It has been a while since I was here. Mary and I have had an eventful two weeks. Mary went in for surgery and all went well. It was a roller coaster ride. We were told pre-surgery the cyst was no cancer, but it needed to come out so it wouldn't become. Three days after the surgery we found out it was cancer. Then we found out they had got it all and the lymph nodes were all clean so she was in the doctors words "cured". The cancer was slow growing one and the chances of it reappearing are very slight. She will have to undergo annual test, but we fully expect Mary to remain cancer free. I thank her doctor, Doctor Howard, Missouri Baptist hospital staff, and everyone for all their support and prayers. We serve a wonderful God who supplies us with sure rich blessings. Also I want to thank the people of my church Bethel Fellowship A/G for all the cards. food, visits, and prayer. And last but not least my wonderful kids. Jay, Becci, Andi, John, the girls, and the boys are so uplifting to Mary and me. I will keep you all updated on how she is doing. I need to get back to work.

27 tough questions Pastors ask. . .I am asking why Dick Hardy or someone else didn't write this sooner. It would have made things easier for me a long time ago. I now have read this book for the third time since April 20th when I got it. The staffing section answered some long time questions and problems I have had. I now realize the problems where in me and my approach. I confess I need to make some changes and I am sure all those who have ever worked for me cam say amen. I recommend all Pastors pick up this book and READ IT! I guarantee it will change your approach to ministry. Thanks Dick for being open to the Holy Spirit in writing what we need to know, not what we want to hear.

Reading today in a new book I have gotten from Dick Hardy. He wrote it with me in mind I think. Very challenging and compelling to read. I have been amazed at how much I need to rethink about how and what I do as a Pastor. I have been at it now for over 35 years. I guess we are never too old to change or at least be challenged to change. I look back over where I have been and wonder how much has really been done. Maybe more than I think. I look ahead and see a lot of challenges before those of us who lead the church. It is so much different now than when I started out. Even the process of getting recognized by our fellowship is so different. Back then it was more about being observed by our leaders as competent to serve. We had the educational requirements to do as well. Now it is more about the education and then the observance. For me it is a big change. I don't comment or whether it is good or bad. I do know in the world I am in now I am expected to know more about more things. I do realize the demands have really changed, but the message has not. People still need God and His love. So I guess I better get to doing what I need to do to change. I love being challenged in my faith and my walk. Style doesn't mean anything to me. I never have been about style in anything. Substance is the key. And how to get the Word out so that everyone will understand. Thanks Dick for the challenge.

Today I began by reading again the book of Philippians. Paul is so good. I got ask last week who my favorite author was. When I said Paul they ask Paul who. I just looked at them funny and they said Oh yea Paul. Paul has a way of just stating the point blank truth and how to deal with it everyday. I was reminded I need to count everything as loss except Christ. If I just could live that way everyday. Well I can try and try I will.

Mondays are always good days. I know many think otherwise, but I really think Mondays are the best. Yesterday was a great day. We had Rev. Stan and Sherry Welch here at the church. He did a great job. We had 5 come to the alter for salvation and over 10 come for other needs. God is so good. The great thing is I have already had over 7 testimonies of answered prayer. One young lady who had been struggling for over two years with issues was delivered completely. Praise the Lord!

On the personal side please keep my wonderful wife Mary in prayer. In a month she will be having surgery to have a cyst removed between her spleen and pancreas. All the test say it isn't cancer, but we need a final word. We are trusting completely in God and know He is the healer.

Glad to be home. I had a good week at our District Council, but it is good to be back home with Mary. Saw the girls last evening and that is always good.

I was reading the Word today and reread some old familiar passages. Just reminded myself of God's unfailing care and love for all or us. Sometimes it is good to just go back and read the things we already know, but need to remember. His mercy is new every morning.

Today will be busy, but good. I have a funeral today and then catching up with every thing. Some times it doesn't pay to be gone. I have to say though my assistant Pastor John Husbands did a fantastic job while I was gone. My secretary Shirley always covers for me. So thank you guys I appreciate your very much. By the way Shirley has been the secretary here for 42 years now and end in sight. She is such a blessing.

What a great day to serve the Lord. Just received a book by Dick Hardy. 27 Tough Questions Pastors Ask. Just read the first three chapters and I already have to change a few things I am doing. It is such an easy read, but such
a challenging premise. I encourage any one to pick on up. I will be added more here later.

Yesterday was my 36th wedding anniversary and I had to spend it away from the one I love. My Mary was at home and I am here in Springfield at a council. I really missed being with her. I have had the most wonderful life with her. She is so intelligent, warm, and really funny. And she is so often misread by people who don't take the time to get to know her. I thank God everyday for such a wonderful wife. Anyway enough from me.