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 Pastor
Dan Daugherty,
The Father's House, San Marcos:
I don’t know about you, but I think that most of us
consider ourselves to be better suited at giving advice, rather
than candidates for receiving it. Being a dad of two, I am
seeing the origins of the advice-gene. Several weeks ago,
my son (Dawson) told me the shirt I was wearing to church
didn’t look good tucked in. I reasoned with him and
begged to differ, but in the end, I un-tucked. My daughter
(Drew) has recently told me (with strong conviction and emotion)
that my sermons are “OK” but would be better if
I would just speak slower! “No offense Dad.” Again,
she was correct in her assessment. How do I know? Because
her mother seconded the opinion.
Proverbs
20:18 exhorts us to, “make plans by seeking advice;
if you wage war, obtain guidance.” Guidance requires
another voice.
One
of the greatest pieces of advice I have obtained from my father
is that quick starts and fantastic finishes aren’t what
life is all about; it is being prepared for the “long-middle”
of life. I remember telling my dad one day that I was bored.
He replied, “good, much of life is boring and you need
to learn to be good at it.” As an adult, husband, father
and pastor, this advice has benefited me during quiet times
when it seems as if “nothing” is happening. If
we are going to have a strong “finish,” we need
to have a peaceful “middle.”
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 Pastor
David Helbling,
Elim Chapel Assembly of God, Ocean Beach:
My
father’s nephew — my first cousin — contemporary
songwriter Tommy Walker, puts it well: “Only a God like
You could be worthy of all praise!” Dad taught me to
love and honor God through singing.
Born
Doyle Helbling in 1922, he was the second of five children
raised in the ministry. The three oldest were boys and they
were taught to sing three-part harmony at an early age. They
became known through radio, as well as other venues, as the
Junio Gospel Trio. Dad grew up to be one of the best Bible
teachers I’ve known. Though unpublished, he has written
several hundred gospel songs.
We
had little to do with “secular” music in our home.
Anytime I heard singing it was almost always God-honoring.
That well-planted seed grew. Worship through music has shaped my life and sustained me through difficult
times. Thanks Dad! Because of your influence, I’ve been
blessed to “know the joyful sound!” (Psalm 89:15)
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