We Are Neighbors

The Christmas and winter holiday season is associated with joy and celebration but can also bring a great deal of stress. The flurry of gift shopping, holiday parties, and the pressure to make everything perfect can leave us feeling overwhelmed.  Yet, amidst the hustle, the essence of Christmas—peace, love, and reflection—can easily be lost. This year, perhaps more than ever, it is worth considering how we might slow down and find peace in the midst of the season's busyness. A great starting point for slowing down is being mindful of our time.  The temptation to overcommit is strong during Christmas, with endless social invitations, family gatherings, and a growing list of tasks. But it’s essential to recognize that saying no is just as important as saying yes. By setting boundaries — whether it’s limiting the number of events we attend or allowing ourselves time for rest — we can avoid burnout and create space for moments of quiet reflection. Slowing down also means taking a ...

  In honor of Virginia Snyder  Dec. 27, 1925 - Nov. 25, 2024 Virginia was passionate about Greene County MU Extension and efforts to preserve the history of one-room schools in the Ozarks. This "Ode to Virginia Snyder" is written by David L. Burton, a community development specialist with MU Extension and a lifelong resident of the Ozarks. An Ode to Virginia Snyder By David L. Burton At ninety-nine years, Virginia stands,   A life well-lived by gentle hands.   Baptized in Turnback Creek at twelve,   Her roots were planted, deep and swell.   A child of Ash Grove, proud and bright,   She graduated in '43, a guiding light. In one-room schools she forged her way,   For eleven years, she taught each day.   Then Springfield called her, strong and true,   Thirty-one years of teaching grew.   A Bachelor’s degree, with wisdom keen,   From Southwest Missouri, she’d be seen. Her master's from Drury, she earned with grace,   Her mind,...

The word hospitality brings expectations and anxiety to the hearts of most people. Does inviting people into your home feel more like inviting judgment on your entertaining skills and stress on your already maxed-out schedule? Do you want to welcome others in but get stuck because making food, cleaning the house, decorating, and facilitating conversation feels impossible—or at least too overwhelming, so why bother? I get it. I’ve been there, too.  But what if you had simple ways to overcome those obstacles and lean into the gift of opening your door?  According to Jen Schmidt, author of “Just Open the Door,” it comes down to knowing the difference between entertaining and hospitality. “The entertaining host seeks to elevate herself, to make it about her,” said Schmidt. In this example, when the guest arrives, the entertainer announces, “Here I am. Come into my beautiful abode and have the honor of partaking in all the wonderful things I’ve spent hours doing for you. Look at th...

  What can I say about Thanksgiving that has not already been said? Or how many times can I quote Abraham Lincoln on this subject? Not that I don't enjoy the holiday, my children actually say it is their favorite holiday, but because the holiday can change for us as we get older. When my wife and I were first married, the holiday was marked by running from one family gathering to another. Then children came along, and we drove less distance but we still had two celebrations in one day. Eventually, we started hosting both sides of the family at our house. That lasted for about 20 years. Now, as children have gotten older, and started traditions of their own, the holiday has changed again. So I may not be able to say anything new about Thanksgiving, I can say it in a different way. This is my poem in celebration of the holiday. Giving Thanks by Touching Lives and Making a Difference By David L. Burton On Thanksgiving Day, the table set,   With laughter and joy, no room for regre...

  The next National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 1, 2025. Let's get this going in 2025 for the City of Republic! It has been over a decade since the city of Republic, Missouri, has hosted a National Day of Prayer event. This provides an opportunity for churches to work together in support of a national effort. The plan is to change that in 2025! If you want to help bring this to life in Republic,  email David Burton . If you area ready to schedule your prayer event and add it to the calendar for Republic, then fill out this online form . The deadline to be included on the promotional flier for Republic is Friday, April 11, 2025. IT IS AN OFFICIAL HOLIDAY The  National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance  designated by the United States Congress  and held on the first Thursday of May. On this day, people are asked  "to turn to God in prayer and meditation." The president is required by law to sign a yearly proclamation encouraging all Americans to...

I n "Dedicated: The Case for Commitment in an Age of Infinite Browsing," Pete Davis offers a compelling exploration of how commitment—the act of dedicating oneself to a single pursuit or cause—can be both a transformative personal virtue and an antidote to the overwhelming choices that define modern life. In a world where constant distractions and an ever-expanding array of options can paralyze decision-making, Davis argues that making intentional, sustained commitments is crucial for living a meaningful, fulfilling life. The book is part memoir, part philosophical essay, and part cultural critique. Davis draws on his own experiences—especially his time as a writer, thinker, and political activist—as well as a wide array of historical and contemporary examples to make his case. He examines the psychology of choice and how our hyper-connected, hyper-competitive world often undermines our ability to focus deeply on anything for long periods.  Through interviews with people who ...