Life in the Golden Years: Life enfolds

I sat at the kitchen table watching a small bouquet of flowers bloom over the period of a few days. Each day, another blossom opened revealing the intricate and delicate elements. I contemplated the process and its close relationship to life as we live it.

Jared Felkins: There’s a way we can all come to the table

For months – well that’s not entirely accurate given our country effectively divided itself about nine years ago – we have seen a bitter divide in the United States. Effectively, it’s the left versus the right, and whether we like it or not, we’re all caught in the middle.

Letter to the Editor: Beavers stands for Constitution

A critic of state Sen. Mae Beavers wrote a letter to the editor this week, calling her a “bully, weak and foolish woman who attacks others in a feeble attempt to make herself look strong.” As someone who has personally chatted with Mrs. Beavers, I can honestly say I do not get this impression of her at all. In a world where our constitutional liberties are continuously under attack, most importantly the First Amendment regarding freedom of religion, public officials have the right to call out “evil” wherever they see fit. With the threat of terrorism all around us, evil must be identified for what it is; because ignoring the reality of a situation only makes it worse.

Dear Abby: Family communication gap sparked by dad’s disapproval

DEAR ABBY: We are from the Middle East. My younger brother married an American woman and moved to Arizona, where her family lives. Because our dad didn’t approve, my brother made the plans behind our back and told Dad in an email. He also didn’t mention that they were moving until a week before the wedding.

Dads2dads: Will real courage please stand up?

Getting even. This retaliatory phrase is all too familiar. “She started it!” “He hit me first!” We don’t deny that these are natural responses. We also don’t deny that we have probably advised our own kids not to allow someone to shove you around. This is dad’s mantra mostly. As guys we are taught not to stand there and take it – but to fight back. Don’t be a victim – take the first swing and make it count. Vengeance rears its ugly head often when we’re behind the wheel of the car and someone cuts us off or rides our bumper. Aren’t we all thankful that our thoughts remain inaudible? The trouble is, today they don’t. And we turn up the volume.

Telling Tales: Some like it hot, and some like it cold...

Unfortunately, “Some Like It Hot” never got off the ground. Probably because after googling it, we realized that those who actually taught yoga needed actual certifications – and owning five pairs of yoga pants didn’t score either of us any AP credit.

Making the Most of Home: AAA not just for your car

AAA has long been known for emergency car service, standing for American Automobile Association. Unexpected events like flat tires and running out of gas ceased to be a problem for those who carried AAA service.

Dave Says: Just keep the bike

My husband and I aren’t seeing eye-to-eye on a motorcycle. The bike was my dad’s, and I got it four years ago when he passed away. I’d like to keep it because I grew up riding it with him, and I still ride it today.

Dear Abby: Serial father stays chummy with exes

Thumbs of the Week: Students, leaders get high accolades

Thumbs up to several personnel and students with Wilson County Schools, who were honored Monday by the Wilson County Commission. The group honored Mt. Juliet High School’s Rodney Parks and principal Mel Brown, as well as Wilson County Director of Schools Donna Wright, for their accomplishments. Parks heads Mt. Juliet’s theater department, which consi

The Village Idiot: Records were made to be broken

Regardless, we rented a big, expensive beach house so our friends and family could enjoy a week at the beach. We don’t do this every year. The last time was about 10 years ago. A hurricane hit the week we had the house. We had to evacuate and spend three days in a Motel 1 1/2. There was no refund on the beach rental.

Sinclaire Sparkman: 10 things I hate about laundry

I’m normally a fairly positive person, but this chore is one that will knock the smile off my face any day. Laundry is one of those necessary evils lurking around the corner every Saturday just waiting to steal two hours of my life. Now that I live in an older house, it’s even more bothersome.

Preacher's Point: By their fruits ye shall know them

Some things are so simple their explanation sounds, well, stupid; like, an apple tree is an apple tree because it is a tree that has apples.

Preacher's Corner: Don’t let distractions alter God’s plans

Life’s circumstances takes us into many directions from time to time, and we seem to lose our way from our God-given path. The enemy is good at distracting us, because his aim is to kill, steal and destroy the very plans God has made for us. His jealousy of our relationship with God gets the best of him, therefore causing him to stop at nothing to get the job done.

Dear Abby: Girlfriend deserves to know about man’s past

DEAR ABBY: My brother is in a long-term relationship. Throughout my teenage years, he raped me every chance he got. The emotional and physical abuse has left my life broken. Should I tell his girlfriend about it? I did confront him about it, but he just denied it. Wouldn’t she want to know? -- SURVIVOR IN FLORIDA