Beech Tree News Network

When Garey and I returned from spending a week at our daughter’s house in Louisiana, I noticed our Christmas tree had decided to take a nap on the living room floor.  I was sure my cats, Brother and Sister, were as surprised as I was…Not!  I would recognize their handiwork anywhere.  “Well, that is one difference in my pets and Nikki’s.  Rabbits can’t climb trees,” I thought.

Questions can be helpful tools when teaching people. Jesus knew the power of questions and asked them often when He taught folks. Let us look at two questions Jesus asked and make some applications to ourselves.

Per the Bluegrass Institute Center for Open Government, Gov. Andy Beshear wants to reopen the state’s budget to spend more than $112 million on 39 “community development” projects. Reelection campaign, anyone?

My first edition of Under The Covers for 2023 begins with a song called “Soldier of Love (Lay Down Your Arms)”.  It is a 1962 song written by Buzz Cason and Tony Moon.  Originally recorded by soul arti

“If all the world is a commodity, how poor we grow.  When all the world is a gift in motion, how wealthy we become.”  Robin Wall Kimmerer made that statement in her book, BRAIDING SWEET GRASS.  Robin is a Native American Indian, a member of the Potawatomi Nation.  She is also a scientist, a botanist and a professor.  Those titles have not taken away the lessons she learned as a Native American Indian.  Her education and training have instead bolstered the lessons learned from her elders and the earth itself.  The knowledge that the earth is a gift to be shared.

The above question was asked by an Ethiopian many years ago. As Philip preached Christ to him (Acts 8:35), they came to a certain water, and “the eunuch said, See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized? … and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him” (Acts 8:36-39). The question the eunuch asked is still valid. What is preventing you from being baptized?

Short session years are intended to evaluate previously enacted policies and address any necessary legislative clean-up.

Happy New Year!

I tend to associate a new year with a fresh start – an opportunity for a new beginning. Since many of us make personal changes this time of year, I want to share three thoughts. They relate to brokenness, deciding not to stay in that place, and the work required to move forward. 

Next year, I might hire someone to decorate my house for Christmas.  I just can’t seem to pull it off.  I think it’s because I have too many different parts with no real theme.  I’ve always been like this.  I’m not sure if it’s because I have truly eclectic tastes or if it’s because I’m indecisive.  I can’t settle on one theme, so I use everything I have.