Jonathan Curtis

Silver Rail Elementary isn't just a name in the news to me. I used to live in that neighborhood, and my very first job after high school was working there as a custodian. I mopped those halls, emptied those classrooms at the end of the day, and saw the kids' artwork go up on the walls every season. When I walked those halls, I knew the students. They'd wave and say hi, and I knew the teachers and staff who poured their hearts into that building every single day. That school was a family, and it was part of mine. Friends of mine have kids who go there today. When I heard what happened on October 15, my heart just dropped. I got in my car and drove over right away to make sure my friends and their families were okay. I'm a dad now. I have a daughter, and like every parent in Bend, I've spent the last few days thinking about the families who sent their kids to school that morning expecting an ordinary day. My heart is with the students, the families, the teachers and staff, and every first responder who ran toward danger. No child, no parent, and no teacher in our community should ever have to go through this. In the days since, I've seen what Bend is made of. Neighbors bringing flowers and candles, strangers holding each other, people quietly asking, "What do you need?" Grief like this doesn't have a timeline, and nobody should carry it alone. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out. You can call or text 988 any time, day or night. And you can always reach out to me. Send me a message here anytime. Whether you need someone to talk to, help finding resources, or just a neighbor to listen, I'm here for this community. I've been leaning on my faith this week, and these words keep me going: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18) "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4) Hug your kids tonight. Check on your neighbors. Thank a teacher. Bend, we'll get through this together, one day at a time, and we will never forget. — Jonathan Curtis #BendOregon #SilverRailElementary #BendStrong #CentralOregon #Bend #PrayForBend

I'd rather have a modest-looking life with room in the budget than an impressive-looking life I struggle to maintain. Appearances are not worth every price.

“A small thing vnto the iust man is better, then great riches to the wicked and mightie.” Psalm 37:16 | 1599 Geneva Bible

Aquarium people: do you prefer a natural riverbank look, a lush planted scene, or a simpler design? What draws you to that style?

“For God so loued the worlde, that hee hath giuen his onely begotten Sonne, that whosoeuer beleeueth in him, should not perish, but haue euerlasting life.” John 3:16 | 1599 Geneva Bible

“Hatred stirreth vp contentions: but loue couereth all trespasses.” Proverbs 10:12 | 1599 Geneva Bible

A customer who says no still deserves respect. My faith should shape how I treat people when there is nothing left to sell.

I'm thankful I do not have to make myself look perfect before turning to Jesus. Honest prayer is a better beginning than a polished appearance.

“Waite patiently vpon the Lord and hope in him: fret not thy selfe for him which prospereth in his way: nor for the man that bringeth his enterprises to passe.” Psalm 37:7 | 1599 Geneva Bible

Weekly reflection: What did I avoid because it was uncomfortable? God, give me courage to handle what is mine to handle and wisdom about what isn't.

I never want to get so busy building a future that I forget to spend time with Jesus today. Grateful for @greglaurie pointing people toward Christ. A quiet prayer is a good place to start.

Deschutes county it’s time to stand up

“Iudge not, and ye shall not be iudged: condemne not, and ye shall not bee condemned: forgiue, and ye shalbe forgiuen.” Luke 6:37 | 1599 Geneva Bible

I want my business promises to be plain enough to understand and realistic enough to keep. A trustworthy yes is better than a dramatic pitch.

Thank You, Jesus, for being worthy of my trust even when I do not understand the whole path. Help me be faithful with the next step.

“A slouthfull hand maketh poore: but the hand of the diligent maketh riche.” Proverbs 10:4 | 1599 Geneva Bible

Keeping God first is something I want to practice, not just say. What does that look like in the next decision in front of me?

“And delite thy selfe in the Lord, and hee shall giue thee thine hearts desire.” Psalm 37:4 | 1599 Geneva Bible

My first 90 days as Deschutes County Clerk: fix transparency, look into every ballot that didn't arrive, and push to print ballots here for local jobs and fewer mistakes. Watch my full plan and share it: youtu.be/r5FPLC1YnDE Paid for by Jonathan Curtis

The best kind of influence makes room for someone who feels forgotten. Thank you @TimTebow for pointing toward faith and service. I want my life to reflect the love of Jesus, not just my own ambitions.

“Wherefore loue ye your enemies, and doe good, and lend, looking for nothing againe, and your rewarde shalbe great, and ye shalbe the children of the most High: for he is kinde vnto the vnkinde, and to the euill.” Luke 6:35 | 1599 Geneva Bible