21

May

What do deep dish, Hitch, and South Africa have in common?

I haven’t totally lost my mind. This definitely happened. Only in Chicago, right?

(Shameless social media plug: Follow my adventurousness at #ProjectMikeMeetsChicago)

I’ll get to the juicy stuff from the title momentarily, but let me set it up with a few more touristy happenings.

I like big cities. Hustle and bustle. Taxi cabs. Crosswalks. People…lots of people. Diversity. Food. Local cultural hodge-podge. Color. Lights. *insert Petula Clark singing Downtown*

Saturday was kind of like The Muppets Take Manhattan, but without the voiceovers or the plethora of NE accents. I put on my proverbial daring hat and shuttled myself from O’Hare to Chi-Town. Traffic and parking garages are pretty much inevitable, crowded, and expensive. It was worth it though.

I scouted out the urban terrain, changing lanes like a mad cabbie, but with proper blinker usage. (I’m a firm believer in letting everyone know when and where I’m going.) One big difference I’ve noticed in my short time here compared with the Big Apple is the lack of car horn usage. Are Chicagoans that polite? I’m thinking half of the people here are actually tourists who don’t know where they’re supposed to turn and are doing their best to avoid running peds over in the crosswalks.

My first objective was to find Portillo’s. From me to this delicious Chicago Dog: Get in my belly. YUM-O!

Portillo's

My second objective: Millennium Park & The Cloud Gate.

Millennium Park

Cloud Gate

My third objective: Do something cultural. I turned around, panoramic style, and saw the old Chicago Public Library building (now filled with city cultural exhibits) and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Art Institute of Chicago

Gothic Farmers

My fourth objective: Add Chicago to my Starbucks destination mug collection.

Chicago Starbucks

My fifth objective: Complete the art ensemble by soloing at the movie theater. After looking at a heap of 20s art in the public library building, and considering I would probably have to watch this alone back at home anyway (*cough* lame friends *cough*), I got me a ticket to The Great Gatsby. Baz Luhrmann painted quite a stunning portrait of the roaring (depraved) decade. (Moral: I learned this song in children’s Sunday School recently about the Ten Commandments. One of the lines is “Please stay married, you’ll be glad.” Truth. Marital fidelity has always been a struggle for sinful humanity. No one is perfect, but if you’re going to the chapel, you had better think hard about the promises you’re about to make before you slide that ring on her finger.)

Sunday rolled around with me arriving at Moody Memorial Church. I’m always amazed at how God has His people all over the country and the world. Even when I’m far away from home I can still feel at home. I’m thankful He has a thriving body of believers in the dark citadel of Chicago. May the light shine brightly through this body. I think D. L. Moody would be pleased with the legacy being carried on by the leadership here. I was certainly encouraged and blessed.

The Moody Church

Here’s where the title comes into play. I just had to get me some good deep dish pizza. And friends recommended Giordano’s. So, I searched Google Maps for this great place and walked a handful of blocks. Smart right? Burn the calories off before I consume the yummy prized pizza. I waited a solid 45 minutes for this to come out of the oven.

Giordano's Deep Dish Pizza

Back up a little bit. I got seated at the bar. It’s always awkward dining alone. Plus, it was Sunday brunch hour. Everyone and their cousin was out for a deep dish and beverage. I sat down next to this 27 year old aspiring dating coach. I’m not even kidding. He was in town for a dating coach conference.

After the usual pleasantries when conversing with a total stranger, he asked if I had seen Hitch. My first thought was, “I think I left the gas on.” *insert ginormous suburban explosion* Then, I thought, “Please don’t give me any dating advice. I don’t need your help. And I’m not in Chicago to find my soulmate.”

Jump ahead to just before my pizza arrives. The gentleman to the left of Hitch said something to the bartender. Hitch and I noticed he wasn’t from around here, but only by his accent. Turns out he’s from South Africa, in town for a conference.

We were all three in town for a conference. *insert Twilight Zone soundtrack* I feel like this would be the appropriate place for one of those lousy “3 guys walk into a bar” joke…but I won’t. It was a famous pizza joint after all.

Long (and deep) story short – the pizza was very delicious…and way too much for one person to consume. Ever.

On a more serious note – I really don’t like being away from home when tragic things happen. The Oklahoma tornado today is a reminder to us all to live every moment as if it could be our last.

Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. (James 4:14 ESV)

I will continue to pray for those affected. The God of the storm is also the Great Physician and Comforter. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18 ESV)

2 days ago Short URL 1 Comment

Life/Reflections/Travel

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09

May

one28: rumor has it

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One28 & the Morse’s have forever changed my life.

Because they point me to Christ.

It is by far the most impactful group I’ve ever been privileged to participate in. I think I’ve seen the most spiritual growth in my own walk because of this healthy, loving, mature group of brothers and sisters.

None of us are perfect. We’re all broken and we all need the Spirit working in us to make us like Christ. And that’s the beauty of it. Our group name comes from Colossians 1:28, which says,

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

Isn’t that what the Christian life is about?

  • Run the race together in unity
  • Proclaim the gospel to each other, our communities, and the world
  • Build up, encourage, and challenge each other to live holy lives – to “one another” one another!
  • Spur each other on to love and good deeds
  • Worship our Lord together
  • Pray for other’s needs together
  • Help each other fight through sin struggles
  • Minister to the needs of our church and the community as a unified group
  • Participate in mission trips together
  • Promote each other’s growing mature in Christ
  • Glorifying Christ in everything we do and say and think and feel

There are so many wonderful and amazing things I can say about this precious group of people. I’ll save them for another post someday. I wanted to get something else off my chest.

I’ve been told to let insults and offenses go. Develop a thick skin. Water off a duck’s back. Sticks and stones. The usual.

When people insult something I’m a part of though, I can’t help but take it personally. I probably shouldn’t, but that’s just part of who I am. Sorry.

No – this isn’t a “matchmaking, dating game, testing the waters, playing around, or waiting until the rapture” club.

Yes – we’re all unique, bring different baggage, have crazy & weird personalities, are at various levels of maturity in our faith, have grown up in various environments, work in a vast array of industries, etc.

If you want to be a part of a group of 35 clones of yourself, have fun with that.

I’m not a blunt person. Ask my close friends. So, I think it’s only fair that I be unapologetically blunt here in this post.

If you don’t want to be a part of this wonderful group, that’s your prerogative. But don’t gossip or spread rumors about a group you’ve never even visited. And if you’ve ever said anything negative around me about the personalities of the leadership of the group, how you don’t know anyone there and you don’t want to put forth effort in meeting new people, how the people in the group are just not “your type” and you’d never “get along,” you don’t have any “friends” there, you don’t want to get “set up” with someone, there isn’t anyone there you’d want to marry because he’s not attractive or cute or hot, etc. (I’ve heard all of these specifically…more than once.) – to you I say – grow up!

Life isn’t about being in your own selfish bubble. People are designed to be relational. Community is such a popular word today because it works. And we’re designed to interact with and enjoy other people.

It’s not all about pursuing a marriage relationship either. Yes, that would be the natural “next step” for many people my age. But that isn’t going to happen if a boy and a girl don’t meet and say hello. Just sayin’.

I am single because this is where God has me right now. That’s not an excuse. I’m not being bashful. It’s a choice. And I choose to be content with this time of life. (Sure, I’d like to be married someday. I trust the Lord with the details. And one day I’ll be proactive in the pursuit (and wooing) of the future Mrs.)

But that’s one reason why I’m so thankful for this group. It helps me live for Christ in and through my singleness…with my peers who are going through at least that one particular life similarity.

I’ll step off my soapbox now.

Long story short – I’m deeply thankful for the provision of this community of brothers and sisters. They are a real treasure. Any chance I get to hang out with them – Bible study, Sunday lunch, or even skydiving! – is a highlight in my life.

Don’t waste your single life. Enjoy it. Use it to glorify God. And do life with others! We’re here for each other.

14 days ago Short URL 2 Comments

Life

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07

May

truth or death: Google Maps

20130506-184332.jpg

That moment when the Google Maps traffic feature blatantly LIES.

You’ve been there, right?

I wasn’t in a rush, but still…. (*insert tangent here* I will never understand the reasoning behind “rush hour.” Another culture lie. You ain’t goin’ nowhere, honey. Not even emergency vehicles can make it through rush hour speedily.)

Have you also experienced that moving, loud voice (opposite of the still, small one) that tries to bring out the inner Hulk rage and fury?

Traffic can sure be the catalyst to bring out the wicked flesh.

On my way to Bible study (temptations often like to come before & after active pursuits of holiness), I was presented with a “life or death” decision.

Avoiding a traffic accident? No.

Avoiding a soul wrecking moment? Yes.

Would I feed sin? Or would I slay that junk?

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13 ESV)

After working with an often testy commute every day, I’ve learned that traffic is really an opportunity to meditate, search my heart, and pray. I’m not perfect at this and I still get mad at incompetent drivers sometimes ;) but at least I’m mostly progressing in highway holiness.

Application: When that temptation (anger, lust, aggressive driver, or whatever) pops into your stressed out mind, turn on some worship music, listen to your audio Bible, or shout out a prayer for rescue. It works. Trust me. Drive holy, friend.

20130506-184413.jpg

16 days ago Short URL Comments

Life

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01

May

Jason Aldean and the Five-O

No, he hasn’t formed a new band. (As far as I know.)

I thought about calling this post “Midnight at the Gym,” but that wouldn’t be entirely true. What is true, however, is I discovered a handful of amazing/thrilling/comforting things around said time.

  1. I can add one more song to the Triple P – Perfect Pacesetter Playlist. Thank you, Jason!
  2. I do believe that was the first time I’ve actually run a 5k on a treadmill. Don’t judge. Although, it was under the air conditioning vent. Okay, feel free to judge now. I’ve been spoiled.
  3. I’ve never felt safer at Mickey D’s. I saw at least two vehicular members of the force in the immediate vicinity (a.k.a. the 24-hour drive-thru). If any others were in stealth mode, kudos to them. Mission accomplished. (Just in case you were wondering why I would hit up a McD’s after the gym, it’s called a craving. And I earned it.)
  4. As I ingested the super delicious premium grilled chicken and bacon wrap, I noticed a lone skateboarder…gliding down the middle of the highway. The highway…….?! After getting over the randomness of this occurrence, performed in front of the local service men, I really wanted to see some red and blue flashes, but then I felt bad. I guess that’s not illegal…? Regardless, it would’ve been way cooler if he did it in a bear suit. Just sayin’.
  5. I was reminded earlier in the evening something rather simple, but incredibly and eternally profound that basically makes everything I’ve typed thus far meaningless. Yeah. The great central unifying theme of the entire Bible is this:

God is redeeming a people by His Son, for His Son, to His own glory.

22 days ago Short URL Comments

Life

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25

Apr

running etiquette no. 1 – wave

As I train for my second half marathon(!!!), I figured it would be fun to blog some of my crazy adventures. Thus, the idea for this “running etiquette” series.

(Each post in this series is listed numerically. However, this number system should not imply order of importance. I’m merely posting these as I come across them. I’m fairly positive there will be a large portion of sincerity in each post, but do realize I cannot help but throw in some humor and sarcasm. Running involves people; therefore, these posts are bound to include some humor. :) )

No. 1 – Wave

“Smile and wave, boys.”

Even the Madagascar penguins have this one down. And I doubt they bother running. (Can penguins even run?)

I’ve been semi-annoyed (okay, a lot annoyed) by the lack of politeness on the running trails. Here is what I see 89% of the time when I’m out running.

Picture a long approach – say 0.2 miles. I can see you coming. I know you can see me coming. (If you’re legally blind, I apologize for this rant. You are excused. And major kudos to you for taking on this running journey. You inspire me.)

We near each other at a dangerous head-on foot pace. Now, the common courtesy would be to wave (or nod) at each other as we pass. For me, I would feel a lot more comfortable completing the rest of my run if I knew you weren’t some creeper who will jump out of the bushes when I make my return leg. (Hey, it can happen….)

Do other runners wave or nod at me? No.

For the 11% who sympathize with me, bless your hearts. I’m down for a high five or fist bump. For real.

I love my running community. Don’t think I’m hating on runners exclusively. Bikers – you’re included in this monologue. I know your hands are full. But your head isn’t. (At least not with any tasks. Get rid of the “I own the road” attitude and make room for the runners. I have more leverage on the ground. Fear me.) The least y’all can do is nod. Come on. Seriously.

Rant over.

See y’all on the trails. I’ll probably be the only crazy person acknowledging your presence.

Moral: Share the road with courtesy.

28 days ago Short URL 3 Comments

Running

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23

Apr

heart murmurs

Have you ever had one of those days where you start your day by reading a powerful verse, share it on your social media channels, go about daily business, and then finish your day realizing that verse was meant for you?

This happened to me last week.

And it hit home. Hard.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
(Psalm 19:14 ESV)

Now…I don’t want this to sound like I’m perfect. I’m not even close to perfect. I have my own struggles aplenty.

But I discovered there has been a very subtle sin creeping around in the corners of my heart that I haven’t really dealt with before.

Why?

I’ve been calling it other names. Anything but sin. And I really think it’s been something I just haven’t noticed, because I wasn’t looking for it.

But Jesus says it is equivalent to murder. I’m thinking maybe this is something I should deal with. Now.

But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.
(Matthew 5:22 ESV)

People express anger in many ways. Mine has been more of the internal murmuring of the heart. I’m fairly positive no one around me would even know. This anger wasn’t being expressed in words or emotions.

Long story short – I’m thankful for forgiveness. And I have hope and a great Intercessor.

And as the conflict rages, what a sweet satisfaction it is to know that the Lord Jesus, in His office as our great Intercessor, is prevalently pleading for His people! O anxious gazer, look not so much at the battle below, for there thou shalt be enshrouded in smoke, and amazed with garments rolled in blood; but lift thine eyes yonder where the Saviour lives and pleads, for while He intercedes, the cause of God is safe. Let us fight as if it all depended upon us, but let us look up and know that all depends upon Him.
(Spurgeon)

30 days ago Short URL Comments

Reflections

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11

Apr

TIMBER!

Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
(Proverbs 16:18 ESV)

I saw this last week. Grown men and women. With straight faces, condescendingly lying.

It’s disgusting. And acerbic.

Even if these people were speaking truth, I would walk away.

When does one go from being confident in knowledge to just being annoyingly proud?

Is it better to just not say anything? What about those who know the truth? Should they speak up, or would that be considered pride to do so?

42 days ago Short URL 2 Comments

Reflections

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09

Apr

when I run, I feel His pleasure

my hero - Eric Liddell

One of my favorite movies to watch when I was growing up was Chariots of Fire.

And one of my favorite hobbies and sports is running.

So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that my hero is Eric Liddell.

Eric is best known for being an Olympic runner, specifically in the 1924 Paris Olympics. He is often referred to as the “Flying Scotsman.” (My family heritage on my mother’s side is Scottish. Yet one more reason to appreciate this incredible athlete and strong man of God.) Eric was born and raised in China by his missionary parents. After college and his Olympic running career, Eric felt God leading him back to hostile China to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

I’ve always been fascinated by the Olympics. The athletes who participate from all over the world are the absolute best in their respective sports. They train constantly and seriously “beat their bodies into shape” with intense exercise regimens. I would say there are at least three major adjectives that must describe their very spirit, in order to even consider being an Olympic athlete: drive, endurance, and perseverance.

The cool thing about being an athlete is, it relates so well with the Christian life. The Apostle Paul and the writer of Hebrews describe the Christian life as an Olympic competition and a race.

Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. 2 Timothy 2:5

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:23-27

One of my favorite quotes from Chariots of Fire is when Eric says, “When I run, I feel His pleasure.” This is so true in my life. I know running isn’t for everyone, but God sure has given me the ability to enjoy it. I hope I can use running as a way to bring glory to His name. I may never win an athletic competition. I’m okay with that. But in running the Christian life race, losing isn’t an option. I have to do what the Hebrews passage talks about. Fight sin. Run with endurance. And keep my eyes on the prize.

When I think of Eric’s life, I can’t help but think through how I would’ve handled his “fork-in-the-road” decision. Would I choose comfort, a familiar culture, the thrill of running, a positive, challenging, athletic career, being close to family and friends, and much fame and rewards over the life of a persecuted missionary, facing potential torture and even death?

Eric Liddell turned down fame and fortune to bring peace and salvation to his enemies. He used his body to bring glory to God – both as an athlete and as an ambassador for Christ. I hope the same can be said of me.

44 days ago Short URL Comments

Reflections/Running/Scripture/Testimony

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25

Mar

Big Guys Do Cry

Before you judge me and think I’m something less of a man for shedding a tear or three, let me explain. (And just because I’ve posted twice in one week about crying doesn’t mean I do this often………….you’re so judging me right now.)

Crying can be a result of loss, stress, trials, and harsh words. (This is not an exhaustive list.)

But it can also come from sheer enjoyment and hilariosity. (I know it’s “hilarity,” but deal with it. You’re just jealous I’m using a non-English word. It’ll be in the dictionary before you blink twice.)

I’ve often been told to never apologize for blogging inconsistently. I’ve also been told to blog consistently. (I’ll give you a second to re-read those sentences if you need to. They are different.)

This is not an apology.

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I got a hold of my own copy of Quitter by Jon Acuff prior to my skiing vacation back in January.

I couldn’t put it down.

*I* couldn’t put a book down.

(insert Cha Cha Slide’s *reverse, reverse*)

It was THAT good.

When I heard Jon was releasing a new book, Start, I was quick to get my pre-order in. I’m stoked!

In the meantime, I shall be content with Jon’s blog.

Here are a few snippets from a recent post there that, *cue Frankie Valli singing my post title*, brought much laughter to my Monday afternoon. (from Give yourself this at least once a day by Jon Acuff.) [Editor's Note: The following quotations are meaningful and insightful. The laughables I made reference to from the original post precede the wisdom nuggets I pasted below.]

It took you a year or 10 years or maybe 20 years to get to the moment you’re in. If you’re going to change your life, if you’re going to march off in a different direction, if you’re going to end each day with “How did I get here?” it might take some time. Give yourself generous amounts of time.

Finding your true passion is a reunion, not a first date. It’s an act of recovery, and recovery is not easy.

Give yourself some time.

I needed this.

59 days ago Short URL Comments

Life

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07

Jan

beginnings // a Master’s degree?

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1 ESV)

Yes, I’m pursuing a Master’s degree.

If you want to know more about that, I might just have to write another post or converse with you via FB, snail mail, or at a coffee shop.

The following block quote is just a brief snippet from an assignment I turned in last week. (I plan on posting more of my course musings on the blog as I progress. Kill two birds with one stone. I’m still at the very beginning. I can’t wait to see where this will lead me. So much learning ahead.)

I have also included a few comments from a recent FB conversation I observed.

If you have any thoughts, feel free to leave me a comment below. :)

In the Bible, how did God choose to define and introduce Himself to the reader?

God chose to reveal Himself in the book of Genesis. The first verse says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1 ESV) God is sole Creator. He existed before His creation and outside of measured time, as implied by the statement, “In the beginning….”

In my current homework for a separate program, Men of the Word, I am learning about Genesis through Leviticus, authorship, & the canon of Scripture. Interesting timing for all of these paths to collide. Must be important for me to understand these things, right?

About that FB conversation….

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Context:

“This opening verse of the Bible is unique, the foundation of foundations, probably the first words, ever written down, either revealed to Adam, or even written directly by God Himself. One who really believes Genesis 1:1 will have no difficulty believing the rest of Scripture. God (Elohim) is eternal, existing before the universe, and is omnipotent, having created the universe. Therefore, nothing is impossible with God, and He alone gives meaning to everything. No attempt is made in this verse to prove God; it was recorded in the beginning when no one doubted God.” (Henry Morris)

Commenter:

“I am struggling with this quote. First of all, does YOM hold a view that Adam wrote Gen 1? [Traditionally], Genesis was written by Moses far after the creation of the world. Written language was not yet created during the lifetime of Adam. Moses wrote an account of what was orally passed down to him through the generations. Additionally, at the time [Genesis] was written, contrary to this quote…this verse was initially viewed as a way to refute polytheistic religions and point towards Yahweh. People did doubt God.”

Response:

“It is reasonable that Adam and his descendants all knew how to write and, therefore, kept records of their own times (note the mention of ‘the book of the generations of Adam’ in Genesis 5:1). These records (probably kept on stone or clay tablets) were possibly handed down from father to son in the line of the God-fearing patriarchs until they finally were acquired by Moses when he led the children of Israel out of Egypt. During the wilderness wanderings, Moses compiled them into the book of Genesis, adding his own explanatory editorial comments where needed. Genesis is still properly considered as one of the books of Moses, since its present form is due to him, but it really records the eye-witness records of these primeval histories, as written originally by Adam, Noah, Shem, Isaac, Jacob and other ancient patriarchs.” (Henry Morris Study Bible)

One uniting them woven throughout each element above: God created and He chose to tell sinful man about His person and work in His perfect word, the Bible.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 ESV)

It almost sounds shallow to say I’m thankful. But I truly am! Don’t be careless with God’s word. Treasure it!

Later, y’all.

- Mike

135 days ago Short URL Comments

Life/School

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