not alone in my head

www.hokma.com

Sat, 03 May 2008 22:48:14 GMT

FINALLY!

Internet perfection has arrived

www.hokma.com

John and Grace and Audrey

Sat, 03 May 2008 04:03:40 GMT

Look at how cute Audrey is! She takes after her mother!!

great quote from KAY WARREN last week

Thu, 01 May 2008 23:34:39 GMT

"There is another world to be explored and conquered. There is a world that is crying out for heroes, for people of adventure, people who will be courageous leaders. It is the world of suffering."

this was as good as I could get....

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:20:26 GMT

was shocked the other day in the coffee shop... I think guy caught me taking a picture of him

this is it.

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:02:58 GMT

being in Orlando

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:49:14 GMT

Had a great trip to Orlando. It was a last minute Rick invite to the campus pastors and me. I had to miss two really cool things here at home: Sue had a birthday party, and the last 3 days of Soren being in town from Germany. Missing these things, on top of missing my family, was a drag.

However, if I could go back in time and make the decision over, I would have made the same decision. It was a great trip! First of all, the conference was good. I want to go back next year. Second, hanging out with RW at nights was fun. Third, going to a couple of meetings with RW was great. Finally, it was really great for the three campus pastors (scott, erin, and dave) to hang out. We had some great conversations, great connecting, great on the fly brainstorms, and spent plenty of time laughing at how dumb I am. There's plenty of material there.

I also felt God confirmed a few things in my life, but I'll write more about that later.

Still hoping to set up my website on another server...waiting for Network solutions to change the email address associated with www.hokma.com .... maybe I just need to pick another name...

you are great
MM

update from orlando

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:04:49 GMT

From Crackle: awesome FL update #2

goodbye MSN spaces...

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:40:32 GMT

my dear,

you have been so very good to me the last few months. it is time for me to move on. while you're features are rich, your UI is troublesome, changing you for the better is a challenge, and my few friends who read you can't comment because you are stupid. Soon you will be little more than a forward to my new page.

love,
matt

devotional idea

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:59:53 GMT

I have an idea for a devotional I want to write. I really have no one to write it for, but I'm still going to do it anyhow. more to come later.

conference update

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:41:18 GMT

I was divided on which breakout to go to... learning from mistakes...or "simplifying complexity" ... I chose learning from mistakes... the room filled up, a lot. like people where standing... I decided since I dodn't want to be there that bad, I'd give up my spot... So I'm in the simplifying complexity, and it's about planning... This guy is reading so much into Jethro's advice to Moses that I want to throw up... it's a little funny since this person's senior pastor said yesterday, "I trust all of my elders to exegete the Bible."

YUCK.

I'm all for having a biblical basis for everything you do and teach... however, there's a point when you need to say, "this is what I think is wise" and not pretend that it's "scripturally based."

right now I am learning about the "SOMBRERO ALIGNMENT MODEL" yes that's real, no it's not making sense

sleepful in seattle

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:39:16 GMT

Of course, I had to use that as the title of one of my blogs. It's too MATTMCGILL for me not to do.

I'm having a great time in Seattle. It's been great to get away and dream and plan about the regional ministry. I think I've had a couple of good thoughts...time will tell...as well as a night of sleep. Have you ever had a thought that was SUPER EXCELLENT GREAT in the evening, and then the next day it's not so great? It's a common thing, as I remember some of my PSYCH teachers talking about it in college.

I miss being home, miss MISH and the boys, and morgan.

I think the MISH is going to have a girl, because she's been more sick than with the other pregnancies, and everyone knows that girls are way more of a pain in the intestines (or anywhere else, for that matter) than boys are. This was also discussed by my PSYCH teachers from college.

There are lots of bridges in Seattle, over water (not hot lava). I was talking with one local, "yea, I'm horrible with geography. You could tell me that that water connects to the ocean and I'd believe you." he said, "err...it does."

brainstorming and creating

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:41:01 GMT

I’m in Seattle right now... visiting a friend before I go to a conference. I was a little disappointed that every radio station wasn’t playing pearl jam and nirvana, I would have thought there was a little more pride.

Anyhow, I’ve been working on some training/teaching stuff for the regional staff, and I’ve listed out the following things that they can expect for me... Now, I’m going to be explaining these verbally, so this list doesn’t really stand alone...but it’s good enough for a blog...

Integrity and Authenticity

These are important for me, I try hard to serve directly and honestly; I’ll answer nearly any question.

Truth and Wisdom

I like to make decisions based on what’s true and what’s wise, rather than what’s easy or looks good or is safe.

Confidence

I’m confident about most of the things I talk about, and I love discussion (and debate) to learn.

Value

You are more important than your productivity, also, you will be more fulfilled and grow more if you are productive. Also, it is my responsibility to be your advocate.

Respect

I plan on earning your respect, I don’t expect it because I have a title and a position.

Availability

You can contact me any time you feel you need to.

Craziness

For whatever reason, I don’t think like most people. Talk to Jake Rutenbar or Jan Lopez for further details.

The Craziest Thing Gary Busey Ever Snorted Cocaine Off Of

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:05:38 GMT

http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/04/the-craziest-th.html

morgan vid

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:31:19 GMT

how nice are those chins?

reflections on loving others (John 15)

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 04:01:41 GMT

I was especially convicted tonight as I was reading John 15. Before I started my quiet time, I knew I needed to read something that was going to be tough. I always enjoy the thinking about the connections between remaining and obedience and joy and love and sacrifice. I like the conditions of prayer (asking for a wish) in this passage: remaining in Jesus and obeying his commands. This time, familiarity didn't keep me from being challenged. I felt like God laid this question on my heart:

What if I treated everyone with the love Jesus describes, the kind that lays down it's life? How would I think about them? How would I talk about them, and to them? If I was resolved that I'd really sacrifice my life for so an so, what would be different?

Perhaps I'd worry less about the inconsistencies and the failures in the world
Perhaps I'd worry less about comfort
Perhaps I'd worry less about being right, being understood, and being liked
Perhaps I'd worry less about only showing respect to those who deserve it
Perhaps I'd worry less about leadership

Perhaps I'd leave these things behind and be concerned with serving those whom I'd die for.

Most of those who know me would describe me as devoted and loyal. I'm used to thinking about sacrifice in terms of my closest friends. I think about it all the time for them. However, I'm challenged to widen that circle.

Philippians 2 came to mind, so I reflected on that a bit. Always considering others better and looking also to the needs of others is tough. Looking at every person with the filter of willing personal sacrifice hits me at new place.

Consider all the believers you know (Jesus uses the term friends in the NIV), what would it take for you to be willing to die for them? Perhaps that's too radical, too crazy. Take a smaller step that's safer: Get to that place of willing sacrifice hypothetically. Pretending that you would die for so and so, how would you treat them? I think assuming and pretending that you'll sacrifice is better than selfishness... you'll see people in a new light.

Tough challenge for me to rise to this week.

working in coffee shop

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:31:02 GMT

I'm working at a coffee shop, peets, and there's some moron who's been making sales calls for the last hour. Why is it that MOST people never do this kind of thing, and that there are always some people who are clueless?

UPDATE:

another (moronic) guy came in the shop with a back of coffee he bought the day before. I knew this because he was talking so loud, I'm pretty sure he woke the dead. He asked the ladies behind the counter (calling them, "ladies" in a creepy, loud, 55+ year old voice) if they were savvy enough to be able to tell the difference between decaf and regular by looking at the beans. He thought the bad was mis-labeled. They were smart and just gave him all new beans in a properly marked bag. This didn't keep him from opening the bag and comparing the difference between the beans. GRRRRR

opt in leadership

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 05:17:33 GMT

So here it comes: I probably hate leadership. I hate inspiration, motivation, and persuasion. I especially hate persuasion when that's a thin mask that's trying to hide manipulation. I hate what most people would seem to consider leadership.

I'm much more for the opt in: "follow me." Here's what I think is best, and hopefully you agree. Maybe you don't, then speak up. Let's talk about it and discover together what's best. I'm for earning trust, not manufacturing it. There are two kinds of things you do in the world: things you really want to do, and everything else you do. I want to lead people who really want to follow me (as I follow Jesus...I AM talking about a ministry context).

I don't want to artificially manufacture trust. The equation for fabricated trust is really quite simple: flattery, falsify humility, feed both egos and insecurities, claim credit for anything that paints you in a good light, never challenge or criticize, get others to do your dirty work (or blame it on someone else). You can defer your other desires by subjugating them to the drive for power and control and influence.

I just don't want to lead people who don't want to be led by me. That makes me uncomfortable. I have inspired others before, motivated them, pushed them... but I hope it's never been on the strength of my personality, but built on a foundation of what is true and what is wise. I have seen some of inspiration I've caused, and it scares me, it's a thin line from there to building my own kingdom.

I don't mind saying to someone: you should do it this way. I don't mind saying, this is how you should think. I've got tons of opinions. Chances are, if I say something, then I've thought a lot about it. However, I don't want to say this to people who don't want to hear it from me.

I refuse to lead those who don't want to be led by me. Just because I can lead someone doesn't mean I should. Free will plays an important role in our salvation, shouldn't we model this with our leadership?

my favorite part from another blog I write

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 05:13:32 GMT

Over on www.muchbetterthanmorethandodgeball.com I wrote two things I thought were funny:

"Remember, just about every pastor is very nearly the worst possible manager. Maybe he just read some leadership book, and he’s trying to create a BHAG that will impress Jim Collins, John Maxwell, or his leadership professor from seminary. Some days I think the government should censor leadership books. (reason #57 I’ll never be a good leader).

BTW: 10 months ago, when I came in to my new ministry, I was sitting in a meeting where a few dudes (pastors) were talking about B-HAG. I don’t mind looking dumb, so I asked, FYI: "big hair audacious goal." And yes, I did get the, "you must be dumb" look. I grinned like they were the village fools."

then I also wrote:

"I don’t know anything about culture because it’s hard for me to care about things that change when the things that don’t change have so much more impact. the person who understands human culture may be cool and seem effective, the person who understands human nature will change people where it counts. Here ends my short rant against the futility of culture. Everyone is selfish and wants to be loved. Don’t give me this crap about truth and absolute truth. People in every generation and culture are healthy practitioners of self deception and self absorption. Ok, now my rant is done. Don’t spend so much time learning the language that you never say anything of significance. finished."

I am an idiot. That's for sure.

easter

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:30:45 GMT

easter was great, it was great in every way.

It was also a STRANGE experience. I was so far away from the action, from responsibilities. On Friday, checked in with the two new campuse pastors, everything was under control. They requested on thing: pick up some message CD's and bring them. On Saturday, I actually found myseld breathless a few times during the day. I was constantly in prayer for all three campuses. Check in with all three, no one needed anything. So I worked on next week's bulletin for Irvine and Corona, since there is an early deadline this week. Saturday night services were great for Irivine. I showed up in Corona at 6:15 AM (15 minutes late) to help set up. They didn't need me. Sunday services were great for Irvine, Corona, and San Clemente. WEIRD that so much work happened, and I had so little to do the day of. Mistakenly, I shared this to someone on Sunday and they said, "that just means you did your job and you're a great leader." I don't know if that's true or not, but I sure didn't feel like a great leader. I guess I hope I never feel like a great leader...but that's for another blog. I'll chalk up this as the lows after a big win.

i am in love with this product.

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:26:51 GMT

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/5279260/index.cfm?bnrid=3101507&cm_ven=E3&cm_cat=EDM&cm_pla=080318%20Mukka&cm_ite=080318%20Mukka%20MukkaB

i need to ask the mish if we do easter gifts for one another.

Photo Album: April 28

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:19:54 GMT

April 28

mullet

Photo Album: group youth conference

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 03:06:14 GMT

group youth conference

We arrived!

Cab action shots

Big timer floor level

img010.jpg

Photo Album: randomosity

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:17:47 GMT

randomosity

img001.jpg

Photo Album: Basketball

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 21:13:18 GMT

Basketball

CIMG1394

CIMG1395

CIMG1400

some kids are a blur of motion. not max.

max finds his fingers interesting often

marcs skills already surpass mine

23 was picked by misha because it's the first two numbers of our address, no because of the greatest player

sure, i'll keep my hands up, but i feel kind of silly

air marc

i am havning a nice time with this ball here.

More Photos...

Photo Album: idaho christmas

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:52:36 GMT

idaho christmas

snowscape

our understated car

rhetorical bear questions

these deer move slow in the winter

even on vacation, mish loves the kitchen

More Photos...

Photo Album: planes, trains, and tom and jerry

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:50:07 GMT

planes, trains, and tom and jerry

max and marc watching tom and jerry in the airport

Photo Album: general mcgill pictures

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:49:21 GMT

general mcgill pictures

water saftey

easter fun

boys and grammy

i might kill you

marc is not unlike elton john

marc kick

i wonder if i can spell wistful...

IMGP0034

Blog list: my internet footprint

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:28:46 GMT

my internet footprint

Book List: good books to read (imho)

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 06:32:17 GMT

good books to read (imho)

Ian Morgan Cron: Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale
some great thoughts on what it means to be the church
Chris Hedges: I Don't Believe in Atheists
I haven't started reading this yet. a really smart person suggested another book by this author, i saw this in the book store and went for it without reading the back of the book or the flap or anything other than the title. this book could be garbage.
Gina Trapani: Lifehacker: 88 Tech Tricks to Turbocharge Your Day
just started this, it's pretty good so far.
Ayn Rand: The Fountainhead
who ever knew that architecture could be so good?
John C. Beck: The Kids are Alright: How the Gamer Generation is Changing the Workplace
this book was interesting, contrasting gamers with boomers. because of this book, i learned that baby boomers are not the children of boomers. yes, i am that stupid.
Brother Lawrence: The Practice of the Presence of God
one of my favorite books, I usually read this once a year and have done so since I was in high school
Ori Brafman: The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations
a great book on the power of decentralization