Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 31, 1942: British forces complete withdrawal from Malaya to Singapore and blow up the causeway. British withdraw from Moulmein, Burma; Japanese occupy. New song in Top Ten: “Blues in the Night.”

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 30, 1942: California congressional delegation urges evacuation of “enemy aliens.” Emergency Price Control Act gives US Office of Price Administration right to control prices. Last automobiles roll off US assembly lines until 1945.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 29, 1942: Iran signs treaty of alliance with UK and USSR, who promise to depart Iran 6 months after Axis defeat. German troops under Rommel retake Benghazi, Libya from British.

Today in World War II History

Happy birthday, Eighth Air Force! 70 Years Ago—Jan. 28, 1942: US Eighth Air Force activated in Savannah, Georgia under Brig. Gen. Asa Duncan; originally intended for North Africa but will serve in Britain. Naval Magazine at Port Chicago CA established as subcommand of Naval Ammunition Depot at Mare Island.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 27, 1942: Soviets take key rail center of Lozovaya, Ukraine, but Ukrainian offensive stalls. British withdraw from Batu Pahat, Malaya and begin withdrawal to Singapore.

Which Lion to Follow?

We think of temptation as a blinding neon light, a shout through a bullhorn, a shocking aroma—blatant and easily avoided. More often temptation comes as a fleeting glimpse, a gentle whisper, a pleasing whiff. As we become more spiritually mature, temptation becomes more subtle and less easy to distinguish. Our tempter is crafty and knows when neon no longer appeals to us.

When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he didn’t offer glitzy sleaze—he offered good things. Feed Yourself. Prove God’s power before the people. Take the kingdom the Father promised You. Subtle, and he even used Scripture. But Jesus saw the truth. What Satan offered wasn’t God’s will for Jesus at that time, in that way, or by those means.

To discern if that gentle whisper is from the Lord, self, or Satan, we must be so familiar with God’s Word and God’s ways that we can tell truth from lies.

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith” 1 Peter 5:8-9.

How can you avoid the prowling lion and turn to the Lion of Judah?

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 26, 1942: First US Army troops arrive in UK—in Belfast to relieve British troops. US and Filipino forces withdraw to final defense line on Bataan Peninsula, behind Pilar-Bagac road.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 25, 1942: Japanese puppet state in Thailand declares war on US and UK. Australia orders full mobilization.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 24, 1942: Battle of Makassar Strait—US destroyers damage Japanese convoy bound for Balikpapan, Borneo. US Marines land on Samoa to protect it from Japanese. US Flying Tigers P-40s shoot down 12 Japanese planes over Rangoon, Burma. New song in Top Ten: “I Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good.”

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 23, 1942: Japanese land at crucial naval and air base of Rabaul, New Britain and take it. Japanese land at Kavieng, New Ireland and Bougainville, and secure both. Lt. Gen. Joseph Stilwell placed in command of US Army forces in China-Burma-India Theater.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 22, 1942: Soviets begin evacuation of 440,000 citizens of besieged Leningrad over ice road across Lake Ladoga.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 21, 1942: German forces under Rommel attack British at El Agheila, Libya; will drive 350 miles in 17 days. Japanese begin air offensive against New Guinea.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 20, 1942: At the Wannsee Conference, Nazis under SS security chief Reinhard Heydrich plan “Final Solution” to “Jewish Problem.” Japanese launch main attack into southern Burma from Thailand.

What's Holding You Back?

“I’m not ready for that yet. Maybe in a few years.”

What is That Thing in your life? The one thing you long to do that you don’t feel ready for yet? You need to be older, wiser, better prepared, have more time, pass some milestone first—and then you’ll do it.

At the age of twelve, Jesus went to His Father’s house. According to Jewish tradition, He wouldn’t be part of the religious community for another year. He wouldn’t start His ministry for another eighteen years. But He wanted to be about His Father’s business, and He wouldn’t let His age stop Him.

1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” Look carefully at whatever is keeping you from doing That Thing now. Pray about it. Is it truly God’s will for you to wait, or is it your fear, insecurity, laziness, or perception that holds you back?

If it truly is God’s will to wait, then follow Jesus’ example and prepare to do That Thing in the future by asking questions and listening and learning.

Do you have a "That Thing" in your life you don't feel ready for yet? What's holding you back?

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 19, 1942: British North Borneo surrenders to Japanese at Sandakan. Actor Jimmy Stewart receives his wings and commission in the US Army Air Forces.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 18, 1942: RAF bombers withdraw from Singapore to Sumatra. U-boat sinks tanker Allen Jackson off Cape Hatteras NC, first US ship sunk in US waters on east coast, 22 killed.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 17, 1942: Field Marshal Walther von Reichenau of German Army Group South dies of stroke, replaced by Field Marshal Fedor von Bock. British take Halfaya Pass on Egyptian border and 5500 Axis POWs.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 16, 1942: The Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber first flies in combat—from Java. War Production Board (WPB) formed under Donald M. Nelson. Actress Carole Lombard killed in plane crash near Las Vegas while on war bond tour, age 33.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 15, 1942: ABDA Command (American, British, Dutch, Australian) opens under Gen. Sir Archibald Wavell at Batavia, Java. Jawaharlal Nehru succeeds Gandhi as head of India’s Congress Party. Roosevelt asks the baseball commissioner to continue the sport during the war. Canada orders Japanese-Canadians out of British Columbia.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 14, 1942: Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS) formed of British Chiefs of Staff & US Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington DC. In US “enemy aliens” are required to register with Department of Justice.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 13, 1942: First use of an ejection seat—by German test pilot Helmut Schenk in He 280 jet. The Arnold-Portal agreement specifies the number of aircraft the US will provide to Britain, while building the US Army Air Forces to a goal of 115 groups.

In the Pits?

In today’s world, many people live in a pit. Unemployment, foreclosures, divorce, illness, and instability disrupt lives and plunge many into despair.

Joseph lived in a pit too. Literally. Although he followed God’s will and lived a life of integrity, he was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned.

Then at age twenty-eight, dreams interrupted the life of this dreamer. He correctly interpreted the cupbearer’s and baker’s dreams, and hope filled his heart as the cupbearer promised to remember him to Pharaoh. The promise was broken.

Two more years passed in prison. Joseph had endured thirteen years of misery, a cruel reward for a godly life. He had every reason to despair.

Yet, he didn’t.

When Pharaoh’s two dreams jiggled the cupbearer’s memory, Joseph was brought to the king and asked if he could interpret. “‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires’” (Genesis 41:16). His faith in God shone in every word he spoke, so that Pharaoh said, “‘Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?’” (Gen. 41:38).

Faith kept Joseph strong in the pit. Instead of giving in to bitterness and despair, Joseph leaned on the Lord. He trusted God to be with him, whether or not he was pulled out of that pit. Because of that faith, when he was pulled out, he saw God’s hand in everything that had happened to him. Faith allowed him to tell his brothers, “‘It was not you who sent me here, but God’” (Gen. 45:8).

In those dark pits, remember the Lord has a purpose and a plan, and lean hard on Him.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 12, 1942: Col. Charles Lindbergh is refused a military command due to his vocal pre-war isolationist work. US forms War Labor Board to deal with union wage demands.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 11, 1942: Japanese invade Dutch East Indies at Tarakan, Borneo and in Celebes. First use of paratroopers by Japanese as they take Menado AF, Celebes. Japanese take Kuala Lumpur, Malaya. Beginning of coordinated U-Boat attacks off US East Coast.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 10, 1942: Japanese make first surrender demand to US forces on Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. Ford signs contract to manufacture jeeps for the US Army.

Book Beat - Against the Wind by Bodie and Brock Thoene

Living in England in the summer of 1940 was frightful, especially for parents. As the Blitz intensified, the German Luftwaffe raided London and other large cities, killing thousands. Parents longed for safety for their little ones. Britain established the Children's Overseas Reception Board to evacuate British children to safety in Canada. However, on September 17, 1940, U-boats sank the Children's Overseas Reception Board ship SS City of Benares, and 77 children were killed. Six days later the HMS Anthony rescued 48 survivors, including six boys. Britain began evacuating children to the English countryside instead and suspended the Board on October 3, 1940.

Against the Wind by Bodie and Brock Thoene covers this period of time, as Elisa Lindheim Murphy, a concert violinist, sends her own children overseas and then accompanies a group of British evacuees and Jewish refugees to the US. When a torpedo shudders through the ship, Elisa rushes to rescue her young charges.

The Thoenes are famous for their historically accurate fiction, and Against the Wind does not disappoint. All the period details are just right, the reader feels the plight of the British in the Blitz, and the sea adventure is harrowing and gripping, I enjoyed the characters, and the Thoenes do a great job sketching children who are charming but never cloying.

However, the diary format of the story left me feeling strangely detached, and a twist on the last page - while a joyful relief - was left unexplained and I still can't figure out how it happened. Also, sensitive readers who can't bear to read of children in peril should definitely not pick up this book.

Overall, this is an enjoyable book with great characters and superb historical detail, and I recommend it.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 9, 1942: Soviets begin offensive at Moscow and Smolensk (Battle of the Valdai Hills). In Malaya, British begin withdrawal into Johore to protect Singapore.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 8, 1942: US Army Forces in British Isles (USAFBI) formed under Maj. Gen. James Chaney. Japanese take Jesselton, capital of British North Borneo. James Landis succeeds Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia as head of US Office of Civil Defense.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 7, 1942: In the Philippines, Japanese begin siege of the Bataan Peninsula. In Malaya, Japanese break through Indian defenses at Slim River.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 6, 1942: Roosevelt’s State of the Union address calls for the production of 60,000 aircraft and 1.2 million tons of shipping in 1942.

That Space Was Mine

That parking space was mine. I’d waited for it. Then that big red SUV zipped in and took it. Grr.

The lady with the full shopping cart who cuts in front of you in the grocery line. The boss who takes credit for your hard work. The soccer coach who sidelines your child for more than her fair share of the game.

Life presents lots of situations when we lose what’s rightfully ours. The human instinct is to fight for what we’ve lost. But what does God want us to do?

Several thousand years ago, Isaac built a well in the desert. His neighbors took it. He moved away and built another. His neighbors took that one too. He had every right to be upset and fight for that well.

He didn’t. Isaac moved away and built another well.

This time no one took it. This time the leader of the enemy acknowledged, “‘We saw clearly that the Lord was with you’” (Gen. 26:28), and he begged for a peace treaty.

Ironically, by backing down, Isaac won. By refusing to fight, Isaac gained peace. By trusting God to provide, Isaac allowed God’s glory to shine through.

Perhaps Jesus knew what He was talking about when He said, “‘Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also’” Matthew 6:39.

Of course, this is much easier to say than to do. How can you implement this concept today?

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 5, 1942: In the Philippines, US & Filipino forces complete retreat into Bataan peninsula. In US, “enemy aliens” are required to surrender transmitters, shortwaves, and precision cameras.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 4, 1942: Japanese begin air attacks on the major British naval and air base of Rabaul in the Bismarcks.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 3, 1942: Japanese land in Brunei on Borneo in East Indies. Gen. Chiang Kai-shek named Commander in Chief of Allied Forces in China.

Favorite Books of 2011

Nothing says New Year's like a list! Here are my favorite fiction reads from 2011 in alphabetical order. It's hard enough to pick only ten, much less rank them. Sadly, many lovely novels taunt me from my to-be-read pile.

Broken Wings by Carla Stewart: Beautifully written with great voice, Broken Wings tells the story of a touching friendship between a young woman trying to escape an abusive relationship and an elderly woman who was a jazz singing sensation. This book handles tough subjects with honesty and sensitivity, and still manages to warm your heart.

The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz: There's a reason this novel appears on so many Top Ten lists this year - gorgeous prose, the danger of the Kentucky frontier during the Revolutionary War, and compelling characters. Plus, the most beautiful book cover of the year, in my opinion.

A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad: A grand slam! In a story as refreshing and invigorating as lemonade, Seilstad raises deep questions about a woman's relationship with God, her dreams, and the people in her life - while making me laugh so hard my kids came running to get in on the joke.

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer: When I saw the cover of this novel, I knew I had to read it. I was not disappointed. Adelaide Proctor is a funny and lovable heroine, Gideon Westcott is both dashing and flawed, their romance drew me in, and the suspenseful second half of the novel made me neglect my household duties.  

A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher: A holiday story with depth. Mattie and Jaime are hampered by fears and insecurities many women can relate to. Their friendship and personal growth is as natural and unforced as it is unlikely. This story not only gives you the heart-warming story you expect from the cover, but it also gives you plenty to think about.    

Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson: More than just another "bonnet book" - this story features endearing but realistically flawed characters, a captivating romance, and a hint of mystery. Add Dobson's detailed research into the little-known Amana colonies, and you have a thoroughly enjoyable novel.

Mine Is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs: A completely satisfying conclusion to Here Burns My Candle. The rich character growth, Scottish setting, impeccable research, and not just one romance - but three! Higgs writes historical fiction of the highest quality, and I can't recommend her books enough.

Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh: Walsh writes this story with humor and a fun bit of attitude - and still writes a heartwarming tale. The story delighted me, and one twist completely surprised me. Realistic and lovable characters - even shallow Rick - and the refreshing Florida beach town setting make this a memorable Christmas story.

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin: Beautifully written, as are all of Martin's novels. The characters are real and intriguing, and the story was engaging.        

While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin: A beautifully told World War II Home Front story with interesting characters. I appreciated the truthful and sensitive acknowledgement of anti-Semitism in wartime America.        

What were your favorite novels from 2011?

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 2, 1942: British and South Africans take Bardia, Libya after a long siege. Japanese take Manila in the Philippines as well as Clark Field and Cavite naval base. FBI convicts 33 members of a German network in the largest espionage case in US history.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 1, 1942: Twenty-six Allied nations sign the “Declaration by the United Nations” in Washington. US discontinues automobile manufacturing for the duration; 500,000 in stock. Rose Bowl held at Duke in Durham NC due to ban on large gatherings on the West Coast (Oregon State defeats Duke 20-16).