Self-reliance what is it? What does it mean? Is it a good thing or a not-so-good thing? A school of thought says man is to live in community, therefore all must contribute to the community, and all must rely on the community. This contribute-and-rely relationship forms a bond between the individual and the community. This may sound like a great concept, but it has a major flaw: It overlooks individuality! Humans are born as individuals and this is a biological fact. A child is born as its own...

One of the literary tragedies of this century is the take-away message from Pinocchio: If you lie your nose will grow longer! And we all know that won’t happen! The real message? When you live a life without discipline and follow others, you become an ass, excuse me, a donkey! And this, unlike the nose thing, does happen! Just to refresh your memory, Pinocchio is the story of a wooden puppet that comes to life. The wooden puppet wants to become a real boy and carries the viewer along on...

Christmas – a time of giving and receiving. With Christmas we hear things such as: “Christmas in July,” and “I wish everyday could be Christmas.” Christmas, the holiday where often materialism and commercialism seem to be center stage. But what about Easter? Yes, commercialism has played its part, too, but not nearly to the extent of Christmas. So, what about Easter? When I think of Easter, I think about all the Sunrise services held throughout the world. Everyone awaiting the dawn of a new day. Easter...

Oh to be offended, when at last I thought my mind was all mended. Politicians come, politicians go. Oh to be offended, when at last I thought my mind was all mended. Conflicts arise out of differing points of view. While one heart simmers, the other stews. Oh to be offended, when at last I thought my mind was all mended. Out of religions arise a boasting that is uncompromised. Oh to be offended, when at last I thought my mind was all mended. Unsightly things and aromas that make my nostrils sting my...