Opinion
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 96
By 
Pastor's Corner: The best is yet to come
How many of you have somebody in your life that you can say you look up to? It may be a parent, an athlete, actor, teacher, world leader or anybody else in or around your life. Sometimes we try to pat...
Couch's Corner: You bring the ideas, we'll try to implement them
One of the great things about being your county supervisor is the chance it gives me to hear your ideas and help implement them, when feasible. Three current examples of this come to mind, which I will share with you here. We can’t always...
Pastor's Corner: A daily dose of Proverbs is a good idea
“If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small.” Proverbs 24:10 Don’t you just cringe when you read some of Solomon’s pithy yet profound nuggets of truth in the Wisdom book of...
Pastor's Corner - Aug. 27,2020
Covid-19, civil unrest, political unrest, earthquakes, fires, division, corruption, fear, hate, riots, wars, explosions, killer insects, unemployment, suicide, child trafficking – Welcome to the reality of 2020 in just eight months! Do we have a...
Pastor's Corner: Being thankful
As the month of September is getting closer, our thoughts often go to the “normal” events of the fall season, such as school, gathering around a table of food with family and friends at Thanksgiving, football games galore, and, hopefully, a good...
Pastor's Corner: Need to get deep?'
How many of you have ever heard somebody say, "I want to hear something deep in church. I need to get deep?" If you have never been to church and heard this statement that is OK. We are here for you....
Pastor's Corner: Have faith in God
Most everyone will agree that these are turbulent and uncertain times that we live in. 2nd Timothy 3:1 calls it perilous times, or hard, difficult, grievous, and fierce times. Many people are fearful...
Pastor's Corner: The struggle makes the victory sweet
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 Have you ever come against a struggle, a roadblock, or a seemingly insurmountable obstacle? Of course, you have if you...
Pastor's Corner: Serving during the uncertainty of a deadly pandemic
This last Sunday we heard the parable of the mustard seed; “the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants… and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches” (New American Bible Matt 13:31-32). Perhaps...
Couch's Corner - Victims deserve justice
In the aftermath of the George Floyd killing, folks started saying things like “defund the police.” In the aftermath of the gang-related killing of 11-year-old Makaliah Osomo and 12-year-old Elayna Saidee of Delano July 2, I hope those...
Pastor's Corner: Faith conquers fear
Fear: "An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat" (The Oxford Dictionary) Faith: "Confidence or trust in a person or thing."...
Pastor's Corner: Let others help with your load
Like many of you, I enjoy the outdoors, and one of my favorite things to do is hiking and backpacking. Our church has an annual backpacking trip each summer in the Kaiser Wilderness to an area called Twin Lakes. Along the way we see some beautiful...
Editor's Note: For fireworks, leave it to the pros
It is that time of year again. The weather is warming, trees and plants are needing to drink more water to keep that green hue, and there are the sounds of bombs bursting in air. No, you are not in do...
Pastor's Corner: Don't focus on what doesn't matter
Have you ever thought to yourself, “Why did God create me with stinky armpits?” Maybe it’s just me. But I have often wondered what purpose armpit odor has. Before i give you my answer, let me...
Couch's Corner: Cooling center open in Shafter
With the summer months starting to get into full swing and triple-digit temperatures heading to the Fourth District, our office is pleased to announce that cooling centers will be open again this summer. Please see the attached information below. Our...
Pastor's Corner: Build on the good stuff
“Few men during their lifetime come anywhere near exhausting the resources dwelling within them. There are deep wells of strength that are never used.” --Admiral Richard E. Byrd Born in the later...
Pastor's Corner: The Prince of Peace is in control
How true the Bible is when it said in the last days perilous times shall come.This is a time of uncertainty in many lives. People are battling stress and pressure as they try to support their...
Couch's Corner: We want the same thing
Recent events have demonstrated that we are still a divided nation. It does not have to be this way in Kern County. In my years of political experience, I have seen and talked to folks from all over the county. I have heard from them what matters,...
Pastor's Corner: Reopening our world after a few lessons
By the time you read this I’m hopeful that we will be on our way in the final stages of reopening our nation and world! Who would have ever thought the entire world would go through what we have been in recent months. I can’t help but wonder...
Pastor's Corner: Let light replace the darkness
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” --Martin Luther King, Jr. Like most of you, I have been watching, reading, and...
Pastor's Corner: Despite changes, God is still in control
I have heard it said that the only constant in the world is change. I have never found that to be any truer than this year. I know I had big plans and high expectations when the calendar flipped to...
Editor's Note: Remember those who sacrificed
On this Memorial Day, it seemed kind of surreal. In my lifetime, we have been involved in the Vietnam War, the wars in the Middle East and several events on our homefront, including government buildin...
Pastor's Corner - May 21,2020: Pandemic, politics and ping pong balls
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34 Solomon in all his wisdom hit the nail on the head with this nugget of truth, didn’t he? The Psalmist said...
Pastor's Corner - May 14, 2020
Wow, how quickly life can change! Not that many weeks ago we heard about “COVID-19” on the news, and now we’re a part of that news. Like you, I’ve been observing a variety of reactions throughout our local area, nation and the world. In some...
EDITOR'S NOTE | Jamie Stewart To work or not to work
With this pandemic still in the headlines, and the Governor’s stay at home order still in place, people are getting antsy to get back outside, living their lives fully, without hinderances. Well, I...
