Zechariah 1:19-21 And he told me, “These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.” 20Then the LORD showed me four craftsmen. 21“What are these coming to do?” I asked. And He replied, “...the craftsmen have come to terrify them and throw down these horns of the nations." more

There are many things the Bible teaches that we should do always…love God, love your neighbor, pray, speak the truth, forgive others, and be kind, to name a few. To me, the most important “always” in the Bible is one of my favorite verses, Matthew 28:20. Before the risen Jesus ascended into heaven he told his disciples, “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” No matter what difficulty or challenge we face, we can be certain that Jesus is with us always. Always. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

Yahoo published a fascinating article in 2012 about two brothers living in England. In 2006, Michael and Matthew Clark were living normal lives. After serving in the Royal Air Force, Michael became a cabinet maker. Matthew worked in a factory and was busy raising his teenage daughter. more

Yahoo published a fascinating article in 2012 about two brothers living in England. In 2006, Michael and Matthew Clark were living normal lives. After serving in the Royal Air Force, Michael became a cabinet maker. Matthew worked in a factory and was busy raising his teenage daughter. more

2 Peter 3:3-5 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of... more

"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing," a hymn penned by Robert Robinson in 1758, is a vivid testament to the transformative power of faith and grace in the Christian tradition. Its continued resonance in Christian worship is not merely a matter of its age but a reflection of its profound spiritual and emotional depth. more

Jeremiah 29:11 reads, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope.” Let’s begin the new year by remembering that we don’t have to figure everything out by ourselves. God is with us, and God will be with us every step of the way. Again and again, this is affirmed in the scriptures. In Deuteronomy 31:8 we read, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Whatever God is doing in your life, he isn’t finished yet, so pray each day, ask God’s help, and be hopeful. “Come, let us praise the Lord! Let us sing for joy to God, who protects us. …He is our God; we are the people he cares for; the flock for which he provides. Listen today to what he says.” Psalm 95: 1, 7. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. 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

The name Jack Dempsey has become synonymous with the golden age of boxing, a time when the sport was etched deeply into the cultural consciousness of America and heroes were made in the squared circle. Dempsey's rise from humble beginnings to heavyweight stardom is a tale of grit, determination, and explosive power. Yet, among the storied chapters of his career, one day stands out: December 16, 1918, when Dempsey knocked out Carl Morris in 14 seconds in a heavyweight bout in New Orleans, a record that would echo through the annals of boxing history. 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

The community of West Plains is set to witness the return of former MSU-WP Grizzlies Head Basketball Coach Tom Barr, as he takes the helm of the upcoming Holiday Shooting and Defensive Basketball Camps. Scheduled for December 27, 28, and 29, the camps are designed to provide focused training and skill development for young basketball enthusiasts. more

Each year thousands of people who are not typical ballet fans watch the Nutcracker, the most popular ballet in the US. It was first performed in 1892. Maria Tallchief’s performance in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in 1954 helped turn the Nutcracker into the annual Christmas blockbuster it is today. According to Wikipedia, major ballet companies in the US generate about 40% of their annual ticket revenue from performances of this famous ballet alone. more

Christmas is a time of joy. Yes, it can be festive and fun, but it also can be difficult for those who are grieving, those whose lives are broken, those who carry heavy burdens. In Luke 2:10 we read that the angel told the shepherds that Jesus’ birth was “good news of great joy for all the people.” more

The third Sunday of Advent, known in many Christian traditions as "Gaudete Sunday," holds a special place in the liturgical calendar. This day is marked by a shift in the tone of Advent, from a more somber, reflective mood to one of joy and anticipation. The name "Gaudete" itself comes from the Latin word for "rejoice," reflecting this change in spirit. more

Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a STAR out of Jacob, and a SCEPTER shall rise out of Israel... more

The Bible tells us that Jesus was born in the worst of times. In Luke 1:5 we read that he was born “in the days of Herod the king…” who was a ruthless tyrant. The Roman emperor Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1) was oppressive. Let’s remember that the words to the shepherds are for us, too… “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy to all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11. That means in the face of all the uncertainties of life, we need not fear, for in the baby of Bethlehem we have discovered a God who is loving, gracious, and forgiving. In him we have life, eternal life, and so we have hope. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs & Mtn. View. more

First-lady Roselynn Carter passed away on November 19, 2023. Her death and thinking about her family’s contributions to our country prompted me to think of their legacy. Whether or not you agree with her husband’s politics, the Carters lived honorable lives and set an amazing example by their unselfish service. When I write about any elected official I always point out I am trying not to be political but simply sharing something which I believe can inspire each of us, regardless of our political affiliation. more