“Precious memories, how they linger; how they linger in my soul.” These are lyrics from one of my favorite hymns, which have great meaning for me.  I was born in Chicago to parents who were active in the Lutheran church.  Mom was the church organist and Dad was a baritone in the  church choir.  I was told that I was brought to be baptized on the Easter Sunday following my birth in February.  Sunday School, and later on church worship services, became regular on my attendance agenda.  Like several other friends from my class at school and church, we studied Luther’s Small Catechism and were confirmed on Palm Sunday during our 8th grade year in Junior High.  Following high school graduation, the college I attended required taking courses in Religion, as well as Philosophy and Logic.  We were also required to attend a couple of chapel services during the week.

With my military service in Korea, our Hdqrs Co. was also the base for the Group chaplains, and I often had a chance to ride along with one of them to our Line Companies.  Following discharge, the company for whom I worked in Chicago offered me a transfer to their branch plant in Kalamazoo.  It was in that Michigan city of Dutch heritage where I met and married my beloved wife, Norma.  Together, we raised four children, with whom we still maintain a loving Christ-centered relationship, although they all live in other parts of the U.S.

As Scripture points out, “those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life (seed) is in them.” (1 John 3:9).  Read I John 3, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Warren

Posted by our late friend in 2016