‘From the Beginning of the Year’

The holidays are over once again. And, for all that I did to try to hold on to it, the last week of the year has escaped me, as well.

I love the holidays, and I’ve written much about them in the past. I’ve especially shared my thoughts in previous columns about the importance of using the closing days of the year to plan for the months ahead. I have also described my intention to spend the first eight months of the year, in essence, preparing for the last four.

Discussion

Controlling the Chaos of the Holiday Season

Body

“One of the most significant findings in psychology in the past twenty years is that individuals can choose the way they think. This corresponds with Scripture, which tells us we are to ‘be transformed by the renewing of [our] minds’ ” - Randy Alcorn

Discussion

Some Thoughts on Easter Monday

Another Easter season has come and gone. It’s Easter Monday (yes, that’s really a thing) as I write this, and I thought it might be a good time to share a few thoughts about the meaning and significance of the season, as I understand it.

Discussion

Survey: What "Christmas songs" do Americans find most annoying?

Body

“Fifteen percent of Americans felt that the most annoying or overplayed Christmas song was either ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ (12%) … or any other song by Carey (3%). ‘Jingle Bells’ (6%), ‘Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer’ (5%)” - RNS

Discussion

How Not to Gossip During the Holidays

Body

“What started as a lighthearted recounting of experience may turn into a critical review of someone’s motives and actions…. There can be a fine line between storytelling and gossip.” - TGC

Discussion