Columns & Opinions

Religiosity

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I t seems only fitting that we transition from our reviews of the Eastern religions and other Abrahamic religions to Christianity as we approach the season that Christians call Pentecost. The Book of Acts relates the fear and uncertainty the apostles faced during those tenuous days immediately following the ascension.

Treasure hunting

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A nother County Wide Yard Sale Weekend’s in the books! It’s funny how we humans all seem to have our traditions, things we use to mark and divide time –like weekly attendance at things like social groups/ clubs, classes, volunteer activities, or worship services– maybe even a regular date night, card or game group or sharing a meal with friends or family. For me, the annual County Wide Yard Sale is right up there with other local events marked on my calendar, such as various functions at the Bosque Arts Center, the Bosque Museum, the Norwegian Christmas Home Tour, Fall Fest, the Fair and Rodeo, and various other things throughout the year –too many to list.

House OKs $302 billion budget

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T he Texas House approved a $302 billion budget last week that included an amendment prohibiting the use of state money on private school tuition — a major setback to Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to establish a school voucher system. The Austin American-Statesman reported that more than 20 Republicans joined nearly all House Democrats to pass the amendment, while 11 lawmakers voted present.

Why I support police officers’ family assistant programs

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I appreciate the opportunity to reach out to the community we serve. It is a privilege to call Meridian home for myself and my family. Since coming to town in the summer of 2021 I have enjoyed adjusting to small town life. Prior to moving to Bosque County my family resided in San Antonio. I started my Law Enforcement Career in 1991 as a Deputy Constable. Two years later I transferred to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and remained until I retired with the county. In the fifth largest department in Texas, I served in many roles. I was a patrolman, training instructor, narcotics officer, and Crisis Negotiator just to name a few.

Religiosity

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F rom most of the reports coming from Muslim-majority countries, one might easily assume that Islam is a repressive religion for women. However, that is simply not true.

Religiosity

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W e hear a lot about Sharia Law, but very little of it is actually informative. So, let’s take a deeper dive into what it is, and where it came from.

Cons and Scams 2023

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I looked at my phone more than usual this last, long month –while hanging out, not lifting anything too heavy, healing, sleeping, and resting. My phone time was sometimes educational / entertaining and provided ideas for things to do / make, or subjects about which to write.

Religiosity

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L ike any established major religion, Islam developed several branches based on interpretation of its scriptures, the Quran and the Hadith. While there are now more than 40 branches, they are segmented into three major groups (Sunnis, Shi’as, and Ibadis) and two significant splinter groups (Sufis and Wahhabis).

Senate passes tax cut package

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T he Texas Senate last week unanimously approved a $16.5 billion package to lower property taxes and inject billions of dollars into public schools. As reported by the Texas Tribune, the three separate bills require the state to send at least $5.38 billion to public schools while at the same time raising the state’s homestead exemption from $40,000 to $70,000, with an additional $20,000 exemption for homeowners 65 and older.