At a farm in central Sampson County, troopers are perched atop meticulously manicured Percheron horses, a casket draped in the American flag in tow, training for a task they hope never to perform.

A simple caring desire to bring warmth turned into a heartfelt moment of giving between Sampson Partners and Southeastern Medical Oncology Center.

Just within the first few verses of Romans chapter fifteen, the apostle Paul pointed to several sources of strength and comfort for those who are weak, when they encounter the trials and tribulations of life. We wish to focus on the source Paul specified in the fourth verse. He wrote, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). We would not want to understate or minimize the importance of the help from our brethren, the avenue of prayer to the Father in heaven or even the secular help we might have as citizens of this country. Yet, we cannot over emphasize the great value of the written word when it comes to getting through the various trials of life.

The Apostle Paul, through the inspiration of Jesus Christ, says to us, “ I beseech you, therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” I confess, that this is a exhortation from The Lord that I have not quite followed and adhered to. And if you would be honest, I believe you would confess the same thing.

Have you hummed the tune of ‘Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen’ ? “For such a time as this”, when God’s Word, Jesus’ way, and the Holy Spirit’s stirrings fall on hardened hearts, we wonder what in the world are we to do? Where can we go for peace and protection, love and joy, hope and help in these troubled times? Can there be peace on earth and good will to people living across God’s creation? Song lyrics , found in old hymnals, direct us to the Source that gives peace, saves us from our sins, and shares where we go when our world is sinking in sin — from within. Those lyrics ring strong and clear for all God’s children to hear.

I recently shared this recipe on our At the Table series and it was a hit! My mom found this recipe in a cooking magazine and has been making it ever since. It’s hearty, comfort in a bowl and low-cost! It also utilizes legumes, which are loaded with protein and other great nutrients. Let me know if you give it a try! You can change up the smoked sausage for something leaner like chicken or turkey sausage, as well as ditch the butter and use olive oil if you are trying to watch your saturated fat intake.

MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive Board of Trustees has announced its decision to extend Dr. H. Edward Croom’s contract as president through June 30, 2028. The unanimous vote came during the board’s January meeting.

The University of Mount Olive has received an estate gift totaling over $1.6 million for endowed scholarships. The gift was from George Adrian Dail of Calypso, NC. So, who was George Adrian Dail, and why did he leave such a meaningful and transformative gift to the University of Mount Olive?

As Prestage Farms has grown into an agribusiness empire, one of its Human Resource pioneers has been there throughout that journey. Now, after three decades of service, Dennis Carter has retired, ending a career that saw him become one of the longtime faces of the locally-grown ag behemoth.