Columns

Today I’m visiting my big sister Judy, who lives in Kansas. I’ve always called her my big sister, mainly because she’s 10 years older than I am. I’ve always been known as her little sister. When I was born into the family, Judy was 10, and soon assumed the role of my second mother...

On Saturday, Dec. 28 I had my Christmas with my family. Those who were able to attend were Doug and Shelly Mandry and daughters, Faith and Skylar, from Mayfield, Ky., Mark and Heather Hudson and son, Cooper, from Advance, and Matt Hudson and children Hunter, Adysyn, Aden and Harley of Doniphan...

Weathering the Weather Humans have always looked to the sky and to nature in search of signs to help them predict and understand the weather. Long before modern meteorology, people relied on weather folklore and sayings to navigate the world around them...

Several issues back I used column space to spout off my disdain for particular 2024 words of the year. “Authentic” stands out in proud contrast, the word chosen by Webster in 2023, to “brain rot” and “enshittification” topping the list last year. This new year calls for new focus...

Mark Batterson tells this fascinating story about Queen Victoria in his fine book, Win the Day: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less & Accomplish More. The Queen was crowned in 1837, and ruled longer than any ruler before her: 63 years. Her name was eventually used to describe the period she lived in, the Victorian Age...

“Once hateful words leave your lips they are remembered (forever).

As 2024 draws to a close, communities are encouraged to reflect on the past year and set intentions for 2025. This period of transition is often marked by resolutions, many of which remain unfulfilled. However, the message this year is one of spiritual and personal growth, urging individuals to reconnect with their faith, family, and community...

Countdown to 2025–wishing all my readers a very Happy New Year! June Watson reports enjoying Christmas with extended family at the home of Robert and Christi Kirby. Ivan and Billy Sisco hosted Cathy, Ervin and Billy’s brother Rodney. Thanks to Cathy Schubert for finding time in her busy schedule to file the 2024 annual report with the Secretary of State to retain Non-Profit status for the Handy Fire Department and to mail a receipt to Woolsey Well Drilling in appreciation for their generous donation of pump and installation.. ...

Cup of Joe A few days ago, my grown grandson was trying to carefully choose a mug for his morning coffee. He finally settled on a John Deere coffee cup. Why does it matter what cup you use as you drink that first cup of coffee? My coffee just tastes better when sipped from certain coffee cups...

Resolving to reading, writing and creating a lot so no one can say I’ve succumbed to brain rot. Vowing to keep an eye on AI. Continued infiltration daily I spy. Peering through doors that are opening, not closed, I recall questions for last year I posed...

It’s hard to believe another year has come to an end and another has begun. Over this past year we have had many ups and downs. My hope is that you have had more ups than downs. Challenges have been put before us and hopes have been offered. We have had to say goodbye to friends, and hello to new friends. For us at the Doniphan UMC, we are dealing with the loss of our building and the closing of our sister church in Neelyville...

Elizabeth Barrett had published four poetry books by the time she was 12 years old. Three years later, her life changed dramatically when she suffered a horrible spinal injury. Her family believed she would be confined to bed for the rest of her life...

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” — Galatians 4:4-5 There are many “gospel summaries” in the Scriptures and Galatians 4:4-5 should certainly be grouped among them...

One of the hardest things to face during the holidays is loss of those we love, not to be able to have those around us that we love and miss. It is very hard for young children who don’t understand why they are gone. Children especially get angry because they don’t understand...

As I write this, I’m looking forward to Christmas eve at the cabin, and all the family gatherings that will occur in the coming week. I’ll probably eat too much, laugh a LOT, and definitely make some memories that will be treasured and re lived. But in the quiet moments, may we all pause and remember a tiny babe whose birthday we celebrate as we gather. He truly is the reason for the season. May you all enjoy a blessed Christmas!...

The much anticipated Christmas social at the Pleasant Site farm of John and Janet Hoskins was every bit as much fun as expected. Part-time pastors Bill and Brenda Orr and Bob and Jeanetta Featherston were great participants in the games session as were Mike and Kathy Sisco, guests of the “Sisco kids”. ...

“Tis The Day After Christmas Tis the day after Christmas and all thru the house, Every creature is stirring, except for the spouse. The stockings are empty – no one seems to care That all of the contents are tossed everywhere. The children are cranky, mischief runs thru their heads...

Yuletide There are many different ways people celebrate Christmas. A decorated evergreen tree, gifts, and a large meal are pretty common. Some holiday traditions have become obscure. People in Tudor England began their holiday celebrations after Halloween and concluded them Feb. 1 with the feast of Candlemas...

In her April 30, 2024, Our Daily Bread devotional, Xochitl Dixon wrote about her son, Xavier. She recalled how when he was in kindergarten, he stretched his arms as wide as they would go and said, “I love you this much.” His mother, would stretch her adult arms wider and say, “I love you this much.”...

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” — John 1:1, 14 One of my favorite Christmas carols is “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” It is one that I grew up singing even though I did not have a particularly Christian upbringing. ...

“Do not be afraid, for I am bringing you good news of great joy!” Never in all my life have I ever been greeted like that. Usually greetings start with a hello, or introduction, or even a question. Never have I ever heard anyone start off with Do not be afraid for I have some good news...

I recently reflected on how much our perceptions of Christmas change as we get older. To illustrate, consider the following questions we will likely ask at various ages. Four and five-year-olds often ask. “What do I want for Christmas?” and “Will I get what I want?”...