By JIM NICHOLS Another author used the phrase “receiving the moment” as a paraphrase for contemplation and it struck a positive note with me. It was an admonition to pay closer attention and see what memories and aspirations God calls up from seemingly unnoticeable events. The biting wind of the day had relaxed to near zero leaving only a clear,
Read moreEditor’s Note: Jim Nichols wrote this piece for Spirit of Abilene just before Christmas 2019. The message is too good not to re-post for 2020. By JIM NICHOLS “No more let sin and sorrow grow,Nor thorns infest the ground;He comes to make His blessings flowFar as the curse is found.” Somewhere in town is an unknown clerk at a convenience
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“The Year of COVID-19” won’t be celebrated by many people, but don’t discount the innovation and creativity that continues to pop up because of the pandemic. Spirit of Abilene would like to share the innovative and creative ways that congregations, or individuals, are coping with the chaos brought about by the coronavirus. What does your “Everyday Ministry” look like during this
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By LORETTA FULTON Someday, Nathan Wright wants to put his math and science skills to work as either an aerospace or chemical engineer. For now, he’s perfectly happy using his muscles more than his brainpower to help others. Wright is one of 12 missionaries in Abilene serving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On Wednesday, July 22, they
Read moreBy KRISTY McDONOUGHLocal communications director, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintsksmcdonough89@gmail.com One of a series of semi-truck loads of food rolled into Abilene and San Angelo on Feb. 23, bringing more than 41,000 pounds of food from Salt Lake City, the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Food Bank of West Central Texas in
Read moreFirst Central Presbyterian Church, along with the city of Abilene, is observing its 140th anniversary this year. A group of Presbyterians gathered at North First and Pine streets to form First Presbyterian Church on Feb. 27, 1881, just two weeks before the first town lots were auctioned on March 15. The current church complex, 400 Orange St., is the result
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury The market for masks has changed dramatically during the past year. Until then, they were largely worn by health professionals, New Orleans Mardi Gras revelers, and, of course, robbers counting on ‘em to provide incognito status. That was then and this is now. Around the globe, rank and file wear them during all waking moments,
Read moreby Mike Patrick We generally consider fibs or little white lies rather obnoxious and inconsequential. But they become the first step down a slippery slope of dishonesty. I understand that people want to protect others from unnecessary hurt. For instance, if a woman asks her husband if he likes her new hairdo, he may say it looks good in order
Read moreJason’s Deli will be donating 25 percent of its sales on Monday, March 1, to Zion Lutheran Church to purchase food for the church’s partnership with Children’s Hunger Fund. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Catclaw Drive location only. Mention “Zion Lutheran Church” when purchasing a meal, and the proceeds will be automatically applied. Zion Lutheran raises money to
Read moreNew Beginnings Big Country lost one of its transitional housing homes in a fire on Feb. 15. Due to low water pressure caused by the historic winter storm, firefighters were unable to put out the fire in time to save the house. The house, which was home to eight women, was located on Cedar Crest. New Beginnings provides housing, lifeskills
Read morePew Research Center Black churches have historically taken on numerous civic roles in Black communities, stretching back as far as the antebellum period. And many, though not a majority, were involved in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. In fact, most Black Americans say that predominantly Black churches have helped Black people move toward equality in the
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Dallas Cowboy great Drew Pearson’s candle of hope was down to final flickers. Recently, though, the Pro Football Hall of Fame recognized the greatness of this National Football League star who was named “all-pro” three times. Old number “88”–who set numerous team records in the 1970s-1980s–was named to the 2021 HOF class, unleashing tears from
Read moreEditor’s Note: Laura Lacey Johnson is a former employee of KTXS-TV, the Community Foundation of Abilene, and Howard Payne University in Brownwood. She now lives in Missouri and is an author and creator of Christian videos. Her latest contribution follows. To see more, go to https://lauralaceyjohnson.com Say the following Scripture with me aloud: “I am sure of this, that he who
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