Column Articles

Sean of the South | Jan. 2, 2025

A boyhood Christmas break OPINION — Christmas break. There were little-kid toys scattered around the house, fallen in the line of duty.A friendship bracelet kit, decimated. A loaded whoopee cushion on a chair, awaiting its next victim. A Silly Putty wad, dangling from...

Southern Hospitality | Jan. 2, 2025

Warm up in January with hearty soup recipes BY ANN CIPPERLY | FOR THE OBSERVER After so many rich foods over the holidays, comforting bowls of soup are a welcome change on chilly January days. While soup is on the menu throughout the year, January is generally...

A Taste of Grace | Jan. 2, 2025

When church is over OPINIONI suppose just about everyone can relate to the story of Jesus returning to his hometown of Nazareth (Luke 4:14ff), but especially those who have been away from the place where they grew up for a significant amount of time. Just as it’s hard...

Alter Call | Jan. 2, 2025

You can make a new beginning The calendar – what a marvelous idea! One year ends. A new year begins. I love it!It offers us the opportunity to do two healthy things: let go of the past and make a new beginning.How do you let go of the past? You discard stuff you don’t...
The source of spiritual strength

The source of spiritual strength

OPINION — In the days of my youth, I was frail and weak. My dad was a strong man. I admired his strength. In the picture book of Bible stories my...

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What makes a church special?

What makes a church special?

OPINION — “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my pray-ers.” Paul to the Ephesians in 1:16 of his letter. Here’s one of...

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Opelikabasketballseason ends

Opelikabasketballseason ends

BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION — The Opelika High varsity girls and boys basketball teams’ seasons ended in the first round of the Area tournament,...

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Parades, hearts and honesty

Parades, hearts and honesty

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER OPINION — After living in Mobile for so many years, I want to say Happy Mardi Gras to Classroom Observer readers by...

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Brother John

Brother John

BY SEAN DIETRICH OPINION — Pineview Street. A nondescript house. Off-white. One story. Nothing fancy. Nice neighborhood. Manicured lawns.On the back...

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The source of spiritual strength

Love Jesus Supremely

BY WALT ALBRITTON OPINION — “The Imitation of Christ” by Thomas A. Kempis, written in the 15th Century, has been translated into more than fifty...

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What makes a church special?

Rescued

BY BRUCE GREEN OPINION — Paul starts our story at the cemetery. “You were dead” — not in ICU, not even on life support — we were dead. A dead person...

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