a recond beaten

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

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

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

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

Back to Family Day!

M@

clear test

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

M@

a record tied

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

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

Happy Monday!

M@

Go, Pats!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy New Year!

M@

2007 Recap...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May you know the same in 2008.

Peace on the journey,

M@

Christmas moment...

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

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

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

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

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

M@

ironic

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

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

Just wondering...

M@

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's a nice slow day (as slow as F5 ever goes) at the Furr house today. We were planning to head to West Michigan to spend some time with family, but a couple family members came down with a nasty flu bug. So instead of risking a Thanksgiving treat in a plastic bowl, we stayed in IL. It's a bummer to not see the gang up there - it's been a long while since we all traveled north.

Heidi and I have been wondering and asking God about Christmas gifts this year. We work hard to not rack up more debt by gift-giving...so we're curious how we'll have much "extra" for gifts. Then today, while watching the parade, Heidi got a call. They could use her at the hospital - and the pay is great on a holiday! We talked about it and decided that it was a good use of our time and an answer to our prayer! So she's off through the snow to the hospital and I'm in charge of the crazies for the rest of today! I think that's God's provision for us...thanks, God!

Today marks 8 months as a part of The Chapel. Heidi and I continue to see God's hand guiding us as we form friendships and partnerships with incredible people. As hard as it was to make the decision to leave Northwest, that decision has been affirmed over and over again these past 8 months. I have experienced a wonderful re-orientation to myself as a leader. I've experienced the gentle leadership of the Spirit even in a fast-paced environment. I've found friendship among comrades on the mission to live in the reality of God and lead with urgency.

There is much for which I'm thankful. I pray the same is true for anyone reading this post.

Happy Thanksgiving!

M@

Happy Anniversary!!

Today at 1:00 pm (actually noon with the time change to Central Time), Heidi and I marked our 13th anniversary! In some ways, 13 years isn't all that long...but so much has happened in those 13 years.

- We've lived in 5 states (IN, MA, MI, NY, and IL).
- We've served in 5 churches (New England Christian Community, Spring Lake Wesleyan, Hamburg Wesleyan, Northwest Christian Community, and The Chapel).
- We've grown from F2 into F5.
- We've owned (co-owned with the bank, really) two homes (Hamburg and Lake Villa).
- We've got incredible friends who have shared this journey with us.

It's interesting to look at the markers of the journey - homes, states, friends, kids. Just like the hundreds of Dunkin Donuts which serve as drive-thru north stars to travelers in New England, these markers have provided a roadmap for us - a roadmap of God's faithfulness in leading and guiding.

Each house has been an amazing gift, beyond our dreams in so many ways. Each of the states/churches has provided another opportunity to follow in faithful obedience to God and the blessing of learning and growing in community. And friends have shared our lives - laughing, crying, challenging...amazing gifts.

The one thing that regularly amazes me is when I look next to me and see the most incredible of women by my side. Thirteen years ago, she said, "Where you go, I will go..." and she has lived up to that vow every moment of every day. I don't deserve such a gift. But God has seen fit to blind her eyes and help her to love me;-)

[My Beloved, you are a gift. Today is a tribute to your honor, grace, wisdom, strength, and love. I treasure you...]

To my friends who have journeyed with us...thank you.

Full of thanks,

M@

answered prayer

For the past several months, I've been praying for God to bring the exact right person to join me as Associate Pastor for my campus. This role is crucial to accomplishing what God is leading us toward as a church. But all my leads have been exhausted.

There was a man who kept coming to mind. There's no way, I thought to myself. He just got a major promotion at work. His wife is pregnant and due next month. There's no way. But at the prompting of God, I put it on the table anyway.

Little did I know that God was already moving and prompting Thomas and Marybethe. And they were ready to be obedient to God's call on their lives.

So...Thomas begins as Associate Pastor at the Libertyville campus of The Chapel this coming Friday. I know, it's a strange day to begin a new job...but pastoring is a weird job, so it makes more sense;-)

I could not be more thankful for God in brining Thomas to the team.

I thought I was a person of faith to trust God to bring me a good strong lead by the new year. God always trumps me, though...he brought a great man before Thanksgiving!

thanks, God...

M@

weekend summary

What a nice weekend...my folks came for a visit Saturday to Monday. It was great to catch up with them a bit and see them play with the kids. They are very good at this grandparent gig.

Saturday am, a friend, Lynn, brought over a bag full of costumes. The kids went crazy, changing from one outfit to the next - Batman, spider, pirate, back to Batman. What a great time had by all!

It was a good weekend at The Chapel...I love being in that environment, connecting with God and a bunch of great people seeking Him. What a gift to be a part of it...

I'm not teaching for a few weeks. I have a great time when I get to teach...but appreciate the breaks.

And today was family day. What a great time together as family. The kids are enjoying that time more and more - and understanding that Mondays are different than other others.

And, oh, yeah...my Red Sox are world champions!! Now that the World Series is over, I can get some sleep again...

Have a great week!

M@

talking with God...

I've taken a bit of time today to connect with God. I try to get some extended time on a regular basis - it doesn't always happen as I want, but these times have proven to be meaningful, nonetheless.

I'm reading a book called, "Hearing God" by Dallas Willard. Let me share a couple of quotes:

"Life with effects beyond the natural always depends upon intimate interactions between us and God, who is therefore present."

"So our union with God - his presence with us, in which our aloneness is banished and the meaning and full purpose of human existence is realized - consists chiefly in a conversational relationship with God while we are each consistently and deeply engaged as his friend and colaborer in the affairs of the kingdom of the heavens."

What does a conversation with God look like for you?

Go Sox!!

My Red Sox are heading to the World Series! What an incredible come-from-behind victory over the Indians. I'm not all that into baseball during the regular season...but post-season is fun. The problem is that I stay up too late...

It's been an exciting couple of weeks of staffing. I've hired an assistant. Amanda begins tomorrow morning! I'm excited to get into a rhythm with her around the office. Thank you, God, for bringing Amanda to The Chapel!

And this past Friday, we interviewed a strong candidate for Associate Pastor at my campus. I'm excited about this guy and believe God's hand is on him in big ways. I can't say much more than that at this point, but will share results with you as soon as I can.

I've had three very big hires in the past couple months. It's been a long road, but it looks like God will fill them before Thanksgiving! This is huge for me and for the campus I lead. Thank you, God, for adding to a great team!

That's the scoop for now. Nothing "profound" but a deep sense of gratitude to God for His provision. I don't want to create the perception that God is good only when He provides as I desire. He is good all the time, no matter the circumstances. And in His goodness, I have also experienced His provision. Again, thank you, God!

Peace,

M@

quick hits

Here are a few late-night quick hits...

Family Fusion - we launched a great new family experience at my campus tonight. Some incredible people put their creative fire-power into creating an experience for the whole family. Instead of creating another thing that sends members of the family to different parts of the building, we're working to bring the family together to experience God. It takes huge creativity to engage people of all ages. And tonight was a great launch into something that will be incredible. It was a risk...but I believe it paid off.

Chris on board - Chris is the new Worship Director at my campus. She has an amazing creative mind and an even more amazing heart of love for Jesus. She's been on board for a couple weeks now (though one week off for a pre-Chapel-scheduled vacation). We're just getting going...but I'm stoked about where God is leading us as a campus.

Lynn - Lynn is the lady who has been leading worship at my campus for years. Every week that I spend with Lynn, I see another layer of depth that makes her a godly and inspiring woman. It is a gift for me to have her on my team - and I'm excited that she's not going anywhere! Lynn is the kind of person that draws people closer to God just simply by being around.

Sports thoughts - I hate the Yankees...I was a huge Indians fan the past week! UofM was still beaten by App. State in the first weekend of the season...and that will always make me giggle...even when people try to mock MSU - the Spartans were supposed to stink this year...UofM was beaten by a Div 2 school! There's just a lot more mileage in that one. My fantasy team stinks...no way around it. Me best week was a tie. I love the Red Sox...the new World Series Champs (in a couple weeks).

My kids - man I love those kids! I just love hanging around them, listening to them talk together, watching them play together. How did God see fit to honor me with their little lives?

Teaching - I've had more opportunities to teach at The Chapel than I imagined. I'm enjoying it every time I get to. It's a stretch for me to prepare and fit it into my schedule...but so far I've felt it's worth it on many levels.

Staff search - I'm searching for two key staff...Executive Assistant and Associate Campus Pastor. I have some good leads for both. Not having these positions is really killing me these days. But i'm trusting God's provision and that He's raising up the right person at the right time. I just need to keep trusting and being faithful with what's before me. Some stuff doesn't get done...but God's grace coveres that gap.

Heidi - how many times can I explain how incredible she is. As challenging as these days are, with the stuff on my plate and pressures of leadership...and she just keeps pulling along with me. She is open, honest, and so full of grace. Christ is in her so profoundly. Her words are powerful and wise. Her gentle touch is inspiring and comforting. And her eyes are so full of life...wow! I can't believe I got to be her husband!

So...those are a few quick hits. My lack of posting recently is a sign that I'm running at mock speed these days. Can't promise I'll be better any time soon...but I continue to enjoy posting things here as I get the chance. Thanks for sharing this leg of the journey with me.

Peace,

M@

holy cow!

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

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

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

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

peace to you,

M@

Lake Geneva

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks, God...for the rest.

M@

road trip...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God's good to us...

Rick

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@