Christmas Eve 2025 As I write these words, there are 31 hours left until a new year begins—and 31 final hours for me to serve as pastor of Woodland Church. I pause in this moment with a grateful heart. Scripture tells us, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to…Read more 31 Hours ‘Til
Blessings
God Is Good! All the time God is Good! Week 5 A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the prayers, cards, phone calls, and visits this week. Each and every one has meant so much to me. I’ve felt so supported, encouraged, and loved—and I don’t take it for granted. This past week, I was able to enjoy a full schedule of ministry, even as…Read more God Is Good! All the time God is Good! Week 5 A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
Finished Well!
The picture above is of one my good friends, Randy Stokes, and the best networker I have known. Wednesday evening, before our midweek service at Woodland Church, I called Randy. We talked about his sister's upcoming funeral on Friday of this week, his health, his family, his job, and future. Before we finished our call,…Read more Finished Well!
It’s Quiet Tonight
For the last three weeks we have enjoyed two of our sons and their families visiting with us. We have had several picnics, two parties, visited museums, parks, carousels, swam, and enjoyed so much good ice cream. I have laughed, wrestled, played games, watched movies, read stories, and told stories. It’s very quiet tonight. However,…Read more It’s Quiet Tonight
Deeply Secure
As a guest in so many homes, I have watched so many fathers and mothers play with their children on the floor. The hilarious laughter as children crawled over their Dad and Mom. One of the real benefits of being a guest in a home like that is being asked to pray over their children,…Read more Deeply Secure
Free to Succeed!
Throughout the Covid 19 pandemic we have been reminded of the importance of healthy hygiene habits. Produce recalls, canned goods recalls, and meat recalls due to E-Coli are not unusual anymore. I am grateful for the recalls so that we trust the purity of what we buy from our local grocers. We live with the…Read more Free to Succeed!
Saint Nicholas Day
“The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic God’s giving by grace, through faith, and this not of ourselves.” Nicholas of Myra Today, December 6, is the day we remember a faithful pastor that our modern story of Santa Claus is based upon. Nicholas of Myra was a model…Read more Saint Nicholas Day
Dreaming 25 years in Our Future
I dream about twenty years from now. In my dream I still rise early to have coffee with the Lord. My wife wakes up and I bring her coffee and toast in bed. We enjoy talking with one another watching the sunrise. (Remember this a dream." By the way she is drinking light roast coffee…Read more Dreaming 25 years in Our Future
God Pleasers!
When I see my wife smile, or our children and grandsons smile, my heart swells with joy. Either they are pleased or amused. It doesn’t matter which, I’m happy with their pleasure. However, the goal of my life is not pleasing them, but pleasing God. There is a huge difference and it's what I will…Read more God Pleasers!
Taking Pride
This Memorial Day will be memorable for me for quite awhile. Woodland buried a member of our local community today. We grieved with his wife and family. He was an devoted family man, an avid outdoorsman, and sports enthuisast. Although, I didn't know him personally, after meeting with his family, I believe we could have…Read more Taking Pride
Coram Deo 