed a miracle meal. You know the story. Jesus took two fish and five loaves of bread, prayed for God’s blessing, and then fed everyone.

So the next time you are given an “impossible” assignment—whether it’s cooking a meal for your family or working on a difficult project—don’t panic. Let Jesus in on it. Do all you can, and then ask God to do the rest!

If you will only obey me and let me help you, then you will have plenty to eat (Isaiah 1:19).

To Do

Team up with your dad to prepare dinner for the family tonight.

Also on this day

Today is All Saints Day.

1512—Michelangelo’s paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel were first exhibited to the public.

1800—President John Adams became the first president to live in the White House.

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 Halloween.

Halloween has grown to be a huge holiday in the U.S. People decorate their homes and dress up in costumes at parties. Children go door-to-door begging for candies with the familiar phrase, “Trick or treat.”

Originally this was sort of a religious day, as it preceded “All Saints Day.” But it has become anything but religious these days. Many of the decorations feature hideous, frightening creatures. Images of violence and death abound. “Haunted” houses draw people who pay for the privilege of screaming in terror. Everywhere, there is an atmosphere of darkness, evil, and fear.

What scares you—really frightens you, and not just like a silly Halloween party?

Some people are afraid of heights; others fear being in crowds. Some people run from clowns, while others hate being up high. One of the biggest fears, believe it or not, is speaking in front of a group. And if people are honest, just about everyone admits to fearing death.

If you read the Bible for very long, you’ll read, “Fear not” or “Don’t be afraid.” In Deuteronomy 31:8, Moses told Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor forsake you.” What a great promise!

And look at the verse for today in which John explains why we don’t have to fear: because God loves us.

So whenever you feel afraid, remember God is with you. Most of all, remember that he loves you!

Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us (1 John 4:18).

To Do

Make a sign that says “Fear not—1 John 4:8.” Tape it to your front door so that all the trick-or-treaters will see it. Who knows? You or your parents may get to tell someone what it means.

Also on this day

1517—Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses at Augsburg, beginning the Protestant Reformation.

1860—Juliette Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, 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 Buy-a-Doughnut Day.

Ah, doughnuts—those sticky, sweet, tasty treats. What’s your favorite—glazed? chocolate? sprinkled?

You may have wondered who invented the donut. According to one story, in 1847 a New England sea captain, Hanson Gregory, punched holes in dough because his mother’s doughnuts were not cooked in the center. Whether or not that’s true, the hole means that the baker uses fewer ingredients in each donut, and they are easy to stack on a stick (or a finger).

Some people say that doughnuts aren’t good for us because they’re fattening. But they sure can’t say that about the hole—it has zero calories.

In many ways doughnuts are like life apart from God—appealing and tasty on the outside, but empty in the middle. Solomon wrote about the emptiness of life in Ecclesiastes. Look at today’s verse where he says that life is meaningless.

Some people seem to spend their lives trying to live on doughnut holes. Solomon was that way for much of his life. He tasted it all: money, power, possessions, fun, and romance. We’ve already discussed Solomon several times in this book. But with every bite of life, Solomon wanted more. And when he got to the center, it was empty!

A better approach would be to see life as a nutritious meal; you know, one with the necessary fruits and vegetables to help you grow strong. Add meat, bread, and other essential foods, and you’ll do well. Then you can have the doughnut for dessert.

Real life begins with God in the center. Leave him out, and existence is as empty as a doughnut hole.

“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “utterly meaningless!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2).

To Do

Get a couple of doughnuts and challenge a sibling or a parent to an eating contest. Each person should put the doughnut on a finger and then eat as much as possible while keeping a circle of dough around the finger. Then you can explain how donuts are a lot like life.

Also on this day

This is Haunted Refrigerator Day. (Leftovers, anyone?)

1735—John Adams, the second president of the United States, was born.

1990—Tunnelers met under the English Channel and connected England to France.

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 1929 the stock market crashed.

This day was known as Black Tuesday, and it began the Great Depression, the worst economic slump in U.S. history. And this slump spread to virtually the entire industrialized world.

During the first part of this decade, the Roaring Twenties, everyone was doing very well, or so it seemed. Salaries were up and people were buying lots of stuff, especially cars. The twenties also saw a stock market boom. People were investing a lot of money, and the stock values kept increasing. Life was good until Black Tuesday.

People began to panic and banks started to fail. Some people lost all their investments and savings. Many felt desperate, and quite a few committed suicide.

Can you imagine losing everything? What a terrible feeling!

At one time in his life, the apostle Paul had a lot going for him. He was well educated, a respected member of the community, and one of the elite—the “in crowd.” And to top it off, he was seen as a very religious person. From almost any angle he looked good.

But then he met Jesus and began to see life differently. What he once thought was important, now he considered “worthless.” He willingly gave it up to follow Christ. Check out today’s passage and the surrounding verses.

It’s easy to become confused and think that money, possessions, and popularity are all important. And when we don’t get them, or worse yet we lose them, we can feel devastated. But that’s the world’s lie. Far more important are heavenly treasures and what God thinks of you. Keep your focus on Christ and his kingdom, and life will make sense.

I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ (Philippians 3:7, 8).

To Do

Get a copy of today’s newspaper or a recent magazine. Flip through it and look for evidences of what the world says is valuable. Consider the contrast to what God says is really important.

Also on this day

This is Oatmeal Day.

1863—The International Committee of the Red Cross was founded.

1945—The first ballpoint pens to be made commercially went on sale at Gimbels Department Store in New York City at the price of $12.50 each.

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.