Mike Woodard
Mike is a small town boy who grew up on a hobby farm in Michigan. After finishing a science degree at Central Michigan University in 1977, Mike moved to Canada to begin working in university student ministry. He married Karen in 1978, after years of friendship that started in high school. Edmonton was their home for 11 years. Their son and 3 daughters were born in rapid order. Home base moved to Ottawa and then to their current home in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Mike and Karen have both finished MA degrees from Trinity Western University, ACTS Seminary. They currently serve with FamilyLife Canada. Their family has expanded to include 3 sons-in-law and two grandsons.
Mike enjoys backpacking in the stunning wilderness of Western Canada. A thrill seeker at heart, bungee-jumping, sky-diving, marathon and triathlon have been checked off his life’s “to do” list. His motto is, “Life is an adventure!” In the summer of 2012 Mike’s first book was released. Love That Lasts-52 Insights for Couples is a collection of insights that first appeared as weekly posts on the FamilyLife Canada website. The book is now available in English and French.
A Toddler in Traffic…
November 6, 2013 I could not believe my eyes; a toddler riding a tricycle on a busy street! Pulling my car over as quickly as I could, I guided the little guy off the street to the sidewalk. I did not see an adult anywhere. I asked his name and where he lived, but it […] Read More >
Aligning Yourself with the Right Markers
Looking for some solid guideposts? Take our study Golden Nuggets from Philippians to learn how to live in a construction zone and where to find lights in a dark world. “So we fix our eyes not on what’s seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is […] Read More >
Appreciation!
Appreciation is received by the soul like rain after a drought!!! It is so life giving. Appreciation is also a significant motivator. Much in life is taken for granted. A simple thank you or acknowledgement goes a long way to encourage a weary heart. What do you appreciate about the people around you? Tell Them. […] Read More >
Are you Faithful?
July 3, 2013 Are YOU having an affair? You say, “Never!” but there may be more to think about. . . How do you define affair? Generally we think of an affair involving another person. Affairs come in different shapes and sizes…an affair of the mind…an affair with work, with sports, with hobbies, volunteering; the […] Read More >
Attitude Adjustment!
November 13, 2013 Have you ever heard the statement, “Attitude is everything!”? In the book Creating an Intimate Marriage, Jim Burns suggests five attitude adjustments that create a more positive and satisfying relationship: Stop Complaining. Criticism shuts down intimacy. No one wants to be naked with someone who is critical! Show Gratitude. It is amazing […] Read More >
Baggage
October 23, 2013 All people come into a relationship with baggage, both physical and emotional. The physical is represented by the wedding gifts and other possessions used to put your new home together. The other kind of baggage, emotional baggage, is less visible and often has to do with our family of origin. This baggage […] Read More >
Be Unpredictable
November 27, 2013 Does boredom kill relationships? Yes, it can! While routine might bring order and stability to life, it is true that it can also engender boredom. So, here are four rut-busters that can add some spice and creativity to your marriage relationship. • Buy a small gift on a “No Special Occasion” day. […] Read More >
Big Rocks
December 4, 2013 An expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students. He pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouth jar. Then he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one by one, into the jar. He asked the students, “Is this jar full?” Everyone said, “Yes.” “Really?” he replied, […] Read More >
Boomerang Sex
Not an Australian creation but a new perspective: what you give is what you get. The best sex is a GIVING experience. The principle is this: commit yourself to giving pleasure; the natural outcome is that you will receive pleasure in return. It may take time, patience and discipline depending on the history of the […] Read More >
Conflict is Normal
Wednesday April 11, 2012 “If we were the same, one of us would not be necessary!” Two people who are different have the wonderful potential of complementing each other but also having some level of conflict. Conflict is normal and can be very productive. Constructive conflict which can be defined as solution focused and not […] Read More >