40 years of service!

Matt Orr: 40-Year Service Award Recipient
By Sarah Theule › Yesterday

It was at a young age that Matt Orr began developing discipline and a strong work ethic. At ten years old, he was operating a farm tractor between eight and twelve hours a day out on the Pueblo, Colorado, ranch where he was raised. He also enjoyed riding horses on the ranch, and to this day, he still likes to do yard work, acknowledging that some of the “farm boy” must still be in him.

Orr was offered a full athletic scholarship to Adam’s State College in Colorado for wrestling and football. However, his mother had heard the “Biola hour” radio broadcast and from that point on urged him to consider coming to Biola. As a freshman at Biola he met his wife, Patricia Florence. They married in 1968, and that same year, he committed his life to serving Christ (specifically through coaching as a ministry). He graduated with a B.S. in Physical Education in 1969 and began his coaching career as Assistant Coach of the Biola wrestling team. In 1971, he also began coaching the men’s soccer team as Assistant Coach. The team took second place in the Christian Nationals that year. In 1978, Orr became the director of the summer swimming program (1978-1994). He earned a master’s degree in physical education from California State University, Fullerton (1980), and was appointed Assistant Professor in 1982 while continuing to coach. In 1986, both teams won the National Championship, and shortly after, the “Biolan” was dedicated to Coach Orr and his family for taking those two sports to Nationals.

When asked what has driven him to succeed in his work, Coach Orr was firm in his response, “Purpose, passion, and commitment.” He has coached at Biola for 32 years, three years as assistant coach, 14 years as head wrestling coach, and 15 years as head soccer coach, and has seen more than his fair share of success for one person. Coach Orr holds the record for the most wins in Biola soccer history (140) and the most games coached at Biola (302). He has been selected “Coach of the Year” eight times, and in addition to coaching the 1986 National Championship team, Orr was selected the NCCAA “National Coach of the Year” in 1980, 1984, 1985, and 1998. He was also named the “All-Far West Coach of the Year.” Throughout his wrestling career, he coached 17 NAIA All-Americans and 26 NCCAA All-Americans (16 National champions), five being honored with outstanding “Wrestler of the Year” awards. In his soccer career, Orr coached nine NAIA All-Americans and 12 NAIA Scholar-Athlete All-Americans. His teams received the GSAC “Sportsmanship Award” in 1994, 1996, and 1997.
Orr is most pleased with the legacy of implementing his “Total Release” discipleship ministry using sports. “It is a new biblical way to approach sports and a love offering” based on Colossians 3: “Whatever you do, do your work heartily for the Lord rather than for men.” Orr believes “all self-satisfying motivations in sports eventually have a sell-out point based on one’s circumstances. But with God, we purify our motives as we invest our competitive talents, and experience the joy of the Master.” He emphasizes putting off the things of the world and “disciplining oneself for godliness.” He encourages his athletes to develop “focal points” by saturating their minds with the Word of God. His athletes read the Proverbs every day, and this starts a basic relationship with the Lord. Matt places scripture all around his own office to keep his focus on the right things, and believes the key to living a life of godliness (and success) is to “get disciplined in life.” One of his favorite quotes is from American football coach and broadcaster, Jimmy Johnson, who stated, “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”

In 1998, Orr was awarded “Father of the Year” by the California Department of Social Services. “Athletics was a bridge to impact the community,” recalls Orr. “There is nothing as rich as having faithful athletes who are also very committed fathers.” The Orrs have two daughters, Elizabeth and Kathryn, both of whom are accomplished musicians. Their two older sons, Ben and Joe, have played soccer under the direction of their father. Joe is currently a math adjunct professor at Biola. Ben is a three-time NAIA All-American in soccer and was GSAC “Player of the Year” in baseball in 1998. He also signed as a free-agent with the Chicago Cubs and is presently in sports ministry with FCA Baseball Ministries. Their youngest son, Sam, was an eight-round Major League baseball draft pick, signing with the Philadelphia Phillies. Orr has five grandchildren with four more on the way. “I want my grandkids to meet the Lord. I spend three hours a day with them, telling them stories about the Lord, and I’m famous for birdie walks.” During these walks he sings to his grandkids and tells them stories about their grandparents and great-grandparents. He also tells them “how God made them special gifts to their parents.” Whenever he can, he spends time praying at Creek Park run. “My ministry has shifted to a ministry of prayer.”

Orr’s coaching days finished eight years ago, but he still teaches a number of general education courses. “I have a heart to change the lives of the 200 or more students I interact with on a daily basis.” Ministering to students has always been important to the Orr family. For years they opened their home every Thursday night for Biola students to engage in Bible study and a time of fellowship. He admires Patricia for supporting the ministry and recognizes he “would not have had a ministry if it were not for her.” He was quick to praise her for being “an awesome wife, mother, and grandmother.”

Enthusiastic about the spiritual emphasis that continues to be strong at Biola, especially within the Apologetics Department, Orr commented, “We really need that emphasis since we need to be able to defend our faith.” He continued, “I am also pleased about the new business building. It is a great addition. Moral character is really needed in business.” The family man, coach, athlete, and teacher models himself after men of strong moral character, such as Jim Elliot, who prayed, “Father, make of me a crisis man. Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way or another on facing Christ in me.”

Thanksgiving (09)

I'm thankful for Friends! (Clay Balls) I'm Learning to be thankful for Thorns! (God did it with Nails)
I'm thankful for Marriage! especially for the special women God put in my life! (God's letter to A Women)

Clay Balls

A man was exploring caves by the seashore.. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake.

They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw

the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.

He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!

Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left. Then it struck him.

He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of

thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!

It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it.

We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.

There is a treasure in each one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.

May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.

I am so blessed by the gems of friendship I have with each of you. Thank you for looking beyond my clay vessel.

THORNS

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes when she pulled open the

florist shop door, against a November gust of wind. Her life had been as

sweet as a spring breeze and then, in the fourth month of her second

pregnancy, a "minor" automobile accident stole her joy . This was

Thanksgiving week and the time she should have delivered their infant

son. She grieved over their loss.

Troubles had multiplied.

Her husband's company "threatened" to transfer his job to a new

location. Her sister had called to say that she could not come for her

long awaited holiday visit. What's worse, Sandra 's friend suggested

that Sandra 's grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow

her to empathize with others who suffer. "She has no idea what I'm

feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder "Thanksgiving? Thankful for

what?" she wondered.. "For a careless driver whose truck was hardly

scratched when he rear-ended me? For an airbag that saved my life, but

took my child's?"

"Good afternoon, can I help you?"

Sandra was startled by the approach of the shop clerk. "I . . . I need

an arrangement," stammered Sandra .

"For Thanksgiving? I'm convinced that flowers tell stories, " she

continued.. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this

Thanksgiving?"

"Not exactly !" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything

that could go wrong has gone wrong."

Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the clerk said, "I

have the perfect arrangement for you."

Then the bell on the door rang, and the clerk greeted the new

customer....

"Hi, Barbara, let me get your order." She excused herself and walked

back to a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an

arrangement of greenery, bows, and what appeared to be long-stemmed

thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped:

there were no flowers.

"Do you want these in a box?" asked the clerk. Sandra watched - was this

a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for

laughter, but neither woman laughed..

"Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think

after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by it's

significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again," she said,

as she gently tapped her chest.

Sandra stammered, "Ah, that lady just left with . . . uh . . . she left

with no flowers!"

"That's right," said the clerk. "I cut off the flowers. That's the

'Special'. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet. Barbara came into

the shop three years ago, feeling much as you do today," explained the

clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had

just lost her father; the family business was failing; her son had

gotten into drugs; and she was facing major surgery. That same year I

had lost my husband," continued the clerk. "For the first time in my

life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband,

no family nearby, and too much debt to allow any travel."

"So what did you do?" asked Sandra .

"I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've

always thanked God for the good things in my life and I never questioned

Him why those good things happened to me, but when the bad stuff hit, I

cried out, 'Why? Why me?!' It took time for me to learn that the dark

times are important to our faith ! I have always enjoyed the 'flowers'

of my life, but it took the thorns to show me the beauty of God's

comfort! You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're

afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."

Sandra sucked in her breath, as she thought about what her friend had

tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost

a baby and I'm angry with God."

Just then someone else walked in the shop.

"Hey, Phil !" the clerk greeted the balding, rotund man.

"My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement . . twelve

thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a

tissue wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.

"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind

telling me why she wants a bouquet that looks like that?"

"Four years ago, my wife and I nearly divorced," Phil replied. "After

forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and

guidance, we trudged through problem after problem, the Lord rescued our

marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems

to remind her of what she had learned from "thorny" times. That was good

enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to

label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that

problem taught us."

As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra , "I highly recommend the

Special !"

"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life" Sandra

said to the clerk. "It's all too ..... fresh."

"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that

the thorns make the roses more precious. We treasure God's providential

care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember that it was a

crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love....Don't

resent the thorns."

Tears rolled down Sandra 's cheeks. For the first time since the

accident, she loosened her grip on her resentment. "I'll take those

twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out.

"I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a

minute."

"Thank you. What do I owe you?"

"Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart...The

first year's arrangement is always on me."

The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra . "I'll attach this card to

your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."

It read: "My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked

You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach

me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show

me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me

that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more

brilliant."

Praise Him for the roses; thank Him for the thorns.

God Bless you. Be thankful for all that the Lord does for you.

"Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the

rest to God."

God’s Letter to A Women

When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being.

When I created man, I found him and breathed life into his nostrils.

But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.

Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity.

From one bone, I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man's life.

I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone, I shaped you...

I modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully. Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile.

You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The ribcage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart.

Support man as the rib cage supports the body.

You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.

You are my perfect angel.. You are my beautiful little girl.

You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart.

Your eyes... don't change them.

Your lips, how lovely when they part in prayer.

Your nose, so perfect in form. Your hands so gentle to touch.

I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep.

I've held your heart close to mine.

Of all that lives and breathes, you are most like me.

Adam walks with me in the cool of the day, yet he was lonely. He could not see me or touch me. He could only feel me.

So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you; my holiness, my strength, my purity, my love, my protection and support.

You are special because you are an extension of me.

Man represents my image, woman my emotions.

Together, you represent the totality of God.

So man... treat woman well.

Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt me. What you do to her, you do to me. In crushing her, you only damage your own heart, the heart of your Father, and the heart of her Father.

Woman, support man.

In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness, show your strength. In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self.

Send this to the wonderful women you know and bless their day!

Send this to the men you know too. It's a good reminder for them!

No little people, no little jobs, no little places

To graduate from college, a student must take somewhere between 140 to 160 units of study. I teach probably the most unimportant of the required general education requirements, which is four units or classes of PE. When you are paying $25,000 plus a year or $1000 a unit, students question the importance of this requirement. Many students put the PE requirement off until their last few semesters, so many times I face the attitudes of just getting it out of the way and always expecting an A grade. I usually try to ignore these attitudes, and teach with PURPOSE, PASSION and COMMITMENT, even though it's just PE. class. A while ago I received a short note from one of my former students that I would like to share.

From: Bryan A Tarter
Subject: Just wanted you to Know
TO: Matt Orr

Coach Orr,
I don’t know if you remember me, but while I was at Biola I took a weight lifting/conditioning class with you. I graduated from Biola in December of ‘06 and I am currently a caregiver for a man named Nick Vujicic (lifewithoutlimbs.org). Since Nick has no arms or legs I have to be his arms and legs for him. With that said, I just wanted to thank you for everything you taught in your class. What you taught has made a big impact on the way I live my life, the way I take care of my body, and the way I take care of Nick. Although I might not have been in the best shape of my life when I took the course with you, I have taken what I’ve learned from it and continued to apply it to my life. I have continued to train hard to take care of the body that God has given me (especially now since I am keeping in shape for 2 people), and I’ve found enjoyment in serving others. With taking what I’ve learned from your class I’ve shed 30 lbs, I run an average of 3 miles a day, and I am able to help Nick with everything he needs (especially lifting and carrying him). He weighs 75lbs, and every time I lift him up I always remember you stressing to us about using our legs! Looking back I know that God had me in your class for a reason, other than just a PE Credit. Thanks again and I hope you and your family are doing well! To God be the glory.
Bryan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MslbhDZoniY

http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/media/lwl08-colombia-modelo-prison/lwl08-cd3-modeloprison-800.mov

(Bryan is in the middle on this clip, with his arm around Nick, in red t-shirt. He is pushing his wheel chair into the prison.)

God is looking for the David with only a stone, and a stick,(I Samuel 17:50) or a young man with only loaves and fishes to do His great work (keep on , keeping on). Remember, no little people, no little jobs, no little places when obeying the Lord's call.

The next time, your job gets you down, don't lose out, purpose/passion/and commitment!
and remember Camelot!!!

"I have won my battle and here is my victory, What we did will be remembered, you will see! Tom of Warwick, one of what we all are. Less than a drop in a great blue motion of the sunlit sea. But it seems some of the drops do sparkle... some do sparkle! RUN BOY RUN!!, RUN! RUN!"

Thanksgiving 08

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever (psalms 107:1)

* Thanksgiving overflows when I realize God is in control.
*Thanksgiving is possible because Jesus won the victory over Sin.
*Thanksgiving reminds me I am the fragrance of Christ to the world.
*Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate and pray for my friends.
*Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what you already have and grateful for all you receive.
*Thanksgiving helps me respond properly to God.

Each little flower that opens, Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors, He made their tiny wings.

The purple-headed mountain, the river running by,
The sunset, and the morning that brightens up the sky.

The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden, He made them every one.

He gave us eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell
How great is God almighty, Who has made all things well.

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all.
--Cecil Alexander (1848)

A bright thing I'm thankful for.
My precious Pat, my life partner, lightens up the heart of my life. She truly makes each
day special with happiness and good fortune. She is lively and cheerful. She is a rich light
that reflects brightly without sparkling or glittering.

A beautiful thing that I'm thankful For.
My three special daughter-in laws,They have brought energy and love into our family,
they are the living examples of a Proverbs 31 wife of noble character, Their smiles will
melt your heart. They have brought confidence to my sons, they work hard, providing
for their family and husband. They open their arms to the poor, extending help to the
needy. They are clothed in beauty with strength and dignity, they look more beautiful
each day, bringing respect to my sons. They speak with wisdom and faithful instruction,
watching over the affairs of their homes. they fear the Lord and are to be praised. I love
you Lindsay, Kristy and Kristen.

A wise person I'm thankful for.
Words can't express the appreciation I have for this wise man, He impacted my life at very
important times of my life, as I began my marriage and family. My cousin Dean Orr, helped
lay a foundation for my 40 years of marriage and five wonderful children. many times by
example, and sharing wisdom while chopping wood for the winter, in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains, never by preaching. (thanks Dean)

A wonderful thing that fills me with Joy.
I thought sons were wonderful, but Grandsons have brought unspeakable joy into our lives.
each unique in their God given characteristics. They are close to my heart. I love you
Nathan, James, Caleb and Micah.









A creature that blesses my life.
Nobody knows this, except maybe Pat. Everybody thinks I don't like animals, maybe because
I am so mean to them. but I really like our cat, His name is Chu Chi, and is a left over from
our kids, Elizabeth's cat that stayed when she moved on the bigger and better things.
He is really a lot like me, stubborn, and set in His ways. well whatever. Happy Thanksgiving
Chu-Chi, I hope you liked the turkey I sneaked you when no one was looking.

Fun with the family under the purple mountain majesty

I stood where Katharine Lee Bates was inspired to write America the beautiful, with two wonderful grandsons and Kathryn as we walked and jogged along the old railroad tracks, now made into a walking and jogging trail that goes behind their home in Colorado Springs. What an awesome experience as I looked at that breath taking mountain, just recently dusted with a light snow. The weather was brisk, but refreshing. My thoughts went beyond how beautiful America is
to the awsome power that created this site, our

Lord and Saviour. The verse "In the begining God created the heavens and the earth" suddenly had more meaning. Then I looked at my third child and her wonderful twins and was filled with more wonder of God's gifts to us. As I frolicked with them in this beautiful site, I was reminded of Gods words, in Psalms where he says " I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well".
I love you Kathryn, Jake, Nathan and James. Thanks for the visit!
Love, Dad
(click pictures twice to enlarge)

congratulations Joe and Kristy

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOE AND KRISTY ON FINISHING THEIR
 EDUCATION MASTERS!!

Joe’s challenge to MAED 2008 graduates, chosen as class
speaker, presented

in June at the Education graduation banquet.

INTRODUCTION:
Thank you for having me here today. I feel so honored and blessed to be
apart of this ceremony. This junction on my life’s road has been a long
time coming with many challenges and many joys. Since finishing my
undergraduate degree here at Biola in 2003 my wife Kristy and I have
slowly been working through the MAED program and we are both very excited
to now go into our world and use what we have learned to impact those
around us for the glory of God.

REFLECTION:
IN reflecting on my five-year endurance with the Masters of Education
program, one word defines the summation of this time passion. Life has
been very full. Full of blessings, full of trials, full of life lessons,
and full of…everything. The major events that mark the book ends of this
part of my life are the marriage to my wife in December of 2003 and the
birth of my coming son due in mid June. The rollercoaster in between has
brought the growing experience of a new job teaching and coaching, the
trials of battling cancer, and the ever-challenging process of growing
spiritually in the Lord and seeking his will. In the end ithas been the
passions in my life, driven by the power of God, that have spurred me to
push on.

It is not whether you have passion, but rather what is driving that
passion. You see everyone has something that they are passionate about,
but if that passion is pushed by selfish desire that passion will never be
satisfied. The thirst of the sinful self will never be satisfied by the
offerings of the world, but the thirst of a soul longing for God will be
satisfied. As it says in Psalms 107:9, “For He has satisfied the thirsty
soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good” If we yield the
passions of our lives over to the almighty God He will supply the power to
drive those passions to display His glory to the world.

PASSION HAS A LASTING IMPACT:
Though I have been around many people in my life that have lived
passionately there is one person that has stood out among many. That
person is my dad, Matt Orr. Many of you know my dad as coach Orr. Even
the local mechanics at the 76 Station know my dad as coach Orr. This man
has shown me what it means to live a passionate life for the Lord. He has
taught me how to have complete trust in the Lord through trials and he has
taught me how to give praise and thanks in times ofjoy. He has been an
inspiration to many through the years and his Godly passion has had a
lasting impact on many people. Here is one story of that lasting impact.

Back before I was born my dad was the wrestling coach here at Biola
University. George Payton was a wrestler of my dads. George was not the
all-star athlete. In fact he rarely won amatch. But he had a heart of
gold and through the inspiration of my dad’s passion he learned to never
give up. He rarely experienced the taste of victory on the mat, but he
also never was pinned, denying his opponent precious team points. This
often gave his team the few points that they needed to earn a team
victory. Many years later George had gone onto the mission field in
Africa. One stormy night his young daughter had become ill and he had to
get her to a doctor as quick as possible. So he gathered his family into
the jeep and headed for help. He came to a small river that had formed in
the storm and attempted to drive through to get to the doctor. The
current was too strong and it took control of the car and tipped it over.
George had to wade through the raging water and carry his family to
safety. Later he wrote to my dad and told him that as he fought the water
to save his family he couldn’t help remember the lessons he learned
through the passion of my dad, had lasting impact on him for years to come.

Passion,empowered by the strength of God, has a lasting impact on those
you come across.

As we now go into our world as teachers I pray that you may take hold of
your passions and empower them with the strength of the Lord. You will
have a lasting impact on those you encounter. The road will not always
be easy and there will most certainly be days when you feel like you do
not have the ability to carry on. Remember that you are the instrument of
God and He has given you a passion that He longs to use to show His glory
to the world.


"Leadership isn't just about what you accomplish
But how you accomplish it

It's really about HIS NAME and not MY FAME.

It's really about HIS GLORY and not MY STORY."

Heaven

Heaven is a wonderful place, full of Glory and Grace, I want to see my Saviour's face because heaven is a wonderful place!

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
John 14: 1-3

Have you read Randy Alcorn's book Heaven? I also was challenged by his book Safely Home!!
Do we spend more time planning our next vacation, than we do preparing for eternity?

I think my house is going to be high on a river's bend (maybe the river of life, which flows from the great throne). I'm going to have a big picture window looking out over the river, and a picnic table and barbecue next to the river's edge, and Dan will cook me his fabulous tri-tip and Jake will provide the deer meat of course Kristy brings the dessert. We will have a big rock on the bend and Sam will fish from there. We will listen to the peaceful sound of the rolling river and in the evening Joe, Elizabeth, Lindsay, and Kathryn will play soothing music. Ben and Kristin will be playing with all the kids at the river's edge. Of course Bonnie and Dean will come by in their kayaks.

Shall we gather at the river???

Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God.

Yes, we'll gather at the river
the beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river
that flows by the throne of God.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWsyMCkTqDI&feature=related