It's been quite a week around here. The Furrs are back in business and everyone is over the flu. I wasn't so sure we'd see the end of that tunnel, but here we are. Thank you, God!
Thursday was a pretty incredible day. I went golfing with a couple other guys as a place in Wisconsin called Geneva National. It's in Lake Geneva, which in itself, is a neat little town. The golf course is incredible (designed by Arnold Palmer). And on top of playing at such an incredible course, the weather was perfect -- 65, slight breeze, not a cloud in the sky. Again, thank you, God! I wasn't able to wipe the smile off my face all day.
Then I came back to my office to do some writing. But I couldn't because my computer was giving me trouble. So much that I actually took 2 hours to get out only a few emails...it keeps freezing...argghh!!
Then tonight, we had dinner at the Sue house. Hanging out with the whole family was a good time. After the kids started to crump, Charlotte, the oldest and only girl, came back to our house to hang with the kids (Libby in bed) so we could enjoy dinner with Ray and Liz. It was a nice time with some new friends.
I'm up working on stuff for this weekend...big meeting on Saturday with the worship arts community, then worship gathering on Sunday.
This computer stuff is making me crazy. A techie here may take a look at things after I try one more thing. It's such an area of incompetence for me...and a huge waste of time when it freezes and I lose stuff...Bill N. in Hamburg may have the right idea...pencil and paper...
Peace,
M@
Friday, May 06, 2005
Monday, May 02, 2005
brief update...
It's been quite a week around here. After a few weeks of a respiratory thingy, I got the flu (along with the kids and Mom). The only good thing to come out of it is that I'm down some poundage! I'd have been really ticked if I wouldn't have lost any weight...
Today is family day again. I'm a bit more myself, which is nice. Should be able to spell Heidi...giving her a nap while I take the oldest crumb-cruncher on errands. I love getting out and about during the day...hate staying at home all day.
Yesterday's conversation focused on Psalm 139. It's an incredible poem about the nearness of God and also reflects the author's desire to have nothing hinder that closeness.
Being paged...got to go. Check out the Psalm when you get a second and see what it sayd to you.
Peace,
M@
Today is family day again. I'm a bit more myself, which is nice. Should be able to spell Heidi...giving her a nap while I take the oldest crumb-cruncher on errands. I love getting out and about during the day...hate staying at home all day.
Yesterday's conversation focused on Psalm 139. It's an incredible poem about the nearness of God and also reflects the author's desire to have nothing hinder that closeness.
Being paged...got to go. Check out the Psalm when you get a second and see what it sayd to you.
Peace,
M@
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Bring my cloak...
There is an obscure passage in the Bible that describes what happened this past weekend (thanks, Laura, for reminding me). Paul (the man who wrote much of the New Testament and starting many new churches) was in prison and facing the end of his life (he was in prison for preaching about Jesus). In the book called 2 Timothy, he says to his friend, "Come quickly...and bring my claok."
It's a deeply personal look inside the life of this great man. He needed the presence of his friend during a very difficult time. He needed the claok to keep warm. It is also a reminder of the kind of personal friendship that he had with this young man, Timothy.
This past weekend, Rick and Carrie (and Gavin and Eve) came for a visit. They are soul-mates from Buffalo...in our small group, Rick on my leadership team, we shared a lot of life together. Though they didn't bring my cloak, they did bring Wegman's soup!
Having them here was like a drink of water for my thristy soul.
Here's a little recap...
Friday night, they came in just in time for dinner. They got stuck in Chicago traffic...don't arrive here after 230pm...
It was great to just hang out, watch the kids play together, and reconnect. Then Rick taught me a bit on the pool table. He helped remind me how much I hate to lose!
Saturday was a full day. Heidi and Carrie went out for breakfast together while Rick and I wrangled kids. Of course, it was cold, so we couldn't do much outside. Good thing the basement was finished.
I went to a funeral late morning.
After lunch, we went to make good on our tee-time...just me and Rick. We enjoy golfing together. It's a great time to connect, talk, laugh...and laugh some more.
However, the golf course was closed. Even though I had a tee time, they were closed...and didn't bother calling me! It was pretty frustrated. So we drove around looking for an open course. We found one, but they wanted to charge and arm and a leg.
So we spent the next hour at Buffalo Wild Wings, talking over lunch. What a bummer that we couldn't golf...oh, well.
Saturday night, Heidi felt terrible (later we found out that she probably had some sort of flu bug or something). More pool -- more schooling for me.
Sunday...worship at Northwest went well. It was fun to have Musielaks there.
Suday afternoon, Heidi and I had big plans. We took Rick and Carrie to Blue Man Group down in the city. Great show! And then to Bennihana's for dinner. What a great night out together!! May be the highlight of the year so far...so far...
Dee came over to watch the kids... what an amazing gift she gave us in a night out as adults. thank you, Dee!!!
Izak spent much of the night throwing up...such fun. French fries look about the same coming up as they do going down...just in case you were wondering.
Libby starte the puke routine in the morning, just about the time Musielaks were getting ready to leave. We're still trying to get the smell out of the carpet...yummmm.
It was great to see them...share some life together. But it was very hard to see them leave again. I've been in a bit of a funk since they left. Sure, I've had the flu (thanks, kids), but my heart has also been heavy. Good friends. Soul-mates.
Come quickly...and bring my cloak. Mission accomplished.
Peace,
Matt
It's a deeply personal look inside the life of this great man. He needed the presence of his friend during a very difficult time. He needed the claok to keep warm. It is also a reminder of the kind of personal friendship that he had with this young man, Timothy.
This past weekend, Rick and Carrie (and Gavin and Eve) came for a visit. They are soul-mates from Buffalo...in our small group, Rick on my leadership team, we shared a lot of life together. Though they didn't bring my cloak, they did bring Wegman's soup!
Having them here was like a drink of water for my thristy soul.
Here's a little recap...
Friday night, they came in just in time for dinner. They got stuck in Chicago traffic...don't arrive here after 230pm...
It was great to just hang out, watch the kids play together, and reconnect. Then Rick taught me a bit on the pool table. He helped remind me how much I hate to lose!
Saturday was a full day. Heidi and Carrie went out for breakfast together while Rick and I wrangled kids. Of course, it was cold, so we couldn't do much outside. Good thing the basement was finished.
I went to a funeral late morning.
After lunch, we went to make good on our tee-time...just me and Rick. We enjoy golfing together. It's a great time to connect, talk, laugh...and laugh some more.
However, the golf course was closed. Even though I had a tee time, they were closed...and didn't bother calling me! It was pretty frustrated. So we drove around looking for an open course. We found one, but they wanted to charge and arm and a leg.
So we spent the next hour at Buffalo Wild Wings, talking over lunch. What a bummer that we couldn't golf...oh, well.
Saturday night, Heidi felt terrible (later we found out that she probably had some sort of flu bug or something). More pool -- more schooling for me.
Sunday...worship at Northwest went well. It was fun to have Musielaks there.
Suday afternoon, Heidi and I had big plans. We took Rick and Carrie to Blue Man Group down in the city. Great show! And then to Bennihana's for dinner. What a great night out together!! May be the highlight of the year so far...so far...
Dee came over to watch the kids... what an amazing gift she gave us in a night out as adults. thank you, Dee!!!
Izak spent much of the night throwing up...such fun. French fries look about the same coming up as they do going down...just in case you were wondering.
Libby starte the puke routine in the morning, just about the time Musielaks were getting ready to leave. We're still trying to get the smell out of the carpet...yummmm.
It was great to see them...share some life together. But it was very hard to see them leave again. I've been in a bit of a funk since they left. Sure, I've had the flu (thanks, kids), but my heart has also been heavy. Good friends. Soul-mates.
Come quickly...and bring my cloak. Mission accomplished.
Peace,
Matt
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
crazy Uncle Benny...
I grew up as a part of the Wesleyan tradition (stemming from the man named John Wesley). That means that yesterday, I got a new Great Uncle, 4 times removed (or something like that). Follow the train: Wesleyan-Methodist (one of the denominations that made up the merger to make Wesleyan) - Methodist (the group of peole known for following Wesley's methods of spiritual holiness) - Anglican (John Wesley was an Anglican preacher in England) - Roman Catholic (the "original" trunk of the Christian tree). So Uncle Benedict16 (4 times removed) has some connection to me...sort of.
I've been surprised at the variety of responses to the Pope's death and the choosing of a new one. Some people feel deeply connected while others feel strongly that this whole thing is just a sham and waste of good oxygen.
I'm somewhere in between.
There is a connection. As I mentioned above, the Roman Catholic church, like it or not, is the trunk of the Christian tree. In order to trace our spiritual heritage back to Jesus, we (those of us in western, protestant denominations or even non-denominational churches) have got to pass through the RCC.
I'm somewhat disconnected and sad because I think the trunk of the tree has lost some of its connection to the root (Jesus). Though they acknowledge Jesus ( and I have known people who deeply love and worship Jesus), there is more credibility given to Mary and the saints than to Jesus, himself. It's sad to think that so many people don't realize that they can talk directly to Jesus without the middle man/woman.
I'm interested in this process for a few reasons. One is that the Pope has a voice that is stronger, perhaps, than the voice of the President of the US. He doesn't have an army (the guys in the cute clown outfits don't count, really), but his authority transends borders. When he speaks, many world leaders listen. It's a moral authority, not a physical one. It's very interesting to see how a person handles that kind of power.
Two, is that because of his moral authority, it's important for him to speak to certain issues. Pope JP2 has been the single strongest voice for life and peace in the world. He used his platform well...for the benefit of others. How will Uncle Benedict use his platform? We'll see.
Three, is the notion of choosing a leader. There is something mystical about the process. I know that the secrecy thing is all part of that, but there is a sense in which RCs believe that the Holy Spirit is guiding the process.
How does that compare to the last Wesleyan General Conference? At that meeting of denominational leaders (not really a conclave of "princes") and delegates, they voted on a few people and finally settled on one...and to be honest, I think it was more of a "gold watch" for a man who should have retired rather than a God-inspired/lead choice of leadership.
His wife apparently agreed with me. When she found out he was elected the next General Superintendent, she made him resign and retire...finally.
I suppose that's a good reason for clergy to not marry...image Joseph Ratzinger coming out of the conclave to wave to the masses, only to have his wife shout from St. Peter's Square, "Oh, no you don't!! You get down here and come come like I told you before you went into that X$@%^ conclave!! Joe, get down here!" Hmmm...just takes some of the mystery out of it.
Sorry for the digression...just struck me as funny.
But what if we took the choosing of leaders as seriously. Do you think God does? What does that look like in our faith tradition? I'm not sure we can do the same thing in America. We don't like to give so much moral authority to one person.
At Northwest, my church, we are in the process of selecting some more elders who will provide overall leadership for the church community. My prayer is that God will use the process, which I believe is crafted in such a way that he has the room to do what he wants. I'm enough of a mystic to believe that God will work in the process.
What do you think?
M@
I've been surprised at the variety of responses to the Pope's death and the choosing of a new one. Some people feel deeply connected while others feel strongly that this whole thing is just a sham and waste of good oxygen.
I'm somewhere in between.
There is a connection. As I mentioned above, the Roman Catholic church, like it or not, is the trunk of the Christian tree. In order to trace our spiritual heritage back to Jesus, we (those of us in western, protestant denominations or even non-denominational churches) have got to pass through the RCC.
I'm somewhat disconnected and sad because I think the trunk of the tree has lost some of its connection to the root (Jesus). Though they acknowledge Jesus ( and I have known people who deeply love and worship Jesus), there is more credibility given to Mary and the saints than to Jesus, himself. It's sad to think that so many people don't realize that they can talk directly to Jesus without the middle man/woman.
I'm interested in this process for a few reasons. One is that the Pope has a voice that is stronger, perhaps, than the voice of the President of the US. He doesn't have an army (the guys in the cute clown outfits don't count, really), but his authority transends borders. When he speaks, many world leaders listen. It's a moral authority, not a physical one. It's very interesting to see how a person handles that kind of power.
Two, is that because of his moral authority, it's important for him to speak to certain issues. Pope JP2 has been the single strongest voice for life and peace in the world. He used his platform well...for the benefit of others. How will Uncle Benedict use his platform? We'll see.
Three, is the notion of choosing a leader. There is something mystical about the process. I know that the secrecy thing is all part of that, but there is a sense in which RCs believe that the Holy Spirit is guiding the process.
How does that compare to the last Wesleyan General Conference? At that meeting of denominational leaders (not really a conclave of "princes") and delegates, they voted on a few people and finally settled on one...and to be honest, I think it was more of a "gold watch" for a man who should have retired rather than a God-inspired/lead choice of leadership.
His wife apparently agreed with me. When she found out he was elected the next General Superintendent, she made him resign and retire...finally.
I suppose that's a good reason for clergy to not marry...image Joseph Ratzinger coming out of the conclave to wave to the masses, only to have his wife shout from St. Peter's Square, "Oh, no you don't!! You get down here and come come like I told you before you went into that X$@%^ conclave!! Joe, get down here!" Hmmm...just takes some of the mystery out of it.
Sorry for the digression...just struck me as funny.
But what if we took the choosing of leaders as seriously. Do you think God does? What does that look like in our faith tradition? I'm not sure we can do the same thing in America. We don't like to give so much moral authority to one person.
At Northwest, my church, we are in the process of selecting some more elders who will provide overall leadership for the church community. My prayer is that God will use the process, which I believe is crafted in such a way that he has the room to do what he wants. I'm enough of a mystic to believe that God will work in the process.
What do you think?
M@
Monday, April 18, 2005
family day...
What a day...family day! I love time with my family. I work hard all week and spend much time away from them, so when we get the whole day together, I love that.
I'm also a pretty idealistic person. I get these grand visions of what family day will be. Today was one of those days...
I figured that Libby would take a short nap in the morning (like she normally does). Once she gets up, we'll take a family trip to explore our new home (perhaps the big lake or find another park in the woods). Then we'd come home for long naps, have a nice dinner...and on and on.
Libby slept like a monster. We actually pulled her after a couple hours otherwise we'd never have any time for a trip. She was fine with that. So we loaded up the van and drove north. We were aiming for a state park near Fox Lake.
A few minutes into the trip, Izak begins blowing a gear! He just won't use his words. All he does is shout, "PLEASE!" at the top of his lungs. Use your words, we tell him. PLEASE!!! Finally he gets "pretzel sticks" out and we go along our way. At two and a half, he's establishing his boundaries...great fun.
All the while he's hollering PLEASE, Libby's having a great time trying to grab his blankie and hold his hand. She loves her brother with her whle heart. He's her hero...but he wants none of it!
You have to laugh. There go the Furrs...screamin' down the road! We're going to take a dang family trip and we're all going to have fun...got it!?!?!
So we finally find the state park. Izak cheers as we pull in. We're all hungry for the picnic mom packed. Driving into the park, we discover...
...apparently they burn their state parks here. Yes, the park was on fire. Not just a little camp fire. About 5 acres (that we could see) of park land was burning or smoldering!! The park's on fire!! Nobody seemed very alarmed by this, but we decided to wait another day to figure out the state park thing.
So on we went.
We eventually found a nice park by a lake. Izak played on the swings and slides, bypassing peanut butter sandwiches and popcorn. Time to go home...woops...another blown gear. Here come the Furrs!
All in all, it was a good family day. We spent time together. We laughed alot (again, what are you going to do, get upset at the kids when it doesn't go your way?). We made a memory. Today will be known as the day we found the state park on fire.
It's time for bed now. Family days are pretty tiring...
Matt
I'm also a pretty idealistic person. I get these grand visions of what family day will be. Today was one of those days...
I figured that Libby would take a short nap in the morning (like she normally does). Once she gets up, we'll take a family trip to explore our new home (perhaps the big lake or find another park in the woods). Then we'd come home for long naps, have a nice dinner...and on and on.
Libby slept like a monster. We actually pulled her after a couple hours otherwise we'd never have any time for a trip. She was fine with that. So we loaded up the van and drove north. We were aiming for a state park near Fox Lake.
A few minutes into the trip, Izak begins blowing a gear! He just won't use his words. All he does is shout, "PLEASE!" at the top of his lungs. Use your words, we tell him. PLEASE!!! Finally he gets "pretzel sticks" out and we go along our way. At two and a half, he's establishing his boundaries...great fun.
All the while he's hollering PLEASE, Libby's having a great time trying to grab his blankie and hold his hand. She loves her brother with her whle heart. He's her hero...but he wants none of it!
You have to laugh. There go the Furrs...screamin' down the road! We're going to take a dang family trip and we're all going to have fun...got it!?!?!
So we finally find the state park. Izak cheers as we pull in. We're all hungry for the picnic mom packed. Driving into the park, we discover...
...apparently they burn their state parks here. Yes, the park was on fire. Not just a little camp fire. About 5 acres (that we could see) of park land was burning or smoldering!! The park's on fire!! Nobody seemed very alarmed by this, but we decided to wait another day to figure out the state park thing.
So on we went.
We eventually found a nice park by a lake. Izak played on the swings and slides, bypassing peanut butter sandwiches and popcorn. Time to go home...woops...another blown gear. Here come the Furrs!
All in all, it was a good family day. We spent time together. We laughed alot (again, what are you going to do, get upset at the kids when it doesn't go your way?). We made a memory. Today will be known as the day we found the state park on fire.
It's time for bed now. Family days are pretty tiring...
Matt
Thursday, April 14, 2005
up way too early...
I'm not sure what the deal is, but I'm up way too early today...before any of the kids, for that matter. Just woke up (I think I heard Izak cry out with a bad dream or something) and just couldn't get back to sleep. Bummer.
I'm heading down to Willow Creek Church today (mother of large churches outside of Chicago) for a leadership seminar. Don't really even know what to expect, but it's free time with a few leaders of Northwest. I'm excited to take a road trip with them. The group will include Shaun, Scott, and Wanda.
I'm enjoying have this week off from preaching. I've gotten my next series just about planned out, which takes me through the end of June. July and August are rattling around in my brain, too. That doesn't mean the conversations are written, but the series flow is outlined...which is a good beginning point.
In about a week, the Musielak family is coming for a visit! I can't wait to see them again! I can't believe how much I miss them...Rick was my "golfing buddy". We'd get out at least once per month. There was a special course in PA that we'd go to -- even in the rain, we'd show up as the first golfers (I'm sure the course manager loved us!). But now that course will need to be closed...if I can't got there with Rick, then there isn't any point in staying open.
I guess I'll jump in the shower and head to work...make good use of a spoiled night's sleep.
M@
I'm heading down to Willow Creek Church today (mother of large churches outside of Chicago) for a leadership seminar. Don't really even know what to expect, but it's free time with a few leaders of Northwest. I'm excited to take a road trip with them. The group will include Shaun, Scott, and Wanda.
I'm enjoying have this week off from preaching. I've gotten my next series just about planned out, which takes me through the end of June. July and August are rattling around in my brain, too. That doesn't mean the conversations are written, but the series flow is outlined...which is a good beginning point.
In about a week, the Musielak family is coming for a visit! I can't wait to see them again! I can't believe how much I miss them...Rick was my "golfing buddy". We'd get out at least once per month. There was a special course in PA that we'd go to -- even in the rain, we'd show up as the first golfers (I'm sure the course manager loved us!). But now that course will need to be closed...if I can't got there with Rick, then there isn't any point in staying open.
I guess I'll jump in the shower and head to work...make good use of a spoiled night's sleep.
M@
Monday, April 11, 2005
what a weekend!
It was quite a weekend with family and friends. The Cary Clan arrived on Thursday night and stayed until Saturday. The Hilson Trio arrived on Friday afternoon and left Sunday after worship. It was a good time with family. And it was nice to have a home to be able to accomodate them all. Thank you, God.
Sunday evening, we went to the Armour home for a shin-dig with some folks from Northwest. What a great time we had! It's fun hearing the stories as we get to know people.
Worship on Sunday morning was a little strange. There were several elements in the time that are not normally there.
I think the memorable moment of the day came when I pulled out a baggy of "skuballah" -- which is the word translated "rubbish" in the NIV translation of Philippians 3:8. More literally, it means "dung"...and Paul used the slang version of it! So I saved a bit of skuballah from my parents' dog and brought it out for show and tell. It was hillarious to see the reaction. Might have been over the top, but it got the point across that much of what we chase after as so important is actually...crap.
I'm in the midst of being tackled by some respiratory thing. Not feeling to inspired in my writing. Not sure if I'm just over-tired from running to hard these past few months, but if it's a virus thing...anyway...
That's the scoop from Lake Villa.
Matt
Sunday evening, we went to the Armour home for a shin-dig with some folks from Northwest. What a great time we had! It's fun hearing the stories as we get to know people.
Worship on Sunday morning was a little strange. There were several elements in the time that are not normally there.
I think the memorable moment of the day came when I pulled out a baggy of "skuballah" -- which is the word translated "rubbish" in the NIV translation of Philippians 3:8. More literally, it means "dung"...and Paul used the slang version of it! So I saved a bit of skuballah from my parents' dog and brought it out for show and tell. It was hillarious to see the reaction. Might have been over the top, but it got the point across that much of what we chase after as so important is actually...crap.
I'm in the midst of being tackled by some respiratory thing. Not feeling to inspired in my writing. Not sure if I'm just over-tired from running to hard these past few months, but if it's a virus thing...anyway...
That's the scoop from Lake Villa.
Matt
Thursday, April 07, 2005
let the games begin...
My family begins descending on Lake Villa this evening. The Cary clan (sister, brother-in-law, and 3 nephews) will be the first real test of our entertaining capabilities in the new house. The basement is finished. We finally got a new kitchen sink with garbage disposal (not fun without one) yesterday. We're ready to go!! Bring it on!
Then, Friday evening, my mom and dad will show up in town. They will make their regular pilgrimage to mecca aka IKEA and then head north to our home. Mom's bringing lasagna...yum!
Carys are driving back to Michigan from Denver, where they spend a few days skiing. They will be tired, I'm sure. They will finish their trip on Saturday, meaning only Mom and Dad will join us for worship on Sunday.
Like I mentioned above, we just got a new kitchen sink, faucet, and disposal. It has been bad tossing food into the trash...it stinks and makes Heidi, who is already nauseous enough, run the john...not good. So we had a guy come over yesterday to install it all. It looks great. It's a sink worth having a party.
Today is study day...can't you tell? I'm working on a message for this weekend. I'm excited about it. But you have to come...I won't give any sneak peaks!
Kevin's preaching next weekend, which gives me a little break. I'm hoping to use that time to get further ahead...as if I'm any ahead right now.
Well, that's the scoop for now.
Peace,
M@
Then, Friday evening, my mom and dad will show up in town. They will make their regular pilgrimage to mecca aka IKEA and then head north to our home. Mom's bringing lasagna...yum!
Carys are driving back to Michigan from Denver, where they spend a few days skiing. They will be tired, I'm sure. They will finish their trip on Saturday, meaning only Mom and Dad will join us for worship on Sunday.
Like I mentioned above, we just got a new kitchen sink, faucet, and disposal. It has been bad tossing food into the trash...it stinks and makes Heidi, who is already nauseous enough, run the john...not good. So we had a guy come over yesterday to install it all. It looks great. It's a sink worth having a party.
Today is study day...can't you tell? I'm working on a message for this weekend. I'm excited about it. But you have to come...I won't give any sneak peaks!
Kevin's preaching next weekend, which gives me a little break. I'm hoping to use that time to get further ahead...as if I'm any ahead right now.
Well, that's the scoop for now.
Peace,
M@
Friday, April 01, 2005
meaning in suffering...
This past week, we've been given a glimpse at two perspectives on suffering...one in the Shiavo case and another in the ebbing life of Pope John Paul II. Both of these situations highlight the end-of-life ethic, namely the issue of suffering.
Many of us have become very comfortable with the notion of calling it quits in this world when we enter into a phase of life characterized by suffering. I think that many people who have a hope in an afterlife through faith in Jesus look forward to the day when we no longer have to face the problems of life.
I'd like to challenge that notion briefly.
I believe that we carry our character with us into the next world. When I die, you will recognize me, not because of my beard or bad haircut or slight (or not-so-slight) paunch...you'll recognize me because of my character -- who I truly am.
If that is the case, then everything we experience in this life shapes our character in preparation for life to come. Our soul is the hard-drive of our lives...everything that we experience and process is imbedded in the memory of our character. Every situation, every relationships, every decision we make. Forgiveness and grace only wipe away the eternal consequences of "sin", they don't take it away from our experience. And in many cases we still live with the temporal consequences of our choices.
We like the happy times. We relive them in our memories. Family and school reunions are all about this. Photo books are filled with them. Stories passed on from generation to generation recount the happy times.
But what about the struggles and suffering? Is there something to be gained in those times, as well? I think there is.
It is in times of suffering that we experience the strength, grace, power, and presence of Jesus unlike any other time in our lives. The Bible tells us that we will be made strong in our weakness and that trials and suffering will produce in us character traits like perseverence, hope, and faith.
A predominant thought in America (and most of the Western world) is that once I stop producing and contributing to society, then it's time for me to go. So the measure of a person's value is their economic contribution. Doesn't that make us simply cogs in the machinery of the world?
Another diminant ethical foundation is that of pleasure. I want to experience only that which feels good. Once it stops feeling good, then I want out. We approach relationships this way - when they stop making me feel good, then we leave. We approach church like this -- I don't like what the preacher said or did (and usually didn't do) or the music doesn't make me feel good. And we do this with life. Once I don't feel good, then pull the plug. Or in a twinge of altruism, we tell our loved ones that we want them to go on without us and they should pull the plug so that they don't have to suffer with us.
I'd like to challenge the ethics of the "right to die." I'll do so by beginning to speak about a "right to suffer." If suffering is a part of the formation of my character, then don't cut that short...don't cheat me of even a few hours where my spirit is being prepared to pass into eternity.
I'm not asking you to keep my body functioning when I'm not in it. Let me go when it's time. But don't cut my preparation short.
Today, Pope John Paul II is preparing to enter eternity. I don't know what's in his soul or the relationship he may or may not have with Jesus...that's between the two of them. But I do know that his character continues to be shaped by the suffering. He has reportedly said that he believes that his life with be characterized by suffering...he's living that reality now. He lived courageously when he was a man of strength and stamina. He forgave the man who tried to take his life. He stood up to that which divides humanity. And now, in his final hours (most likely) he is courageously receiving the gift of suffering. And may he know the closeness of Jesus in this hour of passing.
Peace on the journey,
Matt
Many of us have become very comfortable with the notion of calling it quits in this world when we enter into a phase of life characterized by suffering. I think that many people who have a hope in an afterlife through faith in Jesus look forward to the day when we no longer have to face the problems of life.
I'd like to challenge that notion briefly.
I believe that we carry our character with us into the next world. When I die, you will recognize me, not because of my beard or bad haircut or slight (or not-so-slight) paunch...you'll recognize me because of my character -- who I truly am.
If that is the case, then everything we experience in this life shapes our character in preparation for life to come. Our soul is the hard-drive of our lives...everything that we experience and process is imbedded in the memory of our character. Every situation, every relationships, every decision we make. Forgiveness and grace only wipe away the eternal consequences of "sin", they don't take it away from our experience. And in many cases we still live with the temporal consequences of our choices.
We like the happy times. We relive them in our memories. Family and school reunions are all about this. Photo books are filled with them. Stories passed on from generation to generation recount the happy times.
But what about the struggles and suffering? Is there something to be gained in those times, as well? I think there is.
It is in times of suffering that we experience the strength, grace, power, and presence of Jesus unlike any other time in our lives. The Bible tells us that we will be made strong in our weakness and that trials and suffering will produce in us character traits like perseverence, hope, and faith.
A predominant thought in America (and most of the Western world) is that once I stop producing and contributing to society, then it's time for me to go. So the measure of a person's value is their economic contribution. Doesn't that make us simply cogs in the machinery of the world?
Another diminant ethical foundation is that of pleasure. I want to experience only that which feels good. Once it stops feeling good, then I want out. We approach relationships this way - when they stop making me feel good, then we leave. We approach church like this -- I don't like what the preacher said or did (and usually didn't do) or the music doesn't make me feel good. And we do this with life. Once I don't feel good, then pull the plug. Or in a twinge of altruism, we tell our loved ones that we want them to go on without us and they should pull the plug so that they don't have to suffer with us.
I'd like to challenge the ethics of the "right to die." I'll do so by beginning to speak about a "right to suffer." If suffering is a part of the formation of my character, then don't cut that short...don't cheat me of even a few hours where my spirit is being prepared to pass into eternity.
I'm not asking you to keep my body functioning when I'm not in it. Let me go when it's time. But don't cut my preparation short.
Today, Pope John Paul II is preparing to enter eternity. I don't know what's in his soul or the relationship he may or may not have with Jesus...that's between the two of them. But I do know that his character continues to be shaped by the suffering. He has reportedly said that he believes that his life with be characterized by suffering...he's living that reality now. He lived courageously when he was a man of strength and stamina. He forgave the man who tried to take his life. He stood up to that which divides humanity. And now, in his final hours (most likely) he is courageously receiving the gift of suffering. And may he know the closeness of Jesus in this hour of passing.
Peace on the journey,
Matt
Looking for a place to hang...
I've got sort of a strang request...I'm looking for a place to spend about a week this summer. It should be somewhere between Buffalo, New York and Chicago. Heidi and I will be spending this time with a couple families that we are close to. There will be a total of 6 adults and 5 toddlers. I'd love it if there was a house that someone will not be using while on vacation that we could use for no or minimal cost.
If you know of something, can you shoot me an email at TheFurrHouse@juno.com...
Thanks for your help.
Matt
If you know of something, can you shoot me an email at TheFurrHouse@juno.com...
Thanks for your help.
Matt
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Easter II...
It's been a good day. Worship went well this morning. The celebration of Christ's resurrection is a big deal...it's the high point of faith for Christ-followers. It's also a day when many "fringe" people check in at church (Christmas and Easter). For that reason, services seem to have more people in them on Easter. Such was the case at Northwest today. The room was pretty full, which provided a certain energy.
After worship, I headed home in time to catch a little golf on tv. Yeah, I'm a golf geek...I like watching it.
After everyone went down for naps, I took advantage of the quiet and painted the basement. The carpet comes on Wednesday, so I'm trying to get it all painted so I don't have to worry about taping and protecting the new threads. Once that carpet's down, then the basement becomes a viable play area for the kids and hang-out for anyone else. I'm excited about that!
After everyone woke up, it was time to head to the Parido house for round two of their Easter bash...including Easter egg hunts for the kids and basketball for the adults (who were interested). The extra fun was that MSU played UK...I'm a MSU fan while Kevin, the guy I work with, is a huge UK fan. The trash-talk was going fast and furious for the past couple days. I'm learning to be a good winner, since MSU won in double-overtime!! Even my son was saying, "Go State!" in his carseat on the way home...brought a tear to my eye...
Now it's all quiet. I'm watching the fire die down in the living room. I've been thinking quite a bit today of the Teri Shiavo case. I can't imagine watching one of my children die when it could be prevented...I just can't imagine what they are experiencing. It's sad on so many levels.
Heidi articulated my thoughts for me so well. You can check out her blog at the right...I won't beat that drum any more...for today.
That's the news from Lake Vill, IL.
Peace,
Matt
After worship, I headed home in time to catch a little golf on tv. Yeah, I'm a golf geek...I like watching it.
After everyone went down for naps, I took advantage of the quiet and painted the basement. The carpet comes on Wednesday, so I'm trying to get it all painted so I don't have to worry about taping and protecting the new threads. Once that carpet's down, then the basement becomes a viable play area for the kids and hang-out for anyone else. I'm excited about that!
After everyone woke up, it was time to head to the Parido house for round two of their Easter bash...including Easter egg hunts for the kids and basketball for the adults (who were interested). The extra fun was that MSU played UK...I'm a MSU fan while Kevin, the guy I work with, is a huge UK fan. The trash-talk was going fast and furious for the past couple days. I'm learning to be a good winner, since MSU won in double-overtime!! Even my son was saying, "Go State!" in his carseat on the way home...brought a tear to my eye...
Now it's all quiet. I'm watching the fire die down in the living room. I've been thinking quite a bit today of the Teri Shiavo case. I can't imagine watching one of my children die when it could be prevented...I just can't imagine what they are experiencing. It's sad on so many levels.
Heidi articulated my thoughts for me so well. You can check out her blog at the right...I won't beat that drum any more...for today.
That's the news from Lake Vill, IL.
Peace,
Matt
HE IS RISEN!!!
Joining with billions around the world, today marks the celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead. It's incredible if you think about it...he was dead as dead. Now, he is alive!
He is risen, indeed!
He is risen, indeed!
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
handyman upgrade...
I've decided to up my rating as a handyman...from "idiot" to "sub-par". Okay, so I'm still not too impressive, but I'm proud of my recent accomplishment. I told you about Jon helping me (actually, me helping Jon) with my stairs. He taught me a lot. So I felt a little twinge of construction confidence (which usually leads to an expensive run at Home Depot and having to start over a few times). While Heidi and the kids were taking a nap on Monday, I build a wall in the basement. Yup...built a wall. It's only a knee wall covering the last 5 feet of stairs heading into the basement...but I did it. And I did it by myself.
When Heidi woke up, the wall, including drywall, was in place and not wobbling at all. I didn't want to blog about it too soon -- you know what they say about the pride and fall thing. But for the past several days, it's stayed up! I think it's going to work.
I've been taping and mudding the seams. It's not perfect, but hey, you can't beat the price of cheap labor these days. All told, I probably saved up 57 cents...maybe a bit more...but it was fun to do it myself and claim with pride, "I did that" everytime friends come over to play pool in the basement.
Next Wednesday the new carpet will go in. Until then, I will work tirelessly to finish mudding and wet-sanding, priming, and then painting the whole thing. If I get to painting before the carpet comes, then I don't have to tape anything off...just grab the roller and go to town! That's my kind of paint job!
On a different note...I'm excited about this weekend. Though this will not be my first Easter as a lead pastor, it will be the first Easter at which I anticipate people showing up who aren't related to me or close friends (that was a brief memory to the pre-mature "launch" of New England Christian Community, the church I was a part of launching in Ipswich, MA...about 7 years ago).
Shaun, the Ministry Intern at Northwest, is working hard to shape the Good Friday service. It's going to have a wonderfully reflective tone...acoustic music, reflective atmosphere, etc. I'm excited to be a part of it.
Then on Sunday, it's the greatest celebration in the church calendar. Without Easter, the resurrection of Christ, then the rest of our faith is pointless. Without the hope of eternal transformation and new life, then I'm wasting my time. And so, on Sunday, we party!
Tomorrow afternoon Heidi will be picking Rachel P. up at O'Hare. Rache was our first official babysitter (she even included a copy of our first check to her in a "creative memories" page) for Izak. She loves him. And when Libby came along, Rache loved her, too.
We were having dinner on Sunday at her house; her parents wanted us to meet another couple they knew well. During the conversation, it came up that we didn't have any sitters for Izak, and I was getting a little stir-crazy. I jumped and asked Rachel if she sat. A little for her cousins. Interview over...the husband in me (the one eager to go on a date with his wife-turned-mother) hired her and arranged for her to be picked up on Friday evening. That was easy...
It wasn't until we were in the car that it dawned on me that I probably should have consulted with my wife before making that decision. I offered to cancel, but Heidi decided to go with it, even though it made her uncomfortable. WARNING TO DADS: Don't make that mistake. For us, it worked out great! Rache is an incredible sitter and a good friend. But I don't think it will work out that well every time. Always talk with your wife before making plans for a newby sitter to take care of your first child...nuf said.
God's given us a special relationship with Rachel. She's cared well for our family and we've had the opportunity to love her well, too. I thought it was a little strange for a teenager to want to spend most of her Spring Break with us...not to mention that she turns 16 on Sunday! But then I remembered how much I loved the Ritsema family. I used to hang out there a lot as a teen. My big rebellion was staying over at their house too late talking about faith stuff...ooohhh. That gave me a lot. Could it be that God is using Heidi (and me a little bit, but mostly Heidi) to walk with Rache at this important time in her life. Could the Furrs be her Ritsemas? What a powerful and humbling thoughts. Or maybe she just likes Chicago...
She'll be here a week. Should be a great time connecting again.
Well, this has beena long blog. Much happening, not enough time to blog more regulalry. If you've dialed in this long, get a life (except you, Mom...)...just kidding. Thanks for letting me share this with you.
Peace,
Matt
When Heidi woke up, the wall, including drywall, was in place and not wobbling at all. I didn't want to blog about it too soon -- you know what they say about the pride and fall thing. But for the past several days, it's stayed up! I think it's going to work.
I've been taping and mudding the seams. It's not perfect, but hey, you can't beat the price of cheap labor these days. All told, I probably saved up 57 cents...maybe a bit more...but it was fun to do it myself and claim with pride, "I did that" everytime friends come over to play pool in the basement.
Next Wednesday the new carpet will go in. Until then, I will work tirelessly to finish mudding and wet-sanding, priming, and then painting the whole thing. If I get to painting before the carpet comes, then I don't have to tape anything off...just grab the roller and go to town! That's my kind of paint job!
On a different note...I'm excited about this weekend. Though this will not be my first Easter as a lead pastor, it will be the first Easter at which I anticipate people showing up who aren't related to me or close friends (that was a brief memory to the pre-mature "launch" of New England Christian Community, the church I was a part of launching in Ipswich, MA...about 7 years ago).
Shaun, the Ministry Intern at Northwest, is working hard to shape the Good Friday service. It's going to have a wonderfully reflective tone...acoustic music, reflective atmosphere, etc. I'm excited to be a part of it.
Then on Sunday, it's the greatest celebration in the church calendar. Without Easter, the resurrection of Christ, then the rest of our faith is pointless. Without the hope of eternal transformation and new life, then I'm wasting my time. And so, on Sunday, we party!
Tomorrow afternoon Heidi will be picking Rachel P. up at O'Hare. Rache was our first official babysitter (she even included a copy of our first check to her in a "creative memories" page) for Izak. She loves him. And when Libby came along, Rache loved her, too.
We were having dinner on Sunday at her house; her parents wanted us to meet another couple they knew well. During the conversation, it came up that we didn't have any sitters for Izak, and I was getting a little stir-crazy. I jumped and asked Rachel if she sat. A little for her cousins. Interview over...the husband in me (the one eager to go on a date with his wife-turned-mother) hired her and arranged for her to be picked up on Friday evening. That was easy...
It wasn't until we were in the car that it dawned on me that I probably should have consulted with my wife before making that decision. I offered to cancel, but Heidi decided to go with it, even though it made her uncomfortable. WARNING TO DADS: Don't make that mistake. For us, it worked out great! Rache is an incredible sitter and a good friend. But I don't think it will work out that well every time. Always talk with your wife before making plans for a newby sitter to take care of your first child...nuf said.
God's given us a special relationship with Rachel. She's cared well for our family and we've had the opportunity to love her well, too. I thought it was a little strange for a teenager to want to spend most of her Spring Break with us...not to mention that she turns 16 on Sunday! But then I remembered how much I loved the Ritsema family. I used to hang out there a lot as a teen. My big rebellion was staying over at their house too late talking about faith stuff...ooohhh. That gave me a lot. Could it be that God is using Heidi (and me a little bit, but mostly Heidi) to walk with Rache at this important time in her life. Could the Furrs be her Ritsemas? What a powerful and humbling thoughts. Or maybe she just likes Chicago...
She'll be here a week. Should be a great time connecting again.
Well, this has beena long blog. Much happening, not enough time to blog more regulalry. If you've dialed in this long, get a life (except you, Mom...)...just kidding. Thanks for letting me share this with you.
Peace,
Matt
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Daddy Saturday...
Heidi's off running some errands. I get to have some time to myself during the week when I go to work...it's not exactly rest, but it's some time that I control...sort of. She never gets that time. Her job is her home...so even running errands is like a little break. Thanks, Babe, for all you do to keep our home running so well. It's a gift to me.
Today, Jon is coming over to help me do some work in the basement. The stairs need to be redone so they can be carpeted when the rest of the basement is done. I'm not very handy, so will be learning from Jon, who is great with sort of stuff. I'm excited about it.
And the learning will trickle down...Izak loves this stuff, too. Just this morning, as I was doing a few things to prepare for Jon's work, Izak had to be right by my side. I loves to carry around his tape measure (yes, he has to have his own) and his hammer. As I pounded nails out of the treds, he did, too. And when I stopped to snick back my runny nose, he'd stop and do the same thing. Those are pretty incredible daddy moments. If it was just about getting the job done, it would be frustrating. But it's not. The job needs to be done, but if I get some time with my boy in the process, it's okay for the work to take longer. If I can estblish a patter of my son following my lead, then we're charting a good course for the future.
It's been a good week in IL. I'm enjoying watching my brackets in the tournament. So for, I'm not doing too badly. Believe it or not, I actually picked Vermont and Bucknell! I did so because I'm stupid and don't know better, but hey...
In looking at my bracket picks, I've found evidence of incredible optimism. I've picked way more upsets than I should have...so much that if they happened, it would be a record year. Oh, well. I've still gotten 23 of the first 32 game right. Not bad for my first year ever doing a bracket for the tourney.
I guess that it's for now. A buddy of mine said these blogs are supposed to be brief, not simply a daily recount of life, and should not be posted very day. I guess he knows what he's talking about since he's an admissions rep. at a university...I think they know everything, don't they? Props JMak!
Peace,
Matt
Today, Jon is coming over to help me do some work in the basement. The stairs need to be redone so they can be carpeted when the rest of the basement is done. I'm not very handy, so will be learning from Jon, who is great with sort of stuff. I'm excited about it.
And the learning will trickle down...Izak loves this stuff, too. Just this morning, as I was doing a few things to prepare for Jon's work, Izak had to be right by my side. I loves to carry around his tape measure (yes, he has to have his own) and his hammer. As I pounded nails out of the treds, he did, too. And when I stopped to snick back my runny nose, he'd stop and do the same thing. Those are pretty incredible daddy moments. If it was just about getting the job done, it would be frustrating. But it's not. The job needs to be done, but if I get some time with my boy in the process, it's okay for the work to take longer. If I can estblish a patter of my son following my lead, then we're charting a good course for the future.
It's been a good week in IL. I'm enjoying watching my brackets in the tournament. So for, I'm not doing too badly. Believe it or not, I actually picked Vermont and Bucknell! I did so because I'm stupid and don't know better, but hey...
In looking at my bracket picks, I've found evidence of incredible optimism. I've picked way more upsets than I should have...so much that if they happened, it would be a record year. Oh, well. I've still gotten 23 of the first 32 game right. Not bad for my first year ever doing a bracket for the tourney.
I guess that it's for now. A buddy of mine said these blogs are supposed to be brief, not simply a daily recount of life, and should not be posted very day. I guess he knows what he's talking about since he's an admissions rep. at a university...I think they know everything, don't they? Props JMak!
Peace,
Matt
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Song of the Harlet
Just finished the worship gathering at Northwest. I'd say that every conversation I lead has first filtered through my life, but some more than others. Today's conversation was based on the story in Luke 7.36-50 -- the story of a town whore being overwhelmed in her love for Jesus. Years ago, Heidi came across a song that is based on that story. Here it is...
The Song of the Harlet
In the night
the harlet moves across the floor
she turns the hande on the door
one hundred eyes
seem to look right through her
why she's there? They're not sure
behind her love she falls down to her knees
without a word
she begins to weep and her tears, they fall down up on his feet
and she smother them with kisses
she dries them with her hair
in my life sorry has kissed my lonely heart
fear of man tears me apart
and I've tried but many times I've loved the world
many time sI've been the whore
I've cried amillion tears
maybe more
so many times
I have been the whore
I will fall down
on my knees
I will sing "I love, my Love"
I will weep
"I live, my Love"
I will sing
because I love my love
and my tears will fall
down upon your feet
let me smother them
with kisses
let me dry them
with my hair
if I could be anyone at all
if I could be
anyone at all
let me be
the whore at Jesus' feet.
So often, I've corrupted the power of God's love by putting him into catagories that I can (so I think) control and understand. Jesus didn't invite us into a deeper knowledge of systematic thoelogy (which has a place, to be sure), but into a love story that he is writing.
Do you ever struggle with the tension between a systematic understanding of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit and a passionate, intimate love for him? Is it okay to live in that tension? What does it look like?
Peace on the journey,
Matt
The Song of the Harlet
In the night
the harlet moves across the floor
she turns the hande on the door
one hundred eyes
seem to look right through her
why she's there? They're not sure
behind her love she falls down to her knees
without a word
she begins to weep and her tears, they fall down up on his feet
and she smother them with kisses
she dries them with her hair
in my life sorry has kissed my lonely heart
fear of man tears me apart
and I've tried but many times I've loved the world
many time sI've been the whore
I've cried amillion tears
maybe more
so many times
I have been the whore
I will fall down
on my knees
I will sing "I love, my Love"
I will weep
"I live, my Love"
I will sing
because I love my love
and my tears will fall
down upon your feet
let me smother them
with kisses
let me dry them
with my hair
if I could be anyone at all
if I could be
anyone at all
let me be
the whore at Jesus' feet.
So often, I've corrupted the power of God's love by putting him into catagories that I can (so I think) control and understand. Jesus didn't invite us into a deeper knowledge of systematic thoelogy (which has a place, to be sure), but into a love story that he is writing.
Do you ever struggle with the tension between a systematic understanding of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit and a passionate, intimate love for him? Is it okay to live in that tension? What does it look like?
Peace on the journey,
Matt
Song of the Harlet
Just finished the worship gathering at Northwest. I'd say that every conversation I lead has first filtered through my life, but some more than others. Today's conversation was based on the story in Luke 7.36-50 -- the story of a town whore being overwhelmed in her love for Jesus. Years ago, Heidi came across a song that is based on that story. Here it is...
The Song of the Harlet
In the night
the harlet moves across the floor
she turns the hande on the door
one hundred eyes
seem to look right through her
why she's there? They're not sure
behind her love she falls down to her knees
without a word
she begins to weep and her tears, they fall down up on his feet
and she smother them with kisses
she dries them with her hair
in my life sorry has kissed my lonely heart
fear of man tears me apart
and I've tried but many times I've loved the world
many time sI've been the whore
I've cried amillion tears
maybe more
so many times
I have been the whore
I will fall down
on my knees
I will sing "I love, my Love"
I will weep
"I live, my Love"
I will sing
because I love my love
and my tears will fall
down upon your feet
let me smother them
with kisses
let me dry them
with my hair
if I could be anyone at all
if I could be
anyone at all
let me be
the whore at Jesus' feet.
So often, I've corrupted the power of God's love by putting him into catagories that I can (so I think) control and understand. Jesus didn't invite us into a deeper knowledge of systematic thoelogy (which has a place, to be sure), but into a love story that he is writing.
Do you ever struggle with the tension between a systematic understanding of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit and a passionate, intimate love for him? Is it okay to live in that tension? What does it look like?
Peace on the journey,
Matt
The Song of the Harlet
In the night
the harlet moves across the floor
she turns the hande on the door
one hundred eyes
seem to look right through her
why she's there? They're not sure
behind her love she falls down to her knees
without a word
she begins to weep and her tears, they fall down up on his feet
and she smother them with kisses
she dries them with her hair
in my life sorry has kissed my lonely heart
fear of man tears me apart
and I've tried but many times I've loved the world
many time sI've been the whore
I've cried amillion tears
maybe more
so many times
I have been the whore
I will fall down
on my knees
I will sing "I love, my Love"
I will weep
"I live, my Love"
I will sing
because I love my love
and my tears will fall
down upon your feet
let me smother them
with kisses
let me dry them
with my hair
if I could be anyone at all
if I could be
anyone at all
let me be
the whore at Jesus' feet.
So often, I've corrupted the power of God's love by putting him into catagories that I can (so I think) control and understand. Jesus didn't invite us into a deeper knowledge of systematic thoelogy (which has a place, to be sure), but into a love story that he is writing.
Do you ever struggle with the tension between a systematic understanding of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit and a passionate, intimate love for him? Is it okay to live in that tension? What does it look like?
Peace on the journey,
Matt
Saturday, March 12, 2005
did it!
I'm not a very mechanical person, so when I do something that works, I get pretty excited about it. And when my wife appreciates it...it doesn't get better than that!
I got the new microwave installed today. Staring at it in the garage for the better part of this week, I debated whether or not I should just return it and buy one that sits on the counter. Sure, we don't have the room, but it would be so much easier.
But Saturday arrived...and I needed to hang this dang thing above the stove. I began with the encouragement of my wife: "you won't get any sympathy from me if you don't follow the directions step by step." Sure, take all the fun out of it...she doesn't understand the code of manhood...no directions!
So I followed the directions...in case something went wrong, I at least wanted her sympathy.
Step by step...I taped the templates, drilled the holes, sank the screws. With Heidi's help, we got the unit hooked and then place correctly. With a final few twists of the screws...done. I win! I won't tell you about the screw that stripped -- darn things are made out of tin foil these days...another code of manhood is to cover your tracks by blaming faulty equipment.
With that job done and the boy in bed for a nap, I'm at the office putting the final touches on the conversation for tomorrow.
Gobes comes for a visit tomorrow...yeah!!
Peace,
Matt
I got the new microwave installed today. Staring at it in the garage for the better part of this week, I debated whether or not I should just return it and buy one that sits on the counter. Sure, we don't have the room, but it would be so much easier.
But Saturday arrived...and I needed to hang this dang thing above the stove. I began with the encouragement of my wife: "you won't get any sympathy from me if you don't follow the directions step by step." Sure, take all the fun out of it...she doesn't understand the code of manhood...no directions!
So I followed the directions...in case something went wrong, I at least wanted her sympathy.
Step by step...I taped the templates, drilled the holes, sank the screws. With Heidi's help, we got the unit hooked and then place correctly. With a final few twists of the screws...done. I win! I won't tell you about the screw that stripped -- darn things are made out of tin foil these days...another code of manhood is to cover your tracks by blaming faulty equipment.
With that job done and the boy in bed for a nap, I'm at the office putting the final touches on the conversation for tomorrow.
Gobes comes for a visit tomorrow...yeah!!
Peace,
Matt
Thursday, March 10, 2005
where did the week go?
Has anyone seen my week. I know I left it here somewhere...last I knew, it was Monday afternoon...now I'm stairing Friday in the eyes. It's incredible how quickly time goes by these days.
I spent last night fighting with the microwave. I wish I could say that I victoriously installed the new one above the stove. All the fighting was only to get the old one off the wall. I called several people who might be able to give me clues, but to no avail. Until my mother-in-law called back, that is. She was reading some instructions that she found for her own microwave and began reading through them. Nothing was new until..."pull the release lever.." What? A lever? Let me try this...whamo!! Thanks, Ma!
After that, it was time for West Wing so I gave up for the evening. Tonight...nope...not tonight. I'm working on my message (at least I will be in a few minutes) and then to bed.
Heidi continues to feel terrible. She's a strong woman, though and manages during the day pretty well. She's crashed on the couch right now. They're so peaceful when they're asleep...
I finally got to do some reading this week. It's ironic...in Hamburg, when I preached only once-in-awhile, I got to read more than a book a week. Now, in a situation where I need to read a lont to stay on top of preparation for speaking, I don't get the time to do it. Hmmm...
But this week, I made the time. Just like Lance Armstrong needs to discipline himself to be the best in his craft, I need to force myself to do what it takes to be the best at mine. It was great! I holed up at Panera Bread around the corner and read...no phones, no quick questions...just me, a cup of great oj, and my book.
Laura Goble is coming to town this weekend. She is a great friend and comrade in the mission. Seeing her, however briefly, will be like a tall Diet Coke from Uncle Joe's on a hot August day (Uncle Joe's had the perfect mix of carbon and syrup to make the best Diet Coke). Can't wait.
Speaking of Diet Coke. I was a regular at the machine in the lobby of Hamburg Wesleyan. "She" (the machine) was always good to me...a little pick-me-up in the middle of the day. I learned today that she was replaced by a Pepsi maching...aarrghh! Oh, the betrayal!! Lou, what are you trying to do to me?!?! Pour salt in the wound. Sure, I may have influenced some of the minsitry in Hamburg while I was there, but my true and lasting (so I thought) legacy would be the Coke machine...so I join with the writer of Ecclessiastes...it's all a chasing after the wind...
But...I'm actually coming off the sauce. I'm down to drinking pretty much just de-caff. diet coke, working my way to not drinking the stuff at all (except while out to eat...nothing beats a little dc with a steak). I'm not sure what drove me over the edge...something about taking care of the body God gave me...blah, blah, blah. I think there's a connection between diet coke and my self-discipline in eating. Not sure, but hey, it's my hunch so I'll go with it.
Ok, that's the scoop for tonight.
Peace,
Matt
I spent last night fighting with the microwave. I wish I could say that I victoriously installed the new one above the stove. All the fighting was only to get the old one off the wall. I called several people who might be able to give me clues, but to no avail. Until my mother-in-law called back, that is. She was reading some instructions that she found for her own microwave and began reading through them. Nothing was new until..."pull the release lever.." What? A lever? Let me try this...whamo!! Thanks, Ma!
After that, it was time for West Wing so I gave up for the evening. Tonight...nope...not tonight. I'm working on my message (at least I will be in a few minutes) and then to bed.
Heidi continues to feel terrible. She's a strong woman, though and manages during the day pretty well. She's crashed on the couch right now. They're so peaceful when they're asleep...
I finally got to do some reading this week. It's ironic...in Hamburg, when I preached only once-in-awhile, I got to read more than a book a week. Now, in a situation where I need to read a lont to stay on top of preparation for speaking, I don't get the time to do it. Hmmm...
But this week, I made the time. Just like Lance Armstrong needs to discipline himself to be the best in his craft, I need to force myself to do what it takes to be the best at mine. It was great! I holed up at Panera Bread around the corner and read...no phones, no quick questions...just me, a cup of great oj, and my book.
Laura Goble is coming to town this weekend. She is a great friend and comrade in the mission. Seeing her, however briefly, will be like a tall Diet Coke from Uncle Joe's on a hot August day (Uncle Joe's had the perfect mix of carbon and syrup to make the best Diet Coke). Can't wait.
Speaking of Diet Coke. I was a regular at the machine in the lobby of Hamburg Wesleyan. "She" (the machine) was always good to me...a little pick-me-up in the middle of the day. I learned today that she was replaced by a Pepsi maching...aarrghh! Oh, the betrayal!! Lou, what are you trying to do to me?!?! Pour salt in the wound. Sure, I may have influenced some of the minsitry in Hamburg while I was there, but my true and lasting (so I thought) legacy would be the Coke machine...so I join with the writer of Ecclessiastes...it's all a chasing after the wind...
But...I'm actually coming off the sauce. I'm down to drinking pretty much just de-caff. diet coke, working my way to not drinking the stuff at all (except while out to eat...nothing beats a little dc with a steak). I'm not sure what drove me over the edge...something about taking care of the body God gave me...blah, blah, blah. I think there's a connection between diet coke and my self-discipline in eating. Not sure, but hey, it's my hunch so I'll go with it.
Ok, that's the scoop for tonight.
Peace,
Matt
Sunday, March 06, 2005
The Big Flu...
It's happened a couple times in the past few years. Heidi comes down with a terrible illness. She is nauseous 24/7...and it doesn't let up for about 8 months.
We figure that we're making a bunch of transitions in our lives...new home, new town, new state, new jobs, new community, new time zone...why not fill up the 4th bedroom?
The 3rd Furr is scheduled to arrive in Lake Villa, IL sometime around October 18, 2005. If the baby comes before the 16th, that will be three babies in less than three years...triplets the hard way!
We're excited and know that we are being obedient to God. I'm sure that Heidi will reflect more on this situation in her own blog (link to the right).
WAHOOO...we're having a baby!!!
So much for quiet evenings...
Matt
We figure that we're making a bunch of transitions in our lives...new home, new town, new state, new jobs, new community, new time zone...why not fill up the 4th bedroom?
The 3rd Furr is scheduled to arrive in Lake Villa, IL sometime around October 18, 2005. If the baby comes before the 16th, that will be three babies in less than three years...triplets the hard way!
We're excited and know that we are being obedient to God. I'm sure that Heidi will reflect more on this situation in her own blog (link to the right).
WAHOOO...we're having a baby!!!
So much for quiet evenings...
Matt
Rock on!
I'm feeling sort of a buzz after this weekend. I'm excited on several fronts.
On a basic level, I'm excited about the adjustments that have been made to the sound system at Northwest. Since my arrival, I've wanted to help nurture a better quality in the sound, but I just don't have the tools to do it. So this weekend, Carter came from Michigan to lend a hand (and ear) to our efforts. Just what he did on Saturday alone made a dramatic difference. Can't thank you enough, Carter!! It made a world of difference. I'm excited about that.
A side note...it was also great to see my niece, Becca. She's growing up into a young lady. Love you, Becca! Thanks for coming.
This weekend was also significant because we baptized two people this morning. Cindy is a lady who has always sensed God's presence in her life, but only nailed down her own commitment to him in recent years. When she heard me talk about the upcoming baptism time, she knew she was supposed to do it. Her daughter, who has been instrumental in her faith development, read her story before the baptism. It was special.
After that, Danielle was baptized. Danielle is 11 years old and has made a decision to live her whole life for Jesus. She read he story in her own words. I think that God was totally pumped to hear this little girl express total devotion to Jesus.
Just last October, Danielle's mother was killed in a car accident. Jill was the Children's Pastor at Northwest. She left a legacy of loving kids and helping them love Jesus. But even more than that, she left a legacy of teaching her own children to love Jesus.
As you might imagine, today was a special day for the church family to stand with Danielle as she was baptized by her dad, Brian.
It's times like this that I am so in awe of God...that he would allow me to walk with people on their faith journey and that He would decide to use me to lead His church like this. It's my gift. It's what I live for...to please my Master.
And to top it off, another young lady came to my office after the celebration time (which followed the worship gathering during which they were baptized). She told me that she would like to be baptized the next time we do them! Isn't that awesome?!?! God is working in the hearts of "children"!
It's a quiet night around the Furr house...for now...
Peace,
Matt
On a basic level, I'm excited about the adjustments that have been made to the sound system at Northwest. Since my arrival, I've wanted to help nurture a better quality in the sound, but I just don't have the tools to do it. So this weekend, Carter came from Michigan to lend a hand (and ear) to our efforts. Just what he did on Saturday alone made a dramatic difference. Can't thank you enough, Carter!! It made a world of difference. I'm excited about that.
A side note...it was also great to see my niece, Becca. She's growing up into a young lady. Love you, Becca! Thanks for coming.
This weekend was also significant because we baptized two people this morning. Cindy is a lady who has always sensed God's presence in her life, but only nailed down her own commitment to him in recent years. When she heard me talk about the upcoming baptism time, she knew she was supposed to do it. Her daughter, who has been instrumental in her faith development, read her story before the baptism. It was special.
After that, Danielle was baptized. Danielle is 11 years old and has made a decision to live her whole life for Jesus. She read he story in her own words. I think that God was totally pumped to hear this little girl express total devotion to Jesus.
Just last October, Danielle's mother was killed in a car accident. Jill was the Children's Pastor at Northwest. She left a legacy of loving kids and helping them love Jesus. But even more than that, she left a legacy of teaching her own children to love Jesus.
As you might imagine, today was a special day for the church family to stand with Danielle as she was baptized by her dad, Brian.
It's times like this that I am so in awe of God...that he would allow me to walk with people on their faith journey and that He would decide to use me to lead His church like this. It's my gift. It's what I live for...to please my Master.
And to top it off, another young lady came to my office after the celebration time (which followed the worship gathering during which they were baptized). She told me that she would like to be baptized the next time we do them! Isn't that awesome?!?! God is working in the hearts of "children"!
It's a quiet night around the Furr house...for now...
Peace,
Matt
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