Rick

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for doing that.

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

Until then...peace,

M@

up too late...

I should be sleeping right now. But I can't. There are too many things that I'm thinking and praying about. My energy is through the roof right now - about 11:45pm. The house is quiet except for the dishwasher (so much for Super Silent III technology). But in my mind and spirit, it might was well be noon.

When I came on staff at The Chapel, I heard people talk about the sleepness nights. There were a variety of reasons - too much to do, excited about special projects, anxious about conflict. But I've not had many sleepless nights that didn't include puking pre-schoolers. But I guess this is what they were talking about.

Let me tell you a little about the people I get to work with. These are staff on my campus...

Rachel - She's my assistant and Office Manager. She is about halfway through her first pregnancy and is going to be a great mom. If she can juggle her job here...motherhood will be cake...mostly...

Dan - he's our Senior High Pastor and is married to Rachel. He's very cool. I'm a bit more cool because I hang around with Dan. He's stoked about being a new daddy this fall. It's fun to talk about those things with him.

Davy - he's our Junior High Pastor. Once you meet Davy, you say, "he should be in junior high youth ministry." With a Red Bull on board, he's got enough energy to keep up with the dodge-balling jr. highers every week. He's also got a great heart and loves Jesus in big ways.

Laurie - she has been serving our small group leaders for a long time. She is one of the most personable and warm, gentle, kind people I know. I love having her around.

Lynn - as the Worship Director, he brings amazing energy and spiritual insight into a powerful ministry. I love seeing her lead as she does. She is so sensitive to the Spirit and passionate about following Him in every area of her life. She is a great friend. She is also a former professional athlete - ask her about it when you meet her!

Kathy - is our Service Director. She makes things run smoothly (smoothly, right, Kathy?) for the weekend experiences. She's a gifted intercessor and solid leader. She has a slew of kids of her own (and Scott, her husband, too), and then a hole bunch that she claims. Their home is the place to crash if you're a teenager - you if you just need a place to crash. She was born and raised in the Middle East...how cool is that?

Kim - she makes sure our kids have an incredible time Livin' It on the Great Adventure. She's a top-shelf and insightful leader. She's a "lion" like me...but a little more fun!

Nancy - works directly with Kim in TGA (The Great Adventure, which is our children's ministry). She is a tender, kind, and grace-filled leader who loves kids and families. Her son and daughter help make Sunday mornings a little more engaging for our kids, who are there all morning. Nancy leads our minsitry called Special Friends - a ministry for kids with special needs...what a gift!

Sheila - She also works with Kim. She puts her energy into early childhood area. Izal loves...loves Ms. Sheila! She creates an incredible environment and has amazing vision for how young kids connect with God.

Mike - makes sure all our techinical stuff is working the way it should. He's a detail guy with a great knack for making things work well. God bless Mike!! He's a gentle and kind man who is a patient teacher and techie-guy.

Ross - the facilities guy. You need something? Ross is the man. With an amazing heart for ministry and a servant's heart that doesn't quit. Ross is a fun guy, who is passionate about serving behind the scenes. And he knows all the good hiding places in the building!

Yup...that's my gang. These are the folks I get to serve with each week. Some are part time and others are full. But I love being with them, sharing some life with them, and leading with them. They are gifted, smart, loving people who are completely committed to following Jesus, whatever that means. Can you see why I love going to work? And can you see why I don't mind having a bunch of energy thinking about work? These people are a gift to me and those who call the Libertyville campus their home.

Peace,

M@

running hard

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace,

M@

running the gauntlet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace on the Journey,

M@

New things...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Away we go!

M@

My Mommy...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Mommy does great crafts with me.

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

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

My Mommy works hard every day.

I love you, Mommy!

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

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

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

M@

loving it...

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

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

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

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

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

Go BoSox!!

M@

random thoughts...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Jamarcus Russell to Oakland...solid pick.

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

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

M@

human fabric...

Read these words by Robert Kennedy...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace to you...

M@

sacred moments...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God is good...

Peace,

M@

loving it!

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

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

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

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

Peace,

M@

what a weekend!

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

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

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

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

Peace,

M@

whirlwind...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's a quick update on life...

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

Peace,

M@

Houston...Apollo 8...

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

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

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

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

I am both humbled and excited to join this movement.

Peace on the Journey,

M@

dark side of the moon...

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

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

So to see that imagery again was striking for me.

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

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

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

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

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

How do I listen?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace on the journey,

Matt

interesting days...

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

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

The biggest question is why?

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

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

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

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

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

Walking on...

Matt

now that's just funny...

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

Now...that's just funny!

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

catching up...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bye...

Re-connecting...

Laura is an amazing friend. She has huge leadership gifts, is dialed into the Spirit, and walks with amazing integrity. I love it when she spends time hanging with the Furrs.

But life has been crazy for her and for us. It's been a long time since we've gotten to just sit and share some life together. And there is a whole lot of life going on these days.

Last night was one of those moments. We met at our favorite eats joint (Bennihana's in Wheeling and laughed, cried, shared, prayed, and ate great food.

Those kinds of things just fill me up. Yup...those kinds of friendships are a gift.

Peace,

Matt