Technically, I was never gone. I just got a little bit sidetracked and a little bit lazy and have not kept my website updated as I should have. My apologies to all who have contacted me, wondering about the latest in my life, music, and ministry. 

The "Sidetracked" Part ...

It's been a year of a few adventures for us. As I approached my 60th birthday, my body decided to offer me a few reminders about my age. After having fought with some Arthritis and Stenosis issues in my  back over the past three years and  having my gall bladder removed in mid 2009, the Eckberg family curse, heart disease, finally caught up with me. Without boring you any further with the details, I'm rebounding from having four stents inserted in May and undergoing another procedure in July to measure my degree of heart valve malfunction.

The news is mostly good, however. We're working on controlling the problems and I'm looking forward to moving... well, forward!  I'm writing a lot these days (songs, articles, maybe a book), performing every chance I get, pastoring a wonderful congregation at Erie Evangelical Free Church in Erie, Illinois, and enjoying life with my bride of 38 years, our five sons, three daughters-in-law, and two brilliant, lovely, talented, perfect grandchildren!

The "Lazy" Part ...

There is simply NO excuse for not keeping  a website current. I've always contended that a poorly maintained website is worse than no website at all. Shame on me!  I WILL try to do better in the future.

Again, thank you all for your love, prayers, friendship, and support over these many years. As I rumble and rattle into my 61st year, I do so with great optimism and excitement about the future. Hope to see you or hear from you all soon!

Blessing to you all!

Ron

Three years ago at an Eckberg Thanksgiving dinner the idea struck me of the three musician sons putting a CD project together. I raised the idea, they bought into it, and Jonathan and Matthew began writing songs for the project. Jonathan did his usual incredible production and recording work, while Matthew contributed songs, guitar parts, and vocals, and Jeremy added his usual amazingly smooth bass lines. The CD, titled "Among the Scattered Tales",  Is now finished and available. Sure, I'm a proud dad and completely biased, but I think it's REALLY good. I hope you'll give it a listen. You can visit the band website at www.oneeleveneast.com for more info, or just let me know you want a copy and I'll send it off to you. ($10.00 plus $2.00 shipping, etc)  

It's great pop, rock by my favorite group!