Columns

Be the “glue” in 2022…

The simple task of unpacking Christmas ornaments is like opening a time capsule. As we pick up each ornament a memory may be attached that takes us back in time or to loved ones and friends we love. Decorating the tree with these ornaments becomes a gift as we enjoy these memories. When my niece, Becca was little we began exchanging ornaments. I began giving her ornaments each year so that when she got married and had a home of her own, she would have some ornaments on her first Christmas tree. I’m going to try to begin the same tradition with my great-nieces and nephews. When I’m long gone, they will have ornaments for their trees from Aunt Pam and hopefully loving memories.

Read MoreBe the “glue” in 2022…

New solutions for old challenges

Life's mysteries unfold in odd ways, don't they? The Wall Street Journal reports that churches by the thousands are signing up for a service to do to us what corporations and other private groups have done for years – select their targets based on specific, revelatory and actionable data that you might have thought was your own darned business. Feeling blue? Marriage going down the tubes? The big algorithm in the sky can pick up on that based on your search history, and it might send you an ad for a lovely cruise.

Read MoreNew solutions for old challenges

New Year’s Resolutions

Here’s a fun fact I just read it in new book called The Blue Zones Challenge by Dan Buettner. Most New Year’s Resolutions last for 4-6 weeks. Then people go back to their old habits. So, there are two ways to approach this problem. You can do what the experts who follow the people who live the longest suggest and make meaningful changes in sustainable ways, like changing your environment, support group, etc. so that your every move becomes measurably better.

Read MoreNew Year’s Resolutions

‘Build Back Better’ falters under its own weight; dividing it could save it

Media coverage of the debate over “Build Back Better,” President Joe Biden’s $1.75 trillion social policy and climate plan currently stalled in Congress, has focused so much on legislative strategy and the political drama between Biden and Sen. Joe Manchin that the most crucial element — what the package would actually do — has gotten lost in the noise.

Read More‘Build Back Better’ falters under its own weight; dividing it could save it

The First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Read MoreThe First Amendment

Mourning during the holidays

Dear Annie: I recently lost my son, “Sam,” and Thanksgiving without him was very painful. I am writing to offer suggestions for how people might act, or what they should say, when interacting with one who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

Read MoreMourning during the holidays