As cases of national and statewide political corruption and scandals abound, will there ever be a resurrection of trust in those who claim to serve the people? For the survival of our democratic ideals and free society, I can only hope that ethical leaders will prevail, uphold their stated moral commitment to serving the citizens they represent, and renew that trust. As Thomas Jefferson said, “Our country is now taking so steady a course as to ....

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A revised version of a Warren Buffet quote I heard recently stated, "Give your children enough to do something, but don’t give your children so much they do nothing." This particular thought is applicable beyond children and parenting. It is a theme where the latter endangers the very fabric of an independent individual and society. To be given much, without participating in earning what you have, creates a false sense of comfort and ....

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Reflecting on the past several weeks since the passing of my mother, and the emotional highs and lows associated with this experience, I have widened my perspective on the beauty of love and strength of family. Compassion, empathy, sadness, sympathy, joy, selflessness, and uncertainly are just a few of the feelings that have been associated with this emotional roller coaster ride. Difficulty will always test the strength of your character, ....

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As I sat by my mother's bedside this past week as she prepared to go to her heavenly Father, I reflected on how deep a love can be between a mother and son. She was there when I took my first breath, and it was only fair that I be there for her last. Although so terribly sad, it was also joyful and humbling to reminisce on her life, family, friends and happy memories. Dorothy Rifenbary was a woman of principle and conviction, and had a sense of ....

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What would you like your legacy to be, or what might you want to be remembered for? Two questions whose answers have a profound impact on the decisions you make, and the direction your life will take. Simply, what is it that you would like to leave behind? Who do you remember that had a lasting, positive impact on your life, and what behavior or characteristic of that person generated that impact? It is never what someone owned that is ....

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