Psalm 23:3 In the summer of 2019, Lifeway, the publishing arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, did some research, and declared that 250 pastors were leaving the ministry every month in the United States. That was before Covid, before the world went crazy, and churches and school shut down. That was before the world we live in now. I wonder if that number is larger now. My guess is: it is.
Name the first thing that comes to mind when you read this question: What scent from childhood can you still recall that makes you smile? There is a broad spectrum of answers: Play-Doh, crayons, freshly cut grass, grandpa’s pipe tobacco, Old Spice, bacon, honeysuckle, Rose Milk body lotion, and so on.
Dear Dr. Roach: I’ve had a leaky aortic valve for approximately six years. I recently had an echocardiogram using Doppler. The last test I received was three years ago, which came back with a reading of mild-to-moderate aortic regurgitation. It initially started out as mild, then increased to mild-to-moderate in 2019. My test results for 2022 came back as a mild decrease in the severity of aortic insufficiency: The result stated that there was just a “trace” of transvalvular regurgitation. I am 69 and slim. The changes I’ve made over the three-year period include eating more vegetables and fruits, along with fish three times a week. I’ve increased my cardio training to six days a week (one hour daily) and continued weight training three times a week. My question is, can the valve improve on its own without any medication or surgery?
Dear Abby: I’m a 30-something bisexual man who is in a relationship with a bisexual woman the same age. We both lived different lives and dated a variety of people before we met, but now I am pretty certain she is The One. The issue arises when it comes to how others, particularly my parents and their friends, perceive us.
The second and final total lunar eclipse of the year graced the skies in some parts of the world Tuesday. The next one isn’t until 2025.
Dear Dr. Roach: My husband has a tumor in the right sinus of his face, and the biopsy results show that it is cancer of the salivary glands (adenoid cystic carcinoma). The oral surgeon says it will continue to grow and cause discomfort, and wants to remove part of his jaw and teeth to do reconstructive work. All this involves several weeks in the hospital and a lot of trauma. He says radiation won’t help. My husband is distrustful and says “surgeons just want to cut.” He wants to study all the options, including chemotherapy. The tumor has “migrated” into the upper roof of his mouth and is causing ear and jaw pain, as well as loosened teeth.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Before the pandemic, The Underground Kitchen was known for its glamorous, sold-out, $150-per-plate dinners from top chefs in secret locations.
In her cookbook “My Two Souths,” chef Asha Gomez added an intriguing twist to the classic chocolate cookie — Nutella. It was an innovative way to introduce nutty flavor to an otherwise straightforward chocolate cookie dough.
As the first European gateway to China, Macau became the center of Portugal’s massive maritime empire in the East. You can still taste the resulting mix of flavors.
Dear Dr. Roach: I’ve been seeing a man -- he’s 75, and I’m 77. He uses the blue pill; however, he can’t orgasm. I don’t want him to feel insecure if I were to ask him questions, so could you explain his problem to me? -- Anon.