A stronger cry should be for more “good births” of folks disposed to spend their lives serving others.

Classic examples are the late Emmett Whitehead and his widow, Marie. They purchased the Cherokeean (now Cherokeean Herald) in 1950 – and Texans – particularly those in Rusk and Cherokee County – marvel at their record of community service….… Read the rest

Should alcohol be present at parties for teenagers? Parents can be conflicted about this.

Thinking that consuming alcohol is a rite of passage, or that alcohol will be present regardless of what they do, some parents opt to provide it at their home. Their thinking is that they can teach their teen to drink responsibly, or “better here than somewhere where I can’t control it.”

Here are six reasons why that is a very, very bad idea.… Read the rest

We have experienced two tragedies in the past month.

The West tragedy was one. Ray was staying the night with our daughter’s family on Wednesday, April 17. He was scheduled for A.C.T.S. Retreat Team departure very early the next morning.

Enjoying their evening, Ray was reading a story to our 3- year-old granddaughter Olivia on the couch while our 5 year-old granddaughter Kaylynn was viewing a book of her own in the chair near the back door.… Read the rest

My husband and I woke up at 6 a.m. so that I could get a last meal in before I had to fast, and then Finley woke and joined us. We had a nice morning with just the three of us, and my nerves were pretty steady considering that the time was ticking before we’d become a family of four.… Read the rest

You guessed right.

The other day, I read guest columnist Chelsea Hooper’s column, featured here, about the birth of her son Fisher. Chelsea, whose writing I find delightful, is at the start of her child-raising years. She also has an adorable toddler daughter named Finley.… Read the rest

The birth occurred at my parents’ rural home in Freestone County at “about 2 p.m.” on that eventful Sunday in the waning Depression years.… Read the rest

As a parent and as a spiritual leader in our community I want to respond to the editorial in your paper concerning the commissioners’ decision against prayer in the courtroom.

While I honor the service of our government officials, I also feel grief over this decision and the reasons for it. However this letter is a response to the last two paragraphs of the editorial which said:

“Being tolerant of the rights and opinions of others is something this country was founded on.… Read the rest

Everyone is in a hurry.

Print it in an hour, mail it overnight and speed down the highway are the norm.

Millions of fans are drawn to racetracks to watch drivers go faster and faster.

Jet cars and airplanes go at speeds beyond the sound barrier, while space crafts travel at a measure of light we can’t even count, hurling mankind faster and farther.… Read the rest