We live within a great paradox. While we work hard to control the circumstances and issues of our lives there are many things which are dictated by realities. These things are not insignificant in their power to impact our peace of mind and our contentment about where we have come, who we are, and where we feel we are headed. We will consider some of these as these essays and stories unfold.

“Why are things are the way they are?” is one of the great questions of life. Why is disappointment and turbulence around every corner? How has my heart coped with such challenges and how has this impacted my relationships? Have I experienced personal comfort? Have I learned and do I practice giving solace and reassurance to others?

More often than not, life has delivered us some kind of turbulence - even chaos. Imperfection resides everywhere, and pain and uncertainty surrounds us in the form of challenges and disappointments - even within our most cherished hopes and dreams. This unpredictable mix reaches out to cover the end of our journeys as well: What exactly does happen when I die?

Some are convinced that the evolution of mankind is upward, with a certainty of elevated arrival. Others are less optimistic. Their view of history and human nature precludes embracing a rising trajectory. Most of us live somewhere between these two polarities.

From the atheist to the faith-zealot on the life continuum, each of us has assembled our core beliefs which shape our world view. We make our life decisions accordingly. This is all very individual, personal, and powerful.

I am captivated by scientific thought. The shear weight of knowledge which has come to light during my lifetime is remarkable. I am swept up in all things beautiful, and science and nature feed the deepest parts of me: The micro and the macro, the great and the small.

I enjoy the reasoning processes and conclusions of philosophical thinkers as well. There are myriads of ways to look at any one aspect of life, and I find it so stimulating to contemplate the thoughts of other active thinkers, contemporary or historical, within the contexts of their own life contexts.

The role of faith within history and human contemplation of ultimate meaning is fascinating and has shaped the human story in significant ways. I personally draw clear lines between faith and religion, consulting Jesus for clarity about this.

Consequently, I choose to be brave and not blindly accept either ancient or modern platitudes or unfounded speculations. I believe our intellect, our internal being, and our capacity for human impact is inseparably linked within science, philosophy, and faith. These essays pursue such lines of reflection.