By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
jstultz@cherryroad.com

I read with amusement our Tribune columnist Ron Moore’s summary printed last week of what other columnists write about in the pages of the Tri-County Tribune on a regular basis. He was right when he noted that I, personally, have not written much in the way of opinions lately. It’s not that I don’t have plenty of opinions or subjects to write about; they swirl in my head constantly, begging to be let out on paper. The problem is timing (there is never enough) and the responsibility I take seriously that comes with serving as editor of this publication takes priority over personal opine.

I always value other writer’s opinions much higher than my own and I appreciate the work other columnists go to when they send in their work in ahead of deadlines and ready to go on the pages of the Tri-County Tribune. How could I interrupt that flow with my own disjointed compilations? Everyone on earth has an opinion but there is not room for all to be published here when our focus is on local news and events. I am happy to read the columns that we enjoy regularly in the Tribune from Lyn Fenwick, Brandon Case, Jeanette Siemens, Jackie Mundt, Ron Moore, and more. These grass-roots opinions are what gives our Tri-County Tribune that little edge on community journalism that so many other newspapers lack these days.

I must confess I recently have been convicted (not only by Ron Moore’s notations) that I am not making enough of my time and opportunity to share my thoughts with others. I have a burning desire to share the name of Jesus with any who will read and understand that, for me, this is the number one most highest subject that could be embraced in these pages.

I worry that my columns in a secular paper might be offensive in someway because they always seem to end with a praise Jesus, help me Lord, or thank God, but that is the life I live. God is real to me. Jesus is my ever present help in times of trouble and joy. I am so grateful for the life I live, the people in my circles, the many blessings I have been given here on this earth that I cannot write of any other thing. I have started many columns about the antics of our dear pup, JackJack, about the wonderful birds I encounter on a daily basis here on the High Plains, farm issues, raising goats, City of Pratt improvements and achievements, special people, places, and perspectives that happen in this time, place, and era. I have found all of these topics come to a halt on my computer unless I can work into the sentences that I love Jesus, and without Him, none of this would be possible.

So there it is. I cannot write about anything other than Christ at this point in my life. I renamed my column Crossing the Threshold a few weeks ago, but haven’t written much to fill the space. My tagline used to be Connecting the Dots, but it is time to to accept the words that flow from my fingers to the minds of those who take the time to read. It is time to stop worrying about the right or wrong of it or who might be offended. God is here. He is real in my life, and He loves us all so much that He sent his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to live and die for our sins so that we may have eternal life. (Holy Bible, John 3:16).

I accept the assignment, Lord.