What a nice weekend...my folks came for a visit Saturday to Monday. It was great to catch up with them a bit and see them play with the kids. They are very good at this grandparent gig.
Saturday am, a friend, Lynn, brought over a bag full of costumes. The kids went crazy, changing from one outfit to the next - Batman, spider, pirate, back to Batman. What a great time had by all!
It was a good weekend at The Chapel...I love being in that environment, connecting with God and a bunch of great people seeking Him. What a gift to be a part of it...
I'm not teaching for a few weeks. I have a great time when I get to teach...but appreciate the breaks.
And today was family day. What a great time together as family. The kids are enjoying that time more and more - and understanding that Mondays are different than other others.
And, oh, yeah...my Red Sox are world champions!! Now that the World Series is over, I can get some sleep again...
Have a great week!
M@
Monday, October 29, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
talking with God...
I've taken a bit of time today to connect with God. I try to get some extended time on a regular basis - it doesn't always happen as I want, but these times have proven to be meaningful, nonetheless.
I'm reading a book called, "Hearing God" by Dallas Willard. Let me share a couple of quotes:
"Life with effects beyond the natural always depends upon intimate interactions between us and God, who is therefore present."
"So our union with God - his presence with us, in which our aloneness is banished and the meaning and full purpose of human existence is realized - consists chiefly in a conversational relationship with God while we are each consistently and deeply engaged as his friend and colaborer in the affairs of the kingdom of the heavens."
What does a conversation with God look like for you?
I'm reading a book called, "Hearing God" by Dallas Willard. Let me share a couple of quotes:
"Life with effects beyond the natural always depends upon intimate interactions between us and God, who is therefore present."
"So our union with God - his presence with us, in which our aloneness is banished and the meaning and full purpose of human existence is realized - consists chiefly in a conversational relationship with God while we are each consistently and deeply engaged as his friend and colaborer in the affairs of the kingdom of the heavens."
What does a conversation with God look like for you?
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Go Sox!!
My Red Sox are heading to the World Series! What an incredible come-from-behind victory over the Indians. I'm not all that into baseball during the regular season...but post-season is fun. The problem is that I stay up too late...
It's been an exciting couple of weeks of staffing. I've hired an assistant. Amanda begins tomorrow morning! I'm excited to get into a rhythm with her around the office. Thank you, God, for bringing Amanda to The Chapel!
And this past Friday, we interviewed a strong candidate for Associate Pastor at my campus. I'm excited about this guy and believe God's hand is on him in big ways. I can't say much more than that at this point, but will share results with you as soon as I can.
I've had three very big hires in the past couple months. It's been a long road, but it looks like God will fill them before Thanksgiving! This is huge for me and for the campus I lead. Thank you, God, for adding to a great team!
That's the scoop for now. Nothing "profound" but a deep sense of gratitude to God for His provision. I don't want to create the perception that God is good only when He provides as I desire. He is good all the time, no matter the circumstances. And in His goodness, I have also experienced His provision. Again, thank you, God!
Peace,
M@
It's been an exciting couple of weeks of staffing. I've hired an assistant. Amanda begins tomorrow morning! I'm excited to get into a rhythm with her around the office. Thank you, God, for bringing Amanda to The Chapel!
And this past Friday, we interviewed a strong candidate for Associate Pastor at my campus. I'm excited about this guy and believe God's hand is on him in big ways. I can't say much more than that at this point, but will share results with you as soon as I can.
I've had three very big hires in the past couple months. It's been a long road, but it looks like God will fill them before Thanksgiving! This is huge for me and for the campus I lead. Thank you, God, for adding to a great team!
That's the scoop for now. Nothing "profound" but a deep sense of gratitude to God for His provision. I don't want to create the perception that God is good only when He provides as I desire. He is good all the time, no matter the circumstances. And in His goodness, I have also experienced His provision. Again, thank you, God!
Peace,
M@
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
quick hits
Here are a few late-night quick hits...
Family Fusion - we launched a great new family experience at my campus tonight. Some incredible people put their creative fire-power into creating an experience for the whole family. Instead of creating another thing that sends members of the family to different parts of the building, we're working to bring the family together to experience God. It takes huge creativity to engage people of all ages. And tonight was a great launch into something that will be incredible. It was a risk...but I believe it paid off.
Chris on board - Chris is the new Worship Director at my campus. She has an amazing creative mind and an even more amazing heart of love for Jesus. She's been on board for a couple weeks now (though one week off for a pre-Chapel-scheduled vacation). We're just getting going...but I'm stoked about where God is leading us as a campus.
Lynn - Lynn is the lady who has been leading worship at my campus for years. Every week that I spend with Lynn, I see another layer of depth that makes her a godly and inspiring woman. It is a gift for me to have her on my team - and I'm excited that she's not going anywhere! Lynn is the kind of person that draws people closer to God just simply by being around.
Sports thoughts - I hate the Yankees...I was a huge Indians fan the past week! UofM was still beaten by App. State in the first weekend of the season...and that will always make me giggle...even when people try to mock MSU - the Spartans were supposed to stink this year...UofM was beaten by a Div 2 school! There's just a lot more mileage in that one. My fantasy team stinks...no way around it. Me best week was a tie. I love the Red Sox...the new World Series Champs (in a couple weeks).
My kids - man I love those kids! I just love hanging around them, listening to them talk together, watching them play together. How did God see fit to honor me with their little lives?
Teaching - I've had more opportunities to teach at The Chapel than I imagined. I'm enjoying it every time I get to. It's a stretch for me to prepare and fit it into my schedule...but so far I've felt it's worth it on many levels.
Staff search - I'm searching for two key staff...Executive Assistant and Associate Campus Pastor. I have some good leads for both. Not having these positions is really killing me these days. But i'm trusting God's provision and that He's raising up the right person at the right time. I just need to keep trusting and being faithful with what's before me. Some stuff doesn't get done...but God's grace coveres that gap.
Heidi - how many times can I explain how incredible she is. As challenging as these days are, with the stuff on my plate and pressures of leadership...and she just keeps pulling along with me. She is open, honest, and so full of grace. Christ is in her so profoundly. Her words are powerful and wise. Her gentle touch is inspiring and comforting. And her eyes are so full of life...wow! I can't believe I got to be her husband!
So...those are a few quick hits. My lack of posting recently is a sign that I'm running at mock speed these days. Can't promise I'll be better any time soon...but I continue to enjoy posting things here as I get the chance. Thanks for sharing this leg of the journey with me.
Peace,
M@
Family Fusion - we launched a great new family experience at my campus tonight. Some incredible people put their creative fire-power into creating an experience for the whole family. Instead of creating another thing that sends members of the family to different parts of the building, we're working to bring the family together to experience God. It takes huge creativity to engage people of all ages. And tonight was a great launch into something that will be incredible. It was a risk...but I believe it paid off.
Chris on board - Chris is the new Worship Director at my campus. She has an amazing creative mind and an even more amazing heart of love for Jesus. She's been on board for a couple weeks now (though one week off for a pre-Chapel-scheduled vacation). We're just getting going...but I'm stoked about where God is leading us as a campus.
Lynn - Lynn is the lady who has been leading worship at my campus for years. Every week that I spend with Lynn, I see another layer of depth that makes her a godly and inspiring woman. It is a gift for me to have her on my team - and I'm excited that she's not going anywhere! Lynn is the kind of person that draws people closer to God just simply by being around.
Sports thoughts - I hate the Yankees...I was a huge Indians fan the past week! UofM was still beaten by App. State in the first weekend of the season...and that will always make me giggle...even when people try to mock MSU - the Spartans were supposed to stink this year...UofM was beaten by a Div 2 school! There's just a lot more mileage in that one. My fantasy team stinks...no way around it. Me best week was a tie. I love the Red Sox...the new World Series Champs (in a couple weeks).
My kids - man I love those kids! I just love hanging around them, listening to them talk together, watching them play together. How did God see fit to honor me with their little lives?
Teaching - I've had more opportunities to teach at The Chapel than I imagined. I'm enjoying it every time I get to. It's a stretch for me to prepare and fit it into my schedule...but so far I've felt it's worth it on many levels.
Staff search - I'm searching for two key staff...Executive Assistant and Associate Campus Pastor. I have some good leads for both. Not having these positions is really killing me these days. But i'm trusting God's provision and that He's raising up the right person at the right time. I just need to keep trusting and being faithful with what's before me. Some stuff doesn't get done...but God's grace coveres that gap.
Heidi - how many times can I explain how incredible she is. As challenging as these days are, with the stuff on my plate and pressures of leadership...and she just keeps pulling along with me. She is open, honest, and so full of grace. Christ is in her so profoundly. Her words are powerful and wise. Her gentle touch is inspiring and comforting. And her eyes are so full of life...wow! I can't believe I got to be her husband!
So...those are a few quick hits. My lack of posting recently is a sign that I'm running at mock speed these days. Can't promise I'll be better any time soon...but I continue to enjoy posting things here as I get the chance. Thanks for sharing this leg of the journey with me.
Peace,
M@
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