Category Archives: On Faith

Apologetics, Theology, and Exposition

Listening to God (and Teckla)

Posted on May 20, 2025 by Mark

I have, at my pastor’s suggestion, been keeping an Immanuel Journal that emphasizes abiding in God’s presence and listening for his voice. Each day I pour out thanksgiving for who God is and all he has done. I write down … Continue reading →

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Sidewalks

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Mark

Teckla and I walk a lot. We walk on the sidewalks and on the hiking trails in the local parks. Although falling is a risk for people with dementia, Teckla has almost never fallen when hiking off the paved trails. … Continue reading →

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Washed Ashore in Kansas

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Mark

It is odd to feel washed ashore this far from any ocean. But Peter’s death, Teckla’s dementia, and the burning of our house in Myrtle Point have left me dazed and disoriented—like Robinson Crusoe after the wreck of his ship. … Continue reading →

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A Left and a Right

Posted on March 31, 2025 by Mark

During prayer today a lament erupted in my heart. I cried out, “God save the children. Send a revival of hope, joy, and love into the hearts of the young. Jesus, come.” I had been praying by name for my … Continue reading →

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The Unbroken Circles of Love and Grace

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Mark

A blessing of age is being able to see how life, love, and grace moves in great circles. I noticed this one blustery day on the beach with my mom who was in her nineties. I had reached around her … Continue reading →

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Ordinary Sacraments of Extraordinary Grace

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Mark

Ordinary Sacraments of Extraordinary Grace

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White-tailed

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Mark

Teckla and I take long walks every day. Although Johnson County is blighted with miles of industrial parks and suburban housing developments, it has many amazing parks and miles of bicycle and hiking trails. After a short drive, it is … Continue reading →

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Winter Visions

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Mark

The second big snow covers the ground, and it was ten below last night. We moved here in July, so this is our first Kansas winter. At these temperatures, frostbite is a real danger, especially when the chill factor gets … Continue reading →

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Riptides

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Mark

I felt foolish and terrified. I had let my boys venture into the surf on boogie boards near the jetty at Bastendorf Beach. They had gone far enough out to catch some waves, but no matter how much they thrashed … Continue reading →

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The Snake in my Tears

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Mark

There should be a myth about a species of snake that lives off our tears and bites us when they begin to dry. For the last couple years, after the death of my son, if asked how I was doing, … Continue reading →

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