Billions of years ago the earth’s atmosphere was too toxic to support life as we know it today. There was not enough oxygen in the air to support anything like the abundant animal and plant life that we know and enjoy.There was water, however. And in that water lived microscopic cyanobacteria, converting sunlight into oxygen through photosynthesis. For billions of years, these microbes just kept putting oxygen out into that toxic atmosphere. Finally, one day a threshold was crossed. There was a great oxygenation event. There was enough oxygen to allow life to explode, and the forms that we know and recognize began to form. For billions of years, that cyanobacteria labored away, pumping life sustaining bubbles of air into the environment, with seemingly no purpose or result, and then one day, boom. The existence of Life! more

Let me set the scene. We were at a restaurant with the whole family, including my mom, all three of our college kids, plus two roommates brought home by our 20-year-old son Jack, who was in town for spring break. His roommates were both born and raised in Michigan, and this was their first trip to a city in the South. We were on a culinary mission to show them the best Southern cuisine has to offer. more

Spring always finds me eager to declutter, sweep the cobwebs from the corners, and spruce up our outdoor areas.  more

In 1905, George Santayana wrote the very famous and often quoted words “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” more

I’ve learned a lesson this week, and here it is: Sometimes, it’s okay to lower your standards. more

What if God was always speaking and you just simply need to learn to tune into His frequency? more

While Whiteman Air Force Base will be the second base to get the B-21, it will have to wait awhile before that happens. more

At sundown on Saturday, April 12, the Jewish holiday of Passover begins.  more

My husband and I were born five years and two days apart in March. Since it’s birthday season again, here are 52 things I’ve noticed about turning 52. more

A few years ago, I was driving to work and stopped at an intersection, wondering if I should go straight or turn. more

When our three college kids are home for a visit and we go out to eat, we follow a protocol. We usually ask for a big booth and slide into it in a particular order – with our two left-handed kids sitting together. Over the years, we’ve learned that when a lefty sits to the right of a righty, elbows collide. So, we’ve learned to arrange ourselves to give everyone room to move, no matter which hand holds the fork. more

The daffodil tops are visible now and that little bit of green starts the excitement for a new year of gardening. Before you start your seeds or purchase even one plant, spend a bit of time in the planning stage. A little bit of work up front will bring more satisfaction as the year progresses. more

Today is Shrove Tuesday — what some call Fat Tuesday — and we willl be having our third annual pancake dinner; yes, you’re invited! more

As we see cold temperatures transition into spring weather, Constable Sanitation is busy delivering trash and recycling carts to each eligible residence within the city limits of Warrensburg. more

We are entering the most fearsome time in the life of every winemaker, the time when the wines made from the grapes grown the previous year are sampled to determine if it is ready to be bottled. more

Last Sunday, my pastor gave us “homework.” We were to reflect on a time when a miracle happened in our lives. Now, I don’t have to think too hard about that one. more

My husband Tom once accused me of being unromantic. As much as I hate to admit it, I think he might be right. more

I was sitting at home sipping a malbec when there was a knock on my front door. more

Access to affordable, high-quality child care is not just a family issue — it’s an economic imperative. more

Recently, I was on mission in Tanzania with two fellow Church members. We were in search of Unreached peoples (UUPG’s). Upon return, one shared the following testimony with me. I want to share it with you. more