By Mark Waters I am an avid supporter of the First Amendment including the separation of church and state. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof….” A state sponsored church would be an example of “an establishment of religion” as would the implementation of theocratic governmental policies. These examples also constitute
Read more
By Jim Nichols As a university professor, I have written hundreds of letters of reference. Most of them have been for students applying to a professional school or for a scholarship or job. Occasionally, I have composed a letter for a colleague applying for a promotion or exciting growth opportunity. A recent recommendation request, however, was unique; it was from
Read more
By Loretta Fulton The long wait was worth it for members of First Baptist Church when a new pastor and his family moved to Abilene, bringing the energy that only a family with four young children can provide. Ray Miller was named pastor on June 15 following a vote by the congregation and preached his first sermon in August. The
Read more
By Marianne Wood Last Christmas, we put up a new holiday tree in a corner of the dining room. The soft glow cast a warm blessing upon us as we gathered at our table, often with friends. In the evenings, we enjoyed viewing it from our adjacent living room. Open-concept living spaces are a significant improvement over the walled-off ones
Read more
By Loretta Fulton Hundreds of Messengers, or delegates, and their guests are expected in Abilene Nov. 16-18 when the Baptist General Convention of Texas holds its annual meeting at the Abilene Convention Center. “The theme this year is LIVE OUT GC2: Love God, Love People and Make Disciples. God calls His church to faithfully live out the Great Commandment and
Read more
By Danny Minton Once upon a time, in a small village nestled between the mountains and the sea, lived a carpenter named Graham. Graham was known throughout the village for his wisdom and unique approach to trouble. At the edge of his property stood a majestic tree, which he fondly referred to as his Trouble Tree. Every evening, after a
Read more
The Christmas Spirit: A Celebration in Word & SongGlenn Dromgoole’s new Christmas book is available at Texas Star Trading Company, 174 Cypress St. It is priced at $12.95 in the store or $10 at special events. http://www.texasstartrading.com; 672-9696 By Loretta Fulton Joy to the World is the first carol in Glenn Dromgoole’s new Christmas book and sets the tone for
Read more
We’ll “fall back” when Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. To be on the safe side, remember to turn your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday, Nov. 1. If you love DST, it will be back at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8, 2026, when we’ll “spring forward” once again. Click here to
Read more
By Danny Minton We never know how we will react when faced with trauma in our lives. Sometimes we take it in stride and move on, while at other times we find it challenging to handle. I have faced things in my life both ways. I’m reminded of an old hymn that H.G. Spafford wrote. It was a hymn written
Read more
