The Book of Ephesians, one of the 27 books of the New Testament, is a profound piece of Pauline scripture that serves as a cornerstone for understanding the theological and practical aspects of Christian life. Traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul, this epistle is written to the church in Ephesus, a major center of trade and power in the Roman province of Asia. However, its messages have a universal appeal, aimed at a broader audience beyond just Ephesus. This article delves deeply into the themes, structure, historical context, and enduring relevance of Ephesians. more

Apart from not smoking, it’s hard to find something that’s better for us than being physically active. From lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke to boosting mobility to adding healthy years to our lives, activity can have a positive impact on our health in many ways. more

The Ozarks Small Business Incubator, 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains, will host its ninth annual National Small Business Week celebration May 2. more

This spring, the American Red Cross is asking donors to help defend the blood supply by giving blood or platelets now to combat what officials call a “monstrous” statistic: Only 3 out of 100 people donate blood.  more

Did you know that the recommended intake for fiber is 20 to 35 grams per day? The average American usually gets half of that or less. more

During this year’s Doctors' Day, celebrated on March 30, Ozarks Healthcare honored its physicians for their exceptional commitment to staying local and caring for the community, highlighting two in particular. more

Officials with the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce announce the upcoming Talk Derby to Me  Kentucky Derby party, to be held at 4:30 p.m. May 4 in the upstairs meeting room in the Ferguson Building in downtown Willow Springs. more

Fidelity Communications has begun accepting spring 2024 applications for the company’s Charitable Giving Fund, which annually awards $250,000 in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The application period began April and requests will be accepted through April 30. more

We want to thank everyone involved in the extensive planning for the “West Plains in the Path” eclipse four-day party. The planning that took place over a years’ time is what makes our city unique. At our farmers market we saw many new faces, folks stated they were having a good time in our City and we heard many great comments about the fun events that took place such as the Clydesdales horses, the parade and the ballon glow event, just to name a few. These folks may very well come back to spend time with us again! more

Hello fellow food lovers and welcome back to my kitchen. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that takes the classic grilled hamburger to exhilarating new heights. This isn't just any burger; it's a symphony of flavors and textures, a bold fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy that will tantalize your taste buds like never before. I'm talking about the Tropical Heat Wave Burger, a creation that daringly pairs the juicy, smoky goodness of a grilled hamburger with the sweet charm of pineapple and the fiery kick of jalapeños. This is a burger that doesn't just sit on your plate; it dances, it sings, it explodes with flavor. Let's dive into the details of making this culinary masterpiece. more

Seeds are being planted across Missouri this spring as elementary students participate in Agriculture Education on the Move (Ag Moves). Through Ag Moves, an educational program of Missouri Farmers Care, students learn how their lives are connected to agriculture through hands-on learning led by passionate educators in their classrooms.  more

University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein says it is time to plant some bulbs indoors for later enjoyment outdoors. more

*Tour route created by Explore West Plains. more

My friend Irene Hurt shared this story about Stephen Grellat which appeared in Meas-ure Your Life, by Wesley Duewel. Grellat sought to follow God, even when he did not understand the Lord’s plans. He once felt God wanted him to preach in a remote for-ested region of America. He traveled to the area but found only empty shanties after a logging crew left. Duewel wrote, “He was so sure that he was sent by God that he went into an empty shanty and preached to the bare walls the sermon that God had placed upon his heart. He then returned to his home. He could never understand why God would send him to preach to an empty shanty.” more

Matthew 11:16-17 The people are like children sitting in the market and shouting to each other, 17“We played the flute, but you would not dance! We sang a funeral song, but you would not mourn!” more

This weekend, as our town becomes a bustling hub for thousands of eclipse enthusiasts, our streets, parks, and public spaces will undoubtedly be filled with an air of excitement and anticipation. It’s a unique moment, not just for sky-watchers but for our community as a whole. Among the many voices discussing logistics, safety, and the best viewing spots, there’s a deeper conversation that needs to be had, especially within our faith communities. This occasion presents an opportune moment to reflect on the role and responsibility of the church in welcoming guests—particularly, those who are visiting us for the first time. more

In the Synoptic Gospels of the Bible, we find that Jesu Christ instructs us that the greatest commandment is to love God. Yet, many Christians while claiming to love God and be in relationship with Him, have no idea what loving God and being in relationship with Him actually looks like or inherently contains from a biblically definition. more

The Missouri State University-West Plains campus recently expanded by about 40 acres, thanks to a generous gift from Dr. Linda Wulff-Risner, a professor of agriculture there for about 30 years. The donation of her property, Risner Stables, will allow the university to expand its agriculture program as part of the matching portion of a MoExcels grant applied for through the Missouri Department of Higher Education. more

Local artist Angela Bullard’s artwork will be featured on the first floor of the Ozarks Small Business Incubator, 408 Washington Ave., through the end of June. more