.....Advertisement.....
.....Advertisement.....

Columns

  • Budget talks continue for state legislature

     Budget hearings continue as funding board projects higher revenues

    The governor continued budget hearings this week, meeting with key officials from each department for a briefing on state finances. State leaders are working to fill a $1.5 billion hole, as the state staved off many reductions last year with the assistance of federal funding. The hearings covered budgetary items from TennCare to weather-related expenses.

    Click here to read more...
  • Being at peace, being a peacemaker

     I can’t seem to get away from writing about the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Several weeks ago I wrote about the first two, love and joy. Today I am going to write about peace. We are surely living in a day when we search for peace in a very troubled world.

    Peace is defined as quietness, rest, harmony, order and security in the midst of turmoil and temptation. If we strive to live pleasing to God and His commandments, this is where we find peace.

    Click here to read more...
  • From the Mountain

    From The Mountain

    Mark J. Tidwell

     

    It’s happened once again. On Feb. 2, that weather prognosticating critter known as Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his den to see if winter would continue its bitterness or if there’d be an early spring. The portly groundhog was surrounded by the members of the Groundhog Club’s Inner Circle, all clad in top hats and tuxedos, as well as nearly 15,000 noisy spectators when he forecast an early spring for 2011. 

    Thank you Phil, we needed a break from the winter blahs.

    Click here to read more...
  • Faithful Words

    The signs of salvation

     

    “I write this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13, RSV).

    Click here to read more...
  • On Higher Ground

    Bricks and clocks are not so important there

     

    Sometimes I have to step back, take a deep breath, and look at the bigger picture.  Otherwise I can’t see the forest for the trees.  For this and other reasons, I participated in a short ministry trip to New York City about a week ago.  It helped me regain perspective.

    Click here to read more...
  • From a Mother's Heart

    Don’t allow the candle of hope in your life to go out

     

    What has caused you to feel that the candle of hope in your life is soon to go out? Could it be civil war in your home of some kind? Discord in your marriage? Turmoil in your business or work place? Is the source of your hopelessness nothing you can really pinpoint just a general feeling of depression? Disillusionment? Discouragement? Are you convinced Jesus Christ will reign in the world at some future time, but you don’t know what difference that makes in your life today?

    Click here to read more...
  • Faithful Words

    The three worst mistakes in life

     

    “And he said to them, ‘Take care, and beware of all coveteousness; for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possession.’” (See Luke 12:16-21, RSV).

    Click here to read more...
  • On Higher Ground

    Sweeping floors and dusting shelves for the Master Himself

     

     “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:22-23).

    Click here to read more...
  • From a Mother's Heart

    What does it mean to have intimacy with God?

     

    “I Love You,” someone whispers, but what does it mean? What is love? If someone asked you to define love, what would you say?

    Today the word love is tossed around loosely far too casually. Modern society is confused about love. Motion pictures and TV productions often portray love as a cheap relationship because it is based on a fleeting feeling and not on a deep commitment.

    Click here to read more...
  • Spiritually Speaking

    The Lord our God is one Lord

     

    Wasn’t this past weekend beautiful?

    Sixty degree plus weather and sunshine. One of my younger grandchildren brought a big smile when they remarked, “I sure am glad winter is over.” I didn’t have the heart to tell them that most likely it was not over.

    Click here to read more...