This past week, Larry and I took a mini vacation to visit my sister in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Our plans were to head east to other states from there, but instead, we found ourselves south on the beach in Biloxi.
The first day there, we visited Beauvoir, home of Jefferson Davis, who was the President of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. The beautiful home and other buildings, including the Jefferson Library, were restored after extensive damage following Hurricane Katrina.
The home had taken a beating from the water and winds, but because it was built with strong materials, it survived the storm. It stands out in stark contrast to the many empty lots around it with weeds growing up through crumbled concrete foundations where other buildings succumbed to the storm.
It all reminded me of the fierce division and debate in our country concerning the confederate flag. And that reminded me of all the other divisions our country faces.
I don’t know which side you stand with on any of today’s issues, and I don’t know what issues we’ll battle the fiercest tomorrow. I only know this:
>We have been called to be aware of what is going on.
>We have been called to stand firm in the faith.
>We have been called to love.
>All of the above start with a strong foundation.
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Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.
I Corinthians 16:13-14
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My spotlight artist this week is David Statler, from Imboden, AR.
From David:
After high school, I enrolled in Machine Shop at Black River Technical College. BRTC was a vo-tech school at the time. I went to work for Waterloo Industries and was there for 20 years before it closed. I worked as a machinist and then an engineer. I only lack 24 hours having my mechanical engineering degree from Arkansas State University.
When Waterloo closed, I opened my shop. I own and operate Diamond State Tool & Die, LLC located at 9251 Hwy 62 W. We do all types of tool and die work, including building dies, jigs, fixtures, etc. I enjoy the challenge of creating something new and original through tool and die or plasmacam work. I do custom design and can cut any metal artwork.
Outside of work, I love to hunt, fish, and travel.
Watch to see David’s great metal artwork!
Good video!!