a variety of gifts for the common good

My dad died over 20 years ago but for the last week he’s been on my mind. We’d been hiking with children and grandchildren in the Colorado mountains. Growing up, my family’s favorite camping spots were in mountains. We loved to hike, and my dad was one enthusiastic trekker. Back home, the  fond memories continued to… Read More

My mother called it the “idiot box”…

But a brightly-lit screen is not the problem, it’s my inability to use it in moderation. As this is posted, I will have recently returned from a week-long technology diet. Beginning with a three-day cold turkey withdrawal, I’ll move to once-a-day emails and/or a phone call to family when necessary. No Facebook, Twitter, or games. I won’t… Read More

Don’t believe your black thoughts in the middle of the night

I just want to sleep! Some nights I have trouble turning off my spinning mind and sink into slumber after I’ve followed my usual regimen of devotions, often followed by a crossword puzzle to keep my mind from straying down a plethora of rabbit trails. NOTE: Playing games on my phone doesn’t work. Sure it numbs my mind, but it… Read More