tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812208875084099552024-03-13T11:35:21.498-07:00Mike and Erinmike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-68280489924606164642012-12-25T02:45:00.000-08:002012-12-25T02:45:18.989-08:00Merry Christmas from the McCulloughs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2K6FEdh9Fc8/UNmDkoISLqI/AAAAAAAAAm8/uQtbXis1D00/s1600/2012+Christmas+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2K6FEdh9Fc8/UNmDkoISLqI/AAAAAAAAAm8/uQtbXis1D00/s400/2012+Christmas+Card.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsig-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsig-1.png" /></a>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-11913562604916040682012-11-30T07:49:00.000-08:002012-12-06T07:53:19.076-08:00November Recap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The church planting residency is going really well, and we are in full support-raising mode. The Lord has been so faithful to provide, and we are so thankful for the generosity and support we have received already from so many people. I {Erin} started a 2nd round of Bible study with the women in our home group; we are walking through the book of Genesis using this <a href="http://media.thevillagechurch.net/bible-studies/study-guides/WBSGenesis.pdf" target="_blank">study guide</a>. It has been such a joy to read through the Scripture with the women in our group. Mike had the opportunity to speak at the Young Adults group back at Woodcreek, and will be preaching again at Christ Fellowship at the end of December. He also had a chance to meet with the Network Team at CF to share in more detail our vision for the church plant and what next steps will be. It is such an exciting time, and we are so thankful for all the Lord has allowed us to be a part of!<br />
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<strong>Our Fur Baby</strong><br />
We had an <a href="http://philippians3v7.blogspot.com/2012/11/an-unexpected-vet-visit.html" target="_blank">unexpected visit to the vet</a> with our pup Sasha. She broke a nail {which I realize sounds so trivial!} and had to have it removed. Talk about drama! There was a lot of blood, puppy screaming, and tears (from me), but we survived. She was ok, and we are so thankful for a sweet and caring vet who squeezed her in on a busy day and made her all better. <br />
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She got a lot of sympathy that day, and I think she let it go to her head; she has misbehaved quite a bit the last few weeks. From eating her weight in Halloween candy, to getting into the trash...we have had to remove her staying out of the kennel while we're out privileges. Worse than a kid.<br />
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<strong>On Health and Doctors</strong><br />
I have had some intense stomach and intestinal issues for awhile now, and finally went to see a <a href="http://philippians3v7.blogspot.com/2012/09/on-health-doctors.html" target="_blank">doctor back in September</a>. We thought we had figured out the problem, but when the <a href="http://philippians3v7.blogspot.com/2012/11/on-health-doctorscontinued.html" target="_blank">symptoms returned this month</a> (and with a vengeance), I had to make another appointment. We still don't have answers and are awaiting another doctor's appointment with a GI specialist on December 12th. We would appreciate your prayers on this; that the Lord would allow the doctor to identify the problem and find the appropriate treatment. And that I would have the patience and endurance to deal with these health issues. <br />
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<strong>Sic 'Em Bears!</strong><br />
Mike and I had the opportunity to <a href="http://philippians3v7.blogspot.com/2012/11/sic-em-bears.html" target="_blank">go see a Baylor football game</a> with some friends. It was so fun to be back at Baylor with Laura and Nicki!<br />
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When we chose the game against Kansas State, we didn't know that they would be the #1 ranked team in the nation. And we <em>certainly</em> were not expecting Baylor to beat up on them for the win! It was such an exciting game, and I loved being able to share Baylor with Mike!<br />
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<strong>12 Dates of Christmas</strong><br />
Christmas came a little early this year, as we started the <a href="http://philippians3v7.blogspot.com/2012/11/12-dates-of-christmas.html" target="_blank">{12 Dates of Christmas}</a> at the end of November. I wanted to surprise Mike with some fun Christmas dates, so we made it through 3 in November and will continue the rest in December.<br />
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Date #1 <a href="http://philippians3v7.blogspot.com/2012/11/12-dates-of-christmas-dickens-of.html" target="_blank">A Dickens of a Christmas</a> in downtown McKinney</div>
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Date #2 <a href="http://philippians3v7.blogspot.com/2012/11/12-dates-of-christmas-deck-halls.html" target="_blank">Deck the Halls</a>! We put up our Christmas tree :)</div>
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Date #3 <a href="http://philippians3v7.blogspot.com/2012/11/12-dates-of-christmas-fireside-date.html" target="_blank">Fireside Date</a> (in front of our fancy Netflix Fire!)</div>
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<strong>Family Time</strong><br />
Early in November, we celebrated birthdays for our sweet niece and nephew. They had everyone over for dinner and cake, and it was a fun time to celebrate with them. <br />
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Because who <em>wouldn't</em> love a life-size pooh bear that giggles when you press his tummy??</div>
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We were in town for Thanksgiving this year, so we were able to spend it with Mike's family. I love that his parents have a tradition of inviting a lot of friends and family that don't otherwise have a place to go on Thanksgiving. So there house is always full! It is such a sweet and generous blessing; his parents are so great at hospitality.<br />
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<strong>Happy Birthday Mike!</strong><br />
We wrapped up November by celebrating Mike's 31st Birthday. I was able to take the day off, so we got to spend most of the day together (Mike had to work in the morning). We headed out to Erwin Park for a picnic lunch, and it was such a perfect day for it! The weather was beautiful (sunny and 75 on November 26th- gotta love Texas winters!)<br />
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We also went to see the new <em>Lincoln</em> movie and went to dinner at Uncle Julio's. I certainly enjoyed spending the day with my love, so I hope he felt loved on his special day!<br />
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mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-39349015949747383582012-10-30T12:07:00.000-07:002012-10-30T12:07:19.058-07:00October Recap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Things have been busy around here, to say the least! With the start of the <a href="http://mikeanderinm.blogspot.com/2012/09/long-time-no-blog.html" target="_blank">church planting residency</a>, there has been no lack of activity around the McCullough house. Things have been busy for me {Erin} at work, and we are getting ready to gear up for another round of women's Bible study. Mike is working hard, splitting his time between the residency, our home group, Starbucks, and support raising. In the midst of it all, we have had some opportunities for random fun :)<br />
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<strong>Pumpkin Carving</strong><br />
We took a break from our normal home group study and had <a href="http://philippians3v7.blogspot.com/2012/10/pumpkin-carving-2012.html" target="_blank">a night of pumpkin carving</a>! It was fun to see everyone's creative juices flowing, and we were reminded of how blessed we are to have such sweet friends in our lives.<br />
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Trying to figure out the best way to carve a cat...</div>
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He designed this all on his own...</div>
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Finished products!</div>
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October 2012</div>
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The whole group with their pumpkin creations!</div>
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<strong>Impromptu Date Night</strong><br />
Mike and I were blessed with an impromptu date night to a pre-season Mavericks game. A friend had some extra tickets, so we headed out for an evening at the AAC. I wore blue to support my husband, but my heart missed the boys in black and silver ;)<br />
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A Spurs fan and a Mavericks fan...who knew?</div>
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We had pretty good seats!</div>
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<strong>Habitat for Humanity</strong><br />
Our home group has wanted to get more involved in community projects, so we had our first event with Habitat for Humanity. They are working on some revitalization projects in the community, so we spent the day clearing out an alley to make it safe for the people living in the adjacent homes. We are looking forward to doing more projects like these in the future, with the hope of "owning" a block of homes that we can care for and get to know the people we serve.<br />
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It was the first truly cold morning of the season!</div>
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<strong>Kids Karnival</strong></div>
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Mike was asked to help emcee the annual Kids Karnival at Woodcreek, so we were able to see some old friends and help serve the kids and their families. We made our own costumes, and I am pretty pleased with how it turned out. For the evening of the Kids Karnival, we were Clark Kent and Lois Lane!</div>
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I think we look pretty darn cute ;)</div>
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I was pretty proud of my little name badge...sadly, it was the only thing (other than standing next to my husband) that identified who I was supposed to be haha. Oh well :)</div>
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The jokesters- Mike (aka Clark Kent), Paul (aka Friar Tuck), and Scott (aka construction plumber?)</div>
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mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-84154136135992009562012-09-24T04:18:00.001-07:002012-09-24T04:19:45.994-07:00REALLY Long Time No Blog :)It has been quite awhile since we have blogged here, and we apologize to all 3 of our faithful readers. :)<br />
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A LOT has happened since last December. It's actually a little crazy to think about where we were in December and where we are now. The Lord is good and faithful.<br />
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In January, we began hosting a Bible study in our home. Our little group consisted of people Mike had met at Starbucks. We are somewhat of an eclectic group, consisting of some who have grown up in the church, some who are new to church, some who are returning. We have singles, marrieds, marrieds with kids, and empty nesters. And it has been such a blessing. We began walking through the book of John together, and we have grown into a little family.<br />
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In March, the Lord graciously and abundantly provided a new job for me {Erin}. This was such an incredible answer to prayer, and I am still amazed at the goodness of our God. I think this was one of the "biggies" that confirmed to me the Lord's calling for us to be here in McKinney. And not just our calling, but His promise to take care of us. You can read the <a href="http://philippians3v7.blogspot.com/2012/03/lords-provision.html" target="_blank">full story here</a>.<br />
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This whole year, Mike and I have been praying about what our next steps would be in the church planting process. One of the most exciting updates is our partnership and connection with a local church to continue that process. This summer, we walked through an assessment process for a church planting residency with <a href="http://christfellowshiphome.com/" target="_blank">Christ Fellowship</a>. Most of the summer was relational in nature, with Mike meeting with various leaders to learn more about ministry and heart of the church. In August, we went through an official interview process, which included online assessments, ministry applications, a behavioral interview, and an assessment meeting. And in September, Mike and I officially began the residency!<br />
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We are both VERY excited about this opportunity, and we are extremely thankful to this local body of believers for their support and encouragement in the church planting journey. This next year will essentially be a "training phase" as we prepare to launch a church. If you'd like to stay connected with us and what the Lord is doing through the church plant, please visit us at our new ministry website: <a href="http://hischurchplant.com/">hischurchplant.com</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ku-sWpGmQdY/UGBBCGyIkVI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/VXMNaN3l7vQ/s1600/IPlantedLogoFinal_zps073bc9a5+(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ku-sWpGmQdY/UGBBCGyIkVI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/VXMNaN3l7vQ/s320/IPlantedLogoFinal_zps073bc9a5+(5).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We are going to officially move all of our ministry updates to <a href="http://hischurchplant.com/" target="_blank">that site</a>, for ease and clarity for our supporters and ministry partners. We will continue to blog here too, but we will use this site mainly as our personal family blog to keep our family and friends updated. And in case you're interested, I have my own personal blog <a href="http://philippians3v7.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">over here</a>. Have enough blogs to read? :)<br />
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So quick recap:<br />
<ul>
<li>Ministry Updates on the Church Plant- <a href="http://hischurchplant.com/">hischurchplant.com</a></li>
<li>Personal McCullough Family Updates- <a href="http://mikeanderinm.blogspot.com/">mikeanderinm.blogspot.com</a> (you are here)</li>
<li>Erin's Blog- <a href="http://philippians3v7.blogspot.com/">philippians3v7.blogspot.com</a></li>
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Of course, if you have ANY questions, you are welcome to contact Mike at michaeltmc@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you (on any of our 3 blogs!)</div>
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<a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsig-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsig-1.png" /></a>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-72042641470026528452011-12-08T12:51:00.000-08:002011-12-08T12:51:15.880-08:0030th Birthday Surprise Spectacular!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RPCTq_UjX38/TuEiqGxkrWI/AAAAAAAAANk/ANQn1JdrPdw/s1600/100_2873.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RPCTq_UjX38/TuEiqGxkrWI/AAAAAAAAANk/ANQn1JdrPdw/s320/100_2873.jpeg" width="320" /></a>I have the sweetest wife. She is my best friend and the person I love most in the world. And she gave me the best 30th birthday present ever - a surprise party at our house with a bunch of my closest friends. And since I was born in 1981 it was an awesome 80's theme bonanza!<br />
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So here's the deal, not only is she super awesome at planning a secret surprise party - but she is also great at telling the story. So if you <b>click on the link below</b> you will be taken to her personal blog page to read about it from her account (it tells the story of the day and there are great pics).<br />
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I will just post a few fun photos here but check out here blog to read the story.<br />
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Erin is awesome and I love her so much.<br />
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<a href="http://philippians3v7.blogspot.com/2011/12/totally-awesome-surprise.html" target="_blank">Erin's Blog Post on the Surprise Party!</a><br />
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Here are a few pics (including the second best present (next to the party itself) - a hand-picked, hand-signed, hand-delivered card from my beautiful niece, Elizabeth) ::<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xYgrg8bb9g/TuEicDHw4II/AAAAAAAAANM/E8mVKhYoW-c/s1600/Untitled.001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xYgrg8bb9g/TuEicDHw4II/AAAAAAAAANM/E8mVKhYoW-c/s640/Untitled.001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_VTUEFKGqVE/TuEigb43skI/AAAAAAAAANc/CulKt8cN5mo/s1600/Untitled.003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_VTUEFKGqVE/TuEigb43skI/AAAAAAAAANc/CulKt8cN5mo/s640/Untitled.003.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsig-1.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsig-1.png" /></a></div></div>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-41816689285987929352011-11-07T08:55:00.000-08:002011-11-07T08:55:04.143-08:00Long Time, No Blog! : )<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">You know when you are really diligent at exercising and find yourself in a healthy routine, but then life happens and you get off your routine? And then maybe get a little out of shape. And you know you should get back out there and exercise but the longer the time goes by the harder it is to get 'back on the horse.'<br />
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The same goes for blogging.<br />
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My sincere apologize for our absence. : )<br />
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So in this post I will try to take little snapshots of some specific areas of life!<br />
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<b>Our Fun Neighborhood</b><br />
So we've been in our little house, on our little street, in our little neighborhood almost 4 months. In previous posts we've talked about praying about where God would want us to live in order to build community with the people around us and that is happening here! Honestly, life has been a little busier lately so we know that we need to make a little more effort to have neighbors over for dinner or to hang out, but the Lord has been good for opening the doors for relationships with a few of our neighbors who we hope to be able to share Christ's love with and see what the Holy Spirit might do in their (and our!) lives.<br />
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A few weeks ago we had some old and new friends over to our house for a hang-out get together. Here are some pics!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6cAfbU3qTU/TrgLhAT-UbI/AAAAAAAAAMc/HJUF_zBTmTo/s1600/blogpics.001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6cAfbU3qTU/TrgLhAT-UbI/AAAAAAAAAMc/HJUF_zBTmTo/s400/blogpics.001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6cUEhS9a6Y/TrgLic_JyEI/AAAAAAAAAMk/wP84PAIMcGs/s1600/blogpics.002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6cUEhS9a6Y/TrgLic_JyEI/AAAAAAAAAMk/wP84PAIMcGs/s320/blogpics.002.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz34Iw8J8dE/TrgLorskQ9I/AAAAAAAAAMs/AfrfLKLPYnw/s1600/blogpics.003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz34Iw8J8dE/TrgLorskQ9I/AAAAAAAAAMs/AfrfLKLPYnw/s200/blogpics.003.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>So a couple of the things we are working towards comes from some encouragement we've received from other church planters and other people in our lives. Over the next couple weeks we want to literally go to all the homes on our street and introduce ourselves and begin praying for the families. We want them to know we are praying for them and that we want to see God move mightily in their lives. Also, we are considering hosting a Christmas Party in our house and have cookie decorating and other fun celebratory things.<br />
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It's our hope to be the light of the world here in north McKinney. Not that we are perfect people - but just the opposite, we are imperfect people who know the Perfect One. Please pray for our neighborhood! : )<br />
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<b>Decaff, Tall, 1 Pump, No Foam, Extra Hot, Pumpkin Spice Latte</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6IDrwFnrilw/TrgMcp252KI/AAAAAAAAAM0/WoVQdiGy4Bs/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6IDrwFnrilw/TrgMcp252KI/AAAAAAAAAM0/WoVQdiGy4Bs/s200/photo-4.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>It's official as of a few days ago. I am done with training and am officially a Starbucks Barista. I think it should be Barsito for guys, but that's another blog post for another day.<br />
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I've been working at Starbucks for a little over 2 months now and there have been some great times and also some tough times. As you can imagine, it was (and is) a steep learning curve learning the ins and outs of the coffee business, but from the beginning it's never been about the coffee or the paycheck. It's about working well to the glory of God and seeking opportunities to love and speak the words of Christ to those around us.<br />
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The Lord has opened doors for me to really connect with some of my co-workers. We laugh and have a great time working, but then He has been faithful to answer our prayers to allow some conversations to go to life, struggles, faith, God and even getting to specifically talk about Jesus.<br />
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To be honest, some days are a struggle and I wonder if I am really doing what I need to be when I'm cleaning the bathrooms for the 3rd time this week, but God is faihtful to give us fruit at just the right time and to remind me of Scriptures like Galatians 6 that encourage us not to give up but to keep trusting God, serving well and that God will bring the results in His time!<br />
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And it's also not a bad job working for Starbucks. They are a good company. : )<br />
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<b>In Chains Film</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v2jnAPHhuxo/TrgNAa6SisI/AAAAAAAAANE/R4g30UCQxZ8/s1600/photo-42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v2jnAPHhuxo/TrgNAa6SisI/AAAAAAAAANE/R4g30UCQxZ8/s320/photo-42.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here's a picture from us gathering things for our garage sale to support the In Chains Film that is shedding light on the sex-trade industry in Nicaragua. Check out there website a <a href="http://inchainsfilm.com/">inchainsfilm.com</a> for more information!<br />
(we didn't sell the dog!) : )<br />
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<b>He Knows What You Need</b><br />
We knew that taking this step of faith to come out to McKinney was going to be tough. Especially coupling a few small things together with the move like me quitting my job during the biggest recession of my generation, getting married, leaving behind some friends and relationships, and Erin increasing her distance between her home and office.<br />
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But we also know that this would mean we would see God move in a way we don't when we would rather be comfortable than faithful.<br />
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So, on that note, God is faithful. And He is never early or late in giving us what we need when we need it. I'm hesitant to get into specifics. I don't know why. But what I will say is more than one time in the last four months financial needs have come up and God has provided just the right amount and just the right time. I like to tell people that God has given us a bunch of "I've got you" moments already in theses last few months.<br />
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But not just financially or materially - but also relationally. God has given us deeper connections withe some existing friends in McKinney while providing connection, community and friendship with new families and Christians who want to serve Christ in this city. And God has also given relational fruit through friends at work as we are growing closer together but also seeing God open up hearts for deeper conversations about Truth.<br />
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Matthew 6 reminds us that there is a God, He is in control, and that He is a Father would wants to take care of his kids. I feel like I have always felt that, but these season of life it seems to be more and more on display! Praise him!<br />
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<b>Partners in the City</b><br />
One of the things that been the biggest blessing to us since moving here is the connection and partnership we've already felt with other believers in the community. From just meeting new friends in the neighborhood to connecting with churches and ministry that want to help each other reach McKinney with the gospel, it's been a huge blessing already to begin partnering with people in seeking God on behalf of the city. I'm excited to see what these partnerships could be after 10 years and not just 4 months!<br />
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<b>Came to Seek and Save the Lost</b><br />
This is our next 'strategic move' in trying to reach McKinney for Christ. One thing that the Lord has put on both mine and Erin's heart as we are connection with our neighbors and those at work is that there are so many people who are far from God - but not only that, far from ever stepping into a church to hear the gospel. Now, let me go on the record by saying that although the traditional church function is good and I think needed - we all should be doing more to reach people off-site then expecting them to come to the church.<br />
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With that we have been praying and are trusting that God is leading us to open our home to start a Bible Study specifically aimed for those who might have baggage, history, hurt or confusion that keeps them from entering a church building. Bottom line - we want those in our sphere of life that won't go to a church to hear about Jesus and so we want to proclaim that in our home. We will give you posted but our aim is to have that happen in early 2012.<br />
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<b>Prayer Request</b><br />
We could fill another 25 pages with prayer requests, so I'll try to keep it short and sweet.<br />
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- That Erin and I would seek daily to make Jesus our first and greatest love<br />
- That after that we would pursue each other with a gospel-centered love<br />
- Wisdom for how to best reach out to our neighborhood with gospel<br />
- For hearts to be open and ready when the time comes to invite them to our house to study God's Word<br />
- That we wouldn't begin to trust in ourselves and our ability to pull this off, but that the Holy Spirit would be who we are seeking, hearing from and yielding to.<br />
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Thank you so much for your love, prayers and support. Feel free to email with any questions or words of encouragement! We love to get those!! <a href="mailto:michaeltmc@gmail.com">michaeltmc@gmail.com</a><br />
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In Christ,<br />
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<a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsig-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsig-1.png" /></a><br />
p.s. To make ends meet Erin has taken a modeling gig and I am her driver.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cc5sANPz9s/TrgMe0auGSI/AAAAAAAAAM8/-Wk0d1a6j5A/s1600/photo-41.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cc5sANPz9s/TrgMe0auGSI/AAAAAAAAAM8/-Wk0d1a6j5A/s320/photo-41.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
</div>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-81991348124980240142011-08-19T15:00:00.000-07:002011-08-19T15:11:44.045-07:00Settling in...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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<b>... sort of!</b><br />
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Life is definitely exciting for us here in McKinney post-wedding! It's exciting and fun and we are grateful for all God's given us and for all He is doing to provide for us. He is good indeed.<br />
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But to be honest, the lack of routine has been hard as well. Erin is working on a new job schedule and I am still in the hunt for my own. So as much fun as excitement is - we are hoping to find ourselves a little groove and get into a routine of living here soon! But for now, here's an update on what's been going on.<br />
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<b>Married Life</b><br />
Being married is great! It's been just over a month now and we are beginning to learn the intricacies of sharing life with another person. While it's been by far be fun, sweet, and exciting with a lot of laughing and great times together - Erin and I both are sinners (surprise, surprise!) and so we are also at the very first stages of learning what it means to die to yourself and learn to lift up the other person. I've heard that marriage is the first step into learning how selfish you really are (and that having kids is like a doctorate in that) so we are learning how to recognize that in ourselves and seek to follow the example of Jesus in how we love each other. I know there is no one on the planet I would rather do that for, and so throughout all the stages of life our hope is that Jesus would continue working in us for His glory and our growing to be like Him. But as for marriage - I recommend it! : )<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><b>Be Our Guest... (to quote one of Erin's favorite Disney movies!)</b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://disney-clipart.com/Beauty-Beast/characters/lumiere.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://disney-clipart.com/Beauty-Beast/characters/lumiere.gif" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="143" /></a>We have had a lot of people come and visit us in the last few weeks. My sister, Lindsay, and our sweet friends the Rains. Scott and Nicole Stonehouse (our great friends, mentors and marriage counseling leaders) have also made the trip up. Erin's brother, Michael, stayed the weekend with us last week and we were finally able to find a time to have our new neighbors over for a meal. And last night we had the famous Paul Fazio over for dinner and ice cream!</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
And, of course, Landon and Kieshaun make multiple visits to our door each day. (When does school start again? : ) haha)</div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qCKwibuV02Q/Tk7Z3jzaekI/AAAAAAAAAJo/EWDfgcp1FFM/s1600/boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qCKwibuV02Q/Tk7Z3jzaekI/AAAAAAAAAJo/EWDfgcp1FFM/s200/boys.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Our desire is that this house would be a place where Jesus is Lord and that when people come through our door they are in a place where they feel welcomed, loved and can hear the beautiful words of the gospel. I am thankful for our visitors and hope to have many, many more throughout the years.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;">If you'd like to come stop by, say 'hey', eat a meal or need a place to crash for a night - shoot me an email! We'd love to have you over.</div><br />
<b>More Connections</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jgQ7zLsQNg/Tk7aNnjUrlI/AAAAAAAAAJs/ozgBTHihl7I/s1600/783chain.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jgQ7zLsQNg/Tk7aNnjUrlI/AAAAAAAAAJs/ozgBTHihl7I/s200/783chain.jpeg" width="133" /></a></div>God keeps playing a wonderful cosmic game of connect-the-dots with me and Erin here in McKinney. We have met, through providence, so many people that are up here in McKinney doing ministry that I've either met previously or God has allowed our heart to be communicated to them through someone else. So whether they are new friends or the budding of previous introductions, God is helping us see little fruits of affirmation in the ministry leaders, pastors, students and other believers we have already connected with here in McKinney. He is good and He is already putting pieces together in order to deliver the gospel to the harvest that is this community. It is a combination of humbling, exciting, daunting and thrilling to be a part of it all. Keep us in your prayers as we want this to be a huge movement and revival for the city of McKinney and the souls of men and women and families here!<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><b>Hi-Ho-Hi-Ho -- it's off to work we go...</b></div><div style="text-align: right;">Well, sort of.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aRLKLYi-BqE/Tk7aceGtXcI/AAAAAAAAAJw/FN209Jbt9yE/s1600/seven+dwarfs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aRLKLYi-BqE/Tk7aceGtXcI/AAAAAAAAAJw/FN209Jbt9yE/s200/seven+dwarfs.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;">Keep us in your prayers as we are waiting for a confirmation from Erin's job that would be a huge blessing to us in our ministry here. I don't want to reveal the details yet until it become official (if it does) but it could be a really cool thing.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;">As for me, God is definitely teaching me things. Some hard things. But good things. I don't want to paint a false picture on this blog like everything is fun and easy all the time and that there is nothing hard going on or no struggles to be had. So, to be honest, this job search thing is tough and can be hard at times. Don't get me wrong - I still believe in 2 foundational things --- 1) God is good all the time. No matter our circumstance - He doesn't change (Heb. 13:8, Psalm 33:22). 2) Everything is done for a reason, it is intentional, and it is for my good and His glory (Rom. 8:28). So, in that, the struggle has purpose and meaning bigger than myself. </div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;">But it's hard to be rejected. It's hard to be turned down. It's hard when a job that you want really badly and you know you would be great at is unavailable because you don't meet their requirements. It's hard when plan A and B don't work out. It's plain terrible when plans G and H don't either. But God is faithful. God is good. And God is the provider. It's all His anyway (Psalm 24:1). So He will provide in His right time. And I know that the struggles I go through now allow me to know Jesus that much better (Phil. 3:10) - that every little shade of suffering I go through, while not NEARLY to the level of Christ or even others of the faith, but still it is an opportunity to take one small step closer to knowing my Jesus. And it's all worth it. And I also know that this will help me love others better - others that have had to go through a similar struggle (2 Cor. 1:3-5) so that they my reach out to this 'God of All Comfort', too.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;">So, I do have an interview at a place down the road on Monday and I am excited for that opportunity. I appreciate more now than I did 5 rejections ago - and pray that this is a place the Lord might use me.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><b>Church Shopping</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7N3xd_PjARc/Tk7a7lm51QI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/JCZOiWvNGvk/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7N3xd_PjARc/Tk7a7lm51QI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/JCZOiWvNGvk/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>I'm pretty sure I don't like that term even though I understand why people use it.<br />
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But Erin and I are doing that classic Bible-belt, 21st Century privilege of getting to customize which church experience 'suits us best.' All joking aside, it's been a strange but good thing for me. I have been in a wonderful community in one place for all my life and it has been healthy for me to experience how other people are trying to be lights of the world. Sometimes I have to fight my cynicism and critical mindset - but in it all we hope to learn more about the spiritual culture of McKinney while desiring to find a fellowship we can connect with. Erin had to go through this a few years ago to find Woodcreek and I am grateful for her heart being willing to go through it again. I know it's not fun but it's another thing on her list of things worthy of going through to follow Jesus and I am so very, very grateful for her heart in the process!<br />
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<b>Some Fun Stuff!</b><br />
I thought I'd let you know about some books I just finished and some I'm working through now. I won't go into official 'reviews' of them or anything, but I thought I would just share with you!<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNMZyU04JQA/Tk7bJnmGmYI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/_9v-dGxnmjc/s1600/MereChristianity2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNMZyU04JQA/Tk7bJnmGmYI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/_9v-dGxnmjc/s200/MereChristianity2.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
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</div>I finally got around to reading <i>Mere Christianity </i>by C.S. Lewis. It was a great read and I am always blown away at how God made his mind work and come up with some of those amazing analogies. While I didn't always agree with some of the theological and practical conclusions he came to - I did appreciate his thoughtful and clear presentation of some harder truths of the faith.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xh4KNatpVCU/Tk7bmWea_FI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/eQCgP21ZWhg/s1600/kings-cross.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xh4KNatpVCU/Tk7bmWea_FI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/eQCgP21ZWhg/s200/kings-cross.jpeg" width="135" /></a><br />
I also recently finished <i>King's Cross </i>by pastor Tim Keller. It's pretty much a walk-through of the gospel of Mark - but not verse-by-verse. It's more of a detailed, synopsis, walk-through, summary, book. Yeah. I found it to be very insightful as Keller has such a great way of putting simple and complex thoughts together in a way that you can understand and he opens up truths from the word in a great way. I HIGHLY recommend this book and I recommend you read it like a devotional. Even though the Scripture passages are in the book, I suggest reading through Mark in your own Bible alongside reading this commentary. Definitely worth it.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-88pmf5hT_Oc/Tk7b7ErA7gI/AAAAAAAAAKA/cYQ_EKbKT6w/s1600/erasing-hell.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-88pmf5hT_Oc/Tk7b7ErA7gI/AAAAAAAAAKA/cYQ_EKbKT6w/s200/erasing-hell.jpeg" width="134" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">I also read through Francis Chan's latest <i>Erasing Hell</i> in response to the new (but not new) teachings out there that are unorthodox in their view of Hell. I think Chan does a great job communicating an overview of the classical (and I believe true!) doctrine of Hell and challenging some current, ear-tickling trends on this topic.</div><div style="text-align: right;">* <i>also, if you'd like to comment on the books, please email me. save the comments on the blog for other things! : )</i></div><i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RRUvMJdpvE/Tk7cR4YqxLI/AAAAAAAAAKE/-ipHvpgXAbw/s1600/phpThumb_generated_thumbnail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RRUvMJdpvE/Tk7cR4YqxLI/AAAAAAAAAKE/-ipHvpgXAbw/s200/phpThumb_generated_thumbnail.jpeg" width="139" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kx5dx9vFyfg/Tk7chnOXDuI/AAAAAAAAAKI/F7yHcdGfRnA/s1600/Sticky-Teams1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kx5dx9vFyfg/Tk7chnOXDuI/AAAAAAAAAKI/F7yHcdGfRnA/s200/Sticky-Teams1.jpeg" width="131" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I am now working through Keller's <i>Generous Justice</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;">as well as re-reading Osborne's <i>Sticky Teams</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;">on building strong leadership teams.</div><br />
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That's all for now! Thanks so much for all your support and keep praying for us! Our desire is that Jesus Christ would receive praise and glory through our short little lives on this earth!!<br />
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For His Name alone!<br />
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<a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" /></a></div>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-63906746822149061522011-07-28T08:43:00.000-07:002011-07-28T08:48:41.146-07:00Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Michael McCullough<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Warning: This is going to be long and there's a lot of pictures... : )</b><br />
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<b>A Crazy Fun Month</b><br />
Sorry that it has been over a month since the last blog post! All my intentions were there, but you can imagine it has been a sort of busy few weeks. For those of you just now joining us, here's what has happened in the last few weeks (and this isn't even the whole list)...<br />
- Mike wrapped up ministry with the Senior High at Woodcreek (hard but encouraging)<br />
- Mike said good-bye to the staff I have served with for 5 years (and some I have known for much, much longer)<br />
- Erin had family and friends coming in from out of town that she was trying to give good time to.<br />
- Erin's Bachelorette Party<br />
- Mike's Bachelor Party<br />
- Moving some more of Erin's things to the house<br />
- Rehearsal Dinner<br />
- Wedding (that's a big one!)<br />
- Woodcreek Reception<br />
- Heading off to Cancun! (Whoo-hoo!)<br />
- Coming home and getting the house settled together<br />
- Erin starting her new commute from McKinney to Dallas and back each day (and getting up EARLY!)<br />
- Mike still searching and praying for a job in McKinney<br />
- God bringing friends (old and new) to us here in our new hometown<br />
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Yup. Just a little bit has been going on! : ) So let's take this in somewhat of a chronological order.<br />
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<b>Stepping Away, Praising God, Leaving in Great Hands</b><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4UqrN0_RVs4/TjGAl1-b_fI/AAAAAAAAAIw/fAXIlmECJW4/s1600/photo-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4UqrN0_RVs4/TjGAl1-b_fI/AAAAAAAAAIw/fAXIlmECJW4/s200/photo-3.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7KR6pOeG8M/TjGAlXJP5qI/AAAAAAAAAIs/wqjSRHHKaJM/s1600/photo-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7KR6pOeG8M/TjGAlXJP5qI/AAAAAAAAAIs/wqjSRHHKaJM/s320/photo-2.jpeg" width="320" /></a>It's been hard to walk away from the people in senior high that I have grown to love over the years. My fellow staff members, the adult partners in the gospel, and of course the students who are so dear to my heart. I don't have time to unpack all the feelings of gratitude and love, but I can say that God is good to me - and was gracious to me in the hour-long presentation that the students put on for me to say good-bye. There were skits, songs, dances, and times of sharing that were precious to me. I also received a book of notes and cards from students that was incredibly meaningful. Some former students even made the trek in from college and other places for the evening. I am thankful to Jesus for precious moments and dear friends.<br />
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<b>Good-byes to my Friends, Partners and Fellow Soldiers</b><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7hB9orClBA/TjGAAxVz1fI/AAAAAAAAAHs/IBGL4wvVSOM/s1600/IMG_1897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7hB9orClBA/TjGAAxVz1fI/AAAAAAAAAHs/IBGL4wvVSOM/s200/IMG_1897.jpg" width="149" /></a>I went to pre-school at Richland Bible Fellowship, grew up there through high school, and returned after college to be on staff at Woodcreek for the last 5 years. There are people here who have been fathers, brothers, mothers, sisters and friends to me and I am so grateful to Jesus for the time I was able to share with them all. I'll miss being with them everyday, cracking jokes around the conference room table, praying together and grabbing lunches. But, as good as all those things are, they are not the goal. The goal, like the apostle Paul, is to press into Jesus and fulfill His call on our lives. So I will be grateful for those things, enjoy those things, and even miss those things - but I will not worship those things. So, as I step away, I am reminded that I am still working alongside those men and women, just in a different role in a different place - but all for the same purpose. Glory to the Father by proclaiming and living the gospel of His Son.<br />
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<b>Bachelorette Party</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXd0bS1aTWs/TjGApbB2lnI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/8_pMWNgosU8/s1600/photo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXd0bS1aTWs/TjGApbB2lnI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/8_pMWNgosU8/s320/photo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K393rWBS4uM/TjGAn58vsfI/AAAAAAAAAJE/2zJBk5SxboQ/s1600/photo-8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K393rWBS4uM/TjGAn58vsfI/AAAAAAAAAJE/2zJBk5SxboQ/s200/photo-8.jpeg" width="200" /></a>Erin might have to fill in more detail on this part, but I'll try to put in what I can. Her Bridal party ladies took her out for a fun day and one of the highlights was going to Painting with a Twist in which all the girls were given lessons in painting and walked away with a masterpiece. Erin looks especially cute in this picture and her painting turned out great. Come to the Gallery at the McCullough's in McKinney and you can see it on display!! : ) I know Erin is so grateful to the Lord for the dear friends she has in her life and to be able to spend some fun time with them that week was a blessing!<br />
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<b>Bachelor Party</b><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gxlahpkexkk/TjGAB846kPI/AAAAAAAAAH0/0DNODSrLG40/s1600/IMG_1907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gxlahpkexkk/TjGAB846kPI/AAAAAAAAAH0/0DNODSrLG40/s200/IMG_1907.JPG" width="200" /></a>Getting together all the men in my life that have poured into me and having them under one roof was something that I was looking forward to since Erin and I were engaged. And this party did not disappoint. Jon and Bryan took the lead on getting us food grilled, drinks serves, games played and words of encouragement and prayer. It was a great evening of fun and laughter and I won't forget the feeling of being able to see men from all over the country and different stages in my life that God used to push me towards Himself. It was a great evening.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMmxJsuBMi4/TjGAmrcRQVI/AAAAAAAAAI4/z22NnsON_b0/s1600/photo-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMmxJsuBMi4/TjGAmrcRQVI/AAAAAAAAAI4/z22NnsON_b0/s200/photo-5.jpeg" width="200" /></a>* One of the highlights was this 'Shock Game' that rewarded slow reflexes with a shock through a hand-help paddle. Here is us testing it out at the going away lunch my last day at Woodcreek<br />
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<b>Rehearsal Dinner</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3IlNs4wQeaQ/TjGABVyPTQI/AAAAAAAAAHw/TzSQVhzFKLQ/s1600/IMG_1906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3IlNs4wQeaQ/TjGABVyPTQI/AAAAAAAAAHw/TzSQVhzFKLQ/s320/IMG_1906.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And the blessings and encouragements keep rolling along...<br />
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This was a sweet evening of close family and friends spending time catching up, laughing, reminiscing and encouraging one another. After some delicious food from Schiano's, we had an open time where our friends and family got to speak into our lives. It was great for me to hear some many wonderful people say so many amazing and true things about Erin and the woman of God she is. Friends spoke of her faithfulness, love and commitment to them. Parents and grandparents shared how proud they were of her and what an incredible daughter and granddaughter she is. It was a sweet time. Literally. My sister and Haley Christensen made us this AMAZING Mavs (and maybe there were some Spurs stuff on there - I can't remember) cake. Not only was it gorgeous but it tasted amazing (4 different types of cakes in one!) After gifts were passed out to the Wedding Party we headed home in anticipation for the BIG DAY!<br />
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<b>It's Finally Here</b><br />
(first things first, we don't have our wedding pictures yet - but we'll get there)<br />
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Simply put: Jesus was honored, Erin was beautiful, the time was fun, and the memories will last a lifetime.<br />
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It was a longtime coming, but I finally got to see my beautiful bride, join in the lifelong promise of marriage together, share in worship with God and then party with friends and family. Thank God for a beautiful day, a beautiful wedding and a beautiful Bride. (Did I mention that Erin was GORGEOUS that day - and every day!)<br />
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<b>Woodcreek Reception</b><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNznZQLjanQ/TjGAmw5pYqI/AAAAAAAAAI8/Tl2nRIVxH80/s1600/photo-6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNznZQLjanQ/TjGAmw5pYqI/AAAAAAAAAI8/Tl2nRIVxH80/s200/photo-6.jpeg" width="200" /></a>The day after the wedding we had one last 'Hurrah' at partied it up with some friends and youth kids at Woodcreek. There was dancing, food and fun. Big thanks to my mom, Susan McCullough, for pulling that off. It was a blast partying with everyone and then heading out for the honeymoon. But before we left we were greeted with a group of Mike clones : )<br />
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<b>Yes We Cancun</b><br />
I'm already getting tired of hearing from myself so we'll make this short. Cancun was amazing. Great weather, met some new friends, beach, pool, snorkeling, swam with dolphins, zip line over the ocean, great food, more beach, more pool, more food, sleeping late, taking naps, jet-skis, more beach - pretty much all around awesome!<br />
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Life in McKinney</b><br />
So here we go. We are the McCullough's now. And we live in McKinney.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb6kw0sgNTQ/TjGAfk6cxiI/AAAAAAAAAIc/l7iTQLzuuIE/s1600/IMG_2062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb6kw0sgNTQ/TjGAfk6cxiI/AAAAAAAAAIc/l7iTQLzuuIE/s320/IMG_2062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It's so fun playing house and learning each other. Sometimes things get stressful (when we have to building furniture we buy from Target and the instructions seem to require an advanced degree in engineering, or as our sweet but vocal dog is adjusting to a new home) but mainly it is a wonderful experience. Erin is definitely taking one for the cause as she gets up super early to beat traffic on the way to work. She is such an amazing woman. But she believes the sacrifice is worth it to follow God on His call to spread the gospel in McKinney.<br />
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Speaking of that, we have already been connected with people here who are encouraging us and affirming God's calling on us here. Through crazy stories of word of mouth and people sharing about what's happening, strangers in McKinney are contacting us to get together to talk about the church planting movement. I was overwhelmed yesterday after an impromptu coffee with a passionate man here who wants to see this community infused with the gospel message of Christ. He contacted me - after he was in east Texas visiting family and someone who had visited Woodcreek heard about what God was doing with me and Erin, took a bulletin from the church with them to east Texas and gave it to him out there. When he came back to McKinney he emailed me and we got together and it was just a reminder of Who is really in control with all of these things. God is so good!<br />
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<b>Prayer Request</b><br />
Please be lifting up some of these things as we begin life in McKinney:<br />
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- the neighbors we are meeting would come to know Christ through our relationship and sharing of our faith<br />
- God would grant Erin extra energy and health with getting up so early for work<br />
- that God would provide me a place to work (specifically some teaching jobs I am applying for that I think would be great)<br />
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<i>Work Update: I have a couple people who are trying to work their contacts and networks to find me some employment and I am applying at some places around the city. Please pray for God's wisdom and guidance in this.</i><br />
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<b>Praise God!</b><br />
All praise to the God and Father or Our Lord Jesus Christ for all the good things He has done for us. Erin and I are so thankful to Him for our friends, family, relationships and the provisions He has given us. But more importantly than all those we are thankful for the gospel of Christ - that by the cross our debts have been paid and by the resurrection we've been shown the promise of a new hope!! Praise God.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gcRt-CogSLA/TjGAcZXOHkI/AAAAAAAAAIY/eS9lj0TpVYQ/s1600/IMG_2056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gcRt-CogSLA/TjGAcZXOHkI/AAAAAAAAAIY/eS9lj0TpVYQ/s320/IMG_2056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" /></a></div>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-48778501809575540242011-06-24T12:45:00.000-07:002011-06-24T13:01:32.660-07:002 Weeks and 3 Weeks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>2 Weeks</b><br />
What a great last couple weeks it has been. The Lord is good and has already given Erin and I in our late 20's more blessings than we could ask for in 100 lifetimes. Our prayer now is one of gratitude and thanksgiving for God and His precious gifts, as well as making memorials for the times when we need to remember His goodness and faithfulness.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tv9mrHkSRGY/TgTm6kRwRdI/AAAAAAAAAFk/JWKBYd__KAo/s1600/photo-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tv9mrHkSRGY/TgTm6kRwRdI/AAAAAAAAAFk/JWKBYd__KAo/s320/photo-4.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Praise the LORD, my soul;<br />
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.<br />
Praise the LORD, my soul,<br />
and forget not all his benefits—<br />
who forgives all your sins<br />
and heals all your diseases,<br />
who redeems your life from the pit<br />
and crowns you with love and compassion,<br />
who satisfies your desires with good things<br />
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Psalm 103:1-5</span></b></span><br />
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In the last two weeks a lot has happened. Erin was shipped off to Chicago for work where she got a little break from warm weather, but not so much of a break from job demands. She's such a hard worker and constantly encourages me and challenges me to 'work as if serving the Lord and not men' and we are grateful for both the job she has and the people she works with (Colossians 3:23).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aMVD6bod_SE/TgTnmzjvNJI/AAAAAAAAAFs/cwZOys5MLw4/s1600/264111_618726237447_194603573_33302227_6802323_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aMVD6bod_SE/TgTnmzjvNJI/AAAAAAAAAFs/cwZOys5MLw4/s200/264111_618726237447_194603573_33302227_6802323_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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I had the privilege to take my last group of high school students to serve at the MITC in Cordoba, Mexico. The Holy Spirit broke us down, worked us through, and built us up that week and I feel genuinely blessed and humbled to be able to be there with those students and leaders. It's incredibly strengthening to my soul to see the tangible, expressed movement of God in the lives of people and we all were graced with the honor of having God move in our team. Praise God for delivering miracles still today.<br />
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And Erin and I have spent time together getting the home organized. It's crazy how much is going on, but it's so fun getting to play 'house' with Erin. I'm ready for her to be there as it is hard when she drives away at the end of the day.<br />
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Which brings me to...<br />
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<b>3 Weeks</b><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZ6_5UfvSNU/TgTnmJ2qiNI/AAAAAAAAAFo/olU9MKgcrjo/s1600/263095_983197971313_9219648_44379390_6228502_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZ6_5UfvSNU/TgTnmJ2qiNI/AAAAAAAAAFo/olU9MKgcrjo/s320/263095_983197971313_9219648_44379390_6228502_n.jpg" width="213" /></a>Three weeks from today (and about 4.5 hours), Erin and I will be standing together before God, our family and our friends to enter into the convenant of gospel-centered marriage together. I am so blessed to have such a beautiful, smart, fun and compassionate woman to spend the rest of my life with and I know we are both excited to see the journey God will take us on. Our hope is to love each other well and to let our marriage and lives be spent on proclaiming the only hope of the gospel of Christ. I can't wait to start this life with her. (I mean I <i>can</i> wait because I have to - but you get the point!)<br />
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<i>Some prayer requests:</i><br />
- Erin and I would honor Jesus in how we love each other now, through the ceremony, and in life together.<br />
- Although some job opportunities have opened up in McKinney, nothing is certain or stable and so continued prayer that God might present to us opportunities for me to work and give us wisdom in where to invest.<br />
- For the families we have already met in our neighborhood: for their salvation and that Erin and I might be good ambassadors for the gospel with them<br />
- Thankfulness to God for His goodness, unchanging character, grace and power in our lives!<br />
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Thanks so much for all your love, encouragement and support! Remember, Erin and I love to read comments or get emails from you all!<br />
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<a href="mailto:mazur.erin@gmail.com">mazur.erin@gmail.com</a><br />
<a href="mailto:michaeltmc@gmail.com">michaeltmc@gmail.com</a><br />
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In Christ,<br />
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<a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" /></a></div>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-5595830059546511812011-06-10T19:31:00.000-07:002011-06-11T17:59:33.461-07:00Honey, I'm home.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Feels like home.</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cW1LqPdgKvc/TfLSQGWfqoI/AAAAAAAAAFM/AUQk34UXsWE/s1600/3d10368cb7c049fa908735782ec25792_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cW1LqPdgKvc/TfLSQGWfqoI/AAAAAAAAAFM/AUQk34UXsWE/s200/3d10368cb7c049fa908735782ec25792_7.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRmiUC8e2uw/TfLSQtW0ATI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/WHUrz40Vb5c/s1600/299ab8a029db4e57bc03a37a394fc4c1_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRmiUC8e2uw/TfLSQtW0ATI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/WHUrz40Vb5c/s200/299ab8a029db4e57bc03a37a394fc4c1_7.jpg" width="200px" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>...Choose this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>Joshua 24:15</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
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I'm here. Literally. Sitting here in our new living room, in the middle of our new city, awaiting our new ministry and embarking on our new life together. The wedding is just over a month away and the anticipation is growing. Some wonderful friends helped us move all of our things into our McKinney home and this is where I'll be until my beautiful wife joins me soon. I can't wait to begin our life together and start things off in this amazing little answer-to-prayer house that the Lord has provided.<br />
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<b>75% Success Rate</b><br />
Erin and I are both new to the McKinney community, but I think we are both already seeing why so many people love it. It's got an amazing mix of old and new, historic sites and contemporary amenities, different ethnicities and economic standings living a few yards away from each other - a ripe field ready for a gospel harvest. I can't wait to see the relationships and lives that God has ordained for me and Erin to get to know, love, learn from, and share Christ with. And it is so friendly already! On a jog through the neighborhood early this evening, I would bet at least 75% of folks (you've got to say 'folks' around here!) that were either driving, walking, or sitting with friends in the driveway offered or responded to the 'stranger wave.' You would have thought this was the 100th time they'd seen me run by based on the friendly smiles, waves and few sentences of small talk. Such an encouragement to my heart to know that there is an atmosphere of open community here that should make for great relationships and friendships to be built.<br />
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<b>My First New Friend</b><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-AudaMTAPw/TfLSThYLQ5I/AAAAAAAAAFY/t7sbyeH31Bg/s1600/photo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-AudaMTAPw/TfLSThYLQ5I/AAAAAAAAAFY/t7sbyeH31Bg/s200/photo.jpeg" width="200px" /></a>So, speaking of relationships. Meet Landon, my buddy from across the street. He is the young man that saw us moving last week and helped us out (and ate lunch with us). He is out of school for the summer and has been frequenting the house looking for something to do. This morning he helped me with some landscaping around the house and then, in return, he helped me learn about all the new Xbox games coming out!<br />
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<b>Prayer Request</b><br />
We have had so many sweet friends (and friends of friends who I've never even met!) who have offered to spread the word about me needing to find employment soon, but we could still use prayers and any leads you might have to offer. The sovereign Lord has everything worked out, we just want to be faithful to walk in the steps He desires.<br />
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Pray for the upcoming wedding. Most all of the details are set in place, but Erin and I both desire it to be a Christ-centered time where we celebrate the gospel together!<br />
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Pray for us. That I may learn to love Erin as Christ loves the church and that she can love me as the church is to love Christ (Ephesians 5).<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-VyBwlnBOs/TfLSWJ6uMDI/AAAAAAAAAFc/ibG3R1egbwc/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-VyBwlnBOs/TfLSWJ6uMDI/AAAAAAAAAFc/ibG3R1egbwc/s200/photo.JPG" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living Room of our New Home!! : )</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thanks so much for all your support! To God be the glory, great things He has done!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" /></a></div>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-51356310133188243832011-06-02T14:19:00.000-07:002011-06-03T05:34:39.632-07:00Tinkerbell<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.</i></div></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><b>Colossians 3:17</b></i></div></div></div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I just want to start this update off by giving thanks to God the Father for all He is, all He has done, and for the steadfast promise of what He will do. Erin and I have been so blessed by Him up to this point in our lives and want to direct all praise, thanksgiving and honor to Him.</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">With that, here's an update!</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Tinkerbell.</b></div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">As summer rolls in, cars begin their melting process, AC bills sky-rocket and the Mavericks provide us with great water-cooler talk, the pace of life is picking up around here. Erin is working hard at her job, serving as a leader in the 20s group at Woodcreek, planning a wedding and preparing for a marriage. I am working on finishing well at Woodcreek, preparing for the transition of leadership in Senior High, and beginning to sow the seeds of our new life together in McKinney.</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I'm pretty sure you're supposed to do all of life's major transitions all at the same time, right? Get them all out of the way? Sort of like ripping off a band-aid - just do it all really quick and it might sting for a bit but then it gets better! Right?</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">That reminds me of what my college mentor, Chris Taylor, told me when I unveiled to him last winter what I felt God was leading me to do - marry Erin, quit my job, move to another city, look for a new job and plant a church. He lovingly bestowed some kind, godly words of wisdom to me. He leaned forward, drew me close, looked me straight in the eyes and softly said...</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"You're an idiot." : )</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It was all in love and fun and he said it as a loving older-brother/father-figure would and we laughed about it. The truth is I've never argued that fact. I am an idiot - an idiot saved by the grace given to me by Jesus. But I do appreciate Chris' words of wisdom as he was "speaking the truth in love" reminding me that if I was doing this under my own power and determination, I was an idiot. But I know he believes, like Erin and me, that God's story is full of Him doing amazing things with simple, ordinary people.<br />
<br />
And, although I may be an idiot trying to do many of life's hardest things at one time, the only way I could be a bigger idiot would be to say "no" to God as He leads me (and Erin) this way. And, just to make it clear, there's no way an idiot ends up with a girl like Erin! : )</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNfNFui-YMM/Tef8ImanPTI/AAAAAAAAAFI/kxOOGrMtRqo/s1600/f0b6f1246597485d8233d5d20c4283a1_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNfNFui-YMM/Tef8ImanPTI/AAAAAAAAAFI/kxOOGrMtRqo/s200/f0b6f1246597485d8233d5d20c4283a1_7.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>So, you're probably asking what in the world this has to do with Tinkerbell. Well, I am moving into our McKinney home this weekend, 6-weeks or so before Erin joins me as Mrs. McCullough, and this is the key that was left for me to open the doors of our new abode. Needless to say a trip to Lowes jumped to the top of the 'to-do' list.</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But it's exciting. I plan on imploring my "fresh-baked-cookies-hand-delivered-to-the-neighbors" tactic that I used at my apartment to begin getting to know and building relationships with the people the Lord has placed around us. I've found this tactic to be quite lucrative in making friends and breaking down walls. As my friend Jon Lilley told me once when I second-guessed if this was a good idea, "Who doesn't like getting cookies?" Good point.</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So, pray for us. The time is drawing nearer and we are growing more and more excited to follow Jesus into this unknown (unknown to us, not Him). But there is a specific prayer request that you can still lift up for us.</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I am still in the job hunt here in McKinney and trusting God has something in line for me. I just want to be faithful to being where He wants me to be. Please pray for that and if you have any connections to people or places in McKinney that might be looking for part-time or full-time work, please let me know! You can <a href="mailto:michaeltmc@gmail.com">email me</a>. Also, you can read more about the Job Hunt at <a href="http://mikeanderinm.blogspot.com/2011/05/from-house-hunting-to-job-hunting.html">this blog post</a>.</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Thanks again for the support and feel free to comment or send any emails! You don't realize the power of your words of encouragement to us in this process!!</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">As Paul wrote in Philippians 4:20</div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div class="p1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.</i></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div></div><a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" /></a></div>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-72552946930882511452011-05-19T13:50:00.000-07:002011-05-24T08:52:40.679-07:00From House Hunting to Job Hunting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hey Friends,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QUKMcW5SBEU/TdWCQkrBeUI/AAAAAAAAAEc/HsLxAwlTFTk/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-19+at+3.41.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QUKMcW5SBEU/TdWCQkrBeUI/AAAAAAAAAEc/HsLxAwlTFTk/s320/Screen+shot+2011-05-19+at+3.41.07+PM.png" width="196" /></a></div>The countdown is ticking away and Erin and I are so excited. A couple weeks until I move into our home in McKinney, less than two months until we get married, and then a week together on our honeymoon before we begin our new life up north on Highway 75.<br />
<br />
<b>God is Good</b><br />
God is good. And so we give thanks. (<i>Psalm 100:5, 106:1</i>)<br />
<br />
And these are the moments that Erin and I need to cement in our minds because the tough times are coming and we need to remember that God's character doesn't change with our circumstance. So right now life is fun, full and exciting and it's good to celebrate God in that. But we know that it won't always be this way. If our desire is to build a family (our personal one and a larger spiritual one) that is a light for the gospel, then attacks are coming. Peter reminds us not to be surprised when the attacks come, but to hold on and to actually rejoice because it's heading closer and closer to being with Christ in His glory (<i>1 Pet. 4:12-16</i>). <br />
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And so we press on, thanking God that He has chosen us and called us and knowing that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world (<i>1 John 4:4</i>)<br />
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<b>Help Wanted</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bAJ0ZG8PgfU/TdWCY32hncI/AAAAAAAAAEg/sYYbbchbvXk/s1600/HelpWanted.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bAJ0ZG8PgfU/TdWCY32hncI/AAAAAAAAAEg/sYYbbchbvXk/s200/HelpWanted.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>This sort of has double-meaning right now. It is the sign indicating that I am looking for a job, but also that we are looking for help in the process.<br />
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Erin and I both are trusting God's provision for us work-wise and He has given Erin a steady job currently. (The main reason it is so steady is because she is such a hard-worker and seeks to be excellent at all she does and so the company doesn't want to even think about her leaving! She is so amazing!!)<br />
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As we trust, we know that part of our calling is to get to know the city of McKinney as a whole, and that starts with hammering down our stakes and making relationships. God has laid it on my heart to leave my position at Woodcreek Church and to seek to find a job in McKinney where we can begin that process of grafting ourselves into the community there.<br />
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My prayer and vision from God is that working in the community will be that initial inroad to proclaiming the gospel to the people in McKinney.<br />
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<br />
So my job criteria is this:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1) In McKinney </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(it doesn't make sense to take a job in Plano to learn and build relationships with the people of McKinney)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">2) With people </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(working out of the home, once again, impedes the 'making relationships' factor)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">3) Provides Stable Income </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(For Erin and I to live, be a blessing to others, and begin saving money for the church plant)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>I know what you're thinking... "Mike, McKinney has an incredible art scene and they are always looking for great-looking young men to be models and poster-boys for ads and stuff. You should just use your modeling skills and make more money than you could ever spend."<br />
<br />
And my answer is, "Well, duh... But where's the struggle and fun in that?" : )<br />
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Seriously, though, here's how you can help:<br />
<br />
<b>1) Pray for us.</b> We know that God will provide, we just want to be faithful in seeking Him and going exactly where He calls us. So our prayer is for personal revelation on where we need to look/go/serve etc. because we know He has already set up the right place for us.<br />
<br />
<b>2) Let us know!</b> We know that part of the Lord's process in providing for us might be through connections we have. So if you know anyone that is looking for a college graduate (with a Master's degree in education) who has spent the last 6 years serving in ministry to help them out with ANYTHING in McKinney - please send me an <a href="mailto:mike.mc@woodcreekchurch.com">email</a>! I'm up to following the Lord anywhere and doing anything. Contact me for more info and my resume if you'd like!<br />
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Thanks again for everything and every prayer you say for us! We are so grateful to Jesus for every one of you all!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" /></a></div>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-32552596894728927912011-05-16T18:53:00.000-07:002011-05-20T05:44:08.351-07:00Home Sweet Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hey friends!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzYdyrXSKHI/TdHUlm9dxyI/AAAAAAAAAEY/ouY2lyMy-Pg/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzYdyrXSKHI/TdHUlm9dxyI/AAAAAAAAAEY/ouY2lyMy-Pg/s200/photo-2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Well, we found a home! God has blessed us with being able to rent a cute little 3-bedroom home that we hope is used to His glory. It has enough room for us to live and be a blessing to others. It also has an incredible back yard for our dog, Sasha, to get in trouble in!<br />
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Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement in this process. Erin and I feel incredibly humbled and blessed to be called by God to this purpose and we covet every prayer you can give for us.<br />
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We will post more updates soon - including a prayer request list for some upcoming needs! Thanks again for partnering with us in spreading the hope of Christ to a world that needs Him!<br />
<a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" /></a><br />
<br />
</div>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-77783418084143290812011-04-30T21:35:00.000-07:002011-05-26T13:37:35.134-07:00Fun Day in McKinney<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vLB9P4jzMlo/TbzhnMk3FFI/AAAAAAAAADw/4Ai_AN-wyt4/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vLB9P4jzMlo/TbzhnMk3FFI/AAAAAAAAADw/4Ai_AN-wyt4/s200/photo-7.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Hey friends!<br />
<br />
Just a quick update. Today, Erin and I got to spend the afternoon getting to know the McKinney area a little better. Today we got to meet with our realtor, Christine, check out a couple of homes and spend some time looking and walking around the downtown McKinney area. Here's a quick recap.<br />
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After meeting me at my place to pray before we headed out, Erin and I went to meet Christine at one of the rent homes she had previously shown us through email. Although the location was great and it was a great remodel, it didn't quite have the space we are looking for to do the things we feel God wants us to be ready to do. So it was on to the next place on our list.<br />
<br />
This house was a little further away from the downtown area, but it had everything we were looking for! Erin and I both really felt like we could call this place 'home' for a year or more and had a great peace about it after we looked around and asked questions. Now it's up to God to show us if this is where He wants us to live and be a light to the neighborhood and we are seeking Him and continuing our pursuit of this place. Once we land on the right home we will let you know so maybe some of y'all could come visit!! : )<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lw2GY5QuL6U/TbzhyTrQk-I/AAAAAAAAAD0/GgICzU8sd_o/s1600/McK+spoons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lw2GY5QuL6U/TbzhyTrQk-I/AAAAAAAAAD0/GgICzU8sd_o/s200/McK+spoons.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>After looking at rent homes we decided to cruise around the downtown area and just people watch and get something to drink. We landed at a fun little restaurant called Spoon's Cafe and then walked around and snapped some photos.<br />
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It was a great afternoon in McKinney and I am grateful to Jesus for leading and calling me and Erin to this place. His presence was felt today for sure and we ask that you continue to partner with us in prayer as we seek Him in this process.<br />
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I'll leave you with some pictures we took!! Enjoy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXxJvVZqTSw/Tbzh8q9z53I/AAAAAAAAAD8/hyVQ7CgLb8M/s1600/McK+drink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXxJvVZqTSw/Tbzh8q9z53I/AAAAAAAAAD8/hyVQ7CgLb8M/s200/McK+drink.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELF-wlz_RQ8/Tbzh8oE1HsI/AAAAAAAAAD4/XlHp34-2wdw/s1600/Mck+Court.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELF-wlz_RQ8/Tbzh8oE1HsI/AAAAAAAAAD4/XlHp34-2wdw/s200/Mck+Court.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mKK1LWKAcs/Tbzh9sD40yI/AAAAAAAAAEI/m736m8n7xa0/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mKK1LWKAcs/Tbzh9sD40yI/AAAAAAAAAEI/m736m8n7xa0/s200/photo-3.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EF27Su6Jp1w/Tbzh961ua_I/AAAAAAAAAEM/D-MsGMw5bWA/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EF27Su6Jp1w/Tbzh961ua_I/AAAAAAAAAEM/D-MsGMw5bWA/s200/photo-4.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZrh-wtHK3k/Tbzh-LEWC4I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/xNXsfWpEeDY/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZrh-wtHK3k/Tbzh-LEWC4I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/xNXsfWpEeDY/s200/photo-5.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kBBTsFv4RMw/Tbzh-bDvMsI/AAAAAAAAAEU/-PICwJRPMY0/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kBBTsFv4RMw/Tbzh-bDvMsI/AAAAAAAAAEU/-PICwJRPMY0/s200/photo-6.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kBBTsFv4RMw/Tbzh-bDvMsI/AAAAAAAAAEU/-PICwJRPMY0/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mkgoCjYkQXc/Tbzh9CkCs9I/AAAAAAAAAEE/0wDImCvtILY/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mkgoCjYkQXc/Tbzh9CkCs9I/AAAAAAAAAEE/0wDImCvtILY/s200/photo-1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kBBTsFv4RMw/Tbzh-bDvMsI/AAAAAAAAAEU/-PICwJRPMY0/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></div>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-60425683988867789902011-04-29T09:08:00.000-07:002011-05-20T05:44:43.089-07:00House Hunting! (part 2)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5a9oMPs4hjE/TbriYO0m1OI/AAAAAAAAADs/zJATIaB01WA/s1600/Monopoly+house.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5a9oMPs4hjE/TbriYO0m1OI/AAAAAAAAADs/zJATIaB01WA/s1600/Monopoly+house.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
Just a quick update and asking for prayers!<br />
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Erin and I will be meeting tomorrow with our friendly real estate agent, Christine, to look at some rental homes. Although we might not find the exact one tomorrow, we would love for any of you to partner in praying for us that the Lord would show us exactly where He wants us to be strategic in reaching the community with the gospel of Christ!<br />
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Also, continue to be praying for my (Mike's) job hunt that the Lord will guide me to exactly the place He wants me to work hard and build relationships for the Kingdom!<br />
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Thank you all so much for you partnership with us in the gospel. We will keep the updates coming!<br />
<a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" /></a><br />
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</div>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-90613455242896045982011-04-25T11:22:00.000-07:002011-05-26T13:40:48.205-07:00Future In-Laws and Multiple Defeats...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I understand that the title of this post may be the beginning lines to a counseling session on 'what's causing the most anxiety in your life', but it's actually all in good fun!<br />
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Erin's parents are in town from good 'ol San Antone for the week and it has been so much fun being with them. I was thinking about it all and I became overwhelmed with God's unending grace in my life. If He was just giving me Erin to spend the rest of my life with I would be the most blessed man on the planet, but on top of that He is giving me a great brother-in-law who has a desire to be used in this life for Jesus, and a future mother-in-law and father-in-law who have Christ as the center of their lives, marriage and family - and I am so blessed to have them in my life.<br />
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But here's the craziest thing...<br />
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... I actually <i>like </i>them.<br />
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In other words, I would hang out with them. Even if the 'bonds of holy matrimony' didn't shackle me to them, I would actually <i>want</i> to spend time with them. All of them. Because they're just that great!<br />
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So my hope is that Erin and I will be able to build a family taking the best parts of both our families. I hope and pray that Erin and I will take the incredible hospitality, provision and caring that my parents offer to friends and strangers alike and build a home that is a welcome place to all who need it. And I hope that we take Erin's family's tight-knit relationship with each other to build a home where everyone in it is built up together in Christ. It was great seeing Erin's future in-laws and my future in-laws together and enjoying the coming together of two families. Both Erin and I are truly blessed by the families we come from and how God has orchestrated our lives (Acts 17:26).<br />
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So, here are the weekends 'defeats.'<br />
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Both the Mavs and the Spurs lost. Mavs in a 'we've seen this before' sort of meltdown and the Spurs dropping another to the 8th seeded Grizzlies. This makes for interesting dynamics when Spurs and Mavs fans are watching the playoffs under the same roof! : ) The only one happy about basketball on Saturday was Michael, Erin's brother, who is a Lakers fan. His pain would come Sunday night!<br />
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And speaking of Sunday, it was a great Easter with Erin's family. That afternoon, after introducing Erin's family to the McKinney area, we decided to have some family fun by going bowling. I'll save you the story of how surprisingly good Erin's mother is at the game, but Michael and I had a friendly wager going: Lowest score between us has to by the other lunch wherever they want.<br />
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And the result? (I'll just say it came down to the last throw on the last frame)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjcWF9LmUnU/TbW6pPCjT5I/AAAAAAAAADo/UIwjT3j5AaA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjcWF9LmUnU/TbW6pPCjT5I/AAAAAAAAADo/UIwjT3j5AaA/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" /></a></div>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-77481857707868043502011-04-22T10:54:00.000-07:002011-04-22T13:53:45.874-07:00House Hunting!God has already been so faithful and encouraging to us in so many ways in these beginning steps of the process of marriage, moving and ministry.<br />
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One of the ways has been in His provision of extremely kind strangers who are graciously welcoming us into McKinney and helping find a place to live.<br />
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One great example is a couple of women in McKinney, Stephanie and Christine.<br />
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Talking with my sister-in-law, Christa, a couple of months ago about Erin and my desire to find a rent house in McKinney, she told me of a friend she knew that lived in the area, loves it out there, and even has some rental property of her own out there. A few phone calls and texts later, and Stephanie in McKinney was inviting Erin and I out to her neighborhood to get a personal drive-through of the town and to hear about what it is like living there.<br />
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Stephanie is in the Guinness book of World Records as the Nicest-Lady-West-of-the-Mississippi. She dropped her Saturday plans, loaded us up in her mini-van and drove us around town pointing out properties and telling us all about the demographic and joys of living in the community. Not only was it an encouragement to already get to know someone, but it helped Erin and I get a sense of the community in which we are hoping to reach out and be a part of. I was getting excited because I felt like it was a great beginning the processes of learning and studying the community in order to best bring to them the gospel of Jesus.<br />
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After toting us around for a bit, Stephanie gladly offered to connect us with her real estate friend, Christine. Little known fact: Christine is next to Stephanie in her picture in the Guinness Book, should Stephanie be forced to forfeit her title, Christine would take her place! Such incredibly gracious and caring people.<br />
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(btw - as far as I know neither of them are actually in the GBoWR)<br />
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Christine has offered to give us her professional real estate services to help us find a place - and she is offering her services FOR FREE!! God is already giving us so many blessings and helping assure Erin and I of His call to be out here. So Christine is now helping us find a place and hopefully sometime in June we will lock a place down!<br />
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Please pray with us that the Lord will give us the home that is exactly where we wants, to reach out to the people around us and be a light for His gospel!<br />
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Thanks for all your support! We love to get encouraging emails!! : )<br />
<a href="mailto:mike.mc@woodcreekchurch.com">Email Mike</a><br />
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<a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" /></a>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781220887508409955.post-20215598855824848492011-04-22T10:40:00.000-07:002011-04-22T10:54:43.992-07:00Trusting in His PromisesHere we go.<br />
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I know that I can speak for both Erin and I when I say that we both feel undeserving and blessed that God would not only choose us to reveal to us His love and grace, but that He would call us to be taking that message of life and hope to a lost world. We know that the road ahead is full of joys and disappointments, trials and triumphs, hard work and sweet rewards. And we also know that our confidence can't rest in anything but God and God alone.<br />
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So that's why a few months ago we started a Promises Journal. This book is an ongoing compilation of Scripture passages that are promises of God to and for His people. There are promises of protection, provision, endurance, strength and victory. The ultimate promise being the reconciliation of all things in the coming Kingdom in the presence of our Beloved One.<br />
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So we have this for when times are good - to remember the root of and cause of it all and not become haughty and puffed up.<br />
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And we have this for when times are not so good - to remember His sustaining grace and words of victory to push us deeper and deeper into believing His gospel of hope.<br />
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So it is, and will be, our roadmap, life-raft and compass through this underserved gift to be called to proclaim Light in the darkness.<br />
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I'll leave you with the key promise that holds together all the promises of God to His people...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For all the promises of God find their 'Yes' in him. </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2 Corinthians 1:20-22</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/?action=view&current=mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad303/Erin_Mazur/mikeanderinblogsignature-1.png" /></a></div>mike and erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08523107425963063743noreply@blogger.com0