Rich: What a year

A new year has begun, and this makes me very happy. Good riddance to 2025.The Good Book instructs, “Pride goeth before destruction.” My pride almost killed me this year.All my life, I have enjoyed good health. Yet, I never appreciated it as it is meant to be appreciated. In fact, I bragged about it.

Yarbrough: I wish I had been in Bethlehem

These words are dedicated to the memory of my late friend, Otis Brumby, Jr., publisher of the Marietta Daily Journal. He encouraged me to run this column each Christmas season. It is also dedicated to those who believe.I wish I had been there.In Bethlehem.

Stone: The soul of wit

Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.Ephesians 5:19-20I brought a copy of Charlotte’s Web home with me the next evening and began to read it to Chiyo the spider.

Rich: The story of Him

Years ago, a Harper-Collins editor called my agent.“Could we interest Ronda in writing about the strong faith of Southern women?” he asked. “My mother was Southern. I’ve never met a family more entrenched in the gospel than Mom’s.

Yarbrough: Attorney General Carr makes run for governor

I sat down recently with Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr to talk about his decision to run for governor. Carr will face off against the current Lt. Gov.

Stone: Chiyo’s web

From three to four, he planned to stand perfectly still and think of what it was like to be alive . . .From Charlotte’s Web by E.B. WhiteOn the day I met Chiyo, I was feeling low, like I was never going to amount to much of anything. And I was getting too old to defeat such thoughts.

Letter to the Editor: Affordability — a hoax?

Let the celebrations begin! Our fearless leader in the White House has informed us that affordability is nothing more than a Democratic hoax. What a relief!It’s comforting to know that the rising cost of housing, vehicles, and groceries exists only as a hoax.

Crane: A little advice for holiday travelers

Should I ever be offered a seat on Santa’s transcontinental sleigh, up front or in the jump seat, I’m in! However, as I still have to work at staying off the naughty list on occasion, I am more likely to be stuck in Comfort Plus, business, or coach during holiday travel.

Rich: Special occasions

I never knew my friend’s Aunt Elsie. Still, the valuable lesson she taught me will never be forgotten.Miss Elsie died a while back in her tiny Alabama town, having lived to be 81. Her grandest adventure happened over 30 years ago when she went to see a cousin in Memphis.

Smith: Holidays in New York

The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center came to life in New York last week, an image that was brought to life in dens and family rooms across the country — one of the highlights of the holiday season.