I had to make a late-night run to Bloomington last week – my old stomping grounds. Seventeen years of my life were spent living there (26 if you count commuting for employment), and they were really good years. They included: college life, meeting my wife-to-be, baptism, major spiritual formation, a strong church home & family, a great company to work for, a solid local economy, and a bright future. Everywhere I went that night I was looking for someone I once knew. And for a fleeting moment…I started to miss it.

But, it didn’t take long for me to get over those feelings. First of all, I didn’t see anyone I knew! Wait a minute, this was MY town (back in the day)!! Guess what, Bloomington-Normal has changed, just like everything else. Then I made a conscious shift in my focus to the blessings of today and the hope I have in God’s future for me, my family, and our church. God specifically led us OUT of Bloomington and eventually IN to the East Peoria area. And I am eternally grateful for it.

It’s interesting. Back in those “glory days” (when they were the present as opposed to the past), I can recall looking back fondly to the days before them, what would have been that present’s past. Aren’t we funny that way? It seems to be in our nature to glamorize the past. It takes a conscious effort to see the incredible value of TODAY and to actively seek the FUTURE God has in store for us.

Most of my readers know the journey my family and church have been traveling. We are a year out now from our very first Richwoods Christian Church East Campus pre-launch service in East Peoria’s Central Junior High School (December 5, 2010). It’s hard to believe it! None of this would have happened but for the grace of God, the vision of Richwoods’ leadership, and the embracing of that vision by people with a heart for helping people find and follow Christ on this side of the Illinois river. Reflecting on this over the past week has been a true blessing.

Take an intentional moment or two in the coming weeks. Reflect a bit on what God has done in your life. But then, spend some really good energy looking around at what he is doing RIGHT NOW. The day will come when you will look back on your present days with great fondness, maybe even wishing you were back at this point. I would encourage you to enjoy it now, while you’re here. Don’t look around for people you used to know. Look around for people you DO know, and those that you want to get to know better – the people God has put in your path today.

Doing so will both make today better and provide a wonderful foundation for your future. I can’t promise you what that future will look like, but I can promise you this: It will be different. And it will be GREAT!

Let’s do this thing called Life – together. Thank you, Lord, for the privilege.

Allow me to introduce you to Blaine. We just met this morning thanks to an introduction from a mutual friend, Kem Meyer. (Of course, they wouldn’t know me from Adam, but that’s the wonder of internet communication venues!) If you check out Blaine’s blog, you’ll see he’s incredibly serious about God’s call on his life. But if you take a moment to check out his video below, you’ll see what I absolutely love about his approach. It is so NOT about us…

Share the love, share the joy, share the fun. Have a little “happy Friday dance” yourself. You know I will!

Happy Friday Dance Party #2 from blaine hogan on Vimeo.

I think that’s the scariest part of this picture. If I weren’t married with a child, if I were younger, if I were more tech savvy… If but a few minor details like that, this could be me.  

Happy Friday, all!

Do you love “firsts” as much as I do? There’s just something about ‘em.

Nothing too deep here other than my desire to share Vimeo with you. It’s a very intuitive video sharing site that isn’t nearly as cluttered as the more popular one. Great quality, and if you look for it, great content, too – check out this one posted recently by our Lead Pastor Jim Powell.

My first one is simply a practical communication; an informational piece related to our new Financial Peace University session that is set to begin September 7. For more information you can…yep, check out the video!

I look forward to sharing more via video as time progresses. The tools are getting so much easier to use on both the upload and the download side.

To borrow a phrase, I’m lovin’ it!

Summer can have a powerful impact on us. It’s likely cultural as we either consciously (or sub-c) recall our summers off from the routine of school. But no matter – for most of us summer is when we let down our guard a little bit and let ourselves play.

Our family is currently enjoying a little down time in Branson, MO, away from the daily “grind” of life. No rush, no schedule, and no pressure to be anything other than Mommy, Daddy, and Baby Girl. It has taken us a couple days to get used to it, but I’m now looking forward to connecting on a deeper level with the two most important women in my life. Time is on our side, and the spirit of summer is conducive to reaching levels of connection that can evade us in everyday life. We are blessed to have this opportunity.

Richwoods is doing something similar in Group Life. We’re providing Summer Connections events where people can get together, have fun, and experience a taste of Group Life within the context of the lazy days of summer. No commitments, no worries – just a little food, fun and fellowship as we share the wonder of Group Life with those that may not know what it’s all about. Check the link above for details – we would love to see you there!

Personally, I’ll be attending a couple events on the east side of the river. The first one is this coming Sunday from 3 – 5 @ Harry LaHood Park in Washington. A second one over there will be @ the Wilkes’ home in German Town Hills on August 21 from 5 – 7.

So take advantage of the spirit of summer and come out to play! We’re going to have a great time. And while we’re at it, we will hopefully realize the value of connecting in community. It’s a powerful thing.

“God’s aim in human history is the creation of an inclusive community of loving persons, with Himself included as its primary sustainer and most glorious inhabitant.”  –  Dallas Willard