Stacy's Song Pt . 2

We are now officially in a group of parents known as empty nesters. Here is my review of the wedding of our daughter Stacy to Kyle Herrmann this past Saturday. Two alterations to my tux. Had I worn the second pair of pants with white socks we would have been moonwalking to Thriller. A good cry on Thursday helped relieve some feelings. Beautiful day! Renee looked beautiful! She is a great wife, mom, mamaw. Have never witnessed a more pretty group of girls standing beside the bride. Two nieces, daughter in law, and the rest of the girls I have performed their weddings. One word when I saw Stacy; STUNNING! Her dress was perfect for her. She looked elegant and comfortable. Loved her hair. Packed house! Never knew the impact of four short words as a dad. "Her mother and I." I stepped in at that point and we had a great service. I thank God that I did not ruin it by breaking down. The Lord gave me a great peace through the service. Many friends,tremendous support from both churches. Reception was packed,folks were gracious, food was good, people had fun. But most importantly Stacy and Kyle were pleased. We are blessed to welcome Kyle into our family. The name may have changed for sis, but dad will always be singing her song! Congratulations Mr. And Mrs. Herrmann!

Stacy's Song

This Saturday I will walk Stacy down the aisle to become Mrs. Kyle Herrmann.  I am so blessed as a son, brother, husband , and dad, and now father in law and papaw.   

Day 1 I will never forget.
The day she was born.  What a beautiful healthy little girl who has been nothing but a blessing to her mom and me. 
Day 2 I will never forget.
The day she gave her life to Christ. Some people talk about Jesus yet never live for Him.  Stacy has been a faithful witness, and has not wavered. I praise the Lord for that.
Day 3 I will never forget.
This Saturday, her wedding day. This Song by Steve and Annie Chapman is special to our family, and there is no way, I could hear this Saturday and stay composed enough not only to give her away, but to perform the service so here are the lyrics.

Stacy is a special girl.

Daddy Don't You Know 



She skipped across the room in her pretty new dress
Did a ballerina turn in her patent leather shoes
And to say the very least
I was impressed
She was my little girl

And we played our little game again
I said "Who's the only man in your heart?"
And she smiled as we held each other's hands
And she said, "Daddy don't you know?
Daddy don't you know?
You're the only man in my heart"

A few years later in her life
I saw her walking home from school
She had her books in her arms
And a young man at her side
And I felt a jealous pain
And I felt just like a fool
But when the young man told her bye
I said, "Can I walk with you?"

And we played our little game again
I said "Who's the only man in your heart?"
And she smiled as we held each other's hands
And she said, "Daddy don't you know?
Daddy don't you know?
You're the only man in my heart"

Now it's hard to believe this day has come and gone
He put a ring on her hand
That held her Daddy's heart
And I'll always remember as they played her wedding song
The words my little girl said to me

"Daddy, can we play a little game?
Who's the only little girl in your heart?"
And I cried as I softly called her name
And I said, "Honey don't you know?
Honey don't you know?
You're the only little girl in my heart"

"You'll always be that little girl in my heart"

You're The Only Little Girl
© 1986 Steve & Annie Chapman / Shepherd's Fold Music

Confessions of a Sponsoring Church Plant Pastor

From time to time I will be giving some principles and lessons I am learning as we plant Hope Community Church @Old North Dayton. The first preview service this past Sunday night took off  and what a great blessing it was.  There were 92 in attendance and one that we know of invited Christ into their life.

We have been involved in several church plants, but never the sponsoring church. This night was special and we believe this work is going to be special. 21 of our folks made the trip and we had a great time of serving, worshiping, along with the fellowship that followed.

Here it goes:  A few confessions as the pastor of a church that is sponsoring a church plant. 

Here are 10 initial thoughts.

             #1. There has to come a time where you quit talking about planting a  church it and just do it.    #2.  It is a great blessing to see a traditional church recognize that God wants to use us in other  places. It energizes the home church. # 3.  Sponsoring a church will cost you.  There is no cheap way to do it. # 4. Sponsoring a church may cost you people.  God will bless. # 5. It is crucial for you to have a plant pastor that is trained for the task  ahead. #6. One church can't do it by themselves.  I praise the Lord for the partners  He has given Hope Community. # 7.  I am amazed that many pastors claim to be planting a church, yet offer no support,  whether  in  the area of people or finances. # 8.  Planting a church is not for the lazy. #9.  I respect our church planter.  He seems to respect me. We are learning from each other. #10. Not sure why it has taken 19 years for me and us to get to this point in ministry.    
The best is yet to come.

Mr. Know It All!

Today I returned from the Woodstock Church Planting School that came to Columbus. Had a great time with our Church Plant Pastor Randy Chestnut and came away with a few new takeaways. Lessons that God used to once again humble this Camden pastor. #1 Church Planters have to walk by faith #2 Church planters have a Heart to reach the Kingdom #3 Not all church planters are young #3 Church planters must partner to survive #4 Church planters are more concerned about conversion growth rather than transfer growth. #5 Church planters work hard. #6 I have pre judged many young planters thinking they thought they knew it all. God forgive me. These planters have a great deal to teach me. Lord help us to be reminded that we are laborers in the field .... Together...We need you and we need each other.

Reality Check!

When I am afraid, I will trust in You. Ps. 56:3

With Stacy's fast approaching wedding date of June 9, it is hard to believe that time is drawing near. A member called with a word of encouragement and asked me to read the devotion from Lifeway's Stand Firm for April 9.

Wayne Watson's lyrics to "The Class of 95" have a prophetic ring to them in the stage of life I now find myself as a husband, son, dad, and now two time Papaw!

"Every living thing is sure with time to come of age,

Just like girls and boys outgrow their toys and reach to turn the page,

So this is what I bargained for, A hushed hello and a rushed goodbye,

Old folks said I'd be amazed at how quickly time would fly,

Even so I'm thankful that God saw fit to lend,

this child into my unworthy hands, who's less a child now,

and more a friend...."

What's Wrong With Religion?

Last night I took part in a revival service and was blessed to hear one of our favorite evangelist, Dr. Ronnie Owens from Tennessee. Taken from Matthew 6, the question was asked, "Why do we do what we do?
The title of his message captivated me. "The Top Ten Things Wrong With Religion." I believe this is a message that every christian should hear, as well as those who do not know Christ and are searching.

Have you have ever found yourself in any of these? With his permission, here they are?

1. Religion is more interested in what you do, rather than who you are.

2. Religion is more concerned about coming to church than being the church.

3. Religion builds up a few to tear down everyone else.

4. Religion creates clones not changed lives.

5. Religion adds it's own set of rules to the Bible.

6. Religion complicates things. Jesus made it simple.

7. Religion asks the wrong questions. Do you go to church? The right question to ask is do you know Jesus?

8. Religious people are obsessed with recognition.

9. Religion looks good at first glance.

10.Religion cares more about keeping rules rather than relationships.

Lord forgive me when I fall into this rut. Just give me Jesus!

It's Not Just About Tim Tebow

The NBA's strike shortened season has already been forgotten, due largely to one Jeremy Lin, the young sensation who is turning the Knicks into real contenders.

He is humble, more interested in team, and takes public opportunities to glorify the Lord. Sounds a bit like a quarterback this year who played for the Bronco's doesn't it?

The lesson that I am learning is that God always has a person ready to step up and shine for Jesus. It will be interesting to see what the media does with the faith of Lin. The great thing is that young fans and the world of media are hearing the same message. It is Christ who has blessed and it is Christ who will be glorified by a consistent testimony.

Tebow at times seemed embarrassed by all of the attention. Let us pray for Jeremy Lin that He too will not allow the lights to take away the focus from the True Light.