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

Former Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann has been selected for induction to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame with the Class of 2024. 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

Today in Sports, January 25 - Mike Krzyzewski gets his 1,000th career win, 1st NCAA D-I men’s coach to do so more

Jan. 24, 1982, marks a significant date in NFL history, especially for the San Francisco 49ers and their fans. On this day, the 49ers clinched their victory against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XVI, with a final score of 26-21. One of the standout performers of the game was Ray Wersching, the 49ers' placekicker, who played a pivotal role by kicking a Super Bowl record-tying four field goals. more

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 23, 2024--Grant Thornton LLP, one of America’s largest providers of audit and assurance, tax and advisory services, has named Alley-Oop Kids to its Purple Paladin … more

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)Joseph N. Cooper, UMass Boston(THE CONVERSATION) When Nick Saban, the legendary … more

In a gripping encounter at Rupp Arena, the University of Missouri Women's Basketball team faced a challenging opponent in Kentucky, ultimately falling short with a final score of 76-71. Despite the loss, the Tigers showcased commendable skill and determination, with several players reaching personal milestones. more

On January 22, 1920, the world of baseball witnessed a monumental change, one that would forever alter the landscape of the sport. The New York Yankees, a team already steeped in history and prestige, announced a decision that was both innovative and bold: they would become the first team in Major League Baseball to wear uniform numbers based on the player's position in the batting order. This decision, seemingly simple in its nature, was poised to have a profound impact on the game of baseball. 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

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, and total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place … more

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' women's college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, and total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a … more

The highlights of the AP Sports report. An up-to-the minute listing of all stories planned, including games and events, is available in Coverage Plan on AP Newsroom, … more

On a day etched in the annals of NFL history, Joe Montana, the legendary quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, delivered a performance of a lifetime in Super Bowl XIX. His awe-inspiring display of skill and leadership led the 49ers to a resounding 38-16 victory over the Miami Dolphins at Stanford Stadium. This victory not only cemented the 49ers' dominance in the NFL but also marked a significant moment in the career of Montana, who passed for a Super Bowl record of 331 yards and three touchdowns. more

In a night filled with energy, excitement, and exemplary basketball, the University of Missouri Women's Basketball team secured a significant 69-57 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs on Thursday at Mizzou Arena. This win marked the Tigers' second consecutive triumph in the Southeastern Conference, elevating their season record to an impressive 11-7 and 2-3 in the SEC. 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

PORTLAND, Ore--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 18, 2024--According to a popular myth, in order to reach mastery and expertise you must first put in 10,000 hours of practice. Pioneering Human Performance … more

The highlights of the AP Sports report. An up-to-the minute listing of all stories planned, including games and events, is available in Coverage Plan on AP Newsroom, … more