By NANCY PATRICK The older I get, the more often I hear words that I thought I understood but have somehow taken on new meanings while something else occupied my mind. I know every generation has its identifying lingo that connects the people of similar ages. My adolescence occurred in the ’60s in the midst of the hippie movement. My
Read moreBy JIM NICHOLS You have probably had this same experience in one form or another. That is, we realize that we are in familiar territory, but something seems oddly and disturbingly different. We recognize most of the pieces, but they are put in different positions and result in some new or different meaning. I was challenging myself by living a
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By LORETTA FULTON As a junior in college, Priscilla Pope-Levison experienced what she called “friendship evangelism” that set her on a course to become what she is today– associate dean for external programs and professor of ministerial studies at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. The experience was so enriching for Pope-Levison that she, along with other Christians, was
Read moreJohn Meier wears a wrist band with the words, “Product of Grace” printed on it. That is not just a slogan for Meier, it is a reflection of his belief that God’s grace lies at the heart of the transformation he has seen in his own life. Meier’s life story is compelling, going from serving in the Marine Corps to
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By LORETTA FULTON As early as kindergarten, Kevin Lenius loved Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church, usually celebrated by Father Fred Nawarskas. He would even “play priest” at home, urging his parents to listen to him preach. Even on the swing set, gently swaying back and forth, Lenius felt God’s love and presence. When he got a little older, his
Read moreBy DANNY MINTON April 6, 1945, brought a fierce battle off the shore of Okinawa, Japan. The American fleet consisted of three large carriers, a dozen destroyers, four light cruisers, and a couple of light carriers. It also included three battleships, of which one was the USS North Carolina. Onboard the BB55, North Carolina, was my dad, Smitty Minton. The
Read moreBy JIM NICHOLS It was a heavily traveled road, but a dangerous journey. You certainly did not want to walk it alone. It was not called the “way of blood” for nothing. It was a generally downhill trip from Jerusalem to Jericho with lots of twists and turns and rocks and boulders to try to avoid. However, the bandits were
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Proverbial truisms typically go unchallenged, but an expression dating back to the sixteenth century has gone by the boards when its application is directed toward men’s footwear. Historically, what men have worn on their feet has been basic, often dictated by comfort, durability and practicality. Long before Baskin-Robbins came along with 31 flavors that threatened
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By LORETTA FULTON As a real estate broker and owner of a local company, Vance Cooksey is used to putting people into houses. But an additional job as program coordinator for Work Again West Texas, in partnership with Goodwill-West Texas, is giving Cooksey an opportunity of a different sort to guide people into permanent housing. The program provides part-time jobs
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Spirit Of Abilene 