IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Google gets the last laugh, probably far more often than we know. Include one letter more than needed to “Google” and a subject turns research to clabber quicker than political candidates can call their opponents liars. (Seems like mere decades ago that such comments were tenderized, usually beginning with sentences like, “My worthy opponent deals
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON Putting on a Halloween mask may not feel quite as exciting this year since many of us having been wearing a mask for several months. But the excitement of dressing up in a costume never goes away for children, and several churches are doing their best to ensure that the traditional Halloween fun continues this year in
Read moreBy NANCY PATRICK I recently watched an interview between Fareed Zakaria and author Bruce Feiler on CNN. Feiler’s new book Life Is in the Transitions presents the theory that life follows an experiential and twisted road rather than a linear path. I remembered that as a child, my son enjoyed a series of books entitled Choose Your Own Adventure. The
Read moreBy JIM NICHOLS Like many other children, I grew up with great appreciation for Halloween. What can be better for a child than to dress up in a costume of some sort, walk up to a stranger’s door, and they give you candy? For free! What a deal! I have lots of memories associated with Halloween and they are almost
Read more
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILDWhen: National collection week Nov. 16-23Where: Local drop-off locations are First Baptist Church, 1133 N. Third St., and Wylie United Methodist Church. 3430 Antilley Road. First Baptist drop-off hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16-Friday, Nov. 20; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21; 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22; and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23.Wylie UMC drop-off hours: 12-4
Read moreBy DANNY MINTON Second Lt. Charles “Charlie” Brown and his B-17 crew had just finished a mission bombing several areas in Germany. Their B-17, severely damaged in the skirmish and riddled with bullets tearing the plane apart, amazingly could still fly. There was a dead gunner with injured crew throughout. Their main obstacle was that they would have to cross
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury The words “wash and wear” exploded in the 1950’s, thanks to the introduction of treated cotton and synthetics that meant clothing could be worn straight from the washing machine. Ironing board sales plummeted, and housewives singing “Wash Day Blues” gave way to “Happy Days are Here Again.” Never in our dreams–up to and including wildest–did
Read moreBy JIM NICHOLS My editor has issued a caution to avoid writing anything that is too political. I will do my best, but note that I am presenting a testimonial here; you do not have to agree with it. It is mine. Two items have come together in my thinking. The first is the great story of Samuel choosing David
Read moreBy LORETTA FULTON Todd Wilson, pastor for worship and music at First Baptist Church, contributed a devotional to a new book, “Rise Up and Praise Him.” The book of daily devotionals was compiled by Phil Barfoot. Wilson’s devotional, “The Question That Everyone Asks,” is posted below. Wilson has been at First Baptist Church since December 2002. He also has served
Read more
Spirit Of Abilene 