Don't even think about silencing those holiday bells

"I have a recurring holiday dream. In it, I spend a day visiting every Salvation Army bell ringer in the city of Chicago. I drop some change in the kettles and offer those kind souls a firm handshake and a sincere thanks for all they do. And then I take their bells. I take their loud, incessantly clanging bells and I gather them up and throw them all into Lake Michigan."

Click here for more on Rex Huppke's dream and changed perspective.

Religious Freedom and National Security: Joined at the Hip

"If you’re like me, you typically associate national security with diplomacy, intelligence, and, of course, the military. That’s why I was intrigued by a recent conference at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University."

Click here to read more of Chuck Colson's commentary.

Record of Reality: Archaeological Discovery Supports Scripture

"Once again, archaeology confirms the accuracy of biblical history. That’s good news, but should it affect how we believers view Scripture?"

Click here for more on the question.

Leonardo DiCaprio donates $1 million to save the world's tigers

"Leonardo DiCaprio braved scary skies to get to a summit devoted to saving the worlds' tigers, donating $1 million to the cause and earning high praise from Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin."

For more on DiCaprio's donation, click here.

Holiday season sparks volunteerism: Experts suggest creative ways to help

"An Oswego firefighter by day, Mark Spoo doesn't indulge his passion for photography as often as he would like. But for the past four Christmas seasons, Spoo has made time to combine his favorite hobby with his desire to give back."

Click here for ideas on ways you can get involved.

Thanksgiving compact: A 15-point pledge to ensure a peaceable feast

"Would you like to avoid emotional indigestion at Thanksgiving? Do you want to have a regret-free holiday? Then you need our 15-point Thanksgiving pledge."

For more on a peaceful Thanksgiving, click here.

Pro bono lawyers help Haiti quake survivors get loans

"Haiti's massive earthquake didn't just destroy its capital Port-au-Prince, the devastation has also had a major impact on farmers in the countryside, say two U.S. lawyers providing pro bono help in the country."

Click here for more on how these two are aiding Haiti survivors.