Marc Casciani

Breaking Bread

The phrase “breaking bread” signifies more than just sharing a meal; it represents fellowship, community, and coming together. In many cultures and religious traditions, breaking bread symbolizes unity and hospitality. It often involves sharing food and conversation, fostering a sense of connection and mutual respect among those present. Growing up, my mother insisted that weContinueContinue reading “Breaking Bread”

Daughters of the American Revolution

When I confirmed that my daughter could sing the National Anthem at a local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) event, I didn’t fully grasp the significance or impact it would have on me. I knew nothing about the DAR organization, and the event was scheduled just four days after Election Day. The Kushkushkee TrailContinueContinue reading “Daughters of the American Revolution”

The Commonwealth of Neighborly Love

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (The Keystone State) Pennsylvania, my home state, is referred to as a commonwealth, not a state. There is no practical difference between a commonwealth and a state in the United States. The term “commonwealth” historically referred to an organized political community. This choice reflects Pennsylvania’s colonial history and the desire toContinueContinue reading “The Commonwealth of Neighborly Love”

Neighborly Love Podcast, Episode 50 – Jonathan “JJ” Cuddy

Ordinary People. Extraordinary Conversations. If “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” and “The Parable of the Good Samaritan” collided at an intersection, then the Neighborly Love podcast would be the result. It features casual conversations over coffee in a “virtual coffee shop” that lean into the power of empathy. It’s about feeling heard, valued, and understood.ContinueContinue reading “Neighborly Love Podcast, Episode 50 – Jonathan “JJ” Cuddy”

The Fear of Freedom

It’s natural for people to want to be enslaved because they don’t have the courage to be free. Freedom is scary. It is much easier to conform to the status quo. For our own self-esteem and well-being, we must reject all forms of enslavement and strive for independence. Genuine freedom is achieved when you embraceContinueContinue reading “The Fear of Freedom”

Living with Dents

I avoid buying new cars for two main reasons. First, they are a poor investment since they lose value the moment you drive them off the lot. I always remember Thomas Stanley’s advice from The Millionaire Next Door: invest in houses, not cars. Houses appreciate in value, while cars depreciate. Second, new cars are flawlessContinueContinue reading “Living with Dents”

The Problem of Ordinary

Feeling ordinary is a common experience, but it’s important to remember that everyone has the potential to lead an extraordinary life. This concept is echoed throughout the Bible, which recounts the stories of many seemingly ordinary individuals who achieved remarkable things by placing their faith in God’s plan for them. They embraced the belief thatContinueContinue reading “The Problem of Ordinary”

Perfectly Imperfect

Jarah’s 11th Birthday Cake Featuring Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon There is something profoundly beautiful about sincerely acknowledging our imperfections. Recognizing that we are all imperfect should not diminish the standard of perfection we aspire to. Instead, it should motivate us to cultivate the “fruit of the Spirit” qualities: love, joy, peace, patience,ContinueContinue reading “Perfectly Imperfect”

Neighborly Love Podcast, Episode 49 – Spencer Ryan

Versus v. Verses

One of my favorite episodes of “Seinfeld” is The Opposite (S5:E22 – May 19, 1994). In the episode, George Costanza turns his life around by doing the opposite of what he would usually do. George: Every decision I’ve ever made in my entire life has been wrong. My life is the complete opposite of everthing I wantContinueContinue reading “Versus v. Verses”