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    Thanksgiving exists because the early settlers survived in spite of horrific circumstances. Famine, unknown disease, and fear of the natives were only a few of the obstacles they faced. When the Mayflower anchored at Plymouth Rock there were no hospitals, grocery stores, or hotels. Imagine how thankful they were just to see another day! That […]

    I have been in love with Fall for as long as I can remember, even though I’m not so excited about the winter chasing its heels. It turns out I’m not alone. Autumn happens to be a favorite season for most people. All those pumpkin spiced lattes and wagon rides are not the only reason […]

    Every month I have a date set in stone on my calendar. It’s one of those events I WILL NOT MISS. It all started more than five years ago when I meet someone named Janet at a conference three hours away from my home. We discovered, by accident, that we lived seven miles from one […]

    Thanksgiving exists because the early settlers survived in spite of horrific circumstances. Famine, unknown disease, and fear of the natives were only a few of the obstacles they faced. When the Mayflower anchored at Plymouth Rock there were no hospitals, grocery stores, or hotels. Imagine how thankful they were just to see another day! That […]

    I have been in love with Fall for as long as I can remember, even though I’m not so excited about the winter chasing its heels. It turns out I’m not alone. Autumn happens to be a favorite season for most people. All those pumpkin spiced lattes and wagon rides are not the only reason […]

    Every month I have a date set in stone on my calendar. It’s one of those events I WILL NOT MISS. It all started more than five years ago when I meet someone named Janet at a conference three hours away from my home. We discovered, by accident, that we lived seven miles from one […]

    I have a confession. After dreaming and scheming over what to do with a 10-acre property we purchased last year, we gave up hope of figuring out a decent plan. I even wondered if I should be put out to pasture.   What kind of investment or farming venture could we come up with that […]

    The dreaded words for so many children and teenagers, BACK TO SCHOOL are everywhere. Advertisements, billboards and notices all over town remind us to prepare. Clinics arm themselves for the stampede of families swarming in for their last-minute physicals, vision exams, and immunizations. And we can’t forget the administrators and educators who are winding up […]

    Sunday afternoons are usually the time for winding down before the upcoming sprint through another week. But a couple of Sundays ago I broke my routine to stroll around the Aviation Heritage Park and Museum in Bowling Green at the invitation of the Warren County Library.   As a book lover, I’ve always been a […]

    If you were given the opportunity to find out how long you would live, would you choose to find out? That’s a fundamental question in this amazing tale of a world in which everyone receives a mysterious box that provides the answer if you simply look inside. Just as you can imagine, the world reacts […]

    After a yearlong season of inactivity and extra stress, I needed to return to a regular exercise routine. Weight gain and sluggishness tied me down and frustration only added to my slump. The dreaded “should of” and “could of” piled up as each busy week passed without any consistency on the workout front. Even at […]

    This five-minute read gives an account of my experiences with the Citizens Police Academy in which I encourage you to explore opportunities in your community to stretch beyond your own expectations.

    After a scenic drive to Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, our tour group stood before the Mount of Beatitudes, where we remembered the text of the Sermon on the Mount. It was there that I felt a strong feeling of awe all around. Parrots, butterflies, and varieties of chirping birds permeated the […]

    Today was a spiritually moving and uplifting day. Despite the upsetting conflict erupting in the West Bank of Israel, the last couple of days have been memories that made a big drop in my bucket list. First, we explored one of the most exciting archeological digs in Israel, the palace-fortress and final resting place of […]

    My mother, a quiet and humble lady, visited the Holy Land decades ago. Now that she has gone on, I feel a deep connection with her spiritual journey as I explore the very path of Jesus myself this week. Our church group has come on this trip with reverence and a spirit of adventure. The […]

    When my pastor, Reverend Adam Shourds, asked me to briefly share with our church what community meant to me, I had to give it some serious thought. Although I attend church regularly, I don’t have the opportunity to get to know many people beyond the friendly handshakes week in and week out. And like so […]

    Whether you have a lighter workload in the summer, or the pace is frantic, opportunities exist to shake things up this season. Research (and common sense) tells us that time outdoors is beneficial for physical and mental health. Simply taking up the same activity in a different place can boost mood and improve brain function. […]

    Major life adjustments keep coming at new mother, Rebecca (Bec) Gray. Her husband died in a car accident, and she lost her mother to heart disease. As if this talented cello player isn’t lonely and grief stricken enough, she must also navigate the world without her vision. What Bec can count on is her dependable […]

    If you’ve ever driven a long distance for a long-awaited vacation, you easily recognize the stages of your journey. You start out fresh, exhilarated. Once you break free of your hometown, the road unfurls ahead, full of promise for memories and adventures on the other end. Before long, you break the trip into segments. At […]

    April is the month devoted to several important causes that are near and dear to my heart. As a school psychologist and former case worker for special needs children, I have found autism to be a challenge for many children and families. Chances are, you have known individuals who have challenges on the autism spectrum. […]

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