July 2015 – Today's Kidlit Book

July 19 is Sundae Sunday. This holiday always comes on the third Sunday in July. Popular stories say the sundae originated when Sunday Blue Laws prohibited selling sodas on Sunday. Sunday Blue Laws were put in effect in Colonial America. In the Virginia Colony’s early years, the penalty for missing Sunday worship services three times was death. In Massachusetts the penalty for working on Sunday was ten shillings or a public whipping. In the 1800s, Colorado forbade any amusement on Sunday. In Vermont, people could visit other people’s homes only for charitable works. We will probably never be absolutely sure of the origin, but we do know that the sundae has been one of the most expensive desserts in the world. In 2007, Serendipity created the Golden Opulence Sundae (pictured above from Serendipity 3) to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. The cost of this opulent dessert made with rare chocolates, rare vanilla, and topped with an edible gold leaf is $1,000.00. Not surprisingly, since some of the ingredients must be special-ordered and require 48-hour notice, Serendipity reports selling on the average only one a month.

Celebrate today by creating your own opulent sundae with your favorite ice cream and topping flavors.

Ecclesiastes 5:18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them–for this is their lot.

July 9 is National Air Conditioning Appreciation Day! I really appreciate air conditioning as I sit writing in comfort even though we’re in the middle of summer, and it’s hot and humid outside. In the late 1700s, scientists, including Ben Franklin, learned that evaporation of alcohol and other volatile liquids can cool temperatures fast enough to freeze water, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that this knowledge was put into a practical invention. Willis Carrier started the Carrier Air Conditioning Company to cool factories and manufacturing plants. The first home air conditioning unit was installed in a mansion in 1914, but we don’t know if it actually worked, because the house was never occupied. In 1931 individual window units were sold for the equivalent of $120,000 to $600,000 in today’s money. Affordable window units were offered in the 1950s, and central air conditioning became common in the 1970s. Today’s focus is on environmentally-friendly units, as Freon units are becoming obsolete. Celebrate today by staying cool!

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.