Tag Archives: Tribute

Dear Mom

Dear Mom, We are gathered here to celebrate your life. And celebrate, we do. Although we mourn your passing deeply, feeling and coping with the pain in our own personal ways, we agree together that your life was a life … Continue reading

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Remembering My Mom

On August 30 my Mom passed away. In the days to come I will likely post some of my thoughts and memories concerning her. For now, I post the text of the obituary which my family wrote for her, and which … Continue reading

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when a marine deploys

Tonight I had the privilege of leading a public prayer before a small crowd for this marine at the Portland Airport as he prepared to board his flight to North Carolina for final training before he heads for a one year deployment to … Continue reading

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a letter to my Dad

Hi Dad. It’s Memorial Day. Yesterday I visited your gravesite. The scene was beautiful. Thousands of American flags adorned the campus of Willamette National Cemetary. Each gravesite had at least one flag directly in front of it. I added two … Continue reading

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When a child grows up

 This photo depicts two boys circa 1915 or 16. The younger is my grandfather on my dad’s side. The older boy, with his trademark severe attitude, is his brother. Much history surrounds the events leading up to and following this scene. … Continue reading

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Proudly it Waves, Old Glory

I sang the following song in a citywide choral cantata, “I Love America,” years ago in Newberg, Oregon. It made quite an impression on me as an 18 year old young man. It remains one of my favorite patriotic tunes. … Continue reading

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Why I Celebrate the 4th of July

The photos below depict a large part of why I celebrate the Fourth of July. It is not about the fireworks. It isn’t simply about having a day off as a holiday. It goes far deeper than that. I celebrate … Continue reading

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Perspective in Loss

My good friend, Janelle Bentley, brought an article to my attention today. John Canzano, writer for the Oregonian Newspaper wrote a piece on the Bentley family, who lost their beautiful 9 year-old daughter, Jaclynn, this week last year. I originally … Continue reading

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Artist for God– Trent "TC" Combs

While surfing the net I came across seekfirst.com. They posted a notice that a young man, Trent “TC” Combs had won a 2004 national art competition entitled Art For God. Later on, in June of 2005, Eugene Weekly ran a … Continue reading

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Reflections on the Fourth of July

I am a follower of Jesus Christ, first and foremost. It is to Jesus Christ that I give my highest allegiance. Yet I am located in geographically in the USA, having been born and raised as a US American citizen. … Continue reading

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