Monthly Archives: June 2018

The memory came back. I don’t remember her name. I think she was from Nebraska, a relative of the family who had a funeral. The lady sang “The Lord’s Prayer.” Truth. How often have we heard it sung? Sometimes good, … Continue reading →

We never were in the same social swirls in high school. Later, though, I’d steal his sermons. Unashamedly. Well, that’s overstated, because we’d reciprocate. Often. I am clueless to ask him why he shared mine? He’s dead now. And has … Continue reading →

Part of my life started here. Look, please. What do you see? A telephone pole, an alley [between 25th and 26th Portland, Oregon]. A sloping driveway. A nicely painted back of a house, a fence between garage and back porch. … Continue reading →

It happened a day ago. No. It happened 20 minutes ago. No. It happened more than 40 years ago. And yet, it is happening now. Here’s the deal. I believe in ministry—my word, make it in living for anyone—pastoral care … Continue reading →

I got upset with someone I don’t know and will never see again. On an airplane. She and her husband were going to Chicago. We visited. I asked about her world and her husband’s. Basic. She is very proud of … Continue reading →

I remember it clearly, even though memory vacates too often lately. Name and venue unimportant. It really is. The call came, “Mark, please get here as soon as you can.” Nothing more, but a lot less. She was in chalk-white … Continue reading →

Not sure how to entitle this blog, but it urges to be written. I love writing. Had never thought of writing a novel, but friends provided encouragement to take a 5-day class on fiction novel writing. The class started the … Continue reading →

Moments of Joy and Surprises, a weekend in Chicago The past three days have been celebrations upon celebration, topped with a joyous surprise. Went to Chicago and the gold-star moments started: Visited with John and Lydia Thomas, two beautiful friends. … Continue reading →

Just a note. Unexpected, yet how special. It came from a great cousin, David Kottkamp. He and his wife, Cass and two friends went to Diamond and Crater Lakes. Their friends loved to fish, so they stopped at Diamond Lake. … Continue reading →

My fear never loses its presence, but it does lose its power. Not exceptionally there are times when to me Good Friday seems to be more than one day and Easter only one worship. Today, though, my world, tears not … Continue reading →