Opinion

It seems as my parents and relatives grow older, our conversations center more and more on the past. Family members who have passed away. Businesses and restaurants that are no longer open. The music and the movies of our youth. Simpler times, no doubt...

Sundays after the Day of Pentecost recall the Holy Spirit’s work in the disciples of Jesus as they begin to grow the Church in faith and obedience to God. Like today and throughout human history, God’s people had drifted away from Him, but it wasn’t a corporate or “all together now” unfaithfulness or dismissal of God but a gradual questioning of God’s goodness, His faithfulness, and the relevancy of His will for the often rebellious but crown of His creation—we humans...

Warm weather is here. Kids and teachers are entering the last weeks of school or are in summer school. Pools are open, and people plan vacations from work. Many of these individuals view summer with a slower pace in mind creating some reading time. Whether you’re seeking a romance, thriller, or just a good story, there’s a title for all readers...

Paul starts his third preaching journey from Antioch of Syria. Luke records the whole journey beginning in Acts 18:23 through Acts 21:17. Paul began his trip by returning to see the Christians from his first and second trips (Acts 13:14-14:25/ 15:41-16:6) in the regions of Phrygia, Lycaonia and Galatia. (Acts 16:1, 6) See Acts 18:23. While in Galatia in 54 A.D, he told the saints about making a collection for the saints in Jerusalem. (1 Corinthians 16:1)...

Obesity is a pandemic of sorts in the United States. Between 1999-2020 obesity rose from 30.5 percent to 41.9 percent, and during that same time severe obesity increased from 4.7 percent to 9.2 percent. Why the increase, and what is the solution? Obesity is defined as a person whose weight is higher than what is considered to be a normal weight for a given height. ...

Oh how I love oxymorons. An oxymoron refers to a word, phrase, or use of language that seems to directly contradict itself. Example: honest politician. Just kidding. I’m sure they exist. Probably resides in a good value time share. See how it works?...

The final book of the Holy Bible begins with the commissioning of the disciple John and his vision of the Son of Man (Revelation 1:9-20) That designation, ‘Son of Man” was used to identify Ezekiel as a spokesman for God. Other Bible readers may recall the use of the title of “son of man” in the book of Daniel (7:13-14) as a theological background for its usage in the New Testament. ...

Much like peanut butter and jelly or chips and dip, dynamic duos in literature exist. These characters are interesting and engaging on their own but paired together, sparks fly, conversations dazzle, and relationships bubble. Not all of these winning two-somes are romantic couples because best friends or partners in crime may entertain readers just the same!...

We pick up Paul’s second preaching journey in Acts chapter 18. The church at Thessalonica was established early in 51 A.D. (Acts 17:1-9) Short stays in Berea and Athens would put Paul’s arrival in Corinth in the middle of the year 51 A.D. In Corinth, Paul joins with a couple named Aquila and Priscilla. ...

Summer is around the corner and many people are ready to pull out those short pants and swimsuits, but these days a major portion of the population, young and old, are overweight. For seniors who are overweight, they experience back and knee pain which can dampen spending time with grandchildren by the pool or at the park. ...

As we honor our military men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day, I’d like to share a favorite poem. The writer of the poem is anonymous but I’ve always enjoyed this and I hope you will as well. What is a veteran? A veteran is a person who fell in love with their country, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health...

It’s likely safe to say that all of us have had imaginary friends, especially during our childhood. The neighborhood may have had no children close to our age or we only had older siblings. No more than a few years ago, I read a blog written by a woman whose name and age were not given, but she recounted her relationships, but most of them were “imaginary.” She has (or had) made-up friends, a boyfriend, and recounted how having them had somewhat helped with her loneliness. ...

Finishing a whole book in a day is so satisfying. It’s exciting to get lost in the pages of a fascinating memoir, a heartfelt romance, or a gripping thriller that simply won’t let our attention go until the true killer is revealed. These quick reads are either short books or fast-paced, and each can usually be read within a day or even a single sitting. These titles would also be great for a day-long road trip listening or a long hike...

We are studying the history of the Lord’s church in the book of Acts. In Acts 15, we learn of two controversies. One controversy affected the whole church, and the other was a controversy between two close brothers in Christ. After Paul and Barnabas had returned to Antioch from their first journey (Acts 14:26-28), there arose a dispute about whether the Gentile Christians had to be circumcised to be saved. ...

For decades heart disease was in steady decline, but America’s number one killer is back and on the rise. AARP, January/February 2023 bulletin, offers some reasons for the rise, as well as how American’s can turn the numbers around and improve their heart health...

In or around the year 1491 BC, God had freed His beloved, chosen people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. The ark of the covenant of the Lord “went out three days before them”, contrary to the general rule that the ark would remain in the midst of the camps, as it was to be reminder of the Lord’s faithfulness to His people. ...

I enjoy good conversation. I especially like it when it involves a cup of coffee. However, it seems most of my conversations now are on a cellphone. It seems more and more, in every facet of my daily life, automation is taking over and stealing that good one on one interaction...

From a stunning first sentence to a perfect string of dialogue, there are certain parts of books that feel particularly memorable. Whether they make us laugh, cry, or simply reflect, a good first line builds expectations for style, tone, character, location, era, and season. That opening pulls a reader into the plot. We embark on a journey with questions to be answered...

The Old Testament has twelve books of history. The New Testament has only one book of history, which is the book of Acts. Last week, we saw the gospel preached to the Jews for the first time in Acts 2, and the Gentiles in Acts 10 & 11. Also, we saw how the gospel spread to Judea, Samaria, Phenice, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. ...

Caring for your teeth is very important because healthy gums mean a healthy mind, healthy heart, and healthy body. Throughout the decades doctors have discovered the connection between the teeth and the body, from heart disease to mental disorders. So, the question is, how is your at-home dental care, and if not so good, what can you do to improve it and improve your health?...

“I pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Everyday in grade school, the first thing every morning, we all stood beside our desks and said the Pledge of Allegiance...

During one of St. Paul’s travels through Greece, he had come to the city of Athens where we read that “he was provoked within him” that the city was full of idols. (Acts 17:16-31) As was Paul’s custom, he would come to the Jewish synagogues to “reason with them”. ...

I do not recall when this wonderful lady entered my life. I just thought that she had always been there. Moma worked as a telephone operator at the Kennett office, and she often worked odd shifts. Daddy was a farmer, and he was usually not far from the house. The cooking, washing, kid-watching, and more still had to get done whatever shift Moma connected phone calls. I never thought of Ollie Holley as being our babysitter. I just thought of her as family...

As the book of Matthew ends, Jesus is on a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16) when He gives His apostles the Great Commission for the first time. (Matthew 28:17-20) Later, He repeats the Commission to His apostles from Bethany, outside of Jerusalem, (Luke 24:50) just before He ascends back to heaven. (Luke 24:44-52; Mark 16:15-20)...

While young, balance is taken for granted, but as the body ages, the ability to stay upright proves harder with the years. The complex process for balance involves the brain, spinal cord, inner ear, eyes, peripheral nerves, muscles, and bones, and rarely noticed when functioning properly. It can get bad enough that fear of falling limits everyday activities. What causes these issues and how can they be avoided, or at least stalled?...