That was Izak's montra all day. Heidi found a great little beach on Cedar Lake, just up the street from us. The sand is combes regularly and is soft. there are great swings to play on. The water is warm (fish pee does that, you know). And there are hardly any people there. So we've spent the past two nights at the beach!
Izak loves splashing around in the shallow water...still a little afraid of anything above the belly button. Libby is like a little sand crab, crawling right into the water until it's up to her chin...at which point, Mommy puts a stop to the progress. She just laughs and kicks...happy as a pig in poo!
Tonight, we were joined our our friends, the Paridos. We all grabbed some fast food and met at the beach. Good time had by all.
It's going to be a crazy weekend here...crazier than most. Can't explain the details right now, but will at another time.
The popcorn's done and it's time to pretend that time doesn't matter.
Peace,
Matt
Friday, July 29, 2005
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
it's nuts!!
The office just took a few steps closer to nuts! Dan showed up for duty on Tuesday. It's awesome having him around the office!! His heart is soft toward God. His sense of humor is about endless. And his head for leadership is beyond his years. I think it's going to be a great partnership...Kevin, Dan, and me.
You wouldn't think it would change, much, but having another leadership staff really does make a difference. I like the challenge that it will present me...caring for, leading, and sharing life with both of these guys.
I've been leading a conversation on prayer during the weekend worship gatherings. It's been a good challenge for me to study and articulate a vision of prayer that is complex, yet so simple. I've noticed the changes in my own prayer life, which is encouraging. At the heart of it, prayer is about a conversation with God, which draws us closer together.
The other part of prayer remains somewhat mysterious to me...the requests/intercession part of prayer. We're making that turn this weekend. What can I pray for and then what can I expect from God as I do?
In short, the more my prayers aligns with God's kingdom and will in this world, the more I will see God's power revealed in the answers. I'm still processing that...
Has there every been anything huge that you've prayed about and seen God answer/do in response? Share the story with me, if you would.
Peace,
Matt
You wouldn't think it would change, much, but having another leadership staff really does make a difference. I like the challenge that it will present me...caring for, leading, and sharing life with both of these guys.
I've been leading a conversation on prayer during the weekend worship gatherings. It's been a good challenge for me to study and articulate a vision of prayer that is complex, yet so simple. I've noticed the changes in my own prayer life, which is encouraging. At the heart of it, prayer is about a conversation with God, which draws us closer together.
The other part of prayer remains somewhat mysterious to me...the requests/intercession part of prayer. We're making that turn this weekend. What can I pray for and then what can I expect from God as I do?
In short, the more my prayers aligns with God's kingdom and will in this world, the more I will see God's power revealed in the answers. I'm still processing that...
Has there every been anything huge that you've prayed about and seen God answer/do in response? Share the story with me, if you would.
Peace,
Matt
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Wearing Heidi's Shoes...
I'm not sure they fit...the shoes of an incredible mother. But I'm trying them on today. Heidi is in the big city today taking a class to be certified for ACLS (Advanded Certification for Life Saving -- I made that up, but it's close)...which means she will be able to call the shots at a code in the hospital. What's a code? It means her patient stops breathing or their heart stops or goes into funky rhythms...it's not good. She can explain that more if she wants.
But I'm on duty today. I love this time with my kids. I got some work done this morning while Charlotte babysat. Now I can focus my attention on Libby and Izak. They are napping for the moment...at least they're supposed to be.
It's the first time in a long time that Heidi's taken the whole day away. Even if the class is stressful (which is it), she gets to talk with grown-ups and not have to change anyone's diaper! I have always enjoyed Daddy Days, as we call them.
Who knows what the afternoon holds?!?! Excitement and thrills, I'm sure!
Peace,
M@
But I'm on duty today. I love this time with my kids. I got some work done this morning while Charlotte babysat. Now I can focus my attention on Libby and Izak. They are napping for the moment...at least they're supposed to be.
It's the first time in a long time that Heidi's taken the whole day away. Even if the class is stressful (which is it), she gets to talk with grown-ups and not have to change anyone's diaper! I have always enjoyed Daddy Days, as we call them.
Who knows what the afternoon holds?!?! Excitement and thrills, I'm sure!
Peace,
M@
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Thank you!!
A huge "THANK YOU" to my incredible wife and wonderful mother-in-law. I don't use those adjectives because of what they recently did, but because of who I have known them to be.
For my birthday, they teamed up to buy my book list. You may have noticed that there was a book list in my side bar to the right. That was a list of books that I hoped to get as gifts. I didn't label it like that because I didn't want to be so blatent about asking, but also wanted to keep a running list for those who ask about good gifts for me. Anyway...they cleared the current list! What a gift...thank you!!
Yesterday was a great birthday/family day for me. I woke up to Izak running into the bedroom saying, "Happy firtday, Daddy!" Darn cute! There's no better way to wake up (other than when mommy does it...;-)
Spent the rest of the day running some errands, fixing the sump pump, enjoying ice cream with new friends, and then reading some of my new books before bed. What a day!! Thanks to my family for making it special.
Stopped in to see Dan and Anjee's new apartment (new to them and also brand new). It made me remember the places Heidi and I have lived in throughout our marriage. We've had a great 13 years together (only 11 of them in marriage). What an honor to chase after God with such a great woman.
And we haven't stopped yet...
Peace,
M@
For my birthday, they teamed up to buy my book list. You may have noticed that there was a book list in my side bar to the right. That was a list of books that I hoped to get as gifts. I didn't label it like that because I didn't want to be so blatent about asking, but also wanted to keep a running list for those who ask about good gifts for me. Anyway...they cleared the current list! What a gift...thank you!!
Yesterday was a great birthday/family day for me. I woke up to Izak running into the bedroom saying, "Happy firtday, Daddy!" Darn cute! There's no better way to wake up (other than when mommy does it...;-)
Spent the rest of the day running some errands, fixing the sump pump, enjoying ice cream with new friends, and then reading some of my new books before bed. What a day!! Thanks to my family for making it special.
Stopped in to see Dan and Anjee's new apartment (new to them and also brand new). It made me remember the places Heidi and I have lived in throughout our marriage. We've had a great 13 years together (only 11 of them in marriage). What an honor to chase after God with such a great woman.
And we haven't stopped yet...
Peace,
M@
Monday, July 18, 2005
Fetzer invasion!!!
No, don't run for cover...Fetzer is a good thing! Actually, Fetzer is a great guy!
Jeffry Fetzer Cobb landed at the Furr house about 6 on Friday. It's the first time we've laid eyes on him in about 5 years. It's hard to believe it's been that long...he's never met our children before this weekend.
Fetz was in our wedding, almost 11 years ago. He was a friend that I met in college through my roommate, Don. Fetz and his roommate, Seth, were our eukre wipping boys during our Sophomore year. It was beautiful!
It was great to spend some time with this timeless friend. We've kept in touch, even though not in person much. He's spent time on congressional staff in Washington, DC before heading back to MI and running a local campaign and joining the staff of the guy he got elected. He's learning his way around Lansing in fine fashion. As he grows, matures, and learn the trade, I see him going wherever he wants to in the world of government and politics. You can find out more about him by going to his blog (link on the right).
Today is my last day as a 31 year old. In about an hour, it will be my birthday!!! I'm actually not so big on birthdays. I don't mind them or avoid them, it's just not that big a deal to me.
But as I think about it, birthdays are sort of cool...they come around for everyone. One day a year, a person is celebrated and honored simply because they are. Not too profound...just sort of cool.
Had fun watching the review of Tiger's win at the Old Course in Scotland. I love watching him golf. When he's on...it's pretty amazing.
That's the scoop for now.
Peace,
M@
Jeffry Fetzer Cobb landed at the Furr house about 6 on Friday. It's the first time we've laid eyes on him in about 5 years. It's hard to believe it's been that long...he's never met our children before this weekend.
Fetz was in our wedding, almost 11 years ago. He was a friend that I met in college through my roommate, Don. Fetz and his roommate, Seth, were our eukre wipping boys during our Sophomore year. It was beautiful!
It was great to spend some time with this timeless friend. We've kept in touch, even though not in person much. He's spent time on congressional staff in Washington, DC before heading back to MI and running a local campaign and joining the staff of the guy he got elected. He's learning his way around Lansing in fine fashion. As he grows, matures, and learn the trade, I see him going wherever he wants to in the world of government and politics. You can find out more about him by going to his blog (link on the right).
Today is my last day as a 31 year old. In about an hour, it will be my birthday!!! I'm actually not so big on birthdays. I don't mind them or avoid them, it's just not that big a deal to me.
But as I think about it, birthdays are sort of cool...they come around for everyone. One day a year, a person is celebrated and honored simply because they are. Not too profound...just sort of cool.
Had fun watching the review of Tiger's win at the Old Course in Scotland. I love watching him golf. When he's on...it's pretty amazing.
That's the scoop for now.
Peace,
M@
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Dan and Anjee
I just got back to the office after catching a quick drink with Dan and Anjee...they just pulled into town after 3+ days on the road. They got out of Orlando with the storm in their rear view mirror. After a few long days, they've arrived in their new home town.
Dan's mom and dad began the journey with them, helping to load, drive, and unload the trucks. What a gift, I'm sure. Tomorrow they head back to Michigan to explore the world of the retired.
It was good to see Dan and Anjee again. They will be a great fit at Northwest in so many ways. It's clear that God has been guiding this process from the beginning.
I remember back when Heidi and I were young and on the road...wow...if you don't know me, you probably read that and pegged my age at about 106...you're only off by a few. Heidi and I arrived in Hamburg, NY, with a U-Haul and big expectations. We were eager to be a part of God's plan. I hope and pray that Dan and Anjee will fit here as well as we did there (and do here, also).
There are good days full of expectation. There is much and hard work to do, but I sense God's hand on us. It's all for his pleasure...
Welcome home, Dan and Anjee. May you know God's pleasure and peace as you meet new friends and comrades.
Peace,
M@
Dan's mom and dad began the journey with them, helping to load, drive, and unload the trucks. What a gift, I'm sure. Tomorrow they head back to Michigan to explore the world of the retired.
It was good to see Dan and Anjee again. They will be a great fit at Northwest in so many ways. It's clear that God has been guiding this process from the beginning.
I remember back when Heidi and I were young and on the road...wow...if you don't know me, you probably read that and pegged my age at about 106...you're only off by a few. Heidi and I arrived in Hamburg, NY, with a U-Haul and big expectations. We were eager to be a part of God's plan. I hope and pray that Dan and Anjee will fit here as well as we did there (and do here, also).
There are good days full of expectation. There is much and hard work to do, but I sense God's hand on us. It's all for his pleasure...
Welcome home, Dan and Anjee. May you know God's pleasure and peace as you meet new friends and comrades.
Peace,
M@
Saturday, July 09, 2005
A few rounds of golf later...
What a week!!
First of all, I want to thank Heidi for making this past week happen. Since we moved to IL, she has made it a priority for me to golf with Rick. She was the one who told me to put a golf trip on the books. And she has been consistent in her admonition to take some time away by myself to get some rest. There may have been times this week in which she doubted her sanity at such a suggestion, but she has remained steadfast in her support and encouragement of me taking this time away. I can't put to words how thankful I am for her gift to me.
I missed my family something fierce. I love them and don't like to be away from them. I missed Libby's intense happiness and Izak's new expressions. I missed tucking him into bed at night and saying a quick prayer before Lowly Worm gets kissed goodnight. And I missed the company of my soul-mate...simply sharing space with Heidi is a treasure that gives me strength.
That being said, it was a great week of rest and play. Here's a quick breakdown...
Monday - drove to Erie, PA and spent some time alone. I love to drive long distances...this was great! Saw War of the Worlds...give it a C-.
Tuesday - drove to Eden, NY to see the Musielaks. Helped Rick put up a swing station in the back yard...kids were very excited about that. Drove past old house...strange. It didn't feel like "home" anymore...guess that's good because it isn't home. Spent the afternoon golfing a wonderful course in the hills of Caturaugus County. Had dinner with Rick and Carrie at Beef-N-Barrell...great food and company!! Connected with Pincosky's (Carrie's folks who life on Whig Street) a few minutes and headed home.
Wednesday - woke up early (like we always did) to head to PA for golf. An hour and a half later, we were in heaven! Round 1 lasted about 3 hours. We learned that in a cart, we still couldn't catch two old guys on foot...lesson: golfing every day is better than renting a cart. Stopped for a dog. Round 2 lasted about four hours. Lesson: two old guys in a cart who have never played the course are slower than two young guys who play it several times a year. Another lesson...an old prostate makes you stop and pee every other hole...not to self...
After golf, we headed back to Eden for a quick bite and then to "beach" volleyball at the Buxton (a crappy bar with no beach-front property, but a big sand-pit in the back). Say several old friends. After volleyball, went to Roadhouse for messy sundaes with the Goble clan. Good friends. Good conversation. Good dessert. Good night.
Thursday - surprised several people by popping in on them. Only a handful of people knew that I would be in town. So I just showed up...saw several friends and the staff at Hamburg Wesleyan. It was great to connect. Then up to the city to touch base with Cerbones and McKwacz's...good to see their faces! Tried to head out of town by noon...yeah right. Left Hamburg about 6pm and drove to Indiana. Got to stop and enjoy a great sunset in Cleaveland...
Friday - slept in. Read. Prayed. Drove to Chicago. Home about 4pm. Back with family...I love my family!!! Took my wife out for dinner for her birthday...HAPPY 34th BIRTHDAY!!!! Thank you, God, for my wife!!!
Saturday - back in the office to try to get my head back in the game. Message written...need to redo the intro...
That was my week. Good friends. Good driving and time alone. My soul is nourished and I am thankful.
I wondered how my heart would respond to being in Hamburg again. It didn't feel like home anymore. It felt very familiar and filled with fond memories and people I love. But it's not home.
Driving up 94, 120, and 83 to Lake Villa...that felt more like home. It's not all the way there, yet (it's only been 5 months), but this is where I belong. It's good to be home.
Peace,
M@
First of all, I want to thank Heidi for making this past week happen. Since we moved to IL, she has made it a priority for me to golf with Rick. She was the one who told me to put a golf trip on the books. And she has been consistent in her admonition to take some time away by myself to get some rest. There may have been times this week in which she doubted her sanity at such a suggestion, but she has remained steadfast in her support and encouragement of me taking this time away. I can't put to words how thankful I am for her gift to me.
I missed my family something fierce. I love them and don't like to be away from them. I missed Libby's intense happiness and Izak's new expressions. I missed tucking him into bed at night and saying a quick prayer before Lowly Worm gets kissed goodnight. And I missed the company of my soul-mate...simply sharing space with Heidi is a treasure that gives me strength.
That being said, it was a great week of rest and play. Here's a quick breakdown...
Monday - drove to Erie, PA and spent some time alone. I love to drive long distances...this was great! Saw War of the Worlds...give it a C-.
Tuesday - drove to Eden, NY to see the Musielaks. Helped Rick put up a swing station in the back yard...kids were very excited about that. Drove past old house...strange. It didn't feel like "home" anymore...guess that's good because it isn't home. Spent the afternoon golfing a wonderful course in the hills of Caturaugus County. Had dinner with Rick and Carrie at Beef-N-Barrell...great food and company!! Connected with Pincosky's (Carrie's folks who life on Whig Street) a few minutes and headed home.
Wednesday - woke up early (like we always did) to head to PA for golf. An hour and a half later, we were in heaven! Round 1 lasted about 3 hours. We learned that in a cart, we still couldn't catch two old guys on foot...lesson: golfing every day is better than renting a cart. Stopped for a dog. Round 2 lasted about four hours. Lesson: two old guys in a cart who have never played the course are slower than two young guys who play it several times a year. Another lesson...an old prostate makes you stop and pee every other hole...not to self...
After golf, we headed back to Eden for a quick bite and then to "beach" volleyball at the Buxton (a crappy bar with no beach-front property, but a big sand-pit in the back). Say several old friends. After volleyball, went to Roadhouse for messy sundaes with the Goble clan. Good friends. Good conversation. Good dessert. Good night.
Thursday - surprised several people by popping in on them. Only a handful of people knew that I would be in town. So I just showed up...saw several friends and the staff at Hamburg Wesleyan. It was great to connect. Then up to the city to touch base with Cerbones and McKwacz's...good to see their faces! Tried to head out of town by noon...yeah right. Left Hamburg about 6pm and drove to Indiana. Got to stop and enjoy a great sunset in Cleaveland...
Friday - slept in. Read. Prayed. Drove to Chicago. Home about 4pm. Back with family...I love my family!!! Took my wife out for dinner for her birthday...HAPPY 34th BIRTHDAY!!!! Thank you, God, for my wife!!!
Saturday - back in the office to try to get my head back in the game. Message written...need to redo the intro...
That was my week. Good friends. Good driving and time alone. My soul is nourished and I am thankful.
I wondered how my heart would respond to being in Hamburg again. It didn't feel like home anymore. It felt very familiar and filled with fond memories and people I love. But it's not home.
Driving up 94, 120, and 83 to Lake Villa...that felt more like home. It's not all the way there, yet (it's only been 5 months), but this is where I belong. It's good to be home.
Peace,
M@
Sunday, July 03, 2005
heading out...
Not sure when I'll post next. I'll be golfing with a buddy of mine this week. I head out tomorrow morning and will be gone most of the week.
1. MY WIFE IS INCREDIBLE!!! She knows that some time on the course energizes and re-charges me. She's committed to me so much that she encouraged me to book this trip while she stays home with the kids. Yup...incredible.
2. Rache is here from Hamburg. She was our baby-sitter while we lived there and has come for a visit. Perfect timing...she'll help with the kids while I'm gone.
I'm excited about the week and looking forward to some time away. This will be my first vacation time since moving to IL...and I didn't take much in Hamburg, so I've been running pretty hard. Even just the drive will be good.
Northwest has pulled the trigger on hiring our first worship arts pastor. Dan and Anjee Thorp will be moving here from Orlando in a couple weeks to join the mission. I'm excited about this step and believe that God has been orchestrating this step. It's been fun to be obedient to His leading on this and to see the leadership team step out in faith.
Have a great Independence Day celebration!! Happy Birthday, America!!
M@
1. MY WIFE IS INCREDIBLE!!! She knows that some time on the course energizes and re-charges me. She's committed to me so much that she encouraged me to book this trip while she stays home with the kids. Yup...incredible.
2. Rache is here from Hamburg. She was our baby-sitter while we lived there and has come for a visit. Perfect timing...she'll help with the kids while I'm gone.
I'm excited about the week and looking forward to some time away. This will be my first vacation time since moving to IL...and I didn't take much in Hamburg, so I've been running pretty hard. Even just the drive will be good.
Northwest has pulled the trigger on hiring our first worship arts pastor. Dan and Anjee Thorp will be moving here from Orlando in a couple weeks to join the mission. I'm excited about this step and believe that God has been orchestrating this step. It's been fun to be obedient to His leading on this and to see the leadership team step out in faith.
Have a great Independence Day celebration!! Happy Birthday, America!!
M@
Saturday, July 02, 2005
follow the link...
Wayne Cordiero is a pastor in HI...I know...suffering for Jesus. Check out this link to his blog...I found it inspiring...
http://enewhope.typepad.com/mentoring_at_a_distance/
2005/04/lessons_from_th.html#comments
Peace,
M@
http://enewhope.typepad.com/mentoring_at_a_distance/
2005/04/lessons_from_th.html#comments
Peace,
M@
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