Today is Memorial Day.

The first official Memorial Day was declared on May 5, 1886 by General John Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, as a tribute to the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives during the Civil War. The first observation of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

By 1890, the day was recognized by all the northern states. The South had its own Memorial Day until after World War I when the day was changed from honoring just the Civil War dead to include all Americans who had died fighting in any war.

We continue to observe Memorial Day as an important reminder of the many men and women who died serving our country. Remembering the past and honoring the people who have gone before us is important in understanding our history and what makes us Americans. It is also important in understanding our faith.

When Joshua and the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land, they had an important job to do before they began conquering the land. God commanded the people to stop and build a memorial using 12 stones—one for each tribe of Israel. Why did God want them to spend the time doing that? Because he wanted the people to remember who was guiding them and who had brought them into the land. It was important for the people to remember.

We need to remember God too, throughout the day. You can build memorials to God in your day by taking time to pause and thank God for what he has done for you this day.

Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you power to become rich, and he does it to fulfill the covenant he made with your ancestor. (Deuteronomy 8:18).

To Do

Remember your relationship with God. Use a drawing, a Bible verse, or a visual cue (such as a certain tree or building that you see frequently) as a reminder to spend time with him.

Also on this day . . .

1884—Dr. John Harvey Kellogg patented “flaked” cereal.

1907—The first taxis arrived in New York City.

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 Be Kind to Animals month.

The saying goes that every dog has its day. Well, each May, dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, birds, and any other kind of animal you can name, have an entire month devoted especially to them. Be Kind to Animals Month is a great reminder of how we should treat our furry, feathered, finned, and scaly friends this month and throughout the year.

The Be Kind to Animals movement was started in 1915 by the American Humane Society as a celebration of animals—both wild and tame. Whether it’s taking your dog out for a walk, spreading some bird feed outside, or making sure your pet has a clean, safe, place to sleep, caring for animals is our responsibility. From the very beginning, God gave humans authority over the earth and its inhabitants: “Be masters over the fish and birds and all the animals” (Genesis 1:28). That doesn’t mean we can do anything we want to God’s creatures. Rather, it means that we should care for God’s creation as he cares for us.

Here are 10 ways you can get involved in being kind to the animals in your life:

• Speak out for animals.
• Report animal cruelty whenever you see it.
• Adopt a pet from a shelter.
• Identify your pets with tags.
• Appreciate wildlife.
• Leave room in your yard for habitats for wildlife.
• Make a bird or bat house.
• Be a good role model for your friends in treating all animals with care.
• Volunteer at your local animal shelter.
• Keep on the lookout for stray or injured animals.
• Remember, whenever you show kindness to the critters God created, you also are pleasing him.

Good people take care of their animals, but wicked people are cruel to theirs. (Proverbs 12:10, Today’s English Version).

To Do

Spend an extra few minutes playing with your pet today. Or if you don’t own one, help a friend who does.

Also on this day . . .

1783—The first daily newspaper was published in America.

1848—W.G. Young patented the ice cream freezer.

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 1953 Sir Edmund Hillary became the first person to climb to the top of Mount Everest.

The North Pole had been reached in 1909, the South Pole two years later. In 1953, the one remaining “frontier” for humans to conquer was Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, standing at an impressive and imposing 29,028 feet. At that time 15 expeditions had attempted to reach the top but had failed. It took a beekeeper from Auckland, New Zealand, and his Sherpa guide Tensing Norgay to accomplish that feat.

Edmund Hillary had devoted years of training to prepare for this attempt. He climbed the Southern Alps in summer and winter, to practice both rock climbing and ice pick work, and also took up wrestling. In 1951 Hillary made his first trip to the Himalayas, and the following year he joined a British Everest Committee training team.

Even with all these preparations, Hillary faced incredible obstacles. No one really knew the effects of high altitude and thin air on the body. It was an incredible test of strength, stamina, and courage. “We didn’t know if it was humanly possible to reach the top of Mt. Everest. And even using oxygen as we were, if we did get to the top, we weren’t at all sure whether we wouldn’t drop dead or something of that nature,” he said.

Hillary endured the test, and for his efforts, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth and became an internationally known celebrity.

We all have times of testing in our lives. It may be a math class that is particularly challenging, or dealing with a person at school who is unpleasant to you. Whatever the test you face, we are instructed to “patiently endure testing” (James 1:12). In addition, “when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything” (James 1:4).

God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12).

To Do

Think of a “test” that you are facing right now. Ask God to help you endure the test.

Also on this day . . .

1848—Wisconsin became the 30^th United State.

1911—The first Indianapolis 500 took place.

1917—John F. Kennedy, the 35^th president, 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.

Jim Thorpe was born on this day in 1888.

Considered by many to be the greatest athlete of his time, Jim Thorpe was born in a one-room cabin in what’s now Oklahoma. Thorpe was the great-great-grandson of an Indian warrior and athlete, Chief Black Hawk. He excelled at every sport he ever played.

Thorpe played football, baseball, and basketball, and he trained for the 1912 Olympics in track. He won gold medals in both the decathlon and pentathlon events at the Stockholm Olympics, but he was stripped of those medals when a sports reporter revealed that Thorpe had played semi-professional baseball as a youth. It wasn’t until after his death that Thorpe’s amateur status as an athlete was restored and his name reentered in the Olympic record book.

Earthly prizes are like that. Someone can take them away if the rules aren’t followed or if a mistake is made. They can get lost or stolen. They can collect dust on your shelf, or get shuffled into a corner in the back of your closet. Sometimes we win a prize that we want to hold on to, but those trophies and ribbons we’ve won for swim team, soccer, and other sports soon fade away.

Thankfully, those aren’t the only types of prizes that we will receive. As a follower of Jesus, one day when you are in heaven, you will receive an eternal prize. That’s right—a prize that will never fade, collect dust, or get lost, given to us by Jesus himself. And how do we win that prize? Not by running the fastest or scoring the most points or even doing the most good deeds. It’s a prize that goes to all who train themselves daily to walk in faith through prayer, Bible reading, and obedience to God.

How’s your training going?

All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize (1 Corinthians 9:25).

To Do

Make a daily “training” schedule for yourself of what you will do to keep your faith in shape. Include time for prayer, Bible reading, and praising God.

Also on this day . . .

1805—Napoleon was crowned in Milan, Italy.

1929—Warner Brothers debuted “On With the Show” in New York City. It was the first all-color talking picture.

1934—The Dionne quintuplets were born near Callender, Ontario, to Olivia and Elzire Dionne. The babies were the first quintuplets to survive infancy.

1998—Using photos taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, Dr. Susan Terebey discovered a planet outside of our solar system.

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 1969 construction began on Walt Disney World in Florida.

Walt Disney’s Disneyland was created as a place where families could go and lose themselves in a dream world of magic, make-believe, and fun. After its success, Walt had visions for another park, but on a much larger scale. He realized that he had not purchased enough land to do all he had wanted to do at the California site. The real world, he said, was still too close to his land of make-believe.

“I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in the park,” Disney said. “I want them to feel they’re in another world.”

Even though Walt Disney never lived to see the opening of Walt Disney World, his vision was fulfilled. From the moment you enter the park, there is a sense of wonder, excitement, and fantasy. At any given moment, you may see Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, or any number of Disney characters strolling along the grounds. You can cruise through a jungle, ride in a giant teacup, or blast through space.

The real world is nothing like Disney’s creation. All you have to do is listen to the news to discover a world filled with conflicts, crime, and tragedy. Jesus told his disciples up-front that their lives would not be trouble-free: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows” (John 16:33). But Jesus gives us a way to cope that is infinitely better than the fleeting fantasy escape of Walt Disney World. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, our guide and comforter, to help us deal with our troubled world.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you (John 14:16).

To Do

Find out more about the Holy Spirit. Read John 14:15-26 and John 16:5-15. Write down everything that the Holy Spirit will do for you.

Also on this day . . .

Today is National Grape Popsicle Day

1937—In California, the Golden Gate Bridge was opened to the public. The bridge connects San Francisco and Marin County.

1986—Mel Fisher recovered a jar that contained 2,300 emeralds from the Spanish ship Atocha, a ship that had sunk in the 17th century.

1994—The highest temperature produced in a lab was achieved at 918 million degrees Fahrenheit. Now that’s hot!

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 John Wayne is born in 1907.

One of the most popular actors of all time, John Wayne was born Marion Michael Morrison in Winterset, Iowa. Wayne planned to attend the U.S. Naval Academy after high school, but he was rejected. So he accepted a football scholarship to the University of Southern California.

While at USC, Wayne’s football coach found him a job as an assistant prop man on the set of a movie directed by John Ford. Ford used Wayne as an extra and eventually began to trust the youth with some larger roles. In 1930, Ford recommended Wayne for Fox’s epic Western The Big Trail. Wayne won the part, but the movie did poorly.

During the next 10 years, Wayne worked in countless low-budget western films, developing a distinct personality for his cowboy characters. Finally, his old mentor John Ford gave Wayne his big break, casting him in the 1939 western, Stagecoach. Wayne was Ringo Kid, and he played the role with the essential traits of the characters he used in nearly all of his other movies: a tough and clear-eyed honesty, unquestioning valor, and an almost plodding manner.

The Duke, as he was called, became known for these heroic characters—men of decency, honesty, and integrity. He built his acting career portraying men who did the right thing.

When it comes to real heroes, one of the defining characters in the Bible is David. You can almost envision David riding across the Wild West, battling outlaws instead of the Philistines. King David was known for his honesty, his integrity, and his decency. He was given one of the highest honors: in the Bible he was called a “man after God’s own heart.”

You don’t have to fight battles to be considered a “kid after God’s own heart.” Read Acts 13:22 and you’ll discover what it takes to be a real hero in God’s eyes.

After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: “I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do” (Acts 13:22, New International Version).

To Do

Who do you consider your heroes? Write down one or two characteristics of those people you admire the most.

Also on this day . . .

Today is National Blueberry Cheesecake Day.

1805—Lewis & Clark first saw the Rocky Mountains.

1959—The word “Frisbee” became a registered trademark of Wham-O.

1977—The first Star Wars movie debuted.

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 1981 daredevil Daniel Goodwin scaled Chicago’s Sears Tower in 7 ½ hours wearing a Spiderman costume.

Wearing a Spiderman outfit and equipped with three suction cups, Daniel “Spider Dan” Goodwin of Las Vegas began climbing what was then the world’s tallest building, the Sears Tower in Chicago. Goodwin climbed for six hours while Chicago city police watched the perilous climb. When Goodwin reached the 50^th floor of the skyscraper, he stopped a moment to chat with police, assuring them of his safety. The police agreed to allow Goodwin to continue his climb for another hour until he reached the top, whereupon they promptly arrested him for trespassing!

While the Sears Tower was the first skyscraper that Goodwin scaled as “Spider Dan,” it was certainly not the last. He also scaled the John Hancock Building in Chicago and the two towers of the former World Trade Centers. Goodwin remarked about his feats, “When I walk through a city and see skyscrapers the only thing I can think about is climbing them.”

You may wonder why anyone would take such a dangerous risk like that. Often that answer lies in a person’s desire to achieve fame or notoriety. Sometimes it’s because they dare to be different.

As Christians we are challenged to be different from the rest of the world (Romans 12:1, 2). But that doesn’t mean that we need to don a costume and attempt some incredibly risky stunt. Followers of Christ dare to be different in the way they act toward others, specifically in loving others with the same kind of sacrificial love that Jesus showed us. That means loving the kid at school who calls you names, loving the teacher who piles on the homework, and even loving your brother when he picks on you.

Now that’s really daring to be different!

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34, 35).

To Do

Dare to be different today! Show Jesus’ radical love to that hard-to-love person in your life.

Also on this day . . .

Today is National Tap Dance Day.

585 BC—The first known prediction of a solar eclipse was made in Greece.

1986—Approximately 7 million Americans participated in “Hands Across America.”

1986—A 95-year-old woman scored a hole-in-one in Florida.

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 1830 Sarah Hale wrote the familiar children’s song, “Mary Had A Little Lamb.”

For many, this is the first nursery rhyme that they can remember from their childhood. And for countless others, it’s the first simple tune played when learning a new instrument. Hundreds upon thousands of school-age children can repeat the familiar lines, but does anyone know anything about the author?

Sarah Josepha Buell was born October 24, 1788, in Newport, New Hampshire. Self-educated, at age 18 she became a teacher in Newport and worked there until 1813, when she married David Hale, a lawyer. When he died nine years later, she was a 34-year-old pregnant mother of four who rose to become one of America’s most successful women writers and editors.

Despite her many accomplishments (including successfully lobbying for the establishment of Thanksgiving on the final Thursday of November), Sarah Hale is least known as author of the rhyme “Mary’s Lamb.” In 1830, American composer Lowell Mason, who had introduced music into American schools’ curriculum, asked her to write lyrics for him. He chose eight of her poems to include in his songbook, one of which was “Mary’s Lamb.” The popular rhyme was then published for decades in McGuffey’s readers, the most important schoolbook of the century.

A simple verse, based supposedly on a real Mary who brought her lamb to school, has had an amazing and long-lasting impact on children since its first publication. Likewise, other things that seem small and insignificant have made a huge impact in the world.

Jesus used the image of a mustard seed—the smallest seed a farmer used at that time—to illustrate how God’s kingdom grows. God takes faith that may seem small and insignificant and gives it eternal importance.

When you feel that your faith is small or that what you are doing is of little importance, remember Mary’s little lamb and the mustard seed. It doesn’t take much to make a big impression.

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants and grows into a tree where birds can come and find shelter in its branches” (Matthew 13:31, 32).

To Do

The next time you sing or hear “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” think of another Mary and her little lamb, Jesus, the Lamb of God.

Also on this day . . .

1543—Nicolaus Copernicus published proof of a sun-centered solar system.

1930—Amy Johnson became the first woman to fly from England to Australia.

1983—The Brooklyn Bridge’s 100^th birthday was celebrated.

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 Penny Day.

Let’s be honest. If you saw a penny on the ground, would you bother to stop and pick it up? Most people would probably step right over it and not give it another thought. After all, it’s only worth a cent! But on this day that honors the very first currency of any type authorized by the United States here are a few, well, pennies for your thoughts:

• The word “penny” was derived from the British coin pence.
• Over 300 billion one-cent coins, with 11 different designs, have been minted since 1787. Lined up edge to edge, these pennies would circle the earth 137 times!
• More pennies are produced than any other denomination.
• The Lincoln penny was the first U.S. coin to feature a historic figure and was the first coin on which the words “In God We Trust” appeared.

But perhaps the most amazing fact is that one of the most important sources of giving to local charity groups is the penny! Through the power of the penny, charities are able to raise millions of dollars annually for great causes. For example, groups such as Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities, UNICEF, and the Salvation Army all rely in great part upon the collection of pennies to fund their organizations.

A penny saved becomes one cent added to another added to another, and before you know it, you soon will have one million pennies! When it comes to giving, the Bible is clear that it the amount doesn’t matter as much as your willingness to give. So don’t think that the pennies you have saved up in your piggy bank are insignificant, or that it doesn’t “pay” to pick up a lost penny. Even the smallest amount given in the spirit of love can amount to a big deal.

If you are really eager to give, it isn’t important how much you are able to give. God wants you to give what you have, not what you don’t have (2 Corinthians 8:12).

To Do

Start your own penny harvest for a mission organization or a ministry at your church. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the pennies add up!

Also on this day . . .

Today is National Turtle Day.

1827—The first nursery school in the United States was established in New York City.

1873—Postal cards were sold in San Francisco for the first time.

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 2003 a 70-year-old man from Japan became the oldest man to climb to the top of Mount Everest.

At this time in your life, you probably know many things you can’t do yet because you are not old enough—like drive a car or vote for president. Life often is restricted by our age—we’re either too young or too old to do certain things. And it’s true that as people age certain more vigorous activities become more and more difficult.

But just when you start to think about age as a limitation, you read about someone like Yuichiro Miura. This 70-year-old school headmaster and former professional skier from Japan became the oldest person to reach the summit of the Mount Everest—the world’s highest peak! Mr. Miura said climbing the mountain was a dream come true for him. And in accomplishing that feat, the Japanese climber shattered the record previously held by another Japanese man, Tomiyasu Ishikawa, who was 65 when he reached the top of Mt. Everest.

Old age is never a restriction in God’s eyes. Think about Noah. He was 600 years old when he first stepped foot on the ark and the flood began! Abraham became a father at age 100. And Moses was over 80 when he returned to Egypt to confront Pharaoh and rescue God’s people from slavery. The Bible describes Joshua as “old and well advanced in years” when God commanded him to finish conquering the Promised Land (Joshua 13:1). No matter how old a person is God still can use that person to carry out his work. The psalm-writer put it this way: “Even in old age they will still produce fruit.”

Think about the older people you know at your church or in your neighborhood. You can learn much from their experiences and their walk with God. Just ask them!

Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green (Psalm 92:14).

To Do

Record an oral history of an older person from your church. Ask how that person has served God at different stages of his or her life. Share what you discover with others.

Also on this day . . .

1933—This was the first reported sighting of the Loch Ness Monster.

1967—”Mister Roger’s Neighborhood” made its debut on TV.

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.