Ashes and roses

Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day are on the same day this year. This is very unusual and seemed a bit odd to me. I tried to remember when this had happened before. I racked my old brain and could not recall. The reason is the last time this occurred was in 1945.

Struggle for self-improvement

New Year’s resolutions remind us how hard it is to improve one’s life. While nearly 40 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions each year, over 80 percent of those resolutions are abandoned by February.

Nothing got past Snowbird residents

According to sources, the first “Neighborhood Watch” was formed by the National Sheriff’s Association in 1972. But the association must not have ever been in Graham County. Most rural communities – especially in the South – had persons who would watch over the welfare of one another.

Thank you!

One of the things that makes me proud of our community is the way we pull together when there is a need. This is part of who we are and why our community is able to overcome adversity, time after time. Generosity is a powerful thing. I agreed with the way the Rev.

Graham Star writer signs off

This is probably one of the hardest goodbyes I’ll ever make: I am resigning from my position as staff writer at The Graham Star. I know this is sudden, since I’ve only worked here for three months. Don’t get me wrong, I love the job itself and I think I’ve done good work.

Obedience is better than sacrifice

For 10 years, I worked as the director of Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministries’ Steadfast House for women in west Asheville. The residence served as a transitional support for ladies leaving the Swannanoa Correctional Center.

Dog meat: detestable or delectable?

Readers of this column likely find the idea of eating dog meat repulsive. But South Korea legislation recently passed banning the production/sale of dog meat – which is worth considering. Some wrongly believe you can’t legislate morality; the inescapable truth is every law legislates morality.

Graham County had Shepherds

The visit of shepherds to see the Christ child is a prominent part of the Christmas story and is told in the second chapter of Luke in the Bible. They received a special invitation from angels to see this miraculous event.

The Big 'C'

A few years ago, Matt Chandler – pastor of the Village Church – wrote a Bible study on the Apostles’ Creed. He noted the creed was used as a statement of the Christian faith that kept the church on the same page for centuries.

County connection goes full circle

Lately, I’ve been wondering if we have control of our own destinies – of where we go in life. I think that where we are in life is partly because of where others began. I know this is a philosophical start, but stay with me as I explain how a Graham County-born man brought me to where I am.