Opinion

In observing young children, I am amazed at what they learn at a very early age. One thing they are taught is that food is for the mouth not all over the face or in the hair. Other lessons include not to throw temper tantrums, to say thank you and please. A great event in their lives is the day they learn to take their first step. They also do not go off or run off on their own and when the children go someplace with their parents they have to hold onto their parents hand. I remember the time while walking to my pickup after shopping in a store a small child jerked his hand from his mother’s and darted out in front of an oncoming car.

Starting a new year is akin to crossing a river, leaving the past behind and coming out clean to start fresh on the other side. At least we like to think of it that way. We may even go so far as to look at ourselves in a mirror and make promises to ourselves about how this year will be different. Some of us take the time to make resolutions that we know we aren’t going to keep. “This is the year I am going to the gym every week.” “This is the year I am going to lose weight.” “This is the year I am going to eat healthy. Well, at least healthier than I have been.” “This is the year I’m going to quit smoking, drinking, or using foul language.”

We’ve got Israel looking for billions. We’ve got Ukraine begging for more billions.

After the Texas Legislature spent much of 2023 in session, a bevy of new laws go into effect on New Year’s Day, though some have been delayed by lawsuits challenging their constitutionality. The Austin American-Statesman reported on SB 17, a new law that institutes a ban on programs and policies “designed or implemented in reference to race, color, or ethnicity” at Texas public universities or colleges — commonly known as diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI.

Dear Neil: My wife and I are having discussions about whether I should remove a native cedar tree from our landscape. She tests positive for allergies to cedar pollen, and this time of year her miseries begin for a couple of months. She wants me to remove the tree, but we both think it’s very pretty if it weren’t for the pollen. Even its blue berries are attractive, and I notice the birds love them. My contention is that there are dozens of other cedars nearby and that even if I take our one tree out, she will still be hit with the pollen from other trees around us. Do you have any advice?

Since two of my daughters are now in college and one is in high school, Christmas just “hits different”– as those crazy kids (and my not-so-secret, sort-of-butnot- really guilty pleasure, Taylor Swift) say these days.

The ink was barely dry on a law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott that makes unauthorized entry into the United States a state crime before a lawsuit was filed by civil rights groups and El Paso County challenging its constitutionality. The Austin American-Statesman reported the suit was filed in an Austin federal court by the ACLU and two immigrant advocacy groups on behalf of the county.

Dear Editor: The Democrats started the Civil War of 1861-1865, resulting in the deaths of 620 thousand Americans. They backed slavery.

This year our world has been plagued by wars, threats, and rumors of more wars at any minute. Sadly, untold numbers killed and millions fleeing for their lives. Not counting floods and droughts besides all kinds of problems, difficulties, sickness with family, friends or loved ones. Remember we are not without hope because of a great event that took place many years ago. Some shepherds were camped out with their flocks when suddenly they were surrounded by a bright light and an angel stood before them. The angel told them not to fear that he had good news for them and also for the whole world. That day someone very special had been born and He was to be the Savior of the world, (Luke 2:8-14). He is Christ the Lord. He was also called Immanuel which means, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23). Many prophecies were made about Him in the bible. Like, He can bring peace to the World, (Isaiah 9:6&7). He is called the anointed one, (Psalm 2:2). And one of my favorites, (John 1:29) “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Later there were some wise men that came and worshipped Him, (Matthew 2:1&2). Let us try and be like those wise men this Christmas season and Worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ, (Revelation 19:16).