Focus on Faith – Is certainty a sin?
Recently I took the time to watch one of the Oscar contenders for best motion picture, “Conclave”. I had heard a little bit about the movie and the...
Opinion
Good Growing – Growing inspiration: mocha mousse hues in the garden
Each year, a variety of establishments attempt to make news by predicting annual garden trends. I’m conflicted over these reports because, on the one...
Love is not always easy
Lots of smiles, tears, jeers, anger, love, pride, so many different emotions after the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl...
Bits & Pieces – Winter and my stupidity
Well, I guess that old pesky groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil is going to be in his 39% accuracy when it comes to predicting more winter. He saw his shadow...
Focus on Faith – How will they hear if no one tells them?
As a church we always try to stay focused on the sharing of the gospel. As a pastor and preacher, I am charged to preach the Word of God and to share...
Bits & Pieces – Conquering Valentine’s Day
Next week is Valentine’s Day and many people celebrate it for different reasons. Throughout my married life, Chuck and I never did anything...
Good Growing – How does cold weather affect garden plants?
As cold weather sets in, we often find ourselves retreating indoors where it is warm. However, our landscape plants can’t do this, and during times of...
Focus on Faith – Lighten the Load
It’s not always easy living in harmony with everyone around us. But one of the worst feelings about community is seeing everyone everywhere, and feeling...
Why Illinois must lead in responsible AI integration in our schools
In rural Illinois where I teach, a local poet named Edgar Lee Masters is famous for his Spoon River Anthology which tells stories about small-town life...
Children enjoy shoebox gifts
Dear Editor,The overwhelming generosity of the people of Beardstown helped provide joy to children in need through Operation Christmas Child shoebox...