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How does your Heavenly Father think of you?

Reuben Gonzales is simply known as “The Legend” in the world of racquetball. Back in 1985, in the early days of Gonzales’ career, he was playing Max Hogan in a best of 5 series. With the series tied at 2 games each and at match point in the deciding game, Gonzales hit a forehand kill shot that the referee called “good” and awarded the serve and momentum to Gonzales. But Gonzales confessed to the referee, saying, “It skipped” and yielded the game and match to Hogan. Afterward, when reporters asked why he had been so honest when the referee’s mistake would likely have made ...

The old river, an old friend

Early Marietta David B. Baker A Marietta Daily Times writer in 1917 referred to a Marietta bathing spot on the Muskingum River as “Our Coney Island,” referring to the iconic amusement parks on Coney Island in Brooklyn. That comparison was a stretch; there were no carnival rides. But ...

How old is too old?

Viewpoint Greg Kozera Did you ever wonder if you were too old to do something? I thought skiing was a young person’s sport until a ski trip to Colorado a few years ago. My daughter, Dannielle and I were skiing at Breckenridge. We took a break on top of the mountain for some hot chocolate and sat by a table full of old men. I wondered what they were doing. The only trails down were very difficult. After some discussion we learned it was a reunion of the 10th Mountain Division from WWII. For training back then, they hiked up the mountain to ski down. The youngest man was 84 years ...

When life on earth ends

By Mark Wilmoth The request came twice in less than one week: “Please, lay hands on them and pray and ask God to send them back.” Both requests came from family members who had just lost a child. That’s the worst kind of loss. Most of us grow up knowing that we will probably lose our parents one day. When we marry, it’s for “as long as we both shall live.” One of us will probably say “goodbye” to the other. But parents shouldn’t have to bury their children. “Please, lay hands on them and pray and ask God to send them back” they pleaded. One person even added, “I ...

Jesus preached honesty

By Mark Wilmoth University of Alaska Professor Chris Kleinke conducted a poll of 650 men and 831 women to find the most effective pick-up lines. After studying the responses, Kleinke reported that the best approach is direct and honest. “I really like your hair” or “I don’t have anyone to introduce me, but I’d really like to meet you” works much better than more devious approaches like “You remind me of someone I used to date.” Questions like “What’s your sign?” are considered flippant and cheesy. “I’d really like to get to know you better” works because ...

The start of it all

Early Marietta David B. Baker April 7, 1788: 48 skilled craftsmen, surveyors, and excited adventurers arrive by flatboat at Marietta. It’s a misty cloudy morning; all on board strain to see the Muskingum River landing point. They overshoot. No problem; Fort Harmar soldiers rope them to ...