Opinion

Cancer Preventing Foods (2/7/23)1

According to State Cancer Profiles, a publicly available online database created from records of the Center for Disease Control and National Cancer Institute, the Missouri Bootheel is among the highest in cancer death rates in the country. Because the Bootheel is part of the Delta, which is considered some of the poorest areas in the country, cancer is more prevalent with lung cancer having the highest rates, along with colon, and breast cancer close behind...
School Safety (2/4/23)

We must keep our children safe. Bottom line. It has to be the priority. In light of the recent events at Kennett High School, I researched multiple websites regarding school safety. The top concerns across the board were bullying, cyberbullying, emergency planning, infectious diseases and public health, as well as, mental health...
The Essential Jesus Christ (2/4/23)

A preface to a section of Old Testament Scriptures from a Hebrew exegete (translator and commentator), the Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing offered this scenario: “Imagine a world that is cold and silent toward pain and human suffering. Try to envision a place where everything is driven by self-indulgence, and life is all about financial profit, business transactions, and the bottom line. ...
From the Stacks (2/4/23)

Book clubs, book groups, book discussions, or whatever one may call the meeting conjure images of men and women with reading glasses perched on their noses holding a book with numerous Post-Its clinging to the page edges. The benefits of a book club may not be obvious with the primary benefit of reading a book and discussing it. But there are additional benefits that take the experience to a deeper meaning...
Learning About Your Bible #5 (2/4/23)

We will examine the last three books of the Law of Moses. The book of Leviticus has many instructions for the work of the priests. In chapters 1-7, instructions are given about the different kinds of sacrifices. (Leviticus 7:37) Moses dedicates the priests for their work in chapter 8. In chapter 9, Aaron and his sons start their work, and fire from the LORD consumes the burnt offering. (9:24)...
February, Heart Health Month (1/31/23)

February is filled with a celebration of hearts from chocolate Valentines to heart healthy awareness. Heart Healthy Awareness Day on Friday, February 3, followed by Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 14. This month is filled with hearts--healthy in love and body, but what do we need to know about heart disease and keeping that wonderful heart healthy...
A glimpse at the beginning (1/28/23)

I so enjoy looking at old issues of our newspaper. As time goes by, so many segments of our lives change. They evolve. One thing that has remained a constant is this newspaper. This week I’d like to share with you portions of the editorial printed in the first edition of The Dunklin Democrat, a name change from the original Kennett Clipper...
These Things Are Written (1/28/23)

Parishes of some Church bodies have been vandalized during these evil days because of their love of God and humans created in His image. Pro-abortion protestors have spray painted threatening, obscene messages on their doors, broken into their sanctuaries, desecrating their chancels and altars. ...
From the Stacks (1/28/23)

Names are important because they are one of the ways that we mark our place in the world. Choosing what to name your baby may be one of the hardest decisions ever. A name is one of the first gifts a parent gives to their child. The first symbols of our identity and one of the first things we lead with when we meet someone new. Baby names reflect family, current culture or trends, and the parents’ personality. Another source of meaningful names is literary connections...
Learning About Your Bible #4: Exodus (1/28/23)

The next book in the Bible is Exodus. Altogether, there are 66 books that make up the Bible. Exodus records how Jacob’s 12 sons grew into a great nation. (Exodus 1:1-7) A new Pharaoh enslaved the Israelites and also killed their male babies in order to prevent them from becoming a military threat in the future. ...
The healing touch (1/24/23)1

Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments, and it may range from light stroking to deep pressure. Usually, a massage is most associated with expensive high-end spas and health clubs and enjoyed by only the wealthy. But who isn’t keen on a good foot or back rub?...
One-liners (1/21/23)

Today is National One-liner Day. A one-liner is a funny remark or joke told in one sentence, for example, in a play or comedy show. I love one-liners. Henny Youngman, a classic comedian of yesteryear, fashioned a whole career around one-liners. Here are few that I enjoy...
Fits and Spells, Bells and Smells (1/21/23)

The Hoover Institute, a conservative think tank at Stanford University, posts an interview show (“Uncommon Knowledge”) on YouTube featuring philosophers, historians, politicians, and authorities on current social, political, and demographic trends in the United States, the West, and the rest of the world. ...
From the Stacks (1/21/23)

Living in the South is quite different than any other place in the grand USA. There are slight nuances wherever you may visit. People in a coffee shop may start a conversation with you. Dining in a restaurant, you may have someone ask “how’s your dinner?” before ordering the same thing. ...
Learning About Your Bible #3 (1/21/23)

We continue our study of what is contained in the Bible by looking at the life of Jacob in Genesis 29. Jacob goes to his mother’s brother, Laban, in Haran or Padanaram. (Genesis 28:1-5; 29:4) Jacob meets Rachel, Laban’s younger daughter, and works 7 years for her hand in marriage. ...
The body, minerals, electricity (1/17/23)

Everyone needs electricity. In fact, people cannot survive without it. The brain cannot operate without the body’s own electricity. Everything is made up of atoms, and atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Our bodies are made up of huge masses of atoms that generate electricity. So, how do we use those atoms, neutrons, and electrons?...
Insomnia (1/14/23)

Insomnia. That word can send shivers down your spine. Anyone who struggles with it can attest to that. I never had trouble falling asleep. Never. I also, admittedly, didn’t really have the level of compassion I should have for those who did suffer with it...
Songs of the Servant (1/14/23)

Biblical historians will recount hard times for the people of the southern kingdom of Judah, circa late 700s BC, especially after the death of Uzziah, who had ruled over God’s people for more than fifty years. The Judeans had enjoyed a lengthy period of peace and stability, much of which can be attributed to one of Uzziah’s predecessors, Josiah, who, as one commentator wrote, “was Judah’s last gasp —the last good thing that happened to the Israelites before their kingdom was destroyed.” (722 BC) At age 25, Josiah made it a mission of his to refurbish Solomon’s temple that had fallen into disrepair. ...
From the Stacks (1/14/23)

You have read the novel. Or, possibly you have read the entire series and are waiting on the next storyline of your favorite character. You know all this character’s idiosyncrasies, the car he or she drives, the reason he or she lives in a dumpy apartment, and even how he or she likes a cup of coffee. ...
Learning About Your Bible #2 (1/14/23)

We are seeking to learn what is contained between the covers of your Bible. What further information is in the book of Genesis? After the flood, Noah’s descendants repopulated the earth (Genesis 10). Have you ever wondered why there are so many languages in the world today? The answer is given in Genesis 11. ...
The end, being responsibly prepared (1/10/23)

Whether you believe in God, reincarnation, life after death, or aliens, one thing is true and sure, no one lives forever in this world and there is no getting around it. But your death doesn’t have to be a burden on family or friends. When a loved one dies, the pressure of paying for a funeral, making the arrangements, and locating important documents, should not be a stressful experience or a scavenger hunt. That’s why everyone should prepare for death just like they do for old age...
Bread Crumbs (1/7/23)

Transparency. Every election we hear about it. More transparency is always promised. Sounds good, but the follow through is weak. With 20 of the last 22 council meetings ending with a closed session it’s apparent that transparency is not a priority...
Children of the Light (1/7/23)

The worldwide historical Church has a long history of festivals, feasts, and celebrations to acknowledge and mark important truths, events, and messages from and about God. It is important for Christians to live deliberately, to be consistent in our understanding of who God is and be reminded of who we Christians are to be as His redeemed, forgiven people. ...
From the Stacks (1/7/23)

Stumped on what to read next? This is a common comment heard in the library which usually leads to a conversation about the patron’s preferences. With so many books on the shelves and on ebooks through Libby, surely there is a title that will appeal to a stumped reader. ...
Learning About Your Bible (1/7/23)

This New Year, we begin a series of articles to learn more about your Bible. The Bible is divided into two sections: The Old Testament and the New Testament. Although some are familiar with the Bible, there are many who are unfamiliar, and therefore the reason for this study...