The Rev. Mpho A. Tutu, an Episcopal priest and daughter of South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, led the Academy of the Holy Names' annual faculty and staff retreat June 3. ...more

June 11, 2008

EDITOR'S NOTE: Jessica Castillo, 12, just finished the sixth grade at Cambridge Christian School in Tampa. She was chosen writer of the year by teacher Sharee Romaine, who wrote, "I wasn't planning to choose a writer of the year until this student's 'Heart of Christ' paper was turned in to me." ...more

June 7, 2008

as soon as possible. In their case, ASAP should stand for "Always Say a Prayer." ...more

February 16, 2008

I feel that the very idea that the Highlands County School Board has to have discussions and special meetings to address this issue is an excessively waste of thought, working hours and especially time away from more important issues. For I feel that if one feels he is from an ape, then one should be in the idiot zoo where one will "fit in" and be at home and the school of teachings one's own beliefs. For apparently, from the letters one has written to the newspaper editor, he has certainly proved himself to be that of the ignorant and illiterate non-human species. ...more

February 13, 2008

The flakes melted quickly. But the smiles, wonder and excited story-swapping went on throughout the day: It snowed in Baghdad. ...more

January 12, 2008

One of the biggest needs of our people today is to study God's Holy Word. From the beginning this was God's plan. As our Heavenly Father, we are to be obedient to him because He is an all-wise God, the God of creation. He instructed us to teach His laws to our children when we get up and when we lie down. To do that we have to live it before them 24-7. This is a tedious process which requires prayer and dependence upon the Holy Spirit, but Oh! what a joy to walk with the Master. There are so many wonderful promises in His Holy Word, but they are conditional. ...more

December 13, 2007

The separation of church and state is not meant to expel God from our schools or government functions. Our founding fathers established that separation so that no particular branch of organized religion could force their way of worshipping God to be the only way. One of the reasons immigrants came to the United States was so that they could be free to worship as they pleased. Separation of church and state simply guarantees that no one branch of religion, be it Protestant, Catholic, Islam, Buddhist or any of the worlds many other religions, is sanctioned by the state. To include prayers or rites from one of these religions in our schools and not include similar prayers from all of them has the effect of the state promoting that one religion. ...more

December 1, 2007

Regarding 'Women Share How Prayer Buoys Them' (BayLife, Oct. 27): I was pleased to see Vickie Beck's review of the book How Strong Women Pray. It reminds me of my youth in the church where we were taught love, giving and redemption. ...more

October 30, 2007

Just a reminder, now is the time to be listening to presidential forums and debates, so we can be as informed as possible. Through prayer, listening and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can be prepared to know how to vote when Election Day comes. Do remember to pray that God will send us godly candidates who will seek His will as they guide this great country. Let us all remember that each of us have a responsibility for our nation. The Bible tells us to watch as well as pray. As I watched a Republican presidential forum on channel three, I was encouraged by several of their platforms. They were discussing issues of importance which are necessary to get our country going in the direction God would be pleased with. Some actually had plans for getting things done. ...more

October 22, 2007

'Dear God, please help my tummy feel good so I can go to school tomorrow.' Many parents would be shocked to hear this prayer, thinking they must have misunderstood - a child praying to go to school, wishing only for a normal day? ...more

September 23, 2007