Smiles for Daddy

November 3, 2008

Dear Lilly:

You don't smile much yet, but you almost always smile when I put my face close to yours. I really, really like that!

The next few months should be enlightening. Today, we go see a geneticist who will tell us how God designed you, along with giving us some specifics about Williams Syndrome. Next week, we'll be back at the heart doctor to see if your arteries are getting more narrow, remaining the same, or opening up (we are hoping for this one!). In the meantime, we will have specialists in our house to see how you are developing physically. I'm sure there are other events to look forward to, but we'll have to rely on Mommy to know where and when things are happening.

Katie and Luke think you are especially great. Katie acts like she's your mother as she often wants to hold you and carry you around. Nearly every time we are in the van going somewhere, Luke holds your hand the whole time. We even went to the Olson's house in Cameron this past weekend, and Luke held your hand the entire trip up there (50 minutes).

We love you, sweet Lilly!

Keep Smiling (especially for me),
Daddy

Welcome, Lillian "Lilly" Marie

August 19, 2008

Dear Lilly:

I’ve been a little slow writing to you, I suppose (you were born June 29!). Our lives have been quite full since your arrival—you have much to do with that, and we are thankful to the Lord for it.

Your sister and brother have adjusted quite well to your presence. Katie is like a little mother to you, and Luke sometimes gets too rough with your fragile frame, but he thinks you are quite special.

Here’s a little bit of information about your great-grandmother, from whom we got your first name (Lillian... Your middle name is from your great-grandmother on Mommy's side, so you'll have to be sure and ask her about Great-grandma Dorothy Marie): Lillian McGuire was a jewel—humble, humorous and she normally didn’t even know it, a devoted mother and deeply committed wife, the best cook I’ve ever known, and most importantly a follower of Jesus Christ. I consider it one of the great privileges the Lord has ever granted to me to have spent some time living across the hallway from her in Granddad and Grandma Burchett’s home. She lived with them toward the end of her life, after your great-granddad went to be with the Lord. Why did I enjoy getting to live across the hall from her? She was a joy to be around. She was so selfless, and always ready to listen. Oh, and did I mention her cooking? We have such fond memories of her, and wanted to honor her memory by making her first name yours.

I love you, Lilly. I am determined to be a father to you, to care for you, to exhort you with God’s Word, to discipline you when appropriate, to repent and ask for your forgiveness when I fail you, to preach the gospel to you and show you that Christ is my all, to demonstrate before you a sacrificial love for your mother, and to pray for you very often.

Welcome to our home, Lillian Marie Burchett. You are a gift from the Lord.

And thank you, Lord, for another arrow in my quiver. Give us grace and strength to sharpen her well before this arrow leaves the bow (Psalm 127:4-5).

With Joy and Prayers,

Daddy

Your Sister Will Arrive Soon

June 26, 2008

Dear Katie and Luke:

This will probably be the last letter addressed to just the two of you. Mommy's due date has passed, and she is actually at the doctor's right now receiving counsel about the best time to deliver this baby. Katie, your room got painted pink today. I just know that your baby sister will appreciate the color since it will also be her room!

Luke, you had "daddy time" last night. We're going to have to stick together since very soon the girls are going to outnumber us. I hope to teach you how to be a servant leader.

Life is about to change a bit. I'm very excited to see how the two of you react to your baby sister. I pray often that as the years go by, you will influence her toward the Lord.

I'm very curious to see this child's personality. Mom says she has been much more like Katie was in the womb than Luke. I'm sure she'll be her own person. Our Creator is quite creative!

Grandpa and Grandma Noble are in town, and Granddad and Grandma Burchett will be here next week. These are enjoyable days. God has been good to us, hasn't He?

I love you!

With Joy and Anticipation,
Daddy

"Creator of All Babies, We Give You Praise"

The following brief poem was written when reflecting upon Job 1:20-22, Psalm 139:13-16, and John 9:3, and also in anticipation of the arrival of our sixth child (Katie, Luke, and three babies who miscarried preceded this baby girl ). This was also inspired by a dream I had recently in which this soon-to-be-born girl was 9 or 10 years old and she had Downs Syndrome. Lastly, this poem is in honor of Kaleb Schaffner, my sister’s precious boy who has Cerebral Palsy and is a wonderful demonstration of God’s great handiwork. [6-24-08]

Creator of All Babies, We Give You Praise

The parents are told, “Good health is what matters.”
Yet this is purely unbiblical chatter.
The womb is the workshop where God forms and weaves.
With each baby’s design, He’s never displeased.
Creator of all babies, we give You praise!

Clarity arrives when on God we reflect.
See wisdom, see goodness, He makes no rejects.
But what about babies who live only days?
Job says, “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.”
Creator of all babies, we give You praise!

So when our baby comes one day very soon,
The craftsmanship of God will exit the womb.
Either ill or healthy, God’s plan we will know.
A child in His image, Christ’s love we must show.

Creator of all babies, we give You praise!

"Daddy, I'm Scared of the Monsters!"

June 5, 2008

Dear Luke:

At 2:30 am a couple of nights ago, I awoke to your cries (and screams) of desperation. I stumbled to your room to find you shaking and sobbing in your bed. I asked you why you were crying, and you said, "Daddy, I'm scared of the monsters!" I grabbed you in a "fatherly" way, softly told you that there are no monsters in your room, and I encouraged you to trust in God, reminding you of one of your memory verses, Psalm 56:3, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you." I then prayed with you asking the Lord to take care of you, and almost immediately you were asleep.

I loved being there for you, holding your three year-old little body tight, speaking words of hope, and praying with you. I am blessed to have this responsibility, and I am praying that nights like those affect you greatly, that truths taught by words and actions will be remembered, and then that all throughout your life, when you are afraid, you will put your trust in the Lord. I will not always be there, but if Christ is your Savior, you will have nothing to fear. Remember these promises:

"O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. Many are saying of my soul, 'There is no deliverance for him in God.' But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the LORD; Your blessing be upon Your people!" (Psalm 3)

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

I love you, buddy. Rest in Christ.

With Hope,
Daddy

FIRE National Conference, Mt. Hermon, California

May 19, 2008

Dear Katie and Luke:

Last week I spent four days in California at the national FIRE conference (Fellowship of Reformed Evangelicals, a fellowship of churches and individuals from around the country, and even the world, of which our church is a member). It was a glorious time. One of the best parts of this conference is the meals, and I'm not talking just about how tasty the food is! No, I mean the fellowship around the tables. Every meal is shared together with pastors, missionaries, and church members from other churches represented there. So at breakfast, lunch, and supper, I regularly found myself sitting next to different people (some I knew from a past conference) and hearing about their lives, their churches, or their work in missions.

The preaching was excellent as well. I was particularly impacted by a sermon John Crotts from Faith Bible Church preached on Paul at Mars Hill in Acts 17. I came away asking the Lord to give me the compassion for lost souls that Paul had, and Paul's confidence in the power of God in the gospel. Perhaps that sounds "so simple," but so be it, God worked in my heart and I'm already seeing the impact in my life now that I'm home. Here's something else about that sermon: It was preached by a man who seems really humble. He preached it with zeal, but without a shred of arrogance. I got to spend a little time around John the rest of the week and he is the real deal. God is so good to bring men like this into my life, even if for just a couple of days of my life. By God's grace, I am a better man because of it.

Speaking of godly men, I also was privileged to meet a man named Doug Nichols. He's an older gentleman who has done extensive missions work, even serving as the international director for a missions agency. He still carries on a significant ministry all around the world (his home base is in the Seattle area, I think), but he especially spoke to us about the needs in The Phillipines, which are massive. For example, there are 48,000 untrained pastors there. That stirred my heart. One of my dreams has been to go on short-term stints to countries where there are pastors without training and teach them. I am one of the most privileged pastors in the world with all of the training I've had here in America (seven years of schooling, several years of pastoral experience, conferences, etc.), and I desire to share with these men elsewhere what God in His mercy has been so kind to teach me. I think Mr. Ellif and I might be headed over there next summer.

By the way, Doug Nichols was not only a great encouragement (he is a tremendous "exhorter"), but he also has some hilarious stories. Remind me some day to tell you the one about how, when he was seemingly dying of cancer, he stopped off at a Dunkin' Donuts and came upon a man screaming at the lady behind the counter because she wouldn't give him a free donut. It's a classic that I don't think I will forget.

I really missed you while I was away. There were numerous times when I thought, "It sure would be great to have Patty and the kids here." Someday!

Much Love,
Daddy

Daddy's Life At the Moment

April 22, 2008

Dear Kids:

I thought you might be interested to know what's been happening lately, and what is on the horizon, for Daddy.

First, I'm preaching through Titus. We just finished chapter 1 this past week.

Second, I recently wrote an article for the bulletin inserts website titled "When Your Preacher is Not John Piper," and I'm just finishing up one for May (to be edited this week by the CCW team) titled, "When Your Chuch is Not Capitol Hill Baptist."

Third, we raked leaves together in the back yard last night. Katie, you lasted about 25 minutes, then it was time to go in and play Sorry with Mom. After you were in bed, she told me that she finally beat you. Luke, you stuck it out with Daddy outside until you had to go in to take a shower.

Fourth, I'm getting ready to head to Georgia for a few days (Katie, you're coming with me!). I'll be preaching and teaching numerous times. Chris Vinson is the preaching pastor at this church. Your mother and I were good friends with Chris and Jessica Vinson during seminary.

Fifth, we've got some serious construction and remodeling going on at our house. The master bedroom shower was finally fixed today, we think (a terrible leak). The basement is progressing steadily.

Sixth, your mom and I are working together on a letter to send to people who support us prayerfully and financially. It's about finished.

Seventh, I've got an elders' meeting tonight at 6 pm. We will eat together at Planet Sub, and then we'll go over to Borders for the rest of our meeting. I won't be home until about 10.

Eighth, we are all watching Mommy's belly grow, looking forward to the final week of June!

Ninth, I'm just about finished reading R.C. Sproul's little book titled The Truth of the Cross. Excellent! Humbling.

Tenth, I'm wondering where I'm going to fit in time to mow the lawn every week(?!). Most of me doesn't want you, Luke, to get older too quickly... But then I look at that lawn.

Love,

Daddy

Thank You, Lord, for John MacArthur

March 17, 2008

Dear Kids:

At our weekly elders' meetings, we have begun considering Scripture's teaching about what is often called in the present day a "call to the ministry." This peculiar phrase has found its way into the lingo of the church, but what does the Bible actually teach about this concept? We hope to find out, and then somehow share our findings so that others might benefit.

I don't have much to say about our study yet, but we paused tonight and each of us spent some time talking about how we ended up as pastors. As I was thinking about what God used in giving me the desire to serve as a pastor, I remembered something that I hadn't thought about for many years. When I was 19 or so, somebody gave me a book by John MacArthur titled Different By Design (now titled Divine Design), which is about Scripture's teaching on male and female roles in the home and church. I think I remember the Lord using that book in a couple of ways:

1. I was intrigued by MacArthur's carefulness with the Bible. I found myself thinking, "I think I would enjoy teaching the Bible. If I do, I want to understand and teach the Bible the way this guy does."
2. I was confronted, from all of the Scripture MacArthur referenced, with the idea that God has a design for men and women in the home and in the church. I really enjoyed learning this about God, that He was a God of order, and I found myself wanting to participate in His design. This might have been a seed planted that would eventually grow into an aspiration for "the office of overseer" (1 Timothy 3:1).

So, along with countless others who have been impacted by John MacAruthr's preaching and writings (and there are thousands of us!), I give thanks to the Lord for this faithful preacher, and I would encourage you to consider his works for yourself.

Grace to You,
Daddy

Some of My Memories of Childhood Fun

March 14, 2008

Dear Katie and Luke:

Mommy is off at the women's retreat with the ladies of our church, so the three of us spent this afternoon and evening together. Somehow we spent three hours at the indoor pool in the local YMCA this afternoon, we went and got a $5 pizza (and breadsticks!!!), and then we came home and eventually had popcorn and watched a little bit of a very funny 'G'-rated movie. Now the two of you are sleeping like logs. All of this is not typical of our weekly routine, but I am quite thankful God has given us times together like these! I wonder if you will remember the events of today when you are my age?

This got me thinking about something: What are some of my "fun" memories from my childhood that I thought might interest you? Here's a list that is not exhaustive:
1. There is one particular time when I was a little boy, and Grandad and Grandma Burchett, your aunt Vicki, and I were staying in a hotel somewhere, and we swam in the outdoor pool for something like three hours. I don't know where this was, but I still have a picture in my mind of the pool and the hotel that surrounded us.
2. On one other family vacation, I remember playing golf with my dad and my uncle Carlos at Jenny Wiley State Park, and Grandad shanked one and just about drilled somebody on another hole--he did nail the person's golf cart!
3. I used to ride my bike to the basketball court at Morral School and there would be numerous other middle school and high school guys there and we would play basketball for hours. These were very competitive games.
4. They may not still make the rubber ball (pink) that was extremembly bouncy, but I spent hours upon hours throwing that ball against the steps of the house or against the side of the barn and pretending I was a shortstop playing in the World Series making dramatic plays at the end of games.
5. Labor Day Weekend and the McGuire Reunion in Kentucky! Swimming, eating, watching football, and eventually playing golf until our hands were sore. Did I mention swimming? On one of those weekends, it rained hard the whole time, so all of the cousins found this big conference room and made up some kind of indoor baseball game and just had a blast. I also have fond memories of Grandad and Grandma McGuire at these reunions, mainly just their presence. On one occasion, I wore a ball cap to breakfast and Grandad McGuire made a comment about it--He was not in favor! Oops.
6. Eating Grandma McGuire's cooking. Everything she made was incredible, but specifically her biscuits and oats and her chocolate cake were stellar. In one word, "Wow!"
7. Eating my mom's vegetable soup.
8. I always enjoyed going to the barber shop with my dad. This was back when a haircut was affordable! Our barber was Gene Frederick ("Clipper"), and as a boy on each visit I just couldn't wait to get in his container and pick out a sucker or piece of bubble gum.
9. Often when we would get a heavy snow, I would go out and build a fort basically big enough to sit inside. Once it was finished, I would just sit in that work of art--sometimes for what seemed like 30 minutes without doing anything! I remember enjoying the accomplishment and how the wind was blocked.
10. Most summers, we would go to Cedar Point, one of the world's best amusement parks, as a family. This was a great time as a family, and it is where I got hooked on roller coasters! By the way, Mommy and I have been to Cedar Point together and thoroughly enjoy riding these massive coasters even in the front seat.

That's just a selection of "fun" memories. I hope some of them bring a smile to your face.

And now, I'm about to come to bed and try to find a sliver of the mattress for myself and get some sleep. The last I checked, Luke, you were spread out over half of the bed. How does a three year-old take up that much room in a queen size? This should be fun.

Happily,
Daddy

Rock Climbing & Fellow Pastors

January 26, 2008

Dear Kids:

We had a very enjoyable evening tonight as the four of us (well, five including the baby in Mommy's belly) plus Grandpa and Grandma Noble went out to eat in Overland Park, Kansas, and then we went over to see the rock climbing wall at Dick's Sporting Goods. Not only did we see it, but Katie, you actually got to climb it!!! You were doing so good climbing it, but then you got scared--not realizing that if you fell back you would be safe. After we encouraged you, you did fall backwards and for a brief moment, through your tears, there was a smile that said, "This is kind of fun." You wanted down after that, but you told me as we were leaving the store that you thought you would like to try it again sometime (and for only $3, it's a great deal). Luke, you were quite unhappy that you didn't get to try to climb the wall, but once you rode the escalator, and played with all of the different kinds of balls, you were very happy.

Tomorrow night is a special night in many ways for me. I will officially be set apart as one of the pastors of Christ Fellowship of Kansas City. We've been here since the end of April of last year, but I'm thankful that the process for appointing elders in our church isn't quick. There has been a period of "testing" and observation that is so often neglected in the church today. Your mother and I praise God for the time spent at First Baptist Church of Athens, but ever since we arrived here we've been convinced that we are right where we are supposed to be.

The other pastors of the church are gifts from the Lord to me. I first met Mr. Elliff in Athens (he came and preached for a few days), and since that time I've grown to truly appreciate his pastoral heart, wisdom about the local church and the Christian life, humility, and great sense of humor. He is also the most evangelistic person I have ever known. Mr. Elliff's life inspires me to "do the work of an evangelist" (2 Timothy 4:5).

Then I met Mr. Wingerd at a conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We hit it off from the beginning. His mind is full of Scripture, but so is his heart, and it shows in his pastoring and fathering. Mr. Wingerd's life inspires me to be a pastor who "accurately handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

Finally, I met Mr. Chrisman. He is just plain faithful--nothing flashy, he just loves the Lord and God's people. I hope people will say that about me someday. Mr. Chrisman's life inspires me to "flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22).

How gracious of the Lord to make me an overseer with men like these!

Sleep tight, and I love you.

Daddy