For the past couple days, both Heidi and Libby have been under the weather. Probably just a cold, but no fun nonetheless. Add to this the fact that our "real" insurance doesn't kick in until tomorrow (Tuesday).
Yesterday afternoon, Libby went through the roof...she had a fever over 101 and wouldn't stop crying. We figured that it was an ear infection, so Heidi took her to an ambulatory center...only to find a 3 hour wait. So she came back home and called Rob, our family doc in Hamburg, NY. The NP on call talked Heidi through the situation and we waited it out over night. She's better today - still boogery, but seems to feel better. I think we averted the bad stuff.
That would have been enough for any Sunday afternoon. But yesterday evening was my first Members' Dinner at Northwest -- the annual business/vision meeting that takes place every year. I was running behind in preparation for it, then the whole Libby thing happened. So I had to leave my family in pretty tough shape -- Heidi felt like crap, Libby was calmed, but clearly sick, and Izak was a monkey bouncing off the walls...a guy feels good about leaving his family like that...
Thank God for Colleen!! She was scheduled to babysit so that Heidi could come to the dinner with me. Since the kids were sick, we waved her off. But when I had to leave and Heidi was taking Lib to the dr. we called her to come again to stay with Izak. She was great with him! She jumped right in, playing and chasing...it was great...thanks, Colleen. She stayed until the kids went down for the night. What a gift.
There I was, with about 45 minutes to prepare for the dinner (at least my part of it). I had most of it already prepared, but wanted another couple hours to nail things down. Oh, well...here we go.
And I think it went great! I think that everyone who played a part stepped up in a big way. I was proud to be a part of a leadership time like that! And this is just the beginning!
Today was family day, as it is every Monday. Izak and I were the errand boys so that Mommy and Libby could sleep as much as possible -- wasn't much, but was more than if we had been home.
We just got them to bed and all is quiet...what a great time of day. I love it.
Well, the week is before me and I'm ready for it. I'm beginning to feel a rhythm to my week -- not nails yet, but getting better.
Peace,
M@
Monday, February 28, 2005
Saturday, February 26, 2005
ahh....
Oh, baby...our new mattresses are incredible!! I can't believe we didn't do this sooner!! The next time you buy mattresses, you have to get the extra plush euro top...it's like sleeping on air.
I've got some work to do before I actually get to sleep there for the night...must hurry, study, and get to bed...
Got to meet with several of the children's ministry staff this morning. They are a great group of people who love kids and love Jesus...a great combination. They are excited about what God is up to.
Tomorrow is a big day...worship in the morning and then the annual members' dinner in the eveing. This dinner is for all the participating members of Northwest. We eat together, take a look back at where God has brought us, and take a look at what we hope will happen in the year ahead.
Looking ahead is an interesting thing. I, personally, lean heavily into planning. So my moderation is letting go in order to trust that God will lead where he wants to. Other people default toward doing nothing and just trusting that something will happen. They trust, but they're also lazy. When looking ahead, there is a balance. I'm called to work hard, seek God's direction, plan well...and then trust. If he wants to change the direction as we go, then so be it. It's actually very exciting.
I'm off...get the studying done and then to my bed!!!
Peace,
M@
I've got some work to do before I actually get to sleep there for the night...must hurry, study, and get to bed...
Got to meet with several of the children's ministry staff this morning. They are a great group of people who love kids and love Jesus...a great combination. They are excited about what God is up to.
Tomorrow is a big day...worship in the morning and then the annual members' dinner in the eveing. This dinner is for all the participating members of Northwest. We eat together, take a look back at where God has brought us, and take a look at what we hope will happen in the year ahead.
Looking ahead is an interesting thing. I, personally, lean heavily into planning. So my moderation is letting go in order to trust that God will lead where he wants to. Other people default toward doing nothing and just trusting that something will happen. They trust, but they're also lazy. When looking ahead, there is a balance. I'm called to work hard, seek God's direction, plan well...and then trust. If he wants to change the direction as we go, then so be it. It's actually very exciting.
I'm off...get the studying done and then to my bed!!!
Peace,
M@
Thursday, February 24, 2005
fire alarms...
Just found out that the fire alarms work very well. I was starting a fire in the fireplace with a fake log. Apparently there was a backdraft and all the smoke came back into the house. I'm a little disappointed, though, that Libby and Izak didn't get out of their beds and go to the safe place we've discussed as a family! Maybe next time...
I find myself pretty drained every night. I think it means several things...1) I'm working pretty hard and 2) I didn't have much margin to begin with. Margin is a wonderful thing. They say that moving causes just slightly less stress in a person's life than death (the death of someone else...one's own death probably doesn't cause much stress unless...). If that's the case (and I suspect that it is), then I think the Furrs are doing a pretty good job.
Tonight we put in the order for our new mattresses....ahhh. We're upgrading to a queen size, which will be nice in itself. But we're also going super plush, baby! The kind of bed you sink into...it makes me smile just thinking about it!
We learned about soft beds by staying at the Parido house during our visits here. Their guest bed rocks!
We also put in the order for a new dresser for us. We bought a bed in New England; other than that, we've never bought bedroom furniture for ourselves. We're not living large, but trying to wisely use some of the money we made on our house in New York. Instead of getting cheaply priced and made furniture, we're getting fewer pieces, but a higher quality. I'm looking forward to it all coming together.
Heidi got some stuff today for the kids' bathroom. It's fun animal stuff -- shower curtain, bathmat, etc.. She did a good job on that.
Now we're settling into a nice quiet evening (quiet except for the fire alarm). the kids are down. Izak is singing his swan song. Ahhh....this is one of my favorite times of day.
Good night...
M@
I find myself pretty drained every night. I think it means several things...1) I'm working pretty hard and 2) I didn't have much margin to begin with. Margin is a wonderful thing. They say that moving causes just slightly less stress in a person's life than death (the death of someone else...one's own death probably doesn't cause much stress unless...). If that's the case (and I suspect that it is), then I think the Furrs are doing a pretty good job.
Tonight we put in the order for our new mattresses....ahhh. We're upgrading to a queen size, which will be nice in itself. But we're also going super plush, baby! The kind of bed you sink into...it makes me smile just thinking about it!
We learned about soft beds by staying at the Parido house during our visits here. Their guest bed rocks!
We also put in the order for a new dresser for us. We bought a bed in New England; other than that, we've never bought bedroom furniture for ourselves. We're not living large, but trying to wisely use some of the money we made on our house in New York. Instead of getting cheaply priced and made furniture, we're getting fewer pieces, but a higher quality. I'm looking forward to it all coming together.
Heidi got some stuff today for the kids' bathroom. It's fun animal stuff -- shower curtain, bathmat, etc.. She did a good job on that.
Now we're settling into a nice quiet evening (quiet except for the fire alarm). the kids are down. Izak is singing his swan song. Ahhh....this is one of my favorite times of day.
Good night...
M@
Monday, February 21, 2005
Monday, Monday...
What a great family day! I love these days. I find that I'm a bit more tired than I used to be...the cost of more regular duties on Sundays. I actually think that I get more tired doing only one service than the multiple services that we did in Hamburg...strange.
We spent much of the day shopping for bedroom furniture. We've got a new mattress on layaway -- upgrading to a queen from the full we've been on for 10 years. But the rest of the furniture we have has been distributed to our children. So now all of our clothes are on the floor, in the closet, and in boxes. We're not in a huge hurry, but we've got the money set aside and are wanting to make a wise choice. So we bugged down to the JC Penny Home Store in Vernon Hills to look at some stuff we found online -- wanted to see it in person before ordering it. However...they don't have the same stuff that they list online...bummer.
After a great afternoon of naps, we went to Buffalo Wild Wings with the Paridos. It's fun to connect with them as friends (which makes working together at church more fun, too).
Tonight...Heidi's working on bills while I make some calls to friends in NY. I miss you guys...
Heidi's also finding that someone went shopping on our bank account from NY. How cool is that? Some jerk thinks that our debit card is his own. Come on, people...it's basic...if it's not yours, don't take it. Must be a Democrat (Ha...I said that for my uncle's benefit!). I could get sort of pissed about this, but I know the bank will make it right and we won't be held responsible for the charges...which are up past several hundred dollars to this point. Looks like some guy's car broke down in Ohio on his way to Daluth to pay his MCI phone bill! Dork!
I've been keeping up with some news from Buffalo. Sounds like Drew Bledsoe is about to (or already has) lost his starting job for the Bills. Heidi and I joked that his next stop will be Chicago. Funny thing...the guys on sports radio the other day mentioned Drew as a possible trade option for the Bears to fill a void for this year! How funny is that? Drew was in Boston while we were. Shortly after we left there, he was traded to the Bills. Now that we've left Buffalo, he's leaving. If he comes here, Heidi and I have decided that we're going to contact him and take him out for dinner or something.
Tomorrow is another run at things at Northwest. Not too much on the agenda at this point...I'm trying to use this week to get a few weeks ahead on message preparation. I don't like last-minute messages...too many one-cheecked pastors out there and I don't want to be one.
The fire is burning in the fireplace, which means it's time for me to chill out for the night.
Peace,
Matt
We spent much of the day shopping for bedroom furniture. We've got a new mattress on layaway -- upgrading to a queen from the full we've been on for 10 years. But the rest of the furniture we have has been distributed to our children. So now all of our clothes are on the floor, in the closet, and in boxes. We're not in a huge hurry, but we've got the money set aside and are wanting to make a wise choice. So we bugged down to the JC Penny Home Store in Vernon Hills to look at some stuff we found online -- wanted to see it in person before ordering it. However...they don't have the same stuff that they list online...bummer.
After a great afternoon of naps, we went to Buffalo Wild Wings with the Paridos. It's fun to connect with them as friends (which makes working together at church more fun, too).
Tonight...Heidi's working on bills while I make some calls to friends in NY. I miss you guys...
Heidi's also finding that someone went shopping on our bank account from NY. How cool is that? Some jerk thinks that our debit card is his own. Come on, people...it's basic...if it's not yours, don't take it. Must be a Democrat (Ha...I said that for my uncle's benefit!). I could get sort of pissed about this, but I know the bank will make it right and we won't be held responsible for the charges...which are up past several hundred dollars to this point. Looks like some guy's car broke down in Ohio on his way to Daluth to pay his MCI phone bill! Dork!
I've been keeping up with some news from Buffalo. Sounds like Drew Bledsoe is about to (or already has) lost his starting job for the Bills. Heidi and I joked that his next stop will be Chicago. Funny thing...the guys on sports radio the other day mentioned Drew as a possible trade option for the Bears to fill a void for this year! How funny is that? Drew was in Boston while we were. Shortly after we left there, he was traded to the Bills. Now that we've left Buffalo, he's leaving. If he comes here, Heidi and I have decided that we're going to contact him and take him out for dinner or something.
Tomorrow is another run at things at Northwest. Not too much on the agenda at this point...I'm trying to use this week to get a few weeks ahead on message preparation. I don't like last-minute messages...too many one-cheecked pastors out there and I don't want to be one.
The fire is burning in the fireplace, which means it's time for me to chill out for the night.
Peace,
Matt
Monday, Monday...
What a great family day! I love these days. I find that I'm a bit more tired than I used to be...the cost of more regular duties on Sundays. I actually think that I get more tired doing only one service than the multiple services that we did in Hamburg...strange.
We spent much of the day shopping for bedroom furniture. We've got a new mattress on layaway -- upgrading to a queen from the full we've been on for 10 years. But the rest of the furniture we have has been distributed to our children. So now all of our clothes are on the floor, in the closet, and in boxes. We're not in a huge hurry, but we've got the money set aside and are wanting to make a wise choice. So we bugged down to the JC Penny Home Store in Vernon Hills to look at some stuff we found online -- wanted to see it in person before ordering it. However...they don't have the same stuff that they list online...bummer.
After a great afternoon of naps, we went to Buffalo Wild Wings with the Paridos. It's fun to connect with them as friends (which makes working together at church more fun, too).
Tonight...Heidi's working on bills while I make some calls to friends in NY. I miss you guys...
Heidi's also finding that someone went shopping on our bank account from NY. How cool is that? Some jerk thinks that our debit card is his own. Come on, people...it's basic...if it's not yours, don't take it. Must be a Democrat (Ha...I said that for my uncle's benefit!). I could get sort of pissed about this, but I know the bank will make it right and we won't be held responsible for the charges...which are up past several hundred dollars to this point. Looks like some guy's car broke down in Ohio on his way to Daluth to pay his MCI phone bill! Dork!
I've been keeping up with some news from Buffalo. Sounds like Drew Bledsoe is about to (or already has) lost his starting job for the Bills. Heidi and I joked that his next stop will be Chicago. Funny thing...the guys on sports radio the other day mentioned Drew as a possible trade option for the Bears to fill a void for this year! How funny is that? Drew was in Boston while we were. Shortly after we left there, he was traded to the Bills. Now that we've left Buffalo, he's leaving. If he comes here, Heidi and I have decided that we're going to contact him and take him out for dinner or something.
Tomorrow is another run at things at Northwest. Not too much on the agenda at this point...I'm trying to use this week to get a few weeks ahead on message preparation. I don't like last-minute messages...too many one-cheecked pastors out there and I don't want to be one.
The fire is burning in the fireplace, which means it's time for me to chill out for the night.
Peace,
Matt
We spent much of the day shopping for bedroom furniture. We've got a new mattress on layaway -- upgrading to a queen from the full we've been on for 10 years. But the rest of the furniture we have has been distributed to our children. So now all of our clothes are on the floor, in the closet, and in boxes. We're not in a huge hurry, but we've got the money set aside and are wanting to make a wise choice. So we bugged down to the JC Penny Home Store in Vernon Hills to look at some stuff we found online -- wanted to see it in person before ordering it. However...they don't have the same stuff that they list online...bummer.
After a great afternoon of naps, we went to Buffalo Wild Wings with the Paridos. It's fun to connect with them as friends (which makes working together at church more fun, too).
Tonight...Heidi's working on bills while I make some calls to friends in NY. I miss you guys...
Heidi's also finding that someone went shopping on our bank account from NY. How cool is that? Some jerk thinks that our debit card is his own. Come on, people...it's basic...if it's not yours, don't take it. Must be a Democrat (Ha...I said that for my uncle's benefit!). I could get sort of pissed about this, but I know the bank will make it right and we won't be held responsible for the charges...which are up past several hundred dollars to this point. Looks like some guy's car broke down in Ohio on his way to Daluth to pay his MCI phone bill! Dork!
I've been keeping up with some news from Buffalo. Sounds like Drew Bledsoe is about to (or already has) lost his starting job for the Bills. Heidi and I joked that his next stop will be Chicago. Funny thing...the guys on sports radio the other day mentioned Drew as a possible trade option for the Bears to fill a void for this year! How funny is that? Drew was in Boston while we were. Shortly after we left there, he was traded to the Bills. Now that we've left Buffalo, he's leaving. If he comes here, Heidi and I have decided that we're going to contact him and take him out for dinner or something.
Tomorrow is another run at things at Northwest. Not too much on the agenda at this point...I'm trying to use this week to get a few weeks ahead on message preparation. I don't like last-minute messages...too many one-cheecked pastors out there and I don't want to be one.
The fire is burning in the fireplace, which means it's time for me to chill out for the night.
Peace,
Matt
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
the best of intentions...
The morning started pretty early...which is anything before ten in my world. But it was even a bit before that. My grogginess was attributed to the fact that I got home from my first elders' meeting about 11pm. It was a great meeting, I thought, but it went pretty late.
Today was the first day that I began my new running routine. A few days a week, I intend to run in the morning. I didn't pass too many mile markers today, but it was the first day of what I intend to make a life-long habit.
I've established a couple goals related to running...one is to run about 15-20 miles per week by October 2005. That will be a tough one, but I'm not behind the 8 ball too much at this point. The second goal is to run the Chicago Marathon in October 2006. How's that for ambitious? Watch the fat pastor run!! Run, Pastor, Run!! HAHAHA!
I'm running for my health. I love my kids and want to help them grow to adulthood. I love serving Christ and want to do so as long as I possibly can -- I'll get to be with him in person forever, so spending a few extra years here, trying to bring as many people with me as possible, isn't such a sacrifice. And I'm too dang fat. My eating is coming back under control...now it's time to exercise.
This evening I had a great treat...a friend from Hamburg, NY was flying through O'Hare on a business trip. His 2-hour layover afforded me the opportunity to meet him at the Hyatt for a drink. It was awesome to see your face, Mike!
Tomorrow is a day away with Kevin. We're going to head north to Wisconsin to get ot know each other better and seek God's direction for Northwest together. I'm excited about our friendship and partnership in ministry.
Peace,
Matt
Today was the first day that I began my new running routine. A few days a week, I intend to run in the morning. I didn't pass too many mile markers today, but it was the first day of what I intend to make a life-long habit.
I've established a couple goals related to running...one is to run about 15-20 miles per week by October 2005. That will be a tough one, but I'm not behind the 8 ball too much at this point. The second goal is to run the Chicago Marathon in October 2006. How's that for ambitious? Watch the fat pastor run!! Run, Pastor, Run!! HAHAHA!
I'm running for my health. I love my kids and want to help them grow to adulthood. I love serving Christ and want to do so as long as I possibly can -- I'll get to be with him in person forever, so spending a few extra years here, trying to bring as many people with me as possible, isn't such a sacrifice. And I'm too dang fat. My eating is coming back under control...now it's time to exercise.
This evening I had a great treat...a friend from Hamburg, NY was flying through O'Hare on a business trip. His 2-hour layover afforded me the opportunity to meet him at the Hyatt for a drink. It was awesome to see your face, Mike!
Tomorrow is a day away with Kevin. We're going to head north to Wisconsin to get ot know each other better and seek God's direction for Northwest together. I'm excited about our friendship and partnership in ministry.
Peace,
Matt
Monday, February 14, 2005
Family Day...
With everything that's changing in my world, one thing remains the same (ok, besides God's faithfulness)...Monday is still family day. I don't go into the office and I don't take work phone calls...we usually let all calls go to voicemail and leave them there until Tuesday. I love Mondays with my family.
Today, Izak and I ran some errands in the morning while Libby and Mommy took a little snooze. When they woke up, we all went out again. After KMart, we had lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings -- a little taste of home.
Then I got a little work done around the house, ran another errand, and then Izak and I played in the back yard while Mom and Libby prepared dinner. It was a good day together...that always get's my head and heart callibrated for the week ahead.
The worship gathering went well on Sunday. I feel like I'm starting to get some sort of groove there.
I've discovered one of the challenges of not having multiple services. When I would preach at Hamburg, I would "work" on Saturday night (tracking the time, flow, all the things that go into leading a worship gathering) and then on Sunday, I would be pretty engaged in the worship. With only one gathering here, I have to choose to be either engaged in the encounter with God or "work." No doubt that my work is an act of worship, but I focus on different things. At some level, I need to allow myself to engage with God even while I'm paying attention to the details. It will come.
Shaun is the ministry intern at Northwest. Having studied to be a history teacher and done that for a couple years, he is exploring a sense of calling to full-time leadership in the local church. He's exploring that at Northwest. While he's here, he's giving some leadership to our worship gatherings and is doing a good job. He seems to have a good feel for the people he's leading and how to help them encounter God together.
Tomorrow is a day full of meetings -- which I generally love. Staff in the morning. Lunch with Jerry, one of the elders. Then home to be back for a full night of the elders' regular monthly meeting. I'm looking forward to it. God is up to some great stuff at Northwest and it becomes even more clear as we talk about important issues and how to honor Him the best.
That's the scoop.
Peace,
M@
Today, Izak and I ran some errands in the morning while Libby and Mommy took a little snooze. When they woke up, we all went out again. After KMart, we had lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings -- a little taste of home.
Then I got a little work done around the house, ran another errand, and then Izak and I played in the back yard while Mom and Libby prepared dinner. It was a good day together...that always get's my head and heart callibrated for the week ahead.
The worship gathering went well on Sunday. I feel like I'm starting to get some sort of groove there.
I've discovered one of the challenges of not having multiple services. When I would preach at Hamburg, I would "work" on Saturday night (tracking the time, flow, all the things that go into leading a worship gathering) and then on Sunday, I would be pretty engaged in the worship. With only one gathering here, I have to choose to be either engaged in the encounter with God or "work." No doubt that my work is an act of worship, but I focus on different things. At some level, I need to allow myself to engage with God even while I'm paying attention to the details. It will come.
Shaun is the ministry intern at Northwest. Having studied to be a history teacher and done that for a couple years, he is exploring a sense of calling to full-time leadership in the local church. He's exploring that at Northwest. While he's here, he's giving some leadership to our worship gatherings and is doing a good job. He seems to have a good feel for the people he's leading and how to help them encounter God together.
Tomorrow is a day full of meetings -- which I generally love. Staff in the morning. Lunch with Jerry, one of the elders. Then home to be back for a full night of the elders' regular monthly meeting. I'm looking forward to it. God is up to some great stuff at Northwest and it becomes even more clear as we talk about important issues and how to honor Him the best.
That's the scoop.
Peace,
M@
Friday, February 11, 2005
The Elders...
I just got out of a full-day meeting with the other elders of Northwest Christian Community. John, Wanda, Eric, Elmer, Joe (and Jerry, who wasn't here today) are men and a woman who are passionate about their relationship with Jesus and take their role of leading the church seriously. Here's what makes me excited about working with them:
1) They love Jesus more than anything. They want to make him happy more than themselves.
2) They are willing to sacrifice personally to lead well. Most of them took time off of work to be here today. They used personal time to be in a meeting to talk about strategy and building issues.
3) They are eager to jump in and help make things happen. They don't agree and then assign all the tasks to the staff. They are giving of themselves to move forward.
What a gift to work and share life with these leaders.
Peace,
Matt
1) They love Jesus more than anything. They want to make him happy more than themselves.
2) They are willing to sacrifice personally to lead well. Most of them took time off of work to be here today. They used personal time to be in a meeting to talk about strategy and building issues.
3) They are eager to jump in and help make things happen. They don't agree and then assign all the tasks to the staff. They are giving of themselves to move forward.
What a gift to work and share life with these leaders.
Peace,
Matt
Thursday, February 10, 2005
flying time...
I can't believe how quickly time is moving these days. Every time I lift my head from something I'm working on, a few hours have passed by...it's incredible. I'm going to petition God to add another day to each week...how about that? 8 Days every week. I probably still wouldn't get everything done, so never mind.
Izak and Libby are fun kids. I love coming home and going through the night routine with them. Dinner...baths...playtime...then bed. I usually walk back down the stairs ready for my own bedtime...but we have a good time together while we can.
Heidi and I enjoyed a half hour, quietly sitting in the dark family room...the only light being the fire in the fireplace. It was nice -- sort of like when we were kids and had all the time in the world...
Our fireplace is a little inadequate. I'm not complaining, at least we got a fireplace that burns real wood...that was important to us. But it's an insert, which means it's pretty shallow. We haven't tried a pile of wood in there, but we've been using the fake logs you buy at K-Mart. It's not bad...they burn for a few hours (the extra big one we tried on Sunday night kept burning until about 2am!) and give off a lot of light. Tonight we even tried one that crackles. It doesn't seem quite right to have one log in the fireplace that burns for 3 hours...but that's what we have for now..and we can enjoy it.
CSI is on in a few minutes. That's one of the only shows we really enjoy watching any more. I lvoe the character development -- the original is the best of all of them. So I'll take a break pretty soon. Then back to work.
That's the scoop for now.
Peace,
Matt
Izak and Libby are fun kids. I love coming home and going through the night routine with them. Dinner...baths...playtime...then bed. I usually walk back down the stairs ready for my own bedtime...but we have a good time together while we can.
Heidi and I enjoyed a half hour, quietly sitting in the dark family room...the only light being the fire in the fireplace. It was nice -- sort of like when we were kids and had all the time in the world...
Our fireplace is a little inadequate. I'm not complaining, at least we got a fireplace that burns real wood...that was important to us. But it's an insert, which means it's pretty shallow. We haven't tried a pile of wood in there, but we've been using the fake logs you buy at K-Mart. It's not bad...they burn for a few hours (the extra big one we tried on Sunday night kept burning until about 2am!) and give off a lot of light. Tonight we even tried one that crackles. It doesn't seem quite right to have one log in the fireplace that burns for 3 hours...but that's what we have for now..and we can enjoy it.
CSI is on in a few minutes. That's one of the only shows we really enjoy watching any more. I lvoe the character development -- the original is the best of all of them. So I'll take a break pretty soon. Then back to work.
That's the scoop for now.
Peace,
Matt
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
not much...
I don't really have much profound to say today...that's a theme for the past little while.
One of the biggest changes in my new role is the part I play in the weekend worship gatherings. Every weekend (except for the occassional one off), I'm presenting a message. It comes every 7 days. Each week, my activities revolve around the importance of devoting time to crafting a relevant message.
Don't hear me complaining...I love it. I suspect there will be days when I wish it wasn't so relentless, but still being green, I love it and am excited to settle into the new rythm of life.
I get excited about beginning the conversation on weekends. I have found the Bible to be so helpful, relevant, and powerful for helping me personally know God and experience the kinds of change I'm looking for in my life. I love sharing that with others and getting their take on things through the ongoing conversation.
I've got some work to do for this weekend's conversation...so I should go do that instead of writing here...
Check out Heidi's blog...she wrote a hillarious story abou Izak.
Peace,
Matt
One of the biggest changes in my new role is the part I play in the weekend worship gatherings. Every weekend (except for the occassional one off), I'm presenting a message. It comes every 7 days. Each week, my activities revolve around the importance of devoting time to crafting a relevant message.
Don't hear me complaining...I love it. I suspect there will be days when I wish it wasn't so relentless, but still being green, I love it and am excited to settle into the new rythm of life.
I get excited about beginning the conversation on weekends. I have found the Bible to be so helpful, relevant, and powerful for helping me personally know God and experience the kinds of change I'm looking for in my life. I love sharing that with others and getting their take on things through the ongoing conversation.
I've got some work to do for this weekend's conversation...so I should go do that instead of writing here...
Check out Heidi's blog...she wrote a hillarious story abou Izak.
Peace,
Matt
Monday, February 07, 2005
First Impression Redemption...
I love the word redemption (I actually like the concept more than the word). It has so much power. The fact that something foul can be made winsome...it's like turning dog crap into gold! Who wouldn't want some of that?!?!
There is something special about first impressions. The first time you meet me, you don't know that much about me...you really only know what I want you to know. And likewise, I don't know all about your history. There is something redemptive about that because you aren't holding my past against me. Isn't that a huge part of redemption...That my past no longer determines my future?
The only thing better than first impressions...is going deeper into community with someone who sees all my warts and still doesn't hold them against me. It's that place where I am known as Matt -- there are no other hats (or pants...inside joke for a few back in Hamburg) allowed...just me. It's a place where my shortcomings are acknowledged, but not condoned...I'm not judged, but lovingly challenged.
The gift in this? That's the place where my character is most transformed to reflect the character of Jesus. And there is hardly a greater gift.
This life is a journey toward discovering places like this. It's a quest really. It requires fighting through initial impressions and pre-conceived notions about love and friendship. It means working through conflict, not running from it. It requires the hard work of trust, love, and selflessness. It doesn't come easy, by any means. But it's a good journey.
Peace (on the journey),
Matt
There is something special about first impressions. The first time you meet me, you don't know that much about me...you really only know what I want you to know. And likewise, I don't know all about your history. There is something redemptive about that because you aren't holding my past against me. Isn't that a huge part of redemption...That my past no longer determines my future?
The only thing better than first impressions...is going deeper into community with someone who sees all my warts and still doesn't hold them against me. It's that place where I am known as Matt -- there are no other hats (or pants...inside joke for a few back in Hamburg) allowed...just me. It's a place where my shortcomings are acknowledged, but not condoned...I'm not judged, but lovingly challenged.
The gift in this? That's the place where my character is most transformed to reflect the character of Jesus. And there is hardly a greater gift.
This life is a journey toward discovering places like this. It's a quest really. It requires fighting through initial impressions and pre-conceived notions about love and friendship. It means working through conflict, not running from it. It requires the hard work of trust, love, and selflessness. It doesn't come easy, by any means. But it's a good journey.
Peace (on the journey),
Matt
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Big day...Go Pats!
It's been a big day for the Furr family.
This morning was our first worship gathering at Northwest Christian Community. Though I've been at the office and my first official day was last Tuesday, today felt like the beginning...the beginning of something good.
I was "installed" as the new Lead Pastor and also as one of the Elders. There are 7 elders, who provide overall leadership (spiritual, organizational, and structural...which is pretty much the same as organizational) for the church community. Elders are servant leaders who are involved with just about every facet of life in the church - some teach, some care for the building, others serve children. It's a great group of men and a woman...I'm excited to work with them to lead Northwest.
The people of Northwest were so kind and affirming. It was special to have them affirm their commitment to stand with me and support me as a key leader and then to have them pray for Heidi and me.
Shortly after that, I gave my first message as lead pastor. It's only the beginning of what I hope will become a conversation. All those little comments that people have after a service...go write them down as a part of the discussion -- you can link there through the Northwest web site (www.nwcc.cc). It will be fun to interact together.
After the worship gathering, most everyone stuck around for a great pot-luck lunch (it's where everyone brings some sort of food to share with everyone else...the ones to get in line first get the best luck from the pots). It was a great time to get to know some people. This is a group that loves to hang out together...especially when food is involved.
After a little down time this afternoon, Heidi and I watched out Pats win the Super Bowl! Sorry, Buffalo friends...we really do love the Pats...have since we lived out there. It was a great game...and though not as dramatically, Viniateri won it for them again. Kept us on the edge of our couch the whole game...that's more fun than a blowout.
Tomorrow is my family day. I think there isn't anything too special planned...just a bit more digging out. Heidi is doing an awesome job settling things into their proper places. Way to go, babe!!
It's late...sort of...and now I'm going to bed.
Peace,
Matt
This morning was our first worship gathering at Northwest Christian Community. Though I've been at the office and my first official day was last Tuesday, today felt like the beginning...the beginning of something good.
I was "installed" as the new Lead Pastor and also as one of the Elders. There are 7 elders, who provide overall leadership (spiritual, organizational, and structural...which is pretty much the same as organizational) for the church community. Elders are servant leaders who are involved with just about every facet of life in the church - some teach, some care for the building, others serve children. It's a great group of men and a woman...I'm excited to work with them to lead Northwest.
The people of Northwest were so kind and affirming. It was special to have them affirm their commitment to stand with me and support me as a key leader and then to have them pray for Heidi and me.
Shortly after that, I gave my first message as lead pastor. It's only the beginning of what I hope will become a conversation. All those little comments that people have after a service...go write them down as a part of the discussion -- you can link there through the Northwest web site (www.nwcc.cc). It will be fun to interact together.
After the worship gathering, most everyone stuck around for a great pot-luck lunch (it's where everyone brings some sort of food to share with everyone else...the ones to get in line first get the best luck from the pots). It was a great time to get to know some people. This is a group that loves to hang out together...especially when food is involved.
After a little down time this afternoon, Heidi and I watched out Pats win the Super Bowl! Sorry, Buffalo friends...we really do love the Pats...have since we lived out there. It was a great game...and though not as dramatically, Viniateri won it for them again. Kept us on the edge of our couch the whole game...that's more fun than a blowout.
Tomorrow is my family day. I think there isn't anything too special planned...just a bit more digging out. Heidi is doing an awesome job settling things into their proper places. Way to go, babe!!
It's late...sort of...and now I'm going to bed.
Peace,
Matt
Friday, February 04, 2005
DSL...
As a part of our home phone set-up, Heidi and I took advantage of a special deal and got DSL (which is super-fast internet access). HOLY COW IT'S FAST!!!! I have never surfed this quickly before. Just about the time I blink, the new page is up...incredible! The problem...no going back...oh, well.
I just had to say that.
We're getting excited about the Super Bowl at the Furr house. We love the Pats (have since we lived near Boston about a decade ago). We liked the Bills, too, and will root for them...but the Pats...
I hope it's a good game, but not so good that Vinetari has to win it again. How incredible is that...two times he won the Super Bowl with a field goal...talk about pressure.
Anyway...not much going on at home tonight. I sort of like the quiet.
Peace,
Matt
I just had to say that.
We're getting excited about the Super Bowl at the Furr house. We love the Pats (have since we lived near Boston about a decade ago). We liked the Bills, too, and will root for them...but the Pats...
I hope it's a good game, but not so good that Vinetari has to win it again. How incredible is that...two times he won the Super Bowl with a field goal...talk about pressure.
Anyway...not much going on at home tonight. I sort of like the quiet.
Peace,
Matt
Message in the can...
that's a good thing. I've finished writing my first message at Northwest. I've had it mostly done for several weeks, but just put the finishing touches on it. I supposed I'll even polish it a bit more. I'm excited about it as it lays out my heart about what the church is supposed to become as a community of Christ-followers.
I'm referring to the weekend message as the conversation...I hope that's what it will become. I've taken the central premise of the message and put it into another blog at sharingthejourney.blogspot.com where people can respond and we can carry on a conversation about it. I'm not ready to have a full-blown discussion during the worship gathering...at least not yet. But I want to have a place where anyone can respond, ask questions, and dialogue about what's been presented.
I'm needing to get a bit more done today, so I'm signing off.
Thanks for stopping in, Richard...you're help will be huge, so don't give up on me!
Peace,
Matt
I'm referring to the weekend message as the conversation...I hope that's what it will become. I've taken the central premise of the message and put it into another blog at sharingthejourney.blogspot.com where people can respond and we can carry on a conversation about it. I'm not ready to have a full-blown discussion during the worship gathering...at least not yet. But I want to have a place where anyone can respond, ask questions, and dialogue about what's been presented.
I'm needing to get a bit more done today, so I'm signing off.
Thanks for stopping in, Richard...you're help will be huge, so don't give up on me!
Peace,
Matt
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Day Two...
Don't worry, I'm not beginning a cycle of numbering my days...it's just that I don't have much creativity in my brain right now...do you get "Day Two."
My books have found their home today. No, they aren't organized, just out of boxes and off the floor. It took me 4 years to get them in order in Hamburg, I hope to have it done within one here!
The office is quiet today. It feels like a Saturday felt back in Hamburg, no one around, quiet thoughts, slower pace. Should be good for writing, which is what today will be mostly about.
One of the reasons that transitions like this are so tiring is because nothing can be assumed. You can't drive to the store on autopilot...and if you do, you end up about 5 miles down a road you've never seen before wondering how you're going to get home (like me last night). You can retrieve anything from the kitchen without stopping and thinking where it might be....thankfully, milk in the fridge is always a good bet.
Even with people, you can't assume certain things. All these relationships are new. Kevin and Sara are already good friends...but there is so much that we have yet to learn about each other.
Part of the comfort of life is not having to think about every little thing. Change forces the issue. That's why so many people resist change (not only do they not like it, they work against it). We all settle into our routines...nothing wrong with that. But change is good because it helps us rethink about life. Why do I shop where I do? Why do I drive the places I drive? Why do I think these things about God? Where will I pray now? Will my prayers change? Will this force me to connect more meaningfully with my God? I hope so...
I'm thankful to be here. Tired. But so thankful.
Peace,
Matt
My books have found their home today. No, they aren't organized, just out of boxes and off the floor. It took me 4 years to get them in order in Hamburg, I hope to have it done within one here!
The office is quiet today. It feels like a Saturday felt back in Hamburg, no one around, quiet thoughts, slower pace. Should be good for writing, which is what today will be mostly about.
One of the reasons that transitions like this are so tiring is because nothing can be assumed. You can't drive to the store on autopilot...and if you do, you end up about 5 miles down a road you've never seen before wondering how you're going to get home (like me last night). You can retrieve anything from the kitchen without stopping and thinking where it might be....thankfully, milk in the fridge is always a good bet.
Even with people, you can't assume certain things. All these relationships are new. Kevin and Sara are already good friends...but there is so much that we have yet to learn about each other.
Part of the comfort of life is not having to think about every little thing. Change forces the issue. That's why so many people resist change (not only do they not like it, they work against it). We all settle into our routines...nothing wrong with that. But change is good because it helps us rethink about life. Why do I shop where I do? Why do I drive the places I drive? Why do I think these things about God? Where will I pray now? Will my prayers change? Will this force me to connect more meaningfully with my God? I hope so...
I'm thankful to be here. Tired. But so thankful.
Peace,
Matt
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Day One...
This morning at a little after 8:00 am (ct) I walked into my office for the first time as a lead pastor. The adventure begins. Heidi and I were sitting in the house last night when it sort of dawned on me that we made all these huge changes in our life so that I could begin a new job...and tomorrow would be day one of that new job. So here we are...
I'm about 1.5 hours away from my first staff meeting. Don't worry, I won't be logging every first for the next year! It's just a significant moment for me. I am beginning to live out what I have been in preparation for for the past 31 years...I was born for this, I have studdied for this, I have gotten experienced to prepare me for this...not it's time.
Heidi is doing a great job setting into the new house. She's nesting in her new kitchen (which has less storage space than the last one, which forces her to store unused items down in the basement). It looks like a real house.
I put the pantry shelves up in the basement yesterday. Izak was helping me stack cans of tomato sauce until he put one just a little too high. After they all crashed down and I laughed, he looked at me with such disappointment. After 10 seconds, he whispered, "sorry" in his sweet little voice. I tried to reassure him that I wasn't angry to upset at all...I even laughed about it. But there was not consolation to be had...the water works began...he's got such a tender heart...I hope I nuture that well.
Izak loves the new house. He sings and dances up in his room for hours on end. There is so much room for him to run around like a nut!
Libby is a little less sure of her new room. My parents gave us my old crib (yes, it's an antique), but she's not convinced yet. She's getting there. She does naps in the crib and night in the pack-n-play. She's doing well.
Last night was the night where I tried to connect the tv/dvd/vcr/receiver...it was hell! I'm not good at that stuff to begin with. But noone really gives instructions for this sort of thing...it's crazy. With help from Circuit City guy and Heidi, we got it all working. If we ever move...never mind, we're just not going to.
Well...the adventure is beginning. The staff is assebling...Day One.
Peace,
Matt
I'm about 1.5 hours away from my first staff meeting. Don't worry, I won't be logging every first for the next year! It's just a significant moment for me. I am beginning to live out what I have been in preparation for for the past 31 years...I was born for this, I have studdied for this, I have gotten experienced to prepare me for this...not it's time.
Heidi is doing a great job setting into the new house. She's nesting in her new kitchen (which has less storage space than the last one, which forces her to store unused items down in the basement). It looks like a real house.
I put the pantry shelves up in the basement yesterday. Izak was helping me stack cans of tomato sauce until he put one just a little too high. After they all crashed down and I laughed, he looked at me with such disappointment. After 10 seconds, he whispered, "sorry" in his sweet little voice. I tried to reassure him that I wasn't angry to upset at all...I even laughed about it. But there was not consolation to be had...the water works began...he's got such a tender heart...I hope I nuture that well.
Izak loves the new house. He sings and dances up in his room for hours on end. There is so much room for him to run around like a nut!
Libby is a little less sure of her new room. My parents gave us my old crib (yes, it's an antique), but she's not convinced yet. She's getting there. She does naps in the crib and night in the pack-n-play. She's doing well.
Last night was the night where I tried to connect the tv/dvd/vcr/receiver...it was hell! I'm not good at that stuff to begin with. But noone really gives instructions for this sort of thing...it's crazy. With help from Circuit City guy and Heidi, we got it all working. If we ever move...never mind, we're just not going to.
Well...the adventure is beginning. The staff is assebling...Day One.
Peace,
Matt
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
