Opinion

Over the last few weeks we took a lookat what life was like just before the birthof Jesus. We looked at daily life and whatthe journey to Bethlehem was like and thearduous journey taken by the threewise men. Much of our intellectualjourney was presented by the Biblewhile much more was unearthedand interpreted by the Biblical archaeologist.Last week we actuallycelebrated the …

Some days I look around and wonderif I’ve accidentally awakened in a slightlydifferent version of the world – one wherecommon sense has packed its bags andmoved to Coushatta.I’m not talking about big, moral-decline matters. For example, thelittle everyday head-scratchers, thehabits people have picked up thatmake you tilt your head like a confusedbeagle. Maybe it’s just me.Maybe I’m turning into that …

Over the past few weeks we have taken alook at different aspects of life in Judea justprior to the birth of Jesus. Though we have asterilized view of the time of his birth it wasanything but. A ninety mile walk fora young pregnant female was an arduousexperience. The trip displaysthe discomfort that would take placefor Christians but the birth of …

Over the past several weeks we took a look at what was going on during the build up to the birth of Jesus. The majority of the information is historical in nature yet Biblical references have been used to help reinforce the life in Judea just prior to the birth of Jesus.  In Judea two weeks before Jesus’ birth, life …

A lengthy article appeared in newspapers across the country by syndicated columnist George Will concerning the innovative programs involving higher education throughout the south. The University of Tennessee was recognized because of its Institute of American Civics. The University of North Carolina, my alma mater, because of its School of Civic Life and Leadership. The University of Mississippi because of …

Over the last two weeks, we studied thebirth of Jesus and the arrival of the ThreeWise Men in the Christmas story. This week,we look at what the world was likewhen Jesus was born. At that time,two very different cultures shapedthe world: the mighty empire ofRome and the faithful land of Judea.Rome and Judea were connectedbecause Rome ruled over Judea, butthey …

Louisiana Governor Jimmy Davis died25 years ago this month. He was my friendand a great supporter for many years.Besides serving two terms as LouisianaGovernor, he wrote the song thatcould be the most recognized American song worldwide. Go to a smallAsian community where little or noEnglish is spoken. Start humming,“You Are My Sunshine.” More likelythan not, the locals will join in …

At 3 p.m. every weekday, if possible, I love to be stretched out on the couch watching reruns of “Wagon Train” on MeTV. It somehow just makes me feel good, though I’m not sure why.  I grew up with it from 1957-1965 in my formative years – as did many of you – but I also grew up with “Bonanza” …

Last week we looked at the travels of Joseph and Mary and what would have been happening to the family if the actual date of birth was December 25th. This week we will look at what was happening to one of my favorite parts of the story of the Christmas Season, the three Wise Men.  The story of the Three …

The mornings are brisk and the leavesare changing. Fall is here and a wonderfulseason is being ushered in. No, not Thanksgivingbut Christmas. In the past I had beenquite critical about the marketingpractices that brought Christmasto the shelves of the retail giants assoon as Halloween candy had beenpassed out. Truth is, the Christmasseason historically has begun. Thethought that Mary and Joseph …