I had to chuckle about your desire to see the sunrise over the Pacific! I actually did see a sunrise over the Pacific. When at St. John, Orange, I often went fishing with my principal. He liked to be on the ocean at the fishing spot before sunrise, so we would see the sunrise over the ocean. However, to do so, one had to be out in the ocean!

Glad you had such a fine time at Concordia, Irvine. Jeff Held, my nephew, is the instrumental professor there. I always feel a close affinity to CUI because my adult choir at St. John sang for the ground-breaking of the facility. We stood atop a barren wind-swept hill to do so. I was on campus a few years ago; what a marvelous facility it is now!

So happy to learn of the positive progress you are making. I regularly check with Charles as to how you are doing as well as read your blog.

Had a great morning at St. John, Seward, yesterday. Andy Schultz brought several of his trumpeters over. I was organist. We did the Bunjes setting of “A Mighty Fortress” and the Schalk setting of “Thy Strong Word.” The 9:00 a.m. service was really packed and the people roared! Reminded me of past times with you.

Our (Nancy and my) thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.

David Held

I am so glad you had a wonderful trip to California! You are right — the air is soft and the traffic teems. It is definitely not the Midwest! I look forward to Harvester, MO, in February, for another hymn festival. I hope the weather is kind at that time.

I had a unique experience last night. I decided I desperately needed to do some house-cleaning (it is not one of my favorite tasks), and I wanted some motivational music to keep me moving. What better than Dr. Charles Ore and “From My Perspective IV”??!! Let me tell you what — I got all of my cleaning done, and then some. And I worshipped and praised God at the same time! I look forward to a repeat experience.

I can’t wait to read about the Alphie reunion!

Love,
Mindy