Even without the current Middle East considerations, Purim is an encouraging reminder of the faithfulness of God.

Dr. Richard Baker, AIF®, is the CEO and executive wealth advisor at Fervent Wealth Management.   First, we pray for the safe return of our service men and women stationed in the Middle East who are taking part in this military operation.   Oil Oil prices have surged 14% in the first few days as Iranian strikes on ships around the narrow Strait of Hormuz have driven energy prices into the conflict. Though natural gas prices have stabilized, we have seen concerned investors mov

And no, this little book does not bash modern worship music. It does, however, challenge readers to make sure what we are singing is truly sing-able and accessible to all worshipers

Now I said that Branson doesn’t bog ourselves down with focus groups but in the year 2020, we did hire a consulting firm called Sound Diplomacy to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of our music industry.

The early rains came down again, like they always do this time of year. The grass greens. The daffodil blooms, reminder that no matter the crazy outrage of the day, there is solace in new life, again and again. It seems the world begins anew each year with water running over stone.   I am playing again in the water at the little culvert under the driveway. The little pool that formed was shaded by watchful black locust trees and friendly honeysuckle and yet still the pool was

For nearly two weeks, Mexican guns endlessly fired on the fort. Despite the brave work of the Alamo’s leader, Lieutenant Colonel William Barret Travis, to send out urgent letters asking for help, no real aid ever came.

This column previously reviewed a riveting novel by Liz Lazarus, in which the main character navigates the continued fear and the twists and turns of the legal system following a vicious attack. Now, the Atlanta-based author delivers her fourth novel, a psychological thriller in which a ruthless and treacherous boyfriend-turned-stalker embroils a daughter in a battle for guardianship of her elderly mother.    “Dawn Before Darkness”   is the story of Dawn Smith, a veterinarian

In spite of all that, Paul encourages the Philippians to rejoice. Why? Because “the Lord is near!” Our hope is for eternity, so our rejoicing should be “in the Lord,” regardless of this life’s circumstances.

In my microscopic “surface search” for the cool and the “not so hot” (pun intended!) coffee manufacturers, let’s just say that I have “seen the light!”   I will start with some primary definition to enable you to more clearly absorb what is being said about the various brands. My source for this column is from YouTube: “8 US Coffee Brands to Avoid.”   Ochratoxin A: A highly toxic mold-produced mycotoxin (from Aspergillis and Penecillium) that contaminates food commodities, wo

Cactus Mack was born near the New Mexico and Texas line in Weed, New Mexico, August 8, 1899. He came from a performing family, worked as a cowboy at the O-Bar-O Ranch near Willcox, Arizona, and was remembered as a talented musician, versatile with several instruments, guitar and fiddle in particular

Nathan Bedford Forrest went from an enlisted private to a Lieutenant General in the Confederate Army during the war.

If there's plenty of water, they move up the tributaries and streams at the slightest warming of the currents that call them.

I have compiled a small guide to safe biblical communication based on the rights and obligations we have not only as Christians, but as human beings.

Dr. Richard Baker, AIF®, is the CEO and executive wealth advisor at Fervent Wealth Management.   My personal motto is “consistency, no room for errors,” which drives my kids and wife crazy. I try to find what works and stick with it. I don’t need restaurant menus because I’m going to order the same thing every time. Investors do the same thing. U.S. stocks almost always outperform the global market, so they stick with what works. Well, things are starting to change on that fr

When I was a boy in school, nothing would evoke a physical encounter faster than when someone spoke about another person’s parents. “Don’t you talk about my Momma/Daddy!” were usually the last words spoken before the punches began to be thrown. Why did those words elicit combative anger? It is because someone who is loved and respected has been insulted. Such disrespect is unacceptable. An immature person may try to defend their loved one’s honor through physicality. Such beh

This gift was astounding since my mother had often made it clear that a house was no place for an animal. Yet here was this green-eyed purr-box, and she was actually going to live in our house.

Spring is just around the corner, and with it, more fun and educational events for children are coming up at the Kimberling Area Library at 45 Kimberling Boulevard, Kimberling City!    On Tuesday, March 3, things get started with the Lego Club, held the first Tuesday of each month at 4:15 p.m. Kids ages five and up spend time creating, building and playing alongside friends. We supply the Legos; you supply the imagination!    On Monday, March 9, kids of all ages are invited t

Mixing cultures while trying to keep everyone happy had led to some poor theology in the Corinthian church; a major part of Paul’s letter was to return the focus to Jesus.

A centerpiece of the Negro League Baseball Museum is a baseball field with life size bronze statues of some of the game’s greatest players.

One of the difficult parts of aging, or of caring for a parent or other elderly relative, is the decision about whether the person can, or should, continue living in their home. About 75% of seniors express the desire to stay in their home, even when they cannot fully or safely care for themselves or maintain their homes. While some seniors, particularly those without family nearby, enjoy the fellowship of a senior neighborhood or assisted living center, most prefer the famil