Ann Cipperly
Columnist
Ann Cipperly is an award winning journalist whose career includes being a lifestyle and food editor, feature writer, columnist and photographer for newspapers and magazines
Ann Cipperly's Latest
OPINION — “There is a certain way,” Milton says, “through weakness to the highest strength.” For four years I have struggled with my weakness, sometimes resenting it, always searching for the “strength” to endure it. When Milton says “the Apostle...
OPIINION —In the Bible Satan has many names. He is the Accuser, the Enemy, the Tempter, the Father of Lies, the Serpent, the Deceiver, the god of this world. Jesus called Satan “Beelzebub, the prince of demons.” At other times Jesus called him the...
BY ANN CIPPERLY OPINION —With Mardi Gras being held this year on Feb. 17, celebrate with Creole and Cajun inspired dishes for a festive dinner at home during the season. The zesty flavors will liven up mealtime on a cold winter’s evening. Cap the...
OPIINION — Ben Franklin said, “Nothing is certain but death and taxes.” He could have added a third certainty: “The rains and the winds will come.” Long before Franklin’s time, Jesus reminded us that the foundation you build your life upon...
In my reading, a phrase grabbed my attention: “Overdue apologies blocked by pride.” I thought, “Yes, I have been there.” I reckon most people have been there. And I continue to be embarrassed by the way pride has often overcome me. Pride exerts a...
OPINION —When the house is filled with the aroma of bread baking in the oven, it gives everyone in the family a lift. While yeast breads are delectable, muffins are also popular and the easiest of breads to prepare. Whether they are sweet or...
OPINIONOne of the strangest statements in Paul’s letters is found in 2 Corinthians 12:9 where he comments about his weaknesses. He says he is so proud of his infirmities that he will gladly boast about them. I call that strange because very rarely...
BY ANN CIPPERLY With Christmas over and the decorations tucked away, the cold days of January settle into a quiet, cozy time of resting from the rush of the holidays. After so much rich food for weeks, plan on comforting soup meals for your family....
OPINION — Seventy-five years ago, Elton Trueblood dared to publish a book titled “The Future of the Christian.” At the time many insisted that theirs was a post-Christian age because the Christian worldview had lost its influence in the...
OPINION — A friend of mine and his wife walked into a gift shop while on vacation in California. As they opened the door, causing a little bell to jingle, what they saw was breathtaking. Before them was a large picture window looking out on...
BY WALT ALBRITTON OPINION —Words are precious. We communicate our needs, our dreams and our feelings with words. Since it’s Christmas time, let’s reflect on some choice words of the Christmas season.“Clearance” is one. I like it. My wife loved it....
BY ANN CIPPERLY With a towering 12-foot decorated Christmas tree, the mantel embellished with ornaments on a garland, tables set with festive décor and stockings hanging from the staircase, the home of Joy and Bobby Samford is ready for Christmas...
All creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also...
When the tornado hit Beauregard in 2019, Carol Clemmons, who had worked with disaster relief organizations, volunteered with Samaritan’s Purse in Opelika. She was so impressed with the outpouring of care and love from the community that Carol...
One of the signs that you belong to Jesus is a strong desire to pray. You want to commune with the one who made you a new person. You want to thank God for your salvation and keep your spirit open to the Spirit’s guidance. Jesus did not see prayer...
OPINION — As sudden as a lightning strike, a severe pain in my lower abdomen got my complete attention. One minute I was watching a football game; the next I was focused entirely on the sudden pain in my stomach. Assuming it would soon pass,...
OPINION — With tables polished to a rich patina and the good china washed, plans are underway for gathering family and friends for a festive Thanksgiving. This year, prepare most of the dishes ahead of time and spend more time with your...
OPINION — When I read something that I like, I claim the author as my friend. It’s an idea I picked up from my friend, Elton Trueblood. One day, when we were talking together, he shared a quote by “my friend Samuel Johnson.” Remembering that...
BY WALT ALBRITTON OPINION — My voice was steady. I was calm and composed as I explained to my friends that like the Apostle Paul, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). I wanted them to know that, with the...
OPINION — When Dean and I were enjoying a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, I thought about that day when Peter and Andrew, and James and John, heard the call of Jesus. They were ordinary fishermen, fishing for a living, tending their...