Opinion

When God created man, He presented him with a conscience, translated means knowledge, knowing the difference between good and evil. He also gave advice to keep one healthy spiritually and physically. “Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another. ...

Politics. There’s a lot I could say about our politicians right now, but in honor of Missouri’s Bicentennial year, I believe I’ll let one of our own native son’s do the talking. Here’s some timeless wisdom from Mark Twain. Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason...

I’ve known some very faithful Christian couples who found each other by employing a mate-match service. But last week, I faced the double-embarrassment of learning that some of the internet services (a.k.a. “social media”) simply provide one-night hookups for adultery, which is the sin of any sex outside the marriage bond between a man and a woman. ...

August 10, 2021, will mark the two hundredth anniversary of Missouri’s entry as the 24th state of the United States of America. A state with many different regional cultures, geographies, and industries. Each Missouri community, county, and region has a story to tell about its people, their history, their commerce, and their culture. By celebrating the accomplishments and diversity of all these regions, we will have a better understanding of what binds us together...

Are you familiar with your Bible? How well do you know what’s in it? Occasionally, you will talk to someone who will “quote” a religious saying from the Bible. The only problem is that it cannot be found in the scriptures! Politicians are known to do this, thinking that a quote from the Bible will give their ideas more credibility. Which of the following sayings are from the Bible and which are not?...

With all that is happening today from politics to health, seniors are usually the ones who end up sitting in the dark because of their lack of social media skills and computer experience. One of the biggest questions now, especially among seniors, is, “Should I take the COVID-19 vaccine?” As of Jan. ...

Jeff Dorris jdorris@dddnews.com I heard lots of comments this week regarding the assault on our nation’s Capitol. “I can’t believe this!” “How could this happen?” “I never thought I’d see the day!” Really? Ray Charles could have seen this coming. This pot’s been percolating for weeks...

The term “helicopter parent” was used to describe a mother or father who stayed so remarkably close to their offspring the point of injecting themselves in every aspect of their lives—even involving themselves in the minute details of the friendships their elementary aged offspring—usually daughters—including all the drama. ...

With so many great reads coming out each year, keeping track of every book that I have read and loved is difficult, and 2020 is no exception. In both fiction and nonfiction, titles have been emotional, thrilling, diverse, and downright wonderful. What books did I miss or arrived late in the year? These titles are written in my “To Be Read” list. From the suggestions of relatives, friends, and trusted sources, the time investment and the reading should be worth it!...

The Old Testament books of the Bible were in existence in Jesus’ day. He quoted from them. The inspired apostles and prophets wrote the New Testament books which were completed before 100 A.D. (Ephesians 2:20) The twenty-seven New Testament books are the final revelation from the mind of God to men. ...

When looking at the meaning of life, it is different for everyone, but one thing is still true, all need purpose. After retirement, the empty nest, accomplished goals, and in some cases, the loss of a spouse, many seniors slow down and lose focus, resulting in poor health, physically and mentally. Finding purpose again, even during a pandemic, is still possible...

At the end of the year we all tend to look back on the year and reflect. There will be many top ten lists and celebrations leading up to the dawning of 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic will of course be the winner for biggest news story of the year. I’d like to take this time to share with you the things that gave me the greatest joy this year, followed by those that most annoyed me...

The author of a recent article addressing issues of relationships between men and women offered advice to women on how to deal with husbands. She counseled wives, “Your man should be allowed to have a part in your life. Don’t shut them out but encourage them to add what they can to your life’s experiences and goals.” Some observers see the irony of that suggestion, as sixty or seventy years ago, women complained that their roles were for their husband’s sake, with little sense of self. ...

What were the patrons of the Dunklin County Library reading in 2020? The answers yield great ideas for books including audiobooks that you too might want to add to your list. The answers also help build library collections that reflect the library patrons’ needs and interests. Every check-out is a vote for the types of materials and topics enjoyed. Here are the highlights from the Most Checked-Out Items of 2020 at the Dunklin County Library...

I do not know how people come up with some of the ideas that stick in their minds! One such idea is that you should only pay attention to the parts of the New Testament written in red since they were spoken by Jesus, but that the rest of the New Testament written in black can basically be ignored, and doesn’t have to be obeyed. ...

New Year’s Resolutions are not something new, but a tradition that began over 4,000 years ago during the time of the Babylonians. According to history.com, the Babylonians, during a massive 12-day religious festival known as Akitu, crowned a new king or affirmed their loyalty to the reigning King. They also made promises to the gods to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed. Sound like any New Year’s resolutions you’ve made in the past?...

I enjoy Christmas very much. I have, through the years, maintained my child-like enthusiasm for the holiday. Even as an adult when old Saint Nick put a hole in my pocketbook. I still enjoy Christmas. However the last few years of political correctness have hindered thoughts of peace on earth and goodwill towards men...

’Twas the day after Christmas, I’m supine on the couch With my hair flat and sad and my belly a big pouch.   I had cleaned and scrubbed floors, I had cooked and I’d baked I had done what I could while my back did ache.   I had gifted many presents and received many too...

In columns earlier in the year, I discussed what Peter had to say about God and Christ in his two epistles. We will examine what Peter says about the Holy Spirit. Admittedly, several of these passages are very difficult and are interpreted differently...

Dreams have always been a popular topic of discussion. Martin Luther King had a dream in his historical speech to the nation. Songs are written about dreams. Dreams are used in advertising and countless books have been written on the subject. There are also many types of dreams...

Years ago, while preparing for the pastoral ministry and working as an intern at a congregation in Michigan of the Church body through which I now serve, a parishioner asked me when I first realized that I was going to be a pastor. I confessed that I did not know (at the time) if I ever was going to be a pastor. I was not having second thoughts, but I asked her that if on my drive home later than evening if I accidently plowed into a tree and was killed, would God’s plans be thwarted?...

The award for the “Most Difficult Year” goes to 2020!  Between this continuing pandemic, the election drama, the tension in numerous states, and the loss of jobs, businesses, and lives, 2020 will soon pass.  Most of us want to move ahead and not look back. But, let’s not shift so quickly.  Personally, I am grateful for making it through some tough losses and situations with a positive outlook. ...

“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” (Jeremiah 6:16) Ancient Israel did not want to walk in God’s way during Old Testament times. ...

Jeff Dorris jdorris@dddnews.com With all that is going on in the world at this time, I believe we all need a good laugh. Reader’s Digest magazine always featured a Laughter is the Best Medicine section. I also believe we should be able to laugh at ourselves...

My personal favorite movie of all time is the 1956 production of “The Ten Commandments”. On a recent Saturday night, I watched two scenes from that movie on YouTube. The first scene was of the eve of the Passover, where John Derek, playing the role of Joshua is painting lamb’s blood on the threshold doorway of the home of Jewish turncoat Dathan, played by Edward G. ...