After many hours in the heat this weekend, I stood back and looked at my yard with such pride and satisfaction. There is nothing like seeing the results of all my hard…
Category: Editorials
Emerald’s Gem Box: Happy Fourth of July
As we celebrate the Fourth of July this Thursday, let’s not think of this day as just another holiday and a day to get off work, play and have fun. Let’s remember…
Passing Parade: Generations Could Reconnect
Nelson A. Pryor: Guest Columnist Do you have a big idea? Well, Albert H. Small does. Today, Small is a 93-year old D. C. developer and philanthropist who thinks all Americans should…
From the sunny side… A new look
Some of you may have seen me around town over the past few weeks and you may have noticed I have a little bit of a new look. Due to the upcoming…
Learning As I Go: Something that will last
As a part of our summer kids program, Jeanne, our fearless leader, has been creating a mission-focused craft for the kids to complete and then deliver each week. This week, we had…
From the sunny side… Simple inspiration
There are times when I really struggle to find something brilliant to say during our weekly visits. That may sound incredible to you, but it is true. I find myself wrestling with…
Learning As I Go: Building a wall
My friend, Jeanne, has been working with our kids this summer at church. Part of the program today included an older video called “The Selfish Giant.” The story was about a giant…
Emerald’s Gem Box: What if you woke up today, with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?
Too many times, I feel, we are caught up in what we don’t have in life, and miss so much of what we do have. So many times we find ourselves thinking…
From the sunny side… Free range parenting
I heard a phrase the other day that I had not heard. The term was “free range parenting.” I’ve heard the term “free range chickens” before. In fact, we have a pair…
Learning As I Go: Fathers, share your heart
My youngest has been carrying around a tiny, little bear in a crocheted hat for the past couple of days. “Shhhh,” he whispers, “Baby Bear is asleep in his nest.” Last night,…
National Security: Electricity
Before he died in 1994, I got to know Congressman Bob “He-Coon” Sikes pretty well. He represented West Florida in Congress from 1940-1977. When first elected, his congressional district stretched from the…
From the Sunny Side… Ice cream cones
I have a news flash for anyone who hasn’t wandered outside in the last couple of weeks. It has been hot! It reminds me of a story my grandfather used to tell…
Emerald’s Gem Box: Matthew 5:21-22
Our preacher, displayed the Bible verse of Matthew 5:21-22, during Sunday morning worship. 21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever…
Learning As I Go: She treasured these things in her heart
As we studied Luke 2:43-51 Sunday evening, I got stuck on the part that says, “And his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” As Mary, I’m sure, stopped very often…
From the sunny side… Be amazing
During the course of my days here at the newspaper, I have opportunities to see, hear and witness some interesting stories. Some of these stories make me laugh. Some of these stories…
The essential elements of 4-H
Most folks working or volunteering with the 4-H program know that they are making a difference in the lives of the youth they serve. Connecting 4-H participation to the overall goal of…
Learning As I Go: Still
Christy Bass Adams Guest Columnist So, this may surprise some of you, but I was a holdout on the smart phone craze until about four months ago. I know, how did I…
From the sunny side… Technology and nostalgia
I am quickly discovering that the more trips I make around the sun, the more nostalgic I tend to be. I imagine that is probably the natural way of things. The more…
Learning As I Go: It’s not about what’s right, it’s what’s left
Christy Bass Adams: Guest Columnist As Memorial Day approaches, I keep thinking about all of the men and women who have selflessly served our country in the Armed Forces. Some were running…
From the sunny side… She asked me to dance
Rick Patrick: Greene Publishing, Inc. Every once in a while, something happens that reminds me of just how small our world is and how interconnected we all are. Like most everyone, I…