After the horror of the recent mass murders at Virginia Tech, many suggestions have been put forth as to how such a tragedy could have been prevented or at least minimized.

The world seems to be divided between optimists and pessimists. But as we grieve over the mass killings in Kosovo and in Africa—as we are shocked by the murders in Columbine High School in Colorado and Heritage High School in Georgia, we all may rightly ask, "Is there any hope for the future? Is there any hope for my children and family?" Yes, there is—as we'll see.

The dreaded deadline for paying taxes – April 15th – comes around all too often for many in the United States. A great number of citizens hate to pay their share so badly that they often fudge on their tax returns, misrepresenting their true tax bill to Uncle Sam.

The pitiful image of a character with a long beard and dusty monk's robe, pacing the streets with a sign that reads, "Repent, the end is near! Flee from the wrath to come!" is not as laughable as it used to be.

It's the Easter season, and the pastel colors are coming out! Beautiful dresses for little girls hang in the department stores, kits for coloring eggs appear on the shelves, and that elusive species of hare—the chocolate bunny—comes once again into season.

Many churches will put on shows and pageantry, attempting to depict their understanding of the final week of Jesus Christ's life here on earth, leading to His triumphant resurrection. But some will ask themselves an important question this week: Does Jesus Christ really want everyone doing all of this?