CQQ #24: Thanks in Times of Trouble...?

Are troubles keeping you from being thankful?

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Thanksgiving week is here. But to not let it become overshadowed by Black Friday (a time when gratitude can often be replaced with greed and entitlement), it's a good time as any to remind ourselves what we're thankful for, and let that motivate our attitudes and choices.

It's okay to admit when you're feeling down. It's okay to acknowledge that things are not okay. We don't have to pretend. Being thankful is not about masking our pain but rather clinging onto hope despite our pain.

CQQ #23: Gossip and Rumors...?

When is it really our business to speak about others?

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Thank you, HonnieBunnie007, for suggesting this topic!

Many people have a fascination with mystery, from "juicy" secrets to unconfirmed theories. Many like to fantasize about the what-ifs and all the possibilities of the unknown. Some even find it exciting.

And then there's talking about other people...behind their backs. That's where there's great potential for pain and misunderstandings and broken trust.

CQQ #22: A White Lie...?

Would a white lie stain a white knight's armor?

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Many can agree that lying is bad. No one likes to be deliberately misled or have one's trust come into question. But what happens when a lie is told to better a situation in the long run? What if lying could save a life or keep the innocent from suffering? (Think superheroes, who keep their identities a secret, even if it means lying, to protect not only their personal lives but especially their loved ones from the danger of becoming a villain's targets.)

Some call this the "white lie", a lie that is supposedly minor, harmless, or possibly beneficial for the greater good.

But is it okay to lie for a good cause?

FFT #9: Separating Fact From Fiction (Halloween)

[Link Reading Time: ~30-50 minutes]

Where does the controversy behind Halloween come from?

[Click here to view the blog article.]

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So much controversy and many strong feelings tend to arise during the month of October, especially concerning the topic of Halloween. But where do those beliefs about the holiday come from? Is there any merit to joining the crowd that regards the month to be a "time of evil"?

If you have the time, check out this article by John Sanidopoulos, from the blog Daimonologia. You don't have to be an Orthodox Christian to take consideration of its analysis on the history behind Halloween. Brace yourself, it's a long read but worth it for the strong points made!

(Article is approx. 30-50 minutes long.)
http://www.daimonologia.org/2014/10/orthodoxy-and-halloween-separating-fact.html

CQQ #21: Ouija Board...?

A not-so-innocent pastime for ages 8 and up?

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Since we're in the month of "all things spooky", I figured this topic would probably be expected at some point.

Some may find it baffling that, of all places, such a controversial device is being sold in today's world by Hasbro, a company known for selling children's toy products, including popular franchises as My Little Pony, Transformers, and Power Rangers. And the recommended age to use this "toy" is 8 and up. Cue the snarky comments and jokes comparing such to the legal drinking age of 21.

So, what is an ouija board?

CQQ #20: Foul Language...?

Are some words just too "bleeping" bad?

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"Are some words just inherently bad? Are we really just not allowed to say them?"

As a writer (and a graduated English major), I have to be constantly aware of the power of words and the instrument that is language. Every word naturally carries meaning; it's how we communicate ideas, imagery, emotions. Our word choice, even the first few words on a page, can make all the difference in engaging a reader's interest and getting our message across.

Socializing is no different.

CQQ #19: Doctor God...?

Is God our do-it-all doctor?

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Thank you, Helen, for suggesting this topic!

Be it physical or emotional, I believe that God can and does provide healing in some form or another according to His will. That healing may even come in the form of a doctor or natural remedy (God created them after all). But if He so chooses, in accordance to His will, He may intervene directly.