Furr Journey

Moving...

2009-11-03T17:26:00.005-06:00

I've moved my blog to Wordpress. you can find the continuing journey at

mattfurr.org

Join me there!!

M@

Emotional Intelligence: self-awareness

2009-10-30T22:38:00.000-05:00

From the earliest age, we learn a lesson that easily defines our lives – it’s all about ME! Yup, that cute, cuddly little bundle of joy that you bring home from the hospital is all about one person (and it’s not Mommy or Daddy). At that stage of life, it’s to be expected. But we rarely stop there…we often grow into selfish kids, teenagers, and adults.

Selfishness is not self-awareness. As a matter of fact, though they can be confused, they are really worlds apart.

Selfishness asks: How do I get what I want?

Self-awareness asks: What am I experiencing right now?

See the difference? Selfishness is about getting. Self-awareness is about understanding.

Self-awareness can become unhealthy when it’s distracting or obsessive. But when developed in healthy ways, it’s actually the foundation of healthy emotional intelligence. Without healthy self-awareness, we will miss several things:

- how and why we react the way we do in certain situations

- the ability to control our fear, pride, or anger in potentially/perceived threatening situations

- how our reactions impact others around us (to now care how our reactions impact others is to bring us back to a discussion on selfishness)

There is a danger here – as there is with almost every aspect of life. That danger is that in our attempt to become emotionally self-aware, we get self-obsessed. Not good. Went too far in that direction.

How can we cultivate a healthy self-awareness?

1. The Bible actually teaches us a ton about ourselves. We learn that fear is real. We learn about our ability to deceive even ourselves. We learn that each of us was created by God to reflect His character.

2. Look for flags – those moments when your reaction to something or someone is stronger than the situation seemed to call for. For example, when someone critiques your project with honesty, but you blast them back defensively. It’s a sign that there is something deeper going on in there. Unfortunately, the things that trigger us the most often take us by surprise – it’s part of the “fun” of learning.

3. Ask the tough questions. Why did I blow up like that? Why did I shut down when she said that? Why do I feel the need to control this person?

4. Process with a trusted friend or Godly counsel. Sure, sometimes it may need to be a good counselor who helps you process what triggers you. But it can often be a trusted friend or comrade who can help you get to the bottom of the situation.

5. Pray for insight. Who knows you better than yourself? God does. He has thoughts about how you live and He actually delights in your growth and development. Ask Him to show you more about you – the journey will actually help you get to know more about Him.
Psalm 139:1-18

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

Emotional Intelligence: what is it?

2009-10-29T22:46:00.000-05:00

I had a great breakfast with a couple of guys who are a bit further down the leadership road than I am. An important part of our conversation was about "emotional intelligence." It's an intriguing notion that I'd like to explore for a few days.

Thanks to Facebook, we've got a number of IQ tests available to us. For the most part, we're trying to measure how smart we are. Emotional intelligence is measuring something different. It would seem that there are 2 pieces to EI:

1. how well we know our own selves
2. how well we read and understand the emotional selves of the people around us

Why does EI matter? Let me toss out a couple key reasons:

1. for most leaders, EI will become their ceiling - their effectiveness at leading others will hinge less on the leadership skills they develop over time and more on their ability to "know thyself" and others.

2. our personal emotion (and I'd even say spiritual) health rides on our capacity to know ourselves - our faith journey cannot be distinguished from our journey toward emotional adulthood. It will impact our perspective on God and His role in our lives.

Do a quick little test for yourself...ready?

On a scale of 1-5, rate yourself in these ways:
1=never
2=rarely
3=sometimes
4=mostly
5=always

1. I take time to reflect on how I respond to others or present ideas during a meeting.
2. I eagerly invite others to give me their impressions of my motives and growth points based on our interactions.
3. I know when I'm reacting in fear or pride during a conversation.
4. I consistently take the emotional temperature in a room and tailor my response accordingly.
5. It matters to me how my interactions impact others during a meeting or conversation.

Add your score and see where you fall...

5-7 Have you ever read Dilbert? You know the manager? Yeah...
7-14 There are probably some great growth steps for you to take in the area of EI.
15-22 You're growing in this area and are probably eager to grow some more.
23-25 Yeah, right...have you ever read Dilbert? You know the manager?

The great thing about emotional intelligence, is that we can all take some steps of growth, if we determine to. So where are you? And do you want to grow your EI IQ?

Friendship (Part 6)

2009-10-24T21:50:00.000-05:00

A final reflection on friendship. There is a dynamic that makes friendship strong and powerful. It's a dynamic that many in our transient culture miss...history. Knowing where another person comes from helps us to speak into and share the journey of where that person is going.

When we first moved to IL, that was one of the hardest parts. Everyone in our community was brand new - no one knew our history. And we didn't know theirs. Sure, we shared the stories - that's a good start. But we didn't share the history together.

History fosters great inside jokes and knowing looks. It generates stories of faithfulness and a foundation of encouragement that begins with "Remember when...?"

History - not just the stuff in books...but the stuff on which a strong friendship can be built.

With whom do you share the most history?

M@

Friendship (part 5)

2009-10-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

An often overlooked element of a strong and healthy friendship is accountability.

Sure, friendships that lack fun are...well...not fun. But friendships that lack authentic, loving accountability will lack transformational umph.

Think of it this way, is it really loving to watch me make a series of bad decisions and not say anything at all? Or is it really loving to never ask how my marriage is? No, I don't think so, either.

Do you have someone asking you the hard questions? If not, who can you invite into your life enough to do so? Go talk with them today.

M@

Izak - a birthday tribute

2009-10-15T23:08:00.000-05:00

In a few hours, my son will turn 7 years old. I remember so much of that night and day. I remember the excitement of having Heidi wake me up and tell me it's time. I remember the adrenaline rush of driving to the hospital in the middle of the night - permission to speed! I remember being excited to meet my child. I remember keeping watch with Heidi while she labored in the store room because all the birthing rooms were full. I remember being so proud of her. I remember the music playing in the background. I remember the world passing me by and not caring because one of the most spectacular events in the world was taking place.

And now...7 years later, I've gotten to know that little critter a bit better. Here's what I've learned about your oldest son:

- We named him well. Izak means laughter and he LOVES to laugh!
- He loves doors. No...really...he loves doors. And anyone who has an automatic door on their van...they are awesome!
- He loves to have his back rubbed.
- He's great at snuggling on the couch while watching a movie.
- He likes to tease by saying, "Red Sox stink!"
- He works so hard to make sure he doesn't disappoint anyone; especially his parents.
- He has a heart that is soft toward God. He eagerly prays each day and looks for opportunities to pray with others if they are hurt or sick.
- He dances a pretty men irish jig!
- He's a good runner - I watch him on the playground and he's got great form...impressive!
- He has a blast playing tag with the girls at school. The little girl who wanted to give him a kiss makes him giggle...keep running, buddy!
- He's got a great ear for music.
- He's so smart...seriously. He gets that from his mother - not putting myself down, just recognizing what's true.
- He works hard to be a good friend to the people around him.
- He's compassionate. He's one of the first ones to stop when someone falls down - he checks to make sure they are ok.
- He doesn't understand why people would be mean or tease other kids. Seriously...it's eludes him.

I never imagined that I could love a child like I do my 3 kids. Not only was my first son born 7 years ago tonight...something in me was born, too...the love of a father. That love is fierce. That love is strong - sometimes overwhelming even to me. That love is rooted in today while looking to tomorrow.

And as I experience a father's love for my children, I grow in my understanding of God's love for me/us. My love for my kids falls short - I fail them almost daily. But the love of the Father never falls short, it always builds up and exceeds expectations.

I am proud to be the daddy of such a great kid. I'm humbled that God gave him to me as a gift. I'm honored that he is in my family.

Happy birthday, Izak. Your daddy is proud of you and of the boy you are becoming.

M@

Friendship (part 4)

2009-10-14T20:55:00.000-05:00

Presence feeds friendship. Sure, presents do, too...but I'm talking about the "be with" factor of friendship.

There is something powerful about someone who will simply be with you. When you're walking through the fire of life, you look over and notice your friend...just there. When you are celebrating a life milestone...there they are. Sure, there are times for words. But there are also times when simply being present is the greatest gift ever.

I've experienced this from time to time. When my son was taken by ambulance after a bike accident - I got the call at work and raced to the hospital to find my friends were there first. As the evening progressed, a few other friends also come...just to be.

Why is presence so important to friendship? Probably because it reminds us that we're not alone. It may seem like a "duh" statement - but presence is counter-intuitive to most of us. We want something to do, to say...we are uncomfortable just being present. Why? Because it reminds us that we can't fix all the problems in the world - it reminds us that we have limits.

When words fall short. When there aren't actions that can reverse the trend. When there isn't a gift to cover the problem. Then there is presence.

Who has been someone who was simply present with you when you needed to not be alone? And for whom have you simply been present?

10 Lessons from Chuck Swindoll

2009-10-10T19:08:00.000-05:00

Chuck Swindoll’s 10 Ministry Lessons and 8 Bonus Nuggets
By Kent Shaffer on Insight for Living

Chuck Swindoll of Insight for Living discussed 10 things he has learned in almost 50 years of ministry during Catalyst Conference’s 8th session. Here is what he said:

Fifty years ago, I was a first year student at Dallas Theological Seminary. I was scared, unsure of myself, and fresh out of the Marine Corp. I did not know much about seminary.

I remember sitting in chapel, and a minister told me, “Whe n God wants to do an impossible task, he takes an impossible person and crushes him.” I am so proud of everything you are dreaming of and doing that I hope that you remember to leave room for the crushing.

10 Things Chuck Swindoll Learned in 50ish Years of Ministry:

It’s lonely to lead.
Leadership involves tough decisions. The tougher the decisions, the lonelier it is.
It’s dangerous to succeed.
It is dangerous to succeed while being young. rarely, does God give leadership that young because it takes crushing and failure first.
It’s hardest at home.
Nobody at home is applauding you. They say, “Dad! You’re fly is open.”
It is essential to be real.
If there is one realm where phoniness is personified it is leadership. What I care about is that you stay real.
It is painful to obey.
There are rewards, yes, but it is painful nevertheless.
Brokenness and failure are necessary.
My attitude is more important than my actions.
Some of you are getting hard to be around. And your attitude covers all those great actions you pull off.
Integrity eclipses image.
What you are doing is not a show. And the best things you are doing is not up front but what you do behind the scenes.
God’s way is better than my way.
God is going to have His way.
Christ-likeness begins and ends with humility.
2 Corinthians 4:5-7 tells us that we must be willing to leave the familiar message without disturbing the Biblical message. We get that backwards. This was written in the first century, and now we are in the 21st century. The message stays the same. Don’t miss the message. As you alter the methods, don’t mess with the message.

Traditionalism is the dead faith of those still living. You will defend those things that don’t need defended.

Three Important Observations:

With every ministry a special mercy is needed.
In every ministry the same things must be renounced and rejected.
That is hiding shameful things, doing deceitful things, and corrupting truthful things. Guard against deception. Guard against deception.
Through every ministry a unique style should be pursued.
We don’t preach or promote ourselves (it isn’t about us). We declare Christ Jesus as Lord (it’s all about Him). We see ourselves as bond-servants for Jesus Christ.
Five Statements Worth Remembering During Your Next 50 Years of Leadership:

Whatever you do, do more with others and less alone.
It will help you become accountable.
Whenever you do it, emphasize quality not quantity.
Wherever you go, do it the same as if you were among those who know you the best.
It will keep you from exaggerating. it will help keep your stories true. Your good friend will tell you things that others will not. They will hold you close to truth.
Whoever may respond to your ministry, keep a level head.
However long you lead, keep on dripping with gratitude and grace.
Stay thankful. Stay gracious.

Friendship (part 3)

2009-10-09T07:54:00.000-05:00

I've found that going to Applebees for a date with my wife is killer. No, not because of the food (no comments here please), but because of the tvs all over the place. The lure of the flickering light calls for my attention - and before I realize it, I'm watching the relay of that horrible call at first base during the Red Sox/Angels game. I digress...

Just because we have ears, doesn't mean we listen well. Listening...really listening...is a skill that is developed and employed within healthy friendships.

Listening goes beyond the words to the feelings behind the words.

Listening requires asking good questions.

Listening requires time and intentional attention (say that ten times fast).

When your friend speaks, do you really listen?

m@

Friendship (part 2)

2009-10-06T05:25:00.000-05:00

Listening is an art, they say. If so, the beginning of that art is asking great questions. We all know that the acceptable answer to "How are you?" is "Fine, thank you...and you?" But great friendships go beyond that.

Great questions foster authenticity. They turn the knob on the door of your soul. They give you permission to be you.

Great questions communicate value. They tell the other person that "You're important and I really want to know."

Great questions create a pathway for healing. It's amazing how giving voice to our pain, anger and frustration actually disarms it's power. It doesn't make it go away, but it does steal some of it's power.

Great questions bust down the walls of isolation. We all live naturally in isolation - garage door up, garage door down, office door closed...it's natural. But a great question wakes people from the slumber of aloneness...it barges in and takes a seat.

Great questions wait...and wait...for a real answer.

Who asks you great questions? That person is a friend to you.

To whom do you ask great questions? That's a huge part of being a friend.

Sharing the journey,

M@

Friendship (part 1)

2009-10-05T10:55:00.000-05:00

I've been processing friendship a bit lately. At the ripe old age of 36, I have enough track-record on which to look back and think about the decisions I have made as a friend and in fostering friendships with others.

One of the first things I realize is that some friendships are one-way and others are two-way. At first glance, it may seem that one-way friendship isn't friendship at all. Not true. It's possible to have some people in whom I invest myself. The flavor of that investment is friendship (sharing life together, authenticity, transparency, etc.). But it also has a purpose. And I don't expect mutuality in return.

Even though one-way friends can be a part of our lives, we also need two-way friendships. Those are relationships with people who invest themselves back our way, who watch our back, ask probing questions in return. A life void of two-way friendships is a life that's missing something crucial.

Think about your friends. Do you have some one-way friendships in whom you are investing yourself? Are you even the recipient of some one-way friendships? And do you also have some two-way friendships?

Sharing the journey,

M@

What kind of leader are you? by Tim Elmore

2009-09-03T09:58:00.000-05:00

Commanders, Kings and Celebrities
By Tim Elmore

Stop and reflect for a minute. Think about the way you lead people. What’s your style?

This past year, I have purposefully observed thousands of leaders do their thing, as I travel the road and speak in schools, companies and other organizations. I’ve drawn several conclusions—and some have proven to be helpful, fresh insights for me. Let me toss one of them to you here:

Your motivation for leading, will determine your…

Duration – If your motive for leading is good, it will impact how long you last.
Donation – If your motive is good, it will increase the value you add to the team.
Decisions – If your motive is good, it will enhance your wisdom and objectivity.
Direction – If your motive is good, it will determine your style and approach.

In other words—why you do something will ultimately determine what you do, as a leader. Let me illustrate with the following popular styles of leadership, and suggest how motivation fits into the style and decisions of each type of leader.

Commanders

You know these people. They lead with a top-down style. Their behavior is marked by one-way communication. They download only. It’s one person leveraging their power over the team. They may have begun their leadership journey in a different style, but as they aged or grew impatient with people, they got short and migrated to a “just do what I want you to do” style.” It’s an approach that’s more about telling than asking. It’s about demanding and requiring. You don’t have to be a psychologist to see that this leader’s motives are distorted. They now operate from a desire for power. The goal of the commander is to enforce their rules and authority. They want CONTROL.

Kings

Kings represent a slightly different style of leader. Their behavior is marked by a drive to maintain stability. Why? Because stability is the best way to remain king. They have a growing love for tradition; they have a vested interest in keeping things the way they’ve been in the past. It’s as though once this leader got their position—their entire goal is to keep their position. These leaders are about managing order. The want order. They aren’t necessarily bad people, but they are likely going to be bad leaders in this ever-changing world we live in. They are compromisers. They won’t take risks unless the risk is about helping to maintain and manage what already is. The goal of the monarchy is to enrich the king; to keep him in power. They want COMPLIANCE.

Celebrities

Celebrities are a third type of leadership style. Their behavior is marked by the pursuit of perks and popularity. If you watch them closely, you’ll notice a keen desire for applause and affirmation. Like the styles above, they aren’t necessarily bad people, but this motivation for recognition not only diminishes their ability to lead well, it clouds their ability to make good decisions. Their perspective is colored by their own needs. They are the proverbial “YouTube” video maker who wants to post videos to see how many people watch them. They love accumulating friends in a Facebook group. Because this is their motive, they want peace between all parties. They want folks to get along, be happy, and look to them for entertainment and fulfillment. They love the fame that comes with their position. They love the attention it affords them. The celebrity performer wants CREDIT.

So What Can We Do?

Although each of these styles are common, they represent unhealthy leadership. Perhaps each of us struggles with one of them, but today’s leader must emerge out of these ineffective styles, especially if we want to lead the next generation. I don’t know of any young person today who is looking for a leader who is a “commander” or a “king” or a “celebrity.” Students can sense that motives are wrong and that progress and purpose are diminished because of the leader.

So, what can we do to change? What is the change we need to make? How should we target our leadership so it is relevant and healthy for a new generation who looks for good leadership? Let me suggest a fourth style below that most young people I know are looking for in a leader.

Connectors

If leaders will shift their motives away from themselves and their own needs, they will find their style will shift as well. I call the new kind of leader students are looking for today: a “Connector.” The connector is healthy and doesn’t need the team to affirm their value. It isn’t about them. Instead, it is about connecting the players on the team in four ways:

1. The leader connects team members to a “cause”

2. The leader connects team members to other people on the team.

3. The leader connects team members to their strengths

4. The leader connects team members to the leader relationally.

This is not to say the connecter fails to run point. They are definitely responsible for the outcomes. But they know it is a team effort, and their job is to maximize the potential of each team member. This means they understand they lead in an “upload” culture, not merely a “download” one, which only allows the leader to have a say. This leader helps others flourish. Their goal is to turn potential into performance, regardless of who gets the credit. It means the leader recognizes the value of relationships between team members not just their relationship to their team members. It means they share the power. The columns below summarize the shift from yesterday’s leader to today’s:

This kind of leader is described in detail in Habitudes—Images That Form Leadership Habits and Attitudes, Book Four (The Art of Changing Culture). In it I talk about the leader who connects team members in order to nurture a healthy culture. If you’re interested in discussing this with your team—check out our special on this book to the right.

So, what’s your motive for leading? Here’s hoping you can move from a commander or king or celebrity to a connector…for the sake of the cause and for your sake as well.

Tim Elmore

www.GrowingLeaders.com

so...what's next?

2009-08-30T22:24:00.000-05:00

I've been blogging for several years now. This blog space has been a combination of personal updates as well as my political, leadership, church, and biblical reflections.

For the past several months, I've also been toying around with Facebook and Twitter. In doing so, I've found that these two media actually serve the purpose of personal updates even more effectively than blogging - they tend to be more "real time" than blogging. So...for personal updates and the scoop on the Furr family, follow me at twitter/mattfurr or facebook.com/mattfurr.

So...what's to become of the Furr Journey blog? I'm not complete sure yet. As you can tell from the lack of recent postings, something is amiss. I just don't know what it is yet. I'm taking some time to consider some options. But I do know for sure that I'll be back in this space - and it probably won't be too far in the future before I return.

Until then, peace on the Journey,

Matt

Inspirational Leaders - by Michael Hyatt

2009-05-14T21:55:00.000-05:00

Four Characteristics of Inspirational Leaders

I’ve met numerous leaders in my career. Some did a better job than others at actually leading. But few were what I would call “inspirational leaders.”

By inspirational, I simply that they had the ability to motivate others to accomplish something significant, perhaps even heroic. William Wallace was such a man.
***************
you can read the rest at Michael's blog:

http://michaelhyatt.com/2007/04/four-characteristics-of-inspirational-leaders.html

I need more time...by Seth Godin

2009-05-01T06:27:00.000-05:00

You'll note that I posted something by Seth last month. He's someone who's challenged me with some good thinking and I just want to pass it along.

Also, you'll note that it's been about a month...not sure what's up with that. I feel a sense of writer's block or something...anyway...read on and be challenged...

I need more time

By Seth Godin

First rule of decision making: More time does not create better decisions.

In fact, it usually decreases the quality of the decision.

More information may help. More time without more information just creates anxiety, not insight.

Deciding now frees up your most valuable asset, time, so you can go work on something else. What happens if, starting today, you make every decision as soon as you have a reasonable amount of data?

The sad lie of mediocrity By Seth Godin

2009-04-08T22:31:00.001-05:00

The sad lie of mediocrity
By Seth Godin

Doing 4% less does not get you 4% less.

Doing 4% less may very well get you 95% less.

That's because almost good enough gets you nowhere. No sales, no votes, no customers. The sad lie of mediocrity is the mistaken belief that partial effort yields partial results. In fact, the results are usually totally out of proportion to the incremental effort.

Big organizations have the most trouble with this, because they don't notice the correlation. It's hidden by their momentum and layers of bureaucracy. So a mediocre phone rep or a mediocre chef may not appear to be doing as much damage as they actually are.

The flip side of this is that when you are at the top, the best in the world, the industry leader, a tiny increase in effort and quality can translate into huge gains. For a while, anyway.

Seasons - Craig Groeschel

2009-03-28T15:53:00.001-05:00

God Determines the Seasons
By Craig Groeschel on spiritual development

God determines when a season begins and ends. Scripture says, “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them…” (Dan 2:20-21 NIV)

Jesus seemed very aware of God controlling the times. He said in John 2:4, “…My time has not yet come.” Later in John 17:1, he prayed confidently, “…Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.”

It is helpful to remember that there is a purpose in every season.

Paul waited for months before God opened the door for ministry.
Elisha followed Elijah f or years hoping to get what Elijah had.
Joseph spent years in prison before being promoted to the palace.
I try to remind myself that I can’t skip a season and every season is important.

If you seem stuck in a non-ending season, find comfort in these verses:

This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place…Habakkuk 2:3

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Gal 6:9

What are some of the most important seasons you’ve experienced?

My Mother's Prayers - by Bill Bright

2009-03-21T14:19:00.000-05:00

My Mother's Prayers
"Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out one after another, calling each by its name." (Isaiah 40:26)

As a young man, I was a materialist and humanist. To me at that time, success in life was measured by the accumulation of material possessions, honors, applause, and the praise of men.

The idea of God, or a Savior, or the Bible, had little place in my life. All through high school, college and in graduate school, on the extension faculty of Oklahoma State University, and later as a businessman in Hollywood, California, where as a young man I developed my own business, I was motivated by selfish goals and materialistic pursuits.

Then one day I sensed that unseen hand of God in my life. I can only describe it as a sovereign visit from God. God and my mother's prayers caught up with me. I was drawn to the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood.

It was there that I heard about the great Creator God of the universe. Simultaneously, I discovered that my head had been in the sand -- the sand of mundane, selfish interests and temporal pursuits.

But there at that wonderful church in Hollywood, I was moved to look up, beyond my microscopic world, at the wonder of creation, behind which was an obvious Creator. And one day I met this One who, according to the Bible, came to this earth in the greatest act of love the world would ever has ever known. He is Jesus of Nazareth, God's only Son.

My life has never been the same since I surrendered my life to Him.

YOUR VIEW OF GOD REALLY MATTERS...
Have you ever fully surrendered to God? Until you surrender unconditionally, you will never experience the incredible adventure God offers you. If you haven't already, why don't you take the first step today---surrender.

Additional reading: Philemon 1; Ephesians 3:1; Romans 1:1; James 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1; Jude 1.

Because God is sovereign...
I will joyfully submit to His will.
Adapted from Daily Insights, by Bill Bright.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from theDiscover God Bible (NLT).

listening to God...

2009-03-19T10:23:00.001-05:00

Psalm 131: “My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore” (NIV).

What a great way to begin a time of prayer...

M@

just because

2009-02-09T11:46:00.000-06:00

wow...since I started blogging a few years ago, I don't think I've ever gone this long without a post. I'm guessing that even my mother has stopped checking in! Why the lack of posts? Probably a few reasons: i'm very busy, i'm doing more personal updates via facebook these days, and, did I mention I'm really busy? I suspect I'll get back on the wagon, but don't want to make any promises I can't keep.

Here's a little personal update:

1. Heidi's out interviewing for jobs. Since moving to IL, she's been working for a staffing agency, which staffs nurses in many area hospitals. As the economy has taken a dive, hospitals have relied much less on agencies, so her work has slowed to a halt in the past few months. So she's talking with hospitals directly. Several are interested in her, so she should have some good choices.

2. The kids are doing great! Levi is growing in his swordplay, which is disconcerting for his sister. Izak continues to love school and learning - especially about the weather. And Liberty is a great artist who also loves to play on the computer when she can.

3. Life at the Chapel is busy. The building project is wrapping up with amazing results. We had hoped and prayed that the direction we're taking would create great space that helps people connect with each other and God. We're seeing it happen! Thanks, God!

4. Personally, I'm a bit tired these days. I'm trying to figure that out and get to the bottom of it. also probably one of the reasons that I'm not writing much these days.

5. Can't believe the Pats missed the playoffs and another shot at the super bowl. Congrats to Steelers nation.

Back to daddy-land...

M@

merry christmas!

2008-12-25T10:46:00.000-06:00

what a run it's been...

1. This morning was a great morning. the kids did a great job sleeping until 630...

2. yesterday, there were 4 great Christmas services at my campus. I got to teach the 3pm so that Jeff could teach at Barrington. He did a great job with the message and the creative arts team did an excellent job with the program.

3. We've finished up the remodel project on the main floor. The hope at the beginning was to use existing space to more effectively allow people to connect while at the campus. in the past few services it's been open, that's exactly what we've seen. It's exciting to see people stick around for a half hour just talking about life and what they just experienced.

4. Heidi's dad continues to recover from his heart attack. We're thankful to God for this...truly a miracle!

5. We're heading over to the Sue house for a great afternoon celebrating Christmas together.

6. I'm always struck by this holiday. It brings me back to the power of the birth...God with us.

May you sense God's presence as you celebrate today!

M@

hold on tight...

2008-12-15T18:35:00.000-06:00

this season has been racing by...hence my horrible posting record. Sorry, Mom!

Here are a few quick hits from the past couple weeks:

1. I thought New York politics was dirty...welcome to the home of Rod Blogowhatever...he's taken things to a new level. Makes me proud.

2. Heidi's dad had a massive heart attack...while entering the hospital where one of hte best cardiologists in east michigan was on duty. God spared him in a big way. We're grateful to God that Lou is home today and doing great!

3. The renovation projects at The Chapel are winding down. Amazing!

4. God is faithful on so many fronts. Will name more later.

M@

why?

2008-11-28T00:24:00.001-06:00

Why is the President-elect, with no constitutional power but the power of influence, doing more (apparently) to help move the country forward than the man who holds the actual office of President?

sunday afternoon

2008-11-16T13:32:00.000-06:00

We had a great set of services this morning. In the midst of the Storm series (check out www.chapel.org/storm), Jeff talked about contentment.

That one hits me in the bullseye. I call it "truck envy"...whenever I see a great truck, a little part of me (and sometimes not to little) wants my own truck. I see the great prices and financing options these days. We could probably swing it.

Not worth it to feed the beast of discontent.

The challenge was to keep my focus on God and enjoy his presence each day. How true...when I focus on God, my heart is content. When my eyes become more focused on me...greed gets strong.

Contentment...enjoying God's presence in my life.

prediction

2008-11-03T09:35:00.000-06:00

Here's my prediction for the election tomorrow...

Obama will win both the electoral and popular vote. The popular vote will be relatively close. The electoral college will not.

It's been an interesting election to watch. Neither candidate actually campaigned strong. The strongest message was "change"...which is a pretty fluffly message. Neither presented strong plans and talking points. McCain didn't give people a reason to vote for him - so this became an election about Obama - can he really lead us? And I don't think that Obama's campaign made enough mistakes to make people swarm away from him.

The result will be that we will have at least 2 years of the first truly liberal government in America (liberal democrats will control the White House, House of Reps, and Senate). Previous Democrats have not been as fully liberal as our up-coming leadership.

What do you think will happen on Tuesday?

M@

your words

2008-10-28T21:43:00.000-05:00

LifeChurch.tv : swerve
a leadership, technology, and innovation blog for pastors and church leaders

Your Words Can Change a Life
By Craig Groeschel on encouragement

As a senior pastor, youth pastor, or student pastor, God can often use your words in an extra special way. It is not that you are better than a non-pastor, but your words can carry more weight in a person’s mind. Like it or not, many people see you as a representative of God. You should “feel that weight” as you speak.

You can look someone in the eyes and tell them:

“I believe in you.” They may never have heard that from anyone else. Give them the gift of your faith.
“You are making a difference.” Many great people serve Christ and His church for years without ever hearing those special words.
“God has forgiven you.” Many people confess their sins to God but don’t “feel” forgiven. You can speak on behalf of God’s promises and help set someone free from any false guilt they continue to carry.
“God used you in my life.” Occasionally someone will encourage me when I’m down and not even know it. I love to give them a return gift by telling them what God did through them for me.
I’d encourage you to become more and more generous with your words! I like what God said in Deuteronomy 3:28, “But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.”

Commission others to ministry with your words.
Strengthen others with your words.
Encourage others as long as it is called today.
How has God used your words?

Wisdom of Warren Buffett: On Innovators, Imitators, and Idiots

2008-10-11T07:10:00.000-05:00

written by bill taylor at http://discussionleader.hbsp.com/taylor/

I'm not sure who said it first, but I agree with the sentiment: "A crisis is a terrible thing to waste." We're all struggling to make sense of the financial crisis that has spread around the world, to learn some lessons that will guide us as we go forward. One of my worries is that many of us will learn the wrong lessons--specifically, that we will become too conservative and risk-averse, that we will learn to fear creativity rather than embrace it. It's easy to portray the credit crunch as a case study of creativity run amok. Who's the genius who invented subprime loans? Weren't we all better off before the creation of a $500-trillion market in derivatives, hard-to-understand financial contracts that are at the root of so much of what's gone wrong? Shouldn't we declare, once and for all, that our fascination with "disruptive" technologies, "breakthrough" innovations, and financial "reengineering" does more harm than good? Leave it to Warren Buffett, one of the world's richest men, to offer the most valuable advice on this score. In a recent hour-long television interview, Buffet gave a masterful course on how the world got into this financial mess. At one point, his interviewer asked the question that is on all our minds: "Should wise people have known better?" Of course, they should have, Buffett replied, but there's a "natural progression" to how good new ideas go wrong. He called this progression the "three Is." First come the innovators, who see opportunities that others don't. Then come the imitators, who copy what the innovators have done. And then come the idiots, whose avarice undoes the very innovations they are trying to use to get rich. The problem, in other words, isn't with innovation--it's with the idiocy that follows. So how do we as individuals (not to mention as companies and societies) continue to embrace the value-creating upside of creativity while guarding against the value-destroying downsides of imitation? The answer, it seems to me, is about values--about always being able to distinguish between that which is smart and that which is expedient. And that takes discipline. Can you distinguish between a genuine innovation and a mindless imitation? Are you prepared to walk away from ideas that promise to make money, even if they make no sense? It's not easy--which is why so many of us fall prey to so many bad ideas. "People don't get smarter about things that get as basic as greed," Warren Buffett told his interviewer. "You can't stand to see your neighbor getting rich. You know you're smarter than he is, but he's doing all these [crazy] things, and he's getting rich...so pretty soon you start doing it." Andrew Oswald, a professor of economics at the University of Warwick, has a more poetic way of making the same point. Oswald is a pioneer of a field that might be called "happiness economics"--the study of the interplay between money and human satisfaction. His rigorous academic work confirms the advice that we hear in our churches and from our shrinks--the relentless pursuit of wealth may fill your bank account, but it will leave you empty as a human being. "The curse of humanity is that people feel compelled to look over their shoulders," Professor Warwick told my colleague Polly LaBarre a while back. "Happiness and self-esteem depend on rank and relative income. We are consumed by relativism. If your neighbor drives up in a new Lexus, and you're still driving the Toyota that you were perfectly satisfied with yesterday, you start to become dissatisfied." So don't use the financial crisis as an excuse to stop taking chances or downsize your ambitions. But do use the crisis as an opportunity to take stock of what really matters--and to stop looking over your shoulder.
*********************
As I read this, I thought about the church, especially the "seeker movement". About 3 decades ago, there was an "innovation" in a couple of people, who started new churches in a new way. These new churches proved effective at connecting people with God in real and profound ways. The "neighbors" looked across the street, wished that their churches were as big, and imitated what they saw. Then along come the "idiots" Buffett talked about.

And poof...unintended consequences. Is it possible that, as the "idiot" sector gets ahold of these innovations in the church that we experience a crisis of sorts? I see one impact...when the "idiots" take things too far, then the rest of the church looks at the whole movement and condemns it outright.

anyway...not as articulate as buffett...just got me thinking on a Saturday morning.

M@

Bono on bailout...

2008-10-04T07:44:00.000-05:00

H/T Julie Clawson via Reuters, September 25 (5 days ago)

As Congress debates a White House-proposed $700 billion bailout for the worst financial crisis since the Depression of the 1930s, Bono questioned why wealthy countries had not been able to come up with enough aid for the world’s problems.

“It is extraordinary to me that you can find $700 billion to save Wall Street and the entire G8 can’t find $25 billion to save 25,000 children who die every day of preventable treatable disease and hunger,” the U2 lead singer told Clinton’s fourth annual philanthropic summit in New York. “That’s mad, that is mad.” … “Bankruptcy is a serious business and we all know people who have lost their jobs,” Bono said, referring to the bankruptcy declared by Wall Street investment bank Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. “But this is moral bankruptcy.”

* And the musician makes a good point...

what do you think?

M@

bosox

2008-10-02T06:38:00.000-05:00

My BoSox are back in postseason baseball again! Repeating as champs should be a hard road through LA and Tampa...two teams they struggled to beat all season.

With the Cubs also in postseason, it's a fun time of year.

Went to Family Fusion last night (a great family event at my campus). During the music, my daughter, Libby, just grabbed my hand and started dancing with me in circles. Realizing she's been watching Cinderella a bit these days, I asked her if she was dancing like Cinderella. She just smiled and nodded her head.

My girl...truly a princess. I love being her daddy...

Had an amazing time up in the Dells this past weekend. F5 was given a gift of an overnight at a waterpark. amazing! The suite we stayed in was incredible - 2 rooms, kitchen, fireplace...the works. And 3 huge indoor water parks where we spent hours and hours running, swimming, sliding, and splashing. What a great time!

Thursday awaits...

M@

think about it...

2008-09-27T19:41:00.000-05:00

Scot McKnight: The Eschatology of Politics

By UrL Scaramanga on Doctrine

by Scot McKnight
mccain_peace.jpg

Somewhere between 6pm and 8pm, Central Time, on November 4th, 2008, the eschatology of American evangelicals will become clear. If John McCain wins and the evangelical becomes delirious or confident that the Golden Days are about to arrive, that evangelical has an eschatology of politics. Or, alternatively, if Barack Obama wins and the evangelical becomes delirious or confident that the Golden Days are about to arrive, that evangelical too has an eschatology of politics. Or, we could turn each around, if a more Democrat oriented evangelical becomes depressed and hopeless because McCain wins, or if a Republican oriented evangelical becomes depressed or hopeless because Obama wins, those evangelicals are caught in an empire-shaped eschatology of politics.
Obama-hope.jpg

Where is our hope? To be sure, I hope our country solves its international conflicts and I hope we resolve poverty and dissolve our educational problems and racism. But where does my hope turn when I think of war or poverty or education or racism? Does it focus on November 4? Does it gain its energy from thinking that if we get the right candidate elected our problems will be dissolved? If so, I submit that our eschatology has become empire-shaped, Constantinian, and political. And it doesn’t matter to me if it is a right-wing evangelical wringing her fingers in hope that a Republican wins, or a left-wing evangelical wringing her fingers in hope that a Democrat wins. Each has a misguided eschatology.

Now before I take another step, it must be emphasized that I participate in the election; and I think it makes a difference which candidate wins; and I think from my own limited perspective one candidate is better than the other.

But, participation in the federal election dare not be seen as the lever that turns the eschatological designs God has for this world. Where is our hope? November 4 may tell us. What I hope it reveals is that:

Our hope is in God. The great South African missiologist, David Bosch, in his book Transforming Mission impressed upon many of us that the church’s mission is not in fact the “church’s” mission but God’s mission. Our calling is to participate in the missio Dei, the mission of God in this world. So, at election time we can use the season to re-align our mission with the mission of God. Therein lies our hope.

Our hope is in the gospel of God. God’s mission is gospel-shaped. Some today want to reduce gospel to what we find in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, while others want to expand it to bigger proportions (and I’m one of the latter), we would do well at election time to re-align ourselves once again with the gospel as God’s good news for our world. Therein lies our hope.

Our hope is in the gospel of God that creates God’s people. God’s gospel-shaped mission creates a new people of God. In fact, the temptation of good Protestants to skip from Genesis 3 (the Fall) to Romans 3 (salvation) must be resisted consciously. We need to soak up how God’s gospel-shaped work always and forever creates a gospel people. The first thing God does with Abraham is to form a covenant people, Israel, and Jesus’ favorite word was “kingdom,” and Paul was a church-obsessed theologian-missionary. Herein lies the challenge at election time. We are tempted to divide the USA into the good and the bad and to forget that the gospel has folks on both sides of political lines. Even more: we are tempted to think that the winners of the election are those who are blessed by God when the blessing of God is on God’s people. God’s gospel-powered mission creates a new people, the church, where we are to see God’s mission at work. Therein lies our hope.

Our hope is in the gospel of God that creates a kind of people that extends God’s gospel to the world. Chris Wright’s big book, The Mission of God, reminds us that election is missional: God creates the people of God not so the people of God can compare themselves to those who are not God’s people, but so that God’s people will become a priesthood in this world to mediate the mission of God, so that all hear the good news that God’s grace is the way forward.

Our hope is in God’s mission in this world, and that mission transcends what happens November 4th.

debate

2008-09-27T14:17:00.000-05:00

Well, the first presidential debate is in the books. I'm a "political junkie" of sorts - and presidential elections are the Super Bowl of politics. Right now...honestly...it's a little like Kansas City and St. Louis playing at the SB.

After last night's debate, I'm actually wondering if we can get a redo on the nominating process. Here's my quick-hit reasons...

1. McCain's strength is his in-depth knowledge of government, leadership, and speaking his own mind. Last night, he was clearly working to get his lines right. And even when he had a great line (I love the one about DNA testing on bears in Montana), he couldn't deliver them with any sense that he's actually human.

2. Obama's strength is his ability to string words together in a way that inspires people to something greater than their current experience. Last night was about as uninspiring as an AP Calculus class. Pundits are giving him credit for looking directly at the camera...really! He showed no leadership. He showed a book-worm's knowledge of foreign affairs. But, as the candidate of hope, offered none to speak of.

I will confess that I didn't watch every minute of the debate. I just couldn't it. I had to do something interesting just to keep my pulse in a safe range - and by interesting, I mean watching Heidi balance the check book.

Anyway...maybe a little hard...maybe not harsh enough.

Looking forward to the VP debate on Thursday...

M@

VP Pick - part 2

2008-09-11T05:34:00.000-05:00

I know it's been a couple weeks (sorry), so I'm a little late to the scene. However, since I posted a quick comment about Biden, I'm taking this chance to do the same about Palin.

In short, I think McCain's pick of Sarah Palin is nothing short of a brilliant political move. That pick communicates everything McCain wants to communicate:

1. Message #1: you want an agent of change...here I am!

2. I make the decisions here, not my staff.

3. I'm ready to lead the future of my party.

4. you ticked at Obama for dissing Hillary? You have a home over here in the GOP.

And in the past couple weeks, I think the McCain campaign has handled the celebrity, shock, and furry (on the part of the liberals and flat-footed media) just about perfectly. Brilliant.

On top of communicating what he wanted to by her pick, McCain completely stole the "bump" Obama would have gotten from an excellent convention and the most-watched nomination acceptance speeches ever. Amazing timing...the day after...and for the next 3 days, America googled and read about a little-known governor from the state of Alaska. Obama who?

and on that Friday afternoon in America, there began a true race for President.

VP pick

2008-08-23T08:15:00.000-05:00

What? Are you kidding me?

So, you're a youthful, popular, history-making, visionary (?) presidential candidate. Who do you pick as your running mate? A guy who's been in the Senate longer than most of your "fans" have been alive and who can't quite keep his feet out of his mouth.

Sure, Biden ads credentials to the ticket...but that's what cabinet posts are for. I can't believe that Joe Biden is really the best Obama's team can come up with.

This decision tells a lot about his judgment...and it's disappointing.

Just a little rant for a Saturday morning...

M@

perspective

2008-08-22T21:44:00.000-05:00

This is an email I received from a friend. His name is left off on purpose. It was a good challenge to my perspective on the world...
**************
The question I'm most often asked by friends or those who hear me speak are about the politics of the Middle East. They go like
this:

"I know you just talked for an hour about Jesus and how his Kingdom is growing – and that's very nice – but what we want to know is what do you think about our troops being in Iraq? Should we withdraw them or leave them? And while we're at it (they say in a soft voice, looking around to be sure no one is listening), who will you vote for – McCain or Obama?"

Second most asked question I get these days is about Iran's leader – Ahmadinejad. "So....what do you think about HIM? Pretty crazy huh? I think he has nuclear weapons already. Probably going to bomb us, or at least Israel. What do you think we should do?" (As if I know). :)

Questions then range from Sudan (Darfur and the so-called "Muslim-Christian" war there), to the Hezballah, Hamas and the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

In some ways, I totally understand. I'm the "Middle East expert"
dude. I know some of these people. I've been in and out of the Arab world since 1983. Lived in Beirut for 12 years. I've immersed myself in the lives of these people for a long time. I do understand them.

What I don't understand is our fascination with the politics of earth. I get several emails a week from friends who know me well, asking what I think about this or that article or email from some other friend that they received. Usually (almost always actually) these emails which they are forwarding to me, are alarmist in nature. "The Muslims are taking over." "Beware of the REAL agenda behind such and such group." They are full of fear and suspicion.

And these are the ones I get from believers. Lovers of Jesus.
People of another Kingdom. I think the emails are generally innocent, sometimes even well-meaning. They're not mean or nasty.
They're just not the point.

This may surprise you!

1. Iran probably has the largest and fastest growing church in the Muslim world? Shi'ite Iranians are turning to Christ in huge numbers.

2. Likewise, there is a significant move of God in northern Iraq among the Kurds.

3. Sudan has an incredibly strong and growing church among Muslims – even in Darfur.

4. The Hezballah of south Lebanon and the Shi'ites they represent have always been the most open to the gospel of all the peoples of Lebanon. Remember back in the early 90's it was they who gave me permission to speak in Mosques about Jesus.

5. The Hamas continuously invite Brother Andrew to speak to them about Jesus – hundreds at a time.

Let's not lose focus. Ahmadinejad is a puppet in God's hands. God will raise him up and lower him as he wills. Sadam was nothing to God. The Hezballah have been and are currently being used by God to fulfill his purposes in South Lebanon. And as much as I and many of you think the Iraq war was a bad idea, God has used it to open up a nation to hear his Word!

Jesus is the answer! Not Obama or McCain. Not troops in or troops out. And even the worst of the terrorists can never stops the plans of the King of Heaven!

Let's stay on track – don't get sidetracked into idle and silly arguments this election season that don't really matter. Do vote for the ones who you know and trust – do be involved. But know that politics is only a temporary salve to the great issues of our day. The only solution is living within you and I. The powerful Spirit of the living God.

road rash and suckers...

2008-08-07T04:12:00.000-05:00

While preparing to have an important meeting Saturday evening, I got the phone call that parents dread. Kim stepped into my office, relaying the message: Izak is on his way to the hospital in an ambulance. There's been an accident.

One of my persistent challenges is what I call "adrenaline management." It's a place when one of my family is in danger and I get an injection of about 8000 cc's of adrenaline. But this time, I didn't do too badly in the face of this crisis.

I learned that you actually can squeal the tires of a minivan - for those of you who questioned the capacity of a minivan to drag race when needed.

Getting to the hospital, I gave the registration lady (who was very kind) 45 seconds to get what she needed before I proceeded to my son's room. She made good use of the time and pointed me in the right direction.

As I walked into the room, I see my son, strapped to the board and head immobilized. "Hi, Daddy! I got to ride in an ambulance!" And then he continued his very interesting conversation with his nurse and the paramedics who carried him in. The nurse chuckled as she recounted his first words while coming into the ER - "They have automatic doors!" He loves doors...

After a thorough inspection by a great doc, a ct scan to double check, Izak was released. The flying watoozee he did over his handle bars on his bike will be remembered by those around him, but not by him.

Later that night, as I was tucking him into bed, we did our nightly routine of processing the previous day - favorite part, not favorite part, and silly part.

Izak's favorite part of today? Riding in the ambulance.
Izak's non-favorite part of today? Dropping his sucker and seeing it shatter. Really? Is that the worst part of your day? Yeah, Dad...that was awful.

Ok then...he'll be ok. And Dad will, too.

My not-favorite part of that day? getting that awful call.
My favorite part? seeing God provide. He had his hand on my boy, and protected his body. And He provided an amazing family for Heidi and me. As I got to the hospital, a couple from our small group was already there - they altered there dinner plans and rushed over as soon as they heard the news. And throughout the evening, friends popped in to love on Izak and pray with us...just to stand by. That's part of the incredible gift of a church family. And I could not be more thankful.

M@

da Bears...

2008-08-06T16:32:00.001-05:00

I can't believe that the Bears aren't even on the rumor radar in this Favre thing. Even if it's not that #4 would end up in Chicago (boy, the Packers would surely send him a strong message by sending him to QB purgatory...or worse), then at least I'd love to see the Bears mentioned (even just mentioned) as a landing place for Simms when he's booted from Tampa to make room for #4. Not that Simms would be a great answer, but it would tell me that the Bears management was scrapping for something on the QB dog-pile. But no...they seem to feel good about the intense QB battle waging in training camp between two clowns who have already proved that they can't handle the snaps from center.

It's good to be a Pats fan;-)

M@

grand haven visit

2008-08-06T16:22:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday morning, Heidi packed up the kids and headed to West Michigan to begin our GH vacation. On Monday morning, a crazy man who loves me drove me to Milwaukee to catch the ferry at 6am - we left Lake Villa at 4:15am...that's why he's crazy and must love me! Thanks, Jamie!!

After cruising across Lake Michigan, I caught up with the vacationing F5...what a time we had. Every day, we swam for hours in the pool at Aunt Sarah's and Uncle Dave's. What a great oasis they have in their new home!! The kids loved...loved...loved every moment. And it was great to catch up with my family a bit. Thank you all for having us!

Today, we drove home...made great time...about 4 hours.

I don't know that the trip included much rest...but that's what the whole F5 thing is all about...;-)

Great to be home...

I'm thankful for a wonderful family to visit. I'm thankful we have the ability to drive there and see them like this. I'm thankful for kids who are growing up enjoying extended family.

M@

mid life?

2008-07-23T20:16:00.000-05:00

I've been 35 years old for just under a week now. I don't think I mind. At 35 years old, here are a few things I've learned...

- when I stay up most of the night working...I'm actually really tired the next day.
- it's ok to walk instead of jog...both are exercise and there is merit in being able to have a coherent thought beyond "Dear God, help me live..."
- pacing yourself for the long haul is pretty smart. Flaming out tomorrow isn't.
- there are always two sides to every story. More and more, I try to learn the sides before choosing one.
- I try to not to choose sides...but bring about healthy conversations.
- eating a huge bowl of ice cream really matters...the scale doesn't lie.
- i'm not the youngest guy on staff any more...but i'm still not the oldest;-)

I still eat too much sometimes. I still stay up too late. I still run too hard. But I'm learning more and more to trust in the provision and leadership of God.

Yup...35...it's the new mid-30s...

M@

37 years and 1 day...

2008-07-09T20:49:00.000-05:00

37 years and 1 day ago, the world received a gift. We received:

- a brilliant mind
- a gentle touch
- a healing hand
- a humble spirit
- an amazing mother for 3 beautiful children
- a heart that beats passionately for God
- a compassionate ear to hear broken hearts
- a discerning spirit to see behind the facade
- a beautiful voice to express a worshipful soul
- wisdom
- an authentic friend
- a woman who loves her husband beyond what he deserves
- an infectious laugh
- an illuminous smile
- a playful glanse
- empathic tears

And all of these things came packed in a wonderful baby who would grow into my incredible wife, Heidi.

Happy Birthday, my Love!!

M@

quiet dinner

2008-07-07T21:36:00.001-05:00

I used to observe couples out for dinner and wonder why they didn't speak to each other much at all. Tonight, Heidi and I enjoyed a nice meal out together to celebrate her birthday (tomorrow). Tonight's dinner came on the heals of a full Family Day. After having a mind-numbing number of conversations with toddlers, I now understand...it was a very nice, peaceful, and quiet dinner for two...shhhh....

Tomorrow is Heidi's birthday!!! Words can barely express how thankful I am for this woman and how deeply I love her.

More tomorrow...

M@

meeting with cake

2008-06-28T22:08:00.001-05:00

tonight I met with a bunch of people from the worship teams. It was good to continue to talk through burning issues in the ministry. We also ate cake. I love cake!

It's important to keep lines of communication open. It's so easy to assume things are more open than they really are or to assume that someone doesn't really want to hear the problems or questions. But it's so important to keep the unity by loving truth-telling.

I think we took another good step together tonight.

on another note...I've been running pretty hard the past few weeks. Two very hard weeks, a more normal week, and then last week was tough. I'm excited to be working on the things I'm working on, but I also need to keep track of the cost to me and my family. I think we're doing ok these days...

Still processing my trip from last week. Much to learn from other campus pastors and loved being in that group. I think God is doing great things through the multi-site movement...I'm glad to be a part of it.

Good night...

m@

OKC

2008-06-20T22:39:00.000-05:00

I'm spending a couple nights in Oklahoma City, OK!! Wahoo! I'm at a forum for Campus Pastors - this is the first time that I've met with people in the same role as me, but at different churches. It's fascinating to hear how they process things. We've only met a couple hours and I'm already learning things...

We meet all day tomorrow, get to experience an evening service at LifeChurch.tv...one of the churches on the leading edge of multi-site movement.

Just walking into one of their facilities, I am inspired by how well they "brand" themselves. From their web site to the physical plant, there is a common vibe.

One of the things we talked about tonight is the peer relationships among campus pastors at the same church. I truly love the guys I serve beside. I also like them...we've got a great chemistry and sense of brotherhood. That is a very unique thing, from what I'm hearing. I'm often thankful for the other guys...but tonight, I'm reminded of what a gift it is to share life and ministry leadership with them.

What did you learn today?

M@

in my humble opinion

2008-06-18T22:12:00.000-05:00

Whenever a person begins with or ends with "In my humble opinion," it's usually more opinion than humble. I'm not sure I'm going to capture the correct balance here, either, but I'm going to just toss out a few thoughts and see where they lead...

- I'm glad the Democratic nomination process is over. I'm pleased for Obama. I think it's his election to lose in November.

- I don't like basketball all that much. Didn't watch one game during the NBA season and I'm not carrying much regret about that. However, I did enjoy the finals. I'm a Boston guy...so I love that the Celtics embarrassed the Lakers before sending Kobe home to cry on someone's shoulder like a freshly-spanked toddler (see, not much by way of humble on this one).

- I realize people tire of watching him win...but I love watching Tiger Woods golf. It's absolutely amazing. Was Jack incredible...sure thing. But that doesn't mean Tiger isn't also. He just won a major championship with a torn ACL and 2 stress fractures in his left leg. Amazing...

- Put Tiger's wound aside...the 2008 US Open may prove to be one of the most incredible and captivating championship I may ever see. The world's #1 against the world's #150ish battling it out over 91 holes. And we didn't know the winner until hole 91...until the final putts on hole 91. Incredible thing to see.

- trying out the Facebook thing. Seems sort of fun. We'll see...

- I'm sure glad that politicians can use the price of gas for their agenda. The left can use high prices to get rid of "gas-guzzling SUVs" and the right can use it to drill off-shore and in Alaska. Don't mind me...I'm just driving to work here...don't let me get in the way of your politics...

- Red Sox...love 'em!

Well...there we go...tossing a few things out. If you want to, leave a comment or your own thoughts on things...enjoy.

Peace,

M@

iron 2 iron

2008-06-12T15:13:00.000-05:00

For the past 6 months, I've been meeting weekly with a group of men. We've met at 6am every Thursday. I don't like mornings, but this group has been so very worth it! As I prayed about the guys to invite into the group, I had a sense of God's leadership with each one. I love it when He pulls things together.

It's a very diverse group of men. You probably wouldn't find them in very many groups together. But God brought us together for a purpose.

We've walked through intense discussions on theology/doctrine, personal life stories, relational pain, great victories...we've opened our lives up together. And God has used our authenticity to grow each of us.

Next Thursday is our last offical meeting together. But in the course of the last 6 months, our lives have forever been connected by the power of God's Spirit.

I'm a little tired right now...4:15 wake-up is pretty un-natural for me. But when I feel tired, I think of the reason and give God thanks for these men.

Peace,

M@

falling behind...

2008-06-07T11:43:00.000-05:00

I'm just not doing a good job on the blogging front these days. Sorry about that...

I've been putting a lot of mental and writing energy into several other fronts these days. I'm teaching this weekend, which I'm excited about. I've also been working on some strategic planning at the church.

Right now, I'm watching Hillary give her concession speech. This is her first lost campaign and only the second lost campaign for the Clinton family. Bill lost and then came back...hmmm...

Anyway...have a great weekend!

M@

google it

2008-05-23T10:40:00.000-05:00

You can tell a lot about a person by their Google history. I can tell what kind of day Heidi has had by looking at what she recently Googled. Last night, while she was at work, I got the kids in bed, and then sat down at the computer. Looking up at the right hand corner of the screen, in the little Google box, I read "matchbox car in muffler"

Not too matches found for that one. I suspect there may have been one find, reading something like "so you have a toddler!"

M@

ps - Midas doesn't know how to get matchbox cars out of mufflers either! It's just best not to put them there, as tempting as it may seem...

personal update

2008-05-22T08:13:00.000-05:00

Not been much for blogging lately. That's because I'm running at a pretty good clip. What's new, right? So here's a little personal update:

- Heidi and I had an amazing time in Vermont a couple weeks ago. We were given a gift certificate that allowed us to spend a few nights at our favorite in - we used to go there often when we lived in New England and New York. It's been over 6 years since we have been there. That gift, coupled with the incredible gift of family and friends staying with the kids, opened the door for us to experience The Vermont Inn once again. To the Eckrote, Cary, Sue, and Gleason families...words fall short of expressing what a gift you gave. Thank you!!

- I've had the opportunity to teach a few times in the past couple months. I enjoy doing it and am continually surprised by how God chooses to use my sometimes feeble attempt at stringing words together.

- Izak won some staples in his head last week. He slipped at school and split his head open on a table. I gat the call from Heidi just before staff meeting - she was already in the city at work and I needed to pick him up from school and take him to the acute care center. I did ok at adreneline management - something I'm not always great at. Taking him to the acute care center, they confirmed that he did need stitches. But instead of stitches, they would use staples. So the doctor pushed the easy buttom and stapled my boy's head! He was brave and strong - I was proud of him. At least I felt proud once the room stopped spinning - daddy got a little "woozy"...Yup...I'm not in the medical field on purpose. Staples come out tomorrow.

- I survived Amanda, my assistant, being gone for 2 weeks. I came "this close" to really goofing things up...but she came back in the nick of time and all is well. Whew!

- I'm meeting with a group of men early on Thursday mornings. What an incredible group! I don't like mornings, but I love meeting with these guys. We started in January and have been working curriculum that I'm pulling together from several places with the intention of us becoming more effective God-led leaders in our own lives, homes, community, and church.

Well...that's the scoop for now.

Peace,

M@

Never say "Never!"

2008-05-22T08:05:00.001-05:00

I read this blog by Seth Godin today...
*****************************
Never's not such a long time
By Seth Godin

"I'll never buy from you again."
"I'll never vote for that candidate if my candidate loses."
"I'll never invest in that stock."

Never seems like a really long time, doesn't it? Practically forever.

Here's the thing. People who say 'never' actually mean, "until my situation or the story changes materially." Making bad decisions in the now to honor absolute statements in the past isn't particularly sustainable. Consumers, short-sighted as they are sometimes, are able to realize this pretty quickly.

In fact, the only thing shorter than 'never' is 'always.'
***********************
This reminded me of a store in Hamburg, NY. It was a department store that had habitually bad service. Once Christmas season, I could not find a store staff anywhere...seriously...anywhere. I stood in Aisle 8 and yelled, "CUSTOMER SERVICE TO AISLE 8 PLEASE! CUSTOMER SERVICE TO AISLE 8!" A couple people scurried over but still couldn't answer my question about the sale item in the circular.

I walked out of that store and determined that I would never go back again. I didn't. And less than a year later, it closed it's doors. Either I have super powers to determine the economic future of department store chains...or a bunch of people had a similar experience and the nevers added up.

I think about this in the church where I serve. There are going to be people who just don't like the way we do things: the music, the teaching, the [insert person or ministry here]. But we're not immune to a tidal wave of "I'll never..."

There are some things that are a part of who we are that will turn people off...that's just part of reality. But that means it's even more important to make sure we're not losing people on the unimportant stuff. We can choose to be welcoming, warm, fun, helpful...and in so doing, cut off a lot of the "I'll never..." before they even happen.

I'm not sure it's even all that profound...just a good reminder to me today. I don't want people to have to stand in the aisle and yell for help...

M@

testing...

2008-05-12T08:15:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to teach in the weekend services. I taught the concluding message in the series on generosity - Being Generous With Grace. Giving grace to others...

Saturday night, the message went well...I was pleased.

Then the test...in the middle of the night - about 2:08am - I woke up to the thumping of my neighbor's music. I could not zero in on exactly which neighbor, I just know that for about 2 hours, I was enjoying the base line of some pretty thumpin' music.

I hate being awakened...especially at 2am!!

I so badly wanted to run around the neighborhood, find who it was, and give them a piece of my mind. Yup...a test. To offer grace or to do what comes naturally.

Though I didn't get back to sleep for a couple of hours, I smiled in the morning as I thought about the test...

how have you been tested lately?

American Christianity

2008-04-17T08:26:00.001-05:00

Read this quote posted on another blog today:

“Between the Christianity of this land and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest possible difference - so wide, that to receive the one as good, pure, and holy is of necessity to reject the other as bad, corrupt, and wicked…I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ; I therefore hate the corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial, and hypocritical Christianity of this land. Indeed, I can see no reason, but the most deceitful one, for calling the religion of this land Christianity.”

- Frederick Douglass, 1845

Are there ways in which the same thing could be said today? Are there ways that Christianity has become "Americanized" and diluted from the Christianity of Christ?

What do you think?

Matt

catching up

2008-04-14T19:50:00.000-05:00

wow...it's been a crazy month. you can usually tell when I'm running fast because the posts don't happen all too often.

I've been doing some weekend teaching, which is a lot of fun...extra work, but a great time. It never ceases to amaze me how God uses these opportunities to help people know Him better. I love seeing God work.

I have also been doing a lot of extra meetings - some one-on-one and other home meetings. We're into the final year of a 3-year campaign to raise funds for building expansion on my campus. Those meetings have been great - it's one thing to get excited about visions; it's a whole other thing to get excited with other people who are excited.

Heidi is holding things down at home while I run pretty hard. I can't thank her enough for the amazing strength and grace that she exhibits under pressure.

We had a little lunchtime date today. I love when I get a little of that extra time with her.

That's a short update...

Peace,

Matt

over the door

2008-03-27T09:21:00.000-05:00

Seth Godin (a prolific blogger on remarkability in business) writes that there is a sign over the door from the kitchen in his favorite hotel that reminds wait staff:

"If you're not proud of it, don't serve it." [Note: the word "proud" in this blog does not mean arrogance...it's used to communite something that I feel great about being a part of.]

In the hustle of life and ministry, it can sometimes be easy to settle into a standard that is less than excellent. Get the project done and out the door and then move onto the next one.

So what is a good "standard of excellence"? It's Matt's version of excellent when I can say, "I'm proud of that."

Am I proud of the message I'm writing to give this weekend?
Am I proud of the elements of the service?
Am I proud of the time I gave to the person who stopped in because they needed to speak to a pastor?
Am I proud of the way I interacted with my staff today?

What about other arenas...

Am I proud of the time I spent with my kids?
Am I proud of the time I spent along with God?
Am I proud of the way I manage my life/time/money?

"Proud of" is not the same as perfect. There are rythms to life that impact my ability to do any of the above. But in light of reality, how do I feel about what I "serve" to the people around me and to God?

What about you?

unanswered prayers

2008-03-26T12:03:00.000-05:00

This article from The Onion explains a lot:

Report: 32% Of Prayers Deflected Off Passing Satellites
March 19, 2008 | Issue 44•12

HOUSTON—According to an official NASA report released Saturday, nearly 32 percent of all prayers exiting Earth are deflected off satellites orbiting the planet—ultimately preventing the discharged requests for divine intervention from ever making it to the Gates of Heaven. "After impact with the satellite, these diverted prayers typically plummet back into the atmosphere, where they either burn up or eventually land, unanswered, in a body of water," the report read in part. "Of the remaining prayers, research confirms 64 percent fail to make it past the stratosphere because they aren't prayed hard enough, 94 percent of those with enough momentum are swallowed by a supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy, and 43 percent are eaten by birds." The report concluded that, of the 170 billion prayers issued last month, one made it to God, whose reply was intercepted by a hurricane and incorrectly delivered to a Nigerian man who reportedly did not know what to do with his brand-new Bowflex machine.

***************
I'm sure there are other explainations of unanswered prayers, but some days, doesn't it feel like this one fits?

Peace,

M@

Son Rise

2008-03-23T06:27:00.000-05:00

The windows in my office face east. I'm here really early for our first-of-the-day Easter service. I typically don't like early mornings. But the view from my window and the anticipation of a great morning are stirring me.

The sun is beginning to show itself behind the horizon of clouds. It's the tell-tale sign that the night is done and the morning is just about here.

Moment by moment it gets brighter.

Some people see only the laws of physics at work in the rotation of the earth. Today, I'm reminded of God's goodness in creating a daily reminder of a great spirital reality - the night will end and the Son will come.

Yup...it's a great day for a Son rise...

Happy Easter!

M@

367

2008-03-23T06:17:00.000-05:00

367...that's how many days I've been on staff at The Chapel (leap year and yesterday was the one year anniversary). I began this journey, together with my family, with an understanding of God's leadership, but no real idea what it would look like. I guess that's the essence of faith, isn't it?

After resigning from Northwest Christian Community, I didn't know what was next. The resignation was a step of faith, in itself. Heidi and I were prepared and even hoping that the next stop would be back in Buffalo, NY - not that we loved Buffalo, but we love many people there.

Even as we wondered about Buffalo, we both had a sense in our spirits that our work in IL was not done. Again, we didn't know what that would look like, but were working on trust.

This past year has been an amazing adventure. Very quickly, I connected with so many new friends - people from my campus as well as other staff. I've experienced daunting challenges. I've seen God navigate our way through those challenges. I've had hard as well as inspiring conversations with people. From the very outset, I experienced a bonding with my new church family - I was a bit startled by the intensity of that relationship.

Today, as I sit in my office, it feels like I've only been here a few days. Yet, at the same time, it feels like it's been years. I've experienced God's hand of faithfulness gently guiding through this past year. And I anticipate with excitement the same for the year to come.

Peace on the Journey,

Matt

fire in the fireplace

2008-03-22T13:40:00.001-05:00

Last night was a cold Friday night. Chicagoland won the snow lottery and we ended up with about a foot in our neck of the woods. After a busy day, preparing for and executing 3 Good Friday services at my campus, Heidi and I found ourselves in front of a roaring fire as the day came to a close.

During each service, I invited anyone who wanted to participate, to write down their sin(s) on a piece of paper and then nail them to large beams of wood on either side of the auditorium. After everyone had a chance to do so, the beams were assembled to make a cross, which was carried to the front and raised in silence. It was powerful... huge cross standing tall and bold at the front of the room, holding the written confessions of hundreds of people.

As the Campus Pastor, it was my honor to take home each of those slips of paper and dispose of them forever. Without reading any of them (but knowing each slip contained the source of guilt and shame for a person) I put handful after handful of the "sins" into the fireplace.

It was a hot fire. It was a large fire. It was a grace-filled fire. My fire only got rid of the paper. Christ on the cross got rid of the sin.

All in all...a great Friday to remember.

Peace,

Matt

bracketology 2008

2008-03-20T22:06:00.001-05:00

I really don't like basketball. I hope my kids don't pick it up as one of their sports. But if they do, I'll cheer.

But I'm a sucker for competition. So in March, I complete my brackets and trash-talk as if I've been watching all teams all year.

I got my bracket done just in time today. My final for are...

Louisville
Memphis
UCLA
Georgetown

I have a couple sleepers. And this year, I didn't have MSU going all the way - it pained me to drop them to Memphis in the Sweet 16. Sorry Coach Izzo...now watch, they win the whole dang thing!!

Share your final four if you want...

M@

NY, NY

2008-03-18T20:21:00.000-05:00

"My name is David Paterson, and I'm the Governor of New York!" heard moments after taking the oath of office to replace Elliot Spitzer, who resigned because he hired hookers.

Moments later Governor Paterson told reporters that he had multiple extra-marital affairs while he and his wife were having a rough go at marriage. Apparently, she did, too.

What?!?! He didn't bring it up earlier in his political career because it didn't seem relevant. But now he doesn't want it to interfere with his governorship. Nice...

Is is too much for us to expect our leaders to be men and women of integrity? Is is possible for people to "climb the ladder" while maintaining the fabric of their character?

You know what? I actually think it's possible. I think it's possible to be a great leader without being a jerk or hypocrite. I think it's possible to lead movements while loving one's family well and cultivating healthy relationships with friends who aren't impressed with us.

It's possible. It's hard. But it's possible.

I'm grateful to be directly led by people who strive for this kind of leadership. I'm thankful that they will push me to be this kind of leader.

By God's grace...it's possible...

M@

Buffalo

2008-03-04T19:30:00.000-06:00

Last week, I spent a few days in Buffalo, NY. It was great to spend some time with old friends and be with people who continue to mean a great deal to me.

This trip was unique from past trips...I had some new friends along with me. Scott and Jamie were with me. Along with having several great meetings planned, they were also eager for me to show them around my old world.

We drove around the city, where I had invested in several great ministry ventures. I drove them past our old house - a great little Civil War era cottage on two acres of land. We walked through the campus of Hamburg Wesleyan, getting a chance to meet so many people who are embedded deep in my heart.

It was my world...not theirs. I cannot overemphasize the gift it was to me that they cared so much about seeing a bit of my past. They listened as I told the stories. They waited patiently as I hugged and talked with a few friends. They met so many of the staff who are dear to me.

What a gift these men gave me. When I came on board, they talked about the desire to be a "band of brothers" in serving Christ. That hope has become a reality into which I have been invited. I am honored to lock arms with these men and follow Christ in faithful obedience.

M@

Sue

2008-03-04T19:24:00.000-06:00

Sue is my sister. And she hates being called "Sue". But...I'm her brother...her little brother...so I call her Sue. And she lets me!

She just recently had a big birthday. No, not 50...but not too far off from there...;-)

It's been amazing for me to see her grow as a woman, Christ-follower, mother, wife, and leader in the years I've known her.

Growing up, things were a bit more contentious, I'd say. I'm more than 5 years younger than she is...so you can imagine what a pain it was for her to have a brother like me! And she's as strong-willed as I am. So there were definitely some interesting times.

As she has neared the ripe old age of __0, she's applied her wisdom in so many ways. I see her invest in her boys with love and strength. I see her as a helper and encourager for her husband. And I see her invest in so many people.

I love you, Suzy...happy birthday!

M@

Sarah

2008-02-16T13:44:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday to my sister, Sarah, today! She's older than I am...it's important to know that up front. Here are some of my thoughts about my older (did I mention that already) sister...

- Enough with the degrees already! With almost 40 years of education under your belt...stop already;-) Actually, I'm quite proud of her 37 Masters Degrees (maybe a slight exaggeration)...she works hard to grow and develop.

- I had her as a student teacher when I was in high school (did I mention that she's older than I). She was a good teacher way back then...I'm sure she's even better now.

- She's one of the people who taught me much about grace. As the "baby" of the family, I was occasionally inclined toward wanting my own way. Sarah was always so gracious to me.

Happy birthday, Sarah...

M@

Grandpa Al

2008-02-09T15:45:00.001-06:00

I was the goofy kid down the street. I'd stop over at Al and Bette's home unannounced. And never once did they act put out. He didn't need my company - his life was full, his kids were adults, and a 7 year old kid...well, he'd done that already.

He'd let me pal around with him in the garden or down in the woodshop. As he went about his business, he made sure I was learning the trade. An early morning found us putting the boat in the water for an adventure on the high seas of Lake Michigan - the fish were safe that day.

When I kept falling down while learning to cross country ski, I'd get so frustrated. Knowing that misery loves company, Al would take a dive now and then...just so I wouldn't be alone lying in the snow.

My grandparents lived in other states. And after my father's death, his parents didn't stay in contact. Grandparents' day at school would have been a huge bummer...except that Al would be there waiting. He take an interest in my schoolwork and eat some lunch with me. He didn't have to...he just did.

He served his country in World War II. He served his community as a volunteer. He servced God through his church. He served his family as a husband, father, and provider. And this humble man served a seven year old kid from down the street.

I learned a little bit about gardening, woodwork, boating, and skiing from Al. But more than any of that, his gentle presence taught me about God's love. The gifts he gave me I carry in my soul even today.

Al lost his battle with cancer last week. But this "loss" created the opportunity for him to walk the victor's walk. Today, he see clearly what he saw as only a dim reflection in his life - God's love for him. By God's grace, you ran well, Grandpa Al. Godspeed...

Matt...the kid down the road...

stunning...

2008-02-04T08:55:00.000-06:00

The Pats' loss to the Giants last night was stunning...

- Eli wins the big one in half the career of his older brother.
- Eli spends most of the year trying to keep his job...now he's the Superbowl MVP.
- Bill Belichick was outchoached and seemd to channel the spirit of Schottenheimer.
- Brady's offensive line was...offensive.
- Eli out-Brady-ed Tom Brady. Brady is famous for getting the final drive into the end zone for the win.
- the Pats busted tail all year long to loose only one game...THE game...

Yup...stunning...

And now I know what it feels like to be a Buckeye fan...

Congrats to the Giants fans.

quick hits

2008-02-02T08:14:00.000-06:00

Not much of an update, but I just couldn't not do something...

- not too inspired by many candidates this political season. I normally like the presidential race. At this point, it's a B-Movie kind of year...

- Go Pats!! I'm hoping for a Pats blowout this weekend...what a great way to end a football season!

- Kids are all healthy...today...

- good things going on at church. I love being a part of this ministry team! Every day I am thankful for God brining me to The Chapel.

See...not much of an update...but it's something.

Have a great weekend!

M@

a recond beaten

2008-01-21T16:17:00.000-06:00

With their victory yesterday, the New England Patriots hold the record for the most wins in an undefeated single season; 18-0.

The Super Bowl should live up to the hype...the good team will stand strong with the great team. But in the end, my prediction is that the great team will stand with the trophy and a place in history as the best team in NFL history.

I was hoping for the Packers last night. For starters, I think that Eli Manning doesn't deserve to be given the same title (quarterback) as Brett Favre. I love how people talk about him having a few good games...maybe Rex Grossman could get signed with the Giants as Eli's backup and learn a few things about how to string together a few good games.

I'm not a very good pundit, but those are my thoughts on a Monday.

Back to Family Day!

M@

clear test

2008-01-15T19:19:00.001-06:00

My friend from Buffalo, Rick, had his 3-month test for bladder cancer today. For the second time the test was clear!! So many people here in Chicago have been praying for him...thank you all! It's been such an awesome answer to prayer.

M@

a record tied

2008-01-14T18:36:00.000-06:00

I've read several online sports writers today, recapping the past weekend. I was shocked that not one article mentioned that, with their victory on Saturday night, the Pats tied the standing record for most wins in one season. The 1972 Miami Dophins won all of their regular season games and the Super Bowl to finish the season 17-0. Since that time, the regular season has been extended by two games. So with this past weekend's defeat of the Jags, our boys in New England are standing at 17-0. With this Sunday's win over San Diego, they will own, alone, the single season's best record. And with the Super Bowl victory...well...you know...the records just keep coming this season.

That's all. Just a little tid-bit to taunt my wish-against-the-Pats-at-all-costs friends;-)

Happy Monday!

M@

Go, Pats!

2008-01-11T10:39:00.001-06:00

I put that in the title box to catch the attention of a few friends. There are surprisingly few Patriots fans in Chicago. That's ok...Heidi and I are happy to root on the boys from Beantown!

It's been a crazy holiday season. We actually did a good job managing our schedules, but we both still felt a bit drained. After 6 Christmas services at my Chapel campus (which were AWESOME!!) we celebrated a nice Christmas day as F5. Then on Wednesday, we drove to Grand Haven to spend a day with my family. It was a good visit until the middle of the night when Lib woke up very sick with a respiratory thing. We were debating either driving home or to the ER at midnight...not fun. But Heidi, as the super mommy/nurse that she is, got Lib settled in and on the mend.

Heading home the next day, Levi started to have trouble breathing. Fire up the nebulizer! By Saturday, we were in the ER with him, diagnosed with Pneumonia. More meds and breathing treatments.

Friday night, the Bay City contingency arrived in town. Then on Saturday, the Pittsburgh crew showed up. I did the message in the weekend services on my campus. Thus...a crazy weekend.

But after New Years, things settled in a bit. And now it's back to routine.

In the flurry of life, it's easy to just react. Part of the journey of faith, for me, is to learn to react to not only the circumstances around me, but the voice and leadeship of God. In the busy pace, it's easy to lose that voice. But quiet moments, driving with the radio off or in the moments before the monkeys invade a still morning moment, I can recallibrate myself and listen again.

Happy New Year!

M@

2007 Recap...

2008-01-03T22:21:00.000-06:00

I love these moments to look back over the past year and see all that has been happening in the lives of the Furrs. God has been so faithful in a miriade of ways...I could not be more grateful for the following and even more...

- Last December/January brought much prayer, fasting, and seeking godly counsel, culminating in my decision to resign from Northwest Christian Community. I had moved my family from "home" in Buffalo in order to pursue God's leadership to step into a Lead Pastor role. That exercise went much differently than I had intended (shocking, I know, that life goes a little different than planned...). I announced my decision to the congregation, and began a journey to see what would happen next.

- God opened the door to a substative conversation with one of the senior pastors of The Chapel. As he laid out his vision for the role the church can play in the lives of people and a region, I was captured. So many of the things he talked about resonated with the deepest places of my heart. And through a very thorough and rigorous process, I joined the staff of The Chapel in Libertyville.

- I am now a Campus Pastor. No, this has nothing to do with college ministry (I had a few friends ask me how my college ministry at Liberty University was going...nope). The Chapel is one church with several local expressions, called campuses. I lead one of those campus in Libertyville. It's a gift to be a part of such an amazing staff team and community of people. The people from the church have welcomed my family and me with gracious warmth and friendship and partnership. I lead a staff that gives themselves fully to the mission of Christ. I have been welcomed into friendships of depth and healing.

- Heidi continues to grow in grace and wisdom, wearing many different hats - wife, mother, woman, Christ-follower, friend. I watch her invest in people with a heart filled with love, grace, and wisdom. It's amazing - not because I'm surprised, but because it's always amazing to be so close to the tender work of God. I see Him in her in profound ways.

- Izak is growing up. I can't believe that I met him just over 5 years ago. He enriches my life in big ways. He teaches me to speak more gently and walk more slowly. He teaches me to laugh at the silliness of life. He teaches me the peace of a good snuggle in the morning. My son is a treasure to me.

- Liberty is a young girl of confidence and passion. She is not so fast, taking her time to get where we need to go. But she gets there with a passion and a joy reserved for those who actually appreciate the journey. She sings loudly. She dances wildly. And she has an expression at the ready for any circumstance. She's totally my daughter - we both roll out of bed only when we have to and aren't completely convinced the day will be kind. But we both also warm up to the idea of walking the earth before noon...usually. She is my "baby-girl" and I love her freedom. And I suspect she's going to be pretty stoked to find out that her daddy works in a town called Liberty-ville!

- Levi is coming into his own. He loves his mommy - and does alright with Daddy when she's not around. He loves his cars and the movie, Cars. Levi and Mommy collect all the figures from the movie and make sure they are hidden in special places because you don't want to lose such a treasure. He is a boy among boys - loves dirt and car noises and big trucks. He loves to run at you from across the room. And he can be heard shouting from his crib, "Tickle me!"

My kids redeem me. Without them in my life, I would work too much, not laugh enough, and hold on to a lot more selfishness. Oh, the selfishness is still there, but in order to hold the hand of a toddler, you have to let go of a great deal of it. God uses my children to shape my heart.

When we were married, Heidi made a commitment to go where I go and make her home in that place. She has made good on that without a complaint or even a wince. I could not be the man I am without her by my side. My partner. My beloved. My friend.

As I look back over this year, it's been a very hard year. It's been a year of redemption. It's been a year of stretching and challenge. But knowing that God is walking with me, shaping my character and guidling the way, gives me the courage to advance, even if only one step at a time. This Furr Journey is truly a journey of obedience and trust. And every step of trust that I take, God has proved his faithfulness over and again. I'm not sure that it makes the next step of faith any easier, but it does increase one's confidence that it will be an adventure worth taking.

So here I am, on the edge of 2008. It will, no doubt, be another year of growth in many ways. It will be a year of more milestones for the kids. It will be anouther year in which I experience the amazing blessing of an incredible wife/friend. In all that, it will be anouther year to experience the gentle, guiding hand of my Master, who challenges, pushes, and leads me into places that feed my soul as only He can.

May you know the same in 2008.

Peace on the journey,

M@

Christmas moment...

2007-12-24T21:55:00.000-06:00

There is a moment that I so easily get lost in. I anticipate this moment as much as my five year old anticipates Christmas morning.

As the final Christmas service concludes concludes and the final hugs and well wished are given...I'm alone in the church. And in the simple quietness of Christmas Eve, I hear from God.

I hear from God at other times, but this moment is special...and sacred. It's as personal as a gift with my name on it. It's as sacred as God, himself.

Every year, I wonder if it will pass me by...maybe I'm too busy...maybe I'm not ready...maybe it just won't happen. But it does...

Thank you, God...for Immanuel, God with us. And thank you, God, for a moment like this. It's an incredible gift for Christmas.

M@

ironic

2007-12-03T19:04:00.000-06:00

I was reading about Sean Taylor's funeral today. Sean Taylor was the NFL player killed during a home invasion a week ago. In the article was a quote by OJ Simpson as he walked into the event in Miami.

Does anyone else think it's ironic that OJ Simpson was at the funeral for Taylor? Taylor was killed by bumbling idiots who broke into his home to steal from the rich football player. OJ Simpson is a bumbling idiot on trial for breaking into a hotel room with a gun to steal sports memorabelia from a once-great athlete (OJ Simpson).

Just wondering...

M@

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T13:06:00.000-06:00

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!!

2007-11-19T18:46:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-13T22:12:00.000-06:00

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@

weekend summary

2007-10-29T19:32:00.000-05:00

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@

talking with God...

2007-10-26T15:32:00.000-05:00

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?

Go Sox!!

2007-10-21T23:27:00.000-05:00

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@

quick hits

2007-10-09T22:31:00.000-05:00

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@

holy cow!

2007-09-07T18:07:00.000-05:00

Life is cruising at a pretty intense pace these days. The fall season at The Chapel brings a lot of the task list. Then add that I'm in the throws of a staff search for three significant staff rolls...yup...we're cookin'! And I love it!

Football season began with a bang. I'm a Spartan fan...and spent last Saturday snickering at my Wolverine friends and family (aka Heidi). Sorry, but it's just funny how Wolverines get knocked down a peg or two...or 25!

Heidi is out tonight with some other ladies so I'm at home holding things down here. Kids will head to bed soon and then it's time to get some work done. I teach this weekend at my campus and need to nail down the message a bit more.

So anyway...we're still around and running hard. God is giving us strength and peace...

peace to you,

M@

Lake Geneva

2007-08-22T18:48:00.000-05:00

Holy cow!!! What a great "weekend" we had! Huge shout out to the Gleason clan...they stayed at the Furr zoo on Monday night so that Heidi and I could take off to Lake Geneva. What a great time! Thank you, Gleasons! And thank you, Furrbabies...you did great.

Lake Geneva is a great community about an hour from Lake Villa. It's got a great downtown area very near to the water - reminds me a lot of Grand Haven, where I grew up in Michigan.

Heidi and I enjoyed some great dinner, relaxed conversation, football, and ...sleep...great sleep...ahhh. There are amazing little conversations that happen when they can just pop up...different than the ones that take place during a two-hour date or between baths in the evening.

What an incredible woman I am married to. I would so do it all over again. I just love spending time with her - hearing her stories, listening to meandering thoughts, her spiritual insights...it's all incredible for me to just take in. You're a gift, Babe...

These past couple weeks have afforded me a little reset. I knew that I'd need it sometime before the fall ministry season, but wasn't sure what it would look like. God provided and it's been great for me. A little rest...but beyond that just some time to hit the reset button and clear my mind a bit.

God provides rest. There is so much work to do in this little thing we call life...80 years is all we have to make a difference and do our part in God's work in this world. After that, eternity awaits...then there is rest. But even with all the work to do here...we need seasons of rest...God made it that way. Weekly days for sabbath rest - to remember that God is bigger than us and to trust his provision, if even for one day. Monthly days to get away and pray for a longer period of time - to listen and allow for pop-up conversations with God. And annual vacations - to visit friends, sleep a bit more (unless you have kids), and see parts of the world you haven't seen ever or for a while. Different types of rest...all gifts from God.

Thanks, God...for the rest.

M@

road trip...

2007-08-13T13:28:00.000-05:00

A quick shout out to the Hamburg-ers who read...it was awesome to see you this past weekend - even if briefly. What an amazing gift it was to hang out in the foyer and connect with so many friends. Your affirmations, prayers, and encouragements fill my spirit to overflowing - thank you!

Heidi, the kids, and I loaded up the van early Thursday morning and drove east along the I-90 for about 10 hours. The shortest I've ever made the trip is 8 1/2, but that's by myself...not with two potty-trained kids who know that if they shout "I HAVE TO GO POOPY!" they get to get out of their seats for a few precious minutes. Libby got pretty good at road-side potty breaks...

The kids did awesome on this trip. In past years, when we've made this trip, we maintian that it will only get better. So far, that's been true. They slept well in unfamiliar suroundings. They played with other kids as if they were long-lost friends (which some were). And they flexed with the changes like champs. I don't think Heidi and I slept all that much, but the kids did great!

We spent a bunch of time with Rick and Carrie...soul-friends who have shared life deeply with us. Their friendship remains such an incredible gift. Rick is the one I've shared is fighting cancer. Please continue to pray for them.

We got to attend an anniversary party for Larry and Audry - another couple of soul-friends. What a special way to spend an evening.

We got home late last night...and no one really slept in the car. They slept in a little this morning, but...still up and at 'em before 7...argh. Heidi showed her love by letting me sleep a bit longer...you're the best, Babe...

And then we spent some time this morning with Chicago friends. The Wamsleys have quickly become great friends for us. Their son, Jimmy, turned 3 today and had a Thomas The Train party. What a great time!!

So...it's family day at the Furr house.

God's good to us...

Rick

2007-07-13T22:22:00.000-05:00

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...

2007-07-12T23:42:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-04T19:24:00.000-05:00

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@

running the gauntlet

2007-06-16T15:12:00.000-05:00

9:00 am on Sunday morning. The service begins and we're off... 20 minutes later, I'm standing in front of a group of people who don't know me from Adam, talking with them about the importance of community in serving God. It goes well, but a minute longer than planned. Not bad, I thought, as I walked off the back of the stage.

Bob is waiting for me as I run through the 'green room' and out the back door. "We should be fine." I text the service director in Barrington, letting her know we're on the way. While, in Barrington, the music begins and the people gather to worship God.

25 minutes later, Bob pulls the car in the front of the church, I jump out, grab the mic pack that is handed to me by someone I've never met and walk into a room I've never seen before. The video winds down as I stand on stage, and I pick up where it leaves off, continuing the same message for this new group of people who, again, doesn't know me.

As that message winds down, I walk off the stage, grab the hand of my friend, Steve, only to keep on walking, handing the mic pack back to the nice lady in the lobby, jump in the car, and hold on as Bob drives toward Grayslake again.

I have to say, Bob pulls this stellar move on a lane-merge that puts us ahead of about 6 other cars. Without that move, I would have been late to...

...the video concludes as I walk onto the stage as if I had been there all morning and just waiting for this moment.

God is good. These people didn't know me from anyone. But God goes before.

That's a snapshot of the teaching adventure on the second weekend at The Chapel. It was fun! It was exciting. It was incredible to get a feel for God's hand at work in different locations of the same church. I loved it! And I can't wait to do it again...

...and I'll get my chance in a couple weeks. Thanks, God...

Peace on the Journey,

M@

New things...

2007-06-05T06:25:00.000-05:00

What a weekend! It was a weekends of firsts...

- It was the first weekend that I served as the official Campus Pastor for The Chapel, Hawthorn Hills. Prior to this, I was the Associate Campus Pastor. Through a two-month process of testing the waters, connecting with core leaders, and serving alongside Scott (who was Campus Pastor as well as Co-Senior Pastor of The Chapel), God has affirmed so many of the decisions that bring us to this point. I couldn't be more excited and hopeful about my role in God's mission these days.

- It was the first time that I taught on a weekend for The Chapel. There is a teaching team that rotates through most of the campuses. My hiring as Campus Pastor did not include being a part of that teaching team. So when Jeff (the other Co-Senior Pastor of The Chapel), asked me to do the teaching for this message in the current series, I was shocked. This past weekend, I did all three services at my campus. Next weekend, I do the same message at all the other campuses - 4 live and 1 recorded on dvd. I really enjoyed doing it this past weekend. And if that's the best way for me to serve God, then I'd be pleased to do it again. We'll see how it goes. The real "test" will be this weekend - I'll be teaching for people who don't know me from Adam...other than Adam would look a little older than I do...

- It was my first Major League Soccer game. Jim and Jenny took Heidi and I to see the Chicago Fire, the pro team in the area. What a great time! We enjoyed the company of "old friends" (we met them at Northwest) and I learned a ton about a game that I was largely unfamiliar with. Jim is a great fan and understands the strategy - and a good teacher. I'm not sure I "fell in love" with soccer, but I really dig it and hope to watch it some more. In July, a soccer legend from the Mexico team is joining The Fire...should be fun to watch a man that plays on such a huge world stage.

And after such a full weekend, we had a great F5 family day. It started with getting Izak to the doctor first thing in the morning. We seem to start our Mondays there lately. Sinus infection for the big guy. He's already feeling better.

Busy week ahead (what's new?). Big things going on for the Church these days. And it's a gift and honor for me to be a part of it.

Away we go!

M@

My Mommy...

2007-05-16T20:41:00.000-05:00

I've taken a few days to interview the children. I don't allow them to use the computer (though Levi is convinced that he knows how). So I asked them what they love about their Mommy and I will write down what they said...

My Mommy makes great pancakes for breakfast. They are tasty with lots of syrup. And they are easy to throw.

My Mommy washes my favorite shirt so that I can wear it every day. Seriously...every day.

My Mommy holds me when I cry. Sometimes I pretend to cry so that she'll hold me. I love that!

My Mommy puts great bandaids on me when I have a boo-boo. And sometimes when I pretend to have a boo-boo, she still gives me cool bandaids.

My Mommy gives me my bottle and lets me lay in bed with her in the morning. Even when Daddy tries to kick me out, Mommy protects me.

My Mommy plays in the water with me...and lets me have the hose!

My Mommy taught me to put pee-pee in the potty today!!

My Mommy checks on me every night to make sure my room is a good temperature and that I'm sleeping well. When I'm not, she even comes and sleeps with me a little bit.

My Mommy holds me when I throw up and don't feel good.

My Mommy does great crafts with me.

My Mommy plays Stinky Cake on the piano...we all like to sing that song!

My Mommy prays with me...that's right, Mommy, good job.

My Mommy works hard every day.

I love you, Mommy!

Love, Izak, Liberty, and Levi
*****************
Daddy's note: my wife is an amazing mother. She tackles the big parts of the job with stregnth and grace. And she pushes through the little things with an endurance that is unbelievable. When the "pecking" would drive most people insane, she digs down deep and finds a place where there is laughter and a tender touch. I thoroughly respect this woman who gives herself fully to her family. I know there are times when she feels very reduced...but in that place, I see amazing purity and courage and strength and beauty.

It is my honor to walk beside (perhaps even just a set behind out of respect) her as a parent.

Happy Mother's Day, my Beloved! You are the greatest!

M@

loving it...

2007-05-12T08:10:00.000-05:00

I haven't been able to post much here lately. It's been much of a whirlwind since beginning at The Chapel. And I love it. But it does mean that my time is spent a bit differently.

I'm excited about an opportunity that I have coming up in a few weeks. I have been asked to be one of the teachers for the weekend series that we begin next week. It's exciting for me on several levels. That means I'll be doing the teaching on the fist and second weekends of June. Same message, just different locations. Should be a blast.

I'm assisting in a child dedication this morning. Those are great "church family" moments.

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. I'll post more on that another time.

The Furr fam is doing well. Kids are amazing. Heidi is incredible.

Go BoSox!!

M@

random thoughts...

2007-04-26T21:50:00.000-05:00

I don't get much time to write here these days. My days are pretty filled up between The Chapel and The Furrs. So when the kids go down, Heidi and I are getting some time together and we're on the way to bed. So now I have a few minutes and I'll just toss out a few things...

- I'm loving my work at The Chapel. I'm learning a huge amount. I feel like I'm contributing already. 5 weeks in and I'm living in the confirmation of God on this decision.

- Heidi and I have a close friend who is graduating from Wheaton in a couple weeks. Aunt Lo is finishing her Masters...way to go, Lo!!! I am so proud of you!

- My folks are coming for a visit this weekend. It's going to be great to show them around our new digs (Chapel, not a new home). They prayed and walked with us through the transition, and now they get to see it for themselves. And the kids are stoked about seeing them. Izak even has a special book for his grandma to read to him...very cool.

- Next weekend, Carrie, a dear friend from Buffalo, is coming for a visit. It will be great to connect with her and share a bit of life together.

- There is a group of pastors that I pray with each Thursday. We take some time to share a bit of life, but our prayer focus is the community around us. But we've also grown as friends. How incredible to walk through life knowing a few othe men have your back. These guys are a gift. Even in my transition, they have walked with me, offering prayer and solid encouragement. That's how it's supposed to be among Christian leaders in a community...

- There is no way that Bush can sign this law to pull the troops out. Not that we're in danger of him doing so. And this has nothing to do with any opinions I have about the Iraq War. But it has to do with the Constitution. I'm a Constitutional hacker, but I've got a little clue about seperation of powers. The President is the only Commander and Chief of the armed forces. In this bill, Congress is stepping into that role. If Bush went along with it, there would be a substantive constitutional crisis.

- I'm doing some reading in the New Testament book of Romans. Wow...incredible stuff...

- I love that the Red Sox spanked the Yanks! Not only did they beat them, but they did so in a fashion that stung a little (at least for Yankee fans). In two of the games, it looked like NY would pull it out...but in the last few innings, the Sox pulled ahead and won. I love it! Go Sox!!

- Jamarcus Russell to Oakland...solid pick.

- Obama pulling close to Hillary. Fun race to watch. How funny would it be for Gore to jump in after several months of these two beating on each other...

Well...I told you they would be random. As I settle into my new life a bit more, there will be some space for writing here a little more. Until then, it's random, baby!

M@

human fabric...

2007-04-17T21:22:00.000-05:00

Read these words by Robert Kennedy...

"I saved . . . this opportunity to speak briefly to you about the mindless menace of violence in America which again stains our land and every one of our lives. It's not the concern of any one race. The victims of the violence are black and white, rich and poor, young and old, famous and unknown. They are, most immportant of all, human beings whom other human beings loved and needed. No one, no matter where he lives or what he does, can be certain who next will suffer from some senseless act of bloodshed, and yet it goes on and on and on in this country of ours. Why? What has violence ever accomplished? What has it ever created? Whenever any American's life is taken by another American unnecessarily, whether it is done in the name of the law or in defiance of the law, by one man or by a gang, in cold blood or in passion, in an attack of violence or in response to violence, whenever we tear at the fabric of our lives, which another man has painfully and clumsily woven for himself and his children, whenever we do this, then the whole nation is degraded. Yet we seemingly tolerate a rising level of violence that ignores our common humanity and our claims to civilization alike."

We are a thread woven together, if even clumsily. And when one part of that fabric is assulted and torn, the whole garment suffers.

Violence looks a lot of different ways. Yesterday, we saw the unthinkable unfold in Virginia. The week before, we heard the violence in the form of words - words that attempted to steal pride, dignity, and innocence. Every day, violence is a part of our world...and every day we tolerate it.

What does it look like to stop tolerating violence? Is it possible? Or do I need to just keep walking and not looking?

I think it looks like me taking notice when 3 kids in my neighborhood chase one kid off the bus and into his driveway. I didn't stop...but I watched it unfold. Would I have stopped if a blow had been struck? I'd like to think so...

It looks like people choosing to care about issues that they don't have to care about - racism, sexism, classism, etc. I'm a white man...I have the luxury of not dealing with racism each day. But there are those I love who don't have that same luxury. How do I choose to step into their "cause" because it's right and just?

Do I speak when people around me are speaking ill of another person? All too often, I've been quiet in my life. Violance? Really? Sure, maybe it's only a reputation that falls, but it's still a stain on the fabric, isn't it?

Perhaps that's why Jesus, in his teaching, continually brings us back to relationships. How we treat people shows what we really believe about him. Relationships are where faith meets life.

Today, I stop and pray because there are cries going up all over this country and world. They are the cries of people who have been feeled by violence. Stop and pray with me...pray for peace. And after we pray, let us look for ways that we are the answers to those prayers.

Peace to you...

M@

sacred moments...

2007-04-10T21:35:00.000-05:00

There have been several of these in the past couple weeks. Sacred moments are hard to share...to put words to. They are the spaces in time that make life, real life...

1. There was a moment last Thursday. The Campus Pastors were gathered together with the Senior Pastors. Years ago, Jeff and Scott made a decision that they would step into co-senior leadership together, birthing the reality of team ministry at The Chapel. It's been written into the DNA. So to sign up as a leader in this community is a commitment to share life authentically with others. Last Thursday, I was welcomed into that space with 6 other men.

There is some of that moment that is truly too sacred to write here. I've shared it with Heidi, but will keep most of it in my heart.

At one particular moment, we were sitting around a table eating dinner. It was Thursday of Holy Week. It felt like some spiritual connection with that evening when Jesus ate a holy supper with his disciples, the men he intentionally invested in for 3 years. There would be no betrayal and death stemming from our table, but it was a moment...

2. During the Good Friday service at my campus, there was a moment in each service where God whispered sacred words into my soul. There were the words that make leaders shiver in awe and burst with hope. They were words for me. As I watched the people of my campus pass by me, approach a huge beam of wood, and surrender their written-out sin by nailing that paper to the beam...those moments were sacred...

What a great weekend to step into public leadership at my campus. Good Friday was the first time that I would speak publicly (without being a part of an introduction). There could not have been a more profound moment to stand before the people entrusted to my care and be a part of a sacred moment...

****
The transition continues to go well. I love meeting so many people - staff, ministry partners and leaders...it's all great! I'm being stretched as the learning curve is steep. But I sense God's hand on me.

God is good...

Peace,

M@

loving it!

2007-03-27T21:24:00.000-05:00

I'm less than a week into my new role at The Chapel...and loving it. It's great on so many levels. When I stepped into the "abyss" I had no idea I'd get to step into something like this. Thank you, God!

Had a great Daddy Night with the kids. I love hanging out with them. It's fun to see each of them develop into their own person - quirks and all.

We're starting to look ahead to summer...going to have some great visits with friends and family. We begin by having Heidi's sister and bil here this weekend - Dave and Kat are fun to have around. The kids will be so excited to spend time with them. They come in Friday night.

Amidst the busyness and new pace of life, I'm still connecting with God. One of my fears of going to a large church like The Chapel is that He would be pushed out. Though it looks a bit different, I am thankful for His continual presence and the quiet moments that we still get.

Peace,

M@

what a weekend!

2007-03-25T19:13:00.000-05:00

This was my first weekend as a leader at The Chapel. Heidi and I went to Saturday worship at the Grayslake campus - it was great to run into people I had met earlier during the week and even some friends. Then, this morning, we were introduced to the people at the Hawthorn campus (Libertyville) and were so warmly welcomed by the people. I loved having the chance to connect with so many people before, between, and after worship. What a great day.

I loved having Heidi by my side. There were moments when the people were coming around us like a wave and we were both making connections. We would just back into each other, know the other was there, and keep going. I love having an amazing and strong wife.

I'm only 4 days in and am loving it. There is hard work ahead, but a great team with which to lock arms and do it.

Tomorrow is family day and it's supposed to be nice outside. Should be a great day to play, laugh, and enjoy being the Furrs!

Peace,

M@

whirlwind...

2007-03-20T21:59:00.000-05:00

It's been quite a month. For those trying to keep up with things via this blog...sorry I've not been giving much.

I am officially no longer the lead pastor of Northwest Christian Community. I lead my final worship gatherings on Sunday. I sensed God's presence and pleasure in those final moments together (in that capacity). People were very kind and affirming in their comments.

Sunday afternoon was a special open house at the Eckrote home. What a gift! A bunch of people stopped in to enjoy some great food and time together. Again, a very affirming time.

I'm taking a few days "off" with Heidi and the kids. I'm enjoying my time at home. Today, Heidi worked and a sitter came so that I could get some time out of the house alone. I was invited to a special meeting at The Chapel, so spent some time there, getting to connect and plan with the worship arts team. What a blast!

I also dropped off all my books in my new office. I didn't get to unpack any of them, but they are no longer in the garage and I can begin to settle in on Thursday, my first "official" day.

It's been great to meet some of the staff and key leaders. I'm looking forward to more and more interaction with them.

Tomorrow is a family day...nothing really on the agenda, except playing and eating and playing some more. Love to play!!

Then on Thursday, time to jump in with both feet!! I'm excited and am already waking up thinking about things...a good sign...

That's a quick update on life...

My final 4 are still in the tournament: Oregon, Kansas, Memphis, and Georgetown. Yup, that's right, no OSU or Florida. As much fun as it would be to watch Florida beat OSU again, I didn't go with conventional wisdom on this one.

Peace,

M@

Houston...Apollo 8...

2007-03-07T16:15:00.000-06:00

And the radio crackled to life as 250,000 miles from earth, Apollo 8 came around from the dark side of the moon.

"It is my pleasure to extend an offer of employment to you to join The Chapel..." And I feel like I've come around from the dark side of the moon. With a handshake and a conversation about next steps, start dates, and bookshelves, I joined the team at The Chapel (www.chapel.org).

As of March 22, I will be Associate Campus Pastor at the Libertyville campus. I'm not going to go into the details of what that means...but know that I am excited to use my gifts and experience and passion to serve in this capacity.

God has been guiding this process...which is why it's gone so quickly and smoothly. He has affirmed this decision in the same ways that I outlined in a previous post.

I am both humbled and excited to join this movement.

Peace on the Journey,

M@

dark side of the moon...

2007-03-03T11:42:00.000-06:00

I was watching a PBS show the other night about the Apollo 8 project - the first time that people orbitted the moon. It was a great show.

Before that show, I reflected with a few people that I have felt like I have been on the dark side of the moon - thinking back to the movie Apollo 13.

So to see that imagery again was striking for me.

It's that place when the space capsule has been caught by the moon's gravity and begins to orbit. As it goes around the moon, to the dark side, it looses all communication with earth. Silence.

In the background of the narrator of the show, I heard the lone voice: Apollo 8, Houston. Apollo 8, Houston. Every 30 seconds. That was his job...to keep putting it out there until there was finally a crackling response...Houston, Apollo 8. Then relief and open channel communication.

In this transition process, I've felt like that. I stepped out in faith, trusting what I could not see. But as I let go of one handle, I felt like I slipped out of communication. Not that God wasn't there or even still talking...but it was time to trust. I had to trust that the trajectory of gravity would continue to pull me around the dark side of the moon and back into a place where I could see more clearly.

The dark side of the moon is a scary place. If you choke and hit the thrusters to speed things along, you'll break out of the moon's gravity and head into deep space with no chance of recovery...lost. But if you simply trust and hold steady...one step at a time...then you'll hear the voice again.

I don't think I'm in full view of earth yet. But I hear the crackling voice of Houston once again. And it won't be long now.

How do I listen?

2007-02-27T20:21:00.000-06:00

How do I listen to God? It's such a key part of life. It has also been used in so many situations to simply stifle reaction - if I'm hearing from God, then what can you say about my choices? As I have decided to leave Northwest, here's how I've experienced God's leadership...

1. Pray and fasting. I've learned so much about the discipline of fasting. There is value in voluntary weakness (fasting) because it brings up so much junk that's lurking inside me. As I fast, God shows me my heart so much more clearly. It's not pretty, but I've found it to be crucial. In those places, I'm more effectively able to put "self" aside and listen.

Then, as I pray...I simply listen. Over the years, I've learned to recognize the voice of God speaking in my spirit. It's gentle. It's loving. It's kind.

2. Bible. Rarely have I found the Bible answering my specific questions like a Magic 8 Ball. But I connect so meaningfuly with the character of God as I read. It reminds me that the voice of God is gentle, loving, and kind. It reminds me that God is greater than my fear. It reminds me that the journey of faith sometimes doesn't make sense. During our weekend worship gatherings, we've been studying the New Testament book of James. It could not have been a better study for me or Northwest at this stage of the journey. And I sensed God leading me to do that study back in July/August, before any of this stuff started breaking loose.

3. Wise and godly counsel. One of the gifts God has given that I have done a good job leaning into is a great wealth of wisdom around me. People that have known me for over 25 years, who I trust, speak truthfully into my life. They push on hard issues. They press into hard questions. They challenge. They pray. They offer input. And they leave me to make the decision. My life isn't a democracy...but I am so thankful for the input.

This is one of the places that I guard against the "God told me so" trump card. If I go alone to a solitary place and come back saying "God said..." then I put that against the Bible and godly counsel. There will be consistent trends as the pieces come together.

4. My wife. Heidi needs to be tracking with me. If I start looking into a leading and she says, "Pipe down, Furr..." then I have learned to pipe down. But when I share what I'm stirring on and she's already there...then that's pretty confirming in Matt world.

5. Walk toward the fear. This isn't a perfect method of listening to God, but there is something to it. God often puts us in places where we need to trust Him more than our own ability to create a safe place. If I fear taking a step that I think I hear God calling me to...there's a good chance it really is Him. It's not the same as being foolish. But the walk of faith is a call to allow God to help one overcome fear.

6. Embrace grace. Even with all these things, I still may make bad decisions. I might not hear quite clearly. I might have missed a nuance of His leadership. It's possible. And in the fear that I might get it wrong, I lean into grace. God knows my heart and my desire to hear and seek Him above all else. He's pleased by that. And if I'm wrong, I will plead for forgiveness - God's and those I hurt. And I will trust forgiveness and grace to win the day.

It's not a perfect system. But I can't recall much about the faith journey that leads one to a perfect system...that's the point. It's faith. It's learning to trust Him more than myself. It's stepping out, even when it seems to not make sense. And it's trusting the grace of God.

That's the process I've gone through in the past several months. It's been terrible at moments when I hvae confronted the garbage in my own spirit. It's been wonderful as I have experience the powerful grace of Christ in ways I never dreamed possible in my own life. And there is still much that can't be described with words...it's just for the soul to ponder and wonder.

Peace on the journey,

Matt

interesting days...

2007-02-17T10:56:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure how to put words to everything yet. I'm walking through some of the hardest days that I've ever had, while experiencing God's presence in ways I never had...strange how those two things seems to always go hand-in-hand...pain and God's presence.

Last Sunday night, I stood before the people of Northwest and explained that I have resigned as lead pastor.

The biggest question is why?

The answers are not for this forum, but are reserved for live and in-person conversations.

But every answer to that question can be countered with another question or probing response.

And underneath the why that is seen and can explained (to a degree) is the why that is unseen. There is a step of faith in my decision. At some level, there is the belief that there will be something important that will come of it...something crucial to the life and soul of this community of people.

And so I step away. It's not easy. And it's not clear what's next...for any of us. But isn't that what faith is all about? Trusting in God, even when our eyes may deceive us?

And so the Furr Journey takes a bend in the road...one that I didn't see coming. One that I didn't go looking for. But a bend that came nonetheless.

Walking on...

Matt

now that's just funny...

2007-02-14T13:24:00.000-06:00

I just read a headline on Drudge...a congressional hearing on global warming was cancelled today due to an ice storm...

Now...that's just funny!

That's all...nothing more...just a little chuckle...now get back to work...

catching up...

2007-02-05T20:04:00.000-06:00

It's been quite the time around here. Here are a few of my quick-hit thoughts these days:

- getting sick is no fun. Thankfully, I haven't been...but everyone else here has. Again...not fun.

- I was pulling for the Bears. Grossman...bummer...but I'm not disappointed that Indy won. Dungy is a class act, as is Manning. So I can be happy for them.

- I'm still slowly working my way through Obama's book, Audacity of Hope. It's a good read.

- I even read some fiction last week. It's been a while since I've done that. Thank you, John Grisham. The Broker was a fun read.

- Football season is over. It was fun while it lasted. Now on to ... golf season!

- It's time to watch 24. I've missed a couple weeks, hope I can catch up tonight.

Bye...