Thankful For What We Have

By Danny Minton There’s a saying that’s been around for as long as I can remember. When repeated, it makes everyone stop, think, and relook at the situation in which they find themselves. The most significant debate has come over who first made the statement. Most attribute it to Helen Keller or William Shakespeare. However, it’s said to have been

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Mostly Miscellany

THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Here comes another “Mother Hubbard” column.That’s how preachers sometimes describe their sermons–comparable to “Mother Hubbard” dresses.They cover everything but touch nothing. Why are we not surprised? Researchers claim that many companies are taking advantage of the inflationary climate.Their deception is called “shrinkflation.”Some devious practices are “double-whammies,” with prices going up and product size going down. An

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An Attitude of Gratitude

By Glenn Dromgoole An Attitude of Gratitude:appreciating what we haverather than taking it for granted. An Attitude of Gratitude:finding time for a smile,a thank you, a phone call, a note. An Attitude of Gratitude:reaching out  with a helping hand.  An Attitude of Gratitude:making kindnessa priority. An Attitude of Gratitude:seeking out the joy in lifeand embracing it. An Attitude of Gratitude:accepting the

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When Boredom Seems Terminal

THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Now that the election is over, my ancient Uncle Mort and his domino-playing buddies down in the thicket can resume their usual mostly-minutia confabs that too often lack authenticity. This reminds me of the annual extravaganza birthed in 1929 when old-timers of Burlington, Wisconsin, held their first-ever “Liars’ Contest.” They called it “harmless fibs

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Swimming

By Marianne Wood I’ve been swimming a lot lately. It is good medicine for my heart, mind, and spirit. It allows me to take a break from my phone and transports me to another, more childlike world. While I stroke, kick, and stretch in life’s soft, clear essence, I often practice French vocabulary—particularly those darned irregular verbs. Sometimes, I simply

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