Opinion

Last week I stopped into a Cassville convenience store for a drink and was met with the most common encounter I have with children when it comes to my congenital amputation. For those who do not know me personally or have not seen me in person, I have a congenital (from birth) amputation a few inches below my left elbow.

“What in tarnation?” That’s probably what my friend Wade Hermansen said when he happened upon this mighty fine mare munching on grass at the Cassville City Park on Monday morning.

People and relationships come and go, and there are not many greater feelings than finding something you want to hold onto forever. On Tuesday — after we put out next week’s paper — we will go celebrate my wife’s sixth 25th birthday.

The new school year is officially underway. In our house, this also brings a return to routines such as bedtimes, early mornings, after school activities and homework.

Recently, things have began to change in my life and those around me. I can sense a call for faith to be tested and for obedience to heed that call.

The state of Missouri, Barry County and the City of Cassville are all a part, and I dare say an integral part, of the history and the development of the western portion of this great nation, the United States.

The 2023-2024 school year began last Tuesday, Aug. 22.

Anyone with an interest in newspapers — or the U.S. Constitution — has had at least one eye glued to what’s been happening at the Marion County Record in Marion, Kan.

In the Gospel of John chapter 13 and verse 35 Jesus says, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” I often ask my church if we, as Christians, are known to the world by our love or by what we are perceived as hating? I am pretty sure those who are not a part of the church today are really clear on the stuff we dislike, disagree with, or disapprove of. To a large extent what they fail to see is the love of Jesus in us for each other and for those who do not even like us or our Savior.