We're Home

The family and I just got home from a few days away at the beach. I was off today from preaching and so we made a last-minute decision on Thursday to head out-of-town for a few days just for the three of us. This is the first time I've taken a vacation Sunday since the summer so it was needed.

We had a great time but I hate being away from Capstone! It's not that I worry about what's happening while I'm gone --- I actually have NEVER worried about our team doing their thing while I'm away. They always do a great job and if they can't handle it then none of us is doing our job.

I just hate missing what's going on at church. But I know the break is necessary for my family and for myself. We spent a couple of days walking on the beach (it was 75 and sunny yesterday --- don't hate me!). We ate out. Did some walking around the new mall. Claire and I even went to the arcade and played skee ball. I love skee ball and have been playing it much longer than she has BUT SHE BEAT ME! That's my girl!

The phone rang around 5 pm Saturday and it was our neighbor, Becky. She asked me if I had left one of the cats in the house. I said "no." She said that when she went over to feed them on the front porch, she thought she saw one sitting on the window ledge INSIDE the house and so she was going inside to check.

(IMPORTANT NOTE: We have three OUTSIDE cats!)

Becky calls back five minutes later and says that yes, one of the cats was in the house. Now remember: we left at 3 pm on Thursday and she called at 5 pm on Saturday. So, after a quick run through the house, Becky said that everything looked fine. All I could imagine was that the curtains were ripped down, the Christmas tree was destroyed (we left with it still standing), and that there was cat evidence (#1 & #2) all over the house! And the cat had to be starving considering she lives OUTSIDE and her food was outside!

So, we got home today and found our house intact and everything still standing. Whew! Yvonne did find a small puddle of #1 on her bathroom floor. Thus far, that's all the evidence of having an OUTSIDE cat INSIDE the house for 50 hours. I'm not sure we've found it all as of yet. I'll keep you posted. :)

I'm off to work in the morning. The first Sunday of 2008 at Capstone is going to be really exciting and I've got some stuff to do in the morning. I hope everyone who cares about what God has planned for Capstone in the new year will be there. It's going to be awesome!

Happy New Year to you and yours. I pray 2008 is your greatest year yet. I'm anticipating some great things from our great God!

Christmas, The Morning After

December 26. It's one of those weird days on the calendar. Everyone spends weeks getting ready for December 25. We travel, exchange gifts, laugh and tell stories, and eat and eat and then eat some more. And then on December 26, what are we supposed to do now? It's like the biggest of holiday hangovers --- just not from booze but too much food and too much stuff everywhere.

We had a GREAT Christmas and enjoyed these last few days in a big way. Here's a quick rundown:

• We had Sunday brunch at the new Chiquola Club with our great friends Mike & Ann Marcie. That was a treat.
• We drove late Sunday afternoon to Lexington, SC, to spend the night with our friends, the Lows. We took back roads the entire way and it was a great drive. Got to see lots of cows (which my wife loves) and listened to a lot of Christmas music.
• At Jim and Susan's house, we laughed and laughed as we always do when we're together. They've been the ultimate friends for 15 years now and I am so thankful how God has sustained our relationship. Claire was only a few months old when we met and Matt was five. Now he's a junior in college and she's in high school. Wow --- we've been through a lot together. We've vacationed together and drank loads of coffee together and cooked some great meals together. Friends are a rare treasure and we treasure them.
• Monday we spent the day with Yvonne's family in Columbia and it was a lot of fun as well. Yvonne's parents are in their 80s now and while Mom's vision is weakening a good bit and Pop doesn't get around as well as he used to, they are an amazing couple and a great example of how the Lord can keep two people in deep love --- even after almost 60 years of marriage.
• On our way home Christmas eve night, we stopped at my Aunt and Uncle's house in West Pelzer, SC. This is a family tradition with all of Mama's family. It's always a lot of fun too. My cousin Kelley and her husband were home from Seattle. It was great to see them.
• We ended the night making Jesus' birthday cake (an annual tradition since Claire's first Christmas). The pre-made icing we were going to use had expired two years earlier. So, we made some homemade chocolate icing using water instead of milk because we were out of milk. It tasted great and most people probably wouldn't know the difference! We read the Christmas story by candlelight (another tradition) and then off to bed about midnight.
• Christmas morning I built a fire in the fireplace and we began opening presents about 7:30 am. The three of us had a great time watching each other open our gifts. Claire was shocked by a few of her gifts. That's always fun! I got some great new kitchen stuff. Yvonne got a new camera. We are blessed beyond measure.
• The afternoon was spent at Mom & Dad's with all the family. Lunch was great. My family laughs like idiots opening gifts. Josh had a friend there and she probably left thinking we are a bunch of crazy people --- which is accurate. It really is a funny time because there's so much joy and laughter. The gifts are fun but it really is about just being together.
• Ended the day stopping by to see our friends the Marcie's. They've been a huge blessing in our lives over the last six months and so it was great to spend some time with them. God's done a huge work in their lives and we've been affected by that as well.

I woke up on Christmas Day thinking about how blessed I am. My blessings have nothing to do with all the gifts and great stuff we gave and received. It's all about my God, my family, and my friends. It's been a tough year for many reasons. But I realized again yesterday how faithful God is and how He brings us through and encourages us at the times we need it the most. There were times I even wondered what this Christmas would be like. It turned out to be a great one. That's all because of Jesus and I give Him the praise.

I didn't intend to write all of this. But there you have it. Now I need to get busy cleaning it all up. 2008 is coming!

Newspaper Column & Merry Christmas

My latest column ran in the Anderson Independent-Mail on Saturday. You can check it out by clicking here. I've gotten a few great comments on it and that's really nice. One lady even called the house and left a message!

We're off to Columbia this afternoon to visit with our dear friends, Jim, Susan and Matt Low. We'll spend Christmas Eve with Yvonne's family in Columbia and then home Christmas Eve night. We have a rule about being at home on Christmas Eve night so that we can have a birthday cake for Jesus and wake up Christmas morning in our home. We are blessed.

I hope you have an incredibly bright, merry and blessed Christmas. I pray that there is Peace on Earth in your corner of the world. I'll be back in a few days.

The Cooking Pastor

Many of you know that I love to cook. My Mama taught me to cook just about everything when I was a boy. And I was always in the kitchen at Grandma's house. I have a genuine love for food that I have to manage or I'll be the 300 Pound Pastor rather than The Cooking Pastor.

I make cakes more than anything. Cake number two of the four I'm baking is in the oven now. Three of the four cakes will be pound cakes that we'll give as gifts over the next few days. The fourth is a Double Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake that is amazing. It's a Paula Deen recipe and has a lot of butter in it --- no surprise if you watch Paula Deen.

I've also got to make some twice baked potatoes for a dinner we're going to this afternoon. It's going to be a really good day.

Capstone tomorrow: it's our Christmas service so join us for a great one! I'm pumped about the music and the message. Don't miss it!

3,000 Hits

Unbelieveable! Today the sitemeter on this blog turned over 3,000. That means there have been 3,000 visits to my blog since I started writing in late August. I know that's not nearly as many as the big bloggers out there in the world but that's a lot of visits in my little world. (And no, I haven't been running up the number myself!!)

I wish I knew who number 3,000 was. If it was you (and you can prove it or give me a good enough reason to believe it was you), I'll send you a prize. That's right --- a valuable prize straight from Jerry's blogosphere.

So let me know if it was you. And if you enjoy what you read here, tell a friend or two about the blog. Maybe we'll hit the next 3,000 even faster!

I Love a Bargain

I love a great bargain. I mean love it.

Now before you go and call me cheap, let me assure you that I am not cheap. I am what some call frugal. I don't mind spending money on things that matter. I like nice things. I like fun things. I like giving and buying for others.

But I have figured out that you don't have to pay full price for anything anymore. Everything goes on sale at some point. And if you're not really set on having that certain brand or the biggest or newest of whatever it is, you can actually do really well with your money.

I believe that stewardship honors God big time.

Take my purchase tonight for example. We need a new vacuum cleaner at the church office. Our $50 one finally died today after 5 1/2 years of hard work. (We got our money's worth out of that one!) I could have bought one at the first store I shopped but nothing was on sale. So, I moved on to another store. Still nothing.

Finally, at Best Buy, I found a great quality vacuum cleaner on clearance and saved the church $77. I could have paid the full price at the first store. But it was well worth an hour of looking around for the best deal and save the church the $77.

I do the same thing in my personal life. The Lord has blessed Yvonne and me in huge ways over the years and we want to honor His blessings by managing our money, teaching Claire about money, giving, and spending wisely. Here's what we do:

• Our goal is to honor the Lord with our wealth.
• We tithe consistently and give offerings as He leads.
• We live within our means.
• We have no debt except for our home.
• We wait on God to provide.
• We always have what we need and usually more than we need.

Proverbs 3:9-10 says, "Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."

The Word of God is always true. When we honor Him, He honors us. What a great concept.

Why don't you give it a try?

Monday Morning Musings

Good Monday morning to you! I'm ready for a great week. I hope you are as well. We had a good weekend around the Chapman household. Here are some Monday morning thoughts, in no particular order.

• Capstone was awesome yesterday. I love the Christmas season, the music, and re-telling the amazing Christmas story.
• I would have loved to have been one of the shepherds out in the field.
• Good news of great joy is amazing.
• I did some serious Christmas shopping this weekend and actually enjoyed it.
• God is stretching and growing Bekky, our worship leader, and it's great to see her embrace it. Keep up the great work, Bekky!
• Wouldn't it be great if everyone came to church on the same Sunday? The place would be packed!
• God continues to show up and do some amazing things. I'm thankful for that in my life as well as seeing it happen in many others' too.
• Our staff is having a great time together now as well. I'm thankful for Brent, David, Bekky, and Terri and all they do at the church.
• I love this really cold weather. It's supposed to be cold the week before Christmas!
• I'm looking forward to some quality family and friend time during the holidays.
• I'm already excited about God's plans for Capstone in the new year.
• Bring everybody you can for this Sunday's Christmas service. Let's pack the theater!
• What's God doing in your life? Leave me a comment and let me know.
• My next column in the Anderson Independent-Mail runs this Saturday, 12/22. I'm really excited to see the response it gets.

Have a great week before Christmas!

FOUND

While I haven't heard the official word from Jonathan's mother, according to WBIR in Knoxville, Jonathan was found today in New York City. Why he was gone and what was going on is still unknown but praise the Lord He is safe!!!

Thanks to everyone who prayed. Keep praying for the family as they work through what has happened.

The Christmas Spirit?

If you were at Capstone on Sunday, I confessed to the church that I was feeling kind of like Scrooge and Charlie Brown rolled into one. Scrooge was always "Bah, humbug" when it came to the things of Christmas. Charlie Brown simply wandered through the holiday trying to make sense of it all. The commercialization of Christmas had ruined it for him.

Me too.

While I'm not really in a "Bah, humbug" mood (I love the food, lights, friends and family), I am tired of the fact that most everyone sees Christmas as only being about the gifts, the shopping, and what they are going to get or give. I enjoy giving gifts --- I really do. I have made a couple of purchases in the last few days that I am very excited about because I know the people I have bought these items for will really love them and can use them. I can't wait to give them to them.

And I enjoy getting gifts as much as the next person. I really don't even care what it is --- it's the fact that someone gave it that matters most to me.

So here's my problem: I don't know what to buy the people I should get a gift for. Know why? Because everyone already has everything. And to top it off, I can't tell anyone what to get me. Why? Because I already have everything as well. There's not a thing in the world I need. Really, it's true.

That doesn't mean that I couldn't find good use for a couple of thousands of dollars or the new car or a whole new wardrobe. But I don't NEED any of those things. I'm just like most of the people in my little corner of the world --- we are all blessed beyond measure. We may not be the richest around but we've got more than we need.

And those things we do have --- faith, hope, joy, peace, family, friends, salvation, love, light --- well.....now that I think about it......I guess we are the richest around after all.

Look, Pray & Pass

Will you please take a look at the picture below, pray for this situation, and then pass this on to anyone you may know in the Virginia/Maryland/DC area? Jonathan is the son of my friend Jenny and the grandson of Rob White, former pastor of Northside Baptist in Anderson and the current pastor of Trinity Baptist in Cayce, SC. My first trip to Cuba was with Rob's mission group. They do not believe that Jonathan has been the victim of a crime but they don't know why he's gone or where he is. It's been one week today since he's gone missing.

Thanks for praying most of all. I'll write more tomorrow.

Lessons From These Months

Ever find yourself in the middle of a really tough period of life? The last few months have been that for me. There are many reasons ---- some you've read about here, others haven't been shared. Through it all, I am learning and re-learning many things. Here they are, in no particular order:

• When it seems like all hope is gone, God reveals a glimpse of Himself. Sometimes it's really small like a piece of glitter glistening in the light. Other times it hits you like a full moon on a cloudless night.
• We are not equipped to walk through hard times on our own. We will not make it and need not fool ourselves into thinking we will.
• It's okay to admit how you're really feeling to yourself and others.
• A good friend is a rare treasure.
• Past hurts damage our ability to trust again.
• I will not and should not listen to every voice that speaks. (Okay, that sounds like I'm hearing voices but what I mean is that everything some people say to you is not necessarily good or right. It may only be their misguided opinion or agenda and does not have validity.)
• Family should be treasured and not get leftovers. (I'm not talking about food here.)
• Traveling thousands of miles in the car with people is a great way to get to know them.
• I am so thankful for the fact that I get to be involved in every stage of life with people in ministry. It really is a gift.
• Walking for exercise is not only good for the body but what it does for the mind is even better.
• I love chocolate milkshakes. (Don't you love my train of thought here?)
• Three thanksgiving dinners is much better than only one or two.
• I love reading God's Word and hearing it speak to my heart. There have been so many verses over these months that I could have written. The promises such as Psalm 55:22 are so true: "Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." (From the New Living Translation)
• God can still use weak, broken, hurting vessels.
• When we have nothing else to give, He steps in and fills us up. As painful as it is in that place, I know that's where He wants me to be --- totally and completely dependent on Him alone.
• I can trust Him completely, totally, without fear of failure or being disappointed.
• My stress and anxiety is self-induced.
• The King of Glory is in control and He's more than able. That means I don't have to worry about what if. I don't have to have a back-up plan. I don't have to try and figure out what I'll do in this situation or that.
• I simply must continue to trust Him, keep walking in faith, and be faithful to the call he has given me as husband, father, friend, pastor, son, mentor, etc......
• God brought me a true friend when I really needed it. I thank Him for that.
• I will boast in the Lord for He alone is worthy. So Gloria a Dios!

WOW & Check it out

Now I feel incredible pressure to keep blogging! Seriously, thanks for the comments and the emails. It means a lot to know folks are reading. I appreciate knowing too that you like reading the personal stuff. So, because of you, I WILL BLOG ON!

In a span of 29 hours on Thursday and Friday, I drove 1,200 miles. "Why?" you ask? I'll fill you in on my next post. So, drop by later.

Until then, check out my amazing daughter's latest blog post. She's 15 and a great blessing to us. I'm loving watching the Lord at work in her life.

Enjoy this beautiful Saturday! See you at Capstone on Sunday.

Do I Keep Blogging?

I love writing but I'm not sure if there's much reading going on here. Are you reading? What do you enjoy about the blog? Church stuff? Personal stuff? How often do you check to see if the blog has been updated? Please let me know by leaving a comment or emailing me: jerry@capstonechurch.com.

You hold my future in your hands. (Okay, not really, but I would like to hear from you!)

Happy Birthday, Mama!

Today is the birthday of one of the greatest ladies I've ever had the privilege of knowing. She means the world to me and I believe she knows that. But just in case she's forgotten, "I love you, Mama, and happy birthday!" She's a regular reader so I hope she sees this soon (even though it's already 10 pm on her birthday!)

We're celebrating after church tomorrow. Fun family time. I love it. Thanks for all you have done and continue to do, Mama. You're the best!

Food and Friendship

Terri Hanson works with us at the church and she cracks me up on a daily basis --- sometimes she means to and other times she doesn't know she is! She is a joy to have around the office and she has a huge heart.


I sent Terri an email Monday night to let her know that we made a last-minute, quick trip to help out our friends and I wouldn't be back in town until late Tuesday. When we got home that night, there was a cooler on the front porch filled with some amazing food. And get this --- there was enough food for two families --- ours and our friends. I'm talking grilled chicken, twice-baked potatoes, broccoli with garlic and butter, and biscuits. (Is your mouth watering reading this?)


So, I delivered the food to our friends and they were amazed. We stuck ours in the fridge because it was late and actually ate it tonight for dinner. It was SO GOOD!


But above the tastiness of the food was the heart of one believer ministering to others. That's what we're supposed to be doing! Thanks, Terri, for being such a great friend to our family and a great example of one who serves and is making a difference in the lives of others. You are the best!

There's No Place Like Home

Praise the Lord --- we are home and our friends had HUGE answers to all the prayers today. They are home as well and the stories of how God has worked over these weeks are wonderful to hear. It has been an incredible trial for them and it's not over yet. But God is working, teaching, loving, and showing incredible grace to them as HE DOES TO US ALL. I'm so thankful for His faithfulness.

Thanks for praying for people most of you don't even know. I ask you to continue to pray for them as God works all of this out for their good, just as He promises He will (Romans 8:28). Yvonne and I are privileged to be their friends and are thankful to know people who truly pray.

On the Road Today

Hitting the road again today to be with our friends you prayed for a couple of weeks ago. The test and trial has continued for them over these weeks. Please pray that today will bring to a close the nightmare portion of this drama. We know God is faithful and able and is working all of this together for their good.

I pray that you have a wonderful Monday back to work and back to your routine. Yesterday was a great day at Capstone. I enjoyed meeting a couple who visited because of my column in the newspaper a month or so ago. And, I'm still stuffed from all the Thanksgiving food. It was worth it though!

Thanks and Giving

This morning, Capstoners prepared and gave away 200 lunches at a community center in downtown Anderson. This event takes place every Saturday at two different locations in town. We don't do it every weekend - many churches are involved. It's a community initiative we've participated in for the past three years or so. And it's one I really love.

Today was really special for many reasons:

• It's thanksgiving weekend. What a great time to share and give thanks by giving away.
• We had a big crowd of folks come out to help. We need 10-12 to get the work done. We had about 30 show up. Capstoners are AMAZING and have a HUGE heart to serve. That's what 2008 is going to be about.
• We gave away 57 coats. We did a one-day coat drive last Sunday. I asked folks in the morning service to bring coats to our evening iShare Celebration Service. We had a great response but I didn't know who we were going to give them to. I just knew God planted the idea in my mind! So on Tuesday, it dawned on me that it was our Saturday to do the lunches and that's where we should give the coats out. This morning's cold weather was the perfect morning for a coat giveaway. After watching some of the people come in without coats or in lightweight jackets, I realized why the Lord put the coat giveaway idea in my mind. He is awesome! We were able to clothe some truly needy people for the winter. Praise the Lord!
• There's incredible joy in serving. One of the ladies who helped called me this afternoon to tell me how good it was to be there and give out the coats. She said how great it was to see people get something that they really needed. And they needed those coats!
• I personally enjoyed seeing a man put on my Woolrich coat I've had since college. He was so proud to walk out in the cold with it on. Once again, I realized how truly blessed I am.

The Bible makes a promise that I saw come true today: "The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 (NLT) We were blessed to give today and I give thanks to God for the privilege and for the refreshing.

Thankfulness - Part Two

• The people I work with at Capstone. They're awesome.
• People who are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and His leadership in their lives.
• People who take the time to encourage others. I want to be more like them.
• God's Word and the comfort it brings.
• Cooking. I can't wait to do a lot of it this weekend.
• My mom and her teaching me to cook when I was a kid.
• Our home. It's really comfortable and I enjoy being there.
• The Food Network. I'm a foodie, okay?
• My sister. It's great to have her as a true friend now that we're all grown up.
• Good memories and the ability to remember.
• The freedom we have here in the U.S. After going to Cuba three times over the past year, I know what I'm talking about.
• Trusting that God has a plan even when I can't see it.
• Great neighbors like Michael and Becky.
• The fact that I WILL NOT BE SHOPPING on Friday.

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Thankfulness - Part One

To lead up to my most favorite holiday of them all, I'm going to post a random list of the many things I'm thankful for --- in no particular order, of course. Some today. More to come tomorrow.

• Knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and the hope and peace He brings even in the most troubling times.
• Family and the joy of spending time with them - my wife, daughter, parents, sister, Yvonne's family - they're all included.
• Health. After having pneumonia this time two years ago, I don't take it for granted.
• Capstone and the amazing people who are a part of this journey.
• Good food (such as tonight's spaghetti for dinner. I love me some pasta!)
• Great coffee. Seattle's Best Blend in the mornings and Books-a-Million's Southern Pecan on some afternoons.
• Teenagers - I love hanging out with my daughter and her friends, Nick, and all of Capstone's students. They are amazing!
• Mama's Thanksgiving dressing. I can't wait to have it this weekend!!!
• The ability to walk. There was a time that was a huge challenge in my life.
• Friends. Some have been around a long time. Some new. All amazing.

What's on your list? More of mine tomorrow.

Sunday Night Randomness

• It's been a while since one of these!
• Today at Capstone was a GREAT day. I love worshiping and partying with our church family. WOW - Capstoners know how to do it!
• Jeremy Horn was our special guest worship leader this morning and tonight at the iShare Celebration. What a voice and what a heart for true worship. Check out his website and listen to his music. You'll be hearing more of him in the years ahead.
• Big crowd this morning and tonight. That's always encouraging!
• My friend still needs your prayers. HE IS WALKING THROUGH A VALLEY --- key word being "through." Please keep praying for him and his family. I'm praying he'll be home before Thanksgiving. Please pray with me.
• I love Thanksgiving week. It is my most favorite holiday of the year. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
• I can't believe it's already Thanksgiving and that all the TV commercials are Christmas. Where did 2007 go?
• I'm feeling God has some amazing stuff in store for Capstone in 2008.
• The church's offering has been down the last few weeks. I've been wondering if gas prices, Christmas, and the economy has anything to do with it? If you're reading this from another church, have your offerings been down?
• No worries - we know who owns it all and has it all to bless us with!
• I love seeing new people connect themselves to the church without being asked.
• Did I tell you that Jeremy Horn is amazing and you should check out his music?
• I pray you discover God's truest blessings in your life this week. Gloria a Dios!

Life's Lyrics

If I was a songwriter, this is one I would have written. I don't know who the writer is, but the song was recorded by FFH probably about ten years ago. It's powerful.
________________________________________

I can't find the words to pray, I'm a little down today
Can You help me, can You hold me?
I feel a million miles away, And I don't know what to say
Can You hear me anyway?
What I need is for You to reach out Your hand
You have taught me no matter what You'd understand

Lord move in the way, that I've never seen before
Cause there's a mountain in the way and a lock on the door
I'm drifting away, waves are crashing on the shore
So Lord move, or move me.

I've looked every where to find a simple peace of mind
But, I can't find nothing on my own
So I gotta leave myself behind, take up this cross of mine
Give away everything I hold onto

Lord I know the only way is through this
But Lord, I know I need You to help me do this

Lord move in the way, that I've never seen before
Cause there's a mountain in the way and a lock on the door
I'm drifting away, waves are crashing on the shore
So Lord move, or move me.

Out of this place of complacency
To a place of fellowship with Thee
'Cause I am weak, but Lord, You are so strong
And You know it's been way too long
It's been way too long

Lord move in the way, that I've never seen before
Cause there's a mountain in the way and a lock on the door
I'm drifting away, waves are crashing on the shore

So Lord move, or move me.

On Way Home --- Thanks

Thanks to everyone who prayed for my friend. The Lord was obviously at work in the courtroom today. While everything did not get taken care of in the way we had hoped, today was definitely progress in the right direction. The judge ruled in a positive way and he was under no obligation to do so. That was God at work and I give Him the glory.

My friend will continue to walk this path of testing and trial for a little while longer. Please pray earnestly for him and his family. Above all else, they need to experience the very real presence of God and His peace during these days.

Thank you for praying. I know the Lord is hearing and He is working.

We're in Jacksonville tonight and should be back in Anderson early afternoon on Wednesday. Thanks for praying for travel safety as well.

I'm in South Florida

After a ten hour drive today, it's now 9:00 pm on Monday night and I am in South Florida. I am here because a dear friend of mine is appearing before a judge tomorrow. If you read this anytime between now and about noon on Tuesday, will you please stop and pray for him and his family? Pray for the Lord to intervene and for the judge to have mercy and for the Holy Spirit to rule over the courtroom. Pray for everyone involved to fully trust in the Lord and wait on His perfect plan.

With man this is impossible. But not with God --- all things are possible with God.

More Cuba Pics

The team at the Rio de San Juan in Pinar del Rio, Cuba

The ocean is amazing.

The worshipers at Basilia and Isaac's church.

Maybe I'll start chopping garlic Cuban style.

She was really happy with the new glasses our team gave her.

The kids love having their pics made with our team.

Bobby dancing Cuban-style. Dale was loving it!

A store sign showing support of their leaders.

Our house church congregation. Sweet folks.

Watch out for the cows in the road!

The sky was amazing as we took off from Atlanta. That's the moon over the clouds.

David and me posing beside one of Cuba's better looking cars.

Miriam Chapman and my sister. Miriam claims to be our Cuban sister. We agreed.

Enjoying the morning snack of bread and juice.

What's inside of my chupa-chupa?

First Newspaper Column

Here's my first column for the Anderson Independent-Mail's Faith and Values section. It ran on October 27 while I was in Cuba. Thought you might like to read it.
_______________________________________________

I don’t go to church anymore.

That may sound shocking coming from a pastor writing a column in the “Faith and Values” section of the local newspaper. But it’s true.

I stopped going over the past year. It wasn’t a decision that I suddenly made one Sunday morning. It wasn’t a conclusion that I came to easily. My not going to church has been a result of a gradual shift in priorities and a gradual change in attitude towards one of the oldest institutions in our society.

Believe me: I know all the reasons why I should go to church. I grew up going. I know people expect me to go because it’s just what people do here in the South. I know that some churches spend large amounts of money and time and energy to make church exciting and relevant so that I will want to go.

But I stopped going to church because I began to learn something that profoundly changed my view of church: I was never supposed to go in the first place. You read that right: I was never supposed to GO to church in the first place.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am supposed to BE the church. I am to be the church no matter where I go, what day of the week it is, or who I may encounter along the way. Being the church has nothing to do with actually going to a place that we call “the church.”

It’s really all about being what Jesus told me to be: a person who loves God and loves people.

In Matthew 22 of The Bible, Jesus was having a discussion with an expert in the Jewish Law. This expert asked Jesus to answer a question that the scholars of the day frequently debated: “Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus gave an answer that is both incredibly challenging and life-changing. He said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)

Jesus said to love God and love people. That is how I am to be the church. Jesus did not say that the greatest commandment is to go to church so that I may fulfill my religious duty. He did not say to go to church because everyone else is going or because that is what is expected of me. Jesus said that the work of His followers is to love God and love people.

I’ve stopped going to church because I now understand that I am the church. As a Christ-follower, my mission is not confined to a building for an hour on Sunday morning. It is about caring for the lonely man at the coffee shop and feeding the hungry man on the street. It’s about helping the stranger whose car has broken down and praying with a friend who just lost his job. It’s about worshiping God in the stillness of the early morning and recognizing His hand at work throughout my day. It’s about teaching His ways through the life that I live and the words that I speak. It’s about loving Jesus and loving His people. That is my mission and that is the mission of the church because I am the church.

So where will I be Sunday morning? I will be the church with other Christ-followers who gather to worship, fellowship, study God’s Word, pray, and encourage each other. I will not go there out of obligation or duty just because it is Sunday or because the place is called a church. Remember: I don’t go to church anymore.

I will go there because I am the church. And when I leave, my mission of being the church, of loving God and loving people, will go with me wherever I go.

Jerry Chapman is the pastor of Capstone Community Church in Anderson, South Carolina. Contact him via email at jerry@capstonechurch.com.

Capstone's Mission: Cuba

We spent seven amazing days on mission in Cuba October 26 through November 2, 2007. Here are a few of the more than 500 pics I made. (Sorry these first ones aren't any larger. I didn't figure out what I was doing until a few pictures in. You may click on any picture to enlarge.)

My new most favorite swimming place in all the world. Rio de San Juan in Pinar del Rio, Cuba.

Yes, it's a dog who lives on the roof.

An amazing sunrise on the beach.

Leonel (one of our translators) at the door of his new church building.

Inside Leonel's new church building. It seats about 12.

My sister and me. It was great having her there.

A boy's bookbag. See the cross? That was the kids' craft.

Me and Christian, one of our interpreter's sons. The pic was made by accident --- I think it's really cool.

Pastor Eduardo and me. Two 41-year-old pastors in very different countries but with much in common.

The team.

Cuban Pastor Isaac and me. Notice the shirt he was wearing when we got to his church.

This guy is a cook at the Commodore Hotel in Havana. When he found out how much I enjoy cooking, he presented me with one of his chef's hats. What a thrill for me!

Thanks for praying for our trip!

Heavy

I woke up this morning with a heavy heart.

A great friend of mine is walking through a serious trial. Today is the beginning of week four and when it will end is still unknown. My heart has literally ached for him over these weeks. As a pastor, I am privileged to walk through all kinds of trials with people. Each situation can be trying but this one has been especially hard because of my personal relationship with him and his family.

I preached a couple of weeks ago on the subject of carrying each other's loads. God is allowing me to live that out and I'm trying to help him and his family carry this load. It's really heavy some days.

The Lord directed me to Psalm 91 this morning. This psalm is one of those that's been incredibly meaningful to me at many times over the past few years. Maybe you need to be reminded today as I do. Here are some select verses:

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'

Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." vs. 1-4

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." vs. 11-12

"'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call up on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him,

With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." vs. 14-16

Please pray for my friend today. Pray that his trial passes quickly and that he will see and know that the Lord is working in a real way in his life through these circumstances.

And if you have the same need in your life today, spend some time in Psalm 91 and let the Word of God reassure you of who you are and His amazing plans and protection in your life. Gloria a Dios!

Cleaning Out the Garage

One of the greatest challenges of coming home from a place like Cuba is re-adjusting to the lifestyle and pace of life here in America. Don't get me wrong: the freedom and blessings of living in the US is wonderful. But it's also really hard to step back into our overwhelmingly materialistic lifestyle.

It is just that, you know. We are consumed with things here at home. Today is my day off and I really need to spend the afternoon cleaning out and organizing my garage. Why? Because over the past year, we have piled things in there that we no longer need or want. Things like clothes and games and decorative items and tools and furniture. Most of the stuff is still good and someone could use it. But for some reason not to us. I guess it's because somewhere along the way we got tired of what we had and replaced those things with new things. We can very easily do that here in America.

I was standing in my closet this morning trying to pick out a shirt to put on. You know, one of the probably 50 that are hanging there. Sounds like a lot doesn't it? But between short and long sleeves, that's probably a low number. It's not that I'm a big shopper --- they've just piled up over time. I probably saw most of them on sale and bought because it was a good deal. And it probably was --- relatively speaking.

But when is enough enough?

To be honest, I look around at what we have and compared to the people of Cuba whom I so dearly love, my family and I live like royalty. I would be embarrassed for my Cuban friends to come into our home. We're not rich compared to a lot of the people in Anderson. But we are so incredibly rich compared to the vast majority of our world.

Yvonne's car broke down while I was gone. $888 to repair it. Paying for that will be a stretch for us but we will do it. But let me give you some perspective. $888 is about FIVE YEARS of wages for the average Cuban. Yes, I said FIVE YEARS and that figure is accurate. The average wage is around $15 a month.

I spent more than that at Cracker Barrel on Saturday.

There are days that I just want to sell everything I own, move into a small place with a small payment, and use every penny I get to help someone else. I know our economy here is different. I know we need cars to get around and clothes on our backs and I know that we can honor God with the riches that He gives us and be the good stewards He calls us to be.

But how can we free ourselves from the mire of materialism that most of us are drowning in?

I'll let you know what I come up with after I finish cleaning out my garage.

We're Home

We are back from another great trip to Cuba. I have much to share and will do so in the next few days. I'm worn out today and have to now get ready to preach at Capstone tomorrow.

Thanks for praying. Please check back in the next few days.

Gloria a Dios!

Adios

The team and I are off to Atlanta Thursday evening (10/25) so we can catch an early Friday morning flight to Miami and then on to Havana, Cuba. We'll be there until Friday, 11/2.

Please pray for us as we travel, for the work God has planned for us to do with the Cuban people, for health and team unity, and for our families who graciously allow us to be away. They are the best!

While I'm away, be sure and check out the Anderson Independent-Mail's Faith and Values section on Saturday, 10/27. My first column should be printed there and it should be posted online as well. I hate I won't be in town when it is first published. I took a creative slant and so it may cause some folks to raise their eyebrows a little and wonder what I'm saying. Just be sure and read the whole thing!

Again, thanks for praying. I will not be able to update the blog until I get back (Cubans aren't allowed internet access). I'm sure when I get back I'll have some amazing stories to tell of the great things God did.

Gloria a Dios!

It's Early

It's 5:51 am and I'm on the computer. I woke up early this morning --- very early. 4:15 am was not what I was planning on but here we are. It's been this way for the past week or so (except I did make it to almost 7 am Saturday!!).

There's a lot of stuff rolling around in the old brain:

• We leave for the Cuba mission trip Thursday afternoon. I'm really excited and know God's going to do great things. But going on a trip like this means I have to get so much of my work done way in advance, plus all the stuff that's going on now at church, preparing to preach and teach in Cuba, coordinating the trip, supplies, schedule, travel, etc. It's a lot of work. I love it but it seems to be taxing my brain this time and causing me to wake up way too early!
• A good friend of mine is going through a horrible time right now and there's nothing I can do for him except for pray. It's been heartbreaking and weighing on my mind as well. This guy and his family have become close friends of ours over the past four or five months. I've watched God work in his life in huge ways over these months. I know that he probably sees what has happened as a big blow to the progress he's made but I am trying to assure him that this does not have to derail his progress, God is still in control, and even these circumstances are a part of a bigger plan. That's really hard to see in the middle of the crisis. Please pray for him if you will. He and his family need to experience God's presence in a powerful way.

Today's going to be super busy. I'm about to work through my sermon one more time (this happens every Sunday morning at about 6:15 am.). I am really pumped about what God has given me to share about suffering and how we share each other's load. If you're going through a trial, listen to today's sermon online. It will be posted on our website by the end of the day Tuesday.

After church, our HOME group is serving at the Buddy Walk at Anderson University. We're giving out drinks. Then we have our final Cuba team meeting at 4 pm. We'll be packing all the materials we have to take with us. We've got some great teaching stuff for the pastors, Bibles, crafts for the kids, etc. Pray we can get it all packed and over there. There are weight restrictions on what we can take. I'm sure we'll be right on those.

I guess that's it for this early morning post. Warren Weirsbe, a great Bible commentator, said this: "When a day begins you never know how it's going to end." So true. Even though we don't know how, we know WHO holds the events of this day in His hands. I pray yours is a great one. Make it a day of worship no matter where you are and what you are doing.

Gloria a dios! (Glory to God!)

No Time

Sorry I haven't blogged much over the past week or so. I have been so stinkin' busy. iShare has kept us hoping. The Cuba mission trip is a week away and so I have had much to do to get ready for the trip and to do for when I'm gone. Plus, I had to write my first column for the Anderson newspaper today. (It runs on 10/27 in Faith and Values.) I'm busy, busy so your prayers are appreciated.

Please pray for a good friend of mine. He and his family are hurting tonight due to something totally unexpected happening today. They need a real intervention of God's peace and provision to walk through this trial. I'm praying for a miracle. Please join me --- God knows their circumstances and their needs. My heart breaks for them.

Fortunately, our Great God is able. Gloria a Dios!

Sunday Night Randomness

• iShare got off to a great start. Our church is filled with some amazing folks and I love sharing life with them.
• To kick-off iShare, Saturday morning a group from the church bagged and gave out food at AIM. 278 people came through the line to get free potatoes, canned goods, juice, spinach, etc. I was humbled and amazed. I saw myself in many of those people and I honestly wondered how and why they ended up where they are in life.
• Capstone's Got Talent was CRAZY FUN! We have some wild folks in the church! Russell's Elvis impersonation was HILARIOUS. Bekky moonwalking and David singing in the shower. Yes, we had it all. Plus some seriously talented folks who could sing. You should have been there if you weren't.
• On the food side, the Chili Cook-off and Dessert Cook-off was GREAT! Shout out to Paul Treffeisen who won for Chili and Erica Thomason who won for dessert (I came in second!).
• Our church knows how to party together. We do it REALLY well.
• Today's service was really good as well. I was a little bummed by the attendance. It actually seemed a little down compared to the past few weeks which surprised me considering all the promotion we've done.
• We've got to do a better job of inviting and bringing people to church with us. I didn't see many visitors today. We've got to get out there and connect with more unchurched folks. They are everywhere.
• Carolina is ranked #6! They won (barely) and I didn't get to see a minute of it. Go cocks!
• Went to another family reunion today - Dad's side. It was good to see some folks I remember from my childhood.
• We had a six-year-old in the talent show whose talent was making sounds with his hand in his armpit. Yeah baby!
• Cuba is in 12 days. I can't wait.
• I'm exhausted from this busy weekend.
• Going to the Fair tomorrow afternoon. Should be fun.
• Walked two miles this morning before church. Woo hoo! I'm glad I did after all I ate at the reunion this afternoon.
• This week will be another busy one. I appreciate the prayers!
• I'm thankful for God's reminder that the results aren't up to me. He's got that taken care of!

iShare --- Be there!

Tomorrow begins a six-week period at Capstone we're calling iShare. It's all about sharing everything that God has given us. It's going to be amazing.

As a staff and church, we've prayed and prepared and designed and studied and prayed some more. I can't wait to see what God is going to do.

Saturday we share by sering at Anderson Interfaith Ministries from 10 am to 2 pm. Then Saturday evening we have "Capstone's Got Talent" from 5:30 to 8 pm at Whitehall. Talent, a chili cook-off, and a dessert cook-off - it's going to be a blast. If you're anywhere around, you need to be there tomorrow night.

Sunday is service one of five in iShare and it's all about sharing life. I'm excited about the message God has given me to share. Someone's life is going to be changed because of His power --- no doubt!

I hope I see you Saturday and Sunday at iShare!

Stressed

This week has already been crazy busy. And I'll be totally honest with you: I'm not handling it the way I should. I'm stressing. I haven't slept much the last few nights. I'm walking around feeling like there's something I haven't done. I'm unorganized. My desk is a mess. Taking the time to write this is stressing me out but I need to do it!

So what's my problem? It's a pattern I know all too well --- I'm trying to do it all in my strength.

Now, before you chastise me, take note: I am learning! I am able to spot this a lot sooner now than I used to. So that's good, right? (Some of you know exactly what I'm talking about because you are just like me!) Now that I can see it sooner (thank you, Lord), I can give it to Him and let Him handle it sooner rather than later.

That's what I'm doing right now.

Paul's closing words to the Thessalonians really speak to me today. I pray they will minister peace to those of you walking the same road as me:

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. Brothers, pray for us."

1 Thessalonians 5:23-25 (NIV)

Sunday Night Randomness

• Today was one of those God-days at Capstone. There's a great BUZZ about iShare that starts this weekend.
• We did some serious praying for lost people today --- by name. If you weren't there, at the end of the service, people came down front and (in the microphone) called out the names of their lost friends and family. We all agreed in prayer for the salvation of each person. It was powerful.
• The Alaska mission team got back today. Talked to David and he sounded exhausted but said the trip was good. I'm looking forward to hearing the stories.
• Have you heard? Carolina is #7 in the new polls!!! Last time that happened was in December, 1984, my freshman year at Carolina. Go cocks!
• Could it have really been that long ago? I'm getting old!
• I have a LOT to do tomorrow. I need to get my next two sermons nailed down for iShare --- on my day off! Pray for me.
• We had great response to the iShare commitment today.
• I do not deal well with change, especially on Sunday morning. I like my routine because I feel comfortable in it and want to be comfortable as I stand to preach and teach. It didn't start that way today.
• God is telling me to stop relying on my comfort and trust in Him. Ouch.
• I continue to be amazed by the people who serve at Capstone. I don't say it enough --- THANK YOU!
• We figured out how to save over $900 in expenses on the Cuba mission trip. That's more money we can spend on the ministry.
• My daughter is doing a great job driving. I'm really proud of her.
• I made a tasty apple and pear pie last week. Sorry I didn't save any for you. :)
• I'm thankful for Bekky, Brent, David, Terri, Emily, Caroline and all the other staff/leaders at Capstone.
• Capstone's Got Talent is Saturday night. Should be a blast. Don't miss it!
• In 19 days we'll be in Cuba. Gloria a Dios!

Pray for Cuba Team

I'm sensing that God is preparing something really special for the Cuba team on our next trip. We leave on Oct. 26. Please pray for us: Maureen, Anna Marie, Chanda, Suzanne, Dale, Bobby, Jerry, Johnny and David.

Gracias.

Sympathy

My sympathy to my Clemson and Georgia friends. :(

Go Gamecocks!

What a great game to watch last night! As a USC graduate who was in school during the Gamecocks' last really big season (1984 - I think we were 10-2), this is a lot of fun to see happening. The team actually played really well at times and put together some impressive plays. I enjoyed the screaming and yelling at the house --- you know, the kind of screaming and yelling at home that's okay. :)

Have a great day!

Footsteps Behind Me

For the past month or so, I've been working to get in better shape. I've been eating less and making better food choices when I do eat. I've been taking my vitamins. I've been walking in my neighborhood and at the Anmed Health Campus (great place, by the way). I can already tell my efforts are paying off. I wore a pair of jeans yesterday I haven't had on in a while and that felt great!

I got up early this morning and decided that I would get my walk in. It was about 6 am. Problem was that I did not realize how dark the street still is at six o'clock in the morning. But I headed out anyway.

I rounded the first curve in our neighborhood and quickly found myself in almost complete darkness. I was totally unprepared for the darkness. There was enough light pollution for me to barely see the road under my feet. I didn't have a flashlight to guide me or a stick to ward off wild animals that I was certain were lurking in the shadows. I had on dark shorts and a t-shirt and wondered if someone might mistake me for a prowler.

The more I walked the more unsettling the darkness became. I would hear noises along the side of the road. I could see darker places on the asphalt and wondered if I should step over or go around. I could look ahead and see shadows moving in the light coming from a front porch.

And then I heard it....footsteps behind me. I turned to look in the dark haze and could not see anyone. But I could hear the footsteps shuffling behind me as I picked up my pace. I crested the big hill by the lake and the footsteps faded into the distance until the sound was completely gone.

Scary, right? I have to admit that my heart rate picked up dramatically when I heard those footsteps. And even though I knew that I was safe, do you know what it reminded me of? The enemy's clever ways of sneaking up behind us when we least expect it.

I don't want to give the enemy much time here today. But if you are a Christ-follower and you are seeking to live for Him and honor Him with your life, you must be looking for and listening for those footsteps behind you. The Bible says, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith..." 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)

Be alert today, my friends. Be alert! Do not intentionally walk into the darkness because you cannot see all that is going on behind or in front of you. Instead, walk in the wonderful light of Jesus.

"Then Jesus told them, 'You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." John 12:35-36 (NIV)

Sunday Night Randomness

• I haven't blogged much this week. Not sure if it's been that I've been really busy or didn't have much to say or a combination of both.
• Today was one of those interesting days at church. Crowd seemed off in size and their level of engagement. Music team had MAJOR sound issues. But after it was all over, I had many people talk about the power of the message and service. That's all GOD folks, no doubt.
• iShare is going to be amazing. There's a big buzz and everybody was buying iShare t-shirts.
• Claire has been driving just about every day this week and is doing really great.
• Carolina is ranked #11 after the win against Miss. State yesterday. Go cocks!
• Had a great time at lunch today after church. We went to eat with Craig and Terri and ended up with them, Tim & Kathy, David & Christi and their kids, and the Treffeisens. I was sitting there thinking how great it is that I get to go to church with such amazing people.
• Had a great day in Columbia Saturday visiting with Von's folks. They are two of the most amazing people in my life. Von's mom went on and on about what the Lord is teaching her and how much she is growing spiritually --- at 81! Isn't that cool?
• Our church has people on mission trips in the Ukraine and Alaska today and a team going to Cuba at the end of October. I think that's amazing for a young church like ours!
• Grease is still the word.
• What am I going to make for the dessert cook-off at the church? I'm actually thinking about making a cake tomorrow. I've cut out the sweets for the past month and I am DYING for something really good.
• Did I mention Carolina is #11?
• We have great servants at the church --- they set it up, make it great, and then take it down and do it all again the next week. THE BEST in Anderson are at Capstone!
• I'm tired. So, that's it for tonight. Thanks for stopping by.

We're on You Tube

So, our staff made this really great video to promote the Capstone's Got Talent" Show that's coming up in a few weeks. Check it out here.
In order of appearance:
David, our community pastor
Bekky, worship leader, and Brent, youth leader
Terri, our secretary,
and I'm "Tiny Tim" at the end. Yes, we're out of control......

Rites of Passage

“Congratulations are in order, right?”

That was the question the insurance agent asked me right after I told her that I needed to add my daughter to our auto policy. “Yes,” I said with a lot of excitement. “I just wanted to be sure,” she said. “Every parent isn’t excited about their kid driving.”

It was a surreal experience taking Claire to get her beginner’s permit today. We walked into the same dingy, rundown DMV office that I had walked into 26 years ago as a nervous 15-year-old. The only thing that had changed over the years was the addition of some now outdated computers.

Her palms were sweating as she filled out the paperwork. When they called her number, she walked up to the same counter where I had stood and took the same test all those years ago. Had it really been 26 years?

I sat in a grimy plastic chair and watched her fidget her way through the test. No bubble sheet to fill in with a #2 pencil --- just a touch screen. After a few minutes the fidgeting ended and she looked at me with a look of relief, then a smile, as she announced, “I passed!”

After it was all over, we went out to the car. I drove a couple of blocks and then pulled over. “Ready to drive?” Claire looked at me wide-eyed, her face filled with fear and excitement. “Now?” “Now,” I said. “We’ll take some back roads and take our time getting home. You’ll be fine.”

And off we went. My “little girl” did great, weaving her way home through the country, even tackling Hwy. 81 during Anderson’s "rush hour." I couldn’t be more proud of her and how she handled herself (and the car).

Today was one of those days in Claire’s life that she’ll never forget. It was a rite of passage and the beginning of a new chapter. It was a day that I’ll never forget either. The Lord reminded me of what an amazing daughter He has blessed us with --- and that has nothing to do with a driver’s license. She’s a wonderful young lady who loves Jesus and people and her family and for that I’m thankful.

Here’s the promise I’m claiming for her life: “. . . being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV) He has started a good work in her and I am confident He will continue that good work just as He promised.

But do I really have to get ready for boys next?

Fatigued Randomness

• Today was another awesome day at Capstone. The last two have been REALLY great. The crowd was huge and there was a lot of energy.


• I am exhausted physically and emotionally. I told God I had nothing to offer today. He came through in a BIG way. He is amazing like that....and I'm thankful.


• Everybody's really excited about iShare. I'm personally pumped too.


• Glad to see some folks today that haven't been around in a while.


• Lance, one of the greatest stories of life-change that's come out of Capstone's first few years, was there today. I miss him since he's moved to Seneca and going to church there.


• I have a great family and enjoyed being with them today. Went to Pelzer for the family reunion!


• I'll be at the DMV tomorrow at 4 pm with Claire as she takes her driver's test. Yikes!


• Did anybody love my rendition of Tiny Tim today?


• I hope some folks do the Talent Show. It will be a blast.


• Does ANYBODY care as much about OJ Simpson as the media does? I'm sick of it.


• Told the church we needed four new workers in the kids' area today. 12 stepped up to serve. Capstoners are the best!!!


• What might God really do in our church if we truly pray and surrender to Him?


• Cuba in 4 1/2 weeks!


• Keep praying for me and the fam. The attacks have been stronger than ever.


• Thanks for stopping by. God's best to you.

Survived

Survived the spend-the-night birthday party with the seven teenage girls. Dinner at Fuddrucker's in Greenville. My sister joined us. Off to the Mall where the girls went from trying on Cotillion dresses to Build-A-Bear. (That clearly explains this age.) There wasn't much sleep for any of us. Sounded like they finally went to sleep at 4 am. Back up at 8am.

The house was filled with more laughter than I've ever heard. That was actually really great --- even at 2 am. I'm thankful for Claire and the young woman she is becoming. God has his hand on her and I pray she walks in a way that it stays there as she continues to grow. She's been an incredible blessing for 15 years!

I'm sure we'll have cake soon. Didn't even cut it last night. They were too busy doing other things that girls do.

Carolina vs. LSU at 3:30pm on CBS. Go cocks!

Thursday Night Stuff

Does anybody out there watch Top Chef? I am loving this show. If you know me, you know I love to cook and this is a great cooking competition. The language is pretty rough - the bleeping is a joke. The quick fire challenge is a great concept. If you stop and think about it, that's pretty much life a lot of days --- a quick fire challenge. I'll write more about that concept soon.

Speaking of cooking, Claire and I made her birthday cake tonight. It's all homemade --- a cold oven chocolate pound cake with chocolate fudge frosting. We cooked the entire cake together with her measuring and mixing it all. I want her to learn to cook as I did growing up. She says she wants me to teach her but when it's time to do it, she kind of backs down. (I understand that!) We had a good time doing it together and it looks great out of the oven. I have to do the icing myself tomorrow because the cake has to cool tonight.

The cake decorations? Elmo for my 15-year-old birthday girl. Yes, Elmo. That's what she wanted. Now take note: Daddy can make some killer cakes. But Daddy doesn't know how to decorate or make Elmo. So, we bought the old-fashioned candy cake decorations you buy at the store. Remember those? You have to peel them off the paper and pray they don't break. Reminds me of my birthday cakes as a kid. We would peel the letters off for our names and put them on the cake. It was always fun.

What's the spiritual point of all of this? Now come on --- does there ALWAYS have to be one just because I'm the pastor?????? (Capstoners know what I'm talking about!)

Hey Capstoners: iShare is coming. Get ready!

I'll let you know how Claire's birthday party goes --- six girls, dinner in Greenville, shopping at Haywood Mall, then overnight at the house. Yvonne and I will be tired on Saturday!!!

I'm Old

The kids driving cars to high school are maniacs and all look like they're under 12.

I'm officially old.

Randomness

• Still psyched about Sunday's offering and how God worked. It was awesome!
• Sunday's service "felt" weird. I've decided there was some serious spiritual warfare going on. People were stepping out in obedience to give and "you-know-who" didn't like that. I'm not even going to say the name here but you know who I'm talking about.
• 27 years ago today my Grandma passed away. She had an immeasurable impact on my life and what she instilled in me for 14 years is still in me today. I still miss her smile and laugh and warmth and prayers and good cooking. I can't wait to see her again some day.
• Today was a really fun day in the office. We have an amazing staff working on some amazing stuff that's coming soon. We laughed at some of the craziest stuff and I needed that. Please keep them encouraged and prayed for. Notes, emails and free meals are always helpful!
• I was blessed to meet and spend some time with a 62-year-old man at the Hospice House who has brain cancer - the most advanced kind. It was a great time of sharing about faith and making sure he's okay with what is coming very soon. Please pray for Steve and for peace as he walks the road home.
• My family has been under some serious spiritual attack for some time now --- I'm talking the past three years. Some days it almost unbearable. Pray for us and especially for my wife. It's been consistently the hardest on her.
• I'm excited about the missions stuff happening at the church: David Strickland to Ukraine this week, Alaska trip end of next week, Cuba at end of October. God's using Capstoners all over the world. That's a new part of our church I'm loving. Isn't that cool?
• Our youth are pumped up about what God's doing in their group and that excites me. I'm glad Brent is on board.
• Have I told you lately my daughter will be 15 on Saturday and I'm not believing it????
• I can't believe Carolina's football ranking and that we're playing LSU on CBS Saturday afternoon. I hope we at least hold our own, if not pull off a HUGE upset!
• Most of all, I'm praying for you as you read this --- that you will know to the core of your being that nothing is impossible with God. That's what I'm counting on.

Amazed

I love being amazed at the awesome things God does!

Today was "Catch-Up" Day at Capstone. We decided to challenge the church to catch-up on tithes they had missed during the summer or give a special offering to help offset our giving being down. We've never done anything like this but felt the Lord leading the way. So last Sunday we gave everyone a small packet of ketchup to remind them about "catch-up" Sunday today.

I told the church last week that we had never had a Sunday where the offering was over $10,000 (we average $5,000 to $6,000 per week). So our goal for today was to surpass the $10,000 mark. We prayed and people gave and today's offering was over $11,300 with two people saying they forgot their checks. So, we'll probably surpass $12,000 by the time the final accounting is done on Tuesday.

Isn't God amazing? He consistently makes Himself known to us in BIG ways and SMALL blessings. I'm thankful for how great He is. I'm thankful to be part of such an awesome church and amazing people.

Let's give Him thanks and praise because He is worthy!

Choices

It's been a couple of busy days. Sorry I haven't posted. Thanks for continuing to stop by!

It's Saturday morning and God reminded me once again that life is filled with choices. We all make them every day --- good or bad, right or wrong --- life boils down to choices.

I was reading in Psalm 119:30-32 and discovered this truth this morning:
"I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord;
do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free."

I love how the writer says that he made four obvious, deliberate decisions:
- Chose the way of truth
- Set his heart on God's laws
- Held fast to God's statutes
- Ran in the path of God's commands

See what He did? He chose, set, held, and ran --- all in God's ways. He made God-centered choices and God set his heart free. The choices we make by ourselves lead to bondage. The choices we make with God lead to freedom.

I want freedom. I choose His ways today.

I hope you have a great weekend. If you're in Anderson, I hope to see you at Capstone tomorrow. It's going to be a great day!

Sermons Online

Beginning today, you can find an audio version of my weekly sermons on the church's website. Simply go to www.capstonechurch.com and click on the link in the left panel called “Sunday Messages.” A new one should be online by the end of each Tuesday.

I just listened to the first one. It was painful because I sound like a country hick! My speech and diction teachers from college would not be happy. They would say that I've gotten lazy in my speech. They would be right.

Numbers

Have you played the numbers game lately?

In our “I’ve got more than you” or “my stuff’s better than yours” obsessed culture, many people waste a lot of mental energy comparing what they have to what someone else has. The numbers game even happens in churches.

One of the first questions I often get from people (especially other pastors) about Capstone is, “How many people attend?” I’m guessing there is a certain number that makes a church legitimately successful but I have no idea what that number is. Ask someone who pastors a mega-church and he might say 2,500. Ask another person who pastors a congregation of 80 and he might say 100. In the American culture, we operate on the principal that the more people the better the church has to be, right? It’s the “bigger is better” theory.

But playing the numbers game can be dangerous in every area of life. Look at what happened to King Saul:

“When the victorious Israelite army was returning home after David had killed the Philistine, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul. They sang and danced for joy with tambourines and cymbals. This was their song:

“Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!”

This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.” 1 Samuel 18:6-9 (NLT)

King Saul began playing the numbers game and from that moment on, he could no longer see the good that was actually happening. The battle was being won (which was the goal) but all Saul could see was that somebody was getting more credit than he was. Jealousy began to control His heart and once jealousy took root it eventually ruined his life.

God wants us to be Christ-followers who are cheering the victories around us because it’s not about us in the first place. When it comes to church growth, I don’t know why some grow at a much quicker rate than others. There are “church gurus” trying to figure that stuff out and I’ll be honest: I don’t really care what they come up with. It’s God’s work and His decision to make. My job as a pastor is to be faithful to the call, give God my best, and lead others to give God their best.

The results are up to the One who makes it happen in the first place. That way all the credit belongs to Him.

Randomness

• It's been a crazy few days with emergency hospital stuff, a wedding, church yesterday, mom's surgery this morning. I'm actually pretty tired.
• Sunday at Capstone was great. It felt good to be back at AmStar after having Labor Day at the Lake.
• Marcus sang his heart out with the band yesterday and Steve played the guitar incredibly well. It was great. I love seeing the band's confidence grow as they gel as a worship team. Bekky's doing an awesome job leading them.
• Talking about ovaries and seeds (see below) made some people squirm --- I loved it!
• Feedback on the message was encouraging and I'm praying God's people will step up to the challenge. I have a feeling they will.
• I love my mother. She had outpatient surgery today and it's the first time I've ever seen her in the hospital. It was kind of weird. Her last surgery was 41 years ago after her favorite (and only) son was born (that's me!). It was good to see my dad taking care of her too. She's always done that for him so it was nice to see the turnabout.
• I love my dad too. We weren't close growing up and that makes things difficult at times even now. But he's grown and I've grown and I enjoyed our time together this morning. God has blessed me with an incredible family and the older I get the more I cherish them.
• My daughter will be 15 in a couple of weeks and I can't believe it!!!
• I am DYING to go back to Cuba --- only about seven weeks 'til our next trip!
• The Anderson Independent-Mail asked me to be on the Board for their Faith and Values section that runs in each Saturday's newspaper. We have our first meeting tomorrow and I am really excited! I've got newspapers in my blood because of my past life and can't wait to step into the building tomorrow. I also get to write a column every eight weeks and I'm excited about that as well.
• Last but not least --- Go Gamecocks!!! What a game Saturday!

Shepherding

I believe one of the strongest signals that God wired me to be a pastor is the fact that I enjoy sharing the defining moments of life with people. Some people who do what I do call themselves "preacher" or "teacher" or "minister" or "visionary" or "leader" or "reverend." Those are all fine titles and every person in my position fulfills those roles as well.

But my calling is to be a pastor.

The word "pastor" comes from the Greek word for "shepherd." The shepherd's job is to look after his sheep, to love and care for them, to teach them, to help them when they are in need or danger, and to lead them in the right direction.

When my phone rang at 2:15 this morning and I spent most of the rest of the night at the hospital, I was shepherding. When I arrive at the chapel this afternoon and marry a young couple, I will be shepherding. As I spent last Sunday afternoon burying the brother of one of my sheep, I was shepherding. No matter if I am praying with a lost sheep trying to find his way or teaching the whole flock on Sunday morning, God has called me to be a shepherd.

My charge comes from here: "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." 1 Peter 5:2-3 (NIV)

I still have a long way to go as I grow to be the shepherd God has called me to be. Fortunately, my Chief Shepherd is very patient. I'm just thankful He called me and that I get to share in the lives of the flock under my care.

Above all, I pray that I will be the shepherd that He wants me to be --- not because I must, but because I am willing, as God wants me to be.