Make Your Voice Heard: Nominate Your Favorite Huntington Beach Restaurants in the 2026 Surf City USA® Foodie Awards!

Get ready, food lovers! The beloved Surf City USA® Foodie Awards are making their grand return on March 2, 2026! Our friends at Visit Huntington Beach are thrilled to once again bring this exciting people's choice campaign to life, shining a spotlight on the incredible culinary gems that call Huntington Beach home. Whether your taste buds crave something casual from a beachside shack or a gourmet experience to remember, this is your chance to give a shoutout to the restaurants that truly elevate our city’s vibrant food scene.

Rediscovering Smith's Landing: The Story of Louisiana's First Train Station and Its Legacy

Today, I want to share the story of the first railroad built in central Louisiana. Known as the Red River Railroad, or sometimes the Ralph Smith Smith Railroad, this was the very first railroad constructed west of the Mississippi River. It was a simple and roughly built line that transported cotton and other goods that were brought in by barges on Bayou Boeuf.

 

The place where this railroad began is called Smith’s Landing, and the remaining building in the town of Lecompte is recognized as the first train station built west of the Mississippi. The tracks ran from Lecompte to the banks of the Red River in Alexandria, but much of this route has been lost to time. During the Civil War, Union soldiers tore up the tracks to create a levee, and because of that, we don’t know exactly where the railroad used to go. Interestingly, when crews were constructing the old Jefferson Highway that runs between Lecompte and Alexandria, they found some remnants of the Red River Railroad, which gave us hints about its possible path.

Finding Strength in Struggles: How to Lean on Your Faith During Life’s Toughest Trials

 Life can be incredibly challenging at times, throwing unexpected obstacles in our path that threaten to derail us. Whether it’s a health crisis, financial hardship, relationship troubles, or the loss of a loved one, these trials can shake our faith and leave us feeling lost and alone. 

However, I want to remind you of a profound truth: you were never meant to navigate this journey called life on your own. God created us for relationship and community, both with Him and with others. When we try to endure our struggles solely in our own strength, relying on our limited understanding and resources, we quickly become overwhelmed and discouraged.

Remembering the Magic of M.E. Moses: A Journey Back to the Heart of Main Street, Vernon

One of my favorite stores from the past was the M.E. Moses Five and Dime Store on Main Street in Vernon, Texas. For those of you who are too young to remember, a "Five and Dime" store was an old-fashioned discount store where most items cost around five or ten cents. Of course, you would have to travel way back in time to find those kinds of bargains—much further back than my memories from the mid-1970s.

Back then, the only thing you could buy for a dime was a piece of hard candy. A comic book cost thirty cents, and a gallon of gas was sixty cents. To put this into perspective, today a comic book is about four dollars, and depending on where you are in the country, gasoline can range from two to four dollars a gallon.

Connect and Protect: Why Every Believer Needs the Flock | Journey Church | Pastor James W Greer

In this powerful message, we begin a new series focused on the biblical call to connect and protect. In a culture where digital relationships are replacing real ones and isolation is becoming commonplace, God reminds us that His design for protection and growth happens within the community of believers.

Get Ready for Spring Magic: Exciting Nights at the Greenleaf Marketplace in Whittier!

Spring Nights are Better on Greenleaf!

Hello everyone!

We’re thrilled to announce the full schedule for the Greenleaf Marketplace this spring! Join us every other Wednesday for an enchanting evening filled with local vendors, delicious food, and the wonderful spirit of community—all under the twinkling lights of Greenleaf Avenue.

 

The Joy of Just Being: Embrace Life's Moments and Keep Moving Forward | Random Ramblings

This morning, I had a wonderful chat with the preacher. Honestly, it felt like we were the only two in the room, even though I'm pretty sure everyone else was eavesdropping! You know, those moments that feel personal? I definitely pay attention then! Excuses are like invisible walls; they create distance, and distance leads to all sorts of wreckage—be it physical, emotional, financial, or even self-destructive. The antidote to that? Family connections! Lean into your relationship with God the Father and your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Sure, isolation might feel cozy at first, but it only adds to that distance. Remember what John 14:6 says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” 

California Through My Lens - An Antique Paradise in Oro Grande on Old Route 66

Some of the best places to shop for antiques in Southern California are located in the Mojave Desert town of Oro Grande. Situated along historic Route 66, Oro Grande is home to Antique Station, All Aboard Antiques, Shelley's Shop Around the Corner, and Lona's Treasures. Each of these four shops is a treasure trove of rare and hard-to-find items.

Unlocking the Legacy: What Presidents' Day Really Means for All Americans

 Presidents' Day is a federal holiday that falls on the third Monday of February each year. For those marking their calendars, Presidents' Day in 2026 will be celebrated on February 16. This holiday has a rich history, originally established back in 1885 to honor the legacy of President George Washington. Over time, it became known as Presidents' Day, especially after the 1971 Uniform Monday Holiday Act was enacted. This legislative change aimed to provide American workers with more three-day weekends. 

The Guiding Beacon Within: How to Nurture the Eternal Flame of Peace and Purpose | Miracle Mindset

The light of God that shines within you is your guiding beacon on the path to true fulfillment and inner peace. This divine spark, which has been a part of you since the moment of your creation, is a fragment of the infinite, eternal light that illuminates the entire universe. Even if you've lost touch with it or pushed it aside amidst life's challenges and distractions, this light remains ever-present, patiently waiting for you to rediscover its warmth and radiance. As you begin to acknowledge and nurture this sacred flame, you'll find that it gently leads you forward, revealing the next steps on your journey with perfect timing and wisdom.