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In KB's Eyes

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Typically, the church choir would file in from the entrance behind the pipe organ, along the side of the sanctuary. But today, they were marching in two by two down the front aisle. Their voices were raised in bold song as they began the morning service with a joyous flair. We all sat in our pews—listening, watching, and waiting for them to reach their seats in the choir loft. I was probably ten, and listening to the music was the best part of church for me. I looked at those around me. Dad had let me sit next to him on the aisle, so I had a view of all the choir robes swishing past me. Then I saw little KB. He was only three, but he’d never spoken a word. For a little boy, his silence was something we all noticed. This was long before any extensive autism research, or much understanding of what KB’s mind was capable of. To me, he was just a quiet boy with thick eyeglasses. He stayed close to his parents. But on this morning, he had somehow escaped his father’s pew and followed ...
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Cheers for Joyce

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You know how it goes… You’re thumbing through an old photo album, searching for a certain picture, and then another one stops you. This photo dates back to 2011, taken at a gathering in our amazing Joyce community. At first, it was just a simple idea—a kid’s party to celebrate the end of the school year. But then we decided to invite the whole community. We asked musicians to entertain, grilled burgers and hot dogs, and packed huge ice chests full of pop. Everyone brought something to share—salads and scrumptious desserts. Even the sunshine showed up—which, around here, can be iffy. As busy as we all were back then (and still are), we took an afternoon to set up, enjoy, and clean up. Everyone pitched in. It was worth it—for this photo of us all together, and for a heart full of memories. As I look at these familiar, younger faces, I smile back—because this is what community looks like. We may be older now, but the heart of who we are is still the same.  
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Welcome

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I could have picked a different place to spell out WELCOME . But apparently, I chose a deer path. They can’t read, of course—but they sure can kick rocks. That’s okay. I just go out and fix the deer-kicked stones. And somehow, that reminds me: Be welcoming. The world needs it. Even when my welcome gets trampled or scattered, I just keep spelling it out again. Because maybe it’s the welcome someone needs today.
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Something Unforgettable

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It was just another hot summer day as my husband and I entertained our granddaughter. After checking off all the fun activities we had planned, we ran out of ideas. Then Papa suggested taking the dog for a walk to the fishing pond up the road. It was shady there and not far from home. I buckled Miss R into her stroller while Papa grabbed the dog’s leash. I watched them disappear down the gravel driveway toward the pond. I busied myself with a few things around the house, then realized they hadn’t returned. Concerned, I laced up my shoes and jogged to the pond. No Papa. No dog. No stroller with Miss R. Thinking they might have headed to the park a few blocks away, I jogged there. But the area was deserted—the hot sun had driven everyone indoors. So I pulled out my cell phone and called. When Miss R answered, I knew Papa had been up to something. “Papa got me two scoops of ice cream!” she exclaimed. They  had  gone to the pond, but when the heat became unbearable, Papa declared ...
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Red, White, and Dino

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Meet Dino—the delightfully smiling creature peering over a residential fence on a busy street. Throughout the year’s holidays, Dino always sports the appropriate hat. Today, he’s celebrating our nation’s independence. And we are an independent nation—born from a deep desire for freedom and a commitment to preserving it. But we’re also deeply dependent on one another. I needed dozens of teachers to educate me, and even more healthcare workers to keep me healthy. I’ve relied on bankers, maintenance workers, shopkeepers, and countless others working to support daily life. Even as I depend on others, I have the freedom to choose so much of what defines me. So do you—and that’s what we celebrate today. Dino’s smile never fades. May our independence never fade, either.
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Grabbing My Attention

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My husband Tom suggested an impromptu picnic lunch atop Hurricane Ridge—a fairly quick drive from our home. With lunches stowed in our backpacks, we hiked to an overlook of the Bailey Ridge—a group of snow-capped mountains in the Olympics. We had everything we needed—a view, privacy (except for a couple of curious deer), and sunshine. We also had everything we didn’t need—a cellular signal. No emails. No phone calls. No text messages or news feeds to follow. Nothing grabbing my attention—except the beauty around me. We followed a quiet path, outside the boundaries of 21st-century connections. I breathed in the alpine air and enjoyed my untethered freedom. My media over-attachment often challenges my resolve to focus on what's right in front of me. I absorb concerns that I’m not equipped to do anything about. Nature—and the absence of a cell signal—was mindful medicine. More impromptu lunch dates in the wilderness and less screen time? That’s a win-win.
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Chaos versus Peace

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While on school playground duty, I observed a new game: Chaos versus Peace . The first team to capture the top of the play structure wins. No pushing or shoving is allowed. Chaos relies on incessant noise to confuse Peace. Peace can only use their regular voices—no yelling. Chaos was clearly winning, time after time. Peace couldn’t hear one another over the constant screaming of Chaos. But then, Peace called a strategy huddle. They couldn’t yell, but they could use hand signals. Without making a sound, they tried to outwit Chaos. I stood in amazement as their quiet strategy began to work. Chaos screamed louder and louder. And then—I watched as Peace captured the top. The formerly undefeated Chaos realized that yelling louder didn’t help them win anymore. Recess ended before another battle could begin, but as everyone filed back to class, I realized something: Peace and quiet can win in a noisy world.
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