A God above who made us all,
With life and breath on him we call.
A newborn’s cry, a mom’s embrace,
Boundless love time can’t erase.
A child’s first steps, unsure but bright,
A life well lived, guided by light.
The sun peeks through a cloudy sky,
And sinks in gold where oceans lie.
A bud unfolding, soft and bright,
A blossom glowing in full light.
The endless sea, so dark and deep,
Its waves caress the shore in sleep.
A friend’s warm smile, a kind word said,
A hand to hold when hope has fled.
The night wind’s chill, the sun’s warm glow,
Day’s brilliant light, the moon’s soft show.
A golden field that sways with grace,
Fresh bread shared in a quiet place.
Morning dawns with promise near,
Evening falls—work done, made clear.
Vows once spoken, hearts entwined,
Years unfolding, love refined.
A mountain spring begins to flow,
A river finds the sea below.
A puppy’s leap, a dog’s deep gaze,
Joyful youth and loyal days.
An apple ripens on its tree,
A harvest gathered gratefully.
Tears that fall for hearts in pain,
Words that lift and heal again.
Forgiveness sought, and peace restored,
After battles fought, swords ignored.
A stream that cuts through desert land,
A forest rising, proud and grand.
Snow-capped peaks that touch the sky,
Canyons carved both deep and wide.
Children laughing, freely playing,
Hands joined tight, together staying.
Courage standing in the storm,
Victory’s light, quiet and warm.
Loss accepted, lessons gained,
Through every scar, wisdom remains.
Hopes held close, dreams made real,
Sacrifices born of zeal.
A bird that sings at break of day,
A voice that lifts in sweet array.
Heavy hearts that share in sorrow,
Joy awakening with each tomorrow.
A boy’s first fish, the wait rewarded,
A fisherman’s patience, quiet and sorted.
Footsteps crunch on forest ground,
Rivers hum their steady sound.
The smoky scent of firelight,
Bacon crisp at dawn’s first light.
Morning’s coffee, rich and deep,
Ice cream smiles before we sleep.
The first brick set, the walls that rise,
A finished home beneath the skies.
A teacher’s joy in lessons taught,
A child’s wonder as they’re caught.
Struggles faced, then tossed away,
In cap and gown on graduation day.
A soldier standing, brave and sure,
A veteran’s strength that will endure.
Gifts exchanged with hearts sincere,
Blessings found when none seem near.
A parent’s love, a child who hears,
A family close through passing years.
Youth that burns with boundless fire,
Age that speaks with quiet inspire.
Dark days faded, far behind,
Good memories etched in heart and mind.
As days slip past and years unfold,
Heaven awaits with riches untold.
A mountain scaled, its peak attained,
Eyes enlightened to the Lord, unchained.
These are the wonders life imparts,
Woven with love, through joy and hearts.
—Jerry Conklin
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
View all posts by looking2jesus13
LookingtoJesus 