View From the Sideline

I grew up around the softball diamond.My family spent most weekends at the ballfield. My sister played on various all-star teams throughout the years and we would pack the family in the minivan and spend many a Friday, Saturday and Sunday watching softball games.Her teams were good.

Beth’s Bits

This last weekend, which is also Fathers’ Day, is usually the weekend of two town celebrations and a family reunion. Needless to say, as a newspaper owner, work deems we do the town celebration in our county. My hometown celebrated 150 years this weekend. Happy 150th Cambridge, Nebraska!

I have the greatest job in the world

I have to say that I have the greatest job in the world. No, not as a newspaper owner (don’t get me wrong, I love what I do), but I am talking about being a dad.As a dad, I get to mold my four — soon to be five — kids to be productive members of society.

Nebraskans could final say in state’s abortion laws

Have you been to the grocery store or courthouse lately and been approached in the parking lot by not one, but two people seeking signatures on initiative petitions concerning abortion rights?Confused? You’re not alone.

Fathers and families

The late great Paul Harvey enjoyed pointing out the obvious on his daily radio broadcasts. For instance he once reported there was one day of the year when most of the long-distance phone calls were made—Mother’s Day. The day with the most collect longdistance calls was Father’s Day!

What is your legacy?

This past week two dear Christian people passed away that we knew well. It got me thinking as to what do I want to be known for.Clarice was a dear woman who will be remembered for using her home as a mission field. She invited so many people in for coffee and shared the gospel.

The gift of time

One week before Father’s Day my daughter asked me what I wanted as a gift for the holiday. There was a commercial on TV about giving dads something other than a necktie, but I can’t remember what the commercial was trying to sell. I thought about it for a moment. I have everything I need.

The untold story behind D-Day

On June 6th, 1944, the land, air, and sea forces of the Allied stormed the beaches of Normandy to dislodge German troops from the French coast and ultimately liberate western Europe. D-Day marked the beginning of the end of World War II.But it almost didn’t happen.

Thoughts on leaving home

As Daniel Boone’s mother told her young son, “A boy will remain a boy until it becomes necessary for him to become a man.” As you soon leave home an avalanche of challenges and decisions will lie before you. Your character will be tested.

Playing ‘Name that Tune’ with a two-year-old

I’ve always been a bit of a child at heart.When I was the editor of a daily newspaper in Indiana I decorated my walls with superhero signs. My bookshelf was not filled with books, rather I had four shelves of bobble head statues.