Life in LA Today

"When the Lord is developing someone, all of life is a school," wrote Henry Blackaby. Bro. Joe Owens is proof of that, as are most of us if we would stop and think of Romans 8:28. The pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church is an example of how God uses His followers in ways they might never have expected.

Bro. Joe didn't grow up a Baptist--in fact he was raised in the Methodist church. But he met a lovely young lady who was a Baptist and since he wasn't actively involved in church at the time, he began to attend Hillcrest Baptist Church in Texarkana, TX. Yes, that's Texas, not Arkansas.

Bro. Joe saw God's plan for his life unfolding as the pastor of Hillcrest reached out to him and involved him in ministry. It's what Jesus did with the 12 men who followed Him during His earthly ministry and it's still an effective way of building disciples today.

"A real Texan" is how Bro. Joe sees himself, but he's proud to serve on their foreign mission field here in L.A. In fact, he and his wife have lived here for so long that folks around here may overlook that shortcoming. And the Owens consider Macedonia to be home now.

And "folks around here" are apt to see this affable Baptist minister demonstrating servant leadership in many locations around town. He is a volunteer at Magnolia Regional Medical Center, delivers devotionals to Wentworth Place nursing home, assists with the Men's Prayer Breakfast that meets every Tuesday morning, and probably many other unsung activities outside the church.

Inside the church, you'll find him doing all the things that a pastor will do. But you may also find him preparing for a wedding, working on the church sprinkler system, or cutting the grass. While he doesn't consider preaching to be his forte, he loves the people and loves to be around them, serving them in ministry. He's always finding ways to serve.

"I quote my mentor, Bro. Buddy Johnson, a lot," Bro. Joe said. "His main quote that he's famous for is 'God honors four things, W, O, R, K.' "

And Joe is familiar with work. He worked construction before being employed by Cooper Tire company in Texarkana. It was during that time that he felt the call to full-time service, which eventually led to his coming to Macedonia Baptist Church. This historic Baptist congregation on Hwy. 160 between Magnolia and Taylor was founded in 1855. When Matt Dillon was serving in Dodge City as sheriff in 1875, Macedonia Baptist Church was 20 years old.

Like many church across the nation, the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted attendance at Macedonia Baptist Church, but it continues to thrive and serve its community. One activity that was popular with folks throughout the county was the First Friday Fellowship. Baptists love potlucks, and this one attracted anyone who had a connection with Macedonia. At the last one I attended, I spotted the county sheriff, elected officials, business leaders and just plain country folks who love to get together. Alas, the event has been cut back to once a quarter, but perhaps it will pick up again with time.

The sanctuary has recently been updated, with the paneling being painted, the carpet and upholstery replaced and the old curtains removed. It's a beautiful setting to worship.

Bro. Joe is an interesting fellow to visit with and we laughed more than a few times during the interview. You'll probably share a few of those laughs with us. And you'll also learn a bit more about this former Texan who began a ministry among the Arkansans here in L.A.

One of the surprising things about life in Lower Arkansas is that you never know what a surprising "back story" the person your talking to may have. A retired real estate guy may have been the drummer for one of the hottest pop groups in the region. The children's librarian may have lived everywhere from Pickles Gap to Idaho but is freshly returned from Poland. Or the kid who pushes your groceries to your car may shoot a mean shotgun. That is, he may be perfectly capable of shooting 500 clay pigeons, two at a time from 27 yards, and never lose his cool!

That's Landon Chandler for you, and he is my youngest guest yet on Life in L.A. Landon has just completed 11th grade where he shot with the Magnolia High School Trap team. Listen to my podcast and he'll tell you approximately how many trophies he has garnered from state meets. Or the secret to his success as a trap shooter.

You learn something from everyone you talk to, even a high school student. I would imagine your nerves could be a problem when you're shooting 100 traps and you're nearing yet another perfect shoot. How does he keep from getting nervous? He has a secret that will work for just about everyone in a tense situation.

Landon isn't sure what the future holds, but he knows he starts 12th grade this fall. He's working at Brookshires to put a little money back for college. He plans to attend Louisiana Tech, and although he lives in L.A., he has strong ties to that "other" LA just across the Arkansas line. Both his parents attended LA Tech, and he recently visited the campus.

While there, he sat on a bench put in place as a memorial to his grandmother. He found the bricks with family names on the walkway of fame. Two grandparents and an aunt also studied there, so family tradition is strong. He plans to study engineering when he gets there.

Take a listen to today's podcast and you'll learn a thing or two. Then say hello to Magnolia's sharp shooter the next time you pick up groceries!

Ken Stonecipher, one of L.A.'s most eclectic and talented artists/musicians spent some time in Magnolia recently promoting his newest magnum opus--a cookbook entitled Still...Magnolia's Matriarch's. As the subtitle explains, it's a culinary portrait of some of the finest women who ever lived in Magnolia, Arkansas.

We spent a good part of Sunday afternoon reminiscing and getting myself au courant on the latest about Ken. This interview was one of the most je ne sais quoi of any I have done. I laughed, I cried, I listened incredulously and you will too. And most surprising of all, it's my first podcast featuring live music performed by the composer himself!

Ken said he was asked to sing at Asbury Methodist Church Sunday morning and obliged by writing a song in two short days, and one that would go along with the parson's sermon at that. My wireless mics don't do the piano justice, but listen carefully to the words and you will be in awe at Ken's talent and convicted about your relationship with God!

But back to the cookbook. As David told Ahimelek about the sword of Goliath, "There's none like it!" And there's certainly no cookbook like this. It features thumbnail sketches of the lives of some of the great women of Magnolia. As Ken tells it, he knew many of them personally and had sat at many of their tables.

"But most important, these women knew us and nurtured us and taught us and loved us with a dedication and driving force," Ken writes. "No, not everyone has pleasant memories of their mother...a most unfortunate thing. But regardless, mothers are known the world over as that one special person we need, we turn to, we lean on and remember the longer we tread this earth."

The matriarchs range from Elsie Adams to Kathryn Brown to Maurice Groves to Sue Lovell and Mary K Wyrick to name just a few. Perusing the many names brings fond memories of the golden days of our community. And there's a special page right up front remembering Karen Garret Pierce, who contributed mightily to the culinary landscape but was tragically taken from us too soon.

Then there are the recipes! As Ken points out, the Southern cupboard is filled with staples such as Velveeta, cream of anything soup, bacon fat and plenty of Cool Whip and Jell-O. While the use of such everyday items might suggest many of the dishes are similar, his response was, "Yes, but you haven't tasted my mama's!"

So you won't be surprised to find a recipe for Mom's Cheese Roll, Cranberry Fluff, Mexican Cornbread, Basque Style Potatoes, several Beef Stroganoffs, and Coca Cola Chocolate Cake. The recipes are divided into appetizers, soups and salads, breads and rolls, vegetables and side dishes, main dishes and meats, desserts and cookies, and candies. There's even a closing "Miscellaneous" section that will surprise you with all it includes.

The cookbook is invaluable, not only in its breadth of material, but also because of its sentimental value. It would make a great gift for newlyweds as well as for family and friends who love the food of L.A.

You may order copies by sending a check or money order with your shipping information to Ken Stonecipher, 439 Heath Place, Smyrna, TN 37167. Cost is $35 plus $5 shipping. A limited number of copies are available locally at Asbury Methodist Church or the South Arkansas Heritage Museum.

If you're a fan of Ken Stonecipher as I am, or would like to get to know "the man, the myth, the legend," by all means--grab a box of tissue, click the play button, and get ready for an entertaining half hour of good, clean fun!

Doug Sikes is the publisher of Acclaim Press, the company that is currently working to produce a new volume of history for this county. He and Mike Gee, local historian, were working together this week to get the word out on the new volume.

The deadline for submitting your family information has been extended so gather it up and send it in. The brochure on how to submit your invitation is available right off the main counter in our local library on North Jackson Street. Even if you're not a writer, the company can help you get your info in good shape for publication.

Doug and Mike were also contacting local businesses sharing how they can get their company's information in the keepsake edition. I viewed a copy during my interview with Doug and I was impressed with its quality. I was also impressed with the 200-year guarantee on the paper quality. I intend to save my receipt should there be any issues during the coming centuries!

The podcast got off to a slow start, as I was mesmerized by the tie that Doug was wearing. Then when I glanced at his business card and saw that he's listed as publisher for Acclaim Press, I was further gob-struck. But I got over it shortly and things were going well until I asked if I could submit a photo of me for publication along with information about the Ford family. You'll be surprised at how diplomatically he handled the question, but it was downhill in the interview from that point on. Keen eyes will also note that Doug is the first interviewee who has not had HIS photo included in the podcast info, but it really had more to do with the fact that the library was closing rather the effort to get a picture of me in his book. I'm sorry I didn't get his photo, you would have loved the tie!

Take a listen to this edition of Life in LA and learn how your family, business, or church can be included in this new volume coming out in 2024. You can contact Mike Gee by email at [email protected] or Acclaim Press at [email protected] or drop by the local library for more information. They are friendly folks who are always ready to help out.

As a new college graduate, Larry Dunn needed a job. So he made a bold promise to the superintendent interviewing him. "If you hire me, we will bring state recognition to Magnolia." Larry more than delivered on that promise, having just returned with his students from New York City and a performance at Carnegie Hall.

Today's interview was one of the first I dreamed of getting for my new podcast. When I learned that Larry was born in Wilmott, educated in Hamburg and matriculated from Southern Arkansas University, I knew then that his story was one of those that makes life in L.A. so special. When you dream big and follow a God-given vision, there's no limit to what you can accomplish and where you can go! Even with a high school choir in tow!

When I heard his choir's rendition recent rendition of Amazing Grace, I was blown away. This is a complicated piece, but Larry doesn't shy away from challenges! And placing a challenge before a competitive bunch of choristers is one of the keys to success.

As an added bonus, an article I read this week mentioned that Larry Dunn is one of two mentors who pour into the life of Derrian Ford, state basketball champion and freshman player for the Arkansas Razorbacks. When we learned that Derrian had entered the transfer portal, we had to ask Larry what he thought.

Buckle your seatbelt, grab a box of tissue and be prepared to be blown away by what Larry Dunn has to say about "Life in L.A."!

"Older things are fascinating to me," Amy Staten McNeil told me when I asked how it came to be that we now have a museum in Magnolia. Amy is the brainchild behind the South Arkansas Heritage Museum, where she also serves as founder and chairman of the board. The museum was incorporated in 2016 as a non-profit corporation, but it didn't have a home until April 10, 2019 when the deed to the Henry Longino House was signed over from its donor.

The house is located at 317 West Main in Magnolia and is open to the public on Wednesdays (except holidays) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Volunteers are needed for a wide variety of tasks, including serving as tour guides. We had the opportunity to watch a tour come through while recording this podcast. The museum can also accommodate small groups who would be interested in touring together. Its mission is to preserve and protect local history.

Both the museum and the house are interesting in themselves. I was surprised to learn the house only had two previous owners. Some of the artifacts housed there are truly fascinating, such as an old time clock made from cast iron and must have weighed several hundred pounds. Did you know that baskets can be made from pine straw? But perhaps the most intriguing artifact is the artificial leg--who did it belong to, where was it found, how old is it? So many questions!

The museum has a Facebook page with more information, including the museum store where you can purchase your "I Heart L.A." t-shirt, pine straw baskets and original artwork by Dona Furr.

Take a listen to today's interview with Amy and you'll want to visit the museum. Check the FB page to plan your visit and discover one of the things that makes life in LA so fascinating!

When David Beene was a young boy growing up in the country outside of Stamps and Buckner, Arkansas he used to have to walk to town down a dirt road. Occasionally a car would come along, but they never stopped to offer him a ride.

"The people who came by you would speed up and cover you in dirt," he said. "They knew where you were going!"

He vowed at that point when he got older, he would get a job and make money, and he would always have a nice vehicle. Today he has fulfilled that vow many times over!

Today's podcast is one of the most satisfying I have recorded to date, and one of the most surprising I might add. I walked up to David at the big box store parking lot admiring his ride and asked if I could interview him for my podcast. He seemed a little reluctant but we eventually found a time that worked for both of us and he gave me directions to his house. I dropped my jaw when I drove up and saw the car collection sitting out front all polished and gleaming!

The story of how he left Lafayette County and returned years later is fascinating, heart warming and a bit je ne sais quoi. You simply must listen!

"I don't intend to go anywhere else," David told me. "I love it here. The pace around here is absolutely wonderful. It's a nice way to live."

David likes to tell folks he's from L.A.--Lower Arkansas. Take a listen to the podcast and you'll have a greater appreciation for life in L.A.!

Tucked away at the edge of Garland City in Miller County, Arkansas just out where the crop dusters operate and the tractors go back and forth, sits an antebellum gem known as the Wynward Hall Plantation. This historical house is occupied by one of L.A.s most prolific historians. Charles and Patsy Walthall call this house with the long history home and enjoy talking about it. I first met Charles through one of his many Facebook groups focusing on many things South Arkansas. I finally messaged him one day and suggested we have lunch, and the rest, as they say, is history. It eventually wound up with me taking a whole busload of senior adults from my church over to visit and the Walthalls were wonderful hosts. I learn something about the history of the house and the region every time I visit. For example, on my last trip over when I carried my microphone over he told me about the most famous visitor to the house, who arrived by steamboat on the Red River. You'll never guess what that guest did when he got to Wynward Hall! Or what went on there on the weekends, after the long hours of labor during the week were done. Or the role it played during the Civil War. Join us for a walk down memory lane and learn about the days when this magnificent structure served the community and region in a variety of ways.

I met his daughter before I ever met him. The little girl in the Central Baptist Church daycare with the bright eyes, big smile and outgoing personality led me to believe that this was a very special family. My thought was confirmed when I met the rest of the Martin family shortly after!

Deputy Leroy Martin became Sheriff Leroy Martin the first of this year and he's still growing into the role. But he's had good mentors: men like Wayne Tompkins, Calvin Knighton, Denny Foster and Mike Loe held the position before him and treated the force like family. But though the call to pastoral ministry came early, he didn't respond until one night in his patrol car while reading through the Gospel of John, the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ came to life for him. He found his place in ministry and has served Life Builders Restoration Church as pastor for the past 11 years.

His wife Voyles filled a vacancy as Columbia County Tax Assessor and still works in the office today. His three children, Leroy, III (Trey), Alexis and Lemuel (Mel), assist in ministry at the church as well as being students. It's a remarkable family that we are blessed to have here in L.A.

When I first began to toss around the idea of starting a podcast, Leroy Martin was one of the first names that came to mind as someone I would like to interview. I wondered how he would react and if he would make time for me. I called his office and left a voicemail, which he returned pretty quickly. He agreed to meet me and even came in on a holiday to do so. He brought a "photographer" with him and I was glad to get to visit with Voyles while he attended to an unexpected emergency call that had come in.

In today's podcast, Sheriff Martin talks about his growing up days, call to law enforcement and eventual call to ministry. He talks about balancing the many roles he has, the importance of transparency in his office, his view on the proposed "entertainment district" for Magnolia, human trafficking (yes, the two are linked!), and a growing crime in our county that you might never have thought about.

On this day of Holy Week, I thought it would be interesting to talk to someone who had actually visited the Holy Land. So I found someone who had been there six times! Rev. Danny Bullock, who currently serves as pastor of Antioch West Baptist Church, fulfilled a long-time desire of visiting the Holy Land, then had opportunity to return five more times with various groups.

Visiting the actual area where the events of the Bible took place is a life-changing experience. It helps one to better understand the Bible by seeing the geographical background behind it.

As we think about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, one of the central locations would be Golgotha and the nearby garden tomb where the body of Jesus was laid. The traditional location of the "Place of the Skull" and the tomb are marked by a shrine, but a more recent site is known as Gordon's Calvary. Bro. Danny will discuss these sites and more in today's podcast. Take a listen by clicking the play button below.