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Someone Is Watching Over Me

When I think about the things that have happened, I came to the conclusion that someone has been watching over me. I have had several mishaps with jewelry that have ended very well. First, I lost a pin given to me the year I graduated from college by the family that I babysat for. Since my last initial did not change, I was able to keep wearing it. One day I wore it to my volunteer duty at Warren General Hospital. Part way through the morning I realized the pin was no longer on my sweater. I looked everywhere I had been that morning with no luck. I headed for home very disappointed. I ...

At Last, The Election Is Over

It seems like eons ago when Joe Biden was still a candidate, and the election seemed over. After the June debate, it was clear that he could no longer articulate and lead a campaign for the Presidency. Biden eventually stepped aside, and endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, to be the nominee in his stead. After that, we again had an election going on in the country. It has been an exhausting one. Just this past week, I read a news article full of advice from a psychiatrist as to how people should deal with election angst. Now, I expect that same person is providing advice as ...

Time For One Person, One Vote

There have been five U.S. Presidents who received the popular votes for U. S. president and didn’t end up winning the election. In both 2000 and 2016 Al Gore and Hillary Clinton won the popular vote and lost the presidency through the Electoral College, a system that first came about during the 18th century. I did not vote for either candidate, however I think the system needs to change. This is egregiously wrong. New York has 28 electoral votes, California has 54, Texas 40 and Florida has 30 as an example. A candidate must receive at least 270 electoral votes to win the ...

Christian Perspective On Immigration

What is the Christian perspective on immigration? Could the Statue of Liberty give us a clue? “Yes, the torch of Lady Liberty symbolizes our freedom and represents our heritage, the compact with our parents, our grandparents, and our ancestors. It is that lady who gives us our great and special place in the world. For it’s the great life force of each generation of new Americans that guarantees that America’s triumph shall continue unsurpassed into the next century and beyond. Other countries may seek to compete with us; but in one vital area, as a beacon of freedom and ...

Closing Saints Peter And Paul Is Wrong

JAMESTOWN—As a choir warms up in Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church in Jamestown, the choir’s voices begin to fill the air. One can hardly help wondering whether this is what Heaven sounds like. Or looks like. In this historic sanctuary, images of faith abound. Along the walls is art depicting the stations of the cross. Stained-glass windows in honor or in memory of many grace this stunningly, inspiringly beautiful church. Opposite the altar and above the organ and choir loft is the church’s iconic rose window, visible from inside and from outside the ...

Past Pain Can Mean Lengthy Healing Process

This is the third installment. We had an introduction to my client “Clara.” She is married to Allen, and we got a glimpse of him at a couple’s session. He’s Clara’s second husband. We know something about her first marriage. She has two children from her first marriage. The girl so far is described as having a regular healthy life. Their son, however, has behavioral problems both at home and at school. He responded poorly to 1:1 counseling. A group of school professionals teamed with Clara and Allen to formulate a behavioral plan. The son did respond, over time, fairly well. ...