Each Christmas someone in my family gives me a book they know I will use for future columns. This year my wife, Kelly, gave me Great American Trivia. Today’s column is based on it. more

Today, I read a scientific article about our philosophy of "self" compared to various Eastern ideologies. Although largely unnoticed, modern Western Culture places a massive emphasis on "self" even in our churches to the detriment of God. Consequently, my attention turned to Scripture regarding the existence and identity of "self" and how the concept relates to the meaning/purpose of life as God ordained. more

In the New Testament, the Greek word for God’s love is agape’. In Romans 12:9, Paul says, “Let love be genuine.” Genuine means authentic, real, and sincere. Paul is saying let the love you have for others be the real thing, and I believe that in the words that follow, he is telling us how to express this genuine, authentic love in our lives. Verse 9 continues, “…hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good,” and it is strong language. Hate what is evil…hate what God calls evil…lying, greed, sin, selfishness, violence, sowing discord, wickedness. Cling to what is good, and verses 10-21 give us practical instruction. Verse 21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Persevere in prayer, live peaceably with others, do not return evil for evil, serve the Lord. One after another, these statements reveal God’s love in action, and that is the love we as Christians are to express in our lives. May God’s genuine and authentic love be present in our words and actions. God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

In an electrifying display that would make Freddie Mercury proud, the Lady Zizzers channeled the spirit of Queen's anthem "We Are the Champions," clinching the championship title at the 31st Gary Keeling Bolivar Tournament. Their performance was a rocking 58-38 victory over Ozarks, proving that they are indeed the champions of their game. more

In an extraordinary display of athletic prowess and team spirit, the West Plains High School Lady Zizzer Swim Team clinched their second consecutive Ozark Conference Championship in Springfield. This remarkable achievement is a testament to their relentless dedication, exceptional training, and unwavering team spirit. more

The West Plains High School's Zizzers basketball teams faced a challenging yet eventful series of games against the Branson Pirates on Friday, January 19th. The games, which included the 9th grade, Junior Varsity (JV), and Varsity teams, were a display of skill, resilience, and sportsmanship under the guidance of Coach Mason Miller. Here is an in-depth look at how each game unfolded. more

In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, both the varsity and junior varsity squads of the West Plains High School Lady Zizzers basketball team have secured their spots in the championship games of the prestigious 31st Annual Gary Keeling Bolivar Tournament. more

In a commendable display of athletic prowess and teamwork, several players from West Plains High School, home of the Zizzers, have been honored with selections to the All-Region teams by the Southwest Missouri Football Coaches Association. This prestigious announcement, made on December 7, highlights the exceptional talent and hard work of these young athletes in the competitive arena of high school football. more

The Lady Zizzers basketball teams had an eventful night, starting their Ozark Conference play on a strong note with two wins out of three against the Glendale Falcons. The varsity and junior varsity teams displayed impressive performances, securing victories that set a positive tone for the season. more

n a recent celebration of sportsmanship and athletic excellence, Grant Mahan, a senior from West Plains High School's Zizzer Boys Basketball team, was awarded the prestigious Logan Middleton Scholarship at the Blue and Gold Basketball Tournament. This honor is a testament to Mahan's outstanding display of sportsmanship, a quality highly valued in the realm of high school sports. more

In an outstanding display of skill and determination, Nikeshia Davis, a prominent athlete from the West Plains High School Zizzers Girls Wrestling team, clinched a first-place finish at the prestigious Parkview Lady Viking Wrestling Invite. Her remarkable performance not only earned her the top spot but also the honor of being named the “Outstanding Tournament Wrestler,” a testament to her exceptional prowess on the mat. more

The West Plains High School Lady Zizzers showcased a blend of resilience and skill at the annual Pink and White Basketball Tournament held at the Weiser Gymnasium on the Drury University campus, marking a series of performances that echoed with the thuds of basketballs, the swish of nets, and the cheers of an enthralled audience. more

According to Spotify, while 75% of people enjoy Christmas music, 17% of Americans do not. However, I suspect some of those who are not fans may like the song, from the Charlie Brown Christmas Album: Christmas Time Is Here. Wikipedia describes the al-bum as “an unorthodox mix of traditional Christmas music and jazz.” more

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world…” This week we celebrate the love that came down at Christmas. A prayer….We pray, O God, that you will come to us and enter our hearts so we may be renewed by you and by the story—that in the dark of night, you revealed your love for the world in a tiny child. Though the world was full of brokenness and strife, love came down at Christmas. Help us hear your truth and receive your love, dear God. Comfort your people—the hungry, the sick, the struggling, the lonely. Bless us with your grace; through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen. May God bless you! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

The fourth Sunday of Advent, coinciding with Christmas Eve on Dec. 24, presents a unique blend of anticipation and celebration within the Christian calendar. This confluence of observances offers a rich tapestry of traditions, rituals, and meanings, deeply entrenched in the Christian faith yet varying across denominations and cultures. more

We live in a world today that is ruled by subjective reasoning and most certainly the “feelings” of people. more

In a remarkable turn of events that may very well change the landscape of sports, Dr. James Naismith, a physical education teacher, has introduced a new game called "Basketball" at the School for Christian Workers in Springfield, Massachusetts. This innovative game, which was first played by 18 students, is based on 13 rules created by Dr. Naismith himself and aims to offer a less injury-prone sport than football. more

In a significant development for college football, the University of Northern Iowa has successfully recruited Briggs Hughston, a remarkable wide receiver from West Plains High School Zizzers. Hughston, known for his exceptional performance on the field, has been a standout player throughout his high school career. more

In a showcase of resilience and teamwork, the West Plains High School Lady Zizzers faced off against the Nixa Eagles in their first home game of the season, culminating in a hard-fought evening of basketball across all levels of competition. more

In a thrilling display of basketball prowess, the Lady Zizzers have proven their mettle in a series of games against Ozark, concluding with an impressive 2-1 record. The Varsity team clinched a nail-biting victory with a final score of 40-36, thanks to a standout performance by top scorer Allyssa Joyner, who poured in 17 points, followed by Olivia Lawson's solid 10-point contribution. The victory bolsters their season record to 3-2. more