Blog Slacker & Family Update

Well it's been a couple weeks now since any new content has been posted here.  I'm sure your life has come to a screeching halt without anything new to read at "hartblog"--at least this is what I'd like to believe.  So in an effort to rid myself of blog guilt and to make sure your life returns to normal, here is the latest...

On the family front, things are good.  New pics have been posted under October 2006 Pics.  Mackinley is ever so slowy getting into a rhythm.  Sydnie is getting a passing grade in potty training (few messups every now and then--I'll show you pictures if you really want). 
The greatest college football rivalry is set up to be the biggest ever...November 18...#1 Ohio State v. #2 Michigan.  Should be fun.  Hopefully Michigan fares better than the Detroit Tigers.  In honor of the above stated rivalry, our girls dressed up for Halloween in Ohio State (Sydnie) and Michigan (Mackinley) gear.  Glad to see Mackinley is a winner--I'll probably eat those words.  Lastly, we purchased an 8 person Kelty tent at the annual TCO porch sale in hopes of doing some camping with the girls now that the weather is getting nicer.  There are pics in the new album. 

I have more thoughts I want to write, but getting a post is at least a healthy start.  Hopefully more to follow.  Peace.

Sermon stuff

Well it's Thursday night and I'm still hammering away at my sermon for this Sunday.  It's been a fun week in many regards as I really do enjoy the studying and prep work.  I would say it's a strength, not because I'm all that good at it, but in the word's of Marcus Buckingham I feel strong when I'm engaged in this type of activity.  Yet, I also thought I'd be done at this point.  It's basically there, but I think I'm over-analyzing it.  Actually, I know I'm over-analyzing it.  I want it to be streamlined and focused.  I've been asked to preach a sermon, not a series is what I keep telling myself.  I am hoping and praying that I will be able to narrow the focus.  Should be fun.  I love the passage...John 9...and I'm very excited about how this miracle connects with the larger meta-narrative of the Scriptures.  The picture above is my current desktop wallpaper as it is helping me focus on what I want to call people to this Sunday...be a bright light.  Peace.

Interesting Study on 20-Somethings & Faith Involvement

Though I can no longer claim the status of "20-something" as I moved
into the realm of "30-somethings" and gray hair this past year, I found
this article/study highly pertinent.  Partly becuase it is my "age and
stage" (as long as you're not a legalist) but also because the study
points out the ways youth ministry is failing to keep people connected
once they "graduate" from youth group.  I hope you find it
disconcerting, but that you won't stop there.  Something clearly needs
to be done.  What can we do?  Love to hear your thoughts. 

Click here to read the article.

Could make for an interesting November 18

If you're looking for something to pray about...

Next Sunday, October 22, I am preaching at Orangewood.  It's been a couple years since I last did this, so needless to say I'm a little nervous.  Yet I'm really looking forward to it as well.  Preaching on John 9.  Anyway, that's all.  I'll be sure to report on how it's progressing. 

Also, if you're into praying for sports, the Tigers are tied in the bottom of the 9th.  Go Tigers!

Tigers, Wolverines & Mountains!

What a week it has been.  Been absent from the blog world for a few days (more on that  in a moment), and need to highlight a few important happenings!  First, the DETROIT TIGERS are not only in the playoffs, they knocked off the Yankees in the opening round today!  It's like 1984 all over again.  Seriously, I was 8 the last time the Tigers were newsworthy (unless of course you count their 119 losses of 3 seasons ago).  Second, my Wolverines beat up on the in-state rival Michigan State Spartans today!  Could this be 1997 all over again?  Another "Yeaf of the Wolverine"?  I don't want to believe the hype for fear of the expected let down, but for the time being it sure is fun.  I'm hoping for an undefeated Michigan when they venture to Columbus on November 18 to face off with the expected to be undefeated Buckeyes.  That will make for some interesting family rivalry.  We've already got the kids prepared--one kid in Michigan gear the other in OSU.  Well enough about sports...

Lastly, we've just returned from a week in the mountains of Boone, North Carolina.  Unbelievable week.  Off the charts weather.  Beautiful fall colors.  Great hiking.  Our girls loved it (Mackinley's first of many trips).  Sydnie is an ol' pro.  She loves to hike (which means I carry her in the Kelty Kid pack...I'm sore).  We spent the week with Heather's parents and Kirsten and Brian.  Caspian and Denali were along as well.  I will post some pics soon (see right).  This place has become a true place of rest.  It's full of enough stuff to do while also being calm enough to truly relax.  Worked through a couple of books (almost finished)...The Irresistable Revolution and The Shaping of Things to Come.  Both have been great thus far.  Well that's all for now.  I will leave you with a family photo for your viewing pleasure. 

Test 2

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