Now that I have your attention, I will start by saying what a privilege it has been to lead the Daily Freeman-Journal throughout the past three or so years. (I picture Doug Getter up in heaven rolling his eyes; you may remember that was his response when I took over this position for what I ...

In the mail a few weeks ago I received an annual notice from the Dallas County Treasurer. It was time to renew our automobile license tags. We own two cars so the total amount due smacked this frugal Dutchman right between the eyes. Being a pragmatic guy and understanding that taxes and death ...

With only a week before Christmas, it’s time for the final purchases. Special gifts, special dinners, holiday parties….all these pieces make the season more stressful than anyone ever intended. Christmas is still a holy day in our calendar, but for many it is full of challenges. For many ...

Late in her life my paternal grandmother abandoned the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree in her home. An itinerant evangelist told her the tradition had pagan origins and therefore it was wrong for Christians to have a Christmas tree in their homes. My grandmother, a devout Christian, ...

In recent days the mailman has been bringing something besides bills, requests for contributions by charities and politicians and ads for hearing aids, cremation services and extended car warranties. Yes, the mailbox is now seeing Christmas cards. With the advent of email and the increasing ...

If the “wonder of the Christmas magic” seems missing, you are not alone. This weekend, the Webster City Ministerial Association is co-hosting the Blue Christmas service with Foster’s Funeral and Cremation Center and Boman’s Funeral Home. It’s a service I have attended and ...