All in Columns
The National Retail Federation released its annual holiday forecast on November 6, predicting retail sales in November and December will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024. That figure translates into total spending between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion.
Bring in the holidays with your “tribe” of friends and family with some delicious and “mostly” healthy Holiday appetizers. Your guests will scoop up these tasty starters to give you energy to make to the big day!!
When Governor Josh Stein appointed Sonya Stocks Davis to the District Court bench, it was a proud moment for the Kinston/Lenoir County community. I knew Judge Davis' parents before I met her. Her father was Chester Stocks who helped to mold many 4-H youth for decades. Her mother is Mallie Stocks who broke the mold in community service by serving on so many boards and committees. Their dedication to Kinston must have rubbed off on their daughter.
I’m starting to understand all the Florida jokes. From fog that seemed unfazed by the sun to a power outage in a parking garage, my day was one long string of minor inconveniences that managed to feel much bigger than they were. It really did start with wearing the wrong shoes.
What DID Christmas look like around these parts 263 years ago, before the Revolution and our struggle for independence? At that time, this area was part of Dobbs County and pledged its allegiance to King George III.
Jane Fonda talked to Michelle Obama on her podcast about how she feels about dying. Jane has been famous for decades and had famous parents also. In the podcast, she spoke matter-of-factly about believing in living fully and accepting that one day this life as it is ends. Her attitude is one of logic.
If I had judged the year by how it began, I would have written it off before it even got started. January dragged me into 2025 while I was sick, exhausted, and quietly wondering if my body was about to fail me in a way I wasn’t prepared for. Nothing felt steady. Nothing felt hopeful. I thought I was bracing for the worst year of my life.
I stood in the kitchen of a centuries-old farmhouse northwest of London, England. My host was a man of means and had renovated this large home to be comfortable and modern. He pointed to the thick ceiling beam running the length of the room and, with a twinkle in his eye, said to me, “That beam is older than your country.” Indeed.
History aficionados will have an opportunity to visit the oldest structure in Kinston from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, when Historic Harmony Hall opens its treasures to interested members of the public.
Before Hickory Grove Church was built in 1860, and decades before their congregation was established, Bucklesberry had no local church. The few options available were miles away and required long commutes. In his 1810 profile of the physical and social infrastructure of Lenoir County, former Kinston Commissioner John Washington (1767-1827) noted there were only a handful of organized churches at the time, which in his words included:
It was a great day at the Lenoir County Farmers Market in downtown Kinston on November 22. The market hosted numerous extra vendors and special guests the Howard Sisters, Vivian Howard and Leraine Howard Tolston went Nuts! Each Chef shared a favorite recipe using nuts.
Years ago, I wrote a book as a project of PathChoice Ministry called "Let Him Find You." I used a platform called CreateSpace to write the book and design the cover. The cover is a scene of one of my favorite places to visit with visible ocean waves. After I wrote this book, Amazon acquired CreateSpace.
If I had judged the year by how it began, I would have written it off before it even got started. January dragged me into 2025 while I was sick, exhausted, and quietly wondering if my body was about to fail me in a way I wasn’t prepared for. Nothing felt steady. Nothing felt hopeful. I thought I was bracing for the worst year of my life.
The lyrics of an old hymn once common in churches were written by William D. Longstaff in 1882. “Take Time to Be Holy” emphasizes the importance of spending time in prayer and communion with the Lord. As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I think we also need to “Take Time to Be Thankful.”
Two dear, long-time friends called me recently to share that their close family members face cancer testing or treatment. I've known these friends for decades, and they are both very strong personalities. Yet, the scare of cancer caused their strength to shrink. I found myself reminding them that their very words to me were the exact words of prayers of conviction.
According to cranberry research, 73 % of Americans prefer their cranberry sauce jellied in the shape of a can and 54 % of Americans serve their sauce sliced along the ridges made by the can. I am one of those people, I enjoy my cranberry sauce sliced along the ridges. I am a firm believer that there is certainly room for both. Regardless of your favorite way to enjoy the tart treat on holidays, let’s not forget that cranberries are one of best fruits to have on the menu year-round, not only are they tasty, they are a great source of nutrients and antioxidants.
As an immigrant to America, I love the final six weeks of the year: this amazing national rhythm from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. A climax to every year it imparts four gifts: a day to give thanks, a season to reflect & anticipate (Advent), a joy-filled celebration of our Savior, and then a pivot to a new adventure in the New Year. While not every person celebrates each element, all four of these are the pathway we walk as a culture and country.
In the second half of 1775, Fort Johnson, North Carolina, was the scene of two major skirmishes between Continental and British soldiers and sailors. But the story of Fort Johnson began much earlier.
Fennel is one of the most underused vegetables in the fall, mostly since many people are only familiar with the form of the fennel seeds commonly found in spice blends. Most people are quite surprised when they actually first taste fresh fennel, its’ licorice like flavor takes some getting used to.
