It has been a long time since I have posted anything on a blog. In fact it was May of 2010. Last year was one of the most challenging year’s of my life when I found out I had cancer. Tonight was the first time in months that I have been back to the original blog, Pastor Rick’s Journey. Wow, what a reminder of the grace and goodness of God. I need to go back and read and remember more often. By the time of my last blog called Full Recovery, I was pretty washed out. The last six months of 2010 were simply about regaining strength; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In past months I have processed a lot about life, the cancer journey, family, and God’s faithfulness in our lives. I will have another scan in about six weeks and we are anticipating and expecting the best. I still have a port in my chest that is a daily reminder of God’s grace. Each day is a gift of life for me, literally. I hate cancer, the very word. It has been responsible for taking away both family and friends. My heart breaks every time I hear a report about someone who faces the battle and begins the journey. I would not want to walk this journey again but in a strange way I wouldn’t take anything for it. In many ways I am more fully alive than I have been in years. My love for my family is stronger than ever; I am a blessed man. Thank you Patti, Carrie & Matt, Tori & Derek, sweet Hope, and to the most beautiful loving grand-kids in all the world, Sophie, Will, and Lillie. I love you with all my heart.

Now, it is time to look forward and that is the reason for the new blog. Thanks to Jason Bradford at inkeddigital.com for getting this up so quickly. It is still a work in progress and Jason will work his magic in the days and weeks ahead, but I felt a need to write right now so he has me up and going. Why now? I am not sure about that myself but I am trying to respond to a prompting in my heart that I really feel is Spirit led. Does the blog world need yet another voice, especially mine, I doubt it. I just know that God is doing something in my heart and life right now that I need to express. If it helps or encourages another person I will be glad. I will do my best to write often enough  to keep things fresh. Right now I am thinking one main article a week, some devotional thoughts during the week, and a Sunday night mind dump where I will reflect and recap on what God is doing in the TPC family. But mostly I will try to be obedient to the promptings in my heart and try to put them into words to share with others. I will welcome your comments and try to respond to them as I can. I will ask for your patience because I am first and foremost a pastor, not a writer.

So it’s time to look and live forward. We are anticipating a new grand daughter, Zoe, a three-year-old from Ethiopia in the near future. We are in a season of prayer for Tori & Derek this week as they await official news on March 15.  All of us would appreciate your prayers in their behalf. You can be sure that as soon as it’s official pictures will follow. I would also appreciate your prayers in my ministry. I am living in a place of expectancy right now. The Word of God has never been more alive in my heart and I am experiencing a bit of what Paul described in Philippians 3:10-11. I really do want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection.

I will do my best to make this blog a place of encouragement, faith, and thought.So, that’s my story and I am sticking to it. I hope you will come back and check in from time to time. The journey continues and I am so happy to be here to enjoy it. Blessings.