A ‘Lucky’ retirement
I worked at the Mountain Folk Center recycling site in Ranger for 10-plus years until I had an accident Nov. 3 and ended up in the hospital. So I’ll no longer be working.
I wanted to say to all the people I’ve met, I enjoyed working for you and tried to be good to everyone. I had a good time and made a lot of close friends I will never forget, including Chris, Ronald and Gerald, who works there now and is a really good friend.
I hope to see you at one of the sites.
William “Lucky” Jenkins, Ranger
A state for Palestinians?
History scholars during the 1960s, taught chronicles in the Middle East based on facts. Historical revisionism by Islamic extremist, Marxist institutions and college activists has muddied the waters. For instance, an anti-Semitic group called Students for Justice in Palestine is active on more than 200 campuses across the United States.
The history of the Jews and Judaism in the land of Israel has its origins between 2000 BC and 1001 BC. A United Kingdom of Israel existed prior to the disputed territories in Israel.
Never in world history has Palestine existed as a nation. Palestine’s region was ruled by Rome, by Islamic and Christian crusaders, by the Ottoman Empire and, briefly, by the British after World War I. In the 1917 Balfour Declaration, the British restored part of the area to the Jewish people as their ancestral homeland. Palestine never was ruled by Arabs as a separate nation.
Forty years ago, there was no controversy on Palestine’s statehood. Why is the issue of a two-state solution being discussed today? Only for political and tactical reasons, since Arab national interests demand that we posit the existence of a distinct “Palestinian people” to oppose Zionism.”
After Arafat signed the Declaration of Principles at the White House in 1993, he explained his actions on Jordanian TV:
“Since we cannot defeat Israel in war, we do this in stages.
We take any and every territory that we can of Palestine, and establish a sovereignty there, and we use it as a springboard to take more. When the time comes, we can get the Arab nations to join us for the final blow against Israel.”
Israel and the West mustn’t surrender to terrorism by granting the murderers a public relations triumph and strategic victory. It’s not too late to confront terrorism and say no to another Islamic terrorist state.
Terry Payne, Marble
Fight relapse over holidays
The holidays are frequently portrayed as a time of happiness, family time and celebration. Families congregate, lights twinkle and a spirit of celebration permeates the air. But the holidays can also present special difficulties and elevated stress for those in addiction recovery, which raises the possibility of relapse.
First and foremost, it’s critical to understand that expectations are raised during the holidays. Creating and participating in picture-perfect celebrations – whether through elaborate gift-giving, lavish dinners or social gatherings – is under constant pressure. For those in recovery, this pressure can intensify feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Relapse anxiety can be genuine, particularly for people who do not have a large support network. Society must change its mindset to recognize that healing is a continuous process and that having vulnerable moments is normal.
Relapse can occur during the recovery process because it is not a straight line. Rather than being a time for people to prove themselves, the holidays should be viewed as a chance to offer them additional support.
Addressing the problem of relapse during the holidays begins with fostering an atmosphere of compassion and understanding. Friends and family must be informed about addiction and ready to provide unwavering support.
The holidays frequently bring with them many triggers, including gatherings with large amounts of alcohol and old friends and family dynamics. It can be especially difficult for people in recovery to deal with these triggers.
Making a plan to prevent relapses is essential. The plan ought to cover techniques for handling stress, staying away from dangerous situations and getting assistance when needed. It can be a lifeline during the holidays and recovery road map to stay on track.
Addiction is a war worth fighting, particularly during the holidays, when the gift of recovery is more valuable than ever. With the correct help and understanding, it can be defeated.
Matthew Goodson, Denham Springs, La.
The writer is with Narconon NewLife Retreat, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation that helps overcome addiction. Call 1-800-431-1754 for details.
‘The Light of the World’
Wouldn’t it be nice
If every Christmas Light
Was sent to Jesus
as a birthday prayer?
Then reflections of Him
Would brighten the night
And your dark corners
Would feel His care.
Each year I know you work
Hard to decorate –
So on His birthday and great gift
Try to meditate .
Now every light display you see
During the holiday whirl
Will remind you to see
The LIGHT OF THE WORLD!
Jura Ashley, Murphy
December Christmas
Hey, what’s all the shouting about as the old man looked out his window as people were rushing towards the end of the street. The old man saw a little boy running by his window and asked him what was going on and the little lad said, come see what’s happening in the stable.
As the old man got dressed, he thought what could be so exciting about a stable that has animals sleeping in it, but when he arrived, he saw shepherds bowing down in wonder of a little baby boy lying on a bed of hay lying in a manger while Mary and Joseph looked upon this beautiful miracle that God has sent to save the world from its sin.
As the old man drew closer the Holy Spirit came upon Him as he fell on his knees to worship baby Jesus who would one day become King over all the world.
This is why we celebrate Christmas day in December to remind us of how God came down from heaven in human form as a baby to grow up so He could reconcile mankind back to the saving grace of a loving God and free us from our sins, past, present and future.
God ordained this time slot for such a time as this and down through the ages to our present age of grace we who believe upon the Name of Jesus Christ celebrate not only His birth, but what He did on the cross of Calvary that no other person could do, because Jesus Christ was the perfect sinless sacrifice for all mankind.
What is on your Christmas list this season? Toys for the kids. Presents for loved ones and friends. Breaking of bread and fellowship around the table of grace. Going to your place of worship to give thanks to God for blessing you with a
good life and to express your gratitude by serving others less fortunate.
Thank you, baby Jesus, for coming to our rescue and being our anchor that holds steadfast amid the trials of life.
Take time out of this busy season to tell others about the love of Jesus Christ who didn’t have to come, but God’s love willingly gave us the best gift ever, baby Jesus.
May Jesus be under your tree this season as you give Him thanks for coming and saving you from hell, so you can live in peace in heaven. The perfect gift for all seasons.
Frank F. Combs, Blairsville, Ga.