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 — The Apostle Paul was wise. In his first letter to his friends in Thessalonica, he praises them for having followed his advice. In an earlier visit he had instructed them about how to live to please God. Having heard they were doing that,...
BY ANN CIPPERLY With a love of cooking, Lyndal Curry enjoys presenting cooking classes to nonprofit organizations, her Bible study and friends. Lyndal has gathered a collection of recipes from the many places she and her husband, Tim, have lived,...
OPINION — Older music lovers will remember when the songs of Peter, Paul and Mary were popular. Three of my New Testament heroes are Peter, Paul and Lydia. Men like Peter and Paul were major players in church history but women, like Lydia, have...
OPINION —My seminary training for ministry was equally divided between Vanderbilt University and Emory University. When the Methodist General Conference in 1972 terminated the work I was doing for the Methodist Publishing House, I was offered a...
The author of four children’s books, Kay Whaley enjoys cooking and having family gather at their Auburn home for special occasions. Kay’s husband, Mark, also has a love of cooking that he learned from his father. They are sharing favorite recipes...
OPINION — I grew up realizing that we all live in a world of tribulation. My pastors reminded me that Jesus had assured us life would not be easy when he said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world...
I am writing this on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. This day is the first anniversary of the death of my son, John Mark Albritton. He was 65. Since last words are important, I wish I could remember Mark’s last words to me. I cannot because on the day he...
BY ANN CIPPERLY On Valentine’s Day this year, treat your family to one of their favorite meals and serve a scrumptious, homemade dessert. Whether it is a special cake, brownies or cheesecake, homemade desserts prepared with loving hands are a sweet...
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...