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
prayer
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
Devoted to Prayer for the Middle East Tonight!
Before learning early this morning about the President’s military strike involving Iran, I had spent time meditating on this verse from Scripture: “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”—Colossians 4:2 It felt as though God had gently prepared my heart for the news of the day. Almost immediately, I sensed…Read more Devoted to Prayer for the Middle East Tonight!
The Grace of Being Present: A Pastor’s Reflection of Recovering from Cancer
Sunday morning, I slipped in as quietly as possible. I worshiped with our church family in person for the first time since my second surgery for colon cancer. About an hour before the service, I made the decision to go. Becky had been at church for nearly an hour already. She did not know I…Read more The Grace of Being Present: A Pastor’s Reflection of Recovering from Cancer
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
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
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!
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
Coram Deo 