Ever wonder where and when the concept of evil and the devil originated? Research suggests it began centuries ago when people were trying to cope with contagious illnesses. Infectious diseases were widespread long before germ theory was known. Plagues were devastating and no one could explain their origin. People believed in the evil eye, witches, and the devil (add a “d” to the word evil) as the cause of horrible suffering.

I’m never sure who enjoys pranks more, the prankster or the persons pranked. You decide as you read the ideas of fun that presidents of the United States have enjoyed. It's not every day that you get fooled by the nation's Prankster-in-Chief. I wonder how we would respond if we learned President Trump pulled any of these presidential pranks.

As we approach Valentine’s Day, love is in the air. Is our definition of love antiquated, limited and biased? My granddaughter is the writer of today’s blog. She expands our view to be lovingly all-inclusive.

Recently Pope Francis apologized and it made the headlines. Everyone makes mistakes and notable people and celebrities are not exceptions. An apology is a moment of humility when we acknowledge a mistake and signal a heartfelt desire to correct it in the future. We are imperfect beings and errors in judgment happen.

Each morning we awaken to a new day – never knowing what joy or grief, gift or challenge may fill its hours. Recently my days include loss and sadness, yet in spite of that, each morning the sun pierces the darkness and each evening the sun melts in the horizon – both with magnificent displays of color. We’re not meant to coddle persistent worries. Like sunrise and sunset, insights illuminate our perspectives every day. After a while – however long it takes – life is our teacher and we learn.