Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. Five years ago, Adam and Haley Odiorne were doubly blessed as Haley gave birth to two vibrant twins, Baylor and Riverlyn. The joy of their arrival came…
Category: Faith & Family
Christmas reflections with a touch of grace: There must be a tree
Mickey Starling Columnist In Florida, getting in the Christmas spirit can be a little tricky. December may be the wearer of many meteorological hats. It can be as “hot as blue blazes”…
Thanksgiving blessings, one meal at a time
Shirley Gilley Contributor Rev. Martha B. Wilson had a vision about giving and described it this way: “I just wanted to bless anyone, by the aid of God by the Holy Spirit.”…
A visible peace that inspires hope
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist Despite your brokenness, wouldn’t you like to experience the kind of peace that others envy? Wouldn’t you like to feel a peace that defies understanding, no matter…
Hallelujah Harvest Festival brings food, fellowship and fun to Cody Church
Bri Rodriguez ECB Publishing, Inc. The scent of simmering chili and the sound of laughter filled the air Nov. 15-16 as Cody Church hosted its Hallelujah Harvest Festival, a weekend designed to…
Christmas IQ Test
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist It’s December, and the Christmas season is before us! We’ve heard the stories and sung the carols, but how much of the scriptural Christmas story do we…
Gifts produce unity and maturity
Carlton McPeak Guest Columnist Jesus wanted there to be unity among His followers. He wanted them to grow into mature Christians. Paul said Jesus provided five gifts to “equip the saints” and…
Repent – and clean out the “freezer”
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist I love ice cream. But every time I eat a bowl in the evening, I regret it the next morning when I step on the bathroom scales….
It’s not good to be a turkey
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist Turkey is the star of many Thanksgiving feasts and a staple in many holiday food celebrations. As delicious as they are, turkeys have a set of slang…
Being thankful in all of life’s seasons
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. This month’s gathering of the Monticello Community Prayer Breakfast was hosted by Christ Episcopal Church on Thursday, Nov. 6. Ladies of the Church had decorated the tables…
Who will you call to get that support today?
Sheryl Boldt Guest Columnist At twenty years old, Jenny felt like giving up. She had maintained a solid B average during her first year of college, but last summer, her life started…
Fields of Faith to take place Nov. 19
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is holding a Fields of Faith event that includes students from Jefferson, Madison and Taylor counties on Wednesday evening, Nov. 19, beginning…
Don’t mess with stress
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist There were two mountain boys who spotted a bobcat up a tree and decided to have some fun. One said, “I’ll shinny up that tree and chase…
“House of David” returns to Amazon
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. The hit series “House of David” returned to Amazon Prime in October, with David slowly beginning his march to take the throne from King Saul. Watching the…
Song Review: “God’s own Fool”
Mickey Starling Columnist The song “God’s own Fool” takes us back a few decades, to 1986, when Michael Card was delivering some of his best work in the Christian music industry. Known…
Four-year-old Susie jumps out of her hiding spot “Peek-a-Boo!”
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist Expecting a fun reaction, the tiny girl doesn’t understand why her daddy’s face shows fear instead of delight. Instead of playfully scooping her into his arms, he…
Honoring our Veterans every day
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist Before David went to fight in Iraq, he worked with the same company for over 25 years. After 9/11, he joined the National Guard. David knew there…
Local AWANA program at Central Baptist Church helps children hide God’s Word in their hearts
Bri Rodriguez ECB Publishing, Inc. For children in the community, Wednesday nights at Central Baptist Church offer more than just an evening out – they provide an opportunity to grow spiritually, have…
Don’t mess with the IRS
John Hicks Guest Columnist Have you ever noticed that when you combine the two words, “THE” and “IRS,” it spells “THEIRS”? The Eiffel Tower, someone has said, is the Empire State Building…
The Pulpit: Wake up, sleepyhead
Ted Okolichany Guest Columnist When I was young, I used to watch a show called “Time for Joya.” To this day, the intro song still plays in my mind: “Get out of…