Happy Thanksgiving!

It's a nice slow day (as slow as F5 ever goes) at the Furr house today. We were planning to head to West Michigan to spend some time with family, but a couple family members came down with a nasty flu bug. So instead of risking a Thanksgiving treat in a plastic bowl, we stayed in IL. It's a bummer to not see the gang up there - it's been a long while since we all traveled north.

Heidi and I have been wondering and asking God about Christmas gifts this year. We work hard to not rack up more debt by gift-giving...so we're curious how we'll have much "extra" for gifts. Then today, while watching the parade, Heidi got a call. They could use her at the hospital - and the pay is great on a holiday! We talked about it and decided that it was a good use of our time and an answer to our prayer! So she's off through the snow to the hospital and I'm in charge of the crazies for the rest of today! I think that's God's provision for us...thanks, God!

Today marks 8 months as a part of The Chapel. Heidi and I continue to see God's hand guiding us as we form friendships and partnerships with incredible people. As hard as it was to make the decision to leave Northwest, that decision has been affirmed over and over again these past 8 months. I have experienced a wonderful re-orientation to myself as a leader. I've experienced the gentle leadership of the Spirit even in a fast-paced environment. I've found friendship among comrades on the mission to live in the reality of God and lead with urgency.

There is much for which I'm thankful. I pray the same is true for anyone reading this post.

Happy Thanksgiving!

M@

Happy Anniversary!!

Today at 1:00 pm (actually noon with the time change to Central Time), Heidi and I marked our 13th anniversary! In some ways, 13 years isn't all that long...but so much has happened in those 13 years.

- We've lived in 5 states (IN, MA, MI, NY, and IL).
- We've served in 5 churches (New England Christian Community, Spring Lake Wesleyan, Hamburg Wesleyan, Northwest Christian Community, and The Chapel).
- We've grown from F2 into F5.
- We've owned (co-owned with the bank, really) two homes (Hamburg and Lake Villa).
- We've got incredible friends who have shared this journey with us.

It's interesting to look at the markers of the journey - homes, states, friends, kids. Just like the hundreds of Dunkin Donuts which serve as drive-thru north stars to travelers in New England, these markers have provided a roadmap for us - a roadmap of God's faithfulness in leading and guiding.

Each house has been an amazing gift, beyond our dreams in so many ways. Each of the states/churches has provided another opportunity to follow in faithful obedience to God and the blessing of learning and growing in community. And friends have shared our lives - laughing, crying, challenging...amazing gifts.

The one thing that regularly amazes me is when I look next to me and see the most incredible of women by my side. Thirteen years ago, she said, "Where you go, I will go..." and she has lived up to that vow every moment of every day. I don't deserve such a gift. But God has seen fit to blind her eyes and help her to love me;-)

[My Beloved, you are a gift. Today is a tribute to your honor, grace, wisdom, strength, and love. I treasure you...]

To my friends who have journeyed with us...thank you.

Full of thanks,

M@

answered prayer

For the past several months, I've been praying for God to bring the exact right person to join me as Associate Pastor for my campus. This role is crucial to accomplishing what God is leading us toward as a church. But all my leads have been exhausted.

There was a man who kept coming to mind. There's no way, I thought to myself. He just got a major promotion at work. His wife is pregnant and due next month. There's no way. But at the prompting of God, I put it on the table anyway.

Little did I know that God was already moving and prompting Thomas and Marybethe. And they were ready to be obedient to God's call on their lives.

So...Thomas begins as Associate Pastor at the Libertyville campus of The Chapel this coming Friday. I know, it's a strange day to begin a new job...but pastoring is a weird job, so it makes more sense;-)

I could not be more thankful for God in brining Thomas to the team.

I thought I was a person of faith to trust God to bring me a good strong lead by the new year. God always trumps me, though...he brought a great man before Thanksgiving!

thanks, God...

M@