It’s great to be home. We created some great family memories that will last a lifetime. Living out in Avondale, you get to see some interesting things from time to time and unfortunately smell some unpleasant odors (mushroom farms) now and then. I went for a nice run today. To be honest it was way too hot and I am paying the price now. No ipod or podcast to listen to today…just alone with my thoughts and taking in the scenery. I go past some beautiful horse farms (Chester County is famous for it’s horse farms). At one point I got passed by a horse and buggy (not Amish) and a little later I saw a big buck take off through a corn field. It was magnificent. God’s creation at its finest.

About a mile and a half from home while I was contemplating calling a taxi and commiserating about how I should have run early in the morning, I heard a car honk it’s horn and a lady scream “Go Baby!” (not a common occurrence when I run) It was Michelle. She was on her way back from the store and cheering me on. It was just what the doctor ordered and helped me push past the heat to get home.

Life is that way isn’t it? We hit the wall sometime. We have some bad days and go through difficult seasons. And then God sends somebody in our path at just the right time to say just the right thing. Or maybe we see something so amazing that reminds us of how magnificent God is. Sometimes it snaps us out of our funk or gives us a healthier perspective on life. Healthier perspectives remind us what is really important…what really matters.

Michelle’s drive-by encouragement reminds me of the responsibility we all have to speak into people’s lives. Who will God bring cross my path with today that needs a kind word? Who will the Holy Spirit bring to mind that I need to reach out to with a phone call or a note?

So if you are reading this today and are struggling with the heat let me just say as loud as I can type…GO BABY!

I’m having a great summer.

• “Elevate” is off to an incredible start!
• Russia was an amazing experience.
• I have had some good down time at the house.
• I have been “training” to “run” in a 10K (I actually got 4 miles out of these knees on Monday).
• I found out my niece Kristi is going to be living with us for a year.
• I am getting the longest break from speaking that I have ever had (took over 7 years to get here).
• My brother-in-law Don is moving here from Missouri.
• I am immersed in the world of facebook and now have 164 friends (Alli is kicking my butt with over 300 friends). It has been cool to see people in our church connecting on facebook as our Fellowship fan page continues to grow (Thanks Greg Davis for your vision in making this happen).
• I still have LIFT camp to look forward to at the end of the month.
• The Sixers just made an awesome free agent signing.
• The Phillies are barely in first place.
• The Eagles open camp in a couple of weeks.
• I loved our “One-Prayer” series.
• Michelle and I are digging the “Next Food Network Star” reality series.
• Alli makes the best spaghetti ever…
• I am speaking at Northway Church in August…
• I saw Hancock this week (some funny stuff).
• I broke my neighbor’s pressure washer…
• My friend Jim Miller fixed my car.

Finally, we are headed to Hilton Head for a family vacation and some fun in the sun. Lots of the beach, pool, bike riding, and other fun stuff. Yes Linda, we will use sun-screen. It is our favorite “just family” time of the year and I look forward to making some memories that will out live me. We are stopping off in Wilmington, NC to see some great Fellowship friends (the Donaldson’s) who have relocated. I’m unplugging from my blog until Tuesday July 22nd. Hope all is well with you and I will check in with you soon.

I stopped at a restaurant today to buy a couple of pies (cherry cheesecake) for a pool party we were headed to.  While I was in line I heard an older gentleman talking about his experience in the South Pacific during WW II.  He had on a Navy hat identifying the ship he served on over 60 years ago.  To be honest, I can’t remember the name of the ship, but I will never forget his words.  He was telling some folks about the ship he was on and how it was sunk in battle.  He was one of the survivors.  Over a hundred and fifty men went down with the ship.  Many others perished as they were burned in the water by the diesel fuel that was set ablaze.  The damage was so catastrophic to his ship that it went down in under 60 seconds.  As I listened (eavesdropped) on his incredible story, it occurred to me that I was listening to a real life hero.  I’m sure he would say that he was just doing his duty, but to me he and those who served with him were heroes.

Our WW II veterans are dying every single day.  What an incredible national resource we are losing.  As I walked out of the restaurant I walked over to this gentleman and held out my hand.  “I couldn’t help but overhear your incredible story sir, and I just want to say thanks for serving the way you did.”  He looked me straight in the eye…I could see the wisdom and experience behind his gaze…he was sizing me up.  His grip was still strong as he shook my hand and nodded, “Your welcome.”

It made my day to say thanks.  It might sound cliche, but freedom isn’t free.  For those of you who served I want to say thanks.  Next to my faith and family, being an American is one of the greatest gifts of my life.

Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there. Father’s day doesn’t get the hype that Mother’s day does, but I am okay with that. Here are a couple thoughts about Father’s day.

First it makes me think of my heavenly Father. How blessed and fortunate I am to read God’s word and get insight into God’s life. He is the standard. He sets the bar. No one has sacrifice more than he did. To watch his own son, Jesus, suffer and die on my behalf is beyond my understanding. Today, I am thankful for my heavenly Father.

Second, I think of my Dad. As my brother Buddy likes to call him…”the Chuckster.” It wasn’t that many months ago, where I wasn’t sure that Dad would be around for Father’s day. It makes you think. God had other plans and for that I will be eternally grateful. The time I have spent with my Dad this year has been the best of my life. God is reinventing him at age 69. Most guys that age would coast, but not my pops. He is still looking for ways to invest in others and eternity. He is inspired to be a better husband at this stage of his life. At a season of life where most would say “I am what I am…take it or leave it,” Dad is on his face before God and trying his best to be more like Jesus. I am dreaming that God will relocate my parents to our area and Dad could serve part-time as our pastor of Seniors. He would be awesome! Happy Father’s Day, Pops. This post is dedicated to you and the impact you have made on me. Thanks for teaching me how to be a man - I really do want to be like you when I grow up!

Thirdly, I think of my beautiful kids - Alli, Emmy, B, Drew, and GG. Unbelievable. What would my life be without them? They keep things exciting and interesting. They are far from perfect but I would not trade them for anything in the world. They know how to love and they sure know how to fight! How could five kids be so different yet have so much in common. They are all learning to love Jesus. They love Fellowship and our life here. I am humbled that God has called me to pour into the lives of such and incredible group. I have no doubt that they will all have a greater kingdom impact than I ever will. Individually and collectively. God changed the world with 12 followers…I wonder what he will do with the Cremeans 5? I am praying for big things. I am praying for their spouses today…wherever they are and whoever they are. God, may they fall in love with Jesus now!

Finally, I am thinking of you. Some of you reading this today have the great privilege of being a Dad. Don’t hold back - give it everything you have. Remember your kids will remember more about how you loved them than how hard you worked. They really aren’t all that impressed with our jobs or our portfolios. Love them with all you have guys. Don’t get complacent or withdrawal because it’s complicated or you don’t know what to do. Lead them in following Jesus. Lead them in serving…in connecting…in giving. Teach them now so they will have those foundations for life.

For some, this will be a difficult day. This might be your first Father’s day without your dad or one of your children. I’m sorry. I can’t imagine what you are feeling today. Some of you are still grieving the relationship you have or had with your father. He just never got it. I hate that for you. Some dads might have a wayward son or daughter and you won’t get that phone call today that says, “I love you dad.” Don’t give up hope…don’t stop praying. God is still in the business of changing lives and bringing wayward sons and daughters home.

For all of you I pray that this will be a meaningful day. A day where you will find the time to give thanks and honor. God loves it when we give thanks and honor those around us. Happy Fathers Day.

Twenty years ago today I married the girl of my dreams. What a ride it has been for us. I know there have been times along the way and even a few seasons where neither of us ever dreamed we would make it to this day. My kids had the sweetest congratulatory notes all over the house this morning when we got up. Proverbs 18:22 says, “A man’s greatest treasure is his wife— she is a gift from the Lord.” God smiled on me when he gave me Michelle and I treasure her more today than at any time in my life.

Here are the top 10 things I love about Michelle. They are in no particular order of importance - and there are of course, many other things I love about her.

1. Michelle has amazing character. Proverbs 12:4 says, “A wife with strength of character is the crown of her husband…She is the same around people and in private. Her character is strong and it runs deep. She does what is right.
2. Michelle has incredible discernment. She sees things in people that I am oblivious to…good things and dangerous things. This is a spiritual gift and I rely on her God-given radar all the time.
3. Michelle is an incredible friend. Even when we have gone through difficult times we have enjoyed a spirit of friendship. She pours into my life daily and is anxious to hear about how I am doing and how my day went. She is a courageous friend who speaks truth in love to me on a consistent basis.
4. Michelle is an awesome Mother. Our kids are blessed to have her. She has sacrificed consistently of herself that they could have a better life. Alli, Emily, Bailey, Drew, and Grace are the center of her world and she has answered God’s call to raise them to love Jesus and be like him.
5. Michelle loves animals. She has some of that Dr. Doolittle vibe going on. I have seen this even more since we moved to our current home. She is up to milk her two dairy goats every morning by 7:00 no matter what (God hasn’t called me to help in this area to date)
6. Michelle has a heart-flipping smile. (This is code for the fact that she is super hot - OH BABY!)
7. Michelle is a hard worker. There isn’t a lot of rest when you have a high maintenance husband, five kids, four acres, seven goats, seventeen chickens, six ducks, two dogs, two cats, sing in our worship team, and go to two services every Sunday. Maybe this is why her and the girl (Jenny) at Starbucks are on a first name basis…gotta have that caffeine!
8. Michelle is forgiving and gracious. I have made some terribly selfish mistakes on this journey called marriage. I have been the recipient of grace and forgiveness on a scale that is difficult for me to put into words. The best human example of Jesus in my life has been Michelle - hands down.
9. Michelle loves and supports me. I figure I am quickly approaching 500 different talks she has endured over the seven and a half years. I feel sorry for her. She has always been honest, supportive, and affirming. Pastors can be so insecure. I can be so insecure. I’m getting better (more secure) and she is a big reason for the change.
10. Michelle loves Jesus. From the day I first saw her I knew she marched to a different drumbeat. Jesus had rocked her life and everything and everyone else came in second to Jesus. That has never changed. She is head over heals in love with him and I can’t help but think that if we arrived at heaven’s gate at the same time, she would knock me out of the way to get to him first.

Finally, I want to thank Fellowship. You have shared the best years of our life. Our elders blessed us (they do this a lot) for our anniversary. They represent their God and their church well. Thanks!

Friday night was a milestone for the Cremeans family. My oldest daughter Alli graduated from high school! It was a very proud night for Michelle and I. Many of you who follow my blog know Alli. She is amazing. For those of you who don’t know her let me tell you about her. Proverbs 10:1 says, “A wise child brings joy to a father.” I can not even begin to express the joy Alli has brought to me. Girls like Alli are rare. She is beautiful inside and out. We have this little unspoken thing between us - up until now it has been mostly private. When I see Alli in public and our eyes meet, I place my hand on my heart and tap my heart. Alli then blushes and gets embarrassed. No words are exchanged, but she knows what I am saying. I have told her since she was a little girl that she makes my heart beat!

Friday night as I watched her graduate I was reminded of the incredible young lady she has grown to be. I give two people credit for where Alli is today. First, God in his amazing grace has done an incredible work in her life. Alli loves Jesus. He has changed her life. To see where he has brought her in just 18 years humbles me. Her joy and beautiful smile light up a room. The second person is Michelle. She has been Alli’s example and mentor. She has poured into her life like only a Godly mother can. I love watching them interact and see their friendship grow.

Following her ceremony we all went out to one of our favorite restaurants. All of our family took turns affirming Alli and telling her the things we love about her. Her Grandparents, cousins (I really love my nieces) and best friends Liz and Ashli all took turns. I wish you could have heard it. I love family time together. We usually do this on birthdays and special occasions. To hear her brothers and sisters share how she has impacted their lives was really cool.

Today we had over 100 family and close friends over for her graduation party. She got spoiled. I loved every minute of it. Now I am just trying to take it all in and process it all.

So tonight I’m a proud Daddy. Proud of my girl…proud of her Mom… and most of all, proud of my God..

I want to introduce you to a great worship artist named Steve Fee. Steve led worship at the this past week in Atlanta at the Orange Conference. I picked up his CD and it is awesome. It has a great mix of songs…some that will make you want to drop to your knees and others will make you want to jump up and down and dance (I can’t dance - but still can jump up and down some).  Steve is currently my second favorite worship leader (Jeff Ream comes in first!) and I want to encourage you to jump on itunes and get his “we shine” album. Listening to worship music while you drive, at home, when you workout, or even at work, is a great way to feed your soul. I’ve heard Steve in person at three conferences now and he has such a great time praising God and leading people in worship. My favorite song he does keeps changing the more I listen. Your kids will love it as well…he gets after it. We enjoy worshiping together in the car as a family…Let me know what you think.

I worked most of the day mapping out my new series, “Religiously Transmitted Diseases.” There is a book out with the RTD title that I picked up but it went a different direction than I had in mind. I have been thinking about this series for almost a year now and now it is time to bring it on. I might write more about it later this week, but let me ask you this question? Can you name a religiously transmitted disease? I would love to hear your feedback on this one.

I finally made Jean’s famous salsa today. Alli and I killed it. Not sure how much salsa is safe to ingest but maybe some of you MD’s out there can give me some advice. Maybe I will post the recipe on my blog soon - but in the Cremeans family tradition, I would have to remove a key ingredient so yours wont taste as good. (my West Virginia roots really practice that stuff!)

My 12 year-old son blessed our family with some amazing chocolate chip cookies tonight. Not sure they mix great with the salsa. Bailey is a great cook. I made him a deal. I would do his chore of washing the dishes if he would bust out his culinary skills. The boy has mad cookie skills!

So, I go in to get me another cookie and I see Bailey putting some foil over a plate of cookies with some guy named Ryan written on them! What is up with that Bailey. They were for Ryan Geiger, our student pastor. Hope he isn’t counting on me to deliver…they will be great for breakfast. Seriously though, how cool is it that Bailey is thinking of his pastor during the week? He is practicing hospitality and he is being mentored. Ryan is pouring into his life. Ryan - there is no other person I would want pastoring my son!

One last shout out to Michelle’s Dad, Steve, and his wife Sandy. I heard through the family grapevine that they are keeping up with my blog. Glad to have some representation from Arkansas.

Just got done watching the Philadelphia Flyers pull out a barn-burner against the Washington Capitals in overtime of game seven in their seven game series. Can I just say how nervous I get in games like that! My son Drew had just come down stairs to give me a good-night hug when the Flyers scored the winning goal…I think I almost scared him to death. We did a little celebration dance and then Drew thought he would try to use my excitement as a way of getting to stay up past his bed-time…nice try Drew. Maybe if they win the Stanley Cup.

One of the cool things about blogging is that it allows me to stay connected to my family. Kate (my neice)- glad you are checking in.  I am so proud of you and I love you like crazy!

I am happy to add Greg Davis to my list of Fellowship blogs. He has joined our team in an I.T. role. He is already making an impact. He helped set up the new look to my blog and is teaching me more “techy” stuff than I can keep up with. Greg and Mary are a great addition to Fellowship. Mary will be working on our youth staff with Ryan.  I love Greg’s tag-line to his blog - “Reclaiming technology to proclaim the Gospel of Christ.”  I have been praying that God would send someone like Greg.  We had really really gone as far as our staff could go on the Information Technology front.  It is one of the needs I wrote in my journal on my trip to East Asia earlier in the year.  Two weeks later, Greg and Mary are in my office for two hours hearing the Fellowship vision.  By the way…if you don’t understand all of his posts, don’t feel bad, I am right with you…fake it till you make it!  Still negotiating with Greg on his “title”. Digital Pastor…Director of Digital Discipleship…Really Smart Computer Guy…open to suggestions. Check out Greg’s blog when you get a chance and welcome him to the best team in the Northeast!

Thanks for the many of you who have prayed for my Dad. I wanted to give you an update of how he is progressing. Both of my parents are in town as I write this. They are looking at the possibility of relocating to our area. That is something that you can pray about. I spent several hours looking at prospective places yesterday and today with them. I am thrilled that God could be bringing them home to the Northeast, especially with the recent health challenges that Dad has gone through.

Back to my Dad and his health. He is doing great. To quote my Mom, “he is doing the best he has done in over four years!” It is amazing to see his improved mobility. Come to think of it, God is amazing isn’t he? Dad continued to have joy through the difficult times but now I see that spark that was missing. He had become so tired…so fatigued with the constant physical challenges. Where there were challenges before, Dad is now seeing opportunities today. He seems to know that God isn’t finished with him yet. I love it! My Mom has been an incredible supporter and cheerleader through all of this. Her faith is so strong.

Thanks again for all of you who have prayed for Chuck and Mary Cremeans!