Category Archives: Opinions
A good reason to smile
With all the negative, questionable and just plain bad news out there lately, I’ll take 
good news anywhere I can find it.
And one place is the website Good News Network (www.goodnewsnetwork.org). GNN, started in 1997, currently has 21,000 good news stories from around
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Why we must join hands in service
In a time marked by noise, division and digital overload, the quiet power of serving 
others in your own community might just be the most radical thing you can do.
My wife and I decided to move to Seneca in 2019 because we were looking at leaving a legacy for an area that we grew to love during our vacations here. We have found it right here in the Pickens/Oconee area. The connections that we are forging continue to grow as we tackle the local problems and find partner-led solutions, whether it’s food shortage, illiteracy,
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Courier Letters to the Editor 7-30-25
Captive audiences
Dear Editor,
One someone was talking about a high school graduate that gave his testimony about believing in God during his graduation speech. This person was angry, saying that the graduate had a “captive audience.” I don’t see how that could have been, since there were no barbwire-topped walls surrounding the site of the graduation. No guards walking around with shotguns and German shepherd dogs patrolling.
Anyone who was offended and wanted to could have simply walked out. The biggest hurt you can put on a speaker or entertainer is simple enough. Get up slowly, silently go
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Fearless warriors do not hide under the bed
It’s not really a secret about there being such a thing as good and evil. Yes, I know for every statement there is a counter argument, as even a few people deny the earth is
round. But, generally speaking, the masses are to some degree aware of the good God, bad devil concept. Within the Christian faith, it’s believed that God is infinite, perfect, represents the light and everything good, and is in total control of all things. On the dark side, Satan is a destructive spiritual entity who works around the clock trying to disrupt God’s plans. This includes unleashing a relentless barrage of damaging attacks and evil influences against the human race. What do you
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Baptism: What does the Bible say?
Matthew 3:11 “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. But he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you 
with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”
As with many subjects connected to Biblical teachings, baptism is as disagreed on as much as any. Such subjects seem to attract personal opinion and notions. Speculations are good in some areas but not when God gives us specifics.
Revelation 22:18 “For I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Marking a faith writing milestone
I wanted to take a moment to say how much I appreciate you, the reader, for taking time each week to read “Living On Purpose.” I’ve written sermons, songs and books, for more than 40 years, but only started this faith column on January 2016.
Each of my columns have file numbers, and as several editors have noticed, this week is No. 500. It’s hard to believe that 10 years has gone by so quickly. We know that
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
The Israel sequence
Matthew 27:24-25 “When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.”
There seems to be a great deal of confusion in the world concerning Israel. Around five billion of the world’s population is dead set against Israel but
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Van Yandell is a retired industrial arts teacher, an ordained gospel evangelist and commissioned missionary. He can be reached at vmy2121@outlook.com.
Courier Letters to the Editor 7-23-25
Saitta gives update to city council
Dear Editor,
I recently gave this update at a Pickens City Council meeting.
The Pickens County Courthouse has been overcrowded for a while, so last fall the county purchased the Carolina Investors building on Garvin Street.
The plan is to move the Department of Juvenile Justice, Probation, Parole and Pardons,
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Heroes without capes or superpowers
We hear a lot about heroes these days. Accomplished athletes are admired as idols for throwing around a ball, while actors in blockbuster movies portray individuals who can fly and use their incredible powers to save the universe.
However, in the real world, it’s encouraging to know there are humble and hardly noticed genuine heroes all around us. Without a desire to be praised or even
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Courier Letters to the Editor 7-16-25
VA officer election debacle
Dear Editor,
I want to personally thank Rex Rice and the Pickens County Legislative Delegation for showing me what democracy actually looks like.
Walt Carter garnered 51 votes to John Hembree’s 48 votes.
But he didn’t win, according to the wise folks who govern us. Since they can no longer count votes in a “smoke-filled room” and elect whomever they decide, they now say if the election has a low turnout and the vote is close, they get to choose who won.
Isn’t that nice?
How many decisions have been made with ONE vote to make a majority? Maybe Rex Rice and his colleagues should read more American history. They don’t even have to crack a book. Just turn on the TV and see how a recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” managed to become law.
But they appear to be a law upon their own and ignore the wishes of the veterans who actually voted.
Did Mr. Rice or any of his colleagues vote? Or have they managed to be “Big Beautiful Citizens” without ever serving their country in uniform?
Did they ever get shot at trying to protect “one man, one vote?”
And Mr. Hembree has demonstrated his absolute lack of integrity by even accepting the position he now holds.
The hypocrisy in this whole situation is mind-boggling.
David Peart
1 Lt. Infantry
Marietta
