You've all heard the old platitude "It's better to give than to receive" many times.  And honestly, I've never heard one person deny this statement or argue its validity, but I still suspect we don't mean it all the time.  I'll confess; I like to receive.  I really like to receive. And I admit that sometimes giving – sacrificing my own resources for the sake of others – doesn't appeal either.  Often, when I buy a gift for someone, this idea runs through my head: "Hmmm, there goes XX hours of work."  What a selfish thought!  When this happens, I've got to catch myself and be reminded of a …

Welcome to the initial launch of a column dedicated to healthy development of the entire human race (or at least O'Fallon).  Religion and faith seem to be overlooked in our society–placed on the backburner and only brought up in times of crisis. My faith has always been the focal point of my life, the driving force behind my ambitions, aspirations and actions.  Faith is also important to the people of O'Fallon, where there are over 34 religious institutions, some of which have existed since the city's establishment in the mid-1800s and some that just moved to town.  So I'm here to examine …