A friend told me about ten years ago, while we were talking about our health, “Nothing good happens after 60.” Since then, he and I have both had our share of challenges. As I have grown older, life has become more serious, and, strangely enough, more joyful at the same time. I will be the…Read more When You Face a Crisis
faith
But God!
Thank you for praying with Becky and me about yesterday's surgery. Earlier this year, I was admitted to the hospital for seven days with a severe gallbladder attack. A thoughtful and compassionate surgeon came to us and explained that my gallbladder needed to be removed. However, my cancer surgeon didn't think that was the best…Read more But God!
Seventy-One Trips Around the Sun
Tomorrow morning is a significant day for my family and me. One year ago, I was blessed with a successful colon cancer surgery. Tomorrow, I return to the operating room for my 49th surgery. As I begin my 71st journey around the sun, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. God has sustained my life through…Read more Seventy-One Trips Around the Sun
Heartfelt Impressions: A Journey of Faith and Healing
This week while I was in the hospital, I felt impressed to ask one of my doctors if I could pray for them. They left the room for a few minutes and I prayed about this thought. "Lord, am I supposed to ask them this?" There was a sense of peace about this. When asked,…Read more Heartfelt Impressions: A Journey of Faith and Healing
A Personal Health Update—and a Word of Hope
Over the past several weeks, many friends have graciously asked about my health. Rather than trying to answer everyone individually, I wanted to share this brief video update. The doctors have confirmed that I am continuing to lose blood, but despite many tests, they have not yet been able to identify the source of the…Read more A Personal Health Update—and a Word of Hope
“You’re Doing It, Fella”: A Father’s Day Tribute to My Dad
This Father's Day, I keep coming back to one memory. I was nine years old. Dad had just bought me a bicycle, and for what felt like weeks, he ran up and down the road beside me, one hand on the seat, holding me steady while I learned to pedal. The whole time he kept…Read more “You’re Doing It, Fella”: A Father’s Day Tribute to My Dad
God Comforts Us so We can Comfort Others
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NLT) I haven’t felt much like writing these past few days. The health challenges I’m currently facing…Read more God Comforts Us so We can Comfort Others
Berries, Communion, and Grace
I had just come home after my own stay at the University of Michigan Hospital. I had been there for seven days. Then, I went to see an elderly friend in comfort care. It struck me before I even sat down, how familiar this room felt. We had laughed, ate lunch, made pictures, and worshiped…Read more Berries, Communion, and Grace
Grace and Pain brings Opportunities
Psalm 30:2 — “O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health.” Last Friday morning, I awoke at 2:15 a.m. in intense pain and overwhelming nausea. I quietly slipped downstairs so I wouldn’t wake my family. For the next several hours, the pain would not ease, nor would the…Read more Grace and Pain brings Opportunities
Hospital Grace
Even in the middle of hospital rooms, procedures, and medical decisions, God continues to reveal His grace in quiet and unexpected ways. Admittedly, even in pain, I did not want to come back to the hospital. My wise wife called and they said, “Come now.” After triage and several “clicks” of morphine, I was grateful.…Read more Hospital Grace