weekend wrap-up...

Saturday evening, Heidi's sister and brother-in-law (Kat and Dave) arrived at Midway. On the way down to the city to get them, Heidi and I made a date of it (thanks, Bonnie)...stopped at Bennihanna's -- Heidi's favorite place! It was a nice time out.

Midway is right in the city. Chicago is a fun city to look at, especially in the evening and night. I love the skyline.

Then it happened...Heidi mentioned the need to get some kind of carpet to protect the wood floors in the kitchen because she kept finding water on the floor. Didn't think too much of it.

then, when I walked in front of the dishwater, I noticed that some water shot up through a little hole (I'm a tad bit heavier than Heidi and was able to get more of a response just by walking by). As I checked it again, sure enough...water was shooting up from beneath the floor. Not good.

I took the bottom off the dishwasher to find a pool of water. Again...not good. It was caught between the hardwood floor and the lenolium that was serving as the moisture shield. Did I mention...not good.

Within hours, the floor was warping and buckling. Oh, it will go be down once it dries. No problem.

Here's the kicker for me. When we moved into the house, we both didn't like the dishwasher...the looks and the sound. But in an attempt to be a good steward of the money God has given us, we decided to wait until it didn't work anymore...we didn't want to act out of discontentment. Hmmm...it may have been the right choice, but looking back...not so sure.

Now we get to buy a new dishwasher (on the way to be installed on Friday)...and a new kitchen floor. the first quote we got to get new flooring made Heidi cry and me go into a somber silence...not good.

I know God will provide. We just need to take another step forward and trust him to care for us. Somewhere in here, he will be faithful. Story to continue...

Tomorrow morning, I get to join with the millions of people driving into Chicago as I take Dave and Kat back to the airport. Should be interesting, no doubt.

Did I mention that the van has been in the shop all day, too? How fun. We get to buy new dishwash, new floor, and drop some cash to get the piece of X of a Dodge repaired...too many times already. Anyway...

Time to move to field and life in a tent...

Peace,

Matt

Truth...

"Truth is more than factual accuracy. It means being in sync with God." - not revealing the source of the quote so as to not bias anyone for or against the notion by associating it with the author.

I think I have stopped short in my understanding of truth. I have stopped at it being factual accuracy. And though accuracy is a part of it, it is not the whole.

John, one of Jesus' closest friends and author of the New Testament book that bears his name, writes that Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14.6, NIV, italics mine).

I've been hung up on that. Though I trust Jesus when he proclaims that he's the truth, I've had a hard time nailing down what that means, exactly. But when I came across the above quote, it begane to make sense to me.

If ultimate truth is that which is in sync with God, then Jesus is declaring that he is in sync with God. As a matter of fact, his statement is a declaration that he is THE picture of what it looks like to be in sync with God, the Father.

Jesus says true things. But beyond that, his life is one that exemplifies truth because it perfectly portrays God. So to live in the truth is to live life in the way that Jesus did, because that most closely brings one into sync with God.

It has a very action-oriented focus. Truth is not simply knowing the right things. Beyond that, truth is to live one's life in sync with God. That has significant implications in many areas: truth-telling, love for others, forgiveness, grace, justice, creation-care, worship, prayer, discipline...

Beyond "What Would Jesus Do?"...we are called to live our lives in sync with the Creator. How do we do that? We sign up and make choices to live in the order of Jesus, who showed us what that kind of life looks like and he also made it possible.


In pursuit of Truth,

M@

weekend in review...

It's been a nice visit with Linda, my mother-in-law. As I've said before, she's the greatest! The biggest challenge has been to get her to simply rest and hang with the gandkids. She's always wanting to help with a project. When you only get to see them once in a while...your project is that little kid running around like a nut and the little girl who's not too far behind! It's been fun to see them interact.

Her arm is doing well. She's a good patient and keeps the wound good and clean. And if it hurts her, she doesn't let on. That's why she's BABS!

We went for a nice family walk this afternoon. Izak pushed the double stroller back from the park (which includes a huge hill to climb) for about a mile. He was pretty insistent on doing it and didn't want any help. So whoever was stearing had to do it so that he didn't notice. When we got home, his little face was read and filled with sweat...he worked hard!

This evening, Grandma played with Izak, Libby went to bed, and Mom and Dad went on a date! I took Heidi to a little pub in Libertyville, which was great! It's nice to catch up together.

As crazy as our life has been the past few months, we've done a pretty good job getting out to reconnect -- probably about 7-8 times in 3 months...not bad considering the situation -- 2 kids, pregnant, new town, new job, etc. We usually just find somewhere to eat at a slow pace and enjoy whatever conversation comes up.

I had Diet Coke with caffeine...thus I'm up writing this blog...

I'm making some good headway on hiring a Worship Arts Pastor/Director. I'm excited about a couple of strong prospects. They will be coming in for visits in the next month...hopefully. I have an overwhelming sense that God is up to some good stuff within the Northwest community...and I get to be a part of it!

that's the scoop for now...

Peace,

M@

Saw it...

Yup...just got back from seeing the latest edition of Star Wars. Lucas should totally make an Episode IV...this one was a great cliff-hanger!

I loved the movie. It's not a feel-good date type movie...definately not "Heidi approved". But I thought it was a very fun movie. Now, I'm not a total Jedi-head; just a dolt who enjoys a movie with good action and a good storyline. I'm not comparing it to any of the books. I don't get too deep into the backgrounds.

So anyway...it's about 1:15 in the morning and need to be functional pertty soon...so off to bed I go.

Peace,

M@

ps - MIL is here safely. Good to see her and spend some time with her. Her dog bite looks pretty good and doesn't seem to bother her much...but she's tough as nails, so even it if hurt, I probably wouldn't notice!

new link...

I just posted a new link to the right. It's to Sacred Space. It's a sight that guides you through prayer in the tradition of the Celts. Though I don't buy it all, it's pretty cool. If you could use a few minutes of sacred space, then have at it!

Peace,

Matt

justice...

That seems to be the theme lately...

Heidi's sister was attacked by an unowned cat (which might have rabies). Someone out there isn't taking care of their cat.

Right after that happened, her mother was attacked by a pit bull while walking her dog in the the neighborhood. The kicker is that the people whose dog attacked her, called the dog into the house, got in their car, and drove away. When Linda begged them to call 911, they said the battery was dead on their phone and then sped off. Just found out that there is no law in Michigan making it illegal for a person to flee the scene of a pet attack when their pet is the one who attacked.

A friend of mine is standing by as the owner of the company where he works is making decisions that don't reflect a value in his employees. Guys who have worked there for decades are getting the shaft in a big way.

The conversation in worship on Sunday was about justice...God's perspective on justice.

True justice is birthed in the heart of God...he is the only one who can mete our perfect justice. But it seems like we only get a small taste of it in this life. There is so much injustice in this world.

There are times when I'm tempted to just take care of it. A little waffle with anti-freeze will take care of the pitbull. A little bad pr in the local news might sway a businessman to watch his back. Driving a '78 chevy pickup so that if you sort of tapped that Lexus that cut you off, you wouldn't mind the dent...and they probably would.

But we're not called to mete our justice...at least not our own brand. I'm reminded in so many ways as I encounter God in the Bible that he does call me to be an agent of justice. But not the punishment and wrath part. He'll cover that base someday in his own timing (and he's the only one who can pull it off perfectly). But my calling is to stand against injustice in this world. That plays itself out in many ways:

- racism. I don't have to face it because I was born to a white family. But I can make choices to stand against it when I see it and live it.

- poverty. Though there are some people who make repeatedly bad choices that put them in a situation of poveryt. But there are also systems in democracy/captialism (as there are in every form of government, so my socialist friends shouldn't get too excited here) that keep people in a posture of dependence. I can stand against that and speak against it. I can speak against rampant materialism and live a life of simplicity so as to give away as much as I can to those who have less.

- sexism. It seems like the more sexually liberated our world becomes, the more sexism raises its ugly head. Men who look down on women and make jokes about them...there's not room for that. Women who demean and manipulate men...it's just as injust as the bias they are competing against.

And I'm sure there are other ways that people around me face injustice. That God would work through me to bring about justice in this world. Sure, it's not the full thing, but in a situation that is just, there's a taste of heaven. And any taste of heaven that I can get...I'm there!

************
Just spent dinner with our new friends, the Paridos. Kevin, Sara, and Lukas came to enjoy some grilled burgers. Yum! That was a good time.

Got a nice nap today. We played one-on-one defense with the kids. Libby and Heidi slept while Izak and I ran errands. When we got home, the girls went out and the boys took naps. Though it's fun to all be together, it's nice to get some rest.

This Thursday, Heidi's mom (the dog lady) will be coming for a visit. It will be great to see her.

Peace,

Matt

taking the game seriously...

Big painted bellies and tailgate parties do not set the bar very high for home team loyalty these days. You want team spirit? Head to Italy. Yeah, there we find real fans. Don't like the other team's goalie? Toss a flare at his head. The opposing team's fans getting on your nerves (you know, by using up YOUR oxygen), then heave a chair over the barrier -- yes, the barrier that was put there to keep fans apart because these sorts of things happen...with some regularity!

That doesn't top the list though. If you really want to show your team loyalty, then stab a guy and toss him from the upper balcony! That will show him to wear the other team's t-shirt!

I couldn't believe what I was reading. But here's the real kicker...the article finished by indicating that this is the worst violence that this soccer team has had to deal with...in the past year. Not "ever"..."in the past year."

You think soccer (or futball to the purists) will catch on in the US? Let's hope not...

Have a good weekend.

M@

...as a jaybird...

No, not me...my son. For the past few nights, we've had a different kind of night routine. Many parents sneak into their child's room to check on them before turning in for the night. It's usually just because they love their child and want to make sure they are sleeping okay.

We have to check on him to make sure the little piss-pot has his clothes on! And he doesn't just remove the jammies...he goes all the way to the adamic state. And he's not potty trained. Yes, more than once, Mommy has had to take blankie right away in the morning for a special bath...because of the special bath it got during the night.

What a kid! And when you try to get him dressed again, he just lays here, hands behind his head...with a big goofy grin on his face.

I guess there's something to be said for authenticity...my boy loves to be authentic!

Peace,

M@

what a week...

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@

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@

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

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@

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

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@

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

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@

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

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

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

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!