Opinion

Families and individuals will celebrate Thanksgiving in millions of homes next week with traditional meals set by previous generations according to their cultural backgrounds. But what is the historical significance to Thanksgiving, and how do we celebrate it versus the original partakers of the holiday?...

Trivia Night Jeff Dorris jdorris@dddnews.com Last night I participated in Trivia Night at the Bistro. The event was a fundraiser for Three Rivers College and a good time was had by all. Well, mostly... After eight years of playing, my team came in dead last...

One of my favorite questions to ask anyone I encounter is, "what are you reading?" Alternatively, it is one of my favorite questions to answer as well. Most of the time, I have an audiobook going and a book in hand. Currently, I am listening to The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan and reading The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods. The Lost Bookshop is the Ennis Book Discussion selection for November. As I encounter readers this week, I have noticed what they are reading...

The Hebrew writer spoke about the great salvation that Christ has brought to the world. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.” (Hebrews 2:3) I heard a sermon recently where the preacher spoke about three great wonders with regard to Christ’s great salvation...

Monday, November 11, was Veteran’s Day, many businesses observed the sacrifice and service by our veterans, this week’s column is for them. For me, this Veteran’s Day was even more special now because my grandson is serving in the Navy. My late father served in the Marines, my children’s dad was a Vietnam veteran, and my mother’s brother, the late, A.W. ...

November is Family Literacy Month. Quite possibly, you were not the kid who could be found in the library or always carrying a book. That can change. If you are a parent or grandparent, reading aloud to your children or grandchildren is the most important activity when it comes to preparing children to read on their own. If a child can read, anything is possible!...

This past week I've spent a lot of time with our area veterans. I always walk away from these visits with a profound sense of gratitude. The courage and sacrifice these men and women exhibit is remarkable and humbling. A little history on this day we honor those who served follows...

Last week, I discovered why it is important to start taking care of your teeth when your young and continue taking care of them as you age—a beautiful smile, better overall health, and a fatter bank account. If you don’t take care of your pearly whites, they will grow dull, rot and fall out, or it will cost a fortune to keep them or repair them...

Do readers prefer authors of their same gender? This topic is debatable. However, make a list of your favorite fifteen books and look at the authors’ names carefully. Many women who write science fiction or fantasy currently are still encouraged use initials instead of their first name. ...

In our study of Divine authority, we have learned that we must have authority from heaven for all we do. (Matthew 21:23-27) Authority is established from the scriptures by means of commands, apostolic examples and necessary conclusions. We further discussed specific and generic authority. Now let’s make some applications...

Election Day is finally upon us. In what appears to be one of the tightest presidential races ever it's important to cast your ballot. Get out and vote. Voting is one of the most important rights and responsibilities we have as U.S. citizens. As important as it is many don't exercise that right...

Winter does not only bring falling leaves, north winds and icy snow, but it also brings influenza, colds, and coughs. For seniors with weakened immune systems, that can mean lengthy hospitals stays or worse, even death. Immunizations and vaccines are important for many reasons, but especially for the elderly to remain healthy throughout the fall and winter months...

On Thursday night the DDD honored the Difference Makers. We celebrated those in our communities that go above and beyond to serve. I'd like to thank all that attended and supported our inaugural event. Mayor Jake Crafton shared on the importance of volunteering...

Women writers make up a growing share of published and award-winning authors. They also are dominating bestseller lists, and they have loyal readers. All this in an industry that has not always been so friendly to female writers. Why did Mary Ann Evans use the name George Elliot to be published? My reading journey would have had huge holes without Silas Marner and Middlemarch. ...

Now, isolation and the lack of socialization is a problem for baby-boomers, which leads to not only physical ailments, but also mental ones. However, for the technical generations to follow, the umbilical cord has been replaced by a power cord and the same issues that plague the baby-boomers today, will hit these generations harder and sooner tomorrow...

As I looked through the beautiful new cookbooks the library processed last week, I paused numerous times reading recipes, noting the ingredients and the method, and reminiscing my food memories. Food has the power to create such strong bonds in families, relationships, and communities. ...

The DDD Difference Makers Banquet is finally here. This coming Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Opera House in Kennett, we will honor unique individuals who go above and beyond for their communities. You nominated them over the last few weeks and Thursday we’ll celebrate their dedication to our area...

We continue our study on how to establish Bible authority for religious practices in three ways with the Bible topic of the Lord’s Supper. To review, the direct statement or command of Christ, which Paul repeated in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, authorizes us to partake of the Lord’s Supper since Jesus said, “This do in remembrance of me.” The second way to establish authority from the scriptures is by an apostolic example, like the one Paul exhibited in Acts 20:7. ...

The chronic Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one that plagues a large part of the population, especially women and seniors. About 1 in 5 women experience some type of UTI, while others find they have them constantly, but the reason is a different strain of bacteria...

Grief. It comes with a myriad of emotions. Some get through it fairly easily, and others struggle with it for quite some time. There are those unfortunates who never recover from it. Grief has been defined as the normal response to a major loss, such as the death of a loved one...

There is no doubt that Dolly Parton is a multi-talented individual. Dolly Parton said, “I’ve always believed in my talent,” as printed in a 2014 edition of Southern Living, which can be supported by her long list of awards, recognitions, songs, and more. Dolly does not seem fearful of taking risks. Her recent cookbook was co-written with her sister, Rachel, so there is another accomplishment to add to her long list...

Last week, we started a study of the importance and need to have God’s divine authority for all we do in religion. (Colossians 3:17) From the New Testament scriptures given to us by Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2), we must prove our religious practices by showing either a command, an approved example, or drawing a necessary conclusion from what has been said. Let us illustrate these three ways of establishing authority by discussing the Lord’s Supper...

I’ve never seen the Disney movie, “Frozen” all the way through, but I believe it’s theme song, “Let it go” is one everyone should take to heart. It’s about letting go of hate, controlling anger, learning to forgive, and coming together as a family to be happy. According to several major medical sites such as John Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and Harvard Medical School, hate and anger is something that can affect someone not only mentally, but it can also destroy them physically...

Through the years I have had many close relationships with pastors, ministers, and preachers. They have helped me through many dark periods of my life. One in particular stands out. Gene Cogburn. He was a grizzled Church of Christ preacher from Texas who had traveled to Northern Illinois to help a struggling little church...

Many will disagree, but a happy and successful marriage is based on a personal relationship with Christ. And why is this? There are many reasons, but we can begin with the character traits and attitudes of a true follower of Jesus is what takes marriage to the highest level of joy, emotional well-being, and contentment. ...