Rick

I've know Rick for about 8 years now. We pretty quickly became friends. And over time and sharing life deeply together, he is what I call a "soul-friend." There isn't much we don't know about each other.

My friendship with Rick has almost cost me my life on several occassions. Not because he's accident prone or because he's malicious. But because it's possible to choke on Diet Coke as it comes our your nose while laughing your can off.

One of Rick's report cards from elementary school records it all. His teacher very plainly stated, "Richard is sometimes silly in class." She didn't say if she liked his silly or if he made her batty...just stating the facts.

Not much has changed. Except that he's older now. But he's still silly. And I love laughing with my friend.

It's been hard to be away from him. There haven't been many Monday morning trips to "heaven" for golf. There aren't any Friday night card games while the kids sleep in the pack-n-play in the family room. Not many bonfires. Oh, we visit each other. We talk on the phone about weekly. We pray together, challenge each other, push each other, and listen.

It's been hard to not be near. But lately, it's been even harder.

I got the news a few weeks ago. That little spot they noticed during a bladder scan isn't as innocuous as we thought...or hoped. The doctor quickly used the "c" word...cancer. Unbelievable.

Then a couple weeks later. The pathology report which would confirm that the cancer was all removed and shouldn't be much of a future problem told another story. It was a more rare kind of bladder cancer and the type of cancer cell was a very aggressive kind. But the good news is that it's not in the muscle and was removed with the surgery.

But the bad news is that it will, without God's intervention, come back - they always do, the doctor said. So on Monday, he begins chemotherapy. And aggressive cancer deserves an aggressive attack. And the battlefield is the body of my friend.

I believe Rick will get healthy again. His life will always be different...but he has a good prognosis. And for that I'm thankful.

I've been struck by Rick's illness. Some pretty core places have been touched...or offended. Places that remember...

If God brings it to mind and you are so inclined, I'd ask you to pray for Rick. Pray that God will give his doctor a wonderful memory of a man who was supposed to get this cancer again, but never did. Pray for the peace of his spirit. Pray for his wife, Carrie, and their 3 kids - Gavin, Eve, and Maeve. Ask God to move in big ways in their lives.

Thanks for doing that.

I hate being away, especially now. But I know that God is near...and that's even better than spitting pop out our noses...

Until then...peace,

M@

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@

running hard

As you might guess from the past few posts...my life has added a few rpms of late. My time at The Chapel has been so rewarding and affirming in so many ways. What a gift to be a part of God's work here. The relational intentionality of the leadership is incredible...they have welcomed me into their circle quickly and truly.

Monday night, Heidi and I went to Fogo De Chao with a couple other couples. What a fantastic meat-eating, laughing, hanging out time we had! Great food and great friends...the stuff of life. It's sad that most people in Church leadership don't get even a taste of this kind of goodness.

Today is Independence Day! I was at home with Heidi and the kids all day. As tired as I am/get, I love...absolutely love my time with them. Heidi was scheduled to work, but got waved off last minute. I wish, for her, that she would have been able to go in. But for me...I was glad to have her back home!

The kids are down down...and we're enjoying a quiet home...except for the rockets' red glare coming from our neighborhood. There are a couple of blocks that "compete" for the loudest and biggest fireworks display. Guess whose house is right in between those two blocks? Yup...the Furr home! Should be an interesting night...

I had the opportunity to teach the weekend message again last week (at my campus in Libertyville). This weekend, I'll teach the same message, running the same gaunlet that I wrote about in the last post. It's a good time.

I guess that's a little glimpse of life here in Lake Villa, IL. It's fast. It's good. It's tiring. And it's rewarding.

Peace,

M@