Cite Your Sources!

My sophomore year in high school was a game changer. Up to that point, I had never been required to write a formal research paper. I had written plenty of essays, book reports, and other assignments, but never a real-deal research paper. I loved the idea of researching a topic, organizing my thoughts, and then …

Is Your “Inner Compass” Trustworthy?

Confession: using a compass is a challenge for me. I wish I could be cool like soldiers in the movies by whipping out the compass, giving it a quick check, and then stuffing in back in my pocket. But, truth be known, I have to stare at the compass for a few minutes, then I …

Every ’78 Pontiac

In Neuroscience, the Reticular Activating System refers to a set of connected nuclei in the brain that monitors and filters information being taken in by the senses.[1] When the brain becomes familiar with certain stimuli or patterns of stimuli, the Reticular Activation System becomes more sensitive to that information. It is what allows a person …

Right on Time

After losing my wife in an automobile accident in 2008, I have struggled with recurring depression. The darkness of depression can attack without warning. It does not ask permission and it does not need a reason. Make no mistake; depression is real. I remember one difficult time in particular when I was feeling like a …

How to Make an Effective Announcement

The morning worship service was broadcast live each week on the local radio station. So, the pastor knew he had to wrap everything up by noon. At the close of the sermon, he glanced at his watch to see that he had only one minute left, so he quickly transitioned to announcements. Imagine driving in …

One Story to Get Stuck In Your Brain

A friend texts you a strange picture of a piece of rusted iron fashioned into the shape of the number “1.” As you try to figure out the significance of the picture, another text arrives from the same friend. It is the same image; only this time the picture shows a wider angle. The iron …