Body IT’S A GREAT LIFE IF YOU DON’T WEAKEN I can’t count the times I heard the expression, “It’s a great life, if you don’t weaken” from both my grandmother and my mom.

Body Twenty-seven band students from Holdenville Junior and Senior High Schools will compete with 469 other bandsmen Saturday at Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, for positions in the All-District Bands.

Body Graduation time is here and students across the country are making decisions about their future. Many of them will start college but only half of those that start will graduate.

Body Seems my own version of ‘tough men,’ are rarely found any more, and the modern version of tough men are weak in comparison. Politically, today the phrase characterizes a person who fights for the causes he believes will benefit his people – or likely himself.

Body RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED AS LETTER TO THE EDITOR 4/1/23 I moved back to Hughes County three years ago to make this my forever home. This will be where my children and grandchildren come to celebrate holidays and build new memories of life on the farm.

Body Jim Priest is CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma and can be reached at jpriest@okgoodwill.org. My Dad passed away some years ago and I still miss him every day.

Body You’ve lived long enough to have heard a bunch of tired cliches and old sayings, I know. One of Andy’s favorites from an old friend is this; “Better hold your holt.” His meaning? Hold your holt…holding on for dear life to your faith in God.

Body The four gospels not only record the events of what is now known as the first Easter but also bring insight into the emotional impact of those events on the followers of Christ.

Body I recently celebrated a birthday in the hospital undergoing rigorous therapy for a busted hip. Now I am well, but I can’t whiz through the entrance to airports (like I might be flying) So now, I am older but apparently no wise.

Body Starla Smith is my new favorite Catholic, but she has refrained from trying to lure me into joining her at St. Teresa’s.