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
Gratitude, Thanksgiving, Thankfulness
God Holds Us in the Storm: A Pastor’s Recovery from Cancer
I’m writing from my hospital bed at the University of Michigan Hospital as the storm winds whips snow outside at 24 mph. Soon, children will be sledding and laughing in the snow. Life keeps moving—even in the midst of uncertainty. Thank you for praying for me. The ileostomy closure was successful. While the surgeon was…Read more God Holds Us in the Storm: A Pastor’s Recovery from Cancer
Our Vision Sustains Us: A Pastor’s Recovery from Cancer Surgery
Hi Family, My recovery from cancer surgery is moving along slowly but steadily. At times I want to press ahead more quickly, but my doctors, nurses, and therapists remind me that healing takes patience. What keeps me anchored in this season is a vision God gave Becky and me many years ago. I remember it…Read more Our Vision Sustains Us: A Pastor’s Recovery from Cancer Surgery
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!
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
21 Days of Prayer for the 2024 Election: Day 12
Heavenly Father, thank you for the peace you give us as opposed to the panic and paranoia the politicians’ ads offer. We ask you to make us productive citizens of both Heaven and earth. We receive your promised provision for the future as we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.” “Our God, your name…Read more 21 Days of Prayer for the 2024 Election: Day 12
Thanksgiving Memories
We have been enjoying the Season of Thanksgiving at our home. We have enjoyed Thanksgiving service at Woodland Church, hosting our family this week, sharing meals from different cultures, making new memories and remembering past memories filled with thanksgiving as we have shared picture. There has been a lot of laughter and stories shared. When…Read more Thanksgiving Memories
Sunday, Day of Joy
Sunday, happens between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The people of God gather in glorious praise from generation to generation to worship the Lord with thanksgiving and praise. This is a day of eternal priceless joy. The “joy of the Lord” is our strength and the Gospel is “good news of great joy.” (See Nehemiah…Read more Sunday, Day of Joy
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
Happy Thanksgiving 2021
Happy Thanksgiving! Like so many others we want to express our gratitude to God for you and His many blessings. Like last Thanksgiving this has been been a year most of us have faced many challenges. This week three dear friends died. In addition to writing messages for Thanksgiving I’ve been preparing funeral messages for…Read more Happy Thanksgiving 2021
Coram Deo 