Howdy! I want to get right into this one, as everything is still fresh in my mind. But first things first. (Author takes a deep breath, followed by, a slow, satisfied exhale, please, join me…) Hi. How have you people been? So very much has happened since I last sat down to write you. So, where do I want to begin?

    The perfect place to begin, is to ask, that we all take some time, to pray for my good friend Bob. I am not going to say a lot, as, I haven’t asked his permission, but, he is in a fight, and he knows, he can’t do it alone. I spoke with him, on the phone, today, and he sounded really great, but he is just that way. So, let’s just say some prayers, and send some love his way. Get well soon, Bob. Now that your lakes are full, I want to come down, and teach you how, to quit foolin’ around with the bait, and catch the real fish.

     Okay, I really have to get ya’all up to date. I have been working my buns off. Oops, I just checked, and it seems as though, I have misspoken. Da’ booty is intact! Anyway, I have been working pretty hard. I have the honor of being the Camp Manager, at Jordan Park Camp. It is an incredible “job”, as, I get to take Mattie (A.K.A, the big nosed fat kid) to work with me every day. She has to be the luckiest dog in the world. I manage a 33 acre “oasis” in the middle of West Des Moines, IA.

      I got to meet, and work with, the most wonderful group of young adults, from the Minneapolis, MN area. They took on some of the most dirty, labor intensive, and downright hard, jobs I could offer, and with smiling faces, and a heart for God, got them done. I can’t wait, until they come back!  The Drake University crowd, as well as the teen groups also have been working tirelessly, getting ready for the Josh McDowell event coming to “Jordan Hall” this coming weekend. (April 3,4, and 5) I want to invite each and every one of you to come, and  hear him speak. I think it will be life changing for many people.

    I am going to be in an “Easter Drama”. LOL, yeah, ME! I have a small speaking part, and I portray “Joseph, of Arimathea” (the guy who gave the tomb that Jesus was buried in (but only for 3 days)) I have been practicing my lines, here goes… “I beg your pardon, Centurian, we have the governor’s permission”  “Certainly, I am Joseph, of Arimathea, and we have the governor’s permission, to remove the body (Jesus) for burial."  “(to Mary) I am so sorry…” and lastly, “Yes, and we can lay him in my tomb, anything I can do to help… anything”.  So, how did I do? I am sure Tammy, our lovely director is excited to know that, although I occasionally miss rehearsal, I actually do, know my lines.

    I also spoke, and shared my medical/spiritual testimony, at a men’s breakfast, this morning. (Saturday, 3/28) I was invited, to speak for 20-25 minutes. I thought that, I would not be able to speak for the whole time allotment, but God used me today. I spoke for nearly 45 minutes, and to my knowledge, nobody fell asleep. I prayed, before I started, for God to use my mouth, to deliver his message, and I strongly feel, that, he did so. I got emotional, several times, but, I got through it.

   Lastly, I have broken another rib! Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, I know, Gasp! Oh My, what is that idiot doing? Well, here it is. I don’t intend to sit around, and watch life pass me by, again. I am not reckless. I am not clumsy. This, latest incident, was just a simple accident. I had a split-second to decide. I was either to fall on my friend, who was already down, and having a hurting back, or push myself off to the left, and take my chances. So, I went to the left. I landed on my right side, and my elbow pushed into my ribs, and I heard a loud “Pop”  I will not deny, that, it hurts, but, all things considered, I stand by my decision.  However, next time, I am going to land on Jim, just for the sake of comparison… LOL!

    That is all for now. I really love you guys. Tomorrow is Sunday. Have a blessed day in Christ. Go to church. Pray for Bob, and, wash behind your ears! OH, and, yeah,  CALL YOUR MOM!    Mark.