Columns

Jim Priest is CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma and can be reached at jpriest@okgoodwill.The Year of the DragonNot everyone celebrates New Years on January 1. The Chinese New Year begins February 10, 2024 and continues until January 26, 2025.

Christmas is always changing. The biblical story never changes but your story is always changing. How we celebrate and view the story of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus may change throughout life. We view the story one way as children but then the story matures as we age.

It’s arrived. The Holiday of holidays for many. The monthlong season of excitement, fun and anticipation.But there is another perspective on the Christmas season, and it’s not a beloved one of joy and family.

About Getting Old It was tough on me turning 80. The girls at the newspaper had already put my 80th in the paper.It was now a public fact.None have yet shown me the respect that I had expected to see. When my grandpa turned 80, we threw him a big party.

It’s December! We have already started receiving “Letters to Santa,” and Christmas memories from area youngsters. They are so much fun to read. However, at the top of the list is the subject of angels when explained by children…. 2. Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore.

Too much spare time By John B. MartinThanks (again) to Al Wilburn for uncovering this little jewel. Not for a single moment do I be- lieve that ANY of these clever observations apply to Al. Nor to me. These are just people we “know” or have "heard about." READ AND ENJOY!!!

As Christmas carols were sung and Christmas bells rung, Henry thought back on two tremendous tragedies that darkened his holiday spirit. His loving wife, Frances, had been fatally burned in an accident in their home. Then his son, Charles, had been severely wounded in the war.

The old man is sitting on his front porch is his favorite rocking chair and talking to a his freshly minted twentyone-year-old grandson – attempting to encourage him to think things over clearly before deciding. To make decisions for his life based on clear facts, a living God, and real love.

Well, once again the Christmas season is upon us. It seems we hardly get through the Fourth of July before the stores are hawking Christmas items nowadays.

By John Bill Martin Staff Writer (johnbillmartin44@gmail. com) Thanks (again) to Al Wilburn for uncovering this little jewel. Not for a single moment do I believe that ANY of these clever observations apply to Al. Nor to me. These are just people we “know” or have “heard about.”READ AND ENJOY!!!