Editor's note: This week has been another busy one both at work and at home. With the spring season here, I thought this column from almost exactly one year ago would be a good substitute. While I think my green thumb saw some improvements last year, I definitely still have a long way to go before I reach grandma's gardening status. I'll be giving it another go next month, so we'll see how long my plants last this time around. more

I love to see that look of wonder in the eyes of my grandchildren when they encounter something new that surprises them. I must admit, however, that I am also a little jealous of the fact that they have so many experiences to be surprised by ahead of them. more

Once upon a time, Jesus interrupted a woman’s life and invited her into a life-changing relationship with God. She was a woman who had been married at least a few times and was currently living with another man. Jesus shared with her that she had been looking for something in those relationships that only He could offer. more

It started with chicken nuggets. more

“If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them and half as much money.” – Author Unknown more

County and township boundaries were often created to provide convenient places for people to vote. In 1832, according to the 1882 History of Pettis County, Legislator Charles Cravens from Saline County encouraged the legislature to alter the border of Saline County and create the northeastern part of Pettis County. Pettis County was established in 1833. more

“Hanlon’s Razor is an adage or rule of thumb that states, ‘Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.*’” more

The old Republican fondness for isolationism appears to be making a comeback, and that’s not a good sign. more

WROCLAW, Poland – It is unreal to me to be in Poland these last two weeks helping at a Ukrainian refugee help point. And as you read this on Saturday, I will be flying back to America – a bittersweet thought. more

Here’s one for you. Missouri has made national news – PBS, NPR, and even Katie Couric’s daily newsletter, “Wake Up Call,” among others – and not in a good way. The Missouri House of Representatives has voted to remove public library funding from Missouri’s budget. The budget still must go to the Senate, and Springfield’s Sen. Hough says he intends to restore the funding of $4.5 million. After all, the Missouri Constitution says that Missouri supports “the establishment and development of free public libraries and . . . accepts the obligation of their support by the state and its subdivisions and municipalities in such manner may be provided by law.” more

Have you ever browsed the shelves at the library, not really sure what you’re looking for? Have you been in a reading rut, not quite finding a book or author that you can really get into? Maybe you just want to try something new, but you don’t know where to start. We’ve all been there! Now, at the Sedalia Public Library, we have a solution to this problem. more

I will most likely step on some toes with what I am about to say, but it needs to be said. more

Pettis County was established by the Missouri General Assembly in 1833, out of the southern part of Saline County and the western part of Cooper County. Settlers had been in the area since as early as 1808-09, according to the 1882 History of Pettis County, and by 1833, approximately 600 people resided here. The county was divided into townships whose boundaries changed as the population of each area increased. more

WROCLAW, Poland — On April 3, I left for Wroclaw, Poland, on a humanitarian trip with my friend Kathleen Boswell. We planned to spend time at a help point for Ukrainian Refugees in Wroclaw. But, before arriving, it took us 25 hours to get through airports and layovers and five hours traveling by train to reach our destination. more

I’ve heard it said that all good things must come to an end, but I’ve never believed that; however, this past week made me question my belief. more

Columnist’s note: Longtime readers may notice that this column sounds familiar. I originally published it in 2020. It continues to be both relevant and urgent today, the most important message of our time — and of all times. Happy and Blessed Easter, from my family to yours. more

There are a lot of things that have changed the world over the centuries. The internet, FaceTime, Google, Amazon, fast food, cars, flight, and many others. What is the greatest change in history? I would argue that Jesus is the greatest change. more

True Bogs more

Rumors are a tough act to follow. Even if you are the source of the story, it is difficult to help others understand the truth. more

The 1882 History of Pettis County sometimes comments on a person’s party affiliation, acknowledging that a person had been a long-time supporter of a particular party. An interesting exception to this pattern is shown in the biography of Jacob Yankee of Flat Creek Township, whose party affiliation is noted as being a Whig, then a member of the Know-Nothing party, then a Republican. more