Blessings, serving and staying off the rollercoaster | Mark’s Remarks
Once in a while, we get the chance to serve with a mission opportunity close to home. We go to a local spot where...
Soft Targets | Planet Ryan
Two weeks ago, 24-year-old Mohammad Abulazeez, armed with heavy weaponry, fired at least 50 shots into a military recruiting center and Naval Reserve center...
The Rundown | Planet Ryan
Since presidential politics are dominating the headlines and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, I thought I'd present my personal thoughts...
The Last Three Letters of Christmas | Mark’s Remarks
This is my final column in a series I’ve been writing based on Hank Hanegraaff’s book called “The Heart of Christmas.” As I’ve said...
National Hash-It-Out Day
Did you ever see the movie “The Prince of Tides?”
As part of a therapy session, a gentleman recounts a terrible incident in his childhood. ...
Veterans Corner | Rick Schilling
Illinois Joining Forces is a joint Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Department of Military Affairs effort designed to better serve veterans, service members and...
Mysterious happenings and Charlie Brown | Mark’s Remarks
Long ago, I taught third grade in a dingy, smelly room with faded, dreamsicle orange paint on the walls. For an accent color, the...
Christmas Shopping in 1979 | Mark’s Remarks
I was almost always busy throughout the summer and well into fall. As long as there was grass to mow and leaves to rake,...
Chicago Style | Planet Ryan
Last week, after the Chicago Police Department released long-awaited dash cam footage of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald being shot multiple times by a Chicago police...
Who You Know | Planet Ryan
This life is something else, isn't it? As you go about your daily routine, whether it's working or enjoying retirement or whatever it is...
Memorials | Mark’s Remarks
My hometown has had a bit of drama lately. I’ve been keeping up with the news through my hometown paper.
There is a very nice,...
The ‘what’s important’ age | Mark’s Remarks
You tend to do a lot of reflecting as you approach milestones. My age group is moving toward retirement, grandparenthood, and various stages of...