The joyful pictures of the last twenty Israeli hostages reunited with their families bring tears to my eyes. Imagine being violently kidnapped during a barbaric killing spree that targeted women and children. For more than two years, you live in darkness—unsure if you will ever see the light of day again, wondering if you will…Read more Tears of Joy and Grief
Faith
A Setback and Remarkable Recovery: A Pastor’s Recovery from Cancer
After four days in the hospital with dangerously low sodium, I’m grateful to be home and recovering well. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and love—please continue to pray as I heal and prepare for more tests in October. God is faithful!
Home, Thankful, and Cancer Free: Week Six, A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
Hi Family, Tonight’s post will be brief, but I trust it will be a blessing to you. I find myself very emotional this evening. When I think of all the prayers, scriptures, songs, humorous stories, and videos that have been shared with me during this time, I’m overcome with a deep and teary gratitude. Sometimes…Read more Home, Thankful, and Cancer Free: Week Six, A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
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
Faith, Pre-Op, and a Brisket Sandwich: Week 3 A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
“Will you have the surgery since you are asking God for a miracle?” Some of my friends who don’t attend Woodland Church have asked me that question. Thankfully, not one person from our congregation has asked it, which makes me feel I have been a good pastor and preacher. Still, I understand why people wonder.…Read more Faith, Pre-Op, and a Brisket Sandwich: Week 3 A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
Overcoming Challenges: A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
Last Sunday morning after the message, Becky and I shared with our Woodland Church Family, that I have been diagnosed with colon cancer. Fortunately, my doctor caught it early. This week, I met with the surgeons at University of Michigan Hospital. The scans of my abdomen and lungs do not show any signs of the…Read more Overcoming Challenges: A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
Monday Memories
My grandmother Mary Clanton was an amazing woman. She came to mind a few minutes ago and I was helping diaper our newest grandson, Asher. I remembered her by the well on her knees in the South Georgia sun, washing clothes with a scrub board. She would have had to drawn enough water from the…Read more Monday Memories
FOLLOWING JESUS INTO A STORM
Following Jesus sometimes means sailing right into the middle of a fierce storm. Fierce storms come in our lives. Jonah ran from God and was caught in a fierce storm. The disciples follow Christ and they too are caught in the middle of a fierce storm. Don't be surprised by the storms but be sure…Read more FOLLOWING JESUS INTO A STORM
Celebrating Faith: Baptism and Holiday Cheer
Christianity is a joyful faith! Jesus speaks of the gift of fullness of joy! This Sunday was an especially joyful day of celebrating God's love through music, worship, prayer, generosity, Communion, the sermon on joy, and the baptism of eight people. Our church family was blessed as each of those baptized briefly shared a bit…Read more Celebrating Faith: Baptism and Holiday Cheer
21 Days of Prayer for the 2024 Election: Day 16
“Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the privilege of exercising the right to vote freely and conscientiously. Strengthen our resolve to inform ourselves on the issues, to be responsible with our choices, and to be salt and light. Amen.” “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”…Read more 21 Days of Prayer for the 2024 Election: Day 16
Coram Deo 