Ponderings by Dan Ponder

It is my 70th time to usher in a new year.  For the early part of my life, it was just another date, punctuated by fireworks and parties.  Later, it was a time to share with other couples, celebrating our growing families and burgeoning careers.   New Year’s Eve has brought black tie dinners, old…

At a time of the year when everything around us speaks to the holiday season, it is hard to admit that sometimes it can be a challenging time as well.  During our Renew Sunday School class this past Sunday, we discussed how difficult the Christmas season can be for some.   Who among us has…

This is the 15th year that I have written a Thanksgiving column.  Almost all of those years it was published the week following the Thanksgiving holiday.  The reason is simple.  I wanted to write with the emotion that is part of being surrounded by family at this uniquely American holiday.   Not before the fact,…

Apologies to my Bama and Ole Miss friends if I talk about college football this week.  If you are an Auburn fan, this was the week we have been patiently waiting for.  After a season of last-minute losses and disappointing results, the Tigers finally closed a game. The game against the Aggies of Texas A&M…

My mother, Jobie Ponder, loved by all who know her, was recently diagnosed with a mass that was later confirmed to be Stage 3 colon cancer.  It is a big deal for anyone, but it is especially a big deal when you are approaching 93 years old. Thanks to my sister’s longtime doctor, further tests…

Christians around the world are familiar with this famous hymn.  It is a song sung by the angels attending the throne of God.  Their words are meant to cheer, a joyful shout of thanks and praise to God.   The words have been chanted and sung around the world since the days of Isaiah, seven…

As I write this column it is finally Election Day 2024.  It is the hardest deadline for a weekly newspaper.  The polls are just opening on the East Coast and the counting of mail-in ballots has started in many states.  It is predicted to be the closest election in our lifetime, though we have seen…

This is the last column I will write before Election Day.  It seems I should write something about politics, probably the presidential election.  After all, every ad that can be bought lists the faults of one candidate or the other.  I get texts and emails that are filled with disinformation that was sent from who…

For the past several months Mary Lou and I have attended a couple of weekly classes aimed at finding some comfort during the turmoil of this election season.  As a student of politics my entire life, I am very concerned about this presidential election in general and its effect on our country in particular. More…

After a lifetime of waiting, it quietly arrived.  I did not find it in my mailbox.  Instead, I happened to check my online bank account and there it was.  On October 14, 2024, I received my first deposit from Social Security.   In some ways I wished I had received a paper check.   Something…