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
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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
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!
Monday Meditation 2026-06-16
"I have never met anyone anywhere like Francis Schaeffer, who took God so passionately seriously, people so passionately seriously, and truth so passionately seriously." Os Guiness That quote has touched me so deeply. It resonates within me like a the sounding of a bell. I so want that to be true of my life and…Read more Monday Meditation 2026-06-16
Finished Well!
The picture above is of one my good friends, Randy Stokes, and the best networker I have known. Wednesday evening, before our midweek service at Woodland Church, I called Randy. We talked about his sister's upcoming funeral on Friday of this week, his health, his family, his job, and future. Before we finished our call,…Read more Finished Well!
Masterpiece
There is a warm memory in my mind of preaching after our first son's birth at a beautiful church campground in Florida, called Masterpiece Gardens. I remember doing a morning prayer walk with my heart full of praise for our first child and God's intention for his life. I would gaze on my wife singing…Read more Masterpiece
Teach Them to Worship
Recently, I watched one of my grandsons worship the Lord. Little hands lifted in the air in love. Immediately, I remembered his Daddy, our son worship the Lord as little one, a teenager, and a young single adult. This summer we were able to worship with him and his family together. Such joy, that I…Read more Teach Them to Worship
God’s Power for Us
Lee Iacocca and Vince Lombardi, two legendary leaders were talking. Iacocca asked Lombardi what it took to make a winning team. Lombardi said a lot of good football teams have the fundamentals and the discipline but they don’t win any games. He said there is a third ingredient if you are going to play as…Read more God’s Power for Us
On Being a Pastor
I love being a pastor. I’m especially grateful to have pastored Woodland Church for over thirteen years now. When I was preaching to our congregation Sunday morning I realized just how much life our family has shared with them. When it came time to serve communion at the end of the message Sunday morning, I…Read more On Being a Pastor
Successful Youth Ministry Begins in the Home (part one)
Becky and I were privileged to serve as youth pastors to some marvelous students when we were younger. We were fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to serve our home state as youth directors later in life. Along the way so many godly and great leaders poured into our lives and youth and families…Read more Successful Youth Ministry Begins in the Home (part one)
Coram Deo 