It’s been a tough week. Three young men whom I knew — in their 20s and 30s — tragically died, all within days of each another. One took his life; another overdosed; the last passed away in his sleep. On Sunday morning, I showed up at the church where the first two men were active...

  Have you ever found it difficult to give thanks? I have. I know others have, too. A few Novembers ago, a good friend died of a heart attack in his sleep. His nine-year old daughter discovered him in his bed. He was in his mid-50s, active and happy, a...

  Now’s the time for mirth and play,Saturday’s an holiday;Praise to heaven unceasing yield,I’ve found a lark’s nest in the field. Christopher Smart, Hymns for the Amusement of Children  I don’t know about you, but finding a bird’s nest on the ground wouldn’t excite me like it once did. When...

  What will you find under the Christmas tree this year? According to several consumer websites, the hot items of 2014 will be dolls from Disney’s Frozen, Lego sets, Xbox and Playstation 4 game consoles, and, believe it or not, Apple’s discontinued iPod Classic. Some people will discover some “gifts” they never wanted...