May 30, 1946 — Phil’s first meeting with President Truman
May 30, 2026June 3, 1946 — Difficult memories invade Phil’s mind
June 3, 2026
Here are the contents of this month’s newsletter:
- Settling down in Decatur (and a quiet headline)
- Three early endorsements for my next book, The Creed
- A new YouVersion devotional series — “The Intentional Life”
- Recent Today’s Christian Living columns
- A Marriage Ministry “God kiss”
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1. Settling down in Decatur (and a quiet headline)
The quiet headline first: my breathing is normal at night. O2 levels normal. I’m sleeping better than I have in over two decades. No machines, no supplemental oxygen. The move to Decatur, it turns out, has been part of the medicine.
Barb and I arrived April 16, after 25 years in Colorado Springs (longer than we’ve lived anywhere). We miss our close friends, our church family, and the marriage, discipleship, and Bible study ministries we built there. But the Lord clearly has a new work for us here, and the early signs are encouraging.
Our new home is a farmhouse on a half-acre wooded lot in “Midway Woods,” only a mile from our son Scott, daughter-in-love Jennifer, our granddaughters, church, and town. Delightful is the right word. The unpacking is slow, the new rhythms slower still, but the Lord is kind in the small mercies of a new place.
We’ve also come to love Scott and Jennifer’s church, All Souls Fellowship, within the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). We’re surprisingly comfortable with the liturgical tradition and the deep sense of worship each week.
The Nicene Creed book, the columns for Colorado Family Physician and Today’s Christian Living, the YouVersion devotional series, the investigation into upgrading Dad’s DSC to an MOH, and a bit of insurance consulting all continue, just at a slower, more relaxed pace. Which feels right for this season.
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2. Three early endorsements for my next book, The Creed
Three early endorsements arrived this month, each from a different corner of the Christian writing world: family discipleship, theological journalism, and bestselling fiction. I could not be more grateful:
The basic beliefs of the Christian faith are beautifully expressed in the Nicene Creed. Whether you attend a liturgical church and regularly recite this ancient confession or come from a tradition where you may never have encountered it, this book will help you clearly understand Christianity’s foundational beliefs and how they can transform your daily life. Dr. Larimore brings both theological depth and pastoral warmth to make these timeless truths accessible and relevant. I highly recommend it.
— Gary Chapman PhD, #1 New York Times best-selling author of The 5 Love Languages
Who would have thought that study of the Nicene Creed could come so alive with fresh insights, information, and practical challenges? Dr. Larimore’s lifetime of medical practice and theological study brings together this well-informed unpacking of the bedrock beliefs that unite Christians from all traditions. Simple yet profound, full of wise counsel and well-chosen quotes, it makes core theology refreshingly accessible and relevant.
— Harold Myra, Former CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Christianity Today and author of over 20 books
My friend, “Dr. Walt,” brings to The Creed the same laser-focused attention to thorough detail he brought to both his lifetime in medicine and his celebrated career as an engaging, storytelling author. Best of all, he leaves the cookies on the lower shelf where we laypeople can reach them and savor the delicious accessibility of plainspoken truth. This is a savory treat, regardless of your intellect or theological knowledge.
— Jerry B. Jenkins, #1 New York Times best-selling novelist and biographer — over 200 books published
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3. A New Devotional Series — The Intentional Life
I’m thrilled to share that my newest YouVersion series, The Intentional Life: 120 Days to Clarity, Calling, and a Life That Lasts, kicked off May 1. It’s free on the YouVersion App and consists of twelve 10-day devotionals.
I wrote this series for the reader who senses that their days are slipping by faster than their purpose is forming, the reader who wants their time, steps, relationships, and calling to actually mean something.
Whether you’re just beginning to seek clarity or you’ve been walking with God for decades, these devotionals are designed to meet you where you are and gently lead you forward, one day, one step, one surrender at a time.
You can learn more or sign up for free here.
The 2026 release schedule (and the first two are already available):
- Organize Your Life – May 1
- Order Your Steps – May 15
- Find Your Purpose – June 1 (should be out any day now)
- Stay Organized – June 15
- Stay on Course – July 1
- Keep Walking Wisely – July 15
- Hold to Your Purpose – August 3,
- A Life That Multiplies – August 14
- A Life That Outlasts You – September 1
- Invest in Others – September 15
- Finish Well – October 1
- Fully Surrendered – October 15
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4. Recent Today’s Christian Living columns
The last few newsletters, I forgot to tell you about my recent columns from my bi-monthly slot in Today’s Christian Living. Here are the three most popular that may be worth your time:
- May 2026, “Is Working Out with a Friend Really Healthier?” Short answer: yes, and the science behind it is more encouraging than you’d expect.
- March 2026, “Eat Like a Greek.” A practical, evidence-based look at the Mediterranean way of eating and what it has done for longevity.
- January 2026, “Ignite 2026: Resolutions to Set Your Faith Ablaze.” Eight specific practices for a year of spiritual deepening.
If you’d like the full archive going back to January 2025 (forgiveness, gratitude, pets and health, the outdoors, and more), the complete list is at the bottom of this newsletter.
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5. A Marriage Ministry “God kiss”
For ten years, Barb and I directed a marriage ministry (ReEngage) at our church in Colorado Springs. When we left, our dear friends Joe and Connie Brossard took over as directors and are having a powerful impact.
Recently I received this encouraging note, an unexpected encouragement from the Lord, what we sometimes call a “God kiss”:
So glad you get to be closer to your loved ones. I never knew how much grandkids could mean to a person.
[My wife] and I owe you and your bride a huge dose of gratitude. You and Barb were so instrumental in saving our marriage when we were so close to cashing it in.
Like the physician you are, you administered the medicine of Christ’s message of hope and put us on the path of healing.
We wish you guys the very best in your new home!
I wrote back:
Your note brought tears to my eyes — thank you, brother. But the truth is that Barb and I have always believed that the Holy Spirit and you two did the hard, holy work together — especially you, brother.
You showed up. You stayed at the table when walking away would have been easier. You let the Lord do what only He can do. Barb and I just got to be in the neighborhood when His grace was poured out in and through you two. Wel count that among the great privileges of our lives.
Give [your sweet bride] our deep love. You two are written into our story in ways that won’t fade. With love and so much gratitude of our own,
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6. Last month’s happenings
- May 7-10, Bryson City, NC. We traveled back to where I first practiced (1981-1985), after my family and sports medicine residencies at Duke, to celebrate the life of my residency partner, practice partner, and best friend, Rick Pyeritz, MD. We were with his precious wife Linda and many of his life-long friends. It was a deeply meaningful weekend, touring familiar places, walking familiar trails, and honoring a man who shaped the early years of my medical life.
- May 15-17, Anna Katherine’s graduation. We celebrated with LP4 the high school graduation of our oldest grandchild, Anna Katherine. We were honored that she chose our new home for one of her celebration events. It went very well.
- May 27, the Carter Center. Dear friends from Colorado Springs, Dan and Susan Oldfield, visited for a day. The four of us met up with our old friend Sarah Matthews, Senior Associate Director of the Carter Center, for a private tour, including the private offices of Jimmy and Roslyn, which have been kept just as they were when the Carters were alive. We then toured the Carter Museum and Presidential Library. A wonderful day, and well worth a visit if you’re ever in Atlanta.
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7. Upcoming
- No travel planned for now. We’re still getting settled, getting the yard in shape, and I have several writing projects to carry me into the Atlanta summer.
- June 12-19. Barb’s sister Sue, Sue’s daughter Laura, and our daughter Kate will be here visiting and helping with final home decorating (hanging pictures, placing knick-knacks, and so on). We’re so looking forward to our time with them.
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8. Recent blogs and past newsletters
A) Top Ten “Most-Read” Blogs from May
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- Walt and Barb’s Family Update — May 2026
- Books by Dr. Walt Larimore
- Praying for Our Unborn Children and Grandchildren
- MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE – Unforgettable messages from remarkable WWII Heroes
- Long Bio and Pictures
- Meet the Larimores (magazine article about our family)
- Walt’s Latest Health Blogs
- A proven formula for increased quantity and quality of life
- 12 Steps for Spiritual Strength Training and Spiritual Nutrition
- Forgive to Live: It’s Lifesaving! — Today’s Christian Living July 2025
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B. Last Month’s Family, Spiritual, Health, and WWII blogs
1. Family blogs
2. Spiritual blogs
3. Health blogs
4. WWII blogs
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- May 4, 1946 — Phil is allowed to stay in the Army, at least for now
- May 5, 1946 — Phil arrives at Fort Myer, where his future will be determined
- May 6, 1946 — Phil meets the Arlington National Cemetery caisson horses
- May 7, 1946 — Phil continues his tour of the caisson stables
- May 11, 1946 — Phil and Ross are reunited and meet with COL McGarr
- May 12, 1946 — McGarr reveals why he chose Phil to serve with him
- May 13, 1946 — Ross takes Phil to the tomb of the unknowns
- May 14, 1946 — Phil watches his first changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknowns
- May 18, 1946 — Phil tales a field trip and gets the surprise of his life
- May 19, 1946 — Russ Calvert tells about the horror of being a German POW
- May 20, 1946 — The surprise of Phil’s life (Part 1)
- May 21, 1946 — The surprise of Phil’s life (Part 2)
- May 30, 1946 — Phil’s first meeting with President Truman
If you want to sign up to receive an email about each blog when it’s posted, sign up for free here.
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C. Today’s Christian Living – Last Year’s and This Year’s Columns
- January 2025, Recommendations for Your New Year’s Resolution
- March 2025, The Excellent Eight: A Proven Formula for Increased Quantity and Quality of Life
- May 2025, Get Outdoors
- July 2025, Forgiveness: To err is human, but to forgive is not just divine, it’s lifesaving!
- September 2025, Get a Pet! The Impact of a Furry Friend on Health
- November 2025, Overflowing with Thankfulness: The Transforming Power of Christian Gratitude
- January 2026, Ignite 2026: Resolutions to Set Your Faith Ablaze
- March 2026, Eat Like a Greek
- May 2026, Is Working Out with a Friend Really Healthier?
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9. Past Three Family Newsletters
- May 2026
- We’ve moved to Georgia and our Colorado home is under contract!
- Congressional Letter about my father, Philip B. Larimore, Jr. (and other WWII amputees)
- Sweet note from the publisher about my next book, The Creed
- April 2026
- We’re moving!
- Update on The Creed
- Beta readers praise The Creed
- March 2026
- Our move to Decatur, GA (in the Atlanta area)
- Three months of medical procedures
- New devotions on the YouVersion App
- Granulated sugar for hiccoughs???
- Update on my next book, The Creed
© Copyright WLL, INC. 2026
2 Comments
SO glad you are feeling better Walt! Very glad to hear you have found a church home! We are enjoying a liturgical PCA church in N. NY that our son, Jonathan and his family are part of, too!
Praying that you continue to settle gently i to your new home and the shifting pace in life and Decatur, GA! Praying for all the details still to complete! Glad Kate will be there to finish placing pictures, knick knacks, etc. Sounds like a great way to enjoy the final details!
Shawna,
Our long-time friendship and your prayers are both precious gifts to me.
Love to you both.
Walt