Have you ever used the self-checkout at the grocery store, and you are scanning your items, putting them in bags, and happily not needing the attendant when all of sudden for no apparent reason, the scanner stops working and announces, “Help is on the way!” and the light starts flashing. The attendant comes to get you going again. I usually laugh and say, ‘I didn’t even know I needed help!’

I was sent this beautiful piece written by Debra Engle and I can’t keep it to myself.  May you be blessed by this simple prayer and reflection.

Claudia sang her original song “Beautiful” on Sunday, which includes these lyrics:

I discovered this powerful story in my Spiritual Passages newsletter. WOW!

“Two boys, Luca and Felipe, shared a hospital room in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Little Luca, age 2, was in failing health after receiving a liver transplant, while Felipe, just 1 year old, remained on the waitlist for a new heart. When Luca’s parents found out their son wouldn’t survive, they immediately asked the doctors if his heart could go to Felipe.

On Saturday, August 16^th, you are invited to celebrate our beloved board member, Michael Matthews.  Michael, a long-time  UCBA member, a past president of the board and a beautiful, gentle soul has left his mark.  He lived with passion and commitment, serving and loving UCBA.

Remember Mary and Martha?  Mary settled in to listen to Jesus, and Martha was hustling and bustling to serve her guests.  Jesus tells Martha that one thing is necessary.  He is referring to being present to Divinity and Love, right here, right now.

I am enjoying Unity’s booklet, Healing A Thousand Different Ways.  Rev. Sandra Campbell is pondering the gift of laughter.  I am all in when it comes to laughter.  It soothes the soul and does many things to help our bodies.  It releases endorphins, strengthens the heart, increases oxygen intake, relaxes muscles and shifts perspective.  

Knowing there is only One Presence and One Power, we join with world spiritual leaders to honor the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.  He turned 90 on July 6, 2025.  He has taught compassion, mindfulness, and interfaith harmony around the world.  

Happy holiday weekend!  I celebrate the freedoms that are available as a part of this country and look forward to a day when every person in our world will enjoy being able to express their true essence, regardless of race, color, creed or sexual orientation.  I look forward to the day when