Valentine’s Day actually originated as a liturgical feast to celebrate the decapitation of a third-century Christian martyr, or perhaps two. S…
The Jewish calendar is a lunar one, based on the cycles of the moon. This has always appealed to me, as I love to look at the night sky and wa…
With the holiday season under way, charitable donations are on the rise. But how do organizations use their funds?
Thanksgiving will be celebrated in just four days. This year, it comes bearing a wide range of stresses and emotions, from gladness and excite…
The Jewish High Holy Days, a month of introspection, renewal, forgiveness and repentance, is nearing its end. In addition, this month, the mon…
Reflecting on the poem “Meaning” by Czeslaw Milosz, I journaled on the question, “What word would you like to call out through the galaxies?” …
In “The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn,” Huck and Jim use a raft to float the Mississippi River, escaping horrible situations to find freedom …
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When there are so many serious stressful events that are happening in our country, such as COVID-19, a contentious presidential election, ragi…
This article features a blend of my ideas with those from religious blogger Ben Corey.
It was early spring, 1975. Less than two months away from completing a graduate degree in library science at Brigham Young University, I was b…
When Claudia chose a seat in a room, she carefully positioned herself near an exit. In multi-story buildings, she took the stairs, never an el…
This spring, miniature-jackhammer-beak-knocking by two small birds frequently interrupted our day. High up in in our home’s wooden soffit, the…
All around me, hearts are breaking. Tears are falling. What can I do?
Those of us who follow the Jewish calendar (current year 5780), have recently concluded the observance of the holiday of Shavuot, the giving/r…
Over the weekend, a family member updated me on the lives of some of our family and friends.
After a local radio station canceled his weekly broadcast last year, Pastor Eddie Bone started putting his Sunday sermons online. But hardly 1…
Feb. 3, 2020, I started filling in for a pastor on sabbatical. Ironically, by mid-March, due to COVID-19 restrictions, startled citizens accom…
Muslims throughout the world are celebrating the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, a celebration at the end of Ramadan. Here's an introduction to this i…
Normally, the May 1 "Day of the Indoctrinator" ceremony attracts Valley of the Dawn members from across the globe. This year's a little different.
“Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” a 1975 mega-hit comedy, is set (mostly) in plague-ridden 932 AD.
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Thursday marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan for many Muslims. Here's a look at what traditions will remain in place, and how others …
This Ramadan, celebrations will look a little different, and organizations and individuals around the world are doing their part to make it special.
Mohammad Hassan Khalil, associate professor of religious studies and director of the Muslim Studies Program at Michigan State University, answ…
In medieval Europe Passover was a touchpoint for violence and libel against Jews.
My nephew’s wife, a school nurse in Spokane, Washington, reported decreasing sickness before corona closed her school. She surmised: “Students…
It’s a little ridiculous how excited I am that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is back on TV after an eight year hiatus. If you aren’t familiar…
It had been irksome since the moment we signed the papers on the house. Amateurishly done by an unknown previous homeowner, the 15-foot long, …