The Virtual Pew Daily

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 13

Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.

One of the things I tend to do is be ‘blunt’ with people, I say what I think. Unfortunately sometimes, without taking the other person into consideration I think I have hurt people. I am trying to do better, I have used the excuse that most of my bluntness is towards those in the church, but I have to ask myself the question, is this fair, is it true, has being honest in fact, hurt me, and/or hurt others? Has my being blunt hurt people and a part of me dealing with my issues of being hurt? I know there are times I have been wrong, but I also know I have improved over time. I try to be sensitive to others and more honest with God. I have tried being honest with God; I know that he knows the truth. In my being ‘blunt’, I also realize I have hindered and hurt some relationships that had the potential to be worthwhile and meaningful. Through reminders from the Holy Spirit, I try to be better at this. I ask the Holy Spirit to remind me of the things I need to work on.

Today I realize: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

I realize that as I confess my sins, my wrongs, I need to throw them away. God has forgiven; it is time to move on.

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Wichita, the Church in Wichita Kansas where Mike is the pastor.

Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

You can also Help The Virtual Pew by shopping on our web site or at Amazon, click here to shop at Amazon and help The Virtual Pew, it won't cost you anything extra, but we get a small percentage of the purchase.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
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Park City Kansas, 67219

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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 12

At times I respond in a defensive way, never really recognizing or owning up to the point that I am, and have been bitter. Normally when confronted with this, I have denied it but I realize now more than ever of the feelings that have been within me. It is possible those feelings have given the wrong impression. I don’t know? I do know that my faith experiences, specifically with Christians have not been as positive as they could be. I have seen more abuse, and hurt than I have love and concern from others, at least in a real way. I guess this is one way I respond and do the things I have done, I also realize though; it doesn’t make my response right.

I get angrier at these things than I should. I don’t know though. Do those who follow Jesus have a responsibility to be like Him? I think they do and at times, God must be upset by the actions of people. I work to not get angry at God, but there are times I certainly question and maybe border on being mad at Him. I think God can handle it though. I don’t think he holds it against me. I see examples of this with others in the Bible, from the prophets to the apostles. Even Jesus expressed at times his frustration and concern.

I recognize my own need to be careful about getting angry. While at times the anger may be deserved, I have to make sure it doesn’t come out on the wrong people. I wonder if that is a part of the cycle others go through? I continue to ask for healing in these areas. May I be a bright light that shines hope and inspiration, not despair and abuse.

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Wichita, the Church in Wichita Kansas where Mike is the pastor.

Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

You can also Help The Virtual Pew by shopping on our web site or at Amazon, click here to shop at Amazon and help The Virtual Pew, it won't cost you anything extra, but we get a small percentage of the purchase.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

Monday, April 18, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 11

Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.

Today that I have healing that I need, but I also have forgiveness to offer those who have constantly misused scripture all together, or at the least, used it to satisfy their own selfish desires. Their constant ridicule over the years had formed an opinion within me that at times doesn’t mirror the attitude of Christ. I have improved over the years, but I know there is a long ways to go before I resemble Jesus in the way I should.

It hasn’t been easy to hear and see people misuse scripture to justify their beliefs. Jesus offered more than that; he offered a relationship that I should be sold out too to the max. He offered His all for me, can’t I give of myself back to others in an honest way. I know I am doing better in many areas; my spiritual life has made a ton of progress. I need to work on my emotions though. There are many scars that haven’t had the chance to heal. There are physical consequences as a result. The need to let my God heal all is evident, not just the spiritual, but the emotional and physical. It starts in my mind, yet, over the years, it has unfortunately been impacted by those who refuse to follow Jesus example.

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Wichita, the Church in Wichita Kansas where Mike is the pastor.

Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

You can also Help The Virtual Pew by shopping on our web site or at Amazon, click here to shop at Amazon and help The Virtual Pew, it won't cost you anything extra, but we get a small percentage of the purchase.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

Friday, April 15, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 10

Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.

Today’s theme is Rich in the World’s Eyes. It is kind of crazy, I sent out a newsletter today to folks at Mosaic, the church I pastor. The weekly update actually dealt with the themes in today’s reading. It comes down to realizing who God is, surrendering to His will, and letting Him live through us. What God has for me is so much better and more than anything I can imagine for myself. I may think at times of grandiose things, but God knows what is best and will give me the most joy. He brings me back to reality. God brings satisfaction and purpose.

I want to serve God, I get confused when I see others who say they love Jesus, yet don’t get to know Him, love Him, and have relationship with Him. I realize my own need to be careful in this regard. I need to let God, through His Holy Spirit work as He needs on others. I was reminded some years ago, it is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, not mine.

Today, at this moment, I am getting closer to God, yet in getting closer, I realize I am also getting further away because I realize His holiness, and my imperfection. The more I learn about God, the more I realize that no matter how many improvements I have made, in some ways, I need him more because I am so incapable of being like him on my own. I would ask God to help me be more like Him, His son, at all times, and in all ways. That isn’t easy; the human part of me wants to experience human emotions. I find resolve though. I know that Jesus did the same thing in His humanness while on earth. I guess it is finding the balance. I have a ways to go there, but I think I am getting there.

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Wichita, the Church in Wichita Kansas where Mike is the pastor.

Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

You can also Help The Virtual Pew by shopping on our web site or at Amazon, click here to shop at Amazon and help The Virtual Pew, it won't cost you anything extra, but we get a small percentage of the purchase.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 8 & 9

While I don’t think I have been abused by religion, I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. I do know I have been hurt by religion, but hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book, and I believe are two different things. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is that I may have at times been an abuser. I don’t think I have been but this journey will hopefully help me understand where I am at, and in the process, help others as I journal each day of the steps outlined in the book.

I’m to write today a short bit about where I am with God right now, where I am at in life, and to be totally honest about it. I guess in doing that, I can’t help but admit; finances come to mind. I have made sacrifices for most of my life regarding doing ministry work. It seems like, for various reasons, I have screwed up. I no longer have any retirement, I feel guilty at times for the need of my wife’s income, and yet I also know I have done the work of God. If I had it all to do over again, I would make some changes. There is that 401-K I would have without touching it or a retirement plan and investments. I see these things now as being more critical than ever, especially since those funds were depleted away to do ministry. We had a dream house we invested in and lost because Christians weren’t dependable. I have had several experiences like that, I paid taxes, at least they came out of my check, yet I was audited because those taxes were never sent in to the appropriate IRS agencies, I had to pay them again, the second time with penalty. I have had all kinds of things like that happen, far too many, at times I may have felt like blaming God, but I don’t believe I did.

I guess the truth is, from Christians who didn’t pay rent, to schools who didn’t honor the work I did, to churches and denominations which didn’t honor their commitment; I have been hurt in the area of finance. God has surely been there as people continue to meet our needs, whether through a gift certificate that allows my wife and I to eat a good meal, to a friend providing a plane ticket to attend a funeral or even a wrestling tournament, to donations that come in at times through the mail. God has also used other churches to touch and bless and help us when other churches hurt us. But I still struggle with the financial needs. My wife deserves to retire, she has given so much, but we need the extra income. Where churches and Gods people have hurt us in the past, I ask God to intervene and remind us that He is our provider.

God I thank you for what you have done, and I thank you for what you are going to do in our life in regards to finance and the way I have been abused. Give me power Holy Spirit to overcome.

As I close today, I realize there are areas where I didn’t think I had been abused by people within my faith group. Today, I realize, I was wrong. I still hurt, I still grieve over the things we have lost as a family in regards to finance, not because God didn’t provide, but others along the way made the situations difficult and even abused us, whether they realized it or not. I pray for ears to hear and eyes to see the things God has for me in the future.

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Wichita, the Church in Wichita Kansas where Mike is the pastor.

Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

You can also Help The Virtual Pew by shopping on our web site or at Amazon, click here to shop at Amazon and help The Virtual Pew, it won't cost you anything extra, but we get a small percentage of the purchase.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 7

While I don’t think I have been abused by religion, I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. I do know I have been hurt by religion, but hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book, and I believe are two different things. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is that I may have at times been an abuser. I don’t think I have been but this journey will hopefully help me understand where I am at, and in the process, help others as I journal each day of the steps outlined in the book.

I need to make sure I seek the guidance of God in my life. Today’s study had me reflect on two prayers, The Serenity Prayer and The Prayer of St. Francis. In both prayers, God is the one we are going to. He is our sole source of help, inspiration, guidance, and power to overcome the difficult things. I think that remembering that He is our source is important, but so is the need to give God credit for the good things He has already done.

The prayers are as follows:

The Serenity Prayer – Reinhold Nibuhr

God,

Grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And Wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right.
If I surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next

Amen

The Purposeful Prayer by St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light; and
Where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Wichita, the Church in Wichita Kansas where Mike is the pastor.

Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

You can also Help The Virtual Pew by shopping on our web site or at Amazon, click here to shop at Amazon and help The Virtual Pew, it won't cost you anything extra, but we get a small percentage of the purchase.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 6

While I don’t think I have been abused by religion, I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. I do know I have been hurt by religion, but hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book, and I believe are two different things. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is that I may have at times been an abuser. I don’t think I have been but this journey will hopefully help me understand where I am at, and in the process, help others as I journal each day of the steps outlined in the book.

I am a work in progress, even at the age of 51 going on 52, I recognize, I still have breath, I still have life, I am a work in progress. There are things I need to work on to become the person God wants me to be. I realize the importance of letting others know those things so they can be there to help me out when I am weak, or when I falter.

I need to be more disciplined. I know this may sound crazy to some, but I recognize the need to be even more disciplined than I am, especially in the area of identifying priorities and getting things done. I am pretty good about following structure; I need to be better at identifying the important and effective things to be done.

I need to be more aware of listening to others. Again, while I may be trained here and while I have made progress over the years, I need to ask for the heart of Christ and care about each person. Sometimes, and I think it is almost human nature; it is easy to get distracted. I don’t want to, I don’t mean to, but the ability to focus on and see and hear the heart of the person who is opening up to me is important and something I can improve on. If I care enough to listen, I can better help one understand the one who is perfect, Jesus Christ.

A third area I need to work on is in getting back to an old concept I learned some years ago, that is to delegate and in the process, give myself more respect, time, and fellowship with others through the process. I need to also share in the experience of the things I am doing, and in that experience, better share in the positive things of life.

God has been working on me for a number of years, he still has work to do and I am grateful. I pray that I will not only find contentment in the things I have done, (as there is nothing else I can do about many of those) but I can also find the excitement of looking towards the things and life God has for me in the future.

God, I know there is more I need to work on. I look forward to you doing as you will through my life today, tonight, and tomorrow.

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

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Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

You can also Help The Virtual Pew by shopping on our web site or at Amazon, click here to shop at Amazon and help The Virtual Pew, it won't cost you anything extra, but we get a small percentage of the purchase.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

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Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

Just For You

You are important and I want you to know that you can feel free to contact me at any time. I always try to respond to comments posted here, when appropriate, and have learned from my work as a counselor and pastor that people need to know that they are important. My contact information is available and I encourage you to contact me when need be. The fact that you are a real person is not lost on me. While you are at it, if needing a place to plug in, you can also join and become a part of The Virtual Pew. Message boards and interaction are available there as well. Thanks for visiting and know that God loves you and so do I.