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

sorry fetz...

My friend "Fetz" is in the Republican party in Michigan. So he's going to hate this observation.

But I don't think the Republican party has a shot at the White House in 2008. I know, a lot can happen in the next couple years. And I am sure that a lot will happen in that time.

But I think that America is poised to break the trend of electing white men as President. For the entire history of our country, there has been a "glass ceiling" in government. I think I see cracks in the glass. And for that, I'm glad. It's past time.

Unless John McCain dons a dress...not a pretty sight!

I've been reading The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama. It's a good read. I certainly don't agree with all his policies, but I am inspired by his thoughts on government and how our unique brand of representation can work most effectively. I'm not sure Washington is ready for them, but I hope his voice is heard and undistorted. Should be fun!

Peace,

M@

a boy needs his dad...

Sometime, a boy just needs his dad...

the other day, Izak just seemed out of sorts to me. He was just pushing and pushing - not always unusual for a 4 year old, I know. But it just didn't seem right. Then, as were upstairs getting ready for bed, he saw me standing down the long hallway in my room. He looked at me with steel in his eyes...and ran for all he was worth. Not to hug. Not to jump on. He just ran straight into me with all he was worth. Then he backed up and did it again.

Ahh...that's what he needs...time to wrestle!!

So I grabbed him, tossed him on the bed and tickled him like crazy. He tickled me. We laughed and rolled and wrestled. We got back down on the floor and I looked at him with crazy eyes, crouched down in a 3-point stance (like the front line of a football team) and ran right into him, pulling him to the floor.

He liked the looks of that. He got up, crouched in a 3-point stance. And plowed into me as hard as he could.

I must confess, it did a dad's heart proud to see my boy looking like a defensive lineman!

Sometimes a boy just needs his dad.

I've processing some huge things these days. I sometimes feel alone and confused...not sure which end is up. I have great mentors and advisors.

But today, I talked with my dad. He shared his wisdom and heart. He asked hard questions. He pushed on my ideas with grace and strength. He got in the trenches with me.

Sometimes, a man just needs his dad.

Thanks, Dad...

Daddy Day...

Well, the kids lived through a day with Daddy at the helm. Barely...

They all were apparently excited about the prospect of being home with Daddy, because they started talking together about 5am...

"LIBBY!!" - coming from Izak's room.
"EINSKEIN" - coming from Libby's (that's what she calls him).

Back and forth several times. Then laughing and more yelling.

Let me set the stage. I'm not a morning person. Never have been (maybe a couple of Christmas mornings about 25 years ago, but certainly not on any regular on-going basis). I'm pretty convinced that Jesus doesn't even want to see me at 5 am.

I told them to keep it down, which they did, thankfully. That gave me time to shower to begin my day so that I could possibly smile at them at six-two-zero (the time we tell Izak he's allowed to come out of his room in the morning).

We played a lot today. We went to the store. For some reason, people just stop and look at the bearded man with two kids in one cart, stuff in another cart, and a walkie-talkie tagging along beside. I got both looks of sympathy, concern, and support. But no matter the look, they all gave me a wide berth to move through!

Here's the kicker...none of them made it to 6 pm. by 5, they were all melting. Izak was the worst! He stood outside the tub crying..."I can't move." I got him to his room and jammied up for the night, telling him to wait for me to get Lib down. By the time I got her down and went back to him, he was crashed in bed with the lights on full. Poor kid...

So I had the evening to myself. My dad recommended the show 24 to me last year, but I missed most of it before starting to watch...I got lost. So this year, I wanted to watch it from the beginning. I may be a simple man (may, nothing...), but this show grabbed me from the first tick of the very loud clock. I'm hooked. Thanks, Dad...

I heard from Heidi who is getting filled up by the love of good friends. She heads home tomorrow. I should see her before heading into a marathon elders' meeting in the evening.

In all, it's been a good Daddy day. I didn't lose my cool. I didn't lose any kids. And the house is at peace.

I'm guessing they're going to be excited about another day with Daddy, so I'd better get to bed...

I'm learning...

...mostly.

I've said it before on this blog and anyone who knows me knows that I like to drive. In another life, I'll be a trucker or something. But for now, I'm a pastor, who works weekends. So when I get the chance to take a long drive, I usually take it...even if it means a little chaos for others.

Heidi took off to visit some friends for a couple days, so I'm on duty with the kids. I love my time with them and thought it would be fun to visit the cousins in Michigan. So after church today, I scrambled (with the amazing help of 3...count them 3 people) to pack the suitcase, get some food, hook up the dvd player in the van, find the pack-n-play, and get everyone in the van. I could only get that far because Heidi was long gone already.

The kids were stoked. I was ready for a challenge and a drive. Izak was ready to be my helping hands on the road. And we were off!

Then there was that feeling in the pit of my stomach. Not the one that told me Heidi would frown on such an adventure (I had already dispatched that voice an hour earlier when I even considered making the trip). But this was the voice that said, "Hey, Furr...these kinds of trips are great for you, but do you really need to drag your kids into your vortex of nuts?"

Yeah...you're right little voice. Maybe it was God...or maybe He just let "common sense" handle this one. Either way, on the south side of Chicago, after about an hour on the road, I took the exit and turned around.

I felt stupid even being in that situation. But hey, I listened to that voice much sooner than I ever would have earlier in the my life. Hey, look at me...I'm growing!!

So the kids and I had a nice drive to and from the big city. They got to watch a couple videos in the car, which they thought was great. And we got McDonalds for dinner. That's a good time!

We're at home. Where we all belong...

clarity

I've always been comfortable with ambiguity and a certain amount of chaos. As a matter of fact, Heidi is always reminding me to "let sleeping dogs lie." I'm not sure what they feel they need to lie about...they can't even talk, for crying out loud! But I'm not one to let things setting in too much.

But much of my prayer energy this past several months has been for clarity. God's funny that way...take the kid who likes change and ambiguity and put him in a position that he needs clarity.

Leadership requires clarity. It's one thing for me to muddle around on roads I don't recognize...it's totally another to bring others along with me. To lead requires clarity.

And so I pray for clarity to lead well. It doesn't always come in the way that I expect it...but it always comes. God's little tip of the hat to the kid who likes to be surprised...I'll show you the picture, but I won't tell you how we get there.

As long as I can be surprised a little, I'm all good with clarity...

Not much there...just something I'm stirring on as I sit in the library wrapping up my message, praying, and journaling.

Peace,

Matt

According to Jim...

There really isn't much good on tv most nights. I look, but you know, most of it is brain garbage. One of my peeves with much of tv is that it portrays men as idiots, sexual dogs, or feminized in some way. Raymond, 31/2 Men, Friends, Seinfeld, etc.

But there is a show that caught my attention as I was surfing during the Sugar Bowl. I consider it one of my duties to surf during commercials (don't even get me going about the commercials during "family hours" while football is on...). I came across According to Jim. I've seen it before and it's funny. But tonight, Jim was teaching his son to be a man...and Mom wasn't having it. I love the way that the show captured the tension of boys becoming men and how Mommies don't always like it.

While discussing this, Jim says to his wife, "God gave boys dads to teach them how to be men." Bullseye!!!! I'm not saying I agree with the vision of manhood that Jim was putting out there, but he nailed it in that one line.

God made us dads in order to teach our boys how to be men. How true it is...

Peace,

M@

update...

Christmas was amazing this year! Heidi did an incredible job brining fun tradition into our home. The kids made tree ornaments. Heidi and Izak made hard candy and cookies. I learned that when making cookies with Izak, you don't want to hear "There..." and see sprinkles of salt next to the mixer of dough. What a great time.

I also loved that we did different kinds of gifts for most family this year. We gave special gifts to World Vision - things like clean water for a year for a whole school, lama, nets for protection against malaria...things that can save lives for people in other parts of the world. Thanks, family, for going along with us.

A special Christmas treat was having Aunt Lo with us. She stayed in Chi-town for this holiday and spend Christmas Eve with us and then the next few days. I loved having her here to share the special day.

Day after Christmas, I got my gift - a drive to Buffalo to hang with my guys, Rick and Larry. It was a quick trip, but it went well and my soul was nourished by the time spent with these men. I came back late Wednesday night. I love the long drive - great time with God alone...

Now, we are about to head into the final day of 2006. I'll reflect more on the year in another post. What a year...!

Saturday is coming to a close...good night.

M@

Happy Holidays?

Christmas is a great season. I love it for so many reasons.

One of the dynamics of this season, one that seems to be growing every year, is the offence taken at being greeted by "Happy Holidays" at stores. I read blogs and hear Christians talking about how important it is to identify this season as Christmas.

But Christmas isn't the only holiday being celebrated by people this time of year. Some people have very meaningful celebrations of Hanuka or Kwanza. I've even gone to a Winter Solestice party!

Part of respecting other people is to invite them to enjoy whatever holiday they are celebrating, not just if it's ours. Though not a "biblical" holiday (in the sene that it's originated in the Bible), it does reflect a reality that is a the core of God's redemptive plan in the world - the celebration of Christ's birth. I'm all about that and am so thankful for the gift of life we have in Him.

But wishing someone a happy Hanuka doesn't take away my joy in Christmas. Sending some friends a Happy Kwanza card didn't in the least steal my joy or thankfulness.

The other day, I was in the store and heard the cashier saying the requisite, "Happy Holidays." to her customers. That's cool...

As I approached and was giving her my money, I stopped and asked, "What holiday to celebrate this time of year?" She stopped and looked at me a little strange...and then smiled broadly. "Hanuka...and Christmas!"

I simply said, "Then Happy Hanuka and Merry Christmas!"

It wasn't that big of a deal. But it was brief encounte where I chose to value her instead of myself.

And that's what ordinary attempts are all about.

What "ordinary attempts" at loving people have you tried lately? Share with us!

Peace...and Merry Christmas!

Matt

random thoughts...

It's been awhile since I've posted. That's partly because I've been doing a lot of writing and reflecting in other areas, so don't get to write here as often. So here are some random things to catch you up a bit...

- After the snow day, we took off for Bay City, MI to visit Heidi's family. Christmas celebration there is always a big deal. It's been several years since we've been there all together for it. So this year was special. The kids did great traveling...which helps Mom and Dad to better traveling, too;-)

- I had a couple weeks off from preaching. It was a nice break. Northwest-ers have been listening to my voice every Sunday since July...that's too long for them! Kevin stepped in and did a good job. I still worked, but was able to put my attention in other places.

- This is a pretty crazy week. Heidi oriented at a new hospital as a part of her agency resume. She's not able to expand her options, which will be nice. That was Monday. Tuesday was Elders meeting. Tonight, she's working. Thursday, I have a team meeting for Northwest. Friday night we're heading to the city with our Small Group to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in Chicago - this will be Heidi's and my first time in the city together. Saturday evening is the annual staff/elder Christmas dinner - a time to celebrate and remember together. Yup...that's a crazy week...

- As I mentioned, we're heading to the city Friday. I'm excited about this on many levels. Can't wait to be there with Heidi. Excited about sharing this season with this group that is so special to us. It's a huge part of making this area "home" for me.

- The kids are awesome! I loved being at home with them on Monday. I'm home every Monday, but this week was special because it was just me. Sure, I missed Heidi, but I loved being able to give her that time away (to work, of course) and to have that time with the kids. I generally don't get whole days alone with them...I like my kids. And I am so thankful for Heidi, who is with them all day most days of the week...she's an incredible mother and wife...thanks, Babe.

- I won the first round of playoffs in one of my fantasy football leagues. This week will be tougher. And in the other league, I went into the playoffs in first place! The playoff game this week should work out fine...then next week will be a stretch. It's been fun...mostly because I win most of the games.

Well, that's the news from Lake Villa these days.

Merry Christmas!

M@

snow day...

Since moving to Chicago-land, I've got to say that I'm pretty unimpressed with the snowfall. If I'm going to be cold (which winter is), then I'd prefer to have a bunch of the white stuff. Call me sick, but I like it.

And they talk a good snow game around here...but really haven't delivered much.

Until today. The forcasters called for a huge storm. I was skeptical.

So when I woke up to a healthy dose of snow, I was pleasantly surprised.

I waited out the storm at home, hanging with Heidi and the kids. I shoveled a few times to keep ahead of the snow (it was heavy so I wanted to lift as little at a time as possible). Izak even helped me shovel a bit.

I was, admittedly a little stir-crazy...I had plans in my head that were being put on hold. As much as I love my family, I was also ready and raring to go. So I had to put my ideas on hold for a few hours...not the end of the world. And instead, I got to watch my kids play outside in the snow.

"Daddy, is it winter now?"

"Yup, buddy, it's officially winter. Have fun!"

And he did...so did I.

We're heading to Michigan tomorrow to spend a couple days celebrating Christmas with Heidi's family. Should be a great time to connect with them and change the scenery a bit.

peace,

M@