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HUBBUB: 'Till death do us part,' proud of clerk's decision

Written by archive on January 6, 2015. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

Editor's Note: Same-sex couples now can marry in Okaloosa County. Here's what our Facebook fans are saying about the issue. 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.

'Till death do us part'

We are all humans. Regardless of who we love, we all deserve to marry the people we love!

That's what marriage is about: making a commitment to the person you love that you will be with them for eternity.

"Till death do us part" — not till death do us part if we're straight!

•••

Brittany Cross

'Suddenly religious' when issue arises

I wonder what the country would look like if as many heterosexual couples exerted the effort to preserve a happy, healthy marriage in their own home, rather than exerting all of their effort to prevent others from marrying.

Also, I think it's so interesting how many of those who oppose same-sex marriage are suddenly religious when this particular topic is at hand; however, the last time they probably uttered a prayer was when they were clutching a Florida lotto ticket and finding out the current numbers.

Heather Lameda

•••

Proud of clerk's decision

I'm proud of you, Okaloosa County. Yes, (the county clerk) will still have to issue the marriage licenses, but this way they are not forcing clerks to perform same-sex marriages which are against their religious beliefs.

Erica Mason

•••

Does separation of church and state apply?

How is the clerk of court's religious beliefs interfering with their legal responsibility? Isn't that listed somewhere under separation of church and state?

Allana Kortlever

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: 'Till death do us part,' proud of clerk's decision

FROM THE PULPIT: Focus on life's positive aspects

Written by archive on January 6, 2015. Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

I am not one for making New Year's resolutions. This year, however, may be an exception.

Here is why:

When we pay attention to the news of what is happening around the world, it is easy to believe the world is going to hell in a hand basket. I mean that mostly in a theological sense.

After all, there are wars. There are hate groups. There are diseases ravaging people. Starvation is rampant.

Greed, jealousy, pride, ego and laziness permeate the very corners of many in society.

With all these harmful and hateful events taking place, it is easy to become cynical.

“Trust no one" and “look out for yourself because no one else will” become mantras by which many learn to live.

Maintaining this mindset is a horrible state in which to live. It blocks out the ability to find joy. It overshadows the bright achievements of young children. It blunts the radiance of contentment.

In a recent article, I offered words of encouragement suggesting you make a New Year's resolution to draw closer to God.

Here's another suggestion: look for life's positive aspects.

Perusing the positive will positively propel me — and you — to a deeper awareness and relationship with God.

Remember: God does not will for bad things to happen in life. Bad things happen, more often than not, because people choose to ignore God, at best, and shun God at worst.

When a person believes they know better than God, others suffer through wars, hate groups, starvation and ailments.

Focus on God. Find again the great joy intended for your life. This joy is a direct result of Jesus Christ coming into the world to rescue people from sin.

Allow yourself the privilege of reclaiming what God intends for your life — a positive outlook based on the joy that comes from his Son.

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: Focus on life's positive aspects

HAPPENINGS: Reflect on 2015's upcoming blessings

Written by archive on December 31, 2014. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

Christmas gifts are opened, played with, exchanged, returned or put away.

Decorations are slowly being taken down.

Sad trees with no lights and decorations are out by the curb.

The Christmas and New Year's holiday seasons are almost behind us. Company has gone home and our lives are returning to what they were before Thanksgiving.

Weight was gained — guilty as charged — and now it's time to stick with our New Year's resolutions.

So far, I'm on track, and it's not even 2015 yet!

We have been eating a rainbow of vegetables — delicious.

Walking the collies would be easier if the weather would quit drizzling. Since I can't walk, I will ride the stationary bike.

I have spent time in prayer, but still need to spend more time in my Bible.

It is time to clean the house and get caught up on other chores that were neglected while I was baking and cooking.

My husband has been busy cutting up branches and preparing them for the trash.

There's so much to do, but I don't want to lose the wonderful things that happened during the holidays: namely visits with friends, letters received and terrific church services I attended.

But most of all, the grace and peace I have experienced.

We are blessed to live in a country that allows us to display our beliefs with nativity displays, menorahs and other faith-related items.

We are blessed with freedom, and need to pray for those who are persecuted for their faith.

My hope is that just because the holidays are gone for this year, we won't lose the grace and patience displayed throughout the season.

Let us reflect on the blessings we will receive from the Lord throughout 2015. Send a note to a shut-in, make the call you've been meaning to make, and have a cup of coffee with a friend.

I wrote to one of Jim's elderly uncles today and we plan to meet friends for dinner tonight and another friend for lunch later in the week.

Please let me know what you will be doing to keep the Christmas spirit alive all year long.

I hope to see you around town when I am on my jaunts. If you see me, please say "hi."

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 and activities of public interest to NorthOkaloosaHappenings@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: Reflect on 2015's upcoming blessings

FROM THE PULPIT: Draw closer to God in 2015

Written by archive on December 31, 2014. Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

With each new year, people look forward to starting a new chapter in life.

My suggestion, as we move into 2015, is to have one goal: draw closer to God than you have ever been before.

God is the reason you have life. He is truly the only aspect of life that truly matters.

Yes, God provides gifts such as families and friends, food and shelter. But too frequently, our personal pursuits, our personally perceived needs, turn our attention away from God and what God will provide.

Don’t let that be the case for you this year!

Before purchasing something, before striving to make an extra buck, before making major decisions, remember to ask yourself — and God! — if it is what God really wants you to do.

By asking that simple question, you will focus more on God’s will than your own.

When you focus on God’s will, you will automatically draw closer to him. It cannot be helped. God’s will, God’s desire, and God’s sense of right and wrong eventually become yours as well.

This is a gift he is willing to give because of the gift he gave at Christmas — himself in the baby Jesus.

He came to show love, to show what he can and will give, and to show how important you are to him.

So, Happy New Year to each and every one of you! Enjoy the start of this new chapter. Enjoy the guidance of God through his Son and Holy Spirit.

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: Draw closer to God in 2015

SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: My 2015 wish list

Written by archive on December 31, 2014. Posted in columns, Sports.

It’s hard to believe that the new year will arrive in a few short hours.

I look at the calendar and wonder where 2014 has gone. But life has a way of doing that to us as the years pile up. Some days seem to last forever, but at the end of a year we remark at how quickly time has passed.

WRITE YOUR STORY

I love that a new year is kind of like a blank page. Each of us can make that page whatever we want.

Some might take that page and turn it into a kite or paper airplane so they can soar to new heights. Others look at the page, are intimidated by its emptiness, and live another year in fear.

In the new year, we write a story that is uniquely our own. And, whether we like it or not, our story will touch the lives of others for many years to come.

As we embark on a new year, my wish for everyone is their story will be worth retelling at year’s end.

HOPES FOR TEAMS

This is a time for New Year wishes, and I’ve made a few for those in our local athletic community.

My first wish goes to Crestview High School football Coach Tim Hatten and his Bulldog team. I wish for the Bulldogs a smooth transition into the new District 2-6A. May the move be one of few turnovers and many wins for years to come.

My next wish is for Laurel Hill School’s baseball team and Coach Ronnie Smith. I wish for the Hoboes a few more players and a few more wins. I wish them quick bats and strong arms, as well as success on and off the field.

Staying with Laurel Hill, I wish Laurel Hill's boys basketball team a win over rival Paxton. It has been a tough few years watching the Bobcats take down Laurel Hill, game after game, but I think the Hoboes are close to once again getting the upper hand.

I share the same wish for Crestview’s boys and girls basketball teams.

Simply put, I wish the Bulldogs more long runs through the state playoffs.

MORE CHAMPIONSHIPS

I wish Baker's volleyball team a 13th consecutive district championship. I think the players are in place to do just that.

I wish Baker's girls basketball team the same success enjoyed by the volleyball team. I wish first-year Baker boys basketball coach Janavor Weatherspoon a long and successful stay with the Gators.

My wish for Crestview's softball team is to have a coach who will be with the team more than one year.

My wish for the Gator football team is a third consecutive district title and a run for a state championship.

Finally, I wish all of you a safe and happy new year.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: My 2015 wish list

HAPPENINGS: Making practical resolutions for 2015

Written by archive on December 24, 2014. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

The New Year is upon us — time to make resolutions!

But too many resolutions made are never put into practice. Here is my list. I believe that it is practical, and that I can keep these resolutions all year long.

I resolve to:

•Spend more time with loved ones. Day-to-day responsibilities keep me from spending the time I want with others, and one never knows what tomorrow may bring. I want to make the most of my relationships with loved ones and friends while I can.

•Spend more time walking with my adorable collies. All three of us need the exercise, and I love spending time with them and sharing them with the neighborhood.

•Spend more time in prayer and reading my Bible. When I study the Bible, I grow in my relationship with the Lord, and praying for others is a unique privilege. Prayer also strengthens my relationship with the Lord, molds me into His likeness and keeps me in tune with His will.

•Write more notes to relatives and friends, especially the elderly. We have elderly aunts and uncles that are homebound; when I call them, they tell me how much they love getting a handwritten note or letter.

•Smile and laugh often. According to health experts, this helps relieve stress.

•Talk more with strangers — they may turn into friends.

•Sing more, using my musical gifts to glorify the Lord.

•Take more photographs and get them into scrapbooks.

•Eat as healthy as possible. I love vegetables but need to add more fruits to my diet. I will try to have a rainbow of colors at every meal — not just my beloved raw carrots and salads. I will avoid processed foods, and add more lean protein.

I wanted resolutions that I would actually put into practice and follow through. My prayer is that the kindness displayed throughout the Christmas season will continue into the new year and that we will go out of our way to be helpful and patient with one another.

Life would be more pleasant if we all treated each other the way we want to be treated. A little kindness and patience go a long way.

With that said here are some North Okaloosa happenings:

•Crestview's Sister City, Noirmoutier, France, will celebrate 20 years of friendship May 6-13, 2015. The two cities will commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Noirmoutier's liberation at the end of World War II. Participants pay just for transportation to and from Noirmoutier and membership dues in the Sister City group.

Contact Pam Coffield, 682-8437, or Brian Hughes, 603-2584, for details. Reservations for the trip must be made before Dec 31.

This is a chance for a vacation on a beautiful French island and to make some new friends.

•New Year's Eve activities: 6 p.m. Dec. 31, Central Baptist Church, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview.

•Watchnight Service: 7 p.m. to midnight, Dec. 31, Live Oak Baptist Church, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Crestview. Worship service will be at 11 p.m.

Wow, look at all that's happening in our community!

So back to New Year's resolutions: What is on your list? Share your vows for 2015 in the box below!

Have a Happy, Healthy New Year full of blessings.

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 and activities of public interest>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: Making practical resolutions for 2015

Memories of Christmases past

Written by archive on December 23, 2014. Posted in columns, Sports.

Another year is quickly winding down.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and it is a time to celebrate so much we hold dear.

As you read my Christmas ramblings I’m in DeLand spending a few days with my mother, two of my sisters and several nieces, a nephew and great nieces and nephews.

Yes, the family is constantly expanding, or so it seems.

If I close my eyes and squeeze them tight enough I can go back to another time and place when there was much more life ahead of me than behind me.

My Christmas memories are filled with faith, family, more faith and more family.

Yes, my parents let us know about Santa Claus, but they made sure we knew that Christmas is the birthday of King Jesus.

We opened our family gifts on Christmas Eve and on Christmas morning we woke up to find Santa’s gifts under the tree. One of my earliest Christmas memories is from the early 1960s. It snowed in Memphis, Tenn., that year and when I saw the footprints of my parents and grandparents in the snow I knew that was the path Santa walked.

I believe I received my first football that snowy Christmas day more than 50 years ago. It seemed as if every few years I got a football or basketball for Christmas. Santa must have magically heard I lost a ball or one was wearing out from constant usage.

There would be electric football and baseball games and Hot Wheels to fill my Christmas mornings.

As I got older the excitement of Christmas was often too much for me and I became an expert at snooping for my gifts. One such occasion, when I was in the ninth grade, ended up with a story that has become part of our family lore.

One of my sisters caught me snooping and stuck her finger nails in my arm trying to get me to put down the gift. When negotiations failed, I put down the gift and realizing I had a free hand, I popped her in the mouth.

No teeth were lost, but stitches were required and my young life passed before me several times that day waiting for my dad to come home from work

Forty-two years later I’ll be the first to admit I should have been punished for my actions. But as Dad carefully weighed the situation he showed me mercy with a stern warning that it would be in my interest never to never again hit one of my sisters.

That Christmas season I learned about mercy, which is not getting what we deserve.

Christmas to me is about grace, mercy and love, which encompass the message of the angels of “Peace on earth. Good will to all men.” I believe we all desire those things and they are found in Bethlehem’s Baby.

Merry Christmas everyone.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Memories of Christmases past

PULPIT: Consider the power of Christmas

Written by archive on December 22, 2014. Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

Thursday brings the most anticipated holiday of the year: Christmas.

It is amazing the power this day has over individuals and cultures. You have observed, and probably participated in, recent weeks' frenzy of activities.

You have witnessed shopping sprees, dinners and parties, Christmas carols sung by groups and individuals, and homes and businesses being decorated.

You have observed the increase of generosity as Christmas Day approaches, along with donations to special funds, to food kitchens and clothing banks, and to families and persons in need. The power of one day.

There is an attempt to make each Christmas season more special than the last. There is a passion to spread joy, happiness, and good cheer. There is a desire to see children smile with delight.

All this because of a little baby born in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. Remembering this baby's birth has great power — so much that it brought World War I to a standstill in many places along the front.

Remembering this baby's birth has so much power that sworn enemies have been able to reconcile their differences, broken relationships have been healed and loneliness has been replaced by a sense of belonging.

This year, as in previous years, many people will attend one of numerous Christmas Eve worship services. They will take a moment to pause and reflect on the meaning of this baby’s birth before continuing with the frenzy of gift exchanges on Christmas Day.

Let me encourage you to not be so carried away in the whirlwind of activity on Christmas Day that you forget the message you heard in worship on Christmas Eve.

Remember the power of one day.

Who is this tiny baby born in Bethlehem? Christ, the Lord.

Merry Christmas!

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: PULPIT: Consider the power of Christmas

CROSE: Christmas season brings joy to humankind

Written by archive on December 17, 2014. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

Joy is in the air. Every place I go in our fair town, people are happy, smiling, and kindness prevails.

I was at the post office and the line was horrendous, yet people were chatting with one another, happy and helping each other.

The Christmas season seems to bring out the good in humankind.

I hope that you are experiencing the joy of this season and sharing goodwill with others. I have attended lovely cantatas, living nativities, choir and band programs, and have been dazzled by this town's talent.

I am also enjoying the wonderful aromas from the baking that gets done this time of year. We will be having ham with all the trimmings, sweet potatoes and green bean casserole, as well as pumpkin and cranberry nut breads.

However, while all those things are good, the true meaning of Christmas is summed up in these passages:

•Matthew 1:21, "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins."

•Luke 2:11 "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

With that said, here's what's coming up in our area:

•Live Nativity: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 19, 20 and 21, Central Baptist Church, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. Freewill offering.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHRISTMASTIME SERVICES:

•6 p.m. Dec. 21, St. Mark United Methodist, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Children & Family Candlelight (also at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 24 and 3 p.m. Dec. 24)

•4 p.m. Dec. 24, Emmanuel Baptist, 3252 E. James Lee Blvd., Family Contemporary

•4 p.m. Dec. 24, First United Methodist, 599 Eighth Ave, Family, Candlelight & Communion

•4:30 p.m. Dec. 24, St. Mark United Methodist, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Contemporary Candlelight

•5 p.m. Dec. 24, Emmanuel Baptist, 3252 E. James Lee Blvd., Family Contemporary

•5 p.m. Dec. 24, Our Lady of Victory Catholic, 550 Adams Drive, Christmas Eve Mass

•5:30 p.m. Dec. 24, Church of the Epiphany Episcopal, 424 Garden St., Carol Sing

•6 p.m. Dec. 24, Church of the Epiphany Episcopal, 424 Garden St., Candlelight, Eucharist

•6 p.m. Dec. 24, Central Baptist, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Traditional, Candlelight

•6 p.m. Dec. 24, First Baptist, 850 N. Pearl, Traditional Christmas Eve

•6 p.m. Dec. 24, First Presbyterian, 492 N. Ferdon Blvd., Family Candlelight

•6 p.m. Dec. 24, First United Methodist, 599 Eighth Ave., Traditional Candlelight & Communion

•6 p.m. Dec. 24, Lifepoint, 400 S. Ferdon Blvd., Family Contemporary, Candlelight

•6 p.m. Dec. 24, Live Oak Baptist, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Candlelight

•6 p.m. Dec. 24, St. Mark United Methodist, 2250 PJ Adams, Traditional, Candlelight & Communion

•6 p.m. Dec. 24, Woodlawn Baptist, 824 N. Ferdon Blvd., Traditional Christmas Eve

•7 p.m. Dec. 24, Our Savior Lutheran, 171 W. North Ave., Traditional, Candlelight

•7:30 p.m. Dec. 24, Our Lady of Victory Catholic, 550 Adams Drive, Christmas Eve Mass

•11 p.m. Dec. 24, First Presbyterian, 492 N. Ferdon Blvd., Reflective Candlelight

Midnight, Our Lady of Victory Catholic, 550 Adams Drive, Christmas Eve Mass

•10 a.m. Dec. 25, Our Lady of Victory Catholic, 550 Adams Drive, Christmas Day Mass

•10 a.m. Dec. 25, Our Savior Lutheran, 171 W. North Ave., Christmas Day Service

•New Year's Eve activities: 6 p.m. Dec. 31, Central Baptist Church, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview.

•Watchnight Service: 7 p.m. to midnight, Dec. 31, Live Oak Baptist Church, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Crestview. Worship service will be at 11 p.m.

If you see me on my jaunts around town, please wish me a "Merry Christmas."

I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas full of the Lord's abundant blessings. Enjoy this time with your family and friends.

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 and activities of public interest to NorthOkaloosaHappenings@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Christmas season brings joy to humankind

SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: A legacy of sports

Written by archive on December 16, 2014. Posted in columns, Sports.

I am, and always have been, a baseball-football fan first. I love the outdoors and fresh air, whether in the spring for a baseball game or fall for a football game.

I love the smells of hamburgers and hot dogs cooking on a grill and anticipation of enjoying stadium food for both sports.

I associate football with time my dad and I shared watching the New Orleans Saints or our beloved Tennessee Volunteers.

I only played two years of high school football, but it stuck with me like a special love of youth. No matter how strong the other loves you have in your life might be, that young love is forever a part of your being.

I love baseball for it, too, was a special love in my youth and there are memories shared with Dad. Baseball also was my bond with my Grandaddy Dickson. He only had room in his heart to love one sport: baseball was that game.

Baseball was the love of my early childhood that can never be replaced. In my mid-50s, I’m still drawn to the sound of bat on ball and the chatter of a lively team taking infield.

I also feel a special bond with basketball.

Basketball was a game my dad and I could play one-on-one. On the old asphalt courts of Gulf Breeze High School and Gulf Breeze Middle School, we tested each other in battles of mind and body.

Basketball also was my first organized sport when I was in the second grade. I played for Highland Heights Baptist Church in a church league in Memphis, Tenn., some 49 years ago.

I don’t remember much about my first basketball team. I do remember we won our first game, 66-6. I also remember getting into that game and making my first interception or steal of an opponent’s pass.

That’s when I learned what traveling was as I tucked the ball under my arm and ran toward the goal deteremined to make a basket.

I was never the heroic athlete, but I did have one or two moments. In youth league baseball, I broke up a no-hitter and made a game-winning catch.

My name never filled the headlines or storylines of the local paper, but I played for love of the game.

I’ve heard the roar of the crowd — definitely more for my teammates than for myself, but that’s OK because I’ve known the joy of being a part of a team and receiving a legacy from my dad and granddad that I’ll carry with me as long as I live.

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: A legacy of sports

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