“Nana! This is TERRIBLE! Why aren’t they helping?” 

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve seen and heard lots of New Year’s resolutions, through personal conversations and a variety of media. I enjoyed reading the Globe’s list of local people and resolutions, many of which involved commitment to family, personal goals and community involvement—some of my own thoughts for the new year as well.    There has also been considerable devotional material about spiritual goals for the new year, but during my quiet time a few days ago, o

Possible theological concerns aside, the story’s theme of giving our best to Jesus resonated with children and parents.

Written on Christmas Day, 1863, the poem is Longfellow’s personal reflection while hearing church bells during such a tumultuous time in our country’s history.

What is less encouraging to consider, however, is the waiting; there, we can look to those involved in Jesus’ birth on earth for inspiration.

You might wonder what is so bad about these books. So did this writer, so Sen. Moon referred me to a sample, from the book ‘Thrones 2: A Clash of Kings,’ by George R.R. Martin. Unfortunately, after reviewing the excerpt, it was not acceptable for this column in a family paper—and yet, it’s one of 119 books with language deemed unacceptable at a school board meeting, but within reach of students in one of our local public schools!  –CT 

Advent is a perfect time to begin, or renew, study of the Bible, seeing its thematic unity from Creation to the Fall to renewed hope, masterfully developed by divinely-inspired individual writers over centuries.

Dr. Denison gave examples of successfully applying this advice during his own tough times—the loss of his father, a child diagnosed with cancer.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...