up too late...

I should be sleeping right now. But I can't. There are too many things that I'm thinking and praying about. My energy is through the roof right now - about 11:45pm. The house is quiet except for the dishwasher (so much for Super Silent III technology). But in my mind and spirit, it might was well be noon.

When I came on staff at The Chapel, I heard people talk about the sleepness nights. There were a variety of reasons - too much to do, excited about special projects, anxious about conflict. But I've not had many sleepless nights that didn't include puking pre-schoolers. But I guess this is what they were talking about.

Let me tell you a little about the people I get to work with. These are staff on my campus...

Rachel - She's my assistant and Office Manager. She is about halfway through her first pregnancy and is going to be a great mom. If she can juggle her job here...motherhood will be cake...mostly...

Dan - he's our Senior High Pastor and is married to Rachel. He's very cool. I'm a bit more cool because I hang around with Dan. He's stoked about being a new daddy this fall. It's fun to talk about those things with him.

Davy - he's our Junior High Pastor. Once you meet Davy, you say, "he should be in junior high youth ministry." With a Red Bull on board, he's got enough energy to keep up with the dodge-balling jr. highers every week. He's also got a great heart and loves Jesus in big ways.

Laurie - she has been serving our small group leaders for a long time. She is one of the most personable and warm, gentle, kind people I know. I love having her around.

Lynn - as the Worship Director, he brings amazing energy and spiritual insight into a powerful ministry. I love seeing her lead as she does. She is so sensitive to the Spirit and passionate about following Him in every area of her life. She is a great friend. She is also a former professional athlete - ask her about it when you meet her!

Kathy - is our Service Director. She makes things run smoothly (smoothly, right, Kathy?) for the weekend experiences. She's a gifted intercessor and solid leader. She has a slew of kids of her own (and Scott, her husband, too), and then a hole bunch that she claims. Their home is the place to crash if you're a teenager - you if you just need a place to crash. She was born and raised in the Middle East...how cool is that?

Kim - she makes sure our kids have an incredible time Livin' It on the Great Adventure. She's a top-shelf and insightful leader. She's a "lion" like me...but a little more fun!

Nancy - works directly with Kim in TGA (The Great Adventure, which is our children's ministry). She is a tender, kind, and grace-filled leader who loves kids and families. Her son and daughter help make Sunday mornings a little more engaging for our kids, who are there all morning. Nancy leads our minsitry called Special Friends - a ministry for kids with special needs...what a gift!

Sheila - She also works with Kim. She puts her energy into early childhood area. Izal loves...loves Ms. Sheila! She creates an incredible environment and has amazing vision for how young kids connect with God.

Mike - makes sure all our techinical stuff is working the way it should. He's a detail guy with a great knack for making things work well. God bless Mike!! He's a gentle and kind man who is a patient teacher and techie-guy.

Ross - the facilities guy. You need something? Ross is the man. With an amazing heart for ministry and a servant's heart that doesn't quit. Ross is a fun guy, who is passionate about serving behind the scenes. And he knows all the good hiding places in the building!

Yup...that's my gang. These are the folks I get to serve with each week. Some are part time and others are full. But I love being with them, sharing some life with them, and leading with them. They are gifted, smart, loving people who are completely committed to following Jesus, whatever that means. Can you see why I love going to work? And can you see why I don't mind having a bunch of energy thinking about work? These people are a gift to me and those who call the Libertyville campus their home.

Peace,

M@