Opinion

Toadstool Incognito by Carolyn Tucker

Leave a comment

Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

 

As I backed the Chrysler out of the garage, I looked to my left and saw a piece of trash in the pasture that had blown across the fence.  When I returned home, I spotted it again but didn’t bother to take the time to retrieve it. After a couple more days of repeating this scenario, it finally dawned on me what I was actually seeing. As I walked toward the “trash” with my tape measure, I squatted down and measured an amazing 11”-diameter toadstool. Judging only by looks, things are not always what we think they are.

 

The next day, I had an entertaining conversation with my mother-in-law. It was Sunday and I had gone to the 9:30 a.m. service, returned home, ate lunch, and changed into work clothes because I wanted to pick up the sticks in my yard. But first, I grabbed my mother-in-law’s mail and headed to her house across the lane. When I entered the back door around noon, she looked at me and asked, “Didn’t you go to church today?“ I grinned and responded, “I went to the early service.” I don’t blame her for assuming I hadn’t gone to church because I looked like the grapes of wrath from the top of my head to my dirty tennis shoes. I was a Christian incognito — just like the disguised toadstool.

 

I’ve always been fond of the Old Testament account where the prophet Samuel is at Jesse’s place trying to find the right son to anoint as the next king of Israel. Like the rest of us, Samuel thought a king should have a certain “look” about him. “…Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, ’Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!’ But the Lord said to Samuel, ’Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’” (1 Samuel 16:6,7 NLT). (The heart is the center of our inner life, the place of thinking, feeling, and choosing.)

 

The outward appearance of a believer is all anyone can literally see. So we need to remember that our everyday born-again lifestyle needs to correspond with our born-again  heart that obeys God and loves others. It’s good protocol to do a self-checkup on our heart quite often. What kind of facial expressions do we carry around? Have you ever had someone ask, “Why are you looking at me like that?” I have, and it wasn‘t a compliment either. The Bible describes our facial expressions as our countenance. What’s in the heart will show up on the face. “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance…” (Proverbs 15:13 NKJV). And after Cain murdered his brother, “So the Lord said to Cain, ’Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?’” (Genesis 4:6 NKJV). Either way, your face will surely show it.

 

Just as Jesus taught His followers 2,000 years ago, we find that it’s still all about the heart. “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart” (Luke 6:45 NLT). At that time, the religious leaders were only concerned with outward appearances and were completely neglecting inward purity, which was/is a big “No No” to Jesus. He spoke to them bluntly, “…You are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy — full of greed and self-indulgence! …First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too” (Matthew 23:25 NLT).

 

The Key: Next time you wash the dishes, do your part and examine your heart.

Advertisements

AD: Help Wanted at Bandera Stone

Leave a comment

Bandera Stone is a natural stone quarrier and fabricator based
in Bourbon County since 1988. We operate a cut stone mill &
quarry in Redfield, a quarry near Bronson, and have recently
opened a showroom in Uniontown. We provide crushed rock to
farmers, ranchers & homeowners in the western half of the
county, and ship building stone throughout the United States.


We are continuing to expand and have IMMEDIATE OPENINGS for
FULL–TIME EMPLOYMENT, NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED.
We will provide training to operate a variety of stone fabrication tools and equipment. You will create products that last a lifetime and take pride as they are displayed and help beautify homes, businesses, parks & recreation facilities, public buildings and more in our local area and across the country.


We offer:
• Competitive Pay Rate
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• Health Insurance (BCBS—low cost to you, low $500 deductible)
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Work locations in Redfield & Bronson


APPLY: email your resume to [email protected] or call 620–223–3920 or in person at 103 3rd Street in Uniontown or 101 W 4th Street in Redfield.

K-State Extension

Healthy Cooking for the Holidays

Leave a comment

 

By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

 

What do you most look forward to about the holidays? For many, including myself, the answer may be holiday foods. Many families have incredible traditions centered on traditional foods that they only get to enjoy a few times each year. These holiday celebrations and traditions are important and should be cherished. At the same time, you may be wondering how you can make your traditional holiday recipes healthier.

 

Many favorite holiday foods, like pumpkin pie or green bean casserole, actually start with a healthy first ingredient. By focusing on that vegetable or fruit, you can reduce the large amounts of fats and sugar usually found in our traditional holiday recipes. To do this, consider switching from a traditional green bean casserole to a green bean sauté, from traditional mashed potatoes to yogurt mashed potatoes, from a traditional pumpkin pie to a crustless pumpkin pie, or from a traditional apple pie to slow cooker baked apples. Some of these recipes still contain more calories than we should regularly consume, but they are more healthful alternatives as compared to the traditional recipes because they increase the nutritional value and fiber while decreasing the calories, added sugar, and sodium.

 

With all of this, it is essential to highlight the importance of adapting this based on what is important to your family traditions and culture. There may be some recipes which are important for your family to enjoy as is. If this is the case, consider if you can make just one swap to a healthier recipe for a different item.

 

To learn more, consider attending my “Healthy Cooking for the Holidays” program at the Erie Library on November 16th at 10 AM. Attendees will dive deeper into this information and practice making one of the recipes. This program is free, but an RSVP is required by calling 620-365-2242.

 

For more information about healthy holiday cooking, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Firefighters Coming to the Library

Leave a comment
Submitted photos.


 
Storytime at Fort Scott Public Library will feature special guests from the Fort Scott Fire Department this Tuesday, November 8, at 10 am. Bring your young children to learn about firefighters and fire trucks with a touch-a-truck session, and then stay for stories, crafts, and snacks with Miss Val. Kids will also receive a plastic firefighter hat (while supplies last). 
Submitted photo.
 
Storytime is a weekly event, with remote options available. In-person storytimes are Tuesdays at 10 am, while virtual storytimes are posted on-demand, with curbside pickup options, on Thursdays at 10 am. For more information, contact Miss Val at [email protected]. Watch the FSPL Facebook page for upcoming events, and fill out this form to order a curbside storytime kit if you want to participate virtually: https://forms.gle/o9sGo4yxbK5jmVte9
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Nov. 4

Leave a comment

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

November 4th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

TROLLEY TOURS,

ON THE HOUR FROM THE CHAMBER!

Friday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturday 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under

50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott!

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Donations being accepted for Wreaths Across America through 11/22, click here for info.

11/4 ~ Elks Lodge Paint Night Class, click here for info.

11/5 ~ Battle at the Fort 14U Fastpitch Softball Tournament, Cullor Field, 2108 S. Horton St., starts 8am, click here.

11/5 ~ First Saturday Storytime at Hedgehog.INK! Book Store, Downtown Fort Scott, 10:30am, this Saturday featuring “Sing and Dance in your Polka Dot Pants”, 16 S. Main St.

11/5 ~ Care to Share Cancer Support Group Quarterly Meeting, 10:30am, 902 S. Horton.

11/5 ~ Paint & Pizza by Happy Snappy Art at Papa Don’s, 11am, click here for info.

11/5 ~ Chili Feed & Bake Auction at Fort Scott Christian Heights School, dinner 4-6pm, auction immediately after, click here.

11/6 ~ Breakaway Buckle Series @ Taylor Ranch, 2pm, click here for info.

11/6 ~ Mary Queen of Angels Fall Festival, Turkey Dinner & More, 4-6pm, Kennedy Gym

11/7 ~ FSCC Greyhound Great Reamon will be at the Greyhound Legacy Center, Downtown Fort Scott, 12pm-7pm, click here for info.

11/8, 11/10, 11/12 ~ FSHS presents The Addams Family School Edition, click here for info.

11/10 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by the VFW, 1745 S. National Ave.

11/10 ~ Kiwanis Pioneers Chili Feed, drive-thru only at First United Methodist Church, click here for info.

11/10 ~ Holiday Open House Shopping Event, Downtown & Around, 5-8pm, click here. See flyer below, hop & shop on the trolley as it goes store-to-store, 19 stores participating!

11/10 ~ Pizza Republic celebrates the US Marine Corps Birthday, all invited for a cutting of the cake ceremony at 7pm. See below for more info.

11/11 ~ American Legion Veterans Day Reverse Parade – Starts at Memorial Hall and routes around to Fort Scott school buildings, 9am.

11/11 ~ VFW Ceremony – All veterans, active duty, and the public are welcome to attend this event at the Fort Scott National Cemetery #1, 900 E. National Avenue, 11am.

11/11 ~ Immediately following the ceremony – VFW Luncheon, – Join us for lunch at VFW Post, 1745 S. National Avenue. Free-will donation is welcome.

11/11 ~ Memorials & Monuments Trolley Tour – Military monuments & memorials will be featured on this trolley tour in historic Fort Scott at 2pm on both Friday & Saturday, departing from the Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, 231 E. Wall Street.

11/11 ~ Military Meet & Mingle, Dinner & Auction – Veterans and active duty, plus friends & family will have the opportunity to meet and mingle at the VFW (1745 S. National Avenue). Discounts for veterans & active duty. 6pm dinner, Doors open at 7pm for Social Hour, 8pm Live Auction. Only 30 seats for dinner.

11/11 ~ Pizza Republic Presents Outlaw Jim and the Whiskey Benders, 8pm. The concert benefits the E3 Veterans Foundation. Suggested $5 donation. 17 S. Main St, Fort Scott.

11/11 ~ FSCC presents “All I Want for Christmas is Big Foot”, 7pm, click here for info.

11/12 ~ The Veterans Day 5k Fun Run starts at 8 AM. Includes a competitive 5k Run, a family fun 5k Run/Walk, or a 10k Challenge (3.2k Run, 1.8k Row and 5k Bike). Event proceeds to benefit local veteran’s organizations. For entry fees and more info visit: www.Facebook.com/SmallvilleAthletics.

11/12 ~ Memorials & Monuments Trolley Tour – Military monuments & memorials will be featured on this trolley tour in historic Fort Scott at 2pm on both Friday & Saturday, departing from the Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, 231 E. Wall Street.

11/13 ~ Holly Jolly Holiday Market, 9am-3pm, Buck Run Community Center. See below for more info.

SAVE THE DATE:

11/21 ~ FSMS Fall Extravaganza Shopping Event, 5-8pm

12/1 ~ Christmas Parade, click here for entry form or to register online.

12/3-4 ~ Candlelight Tours of the Fort Scott National

Historic Site, tickets now on sale by calling 620-223-0310.

12/3-4 ~ The Artificers 6th Annual Christmas Show

12/10 ~ Christmas in the Park, Gunn Park

12/9-23 ~ Christmas Light Trolley Tours, booking now! Tours each night at 5:45pm, 7pm, and 8:15pm! $8 adults, $5 kids, or book the whole trolley for $125 to tour with only your friends, family or co-workers!

_____________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

First Saturday Storytime @ Hedgehog.INK!

Mary Queen of Angels Fall Festival this Sunday

Holiday Open House coming November 10th

United States Marine Corps Birthday

Come for a Cake Ceremony at Pizza Republic

Pizza Republic presents Outlaw Jim

and the Whiskey Benders in concert!

VFW Activities ~ Veterans Day Weekend

Limited # of Steak Dinners Avail. for Friday Night

Holly Jolly Holiday Market ~ November 13th

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
…

Bourbon County Local News