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Reflections: Can we combat divisiveness?
I have not had time to thoroughly research these various connections, but after prayer and discussion with my husband over the years, we have agreed that on Halloween night we will have the porch light on and a generous basket of good candy.

Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read


Reader’s Corner: Fun children’s events coming at KAL
In addition to the morning events, Kimberling Area Library will also host a monthly Lego Club on the first Tuesday of each month at 4:15 p.m., starting on Tuesday, December 2.

Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read


Reflections: Leave a review, please?
One thing I will gladly give a positive review for, though, is God’s faithfulness. Over several decades of life, my ups and downs have helped me identify more and more with the writer of Ecclesiastes.

Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read


Reader’s Corner: A class, and book, like no other
The book and the class are of inestimable value in giving students perspective on the history of the Vietnam conflict, helping many better understand their grandparents and other family members who served during that time.

Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read


Reflections: Serving like Jesus
During Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week, I am always inspired by the number of veterans I see serving other veterans. From staffing the welcome booth at the Veteran Village to coordinating reunions to working tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate one of the nation’s best Veterans Day parades, plus much more I probably don’t know about, they prove that “esprit de corps” was not something to be laid aside after leaving active duty, but a lifestyle to be carried forward.

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: Family fun at KAL children’s events
Along with Veterans Week, Thanksgiving, and the transformation of many communities into the festive atmosphere of Ozark Mountain Christmas, there are plenty of other fun and educational opportunities for area children to enjoy! The volunteers at Kimberling Area Library invite families to take advantage of children’s events coming up in November: On Monday, November 10, the Library welcomes KDM Builders for a special Storytime, starting at 10:30 a.m. In addition to building-t

Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read


Reflections: I recommend joy
My morning devotions recently moved into the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. While that’s not a book people generally turn to for encouragement to start the day, the writer of the study guide pointed out that it has inspired considerable art, music and philosophy, sending my mind back many years to my sister singing along with the Byrds’ “Turn, Turn, Turn” on the radio. The writer of Ecclesiastes, referred to in some passages as “preacher,” is presumed by many scholars

Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read


Reader’s Corner: There’s a new print journal in town
With so many publications focusing on their online/digital presence these days, imagine my delight when I opened my mail a few days ago and found something really special—the inaugural issue of the Ozarkian Hillcrofter: Journal of the Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters. Regular readers of this column know I’m a huge fan—backed by research—of the multi-sensory value of holding and interacting with a print publication, and all the more if it’s a really enjoyable one! (As opposed

Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read


Reflections: Waiting is underrated
My Bible study last week included verses about trusting God, even when circumstances make us wonder what is going on, how long the situation will continue, what the outcome will be, and whether God really cares. One passage was Psalm 27:13-14, “I would have lost heart, unless I believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (NKJV) Persons inte

Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read


Reader’s Corner: Paws and Pumpkins in Crane
Stone County Library invites the community to a fun evening of “Paws and Pumpkins” on Saturday, October 18, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Crane City Park. This fun fall celebration for all ages will feature a pet show—with prizes!—along with potato sack and 3-legged races, tug-of-war, cupcake walk and more. There will be live music, and pickers are welcome! There’s also a chili cook-off, so plan to bring your favorite recipe for the judges to try. At least five food trucks

Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read


Reflections: Are my words uplifting or inflammatory?
One of my Scripture studies this week was Ephesians 4:29, “ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (NIV). With fairly strict parents and an even stricter church community as a child, I usually heard that verse used following what someone said when they hit their thumb with the hammer, or a couple of times when I tried out a phrase I heard from olde

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: Kids’ events and book sale at KAL
Good things are continuing to happen at Kimberling Area Library during October! It’s not too late to plan a stop by the KAL Annual Fall...

Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read


Reflections: Grounding and staying in the light
I have a couple of habits that I believe contribute to my health and have helped me through a couple of incidents and headed off others...

Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read


Reader’s Corner: Who is Plato, and why read him?
Some Globe readers know I am frequently inspired by the antics of my orange rescue cat Dexter. He demonstrates tenacity, courage and...

Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read


Reflections: Strength, peace and waiting well
Over six weeks, we are studying one verse per day and memorizing one of them each week, but the study isn’t just about learning verses; it’s about context: What was the inspired writer going through? What purpose did he hope to convey? How is this verse applicable to me?

Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read


Reflections: On Jonah and Charlie
I’m always amazed when various sources point me toward similar thoughts about how to represent my faith in Jesus Christ in a chaotic...

Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read


Reflections: Why and how do we reflect?
At a recent event, someone asked me how I came up with the name “Reflections” for the thoughts that find their way to this space. After...

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: Don’t miss the Kimberling Area Library Book Sale
Come and browse thousands of books including popular fiction, paperbacks, biographies and lots of non-fiction categories.

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: I just read a book
As they shared their stories, I felt like I made new friends with everyone they know, everyone they talked about.

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reflections: ‘Trust and obey,’ with gratitude
I’m starting a new First5 Bible study, “30 Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know.” It includes not just the verses themselves, but the...

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
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