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Reflections: Embrace the opportunity
It was a sunny spring morning on my front porch when my visiting grandson, the early riser of his family, slipped out the door and climbed into my lap. He sat quietly, listening to morning birdsongs, until suddenly, a bee landed on a flower right in front of us. My grandson let out a scream and buried his face in my shoulder. “Nana! Let’s go inside! It will sting me!” It took a moment, but I was able to calm him down and reassure him that the bee was much less interested i
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reader’s Corner: Parents, get involved
As a new school year begins, most parents hope their children’s reading skills continue to improve as they advance to a new grade level. Sadly, though, with the current state of social affairs in our country, the beginning of school also calls for vigilance on the part of parents who want to make sure what their children learn lines up with their family’s values; and one area where it’s important to be informed and get involved is that of what our students are reading. Her
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reflections: Am I really being patient?
Has anyone noticed how often the Bible speaks of patience or of waiting, which is usually something none of us really enjoy? I have previously mentioned my admiration for Mister Rogers of children’s TV fame, especially how he intentionally kept the show at a slower pace, allowing children time to process information and develop patience; he even sang a little song called “Let’s Think of Something to Do While We’re Waiting.” Most recently, I’ve noticed the theme in the mino
Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read
Reader’s Corner: Learning from one of literature’s famous friendships
Not only was their correspondence mutually beneficial in their literary work as they shared their interests in subjects as myth and fantasy, but the letters built on those topics eventually led to Lewis’s belief in God and Christianity.
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reflections: Flipping the enemy’s script
That passage took on new meaning this week as I tuned in to a special update from Iran Alive Ministries, a Christian ministry that shares the gospel via satellite in Iran and provides encouragement and support for Christians there
Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read
Reader’s Corner: Visit America’s first suburbs, via Learning on Wednesday
Many of us have grown up in suburbs, but have we ever thought much about the fact that at some point, pioneer suburbanites began bridging the gap between America’s cities and rural communities, developing neighborhoods, schools and faith communities, with some residents opening service businesses or professional offices while others continued to commute to jobs in the city? For a look at this piece of American history, join speaker Karole Friemann at Kimberling Area Librar
Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read
Reader’s Corner: Wonderbooks, a family favorite at KAL
Wonderbooks, produced by Playaway Products, are a curated collection of print books, each accompanied by its own audiobook right inside; kids can simply press “play” to read along with their favorites.
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reflections: Write the vision
Continuing my study of the minor prophets, I find those guys exceptionally relatable in light of current events. A few days ago, though, a verse jumped out at me as not only meaningful in context of biblical prophecy, but in personal context as well. That verse was Habakkuk 2:2, “Write down this vision, and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it” (BSB). If you’re not familiar with Habakkuk, his prophetic writings were in the context of waiting. T
Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read
Reflections: Not trusting God is not an option
As I write this, the headlines change daily, or even hourly, regarding the situation in the Middle East. Add to that the almost-daily stories of people taking their frustration out in tragic shootings; the complicated situations as elected officials in some states and cities openly declare stances that contradict America’s founding values; and the fuel prices that haven’t dropped nearly as quickly as they rose, and this column is off to a depressing start, right? Oh, y
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reader’s Corner: There’s still time to read for edible rewards
Any young adults out there have great memories of reading for free food as a youngster? I know my kids do; those trips to redeem Book-It coupons helped liven up errand days, and also inspired my less enthusiastic reader to keep up with his sister! (Don’t worry; he loves to read now!) Those promotional programs are still a thing, and it’s not too late to keep earning this summer! Both Kimberling Area Library and Library Center of the Ozarks are participating in the Happy
Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read
Reader’s Corner: Reading is still a thing
There’s a lot of content in my email inbox these days that’s discouraging, disturbing, or asking for a contribution I probably can’t afford to a politician I may or may not agree with. Even when looking for work-related stuff, my “delete” percentage is probably upper 90s. That’s why it’s exciting to learn occasionally about a newsletter that’s actually worthwhile and fun to read, and recently, that’s been “1,000 Libraries.” The founders/curators share my bookish/geekish ex
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reflections: As unto the Lord
For over two decades in law enforcement, shining boots has become part of my own routine. But somewhere along the way, I realized Dad wasn’t polishing shoes because someone demanded it. He was preparing.
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reflections: Stick to the path, or get burned
Given that knowledge, why would anyone want to leave the path?
Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read
Reflections: Living the Greatest Commandment
After studying the book of Mark, I’ve been thinking about Jesus’ concise response to the question posed by a Jewish teacher of the Law in Mark chapter 12. Recognizing Jesus’ wise response to previous questions, the man asked Jesus to identify the “greatest commandment.” As a religious leader, he was not referring simply to the Ten Commandments list in Exodus 20, but rather the entire Law given to Moses and recorded in the Old Testament, plus quite a few traditions and deta
Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read
Reader’s Corner: ‘Launch into Learning’
New books are a huge blessing to school librarians trying to provide new materials for young readers while staying on budget for other needed supplies.
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reflections: When it’s hard to be still
Recently I shared about an episode of slow Wi-Fi at a really inconvenient time, which taught me some important things about patiently waiting while using the time to focus on just being in the presence of Jesus and hearing from the Holy Spirit for guidance. Along with a very helpful devotional reading—the only email that actually opened that morning—I returned, as I often do, to what I’d call my “life verse,” Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God” (NIV). That part
Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read
Reader’s Corner: Take flight with summer reading, earn air show tickets
What if there was a way to keep your kids reading this summer while also earning a great prize? Check out the Summer Reading Takes Flight program, a summer reading challenge for kids ages six to 12 that can earn them FREE General Youth Admission tickets to the Branson Wings of Pride Air Show, to be presented by CoxHealth at the Branson Airport on September 5–7. To get started, visit https://bransonwingsofpride.com/summer-reading-takes-flight-2/ and download the Summer Rea
Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read
Reflections: Waiting in Jesus’ presence, 2026 style
A few days ago, our wi-fi decided to take a morning break, or maybe all the neighbors and area tourists decided to check their email or binge Netflix while it was raining. Whatever the cause, my computer wasn’t loading anything I needed to use, read, or work on before I left for an event starting mid-morning. Switching to my phone hotspot didn’t help. When I eventually got my email open, the first message I saw was an Encouragement for Today devotional entitled “Waiting in
Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read
Reader’s Corner: Learn about Stone County growth and development at Learning on Wednesday
Kimberling Area Library and the Table Rock Area Chamber of Commerce invite you to join them on Wednesday, July 8, for a Learning on Wednesday session featuring Jeremy Goggans, Economic Development Director for the Chamber. Jeremy will share what is happening across Stone County to support the area’s future, including economic development efforts, community growth and attracting new business. The conversation will also include a look at local planning in Stone County commun
Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read
Reflections: Giving to Caesar
Today’s First5 devotional was from the 12th chapter of Mark’s Gospel, with Jesus sharing a parable of tenant farmers killing messengers sent by the landowner and, eventually, killing the landowner’s son. Recognizing themselves in the story, religious leaders hoped to trap Jesus by asking him a craftily-worded question: “Teacher, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” They were right; Jesus is i
Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read
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