Lately, I’ve been interested in happiness - scientifically speaking, of course. That sounds counterintuitive, oxymoronic even. How can the cut-and-dried factual-based world of science have anything to do with something as instinctive and emotional as happiness? Turns out they have more in ...
It won’t be long before empty parking spaces near the Iowa Capitol will be as hard to find as a compromise between Democrats and Republicans. The Legislature returns to Des Moines on Jan. 9, more firmly in Republican control than it was on May 24, when this year’s session ended. With ...
Ever had one of those string of Christmas tree lights where half the lights work and the other half won’t unless you shake, drop, or attempt to lasso the garbage can or the ceiling fan with them, hoping to stimulate the unlit bulbs to magically light, for one more season? It’s then that ...
While the Nov. 8 midterm election has passed, several ballot tabulations, recounts, and court challenges are in the works. Should election results show that Republicans control an abundance of state legislatures, don’t be surprised if GOP’s next move will be to call for a U.S. ...
November is typically a gratitude month. It’s a time for us to take stock of and count our blessings, be mindful of them, and appreciate all that life has bestowed upon us. We all know we should practice gratitude every day of the year, but heck, like the song, says: one out of twelve ...
St. Paul challenges us in Ephesians 5:20 "To give thanks to the Father for everything." Of course, not all of life's circumstances are always worthy of thanks, but probably in any circumstance we go through, we can find others going through much worse. So, although difficult, it is a ...
Have you wondered where the worst places are to shop on Black Friday? Basically, they are any box store, shopping or over-retailed strip malls and discounters. Yearly, Americans spend Thanksgiving Day gorging themselves on massive quantities of tryptophan, resulting in drowsiness, and the ...
One of the ways I learn best from the New Testament is to read and try to understand what Jesus’ parables meant for listeners in his time and for us as we read or hear them today. Sometimes he was speaking to his followers, but sometimes his audience included the temple chief priests and ...
National Veterans and Military Families Month are recognized each November to honor the service and sacrifices made by our veterans, service members, and their spouses. Many may not realize that by keeping our veterans and military spouses employed, it helps sustain our nation’s ...
Thanksgiving is much more than a big meal with family and friends. It's a time to reflect on, and be thankful for, all of the good things you have. It's important to be grateful, not just on Thanksgiving, but each and every day. Rather than lamenting what you feel is lacking in your life, ...