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Columns and Editorials

  • No one stands alone in Christian faith

    By Michael Duncan

     

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  • An attitude of gratitude

    By Candy Clarke

     

    “An attitude of gratitude” sounds like a catchy phrase, but what does it mean? I once heard a motivational speaker challenging his audience to live each day with an “’attitude of gratitude.” I decided to play along. Just what was so intriguing about this attitude of gratitude concept?

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  • Passing the budget is job No. 1

    During even-year legislative sessions, no other bill gets more attention than the budget, which is understandable, because no other bill directs so many of the General Assembly’s priorities.

    Even so, that doesn’t undercut the importance of other legislation also set to become law, and as my colleagues and I prepare to wrap up the 2012 Regular Session this coming Thursday, there are more than a few of these bills that deserve mention.

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  • Jesus is still an unfathomable story

    By Michael Duncan

    After 54 years of being a Jesus-follower, 44 of those as a pastor, I confess that the Jesus story remains an unfathomable story.

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  • Marie finally got the boat of her dreams

    By Candy Clarke

    My life is and seemingly always has been one of contrasts. Nothing exemplifies this more clearly than my fishing. On any given fishing trip, you might find me camped out in a tent with the bears; another trip you might find me in my motor home; or you could find me on a boat. On a boat is really nice. Especially if the boat belongs to my friends, Rusty and Marie!

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  • It’s never too early to learn financial literacy

    Maintaining good personal financial practices and planning for the future can provide the foundation for lifelong security and stability.  National Financial Literacy Month is a great time to learn more about ways to make these important habits easier.

    By establishing good habits, individuals can protect and maximize the value of their dollars.  A number of public and private organizations provide a wealth of tools to aid the learning process.

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  • March weather is poor indicator of late freeze

    With all of the warm weather there have been questions about whether there is any correlation between that warm weather and the last spring freeze event. The quick answer is No.

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  • Spring great time to 'clean up' financial records

    With what appears to be an early spring, many people may have already started spring cleaning. As you prepare your house by dusting and cleaning, remember that spring cleaning should not be limited to only the physical space of your house.

    Take time to “clean” up financial records.

    Sort through financial paperwork, identify old statements that can be shredded or thrown away. It is always a good idea to shred any paperwork that contains personal information, especially bank account, credit card or other financial information.

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  • Know the signs of COPD

    You may not know the scientific definition of COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but we all know what it looks like.

    The hacking cough, pursed-lip breathing, and portable oxygen tanks are an all-too-familiar scene at any local store.  COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States.  COPD is a general name for progressive lung diseases that make it hard to breathe.  There are two main causes.

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  • Returning to the place of my dreams

    When I was young, I felt like a captive locomotive. Time didn’t move fast enough for me. I couldn’t satiate my young appetite for the world that waited beyond my rural landscape. Part of my childhood was spent here in Henry County.

    My father and my two sisters lived in Lockport. We had chickens, two turkeys — Tom and Jezebel — and enough farmland for my stepbrother and I to have the idyllic adventures typical of rural America boys. We didn’t have running water or cable television, but we didn’t need them.

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