Welcome To THE NUGGET Driving Into the Sunset By: Joseph J. Mazzella --------------------------------- February 27, 2024 While getting a degree in English Literature had seemed a great idea in college it didn’t prove to be a wise choice when searching for work after I graduated. I was a young father with a wife and baby at home and another on the way. The only work I was able to find was as a busboy at a restaurant and ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR The White Stone February 26, 2024 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows... ~ Isaiah 53:4a KJV ~ The weather was good. I was at bible camp with approximately 30 helpers and 30 young people. The plan was to have a day trip to Millport Island, Scotland, and cycle round the Island, approximately 10 miles. A few of the ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Puppy February 25, 2024 Only take care, and keep your soul diligently... ~ Deut. 4:9 ESV ~ “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children." (Deuteronomy 4:9 ESV) ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Earning a Crown February 23, 2024 ...that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. ~  James 1:12b NIV ~ It was April, 1941. The eve of the German invasion of Yugoslavia. Two women worked in a beauty shop: Roza Sober, 19 at the time, and Zekira Besrevic, age 20. There was also an Jewish apprentice in the shop, a Gracija Ka ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Lost February 21, 2024 ...the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction... ~ 2 Corinthians 3:1b NRSV ~ When I was three years old, I experienced what it was to be lost. Although the details are compiled from old letters, the feelings of panic and not knowing how to get back to my parents are deeply embedded in my memory. I ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Daily Baths February 19, 2024 Jesus replied, 'A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.' ~ John 13:10 NLT ~ "Jesus replied, 'A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR The Upcoming Move February 18, 2023 Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. ~ Psalms 16:5a NLT ~ "Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing." (Psalm 16:5a NLT) We are, at present, contemplating an upcoming move. And as I think upon all that such a move will entail, I become more and more aware of what will ne ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR The Upcoming Move February 18, 2023 Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. ~ Psalms 16:5a NLT ~ "Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing." (Psalm 16:5a NLT) We are, at present, contemplating an upcoming move. And as I think upon all that such a move will entail, I become more and more aware of what will ne ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Are You a "Sheep"? Or a "Goat"? February 16, 2024 /Love your neighbor as yourself…/ ~ Matthew 22:39 NIV ~d It's 6:30 am and the alarm rings. You wake up slowly, knowing you don't really have to be out of bed until 7. You love this time of the morning. Everything is quiet, and your thoughts can simply float where they will. And today your thoughts take y ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR A Refuge February 14, 2024 For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. ~ Psalm 61:3 ESV ~ "For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy." (Psalm 61:3 ESV) It is very pleasant to look down from my fifth-floor balcony onto the street below, while I try to establish facts about the many pedestrians, ...Continue Reading