I was always a fan of Rev. Doyle Sager. He once said something profound I can’t forget: He prayed, “God help us through this time when relationships are so confused.” I also liked this: My friend Lisa told me, “When he’s going to talk about something controversial, he says, ‘I don’t want anyone to misunderstand me. I’m going to say this three times.’” And then he did. more

Among the more popular white wine varieties throughout Europe is the riesling, a wine that for centuries had been presented in various levels of sweetness in an attempt to mitigate its often high acidity but rarely, if ever, as a totally dry wine. When the most famous riesling in Germany called Berncasteler Doctor was sold in 1882, the final price was a whopping 17 gold marks per vine, which indicated the popularity of the variety. more

It’s very likely that you’ve already heard people talking about Easter being over — and maybe even said so yourself. While I’ll agree that Easter Sunday is past, Easter is a season of 40 days that Christians have observed for centuries — reminding us of this reality of the Risen Jesus that St. Luke wrote in The Acts of the Apostles: “He [Jesus] presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God” (1:3). more

I’m concerned about my eyes. Oh, not my vision. It’s still bad. No, I’m concerned because the “German” is coming and coming quickly. more

Chardonnay is a name that indicates the height of excellence and, at times, the pit of mediocrity. more

For months now, I've been eating breakfast with a goose. more

I have a long to-do list waiting for me after I write this column. So long, in fact, that I might be able to get through the day without thinking too much about what day it actually is. Today is March 15. The Ides of March. The day before my son’s birthday. Diagnosis day. more

Wines, like clothing fashions, have their distinct seasons. Now, it is the season that we move away from the heavier red wines of winter and move toward the lighter white and rose wines that are popular during the warmer seasons. more

Instructor: “Now, wrap the fabric around your wrists and then pull yourself upside down to do the inverted starfish.” more

For Christians, the season of Lent is often perceived as a time of giving something up as a formal practice of fasting that imitates Jesus’ 40 days in the desert. This can be a very meaningful practice, but it is also something that can become a yearly habit that is unexamined. But Lent is a time when we do need to examine our hearts, minds and behaviors; it is a time to assess the ways we have fallen short of our dedication to bringing God’s kingdom to earth and the ways we have strayed from the path of love, justice, and mercy. more

My mom taught me not to brag, but I’ll make an exception this one time. Because after my last few trips to the store, I’ve decided I’m the best of the best when it comes to these three abilities: more

Let’s be very honest: you wouldn't buy a wine with a label that says “Chateau Gar Bahge, a wine made from some kind of grapes.” As normal consumers, we always gravitate toward things that are familiar and the idea of plunking down hard-earned dollars for an unknown product is something that we instinctively try to avoid. more

Citizens for Environmental Action hosts an annual Earth Day festival as part of the University of Central Missouri’s Earth Week. more

Everywhere you turn, there are cries of impending doom. We’re constantly warned of financial crisis, castigated for climate change brought on by our fossil fuels and carbon emissions, and told democracy is threatened by white supremacy and Christian nationalism. more

“Those who know” is an often-used description of a product designed to entice readers or listeners to the fact that people who know more about the product than they do have endorsed it. I am usually “turned off” when I see that, but please forgive the use of it now. more

Prepare for an interesting and challenging gardening year. February gave us an 80-degree day followed by a 36-degree day with low 20s overnight. In addition, the western part of Johnson County ended February abnormally dry. We’ll soon see how many of our plants have fared after a drought year and subzero temperatures this winter. New plantings will need to be monitored for moisture as the subsoil is drier, but it is Missouri, so conditions could rapidly change. more

Last night around 11 p.m., we heard a familiar noise from the darkened hallway outside our bedroom door. It was part moan, part growl and part muffled meow. Tom and I glanced at each other because we knew what that sound meant. Percy had another mouse. more

“Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also” (Genesis 1:16). more

When there’s a bomb threat or, God forbid, an explosion, we run away and report it so attackers can be arrested and punished. more

Small businesses drive our economy forward, providing jobs and essential resources like food and fuel for local communities that might not have access for miles around. more