Every day is seeking to rise to the challenge, 'neath the shadow of the mighty Rockies.
Top Books I Read in 2020
Now that we've moved into 2021, most of us aren't interested in looking back on the year that was. But having completed my Goodreads goal of 40 books read in 2020, as of about 10:00 PM on New Year's Eve, I wanted to take a moment and highlight the best and most influential selections. In alphabetical order, by author: 1. American Carnage: On the Front Lines of the Republican Civil War and the Rise of President Trump by Tim Alberta. Eye-opening and troubling, for those who want an insider's view of how the GOP went from Tea Party to Trump. 2. The Beginning of Wisdom: Reading Genesis by Leon Kass. I've read the first book of the Bible many times before, but left with new insights, especially on Adam and Eve, and brothers Judah and Joseph. 3. … [Read more...]
The All-New Christmas Music Countdown: Bigger, Better and Brighter Than Ever
It's been a few years since I've posted the annual updated list of my favorite Christmas songs here on the blog. But given the bleakness of 2020, and the epic makeover to the list, the time has come once again. So without further ado, click on Bing's picture below to get access to all 180 songs: Agree or disagree (more likely) with my rankings, that's a lot of Christmas musical selections. Makes those Top 50 lists of yesteryear seem kind of quaint. … [Read more...]
Does the USA Face Future Divorce?
Book review: David French, Divided We Fall: America’s Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation (2020, St. Martin’s Press) Amid the increasingly vitriolic cacophony of our angry partisan bickering, David French stands out as a Tennessee-twanged voice in the wilderness. This book offers a less-than-rose-tinted take on America's political polarization. Without being overly alarmist, Divided We Fall offers a sobering analysis of our nation's looming future and a prescription for readers to help reverse the trend. French cut his teeth in the conservative movement and to this day remains a committed evangelical Christian who is devotedly pro-life and an expert defender of religious liberty. Even so, he treats the faults of America's … [Read more...]
Resources for Veterans and their Families Amid the COVID-19 Outbreak
No doubt about it: service members and their families are a breed apart. They are braver than most. But in the face of a global pandemic, even our nation’s best and bravest could use a little extra support. Because not only are we staring down one of the most significant public health threats we’ve seen in more than a century, but we’re also struggling with an economy ravaged by nationwide lockdowns. In the face of massive job losses, increasing economic hardship, and the threat of a second surge of the virus, veterans and their families are increasingly in need. But there are abundant resources available to protect the heroes who have devoted their lives to protecting us. Help With Housing Homelessness among … [Read more...]
How To Keep Your Children Engaged While Learning from Home
Learning from home can be a challenging task. It's hard to keep kids focused and interested in the midst of so many potential distractions. Whether you've had to take on the role of teacher due to the COVID-19 pandemic or for some other reason, making sure your kids get a quality education is a top priority. These useful homeschooling tips can help your child's experience be less stressful and more productive. Setting the Stage for Success To avoid potential frustration, it's important to reflect on your child's learning style as you plan. Some kids can absorb information easily through reading and written exercises, where others require a more hands-on approach. Knowing how your son or daughter learns will allow you to tailor your … [Read more...]
Decluttering Summer and Getting Ready for Fall
For many of us, autumn is a beloved season. There’s just something about the crisp air, sweet smell of decaying leaves, and overabundance of corn mazes that warms our hearts. And the transition into autumn is the perfect time to clean and organize our homes. After all, who wants to settle into sweater weather in a cluttered home? There’s a world of difference between cozy and crowded. It may sound strange (since there’s quite a bit of work involved in the process), but decluttering is actually a form of self-care — and it’s a great one to engage in during times of transition. Cleaning and organizing the house almost seems purifying in a weird sort of way, and it puts your brain in the right place to handle the hustle and bustle of the … [Read more...]
The Dangers Of Enabling Your Children
Few would argue with the fact that a parent, more than anyone else, should have their child’s best interests in mind. The fascinating thing is, this concern for offspring can manifest in a shocking variety of ways. Everything from old-fashioned “tough love” to excessive leniency can be interpreted as a parent trying to give their child the best life possible. In the 21st century, this overt desire to focus on the wellbeing of the younger generation has led to a common phenomenon: the “enabling parent.” Defining an “Enabling” Parent With so much variation in parenting styles, it’s important to begin with a quick rundown of just what an enabling parent looks like. While the term is flexible in nature — as are just about all … [Read more...]
How To Organize and Freshen Up Your Home
Whether you’re working remotely, homeschooling your kids, taking some personal time to maintain work-life balance, or in between jobs, there are plenty of reasons to find yourself suddenly spending more time at home. The quarantines created by the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 served as a stark reminder of how difficult it can be to remain cooped up at home for weeks and months on end, especially if your home is a mess. If you’re dealing with a cluttered, unorganized, or otherwise disorderly homefront, here are a few suggestions for ways that you can strategically freshen up your spaces — particularly if you have a chunk of time on your hands with which to do so. Start By Stepping Back Slowing down is one of the best ways to … [Read more...]
The Dangers of Surveillance in the Name of Safety
They’re everywhere. Mobile devices in every hand, cameras on every street, and hordes of eager consumers clamoring to claim the latest tech device. To be sure, technology has made our lives more convenient. Today’s tech is even being heralded as a frontline weapon in the war against the coronavirus. But at what cost? We See You Even before the outbreak of COVID-19, big data was using the latest tech to gradually erode personal privacy. In recent years, millions of camera-equipped drones have taken to the sky. On the ground, video surveillance systems, from doorbell cameras to streetcorner CCTVs, are getting to be about as ubiquitous as pimples on a teenager. And that means that when you leave your house, you’re almost … [Read more...]
Boost Your Teen’s Self-Esteem: Encourage When It’s Needed Most
Whether it comes through observing a teen hanging their head at a social gathering, hearing them disparage their ability to do their homework, or noticing them excessively bragging to cover up insecurities, every parent has that moment when they realize their teenager is struggling with low self-esteem. If you’re familiar with the feeling, here are a few tips and suggestions for different ways to approach boosting your fledgling adult’s self-confidence. Encourage the Journey, Not the Destination One of the biggest ways that a parent can suppress and discourage their child is simply by putting unreasonable expectations on them. Start by stepping back and analyzing your own posture towards your child. Are you always pushing them to … [Read more...]
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