Deurty

One of the mantras I say to my wife about my life is, "I need a day." This reflects the desire to dedicate time to get something done I've been procrastinating on or start something enjoyable without other obligations looming overhead. When I envision having "a day" to myself, my desire is towards creation. This blog once served as an outlet for being creative and interacting with others, yet is blogging even a thing today? The urge to write another book, this time with more dedication, frequently crosses my mind. Also, I consider revisiting art, a once significant part of my life, or venturing into podcasting. However, the challenge remains: to begin any of these creative endeavors, I first need a day. What would you create if you had "a day" to yourself? Do I need to set aside a day just to plan another day, to then decide what I'd do if I had a day?

This blog is twenty years old. I started it in 2003 around the time we helped start a church here in West Michigan. We will celebrate the twenty-year anniversary of our church family in October. So, I stopped in to read some of those old posts and reminisce. I'm pretty sentimental and it's been interesting to go back and read what was happening. In the process, I discovered how to get back into this blog. I thought it was gone for good and merely an archive of my experiences in the early 2000s.  But, here I am.  Writing a post - in a blog - that no one reads. Haha.  I'll probably write a few posts about things that have happened in the past 20 years and different reflections. So, feel free to not even know I'm doing this... Ha! Until next time -  sd

This month I am stepping away from Facebook. What used to keep me connected to people has actually had the reverse effect. So, I'm pausing and retreating for a month. I've been challenged by John 15 and the teaching of Jesus. In John 15 Jesus points out that fruitfulness comes from abiding/remaining in Him. So often I try to force fruitfulness and skip abiding because I like to control the pace and make things happen.  Jesus challenges us to find more effectiveness and fruitfulness by doing the counter-intuitive thing, and abide.  Mike Breen encourages people to work from the position of rest, rather than resting from work. I do unplug, but instead of abiding I can find myself avoiding...avoiding issues, problems, pain, responsibility, etc...  Also, instead of remaining, I can quickly remove myself.  I don't think abiding and remaining in Christ is an escape. Rather, it is bringing all the stuff, anxieties, worries, and responsibilities and again placing them fi...

The kids wrapped up their final day of school today. Summer officially begins at this moment. I wondered if it was ever going to get here. This Winter was relentless and long. With the Summer comes the pressure to seize it and squeeze out every last drop of Summer-fun out of it! My wife and I are trying to put together some Summer goals... like a bucket list of things we want to seize this Summer. We will never be able to top last Summer. Last Summer was my sabbatical and we had an amazing family trip out West. Some ideas so far... Camping Big neighborhood party Baseball games (Minor League and Major League) Lots of beach nights Trip to Chicago Trip to Mackinaw Island Michigan's Adventure Build a fort Play lots of whiffle ball Anyways, should be good. Summer is often a time of personal and spiritual renewal for me as well. My desire is to learn to "abide" with Jesus in increasing ways this Summer. Jesus says in John 15:5 that if we remain/abide/live in ...

It has been eleven years since I left my position at Spring Lake Wesleyan Church (now All Shores Wesleyan) to embark on planting Watermark Church. I spent some time and looked back through the posts from that first Summer.  Good memories, but also a lot of fear and insecurity. I don't think those things ever really go away. I remember walking around the downtown area of Grand Haven that Summer of 2003. I spent time walking around town, praying, meeting people, writing down notes and reading. That was a good Summer filled with a lot of new relationships and risks. I'd like to  revisit the intentional missional posture that I tried to live out. Perhaps this Summer will be a time of adventure and seeking to discover where God is already doing His stuff...and seeking to humbly join in. God, reveal what you are up to.  Deepen our relationship and give me courage to respond to Your moves.  Amen.

Well, I am archiving this site and starting fresh over at stevedeur.com - come on over!

This blog was a great place for me to chronicle the beginnings of starting a church as well as learning about life. It was a lot of fun and we even had quite a bit of conversation back in the day. But, alas, this site is overgrown with weeds from inactivity. So what is next? I am in the early stages of putting together a new site. I am excited about it. I will keep you posted. I hope it creates more conversations and even spurs me on to live and love more like Jesus. Thanks for hanging out here from time to time. Updates will come. sd

I mentor a 3rd grade boy. I'm amazed at how much a difference is made from such little, but faithful and intentional time. Check out the video. My friend Scott is trying to get a million people to watch it - so please pass it on! Thanks! sd

I just got done reading Andy Merritt's book " Eden ." It was a good book. Face paced, interesting story, good tension, and interesting concept. I recommend it. Andy is a church planter from Jackson, MI. He and I get times to connect and I think it is cool that he wrote a book and had it published. That takes guts. That takes discipline and a willingness to put yourself out there. One of the goals I have this year is to create something I can be proud of. I'm working on a couple ideas and thoughts, but we'll see where it lands. Andy inspires me to turn the ideas into actual action. Anyways - I hope you take another step closer to taking action on your dream. sd

Well - back in the day... like 2003 this place was humming. Ideas, quotes, stories, and all kinds of life stuff. But now I even forget I have this blog. So - I think something has got to change. Twitter and Facebook have taken over what this used to provide, but maybe there's still some room for something. I'm just not ready at the moment. So - I'll chill for a bit and gather some thoughts and let you know (for those who still lurk) what is up. I may wash this clean and jump into a new pond where the water is a bit more fresh and the fish more interesting. Although it is always good to look back and watch the journey unfold - after all this was a huge time in my family's life... TBD sd

I've enjoyed Will Mancini's book: Church Unique. Here are a few great quotes for today: "Growth idolatry is the unconscious belief, on the soul level , that things are not OK with me if my church is not growing." "An idol is anything we add to Jesus in order to make life work."

Here is a little video of Misgana dancing and meeting the house. :)

Bethany Christian Services Work in Ethiopia. We are just waiting to travel... Go to our adoption blog to stay in the loop. Thanks sd

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. I am married to an amazing mom and I was raised by a remarkable mom! We are so looking forward to getting to Ethiopia to pick up the little miss we are adopting. I'm taking time to learn some Amharic (her second language) to help in the adjustment for her and us. Sometimes the whole adoption thing doesn't feel real and I wonder if it will happen, but I just look at her cute little face and know that time is on the march and it'll happen. Have a great one, sd

This Sunday we will be live streaming our Easter gatherings this Sunday at LIVE IAMMARKED at both 9:15 and 11:00 am (Eastern Standard Time). sd

We got our referral for our adoption. Learn more: Heart of Adoption Thanks! Steve

I'm doing more posts over at our adoption blog. Thanks for checking in. sd

ICE ICE BABY... TOO COLD TOO COLD! This is in fahrenheit for my metric friends on the other side of the ocean. Chillin, sd

We are putting together a benefit date night to support our adoption and to begin a fund to help others in the process of adoption. Details: Friday, February 6th from 7-8:30 pm. Located at Spring Lake Wesleyan Church Featuring great desserts, live music, Dan Seaborn, and lots of fun! The event is free, but people will be able to contribute if they desire. For more information you can visit our adoption blog: heart of adoption Thanks! sd