chatter, january 2014

7/22/2019 Chatter, January 2014

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VisionRemember last summer when both our senior pastor and our worship pastor

were on sabbatical? ( Were sure glad thats over!) I remember being appre-

hensive about what it would be like around here post-sabbatical. I could just

imagine Andy coming back from three months off to say, You know guys, Ive

been going at it hard for years. I didnt realize how tired I was until I steppedoff the treadmill. Also, I really like golf. So yall take it from here.

But my fears were not realized. In fact, just the opposite happened. The first

day that Andy was back in the building, he gathered up some staff and started

talking about his fresh perspective and new ideas for IBCs future. Hes taken

to saying that weve been playing defense long enough; its time for us to start

playing offense. Already, there is movement in that direction:

The Table, our newest forum for conversations with unbelievers about lifes

big questions, is going public with plans to meet at a local winery. (See page

for details.) Were planning a similar discussion at a local

tobacco shop.

Weve got designs on expanding the medical clinic to a second night of

service each week. In fact, we are planning on growing all of our Wednesday

night community center ( Kinwest) activities.

And our small groups from students to families have been praying for

their friends, neighbors and c oworkers who are far from God. From Christ-

mas gifts, to meals for homeless, to front-yard-marshmallow-roasts, IBCers

are finding ways to bless their neighbors.

Kids and adults in our Next Gen ministry (children young adults) are con-

tinuing to discover that following Jesus is not about doing and being be tter

but trusting in Jesus to change them from the inside out. This frees them up

to have compassion for people and e ngage in spiritual conversations in their

schools and workplaces.

Its our tradition to light a red candle in a Sunday service when someone puts

his or her trust in Jesus for salvation. As we move into , were dream-

ing about a sea of red candles on the stage. More than ever, we are playing

offense. More than ever, we are aligned around what Scott Cormode of Fuller

Seminary likes to call a shared story of future hope.

Cypress WatersSpeaking of neighbors, were getting some new ones. Just across the free way

from us, people are already moving in to the new Cypress Waters development.

By some estimates, this new neighborhood will bring , new families to

our doorstep. Thats families, not people!

At this years pastor/elder retreat, author Larry Osborne talked to us aboutleveraging new relationships. He said churches plateau in growth as their

members exhaust their relationships. When youve had an office next to the

same guy for five years, its hard to get new traction for talking about spiritual

things with him. Instead, church growth happens best when new connec-

tions are established: the kids join a new soccer team or a new family moves in

across the street.

Thats exactly whats happening to our church family. With thousands of new

connections being established, our staff has been praying about how we can

welcome those new friends to the neighborhood, and how we will minister to

them if they start to show up on Sundays! Were planning to place a CARES

Team in Cypress Waters and hoping to launch small groups in a home

there soon.

Journey OnThe latest report shows that we are exactly on track with Journey On a third

of the way through the two-year journey, we have retired a third of the debt.

And very soon we hope to have our finances in such great shape that we can

retire all debt and start taking action on some much-needed improvements to

our childrens ministry space. I expect Journey On to be a hinge in the historyof our church even more than the move from Finley Road or the decision to

call a still-wet-behind-the-seminary-ears Andy McQuitty as pastor. Imagine

the day when we hammer down the last plank on the Journey On bridge and

set fire to our mortgage. What a joyous and important celebration that will be!

Vision. Opportunity. Financial freedom. These are three of many reasons to

be optimistic about . We will discuss many more at the January Sum-

mit. This is our annual meeting where well review the year behind, elect new

elders, and dream about the year ahead. It happens on January at a.m. in

the Commons, and its open to everyone. I hope youll join us!

After a few years of change, IBC is in a place right now where its vision,

finances and opportunities are ripe. With so much coming into place, with so

many new challenges and opportunities facing us, I think the forecast is for a

flurry of ministry activity in our near future. And when I ask, Will it be a fun

ride? Will next year be a time of unprecedented growth, connection and mis-

sion at IBC?

All signs point to yes.

Ryan Sandersbelieves in the kingdom come when all the colors will bleed into one.

Ryan serves on the IBC Lead Team overseeing Small Groups at IBC, Stephen Ministry, and the IBC Com-

munications Team.

REMINDER:

The Summit/IBC Annual

Meeting, January I scream. You scream. We all scream for The S UMMIT. A few times a

year, the IBC staff gathers to honor the amazing volunteers who lead and

shepherd the body of IBC. We call this The Summit. But January will be

unique because The Summit will combine with the IBC Annual Meeting,

a time when elders present the nuts and bolts of the operating budget and

share current issues facing the leadership. You do not need to be an IBC

member to attend. So if youre a current IBC volunteer, or just someone

interested in whats happening at IBC in , we invite you to join us. Its a

cant-miss gathering.

Details:Saturday, January in The Commons. A light breakfast and

coffee will be served starting at a.m. in The Haven with the official gather-

ing beginning at : a.m. We ask that you register by January so we canmake sure to have enough food. Childcare will be outsourced to KidsRKids

and space is limited. We ask that you consider alternative arrangements

for your children if possible. Please reg ister for childcare by January .

Registration: irvingbible.org /summit

Questions? Contact Victoria Andrews at [email protected].


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Chatter |8

Life

GroupsAreIt shouldnt come as a sur-prise that the cornerstonefeature of both the HighSchool and Middle Schoolministries at IBC isntflashy production values orover-the-top events itssmall groups. Life Groups,to use the specific term.Each week, hundreds of stu-dents gather with dedicatedleaders to get real with each

other, spend time in prayerand Bible study, and con-nect in meaningful ways.

Megan Curtis is an thgrader at Hurst Jr. High.

She and her mom Stacey have been attending IBC since. Since thgrade (), Megan has been a part ofCorrie Robinsons Life Group. Corrie grew up at IBC and

had the benefit of engaged youth leaders herself, whichinspired her to serve. As it turns out, Life Groups make adifference not only for the students, but for the leaders,parents, and families they involve along the way. Here arethree different takes on one dynamic ministry. O

WHAT TO GET CONNECTED?

LIFE GROUPS KICK OFF JANUARY 5.High School and Middle School Life Groups are a great opportunity toconnect with friends and leaders over Gods Word in a safe environment.If youre a student looking to engage truth, grow closer to God, andlearn to apply Scripture to your everyday life, join one of our weekly smallgroups on Sundays. Middle School meets on Sunday mornings starting at10:30 a.m. and High School meets at 6:45 p.m.

Sign-ups available now at irvingbible.org/students. Forms will also beavailable on Sundays in the Student Ministries Area.

Questions? Contact Mary Ann Connor at [email protected] orcheck out irvingbible.org/students.

Life Groupsarea place

for powerfulprayer.

Corrie Robinson, Life Group Leader:

Doing life with someone is more than just seeing

them on Sundays. Its about going through all of the

ups and downs that come with our day-to-day lives.

Getting to know Megan and her mom Stacey these

last two-and-a-half years has been such a rewarding journey. A couple ofmonths ago, Stacey started to search for a new job, one that would allow her to

spend more time with Megan. They both told me about the search, so we began

to pray. Maybe a month went by and an opportunity came up. She got an

interview and we continued to pray. A couple of weeks later she got word that

she received the job. It was so exciting to experience that joy with Megan and

her mom. More than that, it was so beautiful getting to look both Stacy and

Megan in the eyes and say, Praise the Lord. We got to give the Lord the praise

for all the work that he had done. Walking through this with Megan and Stacey

made me realize the power of prayer in community.

Life Groupsarea safe

place tobe real.

Megan Curtis, thgrader:

This year has been hard for me, and having a Life

Group has really helped me get a different perspec-

tive on things. I can share things that I may not

want to share with any others. Corrie, my life group

leader, has always been there for our whole group.

I can talk to her about anything and everything and she is willing to listen and

give advice.

During the last year, I had a great-aunt and great-uncle that passed away.

I was pretty close to both of them and was sad about losing them. When Iwould go to Life Groups right after it happened, I pretty much stayed to myself.

After our group meeting, I talked to Corrie and she gave me a different per-

spective. I then texted her throughout the weeks following and she gave me

encouragement. I have also been able to talk to my whole Life Group about the

challenges of my parents being divorced.

Corrie has been an inspiration to many of the middle-schoolers. I know Cor-

rie enjoys being around us and that is what makes her so wonderful. I would

recommend Life Groups to any middle-schooler who wants to grow closer to

the Lord.

Life Groupsarea placefor family

support

Stacey Curtis, Megans mom:

Megans Life Group has been such a blessing to

both of us. Our family has experienced a tough

year, and many girls in her Life Group have

experienced similar situations. I find that often

Megan does not want to discuss wh ats going on with me because Im just

Mom what do I know? But the group has shown her that she is not alone in

her thoughts or feelings.

No one has done this better than her leader, Corrie. Corrie has been a solidsource of support for Megan. On numerous occasions when Megan feels down

or stuck, she has been able to call Corrie and get objective, loving encourage-

ment. Megan has told me that Corrie has spent time talking and praying with

her not only in person, but even over the phone. Not only has Corrie done these

things with Megan, but she has consistently supported me as well. She even

sent me encouraging text messages when I was interviewing and then begin-

ning a new career. Megans Life Group is a living example to Megan of what a

real Jesus-loving community should be. What more could a mom ask for?

Daily costs for U2s 360 world

tour were approximately $750,000.

Most regions of Australia do not

have middle schools. Kids godirectly from elementary to high

school. #bitter #aussiewannabe

Google life groups,

and youll get over10.4 billion results.

Corrie (left) with Megan.


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Small Change for Big Change:IBCers pull together for Brighter Tomorrows

A little Mason jar with some coins thrown inside could never count for much.

Pennies, especially, are considered a nuisance. Could small cha nge really make a

big change in others lives? A group of faithful IBCers set about to convert these

loaves and fishes into large, tangible items that demonstrate the love of God ina practical way.

From the fall of through the S pring of , women who attended Bible Study

emptied their purses of change each week, faithfully donating to jars placed on each

small group table. Collectively, the amount raised surprised everybody: , !

Jodie Niznik, the ministry coordinator for Women at IBC, was delighted. She knew the

money would go towards a ministry that empowered women: Brighter Tomorrows. An

IBC local partner, Brighter Tomorrows empowers victims of domestic and sexual vio-

lence by providing safe shelter and support services. Jodie consulted with Marjorie, the

volunteer liaison between IBC and Brighter Tomorrows, about the best way to allocate

the funds.

Though the money was originally earmarked for a renovation project, Marjorie related

that the biggest need was very basic: the shelter needed sturdy, durable beds. In fact, the

women who worked the night shift were sleeping on mattresses propped atop cinder

blocks. Other beds were also in substandard condition.

In place of buying cheaply made beds, Marjorie reached out to Steve Erickson,

whom she had met when they were in an IBC small group together.

An IBCer since , Steve is a pilot by day and a master woodworker during his

off time. And, it just so happened that S teves -year-old son Kelby was looking

for an Eagle Scout project to do. Steves history with Brighter Tomorrows was

doing a few odd maintenance projects around the shelter here and there, but the

bed project promised to be a great opportunity to use his carpentry skills; Steve

had made a lot of furniture for his own home.

Steve and Kelby readily agreed to the large project of making five beds from

scratch, a project that Marjorie helped to manage. They used a protion of the

money Women at IBC had raised for materials, equipment, mattresses and mat-

tress covers.

Steve and Kelby worked through the summer constructing the beds; Kelbys Boy

Scout troop helped with painting. Finally, the completed beds were disassembled,

loaded onto a borrowed trailer, and delivered to Brighter Tomorrows, where they were

reassembled on site.

People have grand ideas of ministry, and Ive done a lot of different things, says Steve.

But I like to work w ith my hands and do things that are practically oriented.

Not surprisingly, Steves son Kelby, also has a great heart for service. For him this wasmore than a Boy Sc out requirement for him to meet. Kelby says simply, We saw the

need people needed beds and we were able to meet those needs. Kelby feels good

that his project was able to visibly impact others.

Now, the women at Brighter Tomorrows have more than a nice place to lay the ir

heads at night, because they know that the IBC family stands with them. The mes-

sage to the women at Brighter Tomorrows is, You are not alone. You have

sisters who love you and are praying for you, says Jodie.

Meanwhile, Steve and Kelby stand ready with their saws and hammers.

The rarest and most valuable

antique Mason jars are amberin color or dark green.

According to the Guinness Book of

World Records, the largest bed inthe world measures 86 ft., 11 inches

long by 53 ft., 11 inches wide.

Bed-bu

ilderSteve

and

son

Kelb

y.


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Chatter |11

Laundry Love first Saturdayof the month, 9 a.m.12 p.m.Located at Amigo Laundromat,3349 Country Club Dr. in Irving(just down from Sam HoustonMiddle School). Please join us as

we provide free laundry cycles anddetergent, strike up conversationsand build relationships. For moreinfo visit llpirving.org or [email protected].

SINGLE PARENTSCommunity and Resources

Valentines Dinner and DanceFebruary 1, 69 p.m.The CommonsJoin us for our annual single parentValentines dinner and dance. Enjoya sit-down dinner, live DJ, crafts,limo rides, horse drawn carriagerides, and more. More details andregistration at irvingbible.org/singleparents, or contact Jennifer [email protected].

Sit with us on Sunday!Several single-parent families enjoyworshiping together in the 9 a.m. ser-vice. Join us in the lowest right-hand

section, Rows 5 & 6, facing the stage.Visit i rvingbible.org/singleparents.

SPECIAL NEEDSCommunity and Resources

In His Image Bible StudyWednesdays, 6:307:45 p.m.Training RoomA small group for adults (18+) with

special needs.Special Needs Support Group

Wednesday nights, 6:307:45 p.m.The Conference RoomContact Lori at [email protected].

SonShine Pals and RoomOur SonShine Rooms are availableduring the 10:45 a.m. service forchildren with special needs. Thereare also opportunities for childrento be matched with a SonShine Pal.

Contact [email protected].

STUDENTSMiddle/High School and College

Middle School SundaysLife on Life Student Ministries area,10:30 a.m.12:20 p.m.

Middle School WednesdaysThe W Student Ministry area,6:308 p.m.

High School Winter RetreatJanuary 31-February 2Register online at irvingbible.org/students.

High School SundaysLife GroupsStudent Ministry area, 6:458 p.m.

High School WednesdaysSWAG 7:158:30 p.m.

The Alcove.Teen RecoveryMonday Nights, 67:30 p.m.Zone, Jr.Teen Recovery is a safe and confi-dential environment for middle andhigh school students to identify andshare their pain and struggles. Con-tact Trey at [email protected].

IBC College MinistrySundays at 3:30 p.m.The Commons Annex

Passion Conference 2014The college group at IBC will beattending Passion 2014 in Houston,TX, February 1415.

For latest info on times and loca-tions of college events, join theFacebook group: College at IBC.


TAPESTRYAdoptive and Foster Families

Waiting Families GroupJanuary 4, 7:30 p.m.A group for anyone who is in theadoption or foster care waiting pro-cess, as well as those who are think-ing about adoption or foster care.

Fostering HopeSunday, January 12, 5 p.m.This is open to all who are involvedin serving children through fostercare, including those who arefostering, fostering-to-adopt or areconsidering foster care or fostercare adoption.

Tapestry PlaygroupJanuary 18, 10:30 a.m.The TubesJoin us for our playgroup for adop-tive and foster parents and kids. Wehave kids ranging from 0-10 years old.


WOMENCommunity and Resources

Womens Bible StudyTuesdays, 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.Our winter Bible study will kick offon January 14 as we study the bookof Luke. See ad, pg. 12.

Square One Begins February 6A class for first time moms. See ad,pg. 13.

Visit irvingbible.org/women.

YOUNG ADULTS20s and Early 30s

The Gathering

Thursdays, 7 p.m. The AlcoveJoin us for our new series, GameChangers. We will be looking atthe stories of extraordinary youngadults from scripture. We will learnhow their choices made themremarkable and how they changedthe course of history. Begins Janu-ary 16 in the Commons.

Sit with us on Sunday!Young Adults sit together in the lowerleft-hand section facing the stage atthe 10:45 a.m. service. Join us!

Visit irvingbible.org/youngadults.

2435 KINWESTWednesday Nights at IBC

Vox Humana ChoirWednesdays, 78:30 p.m.IBC Worship CenterThe choral community of IBC isalways looking for new singers, be-

ginner or pro. Everyone is welcomeand you can join at any time! Noauditions necessary. Contact Crystalat [email protected].

Next Gen ChoirWednesdays, 5:406:30 p.m.Students in 4th8th grade areinvited to join our Next Gen choir.We are seeking to help studentsgrow in Christ through the develop-ment and understanding of worship.Please contact Crystal Elwell at [email protected] with questions.

ESL: English as a Second LanguageWednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.AZ17, 18 and 19Do you want to learn English? Im-prove your English? Come practiceall four skills: speaking, listening,reading and writing. For more info,contact Corey at [email protected].

FREE Citizenship ClassWednesdays, 6:308 p.m. IBCFor those at least 18 years old whohave been issued a Permanent Resi-

dent Card. Well guide you throughthe N-400 paperwork and prepareyou for the main components ofthe new citizenship test. [email protected].

IBC Career Transition MinistryWednesdays, 6:308 p.m.Want to find a job? Come learn howto craft a rock-solid resume, use theInternet and LinkedIn to network,and ace the interview. For moreinfo, contact [email protected].

Visit 2435kinwest.org.

MISCELLANEOUSA Little Bit of Everything

Writers WorkshopSaturday, January 11, 10 a.m.Commons AnnexJoin a community of people whoare honing their writing skills. Thegroup is led by published authorBetty Groezinger. Everyone iswelcome, no writing experiencenecessary. Contact Donna OReillyat [email protected].

Legacy JourneyBegins January 15, 6:30 p.m.

West DFor those who have gone through

FPU and are wanting to take thenext step in their financial journey.Register online at irvingbible.org/give. Contact Kym Yeichner [email protected].

FPU Save the date March 19Financial Peace University will kickoff in March, watch Chatterformore details.

NICHE (North Irving ChristianHome Educators)Monday, January 19, 6:45 p.m.The Alcove

Join us for our monthly meeting. Nochildcare available. For more infovisit texasniche.com.

New ArrivalsCongratulations to this IBC familyon the birth of their baby:

JD and Katie Lemming and their sonAndrew Cashel, born November 17at 8 lbs, 12 oz, and 21 inches long.

READY TO

TAKE THE

NEXT STEP

IN YOUR

FAITH?

If you have committed your life to Jesusand want to make a public profession offaith with the IBC family, we invite youto be baptized in the Town Square onFebruary . A mandatory baptism classfor all ages will be held on January at: p.m. in West A. A light lunch willbe served.

Baptism video filming will be held onJanuary at : p.m. in the Alcove forstudents and adults; p.m. for children.

Sign up today at irvingbible.org/baptism.Questions? Contact Donna at [email protected].


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WOMENS BIBLE STUDY

LUKEDiscovering Healing

in Jesus Words to Women

By Sue Edwards

When:Tuesdays, January 14 March 25, 2014(10 weeks), 9:3011:30 a.m. or 6:308:30 p.m.

Where:The Commons at IBC

Cost: $15 (includes workbook)

Register at irvingbible.org/women. KidZone

registration is also available (closes on January

9 at 12 p.m.).

Questions? Contact: Tiffany at tstein@irving-

bible.org or (972) 5604650.

Have you ever felt undervalued, unappreci-ated, or just little? We all have. The gos-

pel of Luke demonstrates that God does his

great work through people just like us. As

we focus on particular encounters Jesus had

with first-century women, you will have your

own encounter with Jesus and learn how truly

valuable you are to him.

If you are new to IBC, we invite you to attend the

Newcomer Gathering, an event designed to help you

learn more about who we are, what we believe, and

how to get plugged in. Meet Pastor Andy, church

leadership, ask questions, and get to know other

newcomers in a relaxed, informal environment.

NEWCOMERGATHERING

When:January 9

Time:6:30-8:30 p.m.

Location: The Zone

A light dinner will be served.

Register at irvingbible.org/connect.

Questions?Contact Sherri Sharp at

[email protected] or (972) 5604614.

ONCEUPONATIME

INTHEOLDWEST

Family Promise of Irving Gala

Join IBC partner Family Promise of Irving for

Once Upon a Time In The Old West, a whimsi-

cal evening of fun, food and dancing dedicated

to empowering homeless families in the City

of Irving.

Where:Korean Central United Methodist ChurchWhen:February 15, 2014 at 6 p.m.Cost:$50 (Tables for 10 also available)

Questions? Contact Tricia Kinsman at tkinsman@

irvingbible.org. To purchase tickets, call Athena

at 972-313-1500 or visit familypromise.org.


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Chatter |15

Mr. Small

Learns a Lesson

Did you ever have one of those moments

when you wished certain words had not

come out of your mouth? Does the state-ment: Your mouths writing checks that

your badonkadonk cant cash articulate

your attitude? Have you ever dared to take

Jason Foxs space in Idle Chatter? Or be-

come a Chatterback cover model?

Last January, during a creative meeting of

the Chatterstaff, I pitched a simple idea.

Hey, why dont you give me a chance to

write in Idle Chatter. And while youre at it, let me have the back cover.

I should have immediately realized my foolish request by the beads of sweat that

formed on most of the staff s brows. As soon as I made my request, the lights flick-

ered as if an alien attack was imminent. I heard the low hum of a security camera

and looked up to see it focusing on my face. People started to cough, or drink from

their coffee cups, or feign a text coming through on their phone. No one would look

me in the eyes.

I started to laugh at their nervousness, stood up and proclaimed (in a heavily

mocking pseudo-British accent),

WHO IS THIS JASON FOX AND WHY DO WE CARE WHAT HE WRITES!

ITS TIME FOR A NEW VOICE!

Three things immediately happened. One of the (unnamed) female staff fainted.

One of the (unnamed) male staff members wet himself. And a red phone in the

corner of the office, just like the phone on Get Smart, rang. No one moved. The

phone continued to ring with a tinny rattle that set my nerves on end.

You better get that, said Julie Rhodes, still refusing to look at me in the eye.

I slowly got up and walked to the phone. Was the ringing getting louder and

harsher? I picked up the receiver like I was a snake handler prepared for a bite.

Hello?

Mr. Small. The voice sounded like Agent Smith from The Matrix with a slight

southern drawl. You seem to fancy yourself something of a writer and photog.

I remained silent. Whats a photog?

Perhaps it is time for you to take a shot at my page.

Was this the mysterious Jason Fox? By this point, the entire Chatterstaff had aban-

doned the room, leaving me alone with the disembodied voice of the famed writer.

I can tell that you have no idea the price to be paid for the opportunity of Idle Chat-ter and the back cover or the potential treasures that await you if you complete the

following tasks.

Finally able to speak, I replied, Id love a shot at the

FOOL! Since you are so brash, I give you only one year to earn the right to this

page. Instructions will be sent to your home. Follow them to the nth degree and you

might, just might, have the column for one month.

I stood for another minute with the phone up to my ear. Nothing but dial tone.

What had I done?

The next day I found a blood-red envelope on my porch.

Mr. Small,

Here are several tasks you must finish in . If you complete said tasks you

will have the glory of the Idle Chatter article for one month and the back page of

the Chatter magazine. I must be given photographic evidence as proof.

JF

P.S. If you do not complete all tasks, you will pay a dear price.

After hearing Mr. Foxs pseudo-Matrix-y voice, I took this threat seriously.

This was his list:

JanuaryFly to the Galapagos and do a self-sexy-model shoot.

FebruaryGo to Independence Hall, Philadelphia, and recite the Declaration of

Independence by heart to foreign tourists who dont understand English.

MarchGo to the Millennium Gate in Chicago (a lso known as the Bean) and

declare, OPRAH IS NOT THE ALL-IN-ALL!

AprilPose in front a giant Marilyn Monroe statue (which I found in Palm

Springs, CA). Then fly across country, jump the fence into the White House

Garden and plant a mustard seed.

MayGo to C.S. Lewis house in Oxford, England and search for the gate to

Narnia. Then visit Harry Potters home in London and search for Diagon Alley.

JuneBreak Bad in Albuquerque by throwing a pizza on Walter Whites garage.

JulyTravel to the tiniest European nation (Malta) then pray for the Chatter

staff at the Vatican. Make sure to tell Pope Francis the Fox-Man says howdy.

AugustClimb Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. Then run down bare-

foot and blindfolded. (I thought this was excessive.)

SeptemberGo to the Isle of Man, UK and learn to say, I love Chatter in Manx.

Shynney ihaim dy loayrt er son loayrt.

OctoberFind one of the three dirtiest tourist attractions in the world and lick it.

The Gum Wall, Seattle was my choice.

Novembertravel to the French Polynesian Islands to celebrate years of marriage.

As came to an end, I achieved Jasons challenge. But to what end? I traveled

, miles this year, risking life and limb to take over a column for one month.

Was it worth it? Absolutely! Would I do it again? Never! From now on I will leave

Idle Chatter to the mysterious Mr. Fox. And I will avoid answering red phones at

all costs.

See the back cover of this issue for photographic evidence

Shawn Smallis very scared of Jason Fox now...

Shawn Small is an avid adventurer, author, pilgrim, husband, and father of three. He is the founder of

Wonder Voyage Missions and Boundless Expeditions. You can catch more of Shawns mental gymnastics

at ShawnSmallStories.com.

Jason Fox, who usually writes this column, is a writer and advertising enthusiast formerly based in Dallas

but now throwing snow in Omaha. The one in Nebraska.

The Matrix was shot in Australia.

Another reason to love Australia.#seePage8

Idle Chatter gives new

meaning to the question,What does the Fox say?

Galapagos is the 87th most impossible

word in the English language to spell, rightafter exercise, vacuum, and chauffeur.

Wait. That ones French.


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Chatteryou CAN take it with you. Send us

your Chatterphotos on location, and you may

see yourself in an upcoming issue. Email us

at [email protected].

Shawn Small spent 2013 traveling the globe chasing

Idle Chatter fame with the fear of Mr. Fox in his heart.

Read the full story on page 15.

JANUARY

MARCH

MAY

SEPTEMBER

APRIL

JUNE

OCTOBER NOVEMBER NOVEMBER

APRIL

JULY

MAY

AUGUST

FEBRUARY

chatter, january 2014

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