“The tiny seed knew that in order to grow it needed to be dropped in dirt, covered in darkness and struggle to reach the light.” -Sandra Kring. I’ve often heard it said…
Category: Editorials
National Security: VE Day
Today marks the 80th anniversary of the surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allies ending the War in Europe. Officially, Victory in Europe (VE) day is tomorrow because the Soviets insisted on…
A Mother’s Day tribute to my children’s stepmother
My children recently said goodbye to their stepmother, Debbie (Debora Demoruelle Hamilton), who passed away a few weeks ago. I thank God for Debbie. Many years ago, after my first marriage ended…
Breakfast at my place: Purpose and uncertainty
There is a unique kind of restlessness that stirs within the heart of someone who knows God has a purpose for their life, but hasn’t yet discovered exactly what that purpose is….
The Game of Life: College Edition Soak it up
As the semester comes to a close, post season has begun. My team and I have made our way to the GSC tournament, where this week will allow us to prove ourselves…
From the Sunny Side: Regrets
I had a friend ask me recently if I had any regrets in my life. I had to chuckle a bit and say, “Yes, I have had a ton of them.” I…
Mercy, love, and grace motivates God
God, because He does not want people to be dead as a result of their “trespasses and sins,” has made provisions for them to be “made alive” or “resurrected.” His actions were…
Learning As I Go: Marbles – Shooting Straight
At nine years old, I had an amazing marble collection. Green or blue cat eyes were my favorite. Most of the kids I played against weren’t great shooters, so I acquired quite…
National Security: Tattoo
I am 77 years old and, through the years, have acquired many marks on my aging body. My dermatologist refers to them as “signs of wisdom,” which is code-talk for really old…
God, the reason for our hope
When was the last time tears streamed down your face, your heart ached and your thoughts were too jumbled to think clearly? When did you know beyond a doubt that this time,…
Breakfast at my place: April – The month of the Military Child
As April comes to an end I’d be remised not to talk about it being the Month of the Military Child: a time to recognize and honor the strength, resilience and sacrifices…
The Game of Life: College Edition
Is it hard or just new? As most of you know, I am finishing up my Master’s degree in Environmental Science here at UWF. My actual thesis work started as a directed…
From the Sunny Side: Happy birthday Mom
Rick Patrick Columnist From my best estimations, today would have been my mother’s 91st birthday. She was born in Thomasville, but grew up in Greenville. She and my dad were high school…
Characteristics Identifying the Spiritually Dead
In contrast to Jesus being raised from the dead, Paul writes about a person being “dead in [their] trespasses and sins.” He identifies, in detail, characteristics of people who are “spiritually dead”…
Letter to the Editor
Dear Madison County, Eleven years ago, you welcomed a family who had just moved in from Alabama, where we were pastors. You welcomed a family that was outsiders. However, you immediately opened…
Breakfast at my place: Give Blu the chance he deserves
In a quiet corner of the Madison County Animal Services shelter, past the more vocal residents who eagerly paw at the bars and bark for attention, lies a beautiful blue pitty soul…
The Game of Life: College Edition Stick with it
Our season is not quite over, but every year, our school puts on a huge athletic banquet called the Argies for all of our 400+ athletes to attend. It’s a wonderful event…
From the Sunny Side: A freight train of thought
I’m sometimes reminded of a title of a book by the late Rodney Dangerfield, “It’s Not Easy Being Me.” I can relate to that. I can honestly say there are times I…
Learning As I Go: Redefine productivity
We had our Saturday planned in detail. My job entailed pulling the dump wagon behind the large farm tractor. My oldest son was in charge of the smaller tractor that pulled the…
National Security: Easter
This week, Holy Week, is the most important celebration in the Christian calendar. It began a few days ago with Palm Sunday, recalling Jesus Christ’s triumphant yet humble entrance into Jerusalem. It…