Andrew Akard 
Who, or What, do you want to be? We all heard that question as kids. At that age we probably answer that question with a job title; superhero, firefighter, veterinarian, teacher, or something like that. Years later we have a much more complex answer to that question. Who and what we want to be involves more than just the job …
New year’s resolutions. Lots of us make them. Maybe yours have included a new diet, or perhaps a new exercise plan? Maybe you wanted to read more? Perhaps you have planned to develop a new skill like learn an instrument or even a new language. Have you thought to yourself that this next year, you are going to keep in …
Ecology is the endlessly complex network of how every living thing in the world interacts with each other, lives with each other, gives birth, dies, and feeds each other. It describes the way plants and creatures survive in and are shaped by the non-living world. It outlines the lives of the very largest of animals and the most colossal of …
Allow me, if you will, to put in your mind the image of a great big clock, or if you prefer, some other type of big, complex machine. There are so many different parts, so many different functions and structures, all designed to click with one another to make the whole operation work seamlessly. The person building it would therefore …
Think of the superheroes you loved growing up. Who were your favorites? I know that when I was a kid my favorites were easily Spider-Man and Batman. These days the kids probably prefer the Avengers. I promise that I’m going somewhere with this. First, let’s take a look at the origin stories of some of these characters: Steve Rogers, US …
What does stewardship mean? Being a steward is different from being an owner. An owner of an object is the one who has ultimate authority over it in its use, its alteration, and even its destruction. A steward supervises something on behalf of their owner, and their authority over the object only goes so far as the owner has outlined. …
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declared the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…” Yes, we have probably all heard the famous verse Jeremiah 29:11 many times before. It is one of those popular verses that people will list if you ask them to tell …