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Listen or not, God’s word still stands

Four pitchers from the San Francisco Giants irked the leadership of Major League Baseball recently when they put “Genesis 9:12-16” on their caps during the Giant’s celebration of Pride Night. Starting pitcher Landon Roupp explained his actions, saying, “It's something that I believe in, and I stand firm in that. Thankfully, we live in a country where we get to believe what we want.” Pat Courtney, MLB’s Chief Communications Officer responded by issuing a warning to the players and released a statement saying, “The writing on the cap violates our rules, and consistent with ...

The Backyard Gardener: Watermelon — sweet delight of summer

Hello Mid-Ohio Valley farmers and gardeners! Things heat up in the valley as we head toward Independence Day this Saturday. Be careful out there, stay hydrated and don’t spend too much time in the summer heat. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I want to present a short history on Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence. At the 2nd Continental Congress in Philadelphia, it had not officially been voted on to break away from Great Britain and declare Independence. Many patriots felt someone needed to articulate why the Americans were breaking away to sway ...

America’s future won’t be shaped by politicians

The United States of America celebrates its 250th birthday this week. Americans can be proud of our heritage. America claims the largest economy on the planet. Though China’s population is much larger, China’s Gross Domestic Product is only 2/3 that of the U.S., leaving the Chinese a distant second. But Americans haven’t been selfish with the wealth; the U.S. is also the world’s most benevolent country, giving away more wealth than any other nation. Because of the U.S.A., the world doesn’t speak German or Japanese, and Israel is a sovereign state. Young people from around the ...

Early Marietta: Caleb Emerson, July 4 Toastmaster

Early American July 4 celebrations included toasts, along with a speech and dinner. July 4 was a patriotic observance, not yet the recreational holiday of today. The victory and sacrifice of the Revolutionary War were top of mind. Many veterans or their survivors were still living. "OFFICIAL" toasts emphasized patriotic themes, heroes, and more - including women. Women? That seemed a gratuitous gesture from male toastmasters, yet it recognized women's vital domestic role. Women could not yet vote or participate in most male-dominated vocations. After each toast, participants took a ...

God knows you better than you know yourself

Job, the biblical character who endured more than his share of bad days, felt the same frustration and disappointment that anyone walking in his sandals might feel. Job expressed his feelings strongly in Job 30:26-31 (NIV): “Yet when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness. The churning inside me never stops; days of suffering confront me. I go about blackened, but not by the sun; I stand up in the assembly and cry for help. I have become a brother of jackals, a companion of owls. My skin grows black and peels; my body burns with fever. My lyre is tuned ...

Backyard Gardener: Container Gardening

Hello Mid-Ohio Valley farmers and gardeners! What a beginning to the 2026 growing season! Mild temperatures and plenty of moisture have created some great growing conditions for crops. Well, you do have to mow the yard more often, but our pastures look good. This week I want to talk container gardener. If you have poor garden soil, limited space or impaired mobility you may want to grow vegetables (flowers and herbs too!) in containers. Most plants grown in a conventional garden can also be grown in containers. All you need to do is provide your plants with the basics, including a ...