columns | Crestview News Bulletin

PASTOR'S PERSPECTIVE: Thoughts on Crestview's 'Secret Service'

Written by archive on March 1, 2015. Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

Many of you are apparently in the Secret Service for my Lord.

The fact that I call you a Secret Service member means we have not heard your testimony.

I have to wonder if some in the church have doubted or even hurt you.

Perhaps you have become jaded by some of the church's religious antics. It is really easy to relate to you on these two levels, for I have been there and done that.

Take it from me, the only way the religious world will change is if you make a stand for God.

Being a pastor, I have become concerned for you, my friends. Matthew 5:16 says to allow our light to shine before men — an example of the goodness and love of God — that He may be glorified.

Also in Matthew 10:32 is a promise that if we will confess Him before men, He will confess of us to the Father. Don’t miss out on that great blessing! Get in church somewhere and be a blessing to someone else.

Why church?

For one, your strength and knowledge may be what another person may need to make it another day.

Here's a humorous story: Preaching in a small church many years ago, I made up my mind that I would not accept an offering from any congregation.

After the service, a much older individual came up to me to give me a small token for the service.

In the middle of my argument of “preaching for God and not money,” he quickly grabbed my tie and tightened it up severely. As I was choking for a breath, he politely and, in a forced tone, told me that God had told him to bless me, and he was NOT going to let me rob him of his blessing!

Please, do not rob others of the blessing of your presence and your wisdom.

Find a good home and open your heart. You may be able to help someone, and we just may be able to help you.

May God bless.

Pastor Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: PASTOR'S PERSPECTIVE: Thoughts on Crestview's 'Secret Service'

Forget the toys — Jesus is the ultimate Transformer

Written by archive on February 26, 2015. Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

I have heard there will be another "Transformers" movie coming out in 2016. This will make No. 5.

These movies — about shape-shifting, alien robots that disguise themselves as automobiles and morph into flying, fighting, sentient super-machines — are popular.

It may be because Transformer toys were popular in the 1980s. Boys and girls who went crazy for Transformers are now dads and moms, eager to show their children how great it can be when a rusty tractor-trailer morphs into a superhero.

These Transformers are more than what meets the eye.

Similarly, Jesus is so much more than what many people give him credit for. They tend to transform Jesus into what they want, rather than accept him as he is.

Some attempt to turn Jesus into just "a friend." Some use him as an excuse to justify certain behavior.

Some turn Jesus into a kind, meek and mild person who doesn't have a backbone to stand up against evil.

Some have turned him into a permissive sort who doesn't confront inappropriate behavior or challenge those who stray from the path he has set.

Some portray Jesus as a "spiritual genie" who — if you pray enough, believe enough, or just plain try hard enough — will grant your wish for some perceived need.

Some transform Jesus Christ into their idea of who he is or who he should be. They transform his words to support their particular side of an argument. They transform him into the champion of the crisis du jour.

But we cannot make Jesus into what we want him to be. Quite the opposite: Jesus transforms us. He takes the sins of the world in the same way a water filter takes impurities out of water, by absorbing and holding all that isn't clean, and giving back only what is clean.

Jesus has authority over everything in this world, whether human pride and ego want to acknowledge that or not. He is so much more than anyone could ever transform him into.

Jesus is so much more than what meets our eye. And we are so much more than what meets the eye. Don't lose sight of this.

In fact, when you focus on Jesus as being more than he is assumed to be, he reveals even more about himself.

How awesome is that?

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview's pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Forget the toys — Jesus is the ultimate Transformer

EDITOR'S DESK: I challenge you to read the campaign coverage, vote

Written by archive on February 26, 2015. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

We are entering the campaign season's home stretch. Remember: North Okaloosa County's municipal elections are March 10.

I've always found politics fascinating, and would love to be a talking head on TV or the web, exploring each Crestview and Laurel Hill candidate's campaign strategy, optics, opportunities and blunders. (I didn't major in political science, but watch enough Fox News and MSNBC to handle the job like a pro!)

Still, some of the excitement wanes when you look at potential voting (projected at 10 to 15 percent for Crestview residents.)

But if this election attracts so few voters, it's not for lack of knowledge.

The Crestview News Bulletin has published candidate profiles since September 2014. Shortly after the news side knew someone threw his or her hat in the ring, our readers knew.

In addition, reporter Brian Hughes covered two Crestview mayoral candidate forums, and he'll be there for the North Okaloosa Republican Club's Laurel Hill candidate forum, too. (That's 6 p.m. Monday at Laurel Hill Baptist Church's Fellowship Hall.)

Check out Crestview and Laurel Hill candidates' answers to readers' top questions, and look at our Election Guide for plenty of campaign reports and video.

Then there's the League of Women Voters of Okaloosa County's E-Voter, which breaks down each Crestview and Laurel Hill candidate's platform and qualifications.

Additionally, read and watch all local media, in addition to the News Bulletin, so you can have a truly informed opinion.

So, no excuses! I've laid it all out for you.

Will you accept the challenge, be informed and vote March 10?

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EDITOR'S DESK: I challenge you to read the campaign coverage, vote

HUBBUB: Tougher sentences, please; Combest sets example

Written by archive on February 26, 2015. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

Editor's Note: Featured comments are the most thoughtful or eloquently stated comments from our Facebook page and crestviewbulletin.com and do not necessarily reflect the newspaper management's views.

Tougher sentences work

Just a tip: Tougher sentences for violent and sexual crimes will result in less of both!

Scott Howard

Mayor must have integrity

What matters to me is integrity. If there is truly a man of good character and integrity in the office, only then can I trust him to lead our community.

Aimee Hodgson Gudinas

Downtown parking a city problem?

Is it me or wouldn't it be right for the downtown business owners to finance the needed parking if they will be the beneficiaries?

Bea Burkett

Combest's example shows possibilities

I have always been proud to say I played on her teams and she was/still is an awesome coach and such a role model for all kids.

And she truly is a great mentor for some of us older ladies now, and shows us (that) with drive and determination you can achieve anything.

Nichole Ranson Overly

Tell more stories like the Campbells'

What a great story about Anne and Woot Campbell. I remember fondly both of them teaching us in school at CHS and Mrs. Arlesia as well. They were very kind to us kids, and we enjoyed growing up with their children in Crestview.

These are the (kinds) of stories we need to hear more about in the news outlets: the ones that bring back memories of those special people who gave their lives for the sake of young people and their dreams to be productive adults one day.

Graham W. Fountain

What happened to customer relations?

I am a Milligan resident and was shocked to receive my higher water bills, especially with no notice mailed out to every customer. What happened to "customer relations"?

Julia Quintrell Phillips

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Tougher sentences, please; Combest sets example

PASTOR'S PERSPECTIVE: Your day of refreshing will come

Written by archive on February 24, 2015. Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

My favorite time of day is early in the morning, especially during the early spring time. To walk out to the garden with a cup of coffee in my hands just sets the day off right.

My Father likes to talk to me there. In the serenity of the early morning, I seem to be able to hear Him the clearest.

A few years back, I had walked out to my garden, and the greens were standing with outward-reaching leaves. I heard His voice sweetly say to me to observe those plants, for while I was silent, they worshipped Him.

As evidence of human activity became louder, the air became warmer. Those beautiful leaves slowly began to wilt under the warmth and, as the day progressed, they would wither in the heat. They did not die; they were just waiting for a refresher in the evening.

I wonder, after hearing of more brothers in Christ being killed for their faith, just how much "heat" can we stand and still praise Him?

Can we not find time to enjoy His sweetness and praise Him now, so that we can still stand in the hot part of our persecution and trials?

These brothers in Egypt lost their lives, presumably for their faith. They made it through the heat, and are now refreshed in the King's presence.

There are others; we do not hear of them.

You will see it and hear it more.

The Enemy has plans to destroy you. Know this: Your day of refreshing will come. Pray for others while you can, for you may need their prayers to endure to the end and become the overcomer that you were meant to be.

Pastor Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: PASTOR'S PERSPECTIVE: Your day of refreshing will come

SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Did Kershner’s pull influence FHSAA?

Written by archive on February 24, 2015. Posted in columns, Sports.

There was quite a bit of drama with last Saturday’s 2 p.m. Region 1-7A boys basketball final between Crestview High School and Oviedo.

If you missed the goings on, here’s a recap.

FHSAA RULES

With a win at Tallahassee Lincoln in the region semifinals, Crestview earned the right to host the game. Oviedo advanced to the finals with a second-round win at home over Wekiva. Both teams hosted their respective first-round games.

The Florida High School Athletic Association's basketball manual states, “Third Round Play-in Games. The champion on the bottom line of the bracket shall serve as host to the champion on the top line of the bracket in the third-round play-in game in each region.

"If, however, the school on the bottom line of the bracket served as a host school in the second-round play-in game and the school on the top line of the bracket was the visitor in the second-round play-in game, the school on the top line of the bracket will be designated the host school for the third-round play-in game.”

The manual also states, “Times for all regional tournament games must be 7 p.m. local time. Exceptions must be approved by the FHSAA.”

OVIEDO'S OPPOSITION

Apparently, Oviedo officials and Lion head Coach Ed Kershner were unhappy with having to play at 7 p.m. in Crestview; they petitioned the FHSAA for the time change to 2 p.m.

So, why was the game time changed?

Concerns about the Oviedo charter bus driver falling asleep on the return trip home after a 7 p.m. game. Crestview officials' offer to pay for the team to stay over Saturday night was rejected.

But Crestview’s girls basketball team was forced to travel to Apopka last year for a 7 p.m. region final game with Wekiva. Niceville girls had to make the same trip Feb. 14 this year for a 7 p.m. game. I didn’t hear Crestview Coach Kathy Combest complain about the 7 p.m. game last year or Niceville Coach David Day complain about the late drive home this year.

THE BACKUP PLAN

Oviedo could have done what most schools do when playing a late game: have the company provide a backup driver. Yes, it might add a few dollars to the trip's cost, but it assures the safety of those riding the bus.

Is Oviedo students and fans' safety more important than that of Okaloosa County's students and fans?

Would the FHSAA have moved the game to 2 p.m. for Crestview or Niceville?

The Crestview people and administrators I talked to were unhappy about the switch, and I have to wonder how much Kershner influenced the decision to move the game.

Say what you will about everything being equal, but it’s not, or the game would have been played at 7 p.m.

Kershner, 74, has been coaching high school basketball since 1971. He’s the state's winningest coach, with more than 850 wins. He’s also in the FHSAA Hall of Fame.

In other words, Kershner might be considered the state's "Godfather" of high school basketball. He’s definitely the dean of coaches in the state, with all the pull that goes with almost 45 years of coaching.

GYM CONCERN

Last year, Oviedo pushed for, and had, the region final moved to the Arena at Northwest Florida State College. Crestview’s gym was too small to host the region finals, per FHSAA requirements, according to the complaint.

FHSAA requirements say a 7A school must have a gym with at least 1,100 seating capacity. After measuring and recalculating the CHS gym last week, it was determined that it seats 1,057.

Maybe the fear of not being able to get a seat scared some fans away Saturday, but nobody was turned away. And while the gym was at or near capacity, fans weren’t crammed into the venue.

I did hear talk that some Crestview fans, who would have been at a 7 p.m. game, couldn't attend the afternoon game because of work obligations. As best I could tell, there were no more than 50-75 Oviedo fans in attendance.

The Bulldogs lost to Oviedo 62-58, and we will never know if playing the game at 7 p.m. would have changed the game's outcome. The Lions — defending state champions with a great team — might have won anyway.

But one has to wonder if moving the game to 2 p.m. was just another way for Kershner to get a mental edge over the Bulldogs.

Crestview and Oviedo will be in different classifications the next four years, so it’s unlikely the Bulldogs will ever again face a team coached by Kershner in the playoffs.

Now that the FHSAA has set a precedent by moving the game time for Oviedo, in the future, will it do the same for teams from Crestview, Fort Walton Beach or Pensacola?

Email News Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Did Kershner’s pull influence FHSAA?

PASTOR'S PERSPECTIVE: A prophet or a donkey?

Written by archive on February 23, 2015. Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

Editor's Note: We're pleased to bring you Pastor's Perspective, with the Rev. Richard Helms of Miracle Acres Missions. Helms' inspirational column will appear in each Midweek Edition.

In the Bible, there is a story of a dialogue between a man called Balaam and his donkey.

This story, found in Numbers Chapter 22, brings up some interesting points.

Allow me to open this story with a differing point of view: Let's not concentrate so much on what Balaam and the donkey talked about, but rather take it from the point of view of Balaam's servants.

First, imagine the hilarity of observing their master trying to direct this animal down a path, and he is not doing so well — and then he gets angry and threatens to kill the donkey.

Finally, the donkey speaks!

While Balaam, in his anger, seems to take this in stride, the first response I would have had was probably to pass out right on the spot! A donkey, speaking?

As the story plays out, an angel is revealed and a prophet, or seer, is corrected by the Lord God through the use of that lowly donkey.

Can you just picture the confusion in the servants' eyes, listening to the donkey speak so directly to their master? Perhaps they were wondering, "Which is the donkey, and which is the prophet?"

Our lives can also take this track, and we can find ourselves in situations where God must set us back on His path instead of our own.

We may walk around, claiming to be a Christian, and yet our lives are filled with language and actions that do not display the love of Jesus.

Looking around at the beauty of God's creation, we may look at our lives and wonder, "Are we really children of the King, or are we just a donkey?"

Guard your testimony. Don't add to the confusion. Be the one who leads others down the right path.

When you stand before Him on that judgment day, can you be sure he used you to win others?

Or perhaps, He had to send a donkey!

May God bless you.

Pastor Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Missions, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: PASTOR'S PERSPECTIVE: A prophet or a donkey?

HAPPENINGS: More adventures from California

Written by archive on February 23, 2015. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

I recently visited California to spend time with my parents, whom I had not seen for years. My Dad just celebrated his 90th birthday, so it seemed like it was time.

My first observation? Flying these days is fairly uncomfortable. Airlines pack you into tiny regional jets like sardines, and connections are tight. I almost missed my connection waiting for my gate-checked carry-on. I got exercise that day, walking fast and running for over a half-mile. They held the plane for three of us, thank goodness.

I had wonderful companions on both flights: a young lady from London was my seat mate on the way to Houston, and a young man born in Northern California but raised in Mexico was my seat mate to Ontario. I love to learn more about others, and it is especially fun to learn about other cultures.

And how wonderful it was to see Dad and Mom; of course, we had several adventures. I wrote a few weeks ago about our trip to the dentist. After that, we visited Knott's Berry Farm and ate at Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner restaurant. We have delicious fried chicken here in the South, but — my goodness — their fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits and boysenberry jam? Fabulous! It does seem that we ate out quite a bit, but with the different restaurants, there was always some place new to eat. And no trip to Southern California would be complete without a trip (or two) to In N Out Burgers — fresh burgers and fries!

It isn't as much fun to reflect on the more mundane things like cooking, dishes, laundry, yard work and feeding the pets. My Mom and I got to spend time talking and visiting while we scrapbooked and made cards. It is so much more fun to do crafts with another person.

What are your thoughts on family vacations? Do you enjoy just taking day trips and spending time with your loved ones, or do you prefer to go somewhere, like the beach, the zoo, or a specific destination?

Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her brother, Robb; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

Email listings of upcoming events to NorthOkaloosaHappenings@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: More adventures from California

FROM THE PULPIT: Biblical heroes were humans, too

Written by archive on February 20, 2015. Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

Do you ever wish you could be like a hero in the Bible? There must have been something special about each of them, right?

Actually, no. Noah got drunk. Abraham lied to save his neck, even risking his wife's safety. Moses was a murderer. King David had an affair with a married woman, got her pregnant, and had her husband killed. Peter needed anger management classes.

Lent is here. These 40 days (minus Sundays) leading up to Easter are a time for introspection. It can be a raw, eye-opening experience. Shame, embarrassment, humiliation and disgrace cause many to hang their heads, fearing others will know what they are truly like.

But remember: No one is without sin.

When we accept we are broken and cannot fix ourselves, when we are remorseful and repentant, God will hear and not turn away our petition. God, in Jesus Christ, is the only one who can cleanse away our sins. And because of his Son, Jesus Christ, we are able to approach God to seek his mercy and forgiveness.

Ask God for the courage to acknowledge your sins before him. Ask him to wash you whiter than snow. When Easter arrives, you will have a much greater understanding of the sacrifice Jesus made for you on the cross.

Do you wish to be like a biblical hero? You already are.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview's pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Biblical heroes were humans, too

SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Kathy Combest is a Hall of Fame Coach

Written by archive on February 18, 2015. Posted in columns, Sports.

Crestview High School volleyball and girls basketball Coach Kathy Combest added another honor to her already impressive resume last week, when she was inducted into the All Sports Association Hall of Fame.

I’ve covered Kathy for the better part of 14 years. I’ve come to know her pretty well in that time, and there is no doubt the lady can flat out coach.

Sure, coaches coach and players play. But when a player has a coach with a proven track record calling the shots, they execute the play with a little more confidence.

Kathy Combest is such a coach. Combest would be a Hall of Fame coach even if she only coached volleyball or basketball, instead of both. She has a winning percentage of more than .760 in both sports.

One way to think about that is this: If her team is scheduled to play 25 games, it will probably win 19 of them.

Great coaches have a fire about them that often wills their team to win. Former Baker head football coach and athletic director Jeff Webb said it best when describing Combest’s desire to win as almost being sinful.

One of the hardest things about being a sports writer is dealing with a coach after a tough loss. Coaches sometimes take a while to get over a loss — and it isn’t conducive to a writer’s deadline.

One such incident involving Combest happened during the 2012 volleyball season. Crestview lost at Choctaw, and the Bulldogs were in the locker room more than 30 minutes as I waited for a comment from the coach.

After about 30 minutes, one of Choctaw's players, seeing I was with the press, asked why I didn’t just knock on the door to see how much longer they were going to be.

I told her I wasn’t that brave.

I understand that when a player or coach pours everything they have into a game, they might not have anything to say after a loss.

I know how bad losing can hurt, especially when there are no more games to play that year.

Now, I have always had a good relationship with Kathy Combest. She is one of my favorite coaches whom I’ve dealt with in my 20 years as a sports writer.

That said, I know there will be nights when I wait that she may not come out for an interview.

Kathy Combest is a poor loser — and I mean that in the best sort of way.

It is her hate for losing, and that almost sinful desire to win, that makes her a Hall of Fame coach.

Email News Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Kathy Combest is a Hall of Fame Coach

850.682.6524