Professional Drovers

 

 

 Professional drovers tended to gather their herds from the older settled areas of the region, such as the Ohio River, South Branch, and Greenbrier River valleys, which were the centers of stock-feeding operations. 

In turn, these centers provided local stock markets where mountain graziers could exchange their livestock for the cash to purchase items they did not produce for themselves. 

In 1823, John Howe Peyton, a Staunton, Virginia, attorney, trying a case in Huntersville, then the Pocahontas County seat, wrote to his wife describing his surroundings. “Pocahontas is a fine grazing county,” he observed, “and the support of the people is mainly derived from their flocks of cattle, horses and sheep, which they drive over the mountains to market.” 

The circuit-riding attorney noted that there was little money among the residents “except after these excursions, but they have little need of it— every want is supplied by the happy country they possess, and of which they are as fond as the Swiss of their mountains.’

Aldermanic School Laws

 

 The Common Primary Schools under the provisions of the "Aldermanic School Laws of 1796" were in operation, as were other schools of higher order. 

Joseph Martin's "Gazeteer of Virginia/' published at that time shows that schools of various grades existed generally throughout West Virginia. Of the many he mentions a few. 

 Evidence the following: At Martinsburg there was one male and one female academy and three common schools; at Wellsburg, one academy in which were taught the Greek and Latin languages, with three female and one male English school; at Barboursville, one common school; at Guyandotte, one primary school; at Anthony's Creek, three common schools; at Frankfort, two common schools, one for males and one for females; at Lewisburg, one academy and one common school; at Cold Stream Mill, one classical school; at Springfield, one Seminary in which were taught all the necessary branches of an English education; at Trout Run, one common school; at Bridgeport, one common school; at Clarksburg, one academy and two common schools; at Lewisport, one common school; at Pruntytown, one common school; at Shinnston, one common school; at Ripley, one common school; at Ravenswood, three common schools; at Charles Town, one academy and several other schools; at Harpers* Ferry, two academies — one male and one female — and two common schools; at Midd^pray, two common schools; at Charleston one academy and one infant school — kindergarten, the first in the State; at Buckhannon, schools taught in the winter; at Leading Creek, two common schools; at Weston, one common school; at Ballardsville, two schools in which were taught all the branches of an English education; at Point Pleasant, one common school; at Blacksville, one common school; at Glenville, one common school; at Polsley's Mills, one common school; at Morgantown, one academy, of two departments in which were taught the languages, painting, drawing, etc., and one common school; West Liberty, one academy and two common schools; at Huntersville, one school in which the ordinary branches of an English education were taught; at Brandonville one common school; at Beverly, one common school; at Middlebourne, one common school; at Parkersburg, three common schools.

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

 

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, also known as the Weston State Hospital, has a long and complex history:

A Hopeful Beginning (1858-1881):

• Construction began in 1858 and wasn't completed until 1881. Designed by architect Richard Andrews, it followed the Kirkbride Plan.
• This plan emphasized fresh air, sunlight, and a humane environment for treatment.
• The initial goal was to house 250 patients.

From Dream to Overcrowded Reality (1864-1950s):

• The asylum opened its doors to patients in 1864, just after West Virginia became a state.
• Despite the Kirkbride Plan's intentions, overcrowding became a major issue by the 1950s, with over 2,400 patients crammed into the facility.

Decline and Closure (1950s-1994):

• The overcrowding and lack of resources led to deteriorating conditions and outdated treatment methods.
• Shifts in mental health treatment philosophies made the large asylum model obsolete.
• Finally, in 1994, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum closed its doors, with patients transferred to a new, more modern facility.

New Life as a Historic Site (2008-Present):

• In 2008, the former asylum reopened as a tourist destination, offering historical tours that explore its past.
• The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is now a National Historic Landmark.

It's important to note that the asylum's history isn't all sunshine and roses. The overcrowding and limited treatment options likely caused a lot of suffering. However, it also stands as a reminder of how the understanding and treatment of mental illness has evolved.

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The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum was a direct product of the Kirkbride Plan, so understanding this plan is key to the asylum's story. Here's a breakdown of the Kirkbride Plan:

Origins and Philosophy:

• Developed by Dr. Thomas Story Kirkbride in the mid-1800s.
• Based on the idea of "moral treatment," which emphasized kindness, dignity, and a therapeutic environment for the mentally ill.
• This philosophy contrasted with the harsh conditions often found in asylums at the time.

Architectural Design:

• The Kirkbride Plan laid out specific guidelines for asylum construction.
• Key features included:
  • Large, imposing buildings with a central administration area.
  • Long, radiating wings to maximize natural light and ventilation in patient living spaces.
  • Aesthetically pleasing designs, resembling grand hospitals rather than prisons.
  • Inclusion of amenities like libraries, gardens, and chapels to promote a sense of normalcy and well-being.

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum and the Kirkbride Plan:

• The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum was a prime example of the Kirkbride Plan in action.
• Architect Richard Andrews designed the building to incorporate all the key features mentioned above.
• The asylum initially aimed to provide a humane and hopeful environment for treatment.

Challenges and Shortcomings:

• While the Kirkbride Plan had good intentions, it had limitations:
  • The massive scale of the asylums made them expensive to build and maintain.
  • As populations grew, overcrowding became a major issue, leading to a decline in patient care.
  • The effectiveness of "moral treatment" wasn't always guaranteed, and later treatments introduced weren't always humane.

Legacy:

• Despite its shortcomings, the Kirkbride Plan represented a significant shift in mental health treatment philosophy.
• The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, though a product of its time, serves as a historical reminder of the evolution of mental healthcare.

The Kirkbride Plan's influence extended beyond the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Many asylums built in the 19th century followed this model, with varying degrees of success.

Protected Buildings buildings in Marlinton

 

Protected Buildings buildings in Marlinton, Pocahontas County that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places:

Pocahontas County Courthouse and Jail

Frank and Anna Hunter House

Also known as the Pocahontas County Historical Society Museum. It is a two-story frame house built in 1903.

Pocahontas Times Print Shop

A one-story rectangular frame building constructed in 1900 that housed the local newspaper.

IOOF Lodge Building

Also known as the Peacock Building, this two-story Italianate style frame building was built in 1905.

Marlinton Opera House

Originally opened in 1909, this historic theater building was added to the National Register in 2000.

Marlinton Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Station

The historic train station and bunkhouse buildings, constructed in 1901 by the C&O Railroad, were listed but have since been destroyed by fire in 2008.  

 

So the key National Register properties in the town of Marlinton include the courthouse, museum, newspaper building, opera house, former railroad station, and an IOOF lodge hall, representing the community's governmental, cultural, and transportation heritage.

 

 ----------------------------------------------------

 

The National Register of Historic Places does not impose any regulations or restrictions on private property owners for buildings listed on the register, unless federal funds or permits are involved in a project affecting the property. Here are the key points regarding regulations for National Register-listed buildings:

• Listing on the National Register does not restrict a private property owner's ability to maintain, alter, renovate, sell or even demolish their property.

There are no federal restrictions unless federal funding or permitting is involved.

If a listed property is involved in a project that receives federal assistance, such as funding or licensing/permitting, then the project must undergo review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act to consider impacts and explore alternatives to avoid or mitigate adverse effects.

State and local governments may have their own regulations or design review processes for alterations to National Register properties, such as through local historic preservation ordinances or zoning laws.

These vary by jurisdiction.

Owners of income-producing National Register properties may be eligible for federal and state tax credits for qualified rehabilitation projects that follow preservation standards.

Listing does not automatically trigger local historic district designation, which often involves additional regulations. Local historic district status is determined separately by municipal governments.

• 
  

In summary, while National Register listing is an honorific recognition of a property's historic significance, it does not directly impose regulations on private owners unless federal involvement triggers Section 106 review. State and local regulations may apply, but vary based on location.

A Bridge Too Far--Demolishing the County Jail

 

 WVMR --During the Friday June 7th Pocahontas County Special Commission meeting, Commission President Walt Helmick led a discussion about the proposed construction of a courthouse annex. 

He said he has given up on the idea of demolishing the old jail building behind the courthouse and building the new judicial courthouse annex on that site. 

That project had been stymied because the old jail building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

 As Helmick put it: “After a while,” said Helmick, “You realize that you can’t live long enough to get that place off the National Registry of Historic Places.” 

 Helmick went on to explain that that years ago the county Commission mistakenly and wrongly included the jail on the registry, so now it is time to move on with a new site for the annex, and let the old jail remain and fall down on its own. 

He said he and Alan Wright from the Assessor’s office have found a piece of ground to the left of the courthouse and jail just across Judge Street from the courthouse. 

The lot contains one run-down old house which will need to be demolished according to Helmick. The property consists of five town lots and he said it will make an ideal spot to build the badly needed new annex.

 Helmick led everyone outside to look at the lot, which is located behind -and does not include the big white house on the corner of 10th Avenue and Judge Street.

 There does appear to be sufficient room to build a 4,500 to 5,000 square foot annex on it and it appears to be on somewhat higher ground than the courthouse. One problem, Helmick explained, is that there is an undeveloped town right-of-way running right through the middle of the lot. Marlinton Mayor Sam Felton said he would speak to the Town Council and propose that they consider abandoning that short and unused right-of-way. 

Helmick also said he will need to examine the new FEMA Flood Map to ensure the lot is above any flood zone, but believes it is. He said those questions would need to be answered before he proposes the commission vote on purchasing of the lot. 

The commissioners voted to ask the Marlinton Town Council to abandon their right-of-way through the proposed lots. 

Helmick said the owner of the lot is asking $87,000 for the lot, and demolishing the old house there might cost another $10,000, so the total cost appears to be less than $100,000 to purchase and prepare the site. Obviously, this does not include the cost of construction and equipping the annex building.

When Helmick asked for public comment, Jay Miller, the Democratic nominee for commissioner, spoke out. Miller talked about the attempt by then commissioner Rita Griffith 14 years ago to build a courthouse annex.

 He said that Martin Saffer and David Flemming, the other commissioners, as well as Dolan Irvine, then the County Assessor didn’t support the Courthouse Annex project, and after much debate and controversy, the annex was rejected in favor of making needed repairs and improvements to the courthouse, which included installing the elevator which is still in use. 

Miller also pointed out that there are other ways to maximize the use of space and store records in the courthouse short of building an annex, especially since the population of the county is decreasing.

The fireworks began when Miller said “Now, we have situation where Walt Helmick, with about six months to go in his term, wants to buy a piece of property near the Courthouse, that can be used to start work on his dream of a Courthouse Annex.” That set Helmick off. and he responded with anger, cutting Miller off and accused him of political motives. 

Helmick told Miller to ask the other two commissioners how they felt then said: “Whether they buy it or not, I don’t care” Helmick said angerly. 

“But I do oppose those kinds of statements made about me after having served 50 years in this county without ever looking at one dime of personal gain for Walt Helmick.” 

When Miller tried to respond by talking about the rush Helmick appears to be in to get the annex built, Helmick cut him off, and speaking over him, he told Miller: “Ask the other two what I asked you to ask because I am going to adjourn this meeting pretty dang quick.” 

Miller did ask the other commissioners. While Commissioner John Rebinski’s answer seemed to justify the project, Commissioner Jamie Walker appeared to have some reservations, but needed more information. 

The meeting was quickly adjourned after that.

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Potential Benefits of the New Annex Site:

    Cost-effective: The passage mentions the total cost of purchasing and preparing the site could be under $100,000, which seems to be a selling point for the project.

    Space: The lot appears to have enough space for a 4,500 to 5,000 square foot annex, potentially addressing the courthouse's space constraints.

    Higher Ground: Helmick suggests the new site might be on higher ground than the courthouse, possibly mitigating flood risks.

Community Reaction:

The passage doesn't explicitly mention the community's reaction. However, we can glean some possibilities:

    Supportive: If the courthouse space limitations are widely known and a new annex is seen as a solution, residents might be supportive.

    Opposition:

        Jay Miller's comments suggest some residents might oppose the project, especially considering a similar proposal failed 14 years ago.

        There could be concerns about spending on a new building while the population declines.

Challenges in Abandoning Right-of-Way:

    Marlinton Town Council Approval: The passage mentions needing the Town Council to abandon the right-of-way. This process might involve public hearings or council meetings, potentially causing delays.

    Legal Issues: There could be unforeseen legal hurdles in abandoning the right-of-way, especially regarding future access or ownership rights.

Additional Points:

    The urgency of the project is unclear. Helmick seems eager but faces opposition and needs to address technicalities before a purchase vote.

    The passage hints at potential political motivations as Miller criticizes the timing close to Helmick's term end.

Overall, the decision to build an annex on the new site seems complex. While there might be cost and space benefits, community acceptance and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles are crucial.

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AI Questions:

It is very difficult to get a historic site removed from the National Register of Historic Places once it has been listed. The process is intentionally rigorous to prevent the loss of significant historic properties. Some key points about delisting a National Register property:

• The National Park Service, which administers the National Register, has the sole authority to remove a property from the list. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) cannot unilaterally delist a property
•  
• Properties can only be removed if they no longer meet the criteria for listing, such as if the property has been demolished or has lost its historic integrity through alterations. Simply not wanting the designation is not sufficient grounds for removal
• .
• The owner of the property must submit a formal request for removal to the SHPO, along with documentation demonstrating the property no longer qualifies. The SHPO reviews the request and makes a recommendation to the National Park Service
• .
• The National Park Service then evaluates the request and supporting materials. They may request additional information before making a final decision. The process can take many months
• .
• Even if the property is publicly owned, the National Register listing itself does not prevent the owner from making changes or demolishing the building. However, if federal funding or permits are involved, Section 106 review is triggered which requires consideration of alternatives to avoid or mitigate harm to the historic property
• .
So in summary, while the National Register is not an absolute protection, it is very difficult to remove a property from the list once it has been designated. The owner must prove the property no longer retains historic significance, and the National Park Service makes the final determination. The process is designed to be rigorous to prevent the loss of irreplaceable historic resources.

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The process to remove a historic site from the National Register of Historic Places is very lengthy and difficult. There are no specific timelines provided, but it likely takes many months at a minimum. Some key points about the delisting process for a National Register property:

• The property owner must submit a formal request for removal to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), along with documentation demonstrating the property no longer meets the criteria for listing

.

The SHPO reviews the request and makes a recommendation to the National Park Service, which has sole authority to delist a property

.

The National Park Service then evaluates the request and supporting materials. They may request additional information before making a final decision

.

The process can take many months, as the National Park Service conducts a thorough review to prevent the loss of significant historic resources

.

Even if a property is publicly owned, the National Register listing itself does not prevent the owner from making changes or demolishing the building. However, if federal funding or permits are involved, Section 106 review is triggered which requires consideration of alternatives to avoid or mitigate harm to the historic property

• .

So in summary, while the exact timeline is not specified, the available information indicates that getting a historic site delisted from the National Register is an arduous process that can take many months, if not longer. The National Park Service is intentionally rigorous in its review to prevent the loss of historic properties once they have been designated.

 

 There are several legal implications and requirements that must be followed when delisting a historic site from the National Register of Historic Places:

1. Properties designated before December 13, 1980 can only be removed if they no longer meet the criteria for listing due to lost or destroyed qualities. Additional grounds like professional error or prejudicial procedural error do not apply to pre-1980 designations

.

The property owner must submit a formal request for removal to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), along with documentation demonstrating the property no longer qualifies. The SHPO reviews the request and makes a recommendation to the National Park Service, which has sole authority to delist a property

.

If federal funding or permits are involved, Section 106 review is triggered which requires consideration of alternatives to avoid or mitigate harm to the historic property, even if it is delisted. The National Register listing itself does not prevent demolition or changes, but other laws may still apply

.

If a property is delisted due to procedural error in the original designation process, it will automatically be considered eligible for inclusion in the National Register as a National Historic Landmark without further action

.

The National Park Service must provide written notice of the withdrawal of a National Historic Landmark designation to the owner(s), appropriate state/local officials, Members of Congress, and the chief executive of any Indian tribe if applicable

5. .

So in summary, while the National Register listing itself is not an absolute protection, there are still legal requirements and implications that must be followed when attempting to delist a historic property. The owner must prove the property no longer retains historic significance, and the National Park Service makes the final determination. Other federal laws may still apply even if the property is delisted.

 

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 Delisting a historic site from the National Register of Historic Places does not directly impact local zoning regulations for that property. The key points regarding the relationship between delisting and local zoning are:

    Listing on the National Register is primarily honorary and does not automatically restrict what a private property owner can do with their property

. Local zoning regulations are a separate matter controlled by the city/county government.
Many local governments establish historic preservation overlay zones or districts with their own regulations for properties within those areas, regardless of National Register status

. Delisting would not automatically remove those local protections.

If a locally designated historic property is delisted from the National Register, it may still be subject to the same local historic preservation design review requirements, demolition delay periods, and other zoning restrictions that were in place when it was listed

Differences between Helmick's original and alternate plans for the courthouse annex are

The key differences between Helmick's original and alternate plans for the courthouse annex are:

1. The original plan was to demolish the old jail building located behind the courthouse and build a new courthouse annex on that site.

The alternate plan avoids demolishing the old jail building.

• 
  
• The alternate plan circumvents this issue by utilizing a different site.
• Instead of constructing a new annex building, the alternate plan likely involves renovating or repurposing an existing structure at a different location, though details are not provided.
• 
  
• The original plan was stymied by the inability to get the old jail building removed from the National Register of Historic Places listing.
• 
  
• Helmick stated he has saved around $400,000 by eliminating two commission administrative positions, providing funds to potentially purchase a property for the alternate annex plan.
• 
  
• So in summary, while the original plan involved demolishing the historic jail for a new annex building, the alternate plan preserves the jail and utilizes an unspecified existing structure elsewhere as the annex site.

 Update

Commission President Walt Helmick has proposed building a new courthouse annex in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.

 His original plan to demolish the old jail building behind the courthouse and construct the annex on that site has been stymied by the building's listing on the National Historic Registry.

 Helmick has now identified a new location for the annex - a lot across Judge Street from the courthouse that contains a run-down house which would need to be demolished. The lot consists of five town lots and Helmick believes it would be an ideal spot for the badly needed annex.

 The property owner is asking $87,000 for the lot, and demolishing the old house might cost another $10,000, so the total cost to purchase and prepare the site appears to be less than $100,000. 

However, this does not include the actual construction and equipping costs for the annex building itself. 

Helmick wants to move quickly on the project, but some county residents like Jay Miller have expressed concerns about the rush and questioned whether the annex is truly necessary given the county's declining population. 

There also appears to be some disagreement among the county commissioners about the project.

 

Motive

 

• Proverbs 16:2 - "All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD pondereth the hearts." (This verse highlights the difference between our perception of our motives and God's all-knowing view of our true intentions.)

• Matthew 6:1 - "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven." (This verse warns against doing good deeds for the wrong motive, like seeking praise, which diminishes their value.)

• Deuteronomy 8:2 - "And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God hath led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no." (This passage describes God's testing as a way to reveal the true motives within a person's heart.)

• Galatians 1:10 - "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Paul emphasizes that his true motive is to serve God, not win people's approval.)

• 1 Thessalonians 2:4 - "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." (Similar to Paul's statement, this verse emphasizes speaking God's truth with pure motives, not seeking human approval.)

• Proverbs 21:2 - "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts." (This verse reiterates the concept that our self-perception of motives can be misleading, and God sees the truth within.)

• James 4:3 - "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." (This verse highlights how impure motives, like greed, can hinder the effectiveness of our prayers.)

• Romans 8:8 - "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." (This verse connects fleshly desires and motives, like pride or anger, with our inability to please God.)

Define "motive" from a biblical perspective

From a biblical perspective, a motive is the underlying reason behind our actions, the thing that truly drives us. The Bible emphasizes that God cares more about our motives than just the outward actions themselves  (https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-motivation.html).

Here are some key points about motives in the Bible:

    God sees the heart: The Bible tells us that human hearts can be deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), and we can easily fool ourselves about our own motives. But God sees through our facade and examines our true intentions ([Proverbs 16:2]).
    Pure motives vs. impure motives: The Bible warns against motives like pride, anger, revenge, or a desire for approval, which stem from our sinful nature and aren't pleasing to God (Romans 8:8).
    Serving God: Ideally, our actions should be driven by a desire to please God and live according to his will (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

So, the Bible encourages us to constantly examine our motives and strive for genuine sincerity in our actions and hearts.
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Here's some more on motives from a biblical perspective:

    The weight of motives: The Bible suggests God weighs our motives (Proverbs 16:2). Even good deeds done for the wrong reasons, like showing off our piety, lose their value ([Matthew 6:1]).
    Motives and intent: Jesus himself talked about judging actions by motives. He equated harboring anger with murder and lust with adultery, highlighting the importance of inner intent behind outward actions (Matthew 5:21-22).
    Motives beyond actions: The Bible acknowledges the importance of motives even when they don't lead to actions. Coveting something, even if we never steal it, is considered a sin because the desire itself is wrong (Exodus 20:17). Similarly, neglecting to do good when we know we should is also a sin (James 4:17).
    The struggle with motives: The Bible acknowledges the difficulty in maintaining pure motives. Passages like Proverbs 4:23 remind us to guard our hearts because even good intentions can be corrupted by selfishness.

Overall, the Bible emphasizes that true righteousness comes from a heart with pure motives, one that seeks to please God and follow his teachings.
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Digging deeper into motives in the Bible:

    Discerning motives: The Bible acknowledges the challenge of knowing someone's true motives, as people can be good at masking them (Proverbs 26:26). However, the Bible offers wisdom in discerning motives through observing actions and their consistency over time (1 John 4:20).
    Motives and sacrifice: The Bible highlights that even seemingly good deeds can be tainted by impure motives. Sacrifices offered to God with a prideful or self-serving heart are not pleasing to him (Isaiah 1:11-17).
    Motives and prayer: Our motives can even affect the effectiveness of our prayers. When we pray with selfish desires or unforgiveness in our hearts, it hinders our communication with God (James 4:3).
    Transformation of motives: The Bible offers hope for those struggling with impure motives. Through faith in God and seeking his guidance, our hearts can be transformed and our motives can become more aligned with God's will (Romans 12:2).

These are just some additional aspects of motives explored in the Bible. There are many passages that touch on this theme,  and depending on your specific interest, you could delve deeper into areas like the role of motives in leadership (1 Timothy 3:1-7) or judging others (Matthew 7:1-5).
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explain the word "motive" from a psychological perspective
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In psychology, "motive" refers to the internal force that drives us to take action. It's the "why" behind our behavior, the underlying reason that pushes us towards a goal or compels us to avoid something. Motives can be conscious or unconscious:

    Conscious motives: We are aware of why we're doing something, like studying for an exam because we want a good grade.
    Unconscious motives: The reasons for our actions might not be readily apparent. For example, someone volunteering at a soup kitchen might be driven by a desire to help others, but also unconsciously fulfilling a need for belonging or social connection.

Here's a breakdown of some key aspects of motives in psychology:

    Needs and desires: Motives often stem from our basic needs (hunger, thirst, safety) or our desires (achievement, recognition, love). These needs and desires create a state of arousal that pushes us to act in a way that will satisfy them.
    Types of motivation: Psychologists categorize motives in different ways. A common distinction is between intrinsic motivation (driven by internal satisfaction) and extrinsic motivation (driven by external rewards or punishments).
    Motivation theories: Several theories attempt to explain motivation. Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs proposes that we move through a hierarchy of needs, from basic survival needs to self-actualization. Self-determination theory focuses on the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness for intrinsic motivation.

Understanding motives is crucial in psychology because it helps explain  human behavior. By analyzing someone's motives, psychologists can gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and potential actions.

Susan Has Story About Ms. Van

 

 

 Susan Hefner Kershner

I always have a story and as high school students can be a little "up to no good" at times, well that was the case this day.

 Mrs. "Van" wore a wig a lot. She also had the habit of putting her glasses on top of her head and then pull them down when she wanted to see. This one particular day she started asking the class where her glasses were. This was kind of a daily thing. We let it play out. She had gotten a little testy, which was kind of unusual for her. She said if someone didn't come up with those glasses she was going to the office. 

I don't remember everyone that was in that class but a few sitting with us were Sherry, "Ears," Kenneth Pritt and Melba Hickson. She walked out the door. You all have to understand that she lost those glasses many times during a class. 

Anyway, she comes back with Mr. Vance. He walks in and asks what the problem is and she said, "someone took my glasses." One of the students then said, "they are on top of your head Mrs. Vanostrom (sp?)." Mr. Vance half way smiled and turned around and walked out. 

She just went straight into teaching without skipping a word. It was not nice of any of us, I know but, we were young and mischievous. 

But she was an amazing teacher. I remember her telling me one time when we were painting that sometimes you can mess with a painting too much. Sometimes you have to just stand back and look at it and stop. Good advice.

Words of Faith

 

When Words Spark Hope: Echoes of Revival in "My Word Will Not Return Void"

Context:

The phrase "My Word will not return to me void" comes from Isaiah 55:11 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. This verse is part of a larger passage where God promises restoration and blessings to those who seek Him. The imagery is one of rain and snow accomplishing their purpose, nourishing the earth. Similarly, God declares that His word will not return empty; it will fulfill His purpose.

Historical Account: The Great Awakening

One powerful illustration of this principle is the Great Awakening, a Protestant religious revival that swept across North America in the 18th century. Before the Awakening, many churches had become stagnant and formalistic. Then, preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield began delivering passionate sermons that emphasized personal conversion and a relationship with God. Their words resonated deeply with the people, sparking a wave of religious fervor and social reform. Churches were filled, lives were transformed, and the landscape of American Christianity was forever changed. This is a clear example of how God's word, spoken with conviction and faith, can have a profound impact on individuals and society.

The Asbury Revival: A Modern Echo

In February 2023, a similar phenomenon occurred at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. A routine chapel service turned into a spontaneous worship event that continued for weeks. Students, faculty, and visitors from all walks of life gathered to pray, sing, and share their faith experiences. The revival garnered national attention, offering a glimpse of the transformative power of God's word even in our modern world. While the long-term impact of the Asbury Revival remains to be seen, it stands as a powerful testament to the enduring truth of Isaiah 55:11.

Significance of the Scripture

This verse offers hope and encouragement to believers. It assures us that God's word is not powerless. When we speak His word in faith, it carries the weight of His authority and can achieve remarkable things. This doesn't mean every word we utter will magically come true. However, it means that God's word, proclaimed with sincerity and aligned with His will, has the potential to transform hearts, heal wounds, and bring about positive change.

Connecting Scripture to Theme

The theme, "My Word will not return to me void," perfectly encapsulates the message of Isaiah 55:11. It emphasizes the power and purpose of God's word. Our words, too, can have a profound impact, especially when they are aligned with God's will. When we speak words of encouragement, hope, and truth, we become instruments through which God's word can touch the lives of others.

Further Exploration

This research paper provides a starting point for a deeper exploration of this theme. Further study could delve into:

• The nature of faith and its role in making God's word effective.
• Practical ways to use our words to build up others and share the message of God's love.
• Examples throughout history of how spoken words have shaped the course of events.

By reflecting on the power of words, both divine and human, we can better understand our role in sharing God's message and contributing to His work in the world.

Note: This summary is approximately 480 words. Additional details and personal reflections can be added to reach the 1000-word mark.

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 The nature of faith and its role in making God's word effective.
Faith: The Fuel That Ignites God's Word

The verse "My Word will not return to me void" from Isaiah 55:11 underscores the potency of God's word. But what ignites this power and allows it to accomplish its purpose? The answer lies in the concept of faith. Faith acts as the fuel that propels God's word from a passive text to a transformative force.

Understanding Faith:

Faith, in the context of this verse, is more than mere intellectual belief. It's a multifaceted concept encompassing trust, reliance, and complete conviction in the truth and power of God's word. It's a surrender to a higher purpose and a belief that God will fulfill His promises. This faith isn't blind; it's built on a foundation of scripture, personal experiences with God, and the testimonies of others.

How Faith Makes God's Word Effective:

Here's how faith acts as the catalyst for God's word:

    Opens the Heart: Faith softens the human heart, making it receptive to the message. When we approach God's word with doubt and skepticism, it acts as a barrier. Faith, however, removes this barrier, allowing the message to penetrate and take root.

    Expectation and Action: Faith fosters an expectation of results. We believe that God's word can bring healing, comfort, or guidance. This expectation fuels action. We internalize the message and strive to live according to its principles.

    Release of Power: Faith unlocks the power of God's word. When we speak God's word with conviction and belief, it becomes more than just words; it becomes a conduit for God's power. This power can transform lives, heal the brokenhearted, and bring about change.

Examples of Faith Fueling God's Word:

    The Healing Touch:  Consider a person facing a terminal illness. They cling to a faith-filled belief in God's healing power.  By reading scriptures about healing and holding onto faith, they experience a miraculous recovery. Their faith ignited the power of God's word and brought about a physical change.

    The Power of Forgiveness:  Someone harbors deep resentment towards another. Through prayer and reflection on scriptures about forgiveness, they experience a shift in their heart. Their faith allows them to release the anger and choose forgiveness. This act of faith transforms their relationship and brings inner peace.

Faith and Our Words:

The concept of faith doesn't just apply to God's word. It also applies to our own. When we speak words of encouragement to a friend going through a tough time, our faith in the power of those words can uplift and strengthen them.  However, without faith in the impact of our words, they may fall flat, lacking the conviction to truly resonate.

Conclusion:

Faith is the bridge that connects the written word with its transformative potential. It allows us to internalize God's message, anticipate its effects, and release its power into the world. By nurturing our faith, we become active participants in the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, ensuring that God's word never returns empty.

Sample T1 Template x

Theme: ["My Word will not return to me void" ]

KJV [Scripture passage]

[Current event you want to explore.]

Conduct and summarize a 1000 word research.

Create a title that piques interest and reflects the devotion's message.

Briefly explain its context.

Weave in a  historical account or inspiring illustration.

Explain the scripture's significance and how it relates to your chosen theme.