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Finding conflict at LGBTQIA talk

Issuing a general invitation through a front page story in the Times Observer (Jan. 13), I attended the presentation called “Examining LGBTQIA+ Scripture: A Conversation on Inclusion and Understanding” at a local church given by a pastor. The pastor justifying LGBTQIA sexual relationships and behaviors claimed the early chapters of Genesis regarding marriage between a man and woman were about nation-building for Israel. He failed to point out how Genesis 1-3 is about God initiating a rescue plan to save human beings from sin following the disobedience of Adam eating the forbidden ...

Snowed in for winter

No, I am not actually snowed in, but it feels like it. Now do not get me wrong. I do not mind being home. I like the feeling of being in a safe place. Years ago, I told my minister that I would not be in church if I was not sure I could get back home. He was not impressed. Later that year when he had to come to my house, he admitted that now he understood. I live on a hill. In fact, no matter which way I go, the last stretch is uphill. The first time I got stuck was years ago. I tried to get home but a telephone truck was stuck on the hill and I could not get around it. I turned ...

Rounding Third: The cozy solution on freezing mornings

This morning, Dear Richard said, “I’m making scrambled eggs. Want some?” He does this about three or four days a week. I accept his offer occasionally. Most winters, oatmeal is my game. I like the quick variety – five minutes – from measuring the oats and water to the brown sugar sprinkled on top. Sometimes raisins make it into the mix, adding their puffed-up sweetness on the coldest January days. The final step is a splash of half and half on top. Ah, yes, cozy, creamy oatmeal is an ideal winter gift to my tummy. A breakfast perfect for counting icicles while also ...

Our great nation is average in some studies

How exceptional is America? Are we still the envy of the world because of our form of government and its ideals? Is the cultural diversity of our people still our greatest strength? Maybe it’s time to take a closer look at the idea of American exceptionalism. Beyond our unique government system, how do we as a people compare to other countries? How smart are we? How free? How happy? How safe? How progressive? How moral? How powerful? Intelligent Quotient (IQ) testing is used to evaluate a person’s ability to absorb information, to solve puzzles, and to predict outcomes. While it ...

Educational options benefit community

Linda Jordan Loomis raises heartfelt and valid concerns about the potential merger of Youngsville and Eisenhower High Schools (Dec. 21). Change is never easy, especially when it impacts students, families, and communities deeply connected to their local schools. However, school districts typically prioritize student well-being during transitions like these. Counseling services, peer support programs, and collaborative academic plans are often implemented to ensure students adjust and thrive in a larger academic community. Athletics are also a concern during mergers, but combining ...

Not all locations have received fair treatment

As the vote draws closer, with some of the past actions of the district, lack of answers to the concerns that are being raised by the communities, and the misleading and skewed data from the district in the FAQs, one has to wonder if the district has a personal agenda or prejudice against Youngsville with the decision to close the Youngsville High School. Is there any evidence that shows prejudice? Well, actually there have been several actions in the past that look this way. There is also the fact that certain figures were left off the FAQ when it comes to daily operating cost ...