Columns

If you read my columns regularly you know I sometimes take an idea from a devotional and use it in a column. I knew immediately when Patricia Raybon’s Dec. 15, 2020, devotional that I wanted to use it. In that devotional Raybon made an incredible point all of us need to understand. She wrote, “I was on Facebook, arguing. Bad move. What made me think I was obligated to ‘correct’ a stranger on a hot topic— especially a divisive one?...

After Jan. 20 we will have a new president, and a new administration. I ask you, what are you going to do? As for me, I am going to pray. I’m going to pray that our new president will have an open heart and hear God. I’m going to pray that our Congress will open their hearts and follow God’s call to love...

With all the new cases of Covid-19, I often check the Edwards Funeral Home website. I was saddened to see the passing of Rev. Leslie Buckner. When we first moved back to Doniphan in June 1987 we got to know him. He and his wife had beautiful voices for singing. ...

A good morning to all from Dixie Ridge here in the Purman Community. We have experienced some below 32° temperatures this past week, so I have been hibernating. Since I didn’t include Aunt Sophia’s full obituary last week, I wanted to include that today. Sophia Irene McNew, 79, of Doniphan, departed this life Wednesday, Dec. 30 at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, Mo. On July 17, 1959, Sophia married Oscar L. McNew in Doniphan. He preceded her in death on Dec. 8, 2014...

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. Martin Luther King, Jr. Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love. Mother Teresa I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. Martin Luther King, Jr...

Hello Naylor, Well, I swan to my time, another week has passed by! Time - “it be a changing” with a new president being sworn in. Hope we can all come together to help our nation grow stronger. Let’s be a great influence for generations to come. May that be our legacy!...

Beef And Bean Supreme 1 pound hamburger 1/2 pound bacon, diced 1 med. onion, chopped 1 can pork and beans 1 (16 oz.) can Great Northern beans 1 can Lima beans 1 can Kidney beans 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup catsup 1 tsp. prepared mustard Preheat oven to 350°. ...

What if one tiny little prerequisite was added to the list of qualifications for being a presidential candidate - one that would be anti-discriminatory regarding race, ethnicity, gender? What if a wanna-be leader had to have coaching experience in any competitive sport?...

Have you ever noticed that sometimes we let moments slip by us. We look back and wonder, “Where did the time go?” I enjoy events, several people and gathering but I find myself longing for precious moments. Both in the physical and the supernatural. As a mother, I see everything that needs to be done from the house to appointments to dinner. But then I’m stopped in my tracks from my precious girl asking me to hold her. I don’t want to let these precious moments pass me by...

It was good to have Bro. Robert Brown and his wife Kristy back with us in services for the weekend of Jan. 10 after having been on vacation for a couple of weeks. It was also good to have some of our regular members back as well. We look forward to good things to come as God continues to help us heal, it will be God who makes our country what it needs to be...

Our Business Spotlight is on Campbell Feed. For everything you need from boots to feed go by and see the friendly staff at Campbell Feed in Fairdealing or give them a call at 573-996-3009. They are currently offering call in/pick up orders to help limit contact...

This past Sunday was celebrated as Baptism of the Lord Sunday. This means we recognize the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist at the river Jordan. A few things happened that day. You can read it all in Mark 1:4-11. I will sum up. Jesus was baptized, the heavens were opened up, a dove descended, and a voice spoke out “This is my son, the beloved, with him I am well pleased”. ...

In October 2020, the Wheatly Institution released a comprehensive study of 16,474 individuals titled, “Religion in the Home.” The study was conducted in 11 countries, located in North and South America, Europe and Australia. The report focused on how practicing one’s faith can dramatically impact believers’ lives...

Not only was it a pleasurable relief, but it was downright exciting, for the Handy Church congregation to have Bob and Jeanetta Featherston with us in the morning church service last Sunday, Jan. 3. Since our regular pastor, Bro. Robert Brown, had obligations that hindered him from being present that day, some of us wondered if Bro. ...

Bea’s Applesauce Meatloaf 1 pound ground beef 1/4 cup cheese, cut up 1 cup applesauce 2 cups whole wheat bread crumbs 1 egg 3 green onions and tops, chopped 2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper Preheat oven to 350°. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Use only half the can of tomato sauce, form meat into a loaf and place in a baking pan...

Guess what, I’m back. Hope everyone is doing great. “Boy, oh boy New Year is here. Did you have your blackeyed peas, hog jowl and corn bread? If you didn’t, who knows what might happen? LOL Charlie and me were so sorry to hear of Harry Blackwell’s passing. He was a fine man. Praying for the family. Charlie worked for his brother, Jimmy D. when Countryside Chevrolet was Blackwell-Netherland Chevrolet...

A nice crisp winter morning here on Dixie Ridge. We enjoyed a small get together this past week for New Year’s Day and enjoyed great food and good games. We had the usual, hog jowl, black eyed peas, greens, cabbage and corn bread. Hopefully 2021 will be a better year for all!...

Uncluttering is a popular term these days. If you haven’t used it, chances are you won’t. Find a new home for it! If you’re donating to a thrift shop, don’t give summer clothes in winter. Their storage space is limited. Don’t donate junk or trash or the stuff that didn’t sell at your yard sale. Anything you’re not using, someone else may need desperately. Just remember, never give to others what you wouldn’t want given to you...

It’s not an archaic idiom; it’s first recorded use was in the 1970’s. My way or the highway doesn’t usually evoke a positive reaction because it is not usually spouted in a positive way.  Early in my existence I was introduced to the concept, though those exact words weren’t used since I pre-date the 70’s,  just a little bit.  Not always a cooperative child, I often heard Dad’s no back-talking, no but’s rule. I had to do things his way - period. ...

It’s here, It’s here. The year 2021 has finally arrived. I hope everyone had a great celebration and really enjoyed themselves. I for one am extremely optimistic about the upcoming year. This could be a year full of challenges and adventures. This year could find us with new scientific discoveries and medical breakthroughs. We could finally get the rocket belts and flying cars we were promised in the 50’s. Star Trek could turn into a documentary rather than a Sci-Fi adventure...

Our business spotlight is on Southern Vintage Boutique. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or the perfect outfit you should go by 117 State Street in Doniphan and check out the great selection at Southern Vintage Boutique. On Jan. 29, we will gather to celebrate some of the people who make Ripley County a better community and an enjoyable place to live and work. ...

About a month ago my friend Harry Dapron sent me the story I am sharing with you today. Reading it I quickly knew it would be my final column of 2020. This year has been challenging for everyone. The story that follows reminds me of Jesus’ parables, probably fictional, nevertheless containing a nugget of incredible spiritual truth...

Happy New Year. I pray each one of you are blessed and remember the true meaning of the season. As you can see, the addition is coming along nicely and completely done on the inside. The window is on back order and the siding will be going on this week. I love the new space...

Black-Eyed Peas With Rice 2 slices of bacon 1 medium onion, chopped 1 (15 oz.) can black-eyed peas, drained 1 (14-1/2 oz.) can stewed tomatoes, undrained 1 cup cooked regular rice 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp, remove bacon reserving 2 tbsp. ...

We missed our regular pastor, Bro. Robert Brown, at Handy Church last Sunday, Dec. 27, as he had other obligations that required priority; however, Christi Kirby, was prepared to “fill in” as leader in the service and gave an interesting devotional reading which was met with great appreciation by listeners. Bro. Brown will be absent again next Sunday, Jan. 3 and hopes to return to his post on Jan. 10...