By Jim Nichols When I was a boy and a movie or television story was obviously frightening me, my mother would consistently say, “Remember, it is just a movie or tv show.” That helped move me from such a deep involvement in the scary situation to a more objective one. We have all learned that what we see on the
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury It was the slowest of hot, muggy days in the thicket. Mercury in the thermometer bulged and lodged in three-digit territory. Someone said he saw a dog chasing a rabbit, and both creatures were walking. The general store cash register had broken the silence twice before two geezers wandered in, and they weren’t there to
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Megan SchaulisLearn more about Megan and her writing at meganschaulis.com or email her at meganschaulis@gmail.com By Loretta Fulton Megan Schaulis turned her favorite childhood pastime into a grown up venture with the publication of her first book, Protector, based on the biblical story of Esther. Growing up in Mesa, Arizona, Megan won writing contests in school and aspired to be
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By Nancy Patrick People who know me know that I have fought a battle with despair and depression my entire life. Addicts confess they will always be addicts even if they have maintained sobriety for twenty years. My type of depression resembles that description. I may have periods when my depression lightens, but the shadow it casts in my spirit
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury It’s a line lifted from a short poem written by Robert Gray in 1868. “Ignorance is bliss when it is folly to be wise.” Ever fresh, it is an ongoing ponderance, like whether spearmint gum retains its flavor after overnight repose on the bedpost. My Uncle Mort–cocksure of much–seems ever ready to provide answers, sometimes
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Over the last decade and a half, Pew Research Center has conducted religion-focused surveys all around the world. One question we have asked in each of these surveys is “How important is religion in your life?” Another one we’ve asked repeatedly is “How often do you pray?” The places that are most religious by these two measures tend to be
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By Jim Nichols Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw—those words are meaningful to many readers. Even if you are not interested in or a fan of the Harry Potter genre, you probably have encountered those names. They are associated with the beginning of the school year at Hogwarts School of Wizardry and identify the House into which each student is placed for
Read moreBy Danny Minton Browsing through the various conversations on the internet, I found that there are scores of people who are depressed, unhappy, mad, or just feeling down about all types of things, people, and situations. I find that there is always someone with a negative comment to make, no matter how uplifting or positive the idea being presented tries
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The Abilene Association of Congregations will kick off a new programming year on Wednesday, Aug. 28. All meetings are open to the public. The Aug. 28 meeting will begin with lunch at 11:45 a.m. at First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange St. A $3 donation for lunch is requested. The program, which is free, will begin at noon. Guest speaker
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Spirit Of Abilene 