“'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10 Ancient peoples often attributed natural disasters, including earthquakes, to the power of angry gods. Anger the gods, the … Continue reading Grace that won’t be shaken
Marijuana dispensaries working to cut cost amid constricted supply
Oklahoma voters passed State Question 788 in June, legalizing the growing, processing and sale of medical marijuana in the state. Supply hasn't yet caught up to demand for the drug, leading to price gouging and some creative efforts by dispensaries to lower costs until market prices stabilize. Enid, Okla. -- Little more than two weeks … Continue reading Marijuana dispensaries working to cut cost amid constricted supply
All will pass, except The Word
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." Matthew 24:35 We often think of living in two planes: earth in this life; heaven in the next. Jesus calls our attention away from this dichotomy, away from the linear progression from earth to heaven. Jesus calls us to an eternal message that spans … Continue reading All will pass, except The Word
We need to get back to 41’s finer virtues
America has been mourning this week — mourning the loss of something far greater than any one man. There is plenty to mourn in the passing of George Herbert Walker Bush. By almost any objective measure, he was a family man of abiding faith who dedicated his life to serving our nation. In his … Continue reading We need to get back to 41’s finer virtues
Decades later, Atomic Veterans still fighting for benefits
The following is a compilation of a two-part piece on Atomic Veterans -- veterans who were subjected to radiation exposure by government atomic bomb testing -- who still, more than six decades on, are fighting the VA and Department of Justice for benefits and official recognition of their service and sacrifice. ENID, Okla. — Like … Continue reading Decades later, Atomic Veterans still fighting for benefits
Advent: A time for spiritual housekeeping
There’s a lot of housekeeping this time of year. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, we spend a lot of time tidying up for the arrival of loved ones. But, there’s a different kind of cleaning that is called for this season, for a different kind of loved one. You see, despite the manic gift-shopping and decorating, … Continue reading Advent: A time for spiritual housekeeping
Climate change: Making Earth “bad but manageable” again
I admit it. I like post-apocalyptic drama. If you’ve seen one of these shows, you’ve seen them all. The remnants of humanity end up living in the raped wasteland that’s left of God’s creation, fighting among themselves over dwindling resources. These tales are a dark diversion in movies and the pages of novels. They’re far … Continue reading Climate change: Making Earth “bad but manageable” again
Holiday procrastination … Your gift to you
I had barely begun to emerge from my turkey, stuffing and pie stupor on Thanksgiving when I made a bewildering, and a little distressing, discovery. I am way behind on my Christmas preparations. Yes, I know, Santa was making the rounds before Halloween and Hobby Lobby had the Christmas decorations out around Independence Day. Still, … Continue reading Holiday procrastination … Your gift to you
“Give thanks all year”: Small congregation makes big impact for Thanksgiving
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." That quote from St. Teresa referred to efforts to feed the hungry in Calcutta, India. But, it also could apply to one small congregation's efforts to feed Enid's hungry at Thanksgiving. Most Sundays the Rev. Garland Hall is joined by just three or four … Continue reading “Give thanks all year”: Small congregation makes big impact for Thanksgiving
‘It’s just good being alive’: Homeless, food insecure share reasons to give thanks
Enid, Okla. -- As families gather today for Thanksgiving, some of those less fortunate are reminding others of reasons to give thanks, even when times are hard. Some of those in need were lined up outside Loaves & Fishes of Northwest Oklahoma on Tuesday, waiting to shop at the food resource center before the Thanksgiving holiday. … Continue reading ‘It’s just good being alive’: Homeless, food insecure share reasons to give thanks
