The Insomnia Chronicles

I'VE MOVED!!

   

The Insomnia Chronicles can now be found at:
iChilly.com

See you @ the NEW site!!
Chilly

drum roll please...

Ok, here's the BIG change...

I'm closing this site.

But, I have a new
and improved site!

click here:
www.iChilly.com

The new site will give you the rest of the details.

Peace.

Vacation Reflections...

Here's a few, random, thoughts bouncin' through my brain since returning from vacation...

1. I really, REALLY, love my family!
2. I could get used to living near water.
3. Foof-chairs are awesome (gonna get one soon)!
4. A hot-tub a day keeps the tension away.
5. My sons & I are the Three Amigos (I'm 'dusty bottoms').
6. My wife is beautiful!!!
7. Real Church can survive 2 weeks without me (I'm shocked!).
8. I like my dog, Oreo, more than I want to admit.
9. I really do live in the ghetto!  It's crazy! Ha!!
10. I'm a fast reader (took down "IT" in 2 hours)...
11. My kids are NOT typical homeschoolers!
12. I'm gonna have 'guest bloggers' more often (great job!).
13. Hurricanes SUCK!
14. I like sleeping to the sound of waves...
15. my iPhone does not enjoy the hot-tub like I do (ouch!)!!

Thanks a lot to ALL of you who prayed for us while we were away. We had, perhaps, the best vacation EVER!  I'm blessed to have such great friends and allies.  Would love to hear your thoughts, questions or comments to this random list... please leave a comment or two...

Also, stay tuned this week, I have a BIG change coming...  (curious?)  Much love, Chilly

42.

You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a
single day had passed. Psalm 139:16

Today, as I pause and thank God for another year of His goodness, I want to thank Him for YOU... yes, you!  He knew before I was born that you would read these late-night ramblings, that you would listen to podcasts, that you would add a comment of encouragement - say a prayer of faith - share His goodness with others.  Today my Facebook wall is filled with (70+) messages of 'birthday love', my Twitter keeps tweeting and my email inbox is packed! It's overwhelming and means so much to me!

I always pray that God will use me to bless & encourage others, to raise up fearless disciple-warriors, to make uncommon faith common amongst my allies - and, people like you are living, breathing answers to my prayers and part of the fulfillment to my pre-birth destiny... yeah, YOU!  So, today you are one of my birthday presents - how cool is that?! And, of course, my ultimate GIFT remains my Savior & Lord: Jesus Christ!  Thank you Father!

I get younger everyday -- praise you Lord! 

16 CANDLES

My oldest child, Mariah Lyn ("Riley"), is 16 today.  It doesn't seem possible. She's so beautiful, talented and cool! Our miracle little baby will soon be taking driver's education... how did this happen?!

So, today, she and I are going on a date for dinner & a movie. I'm so grateful that my girl, despite being so grown-up, still loves to snuggle with her daddy. More importantly, she loves to spend time with her Father. 

Mariah is all 'girl': loves to dress up, style her hair (new look daily), wear a little make-up, paint her nails, talk/txt on her phone and post a million pictures on Facebook.  She is also tough: understands & enjoys sports, she loves playing tackle football, loves hxc music & plays a killer bass! Riley isn't boy crazy: she simply enjoys her friends and has no desire to get into some mushy 'he's so cute' relationship (which is good, because I'm not ready to go to prison).

When I held Mariah as a little baby, I would try to imagine what she would be like as a teenager.  I would boastfully proclaim, "my girl's gonna be tough, cool, adventurous, content with just her dad & Father as her 'men', love sports, dress cool, great cook, love to rock and never be rebellious..." - people, young & old, would roll their eyes at me and laugh to themselves about how naive I was.  Well, God punk'd you all and gave me just that type of girl!

Riley's two sisters and two brothers rock the world too! They look up to their big sister with admiration and awe. I can't imagine any of them turning 16 either...  but, because I know they will, I'm believing that they will be as awesome as their sister!!

I didn't get 'lucky' with Riley, I lived deliberately and trusted God explicitly. I refused to be insecure and seek her approval but, instead, lived righteously in order to earn her respect.  She learned how to do devotions and pray by example not sermons.  Raising kids to serve the Lord is not easy - it requires that the parent is REAL, 24/7.  Not perfect, REAL.

I can't finish this post without also offering some props to Riley's mom, Netta.  Her leadership, love, wisdom and example is what makes the Chilton Home an environment where God is always FIRST! 

So, yeah, today I have to praise the Lord for blessing my life with a baby girl. Yes!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RILEY!

SO, MUCH LOVE, daddy

Wild Goose Chase - Blog Tour!

MY REVIEW:

It is such a joy to be one of those reviewing the book, Wild Goose Chase.  I'm honored to do it.  I am not being paid for my review - except for receiving 2 free copies - one for me and the other for one of my readers (maybe you?).

I met Pastor Mark Batterson, years ago when I was the Youth Ministry Specialist at Valley Forge Christian College. I was immediately impressed with what I called "a practical passion" - there are lots of people with charisma and personality, but Mark had a humble, quiet confidence. I never sensed that he was trying to impress or that he was impressed with himself. Simply said, He was (and is) REAL. Click his picture to visit his blog site.

I received Mark's first book, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, as a gift from Mark to "church planters" - I thought this was extremely generous and meaningful back then. Since then, that book has impacted churches & individuals all around the world. It is an amazing read. IF you don't own a copy, click on the title and get one (for a great price). Sometimes the sophomore project is a let down to such a successful beginning, however, I have found Wild Goose Chase to be even better!  I recommend it to anyone who is ready to pursue God's destiny with a reckless abandonment.

When I first heard the title of this book (long before I possessed a copy), I did what many web-addicts might do, I wiki'd it!  A 'wild goose chase' was defined as: a lengthy or useless pursuit or task whose execution requires inordinate resources and circuitous execution.  Hmmm, sounded interesting. I think, in today's curiously cynical culture, choosing the right title is really important.  And now, having read the book, it's clear that Mark continued with this deliberate provocation by choosing unique chapter titles. Hey, like it or not, we are easily distracted and lots of things compete for our attention, but this book makes you want to read it, page by page by page...  yeah, including me!  I read it cover-to-cover beginning late one evening - into the early hours of the next day - pausing to rest a few hours - then, waking with anticipation to pick up and finish it.  I'M BETTER FOR READING IT.

Some of the features I love are:  short & exciting chapters, amazing quotes, personal applications, Biblical infusion throughout and the "Your Chase" application/discussion questions at the end of each chapter.  I know my staff and team are going to gobble this thing up - which is kind of a bummer - because I won't be able to steal any of these great principles & practical wisdom - ha!  Seriously, I'm really excited to have this book impact their lives. 

Wild Goose Chase is so helpful & encouraging. Chapter Six was especially meaningful to me, here's a quick glance, "... sometimes a closed door is the very thing that gets us where God wants us to go. I've come to think of closed doors as divine detours.  And while our failed plans can be incredibly discouraging and disorientating, God often uses the things that seem to be taking us off our course to keep us on His course." (page 122) -- so, good.

Mark speaks truth without sugar-coating or compromise. The character and nature of God is obvious and attainable throughout.  It convicts, encourages and provokes.  Ultimately, I think you'll find yourself saying things like, "I can do this" ... "wow, he's totally talking to me" ... "I've got to share this with someone"... 

One of my all-time favorite books is The Pursuit of God, by A.W. Tozer - early in my life, it was so helpful to me in finding and living my path with God. I think this book can impact today's generation in similar fashion - I pray it does.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Summary:
Most of us have no idea where we’re going most of the time. Perfect.

“Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit–An Geadh-Glas, or ‘the Wild Goose.’ The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it’s like to follow the Spirit through life. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something….

Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: Adventure.” --from the introduction.
 
Author Bio:
Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of Washington, DC’s National Community Church, widely recognized as one of America’s most innovative churches. NCC meets in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the city, as well as in a church-owned coffee house near Union Station. More than seventy percent of NCC’ers are single twentysomethings who live or work on Capitol Hill. Mark is the author of the best-selling In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day and a widely read blogger (www.markbatterson.com). He lives on Capitol Hill with his wife, Lora, and their three children.

HOW TO GET IT:

You can buy this book for a great price on Amazon. 
Simply click the book: 

I also encourage you to check out:  chasethegoose - on this site, you can access Mark’s 10 Steps to Setting Life Goals. Great stuff!

IF you're holding out for a chance at receiving a FREE copy of this book: Leave a comment on this review - sharing: 1]  What's been the biggest distraction to your pursuit of God? 2] What, specifcally, has helped get you back on track?  3] Why should you WIN this book? C'mon, be creative (offer a good trade) - ha! The winner will be announced Thursday - be sure to provide a link, email or other way for me to contact you.  I'll cover the shipping costs.

... a biker blessing

Something cool just happened!  I was sitting in a Starbucks meeting with one of my staff guys, we were talking about our lives, and had our Bibles & journals open... all of the sudden, I heard in a rough voice, "is anyone sitting here?"  I looked up to see two 'biker dudes' (beards, tattoos, leather, long-hair, etc) standing there - we smiled and said, "nope, please sit down" - I love this kind of stuff!  So, my friend and I went back to talking about the Lord, our church, visions, burdens, passions, and others cool topics.  We were being open & honest - and, we were oblivious to the conversation of the men sitting next to us. They were eventually joined by a third friend.  I thought, to myself, what a unique paradox of guys this is - we (yeah, WE) were a pretty tough looking group of MEN! Ha!

Before, they sat down I had been sharing some personal stuff about how God had been leading me to 'peace' - IF you know me very well, you know I've never shy-ed away from 'conflict' and perhaps reveled in it.  But, I was just asked this week about our relationship with the Muslims, Catholics & others in our community.  A friend said, "are you experiencing attacks and conflicts from these religious groups?" and, I said, "no, they like us... respect us... and are thankful for us." - each time I share this, people look at me like this isn't right, they should hate you...almost as IF we are compromising in some way. I don't think we are... I'm just trying my hardest to keep obeying God and living the way He tells me to live.

So, back to the biker(s), as we were packing up, one of them spoke up and asked what I was studying, I told him I was a pastor & church planter and that we were talking about the Bible and seeking God's direction.  He smiled and said, "I have a word for you, my friend... 'when a righteous man lives to please the Lord, God causes even his enemies to be at peace with him'. That IS you, did you hear me? That word is about YOU.  Be encouraged buddy, you're being exactly what God wants." - whoa! You have no idea how encouraging this is and how timely it was.  I'm glad God used a unique messenger - I'm still wondering IF he was an angel... it wasn't all spiritual or preachy, it was straight-forward, without doubt or fear, and yet kind.  Very cool.

I've since looked the verse up and read it in every translation - it's Proverbs 16:7 - check out how the message puts it:  "When God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand." - I pray that this is my testimony in Hamtramck & Detroit ... I think it is...

• what 'unique' person has God used to bless you?
• are you sure that you're obeying God right now?
• interested in joining our team in Hamtramck?
• don't make me send a biker to 'convince' you! Ha!

An Olympic Attitude.

I have really been enjoying the Olympics this week!  I'm already mourning the thought of them being over... and, having to wait until the summer of 2012 for their return... ugh.

I think the thing that I have really enjoyed is how our country (and hopefully your country - wherever you're reading this from) has come together to cheer with ONE voice.  With all of the political drama in our country and even in my city, it's refreshing to see unilateral patriotism. No other agendas, angles or motives - just cheering for our athletes to do their best on this global platform.  We've laid down our 'party-lines' and reveled in the joys of excellence, triumph and teamwork.  We're focused on doing our best, winning the gold, being good representatives of our country.  You don't see athletes interviewed about their political affiliations, thoughts on the upcoming elections or evaluations of the war... no, we're interested in their personal stories that brought them to this moment in their lives.

Here's a thought, what IF we had such an 'Olympic attitude' in our approach to serving Christ and cheering on the soldiers of our Faith?!  Maybe we could stop allowing theological differences or worship styles to divide us.  Maybe we would be less worried about the church down the street and more focused on the lost across the ocean.  Maybe we would be less concerned about church carpet color or building design and more involved in ending world famine and debt.  Maybe we would stop being defined by terminology like emergent, missional, postmodern, traditional, or contemporary and become known by our service, love, consistency and hope! Maybe we could start cheering for the successes of other churches or leaders and stop with all the sarcastic, cynical, and woefully insecure comments.  Maybe we could ALL be focused on WINNING - yeah, defeating the devil - not the church down the street.  Maybe our gold-medal goal could be to see Jesus Christ, our Savior, King & Lord, exalted anywhere, proclaimed everywhere, and lived out all-the-time with passion & purpose... Hmmm.

One more:  maybe our over-priced conferences (more & more every year) would be less about patting each other on the back and more about kicking each other in the butt. And, that our newest ideas & strategies would come from praying more not paying more...

So, yeah, this is my Olympic dream... for our country, churches, friendships and callings. And, you know what? I think this dream is one of the devil's nightmares! 

Your Turn:

• what's been your favorite Olympic moment this week?
• are you surprised by the patriotism that has awakened?
• do you sense 'unity' above politics, economy or war?
• could this happen in the church or is my 'dream' just fantasy?
• what could/should we do, to regain our joy & focus?

livin' the Olympic'tude, Chilly

hmmm... 3

Ok, first of all, in order to follow all of this 'randomness,' you might want to read the previous three posts (hmmm..., hmmm...2, and my anthem). I've enjoyed emptying out the closets of my heart & mind - I've also really appreciated all of your comments.  It's been a fun string of posts.  And, yeah, there may still be more after this... we'll see.

the book ban

~ as many of you know, last year I read over 60 books - a lot of the postmodern, emerging stuff by all of the 'big names'... it became excruciating by the end.  So, God led me into 2008 by instructing me to ONLY read the Bible (or books that directly helped me study the Word - like commentaries). It's been awesome!  I've learned so much and I hope that those that I know or those that read my blog / check out my podcast have seen greater depth & insight.  Well, this week, I felt God release me to pick up a few books ... so, I'm carefully looking at a few titles.  You may notice this in the "I READ" section of my blog >>
       - I'm excited about adding insight into my life. 
       - What are you reading right now?

toothless tigers

~ I'm a fan of our Detroit Tigers... but, I'm so sick & tired of watching our team put up big numbers and shutdown the opposing teams bats ONLY to bring in some noodle-armed relief pitcher who gives up the lead and eventually, the win. I've said for 2 years that we need to can the pitching coach - but, no one seems to see that... oh well. Football season is upon us now ... go Steelers!

my label: Love

~ people desperately want to figure out what & who you are.  so, they use little words or phrases to describe you, sum you up and explain you to others. I don't like such labels. I'm discovering that my blatant avoidance of such titles has actually frustrated and angered people.  I deliberately refuse to be described by relevant words (emergent, postmodern, missional, etc) and I also refuse to align myself with any one person or school of thought (driscoll, bell, mclaren, wright, etc).  Looking for a label?  I like LOVE. I'm living a real love from a real God in a real world... authentic... period.

the 3rd place

~ what's happened with Starbucks?  yeah, I still love to drop in for a white mocha, iced double-shot, doppio con panna or a refreshing vivanno; but I don't like hangin' out there like I used to.  it was, for a season (or more), my 'mobile office' but now, I'm just not feelin' it...  maybe it's the head-phones all the barista's wear, maybe the inconsistent music or the overall lack of pride (worker & customer alike) that used to be there. Howard Shultz envisioned local outlets as a "third place" (beside home and work) to spend time, and store design is intended to achieve this. It was working... not anymore. Destroyed by their own ambition, greed and ________ (fill in blank) - they lost their focus - and all of the sudden paying double for a cup a coffee (that you can't get in small, medium or large) seems less desirable.  I hope that they can save themselves but it isn't looking good... stores are closing all over the place.  People can get a drink at McDonald's (any size) for $1. Ouch.
       - what are your thoughts about Starbucks?

hmmm... 4?

~ I'm still ready & willing to vent more... ha!  What are some topics or subjects that  you'd like to hear my take on? 

until then... peace.

my Anthem (for atleast today...)

Today, as I was working out - hey, stop laughing - I was listening to The Afters newest album (on my iPhone). I was talking to God, in between gasping for air and wiping off sweat, about the next chapter of my life.  I was seeking wisdom and understanding ... I have a lot of 'whys' stirring around in my heart...

It's hard for me to describe the season that I've just gone through (over the last few months), but, let me simply say, it's been really, REALLY rough.  Yet, in the midst of personal, physical & spiritual turmoil, God has continued to use me (often, despite me) to do some amazing ministry!  I have seen Him miraculously transform the lives of students, leaders, churches and beyond. It's really humbling...

So, back to my workout.  As I listened to the lyrics to the title track of this cool album, I found myself praying it, yelling it... declaring it!  "I'M NEVER GOING BACK TO OK!"  - I can't stop thinking about it - yeah, it's my anthem today & beyond.  Allow me to share the lyrics with you...  check it out:

It’s not the end but it feels like it is
I’m waking up like I’m back from the dead
I’m stepping out and it feels so free
But as long as I’m moving it’s alright

I feel alive and it hurts for a change
I’m looking back its hard to believe
That I was cool with the days that I wasted
Complacent and tasteless and bored
But that was yesterday

Chorus
We’re never going back to ok
We’re never going back to easy
We’re never going back to the way it was
We’re never going back to ok

This discontent, like a slap in the face
A mediocre I’ve had enough of this place
This party’s over and I’m moving away
From the frills of your Beverly Hills
That was yesterday

Chorus
We’re never going back to ok
We’re never going back to easy
We’re never going back to the way it was
We’re never going back to ok

We’re here to stay
This is our time
My only life
Our chance to live

In Comments:
pick 1 line that you relate to,
and share why & how...

for more about what's going on in 'me,'
read 'hmmm' & 'hmmm 2' (below).