World-renowned author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar stated: "The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for."

In December, the new Queen James Version (QJV) of the Holy Bible was published in the U.S. and made available for sale (Australian Women’s Weekly, December 18, 2012). Its cover shows a rainbow cross (depicting gay pride) and its purpose is to edit Bible verses that condemn homosexuality, so homophobic interpretations become impossible (ibid.).

Years ago, a television ad posed the question, “If you’re going nowhere today, where will you be tomorrow?” I was impressed by its message since, as a young teen, I was at that age where the mind starts to mature and focus more on the future. As we grow up, we inevitably look beyond the current day and develop a "game plan" for life.

As the United States shifts its foreign policy focus from the Middle East to Asia, Russia and China are strengthening their relationship to defend against the perceived U.S. military threat. The U.S. and Australia signed a pact stationing 2,500 U.S. Marines in Australia to boost their Pacific strength against a more aggressive China (New York Times, April 4, 2012).

From our youth onward, we develop values that guide us through life’s challenges. Our values—whether we live up to them or not—shape our actions, and those actions shape our character. But are we basing our values on truth, or on convenient fictions?