A group is as healthy as its 'social contract' is clear; a congregation as faithful as its covenant is mutually understood; a pastor as effective as the pastor's and people's commitment to trust and integrity is honored, guarded, and fulfilled.

Ontologically, chocolate raises profoundly disturbing questions: Does not chocolate offer natural revelation of the goodness of the Creator just as chilies disclose a divine sense of humor? Is the human born with an innate longing for chocolate? Does the notion of chocolate preclude the concept of free will?

An open ear is the only believable sign of an open heart.

Happy persons seldom think of happiness. They are too busy losing their lives in the meaningful sacrifices of service.

Happiness is living by inner purpose, not by outer pressures. Happiness is having a sense of meaning, not a feeling of futility.

The man who forgives pays a tremendous price - the price of the evil he forgives.

If chocolate is a foretaste of heaven, what does it mean that chocolate is freely available to all?