IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Recent conversations–OK, maybe just banter–have me thinking heavily about grandmothers. Those who’ve had the nurturing of two are doubly blessed. (I knew just one, since the flu epidemic in the 1920s took one away several years prior to my birth.) They constitute a special group, these grandmothers who answer to many names, some of which
Read more
Editor’s Note: The following column by Darryl Tippens first was posted in December 2019. The coming winter seems even bleaker than a year ago, with the COVID pandemic to thank. Dr. Tippens’ reflection on the Christmas carol, “In the Bleak Midwinter,” is re-posted as an early Christmas gift. By DARRYL TIPPENS I have celebrated many Christmases, but only a few
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
Read moreBy GRACE SOSA When I was growing up, my parents had a glass nativity set that we put up every year. The lights from the Christmas tree would cast beautiful colors on the clear figures of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men. But one year, we may have been rushing to put up the decorations a little too
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury The subject of footwear has hit me dead center in recent days. Following are details of unlikely happenings last week. Remembrances are hand-on-the-Bible truths to which I am sticking. Said topic involves a frustrated kindergarten teacher, the boots-were-made-for-walking tune and a mystery involving one of my shoes. As suggested in Julie Andrews’ Do-Rey-Mi song that set
Read moreA six-night Christmas celebration will be presented at the Abilene Zoo Friday, Dec. 18 through Wednesday, Dec. 23. From 4-10 p.m. each day, visitors to the zoo will be able to explore lighted Christmas displays, meet with Santa and his reindeer and enjoy live Christmas music. Ice skating will begin each half hour. General admission is $15 for non-members and
Read more
LAS POSADASWhen: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17Where: Begins at corner of North First and Cedar streets. Guests remain in their vehicle and drive the route. Stops:Abilene Public LibraryMinter ParkThe Grace MuseumMusic: At each stop, guests can tune in to La Voz 93.3 FM to hear traditional posadas songs. FIESTA NAVIDENAWhen: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, following the Las Posadas processionalWhere: Drive-through event at the
Read more
By NANCY PATRICK As with most social, business, educational, and spiritual organizations, the Abilene Interfaith Council (AIC) has had to make many changes in its structure and performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. These months have challenged all organizations as they try to retain their missions and purposes while observing safety and healthcare precautions at the same time. Most readers of
Read moreBy JIM NICHOLS Many of us have heard that preachers (or writers) often preach or write what they, themselves, need to hear. When the product comes out, it may not be obvious, but I believe it is often true. That is an admission from me that I want to talk to myself here and let you listen in. These seem
Read more
Spirit Of Abilene 