An Arkies Musings

Memorial Day is a day for remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. I have been fortunate enough to not have any close family members who died in the service of their country.  But as I think about how wartime affected some family members who served and how sad their lives ended, I have come to realize what they sacrificed to serve their country. A local hero that we remember on Memorial Day is Herbert A. Littleton. Littleton was a United States Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for falling on a grenade during the Korean War. He was born on July 1, 1930, in Mena, Arkansas. He enlisting in the Marine Corps Reserve on July 29, 1948, for a one-year term. After the outbreak of the Korean War, Littleton reenlisted in the Marine Corps. He went to Korea with the 3rd Replacement Draft, fighting in South and Central Korean operations from December 17, 1950 until his death. Littleton earned the nation's highest award...

Many Christian writers and speakers spend a lot of time focusing on the wrath of God and how He will torture sinners. I recently read an article by John Burton titled, "Is it Time for Hell Fire Preaching Again?" In the article he stated, "we need hell fire preachers to emerge and announce to the church and the world the reality of their situation and the measure of God's wrath and judgment that is coming. Contrary to popular belief a very real revelation of hell, of torment, is needed to draw people to the Lover of their souls." I can't agree with the idea that a very real revelation of hell, of torment, is needed to draw people to God. Instead I want to lift up a gentle God. In Matthew 11:29 Jesus describes himself this way. “Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives.” And in John 14:9  he says, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” Why would Jesus describe him...

My An Arkie's Faith column from the May 25, 2016, issue of The Mena Star. For the last ten years, I have participated in the Relay For Life of Polk County. This year’s event was held May,13-14 at Janssen Park. The past two years, rain has kept us from having Relay For Life in the park, but the weather was beautiful for this year's event. The Relay began at 6:00 pm when cancer survivors and caregivers kicked off the event by walking the first laps. After the special laps, Relay became one big party with each team having a site with food, games, activities, and items to purchase. There were lots of interesting characters taking laps around the track and some crazy activities going on. A luminaria ceremony at 9:00 pm illuminated the entire track as participants lit luminaria candles in memory of those who’ve lost the battle to cancer and in support for those still fighting the disease. Everyone maintained a respectful silence as the names on the luminaria were read. Pe...

My article from the May 18, 2016, issue of The Polk County Pulse Residents of Polk County made a giant step toward a cure for cancer on May 13th when they walked throughout the night during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Fifteen teams and more than two hundred volunteers came together during this year’s Relay to raise over $8,700, a new record for Relay For Life in its ten-year history here in Mena. Money raised during Relay For Life helps fund the American Cancer Society’s mission of eliminating cancer by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back. The Society is the largest nonprofit supporter of new cancer research and the largest voluntary health organization fighting cancer in our country and around the world. The Relay began at 6:00 pm at Janssen Park in Mena when cancer survivors and caregivers kicked off the event by walking the first laps. After the special laps, Relay became one big party with each team h...

Melanie Buck of The Polk County Pulse has graciously given me permission to post her article here at An Arkie's Musings Citizen of the Week from the May 18, 2016, issue of The Polk County Pulse Teresa Ashlock – Polk County Relay for Life Caregiver of the Year by Melanie Buck © Melanie Buck/Pulse Multi-Media Teresa Ashlock was honored as the Polk County Relay for Life Caregiver of the Year on Friday, May 13, 2016, in Janssen Park among her friends, family, and peers. Ashlock’s surprise was apparent as the recipient was announced by Debbie Welch of Polk County Relay for Life. Originally from Mena, she now lives in Waldron, but has spent many hours on the road in between. Ashlock has taken on clients as a home health aide in the area, including her own mother. However, her story truly begins with her son. As a young single mother, Ashlock first began caring for her son, who was born with cerebral palsy. “It was a long road and I needed help. I know what it’s like ...

My An Arkie's Faith column from the May 18, 2016, issue of The Mena Star. Have you ever wondered about the origins of Mother’s Day? It seems like something that has just always existed, but it has only been in existence for a little over 100 years. Our family had a lovely Mother’s Day weekend. My wife prepared an excellent meal on Saturday, and we spent the day with my Mom and Dad along with friends. We got together on Mother’s Day with my Mom and Dad, and my sister and her daughter. After a tasty lunch at Papa’s Mexican Cafe, we took my Dad’s 1933 Plymouth to Janssen Park for a family photo shoot. It was a pretty day, and we enjoyed our time together. I hope that you had a good Mother’s Day. I know that what was most important to my Mom and my wife was hearing from their kids. According to the major phone carriers, there are more phone calls made on Mother’s Day than on any other day of the year. Over 2 billion dollars were spent on flowers for Mom this year and more ...

What more could you want than raising money for an excellent cause at an all-night party with plenty of love, support, and entertainment while fighting cancer?  Cancer touches everyone: there is no one in Polk County that has not either had cancer or had relatives, coworkers, or friends suffer from the disease. The 2016 Relay For Life of Polk County was held May,13-14 at Janssen Park. The past two years, rain has kept us from having Relay For Life in the park, but the weather was beautiful for this year's event. Fifteen teams raised over 8,200.00 during the all-night event; a new record for Relay For Life in its ten-year history here in Mena. As the Relay event starts we honor our survivors and caregivers with special laps around the track followed by a team lap when every volunteer from every team is circling the track behind their team banner. After the special laps, Relay becomes one big party with each team having a site with food, games, activiti...