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Opinions

Celebrating Halloween

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I have always loved Halloween, and I love it now more than ever. I love to get in costume and have fun with other people in costume. People seem freer when they are dressed in different clothes. They seem to have a little more fun. I like the challenge of making or putting together elaborate costumes but, as the years passed, I’ve done less and less of it. Costume parties seem to be less common, and I don’t spend time in bars, so the opportunity to celebrate the holiday has diminished.

Our ship came in

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Recently did a first in my threescore-and-seven. Doubt if it’ll take that long to go on another cruise. Some friends talk in detail of their record of voyages, and it is as impressive as the number of my years of not taking vacations. Tamera and I loved it, and found the food and the service as great as advertised. A balcony on the second floor never tempted a leap nor to drop a line from my cane pole. Tam seemed to enjoy a cup of joe and a book every morning out on the porch where the tranquil sunrise and double-handing a warm mug were sweet and soothing.

Freedom to witness

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I’m writing this while I am waiting in the airport to board my final flight home. And let me tell you, I can’t wait to get back to the great state of Texas. I’ve spent the last two weeks traveling to three different countries in Southeast Asia on a mission trip.

F-word(s)

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The prevalence of the f-word, sometimes called the f-bomb, is yet another sign that the world is going to hell…or, so it might seem. I find that troubling. I love words. I think everyone who uses the f-word simply has a limited vocabulary and no interest in improving it. I want to help: there are a lot of f-words out there which don’t deserve a tainted reputation.

Defending Gaza

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Christians in the United States are generally not soft about their opinions regarding Israel, especially America’s relationship with the Jewish nation. They see a responsibility to support them as their strongest ally. It is a core belief of many, probably the majority of the Republican Party. While there are likely differences in biblical doctrine, they do not hinder Conservative Christians from whole-heartedly defending Israel.

We cannot share what we do not have

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Recently, I spoke about a wonderful man who is a member of our church, and if you recall he just turned 95 years young. His name is Charlie and since then I’ve had the privilege to spend some time with him. I listened intently as he shared his amazing testimony about what has been going on with him for the last couple of years. He said throughout his life he had been a person of few words, a quiet person who just minded his own business and kept his thoughts to himself. He believed his low-key demeanor was interpreted by those who knew him as someone unfriendly, and as a result, was shunned and ignored. When his wife passed away not too long ago, he was left all alone and began to struggle with how he had felt like an outcast for his low-key personality.

It’s never too late to learn something new

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Growing older is not an excuse to stop advancing in our faith and our prayers. Confess that you have energy and stamina, a sound mind, spiritual discernment, and a desire to live an active life. If you have worries, give them over to God and trust that His promises to protect and take care of you are true. If you feel you’ve lost your sense of purpose, God can help you get back in the race and find personal fulfillment that can restore confidence and feelings of selfworth. When we lose our fervency, we stop living. Studies have shown that continuing to learn and develop can not only enhance our lives, but possibly add to our longevity as well.

Poking the bear

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Being a native Texan is something for which I am grateful. A very unstable upbringing involved less than desirable conditions that involved a wonderful mother, father and step-father, the latter when he was sober.

F-word(s)

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Being a native Texan is something for which I am grateful. A very unstable upbringing involved less than desirable conditions that involved a wonderful mother, father and step-father, the latter when he was sober.

Letting go of enthusiasm wrinkles the soul

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I dedicate much of my writing to providing positive and encouraging words of hope and inspiration, but I also must be truthful, we are growing older. I apologize for reminding us about that, but instead of all the negative attributes of aging, we should embrace it more like we are a fine wine that is becoming more delightful and appreciated. Those of us who are noticing a few gray hairs and aching joints, relax and count your blessings. It is God that has allowed you and I to be at this place and time and to enjoy each day with those we love. Being older allows us to use what we have learned from our past and to apply it to our lives today, and also share this hard-earned wisdom with those who love and respect us. Aging is not about a number, it comes from abandoning our excitement and zeal. The years may wrinkle the skin, but letting go of our joy and enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.