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The following blog post was originally posted at 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting.  Even though it was posted over a year ago, I still feel the same as I did when I wrote the post. We are #HesstonStrong. I have lived in Hesston, KS for over 7 years. As we considered moving to Hesston, Bethany and I fell in love with the community. A small town of 3,700 people which has great schools, businesses, churches, parks, and families. Hesston is an amazing place to live.   And then on February 25 th , a shooter at Excel Industries put this community in the spotlight. The media, law enforcement, and emergency medical professionals rushed into the quiet town of Hesston which was anything but peaceful that Thursday evening. As I, and many of you, watched the news coverage, I could not believe that what I was seeing on TV was happening less than a mile from my house. It happened across the street from where my kids go to school. People I go to church with and I play basketball with ...

This past week, I wrote a guest post for our local paper, The Hesston Record.  It originally appeared in the March 9, 2016 edition.  This column will feature different pastors from area churches in the weeks ahead.  For those who do not receive The Hesston Record, I wanted to share my thoughts with you.  Have a great week! #HesstonStrong We are #HesstonStrong. This has become the rally cry for those affected by the recent shooting in Hesston at Excel Industries. We, as pastors, of the Hesston churches will be writing weekly reflections as to what this motto means to us.  Check back each week to see a response from pastors from other churches. Strong. What comes to mind? I know as a teenager I wanted to be strong which involved time and work in a weight room to build abs, biceps, quads, and shoulders.  As I grew up, strength became something that was portrayed in the workplace, home, and community showing others that despite circumstances, yo...

Today's song is a new one that we learned in our church a few weeks ago. It was a song picked for our Daughters of the King Event on February 27th. I love the words of the verses.  It also connected well with the tragedy that occurred in our community just days prior to this event.  Your love is devoted like a ring of solid gold Like a vow that is tested like a covenant of old Your love is enduring through the winter rain And beyond the horizon with mercy for today Faithful You have been and faithful You will be You pledge Yourself to me and it's why I sing (chorus) Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips You Father the orphan Your kindness makes us whole And You shoulder our weakness And Your strength becomes our own Now You're making me like You Clothing me in white Bringing beauty from ashes For You will have Your bride Free of all her guilt and rid of all her shame And known by her true name a...

I have been thinking and reflecting on the events that occurred in Hesston a week ago.  So, today I have a rant about some of my thoughts  here Check it out!