Opinions

Learning how to adjust our sails “Our mind is a garden our thoughts are seeds, we can plant flowers or we can plant weeds.” This old saying means we choose what we think about and are responsible for the thoughts we allow to grow. We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails. We decide each moment what we will say, how we act, and who we will serve. God is waiting for us to become the person Jesus died for us to be. Courage does not always roar. Sometimes faith is the quiet voice at the end of the day that says, “I will try it again tomorrow.” Never give up, ask God to help you and He will. The Bible says in Psalm 118 verse 5, “I called upon the Lord in my distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. The Lord is on my side, I will not fear, what can man do to me?” Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death.

The green glass

It’s that time of year when Mother Nature offers the Southwest a limited menu of Hot or Hotter. Or worse, Hot or Humid. Burnt or Crispy.

The means of transportation has seldom ever meant much to this writer. I have driven or ridden plenty, from wheels to trains to wings to boats as well as horses, and to be honest, they all can be fun or getcha killed with very little effort.

When I’m looking for a bottle of wine, I might as well be in the auto parts store looking for brake calipers.

Ennis has witnessed a changing of the guard at the public safety building on Lake Bardwell Drive. In fact, both the Ennis Police and Ennis Fire departments have new chiefs in place, while shifts within the leadership mantle continue.

How much grace does it take to love our enemies and those who have hurt us? Well, that’s a good question. Tragedies occur all around us and it’s true we are heart-broken and disturbed, but what happens we are personally offended or our family and friends are harmed? I admit that I do not always have the character of Christ when I’m being threatened or attacked. Many times, my first reaction is to retaliate because it’s a part of our old nature, but I agree that people need to be punished for their evil deeds and acts of violence. However, the temptation to resent and be bitter is real. Life is filled with challenges and situations that lure us into bad attitudes but for the serious Christian, it’s the forgiveness of Christ that can teach us and lead us into the peace that passes all understanding.

When seeking friends, some people look toward the exotic representations of that idea: people who will fund a trip for them to Key West or the Caribbean, or those who will enhance their social status, work success or financial situation.

An old adage, originating from baseball, was long held by the keepers of elementary schools. “You’re safe at home.” The objective of baseball or kickball is always to “go home.” It means your team scored a point and that the runner who crossed the plate is safe at home.

Memorial means to “remember” and every year on the last Monday in May, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives in the line of active military service while protecting and defending the country they loved. For those of you that have family members and close friends who died fighting for our freedoms, we can know they perished for a cause greater than their own.