Mattering—the title caught my eye. Yesterday I read a review of Jennifer Wallace’s new book. The author makes a point we emphasized many times at Woodland Church: every new person who walks in for morning worship, Elevation, or a small group is silently carrying two questions: Will you love me? Will you accept me? In…Read more Mattering
Bible
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
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
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
Turning 70, Trusting God, and Treasuring the Journey: Week 4 A Pastor’s Cancer Diagnosis
My 70th birthday was filled with family, joy, and the deep presence of God. But in the quiet moments before and after the celebration, I wrestled honestly with fear, faith, and the road ahead. One week before surgery, I want to share what’s in my heart—and the peace I’ve found in God's presence. This past…Read more Turning 70, Trusting God, and Treasuring the Journey: Week 4 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
Coram Deo 