I Love My Church
So this is it. My first flight into the “blogosphere.” If I understand it right, your blog is where you get to express yourself, tell it like it is, say what you feel, air what’s on your heart and mind. They tell me that a good blog is sometimes serious, sometimes spiritual, sometimes silly- sorry for the alliteration, it’s a preacher deal. I assume if you can be all three in one blog that’s like hitting the trifecta at the dog track (for those of you who may not know what a trifecta is, its a bet you can place at the track picking the top three finishers; but i only went once…in college…I promise). Don’t know that (the trifecta part) for sure, but what i do know is this- if I’m expressing what’s on my mind and heart today, if I’m saying what i feel and telling it like it is, here is what i have to say today- I love Pinelake.
I’ve been around churches all my life- I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly. But for the past 10 years I’ve had a chance to serve the best. This place is unreal. God is so faithful and gracious and good to us- that’s really the best part- that He shows up and He works and He does things that blow away my wildest imagination and dreams. But the fact that He chooses to let me experience His work with the people in this place…well, it’s just too good. PInelake isn’t without it’s problems (I won’t list any names, but may post pictures later), but hands down, no doubt, I love what I do and who I do it with. As I was thinking about this church a while ago in the shower (that’s where I do most of my deep thinking and praying- but that’s for another day) I think I have a better understanding of how Paul loved the Philippians and the Thessalonians. Those two churches took good care of him and exemplified the truth of life change. That’s Pinelake. I am blessed to be a part of a church family that believes and lives life-change through the power of Jesus, and they bless me and my family way beyond what I ever deserve. I could never thank them or God enough for the joy of living life in this place and for the work of God among us.
I’m not real sure how to “land the plane” at the end of blog either, so I guess I’ll just wrap it up. For the tens of you who may ever take time to read this, please know I am a man full of love in my heart for a people who make life and ministry a joy. I don’t get tired of work- and I want to be here forever. If nobody ever reads this, well, that’s alright too, cause I was just saying what was in my heart.
8 comments
well…i read it.
You did good. Praying for you today…so thankful for your obedience. I am in awe, as well, of how God shows up and is working and changing people’s lives there. For most of my life I have prayed for and loved pinelake…so thankful for how God has used the body there to grow me up in Him (that is currently still happening). When I told my story to my small group in topeka here the other night…i was able to name someone that God put in my life every year since 2nd grade (that was 20 years ago)in which to mentor and shape me….your family included. Last night….I reconnected to an old friend who is currently in your church….we talked for hours about what Jesus is doing right now in her life…such a blessing to see. Miss you guys. Love ya’ll.
Dr. Henderson,
I dont know anything about the “blogosphere” either but I can tell you this. My family and I also love Pinelake, love Jesus and love you. We consistantly pray for you and all the leadership of the Church to continue to lead us in the way God would have us lead. You may never know how much you and Pinelake mean to so many of us.
Glenn
Chip, I agree 100%! My dad is a pastor, and I have been in and around church my entire life. I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. I come to Pinelake because I want to see God at work in the lives of those around me…my friends, my family, my fellow believers. I expect God to show His presence when I walk into the doors! I am so blessed that I get to walk my journey with this body of believers! I thank God almost everyday for Pinelake, its leadership, and its people. My life is different and changed because the body of Pinelake has chosen to obey.
Chip, I’ve gotten my dad into listening to your podcast!
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I would have to say that I love my church, too. Pinelake and you Chip hold a special place in my heart. After all the bumps and bruises of life that I have experienced over the last 14 months (some because of poor choices and some beyond my control) I can say from the depth of my heart that this church and its team of wonderful God fearing staff have helped me walk thru it all without any judgement. In my expreience Pinelake is the best example of what a church should be more than any I have been exposed to in my entire life. I could keep on and on with my testimony about Pinelake and Chip but I am going to close here by saying I am thankful for you Chip and this church everyday.
Chip
What a joy to be part of Pine Lake. Enjoyed your blog
Pine Lake Ministry, Staff, and the people all bless our life until our “Cup Runs Over.”
On Feb 10th we were at St Dominic’s to Thank them for there care while I was there. They all tell us about Pine lake’s minstry in prayers for us and the others in surgery. Dr Mundinger even commented on the people from Pine lake being so faithful.
Gladys and Tom Bass
well, you have one person who reads it! You need to blog more though! Chip, Pinelake loves you in the same way you love Pinelake! You are a blessing to us all!
I hope mine wasn’t one of the pics to be listed!!! I hope you are here forever as well if that is what God wills. I love you man!!
Hi Chip,
Loved your blog and glad that I read it. I feel very blessed to be a part of the Pinelake Family. I love my church. I have been a member since 2003. I hope that God allows you to stay with us for many years to come. We need your guidance and your direction and you lead and teach us.
I serve in the Childrens Ministry during the 9:30 service with the 4 year olds in room 122 along side of Martha Lay my co-teacher.
Thank you for your service and ministry. You are in my prayers.
Linda Bailey
Now a word from Allie:
Hey, Dr. Chip,
First I want to thank you for taking your time to read my comment to your blog. I am 12 years old, my name is Allie Lake and I serve in room 122, with my memmie( Linda Bailey) on Sunday morning at the most awsome church PINELAKE. I love going to ” BIG church” to hear you speak the truth from God’s word. Its hard to understand the other preachers because well, i am only 12 in the 6th grade but with you its like learning in school. I take notes in ” Big church” just like I do in school and when i pray at night i think of what you said in the surmon. But most of all I pray you are at Pinelake “Gods house” forever so i will understand who God really is, which you make it all easy to understnd better than anyone else. okay now I am turning 30 so i better go i probably took up most of your time so thank you again for leading us at this wonderful church. Love you, allie
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