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I thought that on this Memorial Day, the day that we honor those brave men and women who died in service of our country in numerous wars fought all over the globe, I would do something a little different and hopefully more meaningful. Over the years I have chosen to post rather light-hearted articles featuring things like vintage war era pinup girls and the lot. Today, however, I wanted to get your attention away from your family barbeque for a moment and have you look at some images that will hopefully impact you as deeply as they did me.

 Yesterday my buddy Preston and I made the two hour trek up to Shreveport to see the Canadian Pacific 4-6-4 Steam Locomotive #2816 known affectionately as 'The Empress'. We arrived at the CPKC facilities at a little after three, which I thought may have been two early, and found that there was already a large crowd and the parking lot was almost already full to capacity. 

 A Couple of weeks back I shared a couple of retro style Star Wars movie trailers made using artificial intelligence by Douggy Pledger and a group called Abandoned Films. The work of Douggy Pledger was a surreal look at what Star Wars may have looked like if it was a Silent Era film entitled Star Wars 1923 . The other was a view of what Star Wars would have looked like if it was made in the 1950s .

 Sarah Hunter may be just 24 years old, but she's already seen more of the world than most. A Charleston native, this adventurous receptionist spends her free time planning exotic getaways and crossing countries off her bucket list. When she's not welcoming guests with her bright smile at the front desk, you can find Sarah poring over travel guides, dreaming of her next destination. Though she loves embarking on solo journeys, this fun-loving single is always open to bringing someone along for the ride. With her passion for new experiences, there's no doubt Sarah will continue globe-trotting - and look great doing it as an aspiring model. The sky's the limit for this wanderlust woman!

From Tour Texas Family Fun in Grapevine Celebrate Grapevine’s 40th Annual Main Street Fest - A Craft Brew Experience presented by Bank of the West. It’s three days of family-friendly fun on Historic Main Street, with delicious food, drinks, and shopping experiences. Enjoy thrilling carnival rides and games and explore the KidZone featuring LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Grapevine. Festivities include craft brew experiences, the all-new Cotton Belt Country Club, an interactive golf experience that features skills competitions, a members-only clubhouse, and live music on four stages, including Saturday headliner Deep Blue Something. Join the fun May 17th - 19th, 2024. Learn More

From Visit Utah Outdoor Thrills Meet Downtown Delights  Easy access between Northern Utah’s mountains and towns presents visitors and locals with the best of both worlds: outdoor adventure by day and city culture at night. In fact, flying into Salt Lake City International Airport, it’s hard not to notice just how close you are to the forested peaks. Spend the day playing outside, then transition to an evening experience in these mountain-to-metro destinations.

Fathom Events has a great lineup of classic films screening throughout the year. Here are a few that Terri and I are planning on seeing. North By Northwest 65th Anniversary May 19th & 22nd An advertising executive (Cary Grant) finds himself in a lethal cross-country chase after being mistaken for a spy. Nominated for three Academy Awards®, including one for screenwriter Ernest Lehman, the film also features iconic performances by Eva Marie Saint and James Mason.

 Photo by Ken Hulsey A Call to Action In the Parable of the Talents, recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, we see a profound lesson on responsibility and accountability to God's commands. The story tells us about a master who leaves his property in the hands of his servants, each according to their ability. Upon his return, the master evaluates their efforts. The servants who actively multiplied their talents were rewarded, demonstrating their understanding and alignment with their master’s expectations. However, the servant who buried his talent offered excuses — fear and a misjudgment of the master’s character — as reasons for his inaction. His master sharply rebuked him, revealing that excuses, especially those rooted in fear or a wrongful image of God, are not acceptable in the kingdom of God.