Goal Planning After Cancer: Grateful, Surprised, and Still Growing

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

A Brief Reflection on Retirement, Love, and Letting Go

I recently “retired” as the pastor of the most loving and wonderful church family. Woodland Church has been our family’s church home for 27 years and will continue to be our church family. This has been a joyful—and emotionally difficult—decision. One of my friends encouraged me to ignore the sadness I am experiencing and not…Read more A Brief Reflection on Retirement, Love, and Letting Go

31 Hours ‘Til

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

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

Ready for the Next Surgery: A Pastor’s Recovery from Cancer Surgery

This week, I had my pre-op appointments for what I hope will be my final surgery on December 26. My surgeon has been described as a “rockstar” in his field—and I’m deeply grateful for the skill and excellence God has placed in my medical team. During one of the consultations, the doctor told me he had read…Read more Ready for the Next Surgery: A Pastor’s Recovery from Cancer Surgery

Tears of Joy and Grief

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

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!

Walking Through Recovery One Step at a Time: A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis

Cabin fever has definitely set in. Recovery can be a slow, unpredictable process — and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t eager to get through this phase quickly. There’s so much I want to do. My mind races ahead, but my body is still catching up. So I pray for a speedy recovery…Read more Walking Through Recovery One Step at a Time: A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis

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