This week I’ve been working on my annual goals. When I received my cancer diagnosis in June, I assumed it would derail everything I had planned for this year—and in many ways, it did. Over half of our plans changed or had to be set aside altogether. But as I worked through my annual review,…Read more Goal Planning After Cancer: Grateful, Surprised, and Still Growing
Health
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
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
Week 2 The Faith of a Community: A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and prayerful support in response to my post last week about my cancer diagnosis. Thank you for the scriptures, songs, prayers, and humor you have shared. I am reading and saving each one in a special file for this journey. It took some time to reply…Read more Week 2 The Faith of a Community: A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
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!
Stay Thirsty!
Water is the best way to hydrate your body or quench your thirst. Your body craves water. More than 50% of your body is water. God created us so that we crave fluids, hopefully you are hydrating with water throughout the day. It is socially cool to carry a water bottle with you. It is…Read more Stay Thirsty!
All are Welcome!
“So reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory. Jesus did it; now you do it!” (Romans 15:7, Message) A beautiful little girl smiling brightly at me Sunday morning said, "Pastor, I love you!" I felt her reaching out and take my heart right out of my chest. She is a child with special needs and she…Read more All are Welcome!
Joy and Disappointment in Two Weeks
Two weeks ago I was running the hills of Georgia, visiting with our parents, and playing with my grandchildren in North Carolina. One day I ran a steep hilly course that challenges me. Although my time will never threaten anyone, Beth Gilday's inspires me with her faith and prayers to keep running. Springtime in the…Read more Joy and Disappointment in Two Weeks
Coram Deo 