What can I do to enrich my own life and the lives of those around me? What is good for me, that really brings a sense of accomplishment? Why not accept my cross (they say that if you could pick out your own cross from among a pile of them, you would pick your same one)? Jesus accepted His cross, even though His sweat became as blood, Wow! Jesus knew the joy of His Father in what He had to be about and nothing stopped the Lord from His life course.

Sister Mary Eugenia, last month had some painful tests to undergo. To see her joy and willingness to offer her pain to God thru Our Lady reallly touched my heart. Our thanks to all of you who reached out to help Sister, Your prayers, cards, flowers and just being there meant the world to her and to all of us!

Then there is Bernadine Asher, another senior live-in at SOH. Just the other day, restoring the fabric on an ancient foot stool, the joy of accomplishing this task and at the same time offering to take one of our guests to Lawrence if the person needed a ride was in her look. To me it’s going that extra mile for others, no matter what our agenda may be. Jesus said if one asks for your shirt, give them your cloak as well...if they want you to go with them a mile, go two miles. To whomever asks, give to them.

Then there is Kelly and Jeff, our married couple at SOH. They have told me many times how they have surrended to God and asked that He be in control, not them. Jeff would you fix this or that, Jeff would you walk the dogs, Jeff would you work on the grant, Jeff would you fly to Washington, D.C. or to Japan to help the company; and Jeff gives it all to God. He prayed that all we have to do is God’s will and praise God. Right beside Jeff is Kelly. Her smile (even when she might not feel like it) has touched more people who have come to SOH. And you know that if you need a kind touch, a new garment, a word of encouragement, she is there. Even ole Steven, now nine years old, is there to clean this or that and make sure our recycling efforts go forward.

Our new cook, Steve Sullivan, in addition to some of the best cooking we have had at SOH, comes up with a joke to lift our spirits and move us forward.

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Meditation in Music and Movement
By Marilyn Connolly & Kelly Ashton

“One of the best performances I’ve ever seen!” “Be sure and let me know when you have the next one. I’m so glad I heard about it!” “ I was moved to tears.” These are but a few of the comments made from those in attendance at Sanctuary of Hope’s 3rd annual “Meditation in Music and Movement”. The program, held Sunday afternoon February 27, 2000 in the SOH chapel, was a wonderful representation of the cultural, ethnic, and faith diversity that is Sanctuary of Hope.

It was a blessing for all who attended to experience the sharing of God’s gifts of various talents by those who performed. Undoubtedly, God, Himself, was pleased!

Prayer:
Almighty God, thank you for all of the wonderful gifts you have generously given to each and every one of your children.
Help us to recognize your gifts in ourselves, and help us to develop those gifts to Your Glory.
Thank you for the enjoyment we receive when others willingly share their gifts with us.
And, thank you for the joy we feel when we’re willing to share our own gifts with others.
You are truly an Awesome God
Amen!

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Run the Good Race by Jack Connolly

In case you are not familiar with this kind of activity, typically participants range from wheel chair athletes to serious, competitive runners to recreational runners to people who just want to walk. The number of participants in this part of the world range from the 3500 who participated at the last Thanksgiving event sponsored by Sprint to the 60 or so who braved the rain and cold last October at the Log Cabin Run in Harrisonville, MO. Participants range in age from children to septuagenarians (really). Normally a few prizes are given to the overall winner and to the first few finishers in various age and gender groups. There are no losers however because these are really social events to support worthy causes. 

The SOH event is entitled "Run the Good Race". It will be 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) long, starting and finishing at SOH, and will begin at 8AM on April 15, 2000. There will be a pancake breakfast as well which will begin as soon as the first (hungry) runners finish. An entry form and waiver are included in the Race Walk hyperlink below the course map at the bottom of this page. 

The main purpose of this article is simply to inform, but we can certainly use help. We are looking for participants, helpers, and sponsors. I can be reached by phone at 913 236 9528 or by email at connollyj@umkc.edu. Please note that any group or organization that provides 25 or more entrants by April 1, can have their name or logo on the race T shirt. Finally, PLEASE pray for the success of this event.

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Everyone is welcome to attend our Healing of Memories Prayer Service
on Friday, April 7th, from 7-9 PM at Sanctuary of Hope Chapel.  Jesus is
eager to heal all of us from our past hurts and to place us on the highway to
full recovery and joy, knowing all is well and all will be well with God's
healing touch.  Do bring a family member and/or a friend.