Connecting the People, Places, Businesses and Culture of the Ozarks for more than 22 years

Since 2001, Show Me The Ozarks Magazine has showcased what makes the four-states such a fantastic place to live, work, play and visit.

We continue to celebrate with you, our loyal readers and advertisers, all that makes our region exceptional. The sights and the sounds. The parks and the trails. The dining. The shopping. The sports and the theatre. The nightlife and the day trips. The rich heritage and the promising future.

Show Me The Ozarks Magazine promises to provide you with the highest possible level of quality, integrity and professionalism possible. If you have a story that you’d like to share with our readers, or if you have comments, questions or suggestions, we would like to hear from you!

From the Publisher

Embracing the Seasons 

Remember how Christmas felt as a child surveying gifts wrapped in pretty paper? Filled with anticipation, we wondered, What’s this one? Did they remember how much I wanted ______? 

Waiting can be hard. And maybe even harder in our current culture of instant gratification. 

As adults, our waiting seasons can feel more like wrestling with unknowns than gleefully counting down the days. We, too, have questions: 

When will this change? Will I ever get to be a _____? Does God even hear my prayers? 

If you find yourself in a waiting season this Christmas, may I encourage you that although it may not look or feel like it, God knows and He cares about every detail of our lives. His timing and answers may not align with our preferences, but He is always working according to His good and perfect will. Christmas is a reminder that God comes through on His promises. The birth of Jesus, the promised Messiah, is our greatest cause for celebration! On page 46, we have a special devotional that reflects on this “Gift Beyond Description.” 

Seasons of waiting can also be times of growth. Farmers understand that after planting, there’s a period when we can’t see what’s happening beneath the surface. Some roots grow deep and strong during the cold winter months of dormancy. Cheryl Franklin, a leader in the homesteading movement, has a passion for sharing the lessons she’s learned on her family’s farm in McDonald County. Learn more about how Cheryl started a local homesteading expo that reaches thousands, beginning on page 47. 

Other highlights from our McDonald County section (page 53), include inspirational interviews with local business leaders, the new superintendent of schools, as well as two teachers who overcame tremendous health challenges to get back in the classroom. 

Of course, our December issue would be incomplete without highlighting the many gift ideas and unique offerings available from local retailers and businesses, including those on our Holiday Wish List starting on page 31. Let’s remember to shop and dine locally this Christmas and keep our resources in the Four States! 

We’d also like to thank you—our readers and advertisers—for your ongoing support and another wonderful year for our small business! We’re excited for 2024 and the new opportunities and new growth ahead. 

From our SMTO families to yours, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”

Blessings

Chonda Ralston, Publisher/Editor