Not there yet...

I couldn't help myself. I tried not to be competitive. I just couldn't stop myself.

Tonight I was a race car driver. A couple from Northwest invited us to share an experience at Chicago Indoor Racing...a company that let's people live vicariously as they drive souped-up go carts (they go up to 35 mph!) around an indoor track.

I was teamed up with Doug. We won!! What a great night hanging out with friends and meeting some new people, too. After racing (did I mention that Doug and I won?) there was good food, pool, and hanging out.

It was a fun night out.

I love to win...and I think that's okay...

Peace, M@ (#29...)

Godspeed, Jean...

Jean Stevens was my mother-in-law's best friend.
Jean was an influential person in Heidi's life.
She presented godly words of wisdom at choice moments.
Jean Stevens was a fighter.

Tonight, Jean lost her fight with cancer. Though Jesus defeated death, I suspect that Jean gave him a good lickin', too.

More than anything else, Jean loved Jesus. Tomorrow morning, when I help lead a congregation into the presence of God in worship, Jean will be in His presence, personally. That which I will see only dimly, she now sees clearly.

In this world, you invested well, Jean. Now, run to the arms of your Master and begin this new eternal life filled with the love of His presence.

Peace on your journey,

Matt

misc...

Nothing really specific to report at this point, but thought I'd touch base anyway...

1. I'm pleased with the way things are going at Northwest. Everyone seems to be on board with the direction we're going. It's pretty fun. We've had a little spike in weekend worship, but we've had several out-of-town guests...but a few visitors from the area, as well. The shift to two worship gathering times has felt good.

2. Dan continues to settle in as Worship Arts Pastor. He's a great guy and adds to the staff dynamic in a fun and healthy way. It's a stretch (and a very good one) for me to turn "control" over to him. It's a stretch not because of his competency but because I tend toward "control freak" end of the spectrum. I don't know that I've ever seen the dynamic between lead pastor and worship pastor that I would like to have...no offense to anyone else, I just haven't seen the synergy that I'm looking for. My nature is to step in and make corrections or calls during the worship time, but I've chosen to give that option to Dan. If I want to change something on the fly, then I need to pass it by him. I'm still the one who makes the call on the big picture, but I need to let the specifics go to him. So if he doesn't have people stand up when I want them to, that's his call, not mine. Instead of having a small stroke trying to get him to tell the people to stand, I just need to get a grip and then debrief with him in private...does that make sense? It may not sound like, but it's a huge adjustment for me (and I suspect for most lead pastors). But making the adjustment will be the difference between getting a new worship pastor ever few years or building a team that will take Northwest far into the future...and the difference between heart trouble in my 40's and living a long time!!

3. Joe and Kristen Zgoda left our home on Sunday afternoon. They are couple/person/group #23 to have passed through our home since we moved. Just recently have Heidi and I realized that it's been so many people. That's why we bought the house we did...so we could have people stay with us. It's been fun. It's also been tiring, especially with F3 on the way. It was a great visit with Joe and Kristen, who are some of the easiest people to have around.

So that's a brief recap...

Peace,

M@

delusional...

Someone at Northwest recently brought to the table something that they picked up at a recent conference. The speaker remarked that America is one of the last places where we continue to live under the delusion that this world is still a good place.

Whether or not we believe this impacts how we think about the world in which we live and the God who created it.

Ask people in Rwanda when they think the Great Tribulation will come.

Ask Christ-followers in China that same question.

Ask people in post-communist Russia if they think that all people are essentially good.

Ask young muslim kids in palestinian refugee camps if they think the "sun will come up tomorrow."

As I look around the world, I find that my perspective on God is influenced by this delusion. So when I talk about being a voice of hope in the world, am I speaking about real hope.

The Bible points people to an eternal hope...one beyond the circumstances of today or even tomorrow. It's not a hope that secretly roots for technology or politics to solve the problem, but finds its anchor in the words of Jesus who said that he is going to prepare a place for us. It's a hope that my heart can actually be transformed (actually needs transformation) because without it, there really isn't anything good in there...I know myself too well to believe otherwise.

It seems like in order to be a voice of hope, one must look honestly at that which provides none.

What do you think?

M@

turning a corner...

I'm proud to be a part of Northwest. We turned a significant corner this past weekend. We began a 2nd worship gathering on Sunday morning.

Boy, Matt, you're pretty easily excited...

True...I am. But this is bigger than just adding another worship gathering...it means much more.

- It means we are more committed to excellence in ministry to kids than our own comfort
- It means we are deeply committed to nurturing the souls of those who serve every weekend by making a way for them to worship together every weekend.
- It means we believe that God wants to use us to grow His kingdom and we're putting ourselves in a position to do that more effectively by making some more room.

It's a little scary because if one of the worship gatherings are too empty, then it feels anticlimactic...that's bad for a sense of momentum and mission. It's a risk because it means that some people will be asked to step up in service when before they could just show up. It's harder work because it requires more solid planning on just about every front. But it's important and worth it.

You see, we're not okay with being fat and happy. We're not okay with thousands of people around us who have never had the chance to engage Jesus in relevant and authentic ways. So we're doing something about it.

So here we go...

M@

dancing with the unimpressed...

What a great time we had tonight (we = my, Heidi, and about 25 Northwest-ers). We helped put on the Summer Dance (Viva Las Vegas!) for the members of the Center for Enriched Living.

At first glance, I thought the title referred to the members of the Center, which is a community center for mentally handicapped/challenged adults. But after tonight, I think that it refers to those who give a bit of themselves to serve this often marginalized community of people loved of God. My life is enriched because of my involvement in what happened tonight.

I got to talk with Rob, who is very curious if London, New York, Miami, and Israel are very far way.

I visited with another lady (I didn't see her name tag) about her dog, who she loves very much. She's excited about the trip she'll take tomorrow for lunch and a movie (of course she'll be seeing Must Love Dogs).

Bryce loved to jump and dance like crazy. He asked if I would be his friend. When I said yes, he was very happy.

I got to meet Matt and Cindy, a couple of young adults who are giving themselves to serve this community of people. And one year from today, they will do so as husband and wife!

Victoria knew all the words to the songs.

Frank loves Elvis. Frank really, really loves Elvis.

Yup...I feel like my life has been a bit enriched tonight. I gave some. I received much.

What was the gift I received? I had a chance to be in a room full of people who were glad that I was there simply because I was there. I didn't have to dance too well (which is a very good thing). I didn't have to be rich. I just had to be there and smile.

And I'm also a bit richer because I got to be a part of this with my new community...Northwest. I'm proud to be a part of a church that would consider something like this a big deal and show up big-time.

Somehow...I'm not even exactly sure, I was a part of the Kingdom come tonight. No one preached, yet the Gospel was clearly presented. There were no songs that talked about God, yet I sense His pleasure.

The Center for Enriched Living...it's a good name. Thanks for letting me be there.

Matt

ps - you can check out the link to the right...

crappy news...

A little play on words. It's actually big news around the Furr house...

Warning: if potty talk offends you, please don't read any further...

Izak is completing his own potty training regimine! It's pretty funny...we were going to wait to begin training until after the new baby arrived. But several weeks ago, he initiated it by saying "potty" and then hopping up onto the toilet to pee. He has repeated that several times. So he has pee on the potty down pat.

So we let him pee on the potty whenever he wants to, but didn't push it because we aren't ready to be consistent and we can't stop diapers until he learns to "go yucky" on the potty.

Well, this morning, he made it clear that he wanted to go pee on the potty. He did several times. So Heidi was adventurous enough to let him amble around the house with no diaper, realizing that when yucky came, we would need to clean the floors a few times.

Before leaving, I talked with him about yucky and that if he wanted, he could do yucky in the potty, just like pee. Not sure if he got it or not, I left Heidi to her mothering devices!

While playing on the couch, he stopped, hopped down, ran into the bathroom, hiked up on the potty, and did yucky...all by himself!! What a kid! He got it!

Could this be the end of diapers for Z-Dog? The saga continues...

It's funny how things change when you parent. Pooping in the potty has never been all that exciting to me before. Sure, it was a good place to get some reading done, but never really exciting. But now...now potty is very exciting!!

Peace and Potty,

M@

Beach House...

Ok, so it's not right on the beach, but from Sunday to Wednesday, the Furrs, Musielaks, and Gobles crashed at my sisters place in Whitehall, MI. It's about a mile from Lake Michigan and Duck Lake...both incredible places to hang out. What a gift...thank you Fishers!!

While we were in Michigan connecting with our small group from Hamburg, my sister, husband, and daughter were at our house, living large in Chi-town. They made good use of the train into the city and it sounds like they spent every ounce of energy enjoying the sights. What a great house exchange!

The time in Michigan was good. During out six plus years in Hamburg, NY, we became very, very close friends with the two couples (Larry and Audry Goble, Rick and Carrie Musielak). We met as relatively newly-wed couples and shared life through significant transitions -- including adding children to the family. Between the three couples, there are six kids...including the one leaching life from Heidi.

I'm not sure what I expected out of the time, to be honest. I knew we would enjoy hanging out. We did. I thought we would have some deep conversation...that was somewhat limited by the energy spent wrangling all the kids (4 and under). I thought we would spend time at the beach...that was great! I thought we would continue to explore what our relationships will look like with the Furrs in Chicago...this was an important part of that journey.

When we were preparing to leave Hamburg in January, I vowed that I would arrange for us to all meet together for a vacation sometime this summer. This Michigan trip was me making good on that promise. I was excited to do that for my friends.

So that's a bit of an update. I'm back in the office today, getting settled back into the routine here.

It's a big weekend...Northwest begins our second worship gathering this weekend. We will worship God at 9 and 1030 am. I'm excited about this shift.

Peace,

M@

heading out...

Heidi, the kids, and I leave for a small vacation this week. We will be joining up with two other families in Michigan. The three families made up the core of our small group in NY and have become very close in the past 6 years -- soulmates. We will spend the next few days sharing space and life together. What a gift.

Last night some other friends spent some time with us. We met Brad and Laura in Indiana during college. Brad was in our wedding. Heidi and I are god-parents to their beautiful children, Hannah and Adam. We have shared a friendship that transcends geography and and time. When we see each other, we pick right up where we left off. It's a gift to share on a significant level with other couples. That's part of the essence of life.

Peace,

M@

A Prayer...

Father, I want to know you, but my cowardly heart fears to give up its toys. I cannot part with them without inward bleeding, and I do not try to hide from you the terror of the parting. I come trembling, but I do come. Please root from my heart all those things which I have cherished so long and which have become a very part of my living self, so that you may enter and dwell there without a rival. Then, shall you make the place of your feet glorious. Then shall my heart have no more need of the sun to shine in it, for you will be the light of it, and there shall be no night there. In Jesus' name, Amen.

- a prayer from A.W. Tozer in The Pursuit of God

so what happened?!?!

Ok, maybe you aren't asking with such enthusiasm, but I left you sort of hanging last week by saying that the weekend would be a little nuts, but not why. Here's the why...

Do you remember when President Bush surprised the troops in Iraq by showing up unannounced on Thanksgiving Day? That's kind of what Heidi did in Buffalo last weekend. She spent a couple days in our old stompin' grounds to connect with close friends and celebrate the upcoming birth of a second child with some friends.

Short(ish) back-story on this...

When Heidi was pregnant with Liberty, some good friends (PJ and Barb) were expecting their first child...they would be born about the same time. Barb went into labor about 25 weeks into the pregnancy. The doctors were unable to stop her body from birthing the otherwise healthy baby girl. The birth process was too much on the little body and within a few hours of birth, Hannah's short life ended.

I was at the hospital shortly after it all happened and was the only person (other than the parents and hospital staff) to see Hannah's little body...all wrapped up in clothes. For a few moments, I was filled with joy, looking at her because it looked like she was still alive and that she'd made it...but no.

A couple weeks later, I facilitated the funeral.

You can begin to imagine the bond formed between our families.

Heidi and I had just moved to IL and found out we were going to have number 3! The next week, we got a call from Barb who told us that she was pregnant. Once again, we were expecting at the same time! We prayed. We prayed some more.

After passing the 25 weeks, they went public. And last weekend was the shower/blessing for the Saikia family. Heidi had to be there...not an option.

Heidi will tell you more details on her blog, I'm sure.

She was gone...and I was home tending the family!! We had a great time together. They slept well (Mom hates when I tell her that they sleep until almost 7). We played hard, enjoyed ice cream. Sunday was a little nuty as I tried to get to the church ealy enough to prepare while getting the kids ready. Thanks to Miss Bonnie who met me there and wrangled kids while I jumpd into the morning routine.

After worship, Aunt Laura came home with us and hung in the afternoon, played with kids, and let me get a little nap.

Monday evening, Mr. and Mrs. Thorp (pronouced Forp by Izak) came to play while I went to the airport to pick up Mommy.

What a great weekend with my kids. I love being their daddy. It's a gift to love them like that.

And yes, it's a pretty quick trip for me to realize that God takes pleasure in loving us, his children and is not bothered by caring for us...

So...that was the craziness I was talking about.

this week has been getting stuff ready for the upcoming shift in the Sunday am schedule. This is the last weekend that Northwest Christian Communty will worship at just one time (except for potential special celebrations). Beginning next week, there will be two worship gatherings to choose from. I'm excited about that shift for a number of reasons...none of which I will spell out here.

There's the scoop.

M@

"Go to beach!?"

That was Izak's montra all day. Heidi found a great little beach on Cedar Lake, just up the street from us. The sand is combes regularly and is soft. there are great swings to play on. The water is warm (fish pee does that, you know). And there are hardly any people there. So we've spent the past two nights at the beach!

Izak loves splashing around in the shallow water...still a little afraid of anything above the belly button. Libby is like a little sand crab, crawling right into the water until it's up to her chin...at which point, Mommy puts a stop to the progress. She just laughs and kicks...happy as a pig in poo!

Tonight, we were joined our our friends, the Paridos. We all grabbed some fast food and met at the beach. Good time had by all.

It's going to be a crazy weekend here...crazier than most. Can't explain the details right now, but will at another time.

The popcorn's done and it's time to pretend that time doesn't matter.

Peace,

Matt

it's nuts!!

The office just took a few steps closer to nuts! Dan showed up for duty on Tuesday. It's awesome having him around the office!! His heart is soft toward God. His sense of humor is about endless. And his head for leadership is beyond his years. I think it's going to be a great partnership...Kevin, Dan, and me.

You wouldn't think it would change, much, but having another leadership staff really does make a difference. I like the challenge that it will present me...caring for, leading, and sharing life with both of these guys.

I've been leading a conversation on prayer during the weekend worship gatherings. It's been a good challenge for me to study and articulate a vision of prayer that is complex, yet so simple. I've noticed the changes in my own prayer life, which is encouraging. At the heart of it, prayer is about a conversation with God, which draws us closer together.

The other part of prayer remains somewhat mysterious to me...the requests/intercession part of prayer. We're making that turn this weekend. What can I pray for and then what can I expect from God as I do?

In short, the more my prayers aligns with God's kingdom and will in this world, the more I will see God's power revealed in the answers. I'm still processing that...

Has there every been anything huge that you've prayed about and seen God answer/do in response? Share the story with me, if you would.

Peace,

Matt

Wearing Heidi's Shoes...

I'm not sure they fit...the shoes of an incredible mother. But I'm trying them on today. Heidi is in the big city today taking a class to be certified for ACLS (Advanded Certification for Life Saving -- I made that up, but it's close)...which means she will be able to call the shots at a code in the hospital. What's a code? It means her patient stops breathing or their heart stops or goes into funky rhythms...it's not good. She can explain that more if she wants.

But I'm on duty today. I love this time with my kids. I got some work done this morning while Charlotte babysat. Now I can focus my attention on Libby and Izak. They are napping for the moment...at least they're supposed to be.

It's the first time in a long time that Heidi's taken the whole day away. Even if the class is stressful (which is it), she gets to talk with grown-ups and not have to change anyone's diaper! I have always enjoyed Daddy Days, as we call them.

Who knows what the afternoon holds?!?! Excitement and thrills, I'm sure!

Peace,

M@

Thank you!!

A huge "THANK YOU" to my incredible wife and wonderful mother-in-law. I don't use those adjectives because of what they recently did, but because of who I have known them to be.

For my birthday, they teamed up to buy my book list. You may have noticed that there was a book list in my side bar to the right. That was a list of books that I hoped to get as gifts. I didn't label it like that because I didn't want to be so blatent about asking, but also wanted to keep a running list for those who ask about good gifts for me. Anyway...they cleared the current list! What a gift...thank you!!

Yesterday was a great birthday/family day for me. I woke up to Izak running into the bedroom saying, "Happy firtday, Daddy!" Darn cute! There's no better way to wake up (other than when mommy does it...;-)

Spent the rest of the day running some errands, fixing the sump pump, enjoying ice cream with new friends, and then reading some of my new books before bed. What a day!! Thanks to my family for making it special.

Stopped in to see Dan and Anjee's new apartment (new to them and also brand new). It made me remember the places Heidi and I have lived in throughout our marriage. We've had a great 13 years together (only 11 of them in marriage). What an honor to chase after God with such a great woman.

And we haven't stopped yet...

Peace,

M@

Fetzer invasion!!!

No, don't run for cover...Fetzer is a good thing! Actually, Fetzer is a great guy!

Jeffry Fetzer Cobb landed at the Furr house about 6 on Friday. It's the first time we've laid eyes on him in about 5 years. It's hard to believe it's been that long...he's never met our children before this weekend.

Fetz was in our wedding, almost 11 years ago. He was a friend that I met in college through my roommate, Don. Fetz and his roommate, Seth, were our eukre wipping boys during our Sophomore year. It was beautiful!

It was great to spend some time with this timeless friend. We've kept in touch, even though not in person much. He's spent time on congressional staff in Washington, DC before heading back to MI and running a local campaign and joining the staff of the guy he got elected. He's learning his way around Lansing in fine fashion. As he grows, matures, and learn the trade, I see him going wherever he wants to in the world of government and politics. You can find out more about him by going to his blog (link on the right).

Today is my last day as a 31 year old. In about an hour, it will be my birthday!!! I'm actually not so big on birthdays. I don't mind them or avoid them, it's just not that big a deal to me.

But as I think about it, birthdays are sort of cool...they come around for everyone. One day a year, a person is celebrated and honored simply because they are. Not too profound...just sort of cool.

Had fun watching the review of Tiger's win at the Old Course in Scotland. I love watching him golf. When he's on...it's pretty amazing.

That's the scoop for now.

Peace,

M@

Dan and Anjee

I just got back to the office after catching a quick drink with Dan and Anjee...they just pulled into town after 3+ days on the road. They got out of Orlando with the storm in their rear view mirror. After a few long days, they've arrived in their new home town.

Dan's mom and dad began the journey with them, helping to load, drive, and unload the trucks. What a gift, I'm sure. Tomorrow they head back to Michigan to explore the world of the retired.

It was good to see Dan and Anjee again. They will be a great fit at Northwest in so many ways. It's clear that God has been guiding this process from the beginning.

I remember back when Heidi and I were young and on the road...wow...if you don't know me, you probably read that and pegged my age at about 106...you're only off by a few. Heidi and I arrived in Hamburg, NY, with a U-Haul and big expectations. We were eager to be a part of God's plan. I hope and pray that Dan and Anjee will fit here as well as we did there (and do here, also).

There are good days full of expectation. There is much and hard work to do, but I sense God's hand on us. It's all for his pleasure...

Welcome home, Dan and Anjee. May you know God's pleasure and peace as you meet new friends and comrades.

Peace,

M@

A few rounds of golf later...

What a week!!

First of all, I want to thank Heidi for making this past week happen. Since we moved to IL, she has made it a priority for me to golf with Rick. She was the one who told me to put a golf trip on the books. And she has been consistent in her admonition to take some time away by myself to get some rest. There may have been times this week in which she doubted her sanity at such a suggestion, but she has remained steadfast in her support and encouragement of me taking this time away. I can't put to words how thankful I am for her gift to me.

I missed my family something fierce. I love them and don't like to be away from them. I missed Libby's intense happiness and Izak's new expressions. I missed tucking him into bed at night and saying a quick prayer before Lowly Worm gets kissed goodnight. And I missed the company of my soul-mate...simply sharing space with Heidi is a treasure that gives me strength.

That being said, it was a great week of rest and play. Here's a quick breakdown...

Monday - drove to Erie, PA and spent some time alone. I love to drive long distances...this was great! Saw War of the Worlds...give it a C-.

Tuesday - drove to Eden, NY to see the Musielaks. Helped Rick put up a swing station in the back yard...kids were very excited about that. Drove past old house...strange. It didn't feel like "home" anymore...guess that's good because it isn't home. Spent the afternoon golfing a wonderful course in the hills of Caturaugus County. Had dinner with Rick and Carrie at Beef-N-Barrell...great food and company!! Connected with Pincosky's (Carrie's folks who life on Whig Street) a few minutes and headed home.

Wednesday - woke up early (like we always did) to head to PA for golf. An hour and a half later, we were in heaven! Round 1 lasted about 3 hours. We learned that in a cart, we still couldn't catch two old guys on foot...lesson: golfing every day is better than renting a cart. Stopped for a dog. Round 2 lasted about four hours. Lesson: two old guys in a cart who have never played the course are slower than two young guys who play it several times a year. Another lesson...an old prostate makes you stop and pee every other hole...not to self...

After golf, we headed back to Eden for a quick bite and then to "beach" volleyball at the Buxton (a crappy bar with no beach-front property, but a big sand-pit in the back). Say several old friends. After volleyball, went to Roadhouse for messy sundaes with the Goble clan. Good friends. Good conversation. Good dessert. Good night.

Thursday - surprised several people by popping in on them. Only a handful of people knew that I would be in town. So I just showed up...saw several friends and the staff at Hamburg Wesleyan. It was great to connect. Then up to the city to touch base with Cerbones and McKwacz's...good to see their faces! Tried to head out of town by noon...yeah right. Left Hamburg about 6pm and drove to Indiana. Got to stop and enjoy a great sunset in Cleaveland...

Friday - slept in. Read. Prayed. Drove to Chicago. Home about 4pm. Back with family...I love my family!!! Took my wife out for dinner for her birthday...HAPPY 34th BIRTHDAY!!!! Thank you, God, for my wife!!!

Saturday - back in the office to try to get my head back in the game. Message written...need to redo the intro...

That was my week. Good friends. Good driving and time alone. My soul is nourished and I am thankful.

I wondered how my heart would respond to being in Hamburg again. It didn't feel like home anymore. It felt very familiar and filled with fond memories and people I love. But it's not home.

Driving up 94, 120, and 83 to Lake Villa...that felt more like home. It's not all the way there, yet (it's only been 5 months), but this is where I belong. It's good to be home.

Peace,

M@

heading out...

Not sure when I'll post next. I'll be golfing with a buddy of mine this week. I head out tomorrow morning and will be gone most of the week.

1. MY WIFE IS INCREDIBLE!!! She knows that some time on the course energizes and re-charges me. She's committed to me so much that she encouraged me to book this trip while she stays home with the kids. Yup...incredible.

2. Rache is here from Hamburg. She was our baby-sitter while we lived there and has come for a visit. Perfect timing...she'll help with the kids while I'm gone.

I'm excited about the week and looking forward to some time away. This will be my first vacation time since moving to IL...and I didn't take much in Hamburg, so I've been running pretty hard. Even just the drive will be good.

Northwest has pulled the trigger on hiring our first worship arts pastor. Dan and Anjee Thorp will be moving here from Orlando in a couple weeks to join the mission. I'm excited about this step and believe that God has been orchestrating this step. It's been fun to be obedient to His leading on this and to see the leadership team step out in faith.

Have a great Independence Day celebration!! Happy Birthday, America!!

M@

follow the link...

Wayne Cordiero is a pastor in HI...I know...suffering for Jesus. Check out this link to his blog...I found it inspiring...

http://enewhope.typepad.com/mentoring_at_a_distance/
2005/04/lessons_from_th.html#comments

Peace,

M@