Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the problems of the world. Reading the news can be gut-wrenching. And after all, I am only one person, so what can I really do?

Each summer, I spend a week in the mountains, studying, writing, planning, praying, visioning, and reading. Stepping away from the constant activity at the church, I savor the solitude and find that I can read about three times as fast.

There is this one lone fir tree on the top of the mountain. Weeks before we arrive in Colorado, I can feel the calming presence of that tree, perched against the backdrop of the blue sky.

I sat on the floor of the basement going through dusty cardboard boxes of handwritten letters, wedding shower cards, and baby shower cards. What began as a task of drudgery blossomed into an infusion of love.

We sat with our feet dangling in the lake as someone who looked like Jesus came across the shimmering water in a small boat at sunset. We were flooded with emotion and hope as we sang together.

You are capable of saintliness. That is what Theo often says to ordinary folks when he shares a coffee with them at the local coffee shop.

Collard greens and cornbread in a cast iron skillet; banana pudding and sweet potato pie tantalized our taste buds. It was a spread like none I had ever seen before in our Social Hall. But the real magic of the evening transcended the Soul Food Potluck Pop-Up.  

“I didn’t know there were actually churches like that." I was both shocked and proud when she said: “I didn’t know there were actually churches like that." I also felt angry and wondered how God felt when God heard her say it aloud. “I didn't think there were actually churches like that."

Among the plethora of Kansas City’s gifts, summer boldly moves in. Vying for first place for best in show are: the buzz at the farmer’s market on Saturday morning; the crimson cardinal perched on my bird feeder; the fragrance on an evening stroll through Loose Park’s rose garden; and a carefree day at the K when the Royals win.

I met Marian in the 4th grade. Her desk was next to mine. After 4th grade, I moved to a new house and a new school and we never attended the same school again.

On our vacation in February, Dave and I took a half-day kayaking trip. The first half was peaceful, relaxing and beautiful. I could feel my arms exerting themselves, and I felt energetic and happy.