California fires stir memories

The extensive news coverage of the tragic California wildfires has brought back memories – as they always do.   In 1979, I was part of a “hotshot” fire crew assigned to a fire burning in the mountains around Altadena – in the vicinity of Pasadena, Calif.

Pray for unity

The annual “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” is Jan. 18-25.  The observance began in 1908, when an Episcopal priest Paul Wattson urged a time for all Christians to pray for the unity of the church. Soon, it was adopted by the Roman Catholic Church and then many protestant churches.

Carter a man of character, faith

This year, we received our annual Christmas card from the Carter Foundation. It was a dove, with the words “Peace, Hope, Health.” In the 1980s, my husband joined the Friendship Force.

Thank God for hippies and the Amish!

To be clear, my gratitude for the Amish and hippies is selective; but I owe both groups much for paving the way for one of my family’s greatest privileges. Homeschooling is the fastest growing form of education in America. According to an in-depth exposé by the Washington Post (Oct.

North Carolina 12th in gun violence

On Dec. 16, a second grader called 911 to report an active school shooting. More thoughts and prayers – and predictably, a continuing lack of Congressional desire to fight for solutions – followed. In an average year, 5,833 North Carolinians are killed and/or wounded by gun violence.

Search for more joy in 2025

Tim Tebow is a devout Christian and great athlete.  As a college football player for the Florida Gators, he started writing Bible verses on his eye black (worn under the eyes to reduce glare).

The Thomas Legion

The Civil War unit that locals were the most familiar was likely the Thomas Legion, which was made up of a large number of Cherokee Indians who had the name of being ferocious fighters and was part of 69th North Carolina regiment. The unit was organized by Col. William Holland Thomas in 1862.

Only so many pages in a week

A never-ending pile of paperwork can often be spotted on my “corner” desk at the office – an extra appendage used to help spread out the weekly duties of the editor at The Graham Star.

We all have a little 'Scrooge' in us

A book doesn’t become timeless just by being old – many old books are obsolete – but a classic stands the test of time depicting human nature or communicating universal truth that resonates with readers, regardless of time and setting. Consider A Christmas Carol.

Smoky Mountain holidays

Christmas in the Smoky Mountains is a singularly unique event within the continental United States.  The Smokies themselves generate an ancient atmosphere of hearth and home.  The people of these mountains reflect the depth of that sentiment in their ages-old seasonal traditions.