A couple of days ago, we celebrated America’s independence. But what happened today in history? Here are a few of the more interesting events. In 1699, Captain William Kidd, the pirate, was captured in Boston, MA, and deported back to England. In 1858, Lyman Blake patented the shoe manufacturing machine. In 1932, the postage rate for first class mail in the U.S. went from 2-cents to 3-cents. And in 1933, the first All-Star baseball game was held in Chicago. The American League beat the National League 4-2.

Cold Brew Coffee Is Not Rocket Science – Have you ever tried cold brew coffee? It’s a pretty simple method for brewing coffee, and it tastes incredible, especially for iced coffee drinks during the hot summer months. But you can drink it hot as well. This article explains just how simple it can be. Or, you can but a coffee toddy.

Stunning Double Exposure Animal Portraits – With my interest in wildlife and nature photography, I absolutely love what this artist has been able to create. Most of these are available in prints to purchase. I would love to hang a few of these in my home.

Building A Classy Wardrobe Without Spending A Ton Of Money – Here are five tips for building a good selection of classy clothing without breaking the bank. These tips will help you shop smarter and look better.

People Experiencing Color For The First Time – This video has been around for a few months, and has been circulating on social media. But the joy on the faces of these people as they experience color for the first time is worth watching again.

On this day in history: In 1925, Marvin Pipkin filed for a patent for the frosted electric light bulb. In 1953, the Federal Highway Act authorized the construction of 42,500 miles of freeway from coast to coast. The Interstate highway system was created. And in 2007, the first generation Apple iPhone went on sale.

Social Media Coffees – Wrong Hands has quickly become one of my favorite web comics. John Atkinson touches on truths in a way that is both amusing and powerful. The MySpace depiction made me literally laugh out loud.

The Best Idioms From Around The World – I also found this list pretty amusing. Many of these I have heard, most I haven’t. Regardless, there are a few here that I may have to try out sometime.

Trap-Jaw Ants – This article displays another one of God’s incredible creations. The trap-jaw ant can spring those mandibles at 130 miles per hour! That’s pretty amazing. Make sure you watch the video embedded in the post.

Sometimes it’s just more fun to know the inconsequentials of history. Such as these things that happened on this day in history. In 1909, the first transcontinental auto race ended in Seattle, WA. In 1939, the first U.S. water-ski tournament was held at Jones Beach, on Long Island, New York. In 1946, jet airplanes were used to transport mail for the first time. And in 1998, the 75th National Marbles Tournament began in Wildwood, NJ.

Chemex Coffee Brewing Tutorial – The Inanimate Objects comic strip shows how to brew excellent coffee using a Chemex. This is a great explanation of one of the best methods of brewing.

The Remarkable Story Of The Supermarine Spitfire – This interactive history of the Spitfire P9374 is simply amazing. Discovered again after it crashed forty years earlier, this article shares the history of the Spitfire, and this particular plane. The restoration photos are incredible!

Turns – This video is pretty cool, showing the skills of a master woodturner. His story is as beautiful as the work he does.

June continues to move forward, and here is what happened on this day in history: In 1752, Benjamin Franklin experimented by flying a kite during a thunderstorm. The result was a little spark that showed the relationship between lightning and electricity. In 1844, Charles Goodyear was granted a patent for the process that strengthens rubber. And in 1909, Benjamin Shibe patented the cork center baseball. Important stuff.

You Might Be A Coffee Snob If… – I actually prefer the term “coffee revolutionary.” Regardless, I found this list quite amusing. Our daughter’s first word might just have to be coffee related…

14 Of The Coolest Hotels In The World – Several of these locations just got added to my bucket list. My favorite is either number four or five. Which one is yours?

A Fly-Through Of The Gum Nebula – This brief fly-through of the Gum Nebula captured by the Hubble Space Telescope is stunning in its beauty.

June has arrived. Here are a few of the most significant things that have happened on the first day of this month: In 1861, the first skirmish of the U.S. Civil War took place at the Fairfax Court House, Virginia. In 1939, the Douglas DC-4 made its first passenger flight from Chicago to New York. And in 1954, in the Peanuts comic strip, Linus’ security blanket made its debut.

Top 7 Health Benefits Of Drinking Coffee – You knew coffee was good for you, but did you realize just how good? Here are some of the most important benefits that drinking coffee conveys. There are more, but this is a good start.

Pizza In The Wild – Jon Paul Douglass has an interesting perspective that he captures in his photography. Perhaps the most fun is his Pizza In The Wild series. These are great.

Watch How This Daughter Tells Her Father She Loves Him – I love you to the moon and back. And for this girl, that is exactly how much she loves here dad. Here is the video that shows how she communicates this:

In the United States, today is Memorial Day. Originally observed in 1868, and called Decoration Day, this day was established as a day to decorate the graves of those who were killed in the Civil War. After World War I, the observance was expanded to include those who fell in all American wars. Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday by Congress in 1971, and placed on the last Monday in May.

In honor of Memorial Day, today’s Coffee Break is focused on remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for American freedom. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who have lost loved ones defending the American Way.

If you are interested n finding out more about this special day, here are a few resources.

• US Department of Veterans Affairs
• History.com
• Memorial Day website

I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. – Nathan Hale

Paul stated clearly that, in spite of some people’s motives for preaching, he rejoices that the message is being preached. In this week’s passage, he continues to rejoice, knowing that God is accomplishing his purposes, no matter what happens.

See this passage for yourself in Philippians 1:18c-20:

Paul continues to rejoice because he knows that he prayers of the Philippians are being expressed earnestly for his deliverance, and that the Holy Spirit is working in the same manner.

Paul fully realizes this this deliverance could come in any shape or form. He knows that his deliverance could be through the form of death, and he anticipates that even. But he also knows that if this deliverance comes in a physical release from prison, then he will continue to serve Christ. This is very evident in verse 21, which we look at in detail next week.

In these verse, however, he expresses his resolve that he will not be ashamed, but that he will continue to preach the gospel faithful, no matter what the outcome may be.

This passage gives us some specific truth about the nature of prayer. The Philippians prayed. And the Holy Spirit answered and moved in response to that prayer. Often throughout Scripture, the idea of deliverance is closely tied to the activity of prayer.