Helene: one year later

It has been over a year since Hurricane Helene hit the southeastern United States on Sept. 27, 2024. We still are witnesses of the effects and know the recovery will take years – if not decades.  I read of the 1916 and 1940 flood in western North Carolina.

Forgiveness and justice: Part 1

On Sept. 21 – before attempting my weekly nap – I tuned into Charlie Kirk’s memorial service.  I ended up watching all five hours – and I’m still astounded by what I saw. President Trump described the service, “like an old-time revival.

Fire lookout vital to county

William “Bill” Nothstein was an early forest ranger on the Cheoah Ranger District. He was interviewed by Dr. Louis Silveri of the Southern Highlands Research Center in 1976.

9-8-8 is a Noble cause

Walter Scott’s book Ivanoe, a Romance was an influential book about chivalry.  Chivalry was the code followed by the medieval knights of old. They lived a life of bravery and generosity based on Christianity and a high moral code.  Ivanhoe popularized the legend of the Black Knight.

Was Kirk a Christian martyr?

The fact that Charlie Kirk was assassinated to make a political point is beyond question.  Officials and investigators (not legacy media, talk show hosts, or conspiracy charlatans) have said “leftist ideology” from “dark corners of the internet” clearly motivated the accused shooter.

What is going on?

I can’t quite put my finger on what it is, but there is an evil lurking in our country right now – the likes of which our democracy has never seen. Has our nation seen its fair share of tragedies, lack of justice and unspeakable acts since establishing its independence some 249 years ago?

Cheesequire and the preacher

An article in the Nov. 19, 1879 issue of The Charlotte Observer tells of a meeting between Cheesequire – a Cherokee who lived in the Ground Squirrel community of Graham County – and Dr. A.W. Miller, a Presbyterian minister. Miller was on an evangelical tour of the western North Carolina mountains.

Milennial saint

During some of my time as a minister, I have heard plenty of church discussions about “young people.”  If they would be more committed, attend more and give more, then the church would grow.  It is as if all the causes of the problems of the church are the fault of the younger generation.

A name carries a lot of weight

There was a recent church merger in Tennessee. One church's building was in need of a lot of repairs and the other church had plenty of space, so it made sense to join together as one congregation.  The churches selected a new name and everyone was excited about moving forward.

'Hooty-Hoo Mountain'

The "Hooty Hoo Mountain" kids. From left are Marley Carpenter, Bella Carpenter and Daylon Anderson. I recently had the pleasure of talking with three young people who spend a lot of time in the woods. I was glad to know that there are kids who still do that.