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Our giving reveals what we think of God

Local Columns

The late Larry Burkett told about a preacher friend who did something that is not recommended for preachers who value their jobs – he took up the offering himself. As the preacher carried the plate around the room, he watched what people put in and, if they put in a sealed envelope, he opened the envelope and looked at the amount inside. The following Sunday, to a congregation seething with anger, the preacher said, “Many of you are angry that I looked in your offering envelopes last week. Has it ever occurred to you to consider what God thinks when he looks in there?” Brett Blair ...

Hard work builds confidence and opens the doors to success

Local Columns

I’m sure all of us realize that children need some time away from books and need to relax in the summer and have fun, but at the same time, not forget that school will be open in a few weeks and they need to be prepared, so even if it is summertime, I think they need to read books so they can be ready. Hard work builds confidence and opens the doors to success. Kids need to not depend on luck but to depend on effort, step-by-step and reach the goals with patience and always with strong determination. Of course, they have to stay focused, use time wisely, and keep improving every ...

Listen or not, God's word still stands

Local Columns

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 ...

Wirt grad Alex Trembly living out dream as fighter pilot

Features

LAS VEGAS – The letter from first grade still exists – proof that Maj. Alex Trembly is living out his dream career. The 2011 graduate from Wirt County High School is an F-16 Viper (officially named by the Air Force as the Fighting Falcon) pilot, who was assigned to the 55th Fighter ...

America’s future won’t be shaped by politicians

Local Columns

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

Local Columns

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 ...