Topic: human behavior

“A New Earth” challenges perceptions

By Rev. Charles Moreland | May 30, 2008 |

“Try it. You will like like it.” I heard this often as I was growing up in the Missouri Ozarks. In many unknown or uncertain situations, this advice motivated me; I found it to be positively true when I volunteered to serve as U.S. Army Chaplain, even though there were hardships and challenges in those 20 years.

I still find this advice helpful in my personal life and in my retirement. In this narrative, I have a recoomendation that you will or will not like.

I am recommending a book that may or may not be your “cup of tea,” a book you may not find agreeable. Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth. It is currently a book of the month selection on Oprah Winfrey’s television show and may be purchased for the low price of $14 (plus tax). Before spending your hard -earned cash on it, remember I do not guarantee that ‘you will like it.” The very opposite is the expected outcome because of provocative insight into our personal lives and what makes us “tick” psychologically, physically and spiritually.

It contains modern interpretations of our dilemma as children of God. Though not exclusively a book on religion, it does provide epiphanies about spiritual experiences, challenges us to a mature faith and discovery of a serendipitous depth to our personal faith. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Arts and Leisure, Opinion | No Comments

A little respect, please!

By Christine Anne Piesyk | May 26, 2008 |

How about a little respect, please! A show of good manners.

For the second time in as many years, I attended a local graduation ceremony for a grandchild. It’s been an eye opening experience on the issue of pride, respect, and just plain and obviously old-fashioned etiquette. The parental pride was evident. More so was the absence of respect and good manners towards other parents and the graduates they love.

Okay, maybe I am out of touch. But when a student about to graduate dons dress pants, a white shirt, a tie, or a new dress and shiny high heeled sandals, when they don the robes and the caps with tassels, when they walk proudly in to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance, it’s a powerful moment, their moment. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Education, Issues, Opinion | No Comments