Musings

By Lauren Catanese The new year always brings about change. Change is a way of life. It is the ultimate passage from what you were to what you can be. Knowing that deep down we all have an inherent mission, a divine destiny programmed into us for the greater good...

By Sean Dietrich CRACKER BARREL—I am eating breakfast with a cute date. My date is a baby. A fat baby. She is my niece, Lucy. I love fat babies. They do something to me. They make me feel like the world is warm and squishy. When I hold Lucy, I...

By Rick Moore Reading, writing and arithmetic are commonly referred to as the “Three Rs.” This phrase first appeared in “The Ladies Magazine” in 1818. It seems like someone at that magazine was really hooked on phonics. Obviously, only one of these words actually begins with the letter R. While...

By Kirk McCarley Today, more than ever perhaps, we crave leaders who demonstrate high standards of personal conduct and integrity.  The preponderance of information we see, read, and hear seems to argue a reality that is otherwise:  Violations of ethical standards.  Investigations.  Whistleblower testimony. The desire for moral and trustworthy leadership...

By Rev. Pete Hyde The old car rolled to slow stop at a bleak and abandoned intersection literally in the “middle of nowhere.” The driver looked down at his quickly scribbled instructions. Had he come four miles or five? Perhaps it was only three because he was paying more attention...

By Kirk McCarley Traditionally the holidays are a time to reflect on families, friends, and blessings.  It’s an opportunity to share stories…and laugh.  The spirit of laughter and comedy prompted an observation and a few tales, some personal and others from the separate worlds of church and human resources. Merry Christmas…and...

By Lauren Catanese One of my favorite Christmas memories growing up, was sneaking off into our Christmas room. That’s what I liked to call it. It was where our tree was lit and glowing, the fire roared and toasted up the room, and the paper snowflakes my sister and I...

By Rick Moore Going through a drive-through at lunch is a simple process for some. Many just pick a meal deal and drive around. Others tend to over think it. They begin by saying to the person taking the order, “just one moment please.” They then try to remember what...

By Rev. Pete Hyde The morning broke cold and blustery - temperatures in the 30s and the wind chill in the teens. As I lie in the half-slumber that is early morning, I looked out the window that sheltered me from the cold winter's day. The sun was just touching the...

I feel a little silly writing you. Recently, I wrote a column about how when I was a boy I always wanted you to bring me a cowboy hat. A silver-belly colored Stetson. A few days later, one showed up on my porch from an anonymous person. I almost...