“We’re all dying, just some of us sooner than others.” I’ve recently been reminded how true these words are from author, Vince Flynn. A month ago, I had the humbling opportunity of ministering to a dear family as their mother passed away in front of them. Over the past few weekends, I’ve been at the bedside of my wife’s dying grandmother as she quickly approaches the transition of life to death. Death is close to all of us and will soon come knocking on each of our doors. more

Rural hospitals face financial problems that urban ones generally avoid. That accounts for the 12 rural hospitals in Missouri that closed between 2014 and 2024. more

I hope you’ll join me in protesting the Missouri Legislature’s newest attempts to overturn the will of the voters. more

“Gather ye rose-buds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying; And this same flower that smiles today tomorrow will be dying.” -Robert Herrick more

Mrs. Cookman’s testimony had begun with questions about how long she had been married. She was not allowed to testify as to how many children she had. A well-worn family Bible had been introduced as evidence over Lamm’s objections. It showed the birth dates of all her children that her husband had written because she could only read and write “a little.” more

If you drive anywhere in Sedalia this week, you will see that something is happening. more

Many people might wonder, what is the value of our state fair and all the state fairs across the Midwest? more

First, I thank everyone who reached out to me after reading or hearing about my column last week. I am humbled by those who took time to share their stories or offer support. It seems I now belong to a club of collegial members. I hope to follow in their footsteps. more

The Trump administration recently slashed funding for the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), an agency that works to improve our health care system. Such budget cuts threaten to make Missouri hospitals less safe, less effective and potentially more prone to devastating medical errors. more

For years, including on my last day as a television news anchor, I have said the truth is the only thing that matters. As your representative, I am steadfast in my pursuit of transparency regarding the horrific crimes of Jeffrey Epstein. more

The difference between a raw diamond and one in a beautiful ring is dramatic. To release the beauty and brilliance locked inside, it must endure an intense process of cutting, grinding, and polishing. Each cut takes away a little more of the rough edges. Each grinding pass feels like a loss. But every step is necessary to reveal the diamond’s full brilliance. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:10 that when we live for what is right — when we refuse to compromise our integrity, our faith, our love for Him — we will face resistance. It will feel like a loss. It will feel like cutting. But He reminds us this is a sign we are His, and He’s shaping us for a kingdom where righteousness shines forever. Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. more

The trial of J.W. Cookman, accused of killing John McBride, continued with more cross examination of testimony given by Cookman’s son Nathan. more

Last Tuesday, July 29, my wife Marlene and I celebrated our 65th Wedding Anniversary. more

The people's vote should matter more

It’s almost time for the Missouri State Fair, which begins this Thursday, Aug. 7 — I know, I know many locals find this time challenging due to increased traffic and Walmart lines, but remember it’s only 10 days — 10 days that help drive up the city’s economy. more

I had one job. Just one. more

One of my favorite songs tells the story of a rodeo cowboy whose wife leaves him and their daughter to pursue a career on the rodeo circuit. This woman rides out into the arena in her rhinestones and sequins with the sunlight on her hair. The crowds love her, because all they see is how beautiful and perfect she is on the outside. We’re reminded by the writer, Dan Seals, that Everything that Glitters, Is Not Gold. more

Today I could write about a plethora of subjects: I never expected to live in a police state where masked and armed paramilitary terrorists abduct people off the streets or from a legal proceeding in a courthouse; I never expected a Senate to confirm for a lifetime Federal judgeship a man whose e-mails detailed ways to circumvent or defy Court orders, or; I never expected to live in a country where the chosen leader cheats at golf. more

Planes from Whiteman Air Force Base’s two bomb wings’ attack on Iran’s nuclear weapons complex was remarkable in several respects. more

Jonah is now lying in a pool of vomit on the beach. The great sea creature/fish that God created has suffered a bout of indigestion. more