Perspective

“The greatest glory of a free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their children.” - William Havard “All our freedoms are a single bundle, all must be secure if any is to be preserved.” - Dwight D. Eisenhower “This is what I call the American idea of freedom - a government of all the people, by all the people, for all the people; of course, a government of the principles of eternal justice - the unchanging law of God.” - Theodore Parker “None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe “No free government, or the blessings of liberty can be preserved to any people but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue, and by a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles.” - Patrick Henry “Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and freedom of person under the protection of habeas corpus, these are the principles that have guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation.” - Thomas Jefferson “Suffocation of human freedom among a once free people, however quietly and peacefully accomplished, is more far-reaching in its implications and its effects on their future than the destruction of their homes, industrial centers and transportation facilities.

To say we are living in “strange times” might seem to be an understatement to some. To say the times are hard would seem an overestimation to others. But I guess we are all intelligent enough to understand that our lives, our society, and our nation are currently going through what might be called a rather fitful phase.

In Psalm 34:8, David challenges us to “ Taste and see that the Lord is good. “ Folks can tell you how absolutely GOOD something is.

I just got in from watering the fruit trees and the crops contained in Laura’s “container garden” — tomatoes, peppers, potato plants, some herbs, strawberry plants, blueberry bushes, and squash. The oppressive heat and what is becoming a lengthy dry spell means the garden hose will get more and more use as spring turns into summer here in the holler.

Loving the Father, like Jesus/Yahushua teaches us by walking in obedience, guides us to be a light to those in darkness. Our commitment to the truth of who Jesus/Yahushua is and understanding what he accomplished on the cross frees us to live righteously. It is never a burden to be strong in the Lord but a blessing. Rejection, or mockery, should not deter us from staying true to biblical Judeo-Christian teachings.

In 1 Peter 2:9, the apostle Peter describes believers in Jesus Christ with these remarkable words: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (NKJV). We’ve already discussed being a holy nation and a royal priesthood. Today I want to combine what it means to be chosen by God as his own special people.

Dear Coach: I always wanted to be tall and slim, but my parents are short and pudgy. I keep reading that being overweight is a health hazard. I get it that I can't be tall, but how do I not get pudgy and put my health at risk?

Have you visited the Marshall Public Library recently? You will find many good children’s books. Located at 214 N. Lafayette Ave., it is some place to check out. Call ahead for hours and methods of operation.

In recent years, I have been increasingly more concerned with the rising culture of public words behind hidden faces on social media. Now don’t get me wrong. I enjoy connecting with friends and family and am able to participate in conversations, relationships and events that distance would have otherwise prevented. However, there is something about sitting behind a screen without person to person, face to face contact for accountability that can bring out the worst in people, at times.