By Jim Nichols There are some unexpected stories about Jesus in the Bible. That is, stories in which we see Jesus doing unexpected acts. We see plenty of healings, teachings, and contending with the religious leaders, but in one episode (recorded by three of four gospel writers—that gets my attention), we see him sleeping. The accounts record that the disciples
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury I have probably made this claim previously, but most friends know that my respect for redundancy has never been more than trivial. So, here I go again, certain that there finally are but two groups of people–those who have egos and admit it and those who likewise have ‘em and don’t admit it. I’m in
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By Loretta Fulton Delegates from three United Methodist Church conferences will convene in Abilene Sept. 27-28 to vote on melding into one new conference. Delegates to the Unifying Conference are expected to approve forming the Horizon Texas Conference from the former Northwest Texas Conference, Central Texas Conference, and North Texas Conference. If delegates vote in the affirmative, the new conference
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By Loretta Fulton Abilene’s three universities recorded fall enrollment increases over previous years, with McMurry and Abilene Christian universities setting consecutive records. For the first time in several years, Hardin-Simmons University showed an increase, with 1,665 students. That number reflects an 8.5 percent increase in first-time freshman, the university reported. “This growth, along with steady retention rates, has contributed to
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By Loretta FultonIan Shelburne with the Eden Center for Regenerative Culture will be guest speaker for the Sept. 25 session of the Creation Care Series sponsored by the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest.The public is invited to hear Shelburne tell about the unique Eden Center that covers 92.5 acres, mostly in Callahan County, 22 miles southeast of Abilene. The
Read moreBy Danny Minton One of Kathy’s younger brothers was admitted a few weeks ago to a facility due to advanced dementia. This past week, he was placed under hospice care. During his life, he spent his time buying and selling antiques and collectibles. However, during the past months, he had become more of a hoarder and recluse, obtaining thousands of
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By Nancy Patrick In my daily crossword puzzle the other day I ran across the word “ingrate.” I began thinking about that word and concluded that perhaps I should add it to my vocabulary. “Ingrate” refers a thankless, ungrateful, forgetful, unsatisfied, or mindless person. Do we have such people in our world today? The answer is “yes,” and we find
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Stephen Cox is not an imposing figure. Still, he has the countenance and features to be a Clark Kent look-alike, even if considerably smaller in stature. You remember Clark, right? He’s the guy who morphed quickly from his role as a reporter for a large metropolitan newspaper into Superman, the movie and comic book figure
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By Loretta Fulton The Abilene Interfaith Council is beginning the 2024-25 programming year with an invitation from its new president, Susanna Lubanga. “If you have ever been curious about Interfaith in Abilene, just come to one of our events,” she said. “They are laid back and there is something for everyone.” The first meeting of the new programming year, which
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Spirit Of Abilene 