(continued from yesterday...)
After take off, we rounded a corner and the sled slid out wide to the left going down into the ditch next to the path we were on. (Picture a water skier going out wide behind a ski boat). Unfortunately what none of us saw was the row of telephone poles lining the ditch as well. We were headed straight for a pole at 35 mph. Faces buried in the sled, eyes blinded by the snow, an imminent collision ahead.
The ski rope hit the telephone pole first and then jerked the sled up into the telephone pole. Nick's neck curled up into the toboggan sled and I struck the pole literally "head on" at an estimated 50 mph. The sled shattered and the two of us were thrown 20 feet beyond the pole. The guys came running up to us yelling and cheering until they saw me face down in a pool of blood.
One of my best friends, Taitem, who had been a lifeguard all summer the year before, reached me first and recognized what was happening. He stablized my neck and rolled me over all the while shouting, "Call 911!" Nick was moving around but was experiencing immense pain in his neck. After Taitem pulled my ski mask off of my face he couldn't figure out what the white powdery stuff was all over my mask. The powdery stuff was my 3 front teeth. They had been smashed into the back of my brother's head. and never mind the powdery stuff, I had a golf ball sized bump protruding from my left temple, and blood coming from my ears.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
16 years ago today my life changed forever. It's my personal life & death story. (Cliffhanger warning) Read part 1 here...
I woke up this morning with the same words that come out of my mouth first every January 7th. "I'm Alive." I'll never be able to forget what happened 16 years ago. January 7th, 1995.
It was a typical winter Saturday in Indiana. We had gotten about 4 inches of snow on the ground through the night, so my buddies and I decided to go toboggan sledding, like we had the year before. For those of you who know what toboggan sledding is, what we were talking about wasn't your typical toboggan sledding deal, with a track and an hourly waged employee helping you on and off the sled while instructing you to "keep your hands, and arms tucked inside at all times." No, we were going Extreme Toboggan sledding.
We drove to a campground about 30 minutes north of where we lived and would spend the day riding on a toboggan sled tied behind a pick up truck with a ski rope. We used couch cushions to make the ride less bumpy. When we arrived at the campground, my brother and I opened the trunk and started to pull out 2 snowmobile helmets we had from our childhood. At once, all of our friends began immediately mocking. "Did your mom make you bring those?" "The 1970's called, they want their helmets back." "What are you 8 years old?" So without another thought, we replied with a "Just kiddin'" and threw them back in the trunk.
Extreme sledding is quite an exhilarating thing to do on a Saturday in Indiana. It's got all the elements of fun 6 late teen and early 20 something guys look for. Speed, risk, adrenaline, and danger. What we didn't realize, or perhaps more accurately had chosen to overlook was just how much danger it had.
It was late in the day (around 4 pm) and it was my brother and I's turn to ride. Sled, cushions, Nick, and myself. Stacked up one on top of the other like a cold meat sandwich on hoagie bread. Nick's head was tucked up under the curl of the toboggan sled to shield his face from the massive amounts of snow flying toward us. My face was situationed facing down into the back of my brother's head, to shield my face from the snow. Little did we know that snow would be the least of our concerns in about 30 seconds.
It was a typical winter Saturday in Indiana. We had gotten about 4 inches of snow on the ground through the night, so my buddies and I decided to go toboggan sledding, like we had the year before. For those of you who know what toboggan sledding is, what we were talking about wasn't your typical toboggan sledding deal, with a track and an hourly waged employee helping you on and off the sled while instructing you to "keep your hands, and arms tucked inside at all times." No, we were going Extreme Toboggan sledding.
We drove to a campground about 30 minutes north of where we lived and would spend the day riding on a toboggan sled tied behind a pick up truck with a ski rope. We used couch cushions to make the ride less bumpy. When we arrived at the campground, my brother and I opened the trunk and started to pull out 2 snowmobile helmets we had from our childhood. At once, all of our friends began immediately mocking. "Did your mom make you bring those?" "The 1970's called, they want their helmets back." "What are you 8 years old?" So without another thought, we replied with a "Just kiddin'" and threw them back in the trunk.
Extreme sledding is quite an exhilarating thing to do on a Saturday in Indiana. It's got all the elements of fun 6 late teen and early 20 something guys look for. Speed, risk, adrenaline, and danger. What we didn't realize, or perhaps more accurately had chosen to overlook was just how much danger it had.
It was late in the day (around 4 pm) and it was my brother and I's turn to ride. Sled, cushions, Nick, and myself. Stacked up one on top of the other like a cold meat sandwich on hoagie bread. Nick's head was tucked up under the curl of the toboggan sled to shield his face from the massive amounts of snow flying toward us. My face was situationed facing down into the back of my brother's head, to shield my face from the snow. Little did we know that snow would be the least of our concerns in about 30 seconds.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
I got serious thoughts on the New Year. I'm believing for some big time stuff. And I'm making a huge declaration over this year...
As we move into 2011, I have to tell you, I'm really excited for a lot of reasons. I believe 2011 can be the greatest year we have ever experienced. For Next Level Church and for every single person reading this right now. (Listen to my New Year's Kickoff Message Here)
1. A Year of Expectation.
I have high expectations of God this year! My hopes are high on what He's going to do in us and through us in 2011. I'm believing for huge things! Miraculous things! Monumental things!
2. A Year of Transition.
This year will be a year of physical transition for us as a church as we take occupancy of our 1st Permanent Location later this Spring which is all kinds of exciting! The facility that is being constructed as I'm writing this is a tool for us to impact and reach more people for Christ than we ever could otherwise. We're gonna see lives changed, marriages healed, leaders trained, kids impacted & the next generation empowered in that facility.
(Click Here to see the latest pictures from Construction)
I believe that 2011 is going to be a year of transition for the region of SW FL as well. As one of the hardest hit economic regions in the country, we need a transition.
I'm believing this will be the year that our cities begin to recover.
3. A Year of Stories.
Finally, I am believing that 2011 will be a year of stories. I shared with our staff yesterday that when Jesus was challenged by a religious leader, he didn't retaliate with perfectly crafted arguments or statistics or facts or figures. Instead, he simply told a story. A story about a Good Samaritan.
When Jesus simply told a story, it broke the argument of the religious leader in half. Suddenly, all of the religious jargon was powerless in the face of a story. I am declaring 2011 to be The Year of the Story at Next Level Church. I am believing for thousands of stories this year of how God intervened and changed a life. How God showed up and did a miracle. How God appeared and brought clarity. How God came through for person after person.
I believe that stories are potentially the single most powerful tool we have at our discretion as leaders and believers. Let's start telling stories this year! Let's let 2011 be The Year of the Story!
I am believing God for 2011 to be 3 things:
1. A Year of Expectation.
I have high expectations of God this year! My hopes are high on what He's going to do in us and through us in 2011. I'm believing for huge things! Miraculous things! Monumental things!
2. A Year of Transition.
This year will be a year of physical transition for us as a church as we take occupancy of our 1st Permanent Location later this Spring which is all kinds of exciting! The facility that is being constructed as I'm writing this is a tool for us to impact and reach more people for Christ than we ever could otherwise. We're gonna see lives changed, marriages healed, leaders trained, kids impacted & the next generation empowered in that facility.
(Click Here to see the latest pictures from Construction)
I believe that 2011 is going to be a year of transition for the region of SW FL as well. As one of the hardest hit economic regions in the country, we need a transition.
I'm believing this will be the year that our cities begin to recover.
- That jobs begin to return.
- That foreclosures decline.
- That there is a "lift" across Southwest Florida like never before.
3. A Year of Stories.
Finally, I am believing that 2011 will be a year of stories. I shared with our staff yesterday that when Jesus was challenged by a religious leader, he didn't retaliate with perfectly crafted arguments or statistics or facts or figures. Instead, he simply told a story. A story about a Good Samaritan.
When Jesus simply told a story, it broke the argument of the religious leader in half. Suddenly, all of the religious jargon was powerless in the face of a story. I am declaring 2011 to be The Year of the Story at Next Level Church. I am believing for thousands of stories this year of how God intervened and changed a life. How God showed up and did a miracle. How God appeared and brought clarity. How God came through for person after person.
I believe that stories are potentially the single most powerful tool we have at our discretion as leaders and believers. Let's start telling stories this year! Let's let 2011 be The Year of the Story!
Monday, January 3, 2011
1st Monday Prayer & Fasting - January Edition
Here are a few things to pray through today:
1. The Construction of our 1st Permanent Facility. We need to pray that the crews will be able to stay on their timetables without a hitch. Pray for safety from injury and that they will sense and feel something different while the workers are on the job site.
2. The Launch of our new Series this Sunday! "So I want to be a better _____. This is how I do it!" Everyone wants to be "better" in some area of their life this year. Let's pray God changes people's lives over the next 4 weeks.
3. The January Semester of Connection Groups is just2 weeks away and dozens of people are stepping up and leading! Let's pray that hundreds of people will take the next step of connection and relationship in the new year.
4. Girls Night Out & Guys' Wing Night - Pray that men & women will find friendship, and be inspired to go deeper in their relationships this year.
5. Our Pastors & Church Planters Nationwide. We are blessed to have the privilege of training dozens of pastors and churches across the country on how to do ministry more effectively. Specifically pray for:
- Dan & Stephanie Stauffer - Roxbury, NJ. - Pray that God will lead them to the exact right location for their church.
- Shane & Rachel Frasier - Lebanon, IN.They are moving from a movie theater to a YMCA in 2 weeks! Let's pray God's blessing & provision on their move.
- Josh & Tiffany Cossey - Oklahoma City, OK. - They are scheduled to launch their church in less than 4 weeks! Pray for God's blessing and provision and peace in this crazy but amazing time.
- Christ for India - training pastors & planting churches in India
- Mark Pyles - Planting churches in the Dominican Republic
- Kelly & Kathy Johnson - Training pastors like crazy in Kenya
Thanks everyone for praying today,
Pastor Matt Keller
Monday, December 20, 2010
A New Year's Challenge for Your Leadership Growth. I dare you to...
Hey leaders, I got one for ya. I challenge every leader reading this right now to take this personal growth challenge in 2011. I call it a "Thinker Saturation."
Here's what it is:
When you find an author, leader or communicator that you admire in some area (finance, leadership, marketing, team-building, etc.) make a decision to "saturate" yourself in how they think for 3 months.
For an entire quarter of your year, dunk yourself in everything that leader writes, says, blogs, records, or tweets.
This information is so easily available on the internet and costs next to nothing to acquire.
Over time, you'll start to pick up on themes in how they think, how they make decisions, etc. You'll also pick up themes of how you listen to them.
A Real-Time Illustration:
I did this recently with Author and Thought-Leader, Seth Godin. (SethGodin.com) For several years now, I've really admired the thoughts & writings of Seth Godin. Seth is what I consider to be the premiere mind in the marketing world today. Brilliant.
So, for 3 months, I decided to saturate myself in how Seth thinks. I did a google search for "Free Seth Godin Audio" and then spent an hour downloading every podcast and interview I could find, putting them in a file on my iTunes that sync's to my iPod.
Then, for the next 90 days, whenever I would work out, or was in the car, I listened to those audios. I'll end up listening to each one 2 or 3 times. Sure, it is redundant, but repetition is a phenomenal teacher.
In addition to listening to Seth, I subscribed to his blog and read or re-read several of his key books. After 90 days, here's what I learned:
1. How Seth processes information for decision making.
2. How Seth sees ideas everywhere.
3. Seth Godin is Courageous. The main reason I love Seth Godin is because he is courageous. He breaks all the rules & succeeds at it very well! I need more influencers in my life who do that!
Now It's Your Turn:
So, here's the challenge... pick 4 thought-leaders and saturate yourself in each one for 90 days next year. I'll even give you the homework for the first one (if you want to use Seth Godin) click here. That's all the audios I downloaded in an hour.
Imagine what your personal leadership growth could look like a year from today if you saturated yourself in 4 premiere thought leaders this year.
I dare you to take the challenge. It could be the most valuable decision you make this year.
Here's what it is:
When you find an author, leader or communicator that you admire in some area (finance, leadership, marketing, team-building, etc.) make a decision to "saturate" yourself in how they think for 3 months.
For an entire quarter of your year, dunk yourself in everything that leader writes, says, blogs, records, or tweets.
This information is so easily available on the internet and costs next to nothing to acquire.
Over time, you'll start to pick up on themes in how they think, how they make decisions, etc. You'll also pick up themes of how you listen to them.
A Real-Time Illustration:
I did this recently with Author and Thought-Leader, Seth Godin. (SethGodin.com) For several years now, I've really admired the thoughts & writings of Seth Godin. Seth is what I consider to be the premiere mind in the marketing world today. Brilliant.
So, for 3 months, I decided to saturate myself in how Seth thinks. I did a google search for "Free Seth Godin Audio" and then spent an hour downloading every podcast and interview I could find, putting them in a file on my iTunes that sync's to my iPod.
Then, for the next 90 days, whenever I would work out, or was in the car, I listened to those audios. I'll end up listening to each one 2 or 3 times. Sure, it is redundant, but repetition is a phenomenal teacher.
In addition to listening to Seth, I subscribed to his blog and read or re-read several of his key books. After 90 days, here's what I learned:
1. How Seth processes information for decision making.
2. How Seth sees ideas everywhere.
3. Seth Godin is Courageous. The main reason I love Seth Godin is because he is courageous. He breaks all the rules & succeeds at it very well! I need more influencers in my life who do that!
Now It's Your Turn:
So, here's the challenge... pick 4 thought-leaders and saturate yourself in each one for 90 days next year. I'll even give you the homework for the first one (if you want to use Seth Godin) click here. That's all the audios I downloaded in an hour.
Imagine what your personal leadership growth could look like a year from today if you saturated yourself in 4 premiere thought leaders this year.
I dare you to take the challenge. It could be the most valuable decision you make this year.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Yes, I Practice My Messages on Thursdays. Here's why...
After a little comment I made in a Twitter Post last week, I have had many of you ask me about more detail on what a "Practice" looks like for me in preparation for Sunday. To read an article I wrote on what I call "The Monster of Sunday" click here. But to supplement that...
Here are a few high points:
1. I Practice on Thursday Mornings By nature, I'm a morning person so I try to practice my messages in the mornings. And I practice on Thursdays because Fridays are my day off. So, I want to head into my day off feeling like I have a handle on my message for Sunday. As a rule, do what makes you feel strong when you feel the strongest as you head for your weekend.
2. Practicing is horribly awkward. People will often ask me, "Doesn't feel weird to just preach to yourself?" And the answer is a resounding, "YES!" But just because something is uncomfortable doesn't mean it's not good for you. (Like exercise...) I had to work hard to get over myself so I could take advantage of all the benefits that practicing my message affords.
3. It's two of the most uninspiring hours of my week. There's seldom a practice that I don't feel uninspired. Nothing within me wants to expend the kind of emotional energy it takes to practice my message the way I need to in order to be prepared for the weekend. But I do it. Because it's right and I'm always glad I did on Sundays.
4. I inevitably think of 1,000 other things I "should" be doing. Practicing my message on Thursday mornings isn't a result of everything else on my to-do list being scratched off. Quite the contrary, there's always a list of things that I need to be doing. But in the midst of all the things I could be doing, I'm the only one who can be prepared for Sunday's talk. That's the most important thing only I can do.
5. I subscribe to the "sweat in preparation or bleed in battle" theory. I can't tell you how many times I wish I had a do-over. Because I know that what I put out there could have been so much better if I would have sweat a little more in practice. While traveling one weekend recently, Sarah called to see how my message had went that morning at church. Hearing her question, I paused and then responded, "I got out of it, what I put into it." Sweat in preparation or bleed in battle. The choice is ours.
6. When I practice, I hear and see things that I never would otherwise. One of the biggest reasons I practice is to hear myself say things out loud. I can write something in my notes and think it sounds good, but then when I say it out loud in the context of everything else I'm trying to say, I realize it doesn't fit. I wish it weren't true, but there are just some things you'll never catch until you say them out loud.
7. I practice alone. Some of my friends practice in front of an audience. I don't do that. I'm not opposed to it. I will use others in the writing process, but then when it comes to week of practice, I feel like I need to just be left alone to do my thing. Kind of an "artist and his canvas" thing, I guess. There's no right or wrong to it. In fact, I use several voices to tweak my message between services on Sundays. But for the next reason I'm about to share, I need Thursday's to be me alone.
8. I'm locking my notes into my memory and memorizing the PPT. I must confess that I have a photographic memory which I have come to realize is a huge plus when it comes to speaking publicly as much as I do. (150-200 times/year) But it doesn't come easy. I have to actively and aggressively engage my notes in order to "lock them in." That's what Thursday's are for me. A necessity to lock in the notes to memory. Many Thursdays, I am as emotionally spent after I practice as I am on Sundays. It's hard work that on the surface doesn't look very productive.
9. I never regret it. I can't ever think of a time where I've gotten to the end of a Sunday and thought, "You know, I wish I hadn't practiced this week..." By far, it's one of the hardest things I have to work myself up to do, but I am never sorry I did it. Just the opposite, I can't tell you how many times I've blown off a Thursday practice and gotten to Sunday and been disappointed.
There you have it. A few points of clarity for my weekly discipline of practicing my messages. Feel free to comment. I would love to hear what has worked for you. Weigh in on your thoughts, experiences, and helpful tips!
Matt
Here are a few high points:
1. I Practice on Thursday Mornings By nature, I'm a morning person so I try to practice my messages in the mornings. And I practice on Thursdays because Fridays are my day off. So, I want to head into my day off feeling like I have a handle on my message for Sunday. As a rule, do what makes you feel strong when you feel the strongest as you head for your weekend.
2. Practicing is horribly awkward. People will often ask me, "Doesn't feel weird to just preach to yourself?" And the answer is a resounding, "YES!" But just because something is uncomfortable doesn't mean it's not good for you. (Like exercise...) I had to work hard to get over myself so I could take advantage of all the benefits that practicing my message affords.
3. It's two of the most uninspiring hours of my week. There's seldom a practice that I don't feel uninspired. Nothing within me wants to expend the kind of emotional energy it takes to practice my message the way I need to in order to be prepared for the weekend. But I do it. Because it's right and I'm always glad I did on Sundays.
4. I inevitably think of 1,000 other things I "should" be doing. Practicing my message on Thursday mornings isn't a result of everything else on my to-do list being scratched off. Quite the contrary, there's always a list of things that I need to be doing. But in the midst of all the things I could be doing, I'm the only one who can be prepared for Sunday's talk. That's the most important thing only I can do.
5. I subscribe to the "sweat in preparation or bleed in battle" theory. I can't tell you how many times I wish I had a do-over. Because I know that what I put out there could have been so much better if I would have sweat a little more in practice. While traveling one weekend recently, Sarah called to see how my message had went that morning at church. Hearing her question, I paused and then responded, "I got out of it, what I put into it." Sweat in preparation or bleed in battle. The choice is ours.
6. When I practice, I hear and see things that I never would otherwise. One of the biggest reasons I practice is to hear myself say things out loud. I can write something in my notes and think it sounds good, but then when I say it out loud in the context of everything else I'm trying to say, I realize it doesn't fit. I wish it weren't true, but there are just some things you'll never catch until you say them out loud.
7. I practice alone. Some of my friends practice in front of an audience. I don't do that. I'm not opposed to it. I will use others in the writing process, but then when it comes to week of practice, I feel like I need to just be left alone to do my thing. Kind of an "artist and his canvas" thing, I guess. There's no right or wrong to it. In fact, I use several voices to tweak my message between services on Sundays. But for the next reason I'm about to share, I need Thursday's to be me alone.
8. I'm locking my notes into my memory and memorizing the PPT. I must confess that I have a photographic memory which I have come to realize is a huge plus when it comes to speaking publicly as much as I do. (150-200 times/year) But it doesn't come easy. I have to actively and aggressively engage my notes in order to "lock them in." That's what Thursday's are for me. A necessity to lock in the notes to memory. Many Thursdays, I am as emotionally spent after I practice as I am on Sundays. It's hard work that on the surface doesn't look very productive.
9. I never regret it. I can't ever think of a time where I've gotten to the end of a Sunday and thought, "You know, I wish I hadn't practiced this week..." By far, it's one of the hardest things I have to work myself up to do, but I am never sorry I did it. Just the opposite, I can't tell you how many times I've blown off a Thursday practice and gotten to Sunday and been disappointed.
There you have it. A few points of clarity for my weekly discipline of practicing my messages. Feel free to comment. I would love to hear what has worked for you. Weigh in on your thoughts, experiences, and helpful tips!
Matt
Monday, December 13, 2010
Thanks #HamptonInn for EXCELLENT Customer Service! How I was surprised by a "Remarkable" Experience that made my Christmas!
Last week, I flew to Indianapolis for a quick 2 day trip to be with my nephew, Joey, who is going through Radiation for a battle with cancer. He's 7 years old. (To read Joey's story, click here)
Anyway, I opted to stay the 3 nights at the Hampton Inn in Greenfield, IN. And as a bonus, I had enough points for all 3 nights to be free. So, I enjoyed my free breakfasts, warm cookies and free coffee available throughout my stay. I even ran on the treadmill one morning... Nice. All of those features are par for the course for a hotel like a Hampton Inn.
However, on my 2nd night, when I arrived back at my room after being with my nephew and my family all day, I found a green lollipop, a green Ande's mint, and this card on my bed.
In case you can't read it, the card says in hand-written ink: "Dear Guest: Merry Christmas -n- Happy New Year! Be safe in your travels. May you follow your heart always! May the spirit of the season soar in your heart forever! God Bless, Wanda."
Now, I don't know if Wanda had "official jurisdiction" to do what she did, but I'm telling you, it made my week! Wanda had no idea who I was or what I was going through or why I was even staying in her hotel, but she took it upon herself to make sure that I was touched in a personal way!
I'd be willing to bet that nobody at "headquarters" made her do that. And, I'd also be willing to bet that Wanda paid for all that out of her own pocket. AND, I bet Wanda doesn't make too much more than minimum wage.
So for her to do what she did, was a big sacrifice and a HUGE deal to me!!!
So thanks, Wanda, in Greenfield, IN. Thanks for brightening my day. Thanks for being remarkable. Thanks for taking extra special care of your guests. Thanks for understanding that every once in a while an uncle of a sick little 7 year old nephew is going to be staying in Room 405 and that uncle is going to need something to brighten up his emergency trip to Indiana.
Thanks Wanda for making Christmas a little brighter for me this year.
You made my day and my Christmas.
Matt Keller
Monday, December 6, 2010
1st Monday Prayer & Fasting Ideas to Pray For
Today is 1st Monday Prayer & Fasting at Next Level Church. Wherever you are, you can participate. All you do is pray, instead of eat! It's the simple. Turn the desire for food to God today. For more detail go to http://www.NextLevelChurch.com/fasting
Here are a few things to pray through today:
1. The Construction of our 1st Permanent Facility. We need to pray that the crews will be able to stay on their timetables without a hitch. Pray for safety from injury and that they will sense and feel something different while the workers are on the job site.
2. Our Year End Facility Offering. Next Sunday, December 12th, we are receiving our Year End Facility Offering. Pray that every person who calls NLC their home will turn down the noise of the world & turn up the voice of God this week. Let's believe that as each of us listen and obey, the need will be met!!!
3. Our Christmas Series launching This Sunday, December 12th called "Do You Hear?" Christmas is such a busy time of year, let's pray for people to be able to be still and hear the voice of God this Christmas. Pray that the people of NLC will not miss the One who is Christmas, because of all the chaos of Christmas.
4. The January Semester of Connection Groups is just around the corner and dozens of people are stepping up and leading! Let's pray that hundreds of people will take the next step of connection and relationship in the new year.
5. Our Pastors & Church Planters Nationwide. We are blessed to have the privilege of training dozens of pastors and churches across the country on how to do ministry more effectively. Specifically pray for:
6. Pray for our Missionaries as well. God has privileged us to be in partnership with missionaries making a difference around the world. Specifically:
Thanks everyone for praying today,
Pastor Matt Keller
Here are a few things to pray through today:
1. The Construction of our 1st Permanent Facility. We need to pray that the crews will be able to stay on their timetables without a hitch. Pray for safety from injury and that they will sense and feel something different while the workers are on the job site.
2. Our Year End Facility Offering. Next Sunday, December 12th, we are receiving our Year End Facility Offering. Pray that every person who calls NLC their home will turn down the noise of the world & turn up the voice of God this week. Let's believe that as each of us listen and obey, the need will be met!!!
3. Our Christmas Series launching This Sunday, December 12th called "Do You Hear?" Christmas is such a busy time of year, let's pray for people to be able to be still and hear the voice of God this Christmas. Pray that the people of NLC will not miss the One who is Christmas, because of all the chaos of Christmas.
4. The January Semester of Connection Groups is just around the corner and dozens of people are stepping up and leading! Let's pray that hundreds of people will take the next step of connection and relationship in the new year.
5. Our Pastors & Church Planters Nationwide. We are blessed to have the privilege of training dozens of pastors and churches across the country on how to do ministry more effectively. Specifically pray for:
- Dan & Stephanie Stauffer - Roxbury, NJ. - Pastor Mike Ash was just with them & they are taking ground in hard soil.
- Darian & Tyra Rains - Pryor, OK - Sarah & I had the privilege of being with them in late October and God has positioned them to impact Northeast Oklahoma in a big way.
- Paul & Andi Andrew - New York City, NY - They are scheduled to launch in 7 weeks! Let's pray for favor in the Big Apple!
6. Pray for our Missionaries as well. God has privileged us to be in partnership with missionaries making a difference around the world. Specifically:
- Christ for India - training pastors & planting churches in India
- Mark Pyles - Planting churches in the Dominican Republic
- Kelly & Kathy Johnson - Training pastors like crazy in Kenya
Thanks everyone for praying today,
Pastor Matt Keller
Friday, December 3, 2010
Leadership Development Thought #5
Here is the final thought for preparation for this weekend's message at Next Level Church.
At Next Level Church, we believe in Real-Time, On-the-field development of leaders. However, just giving leaders experiences to test and try their leadership is not enough. We're constantly coming behind leadership opportunities and dissecting them with our leaders. It's not enough to just go through something. The key is to maximize learning from whatever it is you just went through.
If we can get maximum learning from any given experience, before, during and after, that's what we're looking for. We believe that's how leaders are developed effectively. We try and set leaders up before they lead, we walk with them while they're leading, and we debrief on the back end to get the most out of what they experienced.
Examining experience yields the most value when it comes to leadership development.
Thought #5:
The Best Teacher is NOT Experience alone, it's Examined Experience.
At Next Level Church, we believe in Real-Time, On-the-field development of leaders. However, just giving leaders experiences to test and try their leadership is not enough. We're constantly coming behind leadership opportunities and dissecting them with our leaders. It's not enough to just go through something. The key is to maximize learning from whatever it is you just went through.
If we can get maximum learning from any given experience, before, during and after, that's what we're looking for. We believe that's how leaders are developed effectively. We try and set leaders up before they lead, we walk with them while they're leading, and we debrief on the back end to get the most out of what they experienced.
Examining experience yields the most value when it comes to leadership development.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
I Can't wait for this weekend at NLC! We're talking leadership baby...
In preparation for the final installment of our "Get Out" Series, where I'm going to be sharing something I've never shared about leadership at NLC before, I'm giving one thought each day about how I think about Leadership Development.
I believe Young Leaders, (but leaders in general too) are longing for a chance for someone to pass them the ball. They want to be trusted with a piece of the vision. At Next Level Church, we believe in On-the-field training and coaching in leadership. Now, I'm not saying that you just blindly give away the vision of your organization to a leader that is untested or unproven, but I do think there are areas all over the organizations we lead that can and should be entrusted to up and coming leaders.
Responsibility increases buy-in and ownership. It also creates real-time scenarios for leaders to seek counsel and wisdom, and hone their leadership skills in real time. One can only read so many books or learn so many theories before they actually need to be put in a game-time situation and forced to lead.
Leadership development through Responsibility is huge for me.
Thought #4:
I believe Leaders Grow Through Responsibility.
I believe Young Leaders, (but leaders in general too) are longing for a chance for someone to pass them the ball. They want to be trusted with a piece of the vision. At Next Level Church, we believe in On-the-field training and coaching in leadership. Now, I'm not saying that you just blindly give away the vision of your organization to a leader that is untested or unproven, but I do think there are areas all over the organizations we lead that can and should be entrusted to up and coming leaders.
Responsibility increases buy-in and ownership. It also creates real-time scenarios for leaders to seek counsel and wisdom, and hone their leadership skills in real time. One can only read so many books or learn so many theories before they actually need to be put in a game-time situation and forced to lead.
Leadership development through Responsibility is huge for me.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
I'm Saying Something this Weekend, I've never said before... Read More here...
This weekend, we're talking Leadership at Next Level Church. In preparation, I'm sharing one thought each day about how I think about Leadership Development.
When I can get another leader to see what I see in terms of our organization, then I multiply my leadership and effectiveness. However, here's what I'm not saying. I'm not saying that I think everybody needs to think like I think about everything because the way I think is the best or the only way to think about the vision of our church.
Whenever we teach leadership and vision to other churches or organizations around the country, we always say it this way: "It's not that I think about the vision best, it's just that I think about the vision and see it first." Biblically we believe in an "anointing flows down" philosophy. In other words, God puts the picture that an organization is called to paint on the canvas of their community in the heart and mind of one person first, and then it's his/her job to get everyone else in the organization to see that same picture.
As a result, when everyone is seeing & painting the same picture, the organization reaches maximum effectiveness. Therefore it's my job to constantly be helping other leaders around me see what I see, so they can paint the picture we're called to paint. I don't see it best, I just see it first.
Here's Thought #3:
Teaching People how I think about Leadership and our Organization is how I grow Leaders.
When I can get another leader to see what I see in terms of our organization, then I multiply my leadership and effectiveness. However, here's what I'm not saying. I'm not saying that I think everybody needs to think like I think about everything because the way I think is the best or the only way to think about the vision of our church.
Whenever we teach leadership and vision to other churches or organizations around the country, we always say it this way: "It's not that I think about the vision best, it's just that I think about the vision and see it first." Biblically we believe in an "anointing flows down" philosophy. In other words, God puts the picture that an organization is called to paint on the canvas of their community in the heart and mind of one person first, and then it's his/her job to get everyone else in the organization to see that same picture.
As a result, when everyone is seeing & painting the same picture, the organization reaches maximum effectiveness. Therefore it's my job to constantly be helping other leaders around me see what I see, so they can paint the picture we're called to paint. I don't see it best, I just see it first.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
We're moving the Updates for Joey Keller to his Own Page!
Hey everybody,
Now that Joey is a bit more stable and we are actually able to get a handle on a more predictable and sustainable way to keep everyone updated, here's what we've done.
Thanks to Riley Hospital, we have created an Individualized website just for Joey. It's a great site where so many of us can interact on a regular basis. I (Matt, Joey's Uncle) will still be moderating it and writing the updates for the time being, but this will give us the ability to interact and keep up with Joey's progress more thoroughly. You can even subscribe through e-mail or text.
All of the original posts have been uploaded there in an effort to keep a complete timeline and history from the beginning of Joey's Journey.
You'll still be able to comment, etc. on the updates and eventually this will give Nick and Elizabeth a place to update personally if they choose to in the future. As I mentioned before, for the foreseeable future, I'll still be driving the updates each day.
The web address for Joey's updates is:
http://www.CaringBridge.org/visit/JoeyKeller
Please spread the word to everyone who has been faithfully tracking and praying over this situation from the beginning.
I will have the link to Joey's page on my blog as well, just in case people show up there in the meantime.
Thanks everyone,
Matt Keller
Now that Joey is a bit more stable and we are actually able to get a handle on a more predictable and sustainable way to keep everyone updated, here's what we've done.
Thanks to Riley Hospital, we have created an Individualized website just for Joey. It's a great site where so many of us can interact on a regular basis. I (Matt, Joey's Uncle) will still be moderating it and writing the updates for the time being, but this will give us the ability to interact and keep up with Joey's progress more thoroughly. You can even subscribe through e-mail or text.
All of the original posts have been uploaded there in an effort to keep a complete timeline and history from the beginning of Joey's Journey.
You'll still be able to comment, etc. on the updates and eventually this will give Nick and Elizabeth a place to update personally if they choose to in the future. As I mentioned before, for the foreseeable future, I'll still be driving the updates each day.
The web address for Joey's updates is:
http://www.CaringBridge.org/visit/JoeyKeller
Please spread the word to everyone who has been faithfully tracking and praying over this situation from the beginning.
I will have the link to Joey's page on my blog as well, just in case people show up there in the meantime.
Thanks everyone,
Matt Keller
My 2nd Thought on Developing Leaders
This coming weekend at NLC, I'm sharing some thoughts on leadership that I've never shared with our church before. In preparation for that, each day this week I'm sharing a quick thought on what I believe about leadership development.
There are alot of things that I could be doing everyday within our organization. But I learned a long time ago, that there are only a precious few things that I can do that will add the greatest amount of value to our organization. And one of those few things is: Growing Leaders. More than e-mail, or busy work, or so many of the daily & urgent things that fight for my attention, here's what I've learned: When I spend time developing a leader, I'm multiplying the effectiveness of our organization.
I make it my aim to help every leader in our organization reach their full potential for who God has created them to be. If I can do that then I believe 2 things happen:
1. Our Organization will become the best that it can be.
2. That Leader will become the best that they can be.
As I see it, it's a Win/Win! The Organization I'm called to lead wins, and the leaders within it win!
Here's Thought #2:
I Strongly believe that one of my Highest Priorities for our Organization is to grow the Leaders on our Team.
There are alot of things that I could be doing everyday within our organization. But I learned a long time ago, that there are only a precious few things that I can do that will add the greatest amount of value to our organization. And one of those few things is: Growing Leaders. More than e-mail, or busy work, or so many of the daily & urgent things that fight for my attention, here's what I've learned: When I spend time developing a leader, I'm multiplying the effectiveness of our organization.
I make it my aim to help every leader in our organization reach their full potential for who God has created them to be. If I can do that then I believe 2 things happen:
1. Our Organization will become the best that it can be.
2. That Leader will become the best that they can be.
As I see it, it's a Win/Win! The Organization I'm called to lead wins, and the leaders within it win!
Monday, November 29, 2010
8:30 Post-Surgery Update for Joey Keller - Monday, Nov. 29th, 2010
Hello everyone,
I just got off the phone with my mom (Jo) and she was excited to give me the evening update. Joey ended up going into surgery at 4:30 pm today and came out around 6:30. The surgery went well and the Doctors seem to be pleased. They have already done another Cat Scan tonight to check on the shunt and make sure everything is looking okay.
They hope to remove the catheter tomorrow, which would be a good thing. The plan is to continue Radiation on the spine as soon as possible in order to keep attacking the tumors on his spine as aggressively as possible.
At this point, they will not be starting Chemotherapy for a few weeks in order for his body to heal from the head wounds from the 2 surgeries. At this point Joey as 3 incisions that we need to believe to heal quickly; 2 on his head and 1 on his abdomen from today.
When the Doctors came in this evening they said that it looked like the surgeries both went very well and they were pleased with the way things looked during the surgery today. After one of the doctors thoroughly examined Joey tonight, I guess he turned to Nick and Elizabeth and said, "He looks really good!" This is great news everybody! We believe in the power of prayer! It's working! Let's keep praying!
The Goal for Tomorrow is to get him out of bed and moving to keep his muscles from atrophying and to get him to eat as many calories as he possibly can. We need to pray that Joey's appetite will come back and that he will regain his strength in his muscles.
Nick and Elizabeth stayed last night with Joey in the room which was a good thing for the 3 of them as a family unti to be together, especially before his surgery today.
Nick and Elizabeth continue to be so thankful for the tremendous outpouring of love from all of you through your comments, prayers and encouragements. They can definitely feel it.
We'll continue to keep all of you posted as to Joey's progress tomorrow.
Thank you for caring and carrying this with us,
Matt Keller
I just got off the phone with my mom (Jo) and she was excited to give me the evening update. Joey ended up going into surgery at 4:30 pm today and came out around 6:30. The surgery went well and the Doctors seem to be pleased. They have already done another Cat Scan tonight to check on the shunt and make sure everything is looking okay.
They hope to remove the catheter tomorrow, which would be a good thing. The plan is to continue Radiation on the spine as soon as possible in order to keep attacking the tumors on his spine as aggressively as possible.
At this point, they will not be starting Chemotherapy for a few weeks in order for his body to heal from the head wounds from the 2 surgeries. At this point Joey as 3 incisions that we need to believe to heal quickly; 2 on his head and 1 on his abdomen from today.
When the Doctors came in this evening they said that it looked like the surgeries both went very well and they were pleased with the way things looked during the surgery today. After one of the doctors thoroughly examined Joey tonight, I guess he turned to Nick and Elizabeth and said, "He looks really good!" This is great news everybody! We believe in the power of prayer! It's working! Let's keep praying!
The Goal for Tomorrow is to get him out of bed and moving to keep his muscles from atrophying and to get him to eat as many calories as he possibly can. We need to pray that Joey's appetite will come back and that he will regain his strength in his muscles.
Nick and Elizabeth stayed last night with Joey in the room which was a good thing for the 3 of them as a family unti to be together, especially before his surgery today.
Nick and Elizabeth continue to be so thankful for the tremendous outpouring of love from all of you through your comments, prayers and encouragements. They can definitely feel it.
We'll continue to keep all of you posted as to Joey's progress tomorrow.
Thank you for caring and carrying this with us,
Matt Keller
Noon Update for Joey Keller - Monday, Nov. 29th, 2010
Just talked to dad (Harold) and he said that Joey is going to be having surgery today at 2 pm to install the shunt from his brain to his stomach. This shunt will relieve the pressure that continues to be building up on Joey's brain and causing him so much discomfort.
The surgery is scheduled for 2 pm and should take a couple of hours.
Please be in prayer that God will give them precision and success as they place this tube in his body.
Thanks everybody,
Matt (Joey's Uncle)
The surgery is scheduled for 2 pm and should take a couple of hours.
Please be in prayer that God will give them precision and success as they place this tube in his body.
Thanks everybody,
Matt (Joey's Uncle)
How I Think about Leadership Development - Part 1
This coming Sunday, December 5th, we finish up our "Get Out" Series and I'm going to be sharing some thoughts on leadership that I've never shared with our church before. The truth is, I love teaching leadership, because I believe the strength of any organization, and particularly, the strength of the local church rests upon leadership.
Therefore, in preparation for this weekend, I want to publish 5 thoughts on How I think about Leadership Development at Next Level Church.
Here is the 1st One:
Therefore, in preparation for this weekend, I want to publish 5 thoughts on How I think about Leadership Development at Next Level Church.
Here is the 1st One:
Thought #1:
I have a Responsibility to Assemble and Build the Best Team I possibly can for this Organization.
The potential and future of our church rests upon the shoulders of the leaders we assemble. There's not a day that goes by, that I'm not keenly aware of that fact. That's why I spend so much of my time learning and growing my own leadership, and stretching and growing the leaders within our organization.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Evening Update for Joey Keller - Sunday Night - 6:30 pm - Nov. 28th, 2010
Hello everybody,
Just talked to my dad (Harold) about the latest on Joey. Joey was eating more today and was generally more hungry than he's been which is a very good thing. Dad said that his color is better and he just seemed a bit more sharp. All good things.
They are still concerned about his legs and atrophy setting in. This is a matter of prayer for us.
The other big prayer concern is centered around the drainage of his brain fluid. Right now they have a shunt in which has been draining the fluid. The long term goal is that the body can absorb this fluid on it's own, which as I understand it, it is not doing or not doing well. The lack of draining is creating the pressure that is giving Joey the headaches and causing him the most pain.
Tomorrow Joey will undergo a Cat Scan for the doctors to make a final decision about the drainage issue. After the Cat Scan, they may need to take Joey into surgery at 2 pm to install a permanent shunt that will drain the excess fluid into his stomach. This could be a long-term answer for the pressure. This surgery would be a 2 hour surgery. We need to pray for wisdom for the Doctors tomorrow morning as they read the results. Pray for peace and wisdom for Nick, Elizabeth and Joey concerning the decision that is best for Joey.
The final big update & announcement is that
Joey is NOT going to be able to see ANY VISITORS for the next few days. Everyone who is local and desiring to visit needs to forgo visiting until further notice.
Please understand that this is nothing personal. Thank you for helping us with this request for the next few days. We will let you know when visitors will be invited again as soon as we know.
Tomorrow is a huge day and we need to pray over this brain fluid issue. Thank you for standing with our family.
Pray for Nick and Elizabeth and strength and peace.
Thank you, all of you,
Matt Keller
Just talked to my dad (Harold) about the latest on Joey. Joey was eating more today and was generally more hungry than he's been which is a very good thing. Dad said that his color is better and he just seemed a bit more sharp. All good things.
They are still concerned about his legs and atrophy setting in. This is a matter of prayer for us.
The other big prayer concern is centered around the drainage of his brain fluid. Right now they have a shunt in which has been draining the fluid. The long term goal is that the body can absorb this fluid on it's own, which as I understand it, it is not doing or not doing well. The lack of draining is creating the pressure that is giving Joey the headaches and causing him the most pain.
Tomorrow Joey will undergo a Cat Scan for the doctors to make a final decision about the drainage issue. After the Cat Scan, they may need to take Joey into surgery at 2 pm to install a permanent shunt that will drain the excess fluid into his stomach. This could be a long-term answer for the pressure. This surgery would be a 2 hour surgery. We need to pray for wisdom for the Doctors tomorrow morning as they read the results. Pray for peace and wisdom for Nick, Elizabeth and Joey concerning the decision that is best for Joey.
The final big update & announcement is that
Joey is NOT going to be able to see ANY VISITORS for the next few days. Everyone who is local and desiring to visit needs to forgo visiting until further notice.
Please understand that this is nothing personal. Thank you for helping us with this request for the next few days. We will let you know when visitors will be invited again as soon as we know.
Tomorrow is a huge day and we need to pray over this brain fluid issue. Thank you for standing with our family.
Pray for Nick and Elizabeth and strength and peace.
Thank you, all of you,
Matt Keller
Saturday, November 27, 2010
10 PM Update for Joey Keller - Saturday Night, November 27th, 2010
I spoke with Nick for about 25 minutes tonight. He and Elizabeth are really tired, but all in all, are managing the intensity of their new reality. They are staying again tonight at the Ronald McDonald House. Dad (Harold) is staying with Joey in the room.
Joey ate alot today, relatively speaking. The hospital is pushing hard a heavy protein diet in preparation for Chemotherapy in the future.
Nick wanted to communicate that we need to keep praying for the pain in Joey's head area. That's really where he's feeling it the most.
Joey did his first round of Physical Therapy today, which he didn't want to do. It wasn't too awfully painful as Nick told it, but it was just cumbersome and overwhelming for a 7 year old who just had major surgery and has had daily doses of radiation for the last 5 days.
A bit of Very Good News today: Joey was able to stand on his right leg which the doctor later said was a very positive thing based on his condition when he entered the hospital a few days ago. Nick has to do physical therapy exercises with Joey during their time together each day, just to keep exercising and working out the muscles in his legs especially, but throughout his body as well.
When Joey is awake, Nick said he is wanting to play legos in a big way. In fact, one of Joey's friends brought him a new lego set today, which got Joey extremely excited.
As we head into Sunday, let's continue to pray for Nick and Elizabeth and strength for their weariness. Continue to pray for Joey's legs and organs. Pray for the tumors on his spine to shrink. And let's continue to pray that the brain fluid drains off the brain like it is supposed to.
Thanks everybody for covering Joey and the family in prayer. You have no idea how encouraging it is to Nick and Elizabeth to know that so many hundreds of you are standing with them in prayer and support.
God bless you,
Matt Keller
Joey ate alot today, relatively speaking. The hospital is pushing hard a heavy protein diet in preparation for Chemotherapy in the future.
Nick wanted to communicate that we need to keep praying for the pain in Joey's head area. That's really where he's feeling it the most.
Joey did his first round of Physical Therapy today, which he didn't want to do. It wasn't too awfully painful as Nick told it, but it was just cumbersome and overwhelming for a 7 year old who just had major surgery and has had daily doses of radiation for the last 5 days.
A bit of Very Good News today: Joey was able to stand on his right leg which the doctor later said was a very positive thing based on his condition when he entered the hospital a few days ago. Nick has to do physical therapy exercises with Joey during their time together each day, just to keep exercising and working out the muscles in his legs especially, but throughout his body as well.
When Joey is awake, Nick said he is wanting to play legos in a big way. In fact, one of Joey's friends brought him a new lego set today, which got Joey extremely excited.
As we head into Sunday, let's continue to pray for Nick and Elizabeth and strength for their weariness. Continue to pray for Joey's legs and organs. Pray for the tumors on his spine to shrink. And let's continue to pray that the brain fluid drains off the brain like it is supposed to.
Thanks everybody for covering Joey and the family in prayer. You have no idea how encouraging it is to Nick and Elizabeth to know that so many hundreds of you are standing with them in prayer and support.
God bless you,
Matt Keller
Noon Update for Joey Keller - Saturday, November 27th, 2010
I heard from dad (Harold) about the update for Joey. He (Harold) stayed in the room last night with Joey and they came in and ran tests at Midnight and 5 am.
Joey was complaining about pain in his legs, so they removed the IV's that were in his legs. So now he only has 1 IV in his arm for Medications and Emergencies which is a good sign.
All Liquids and Nourishment are happening orally now, which is a good sign.
They removed the bandages and head band today. Joey still has the drainage tube in, and they are concerned about the spinal fluid not draining right and not enough. This is a matter of prayer now.
Also, his right leg is still swollen and they are wanting him to keep moving it and exercising it. This is the leg that was giving Joey trouble when they arrived at the hospital last Sunday night. So this too is a matter of prayer.
They are not doing any radiation today or tomorrow to give Joey a break until Monday.
They are wanting Joey to eat as many calories as he possibly can with food, milkshakes and other high calorie items in an effort to add as much as they can before Chemotherapy.
Nick and Elizabeth are really tired right now. We need to pray for supernatural strength for them right now. They are obviously exhausted and need our prayer.
So to recap, we need to pray for 3 things:
1. For Joey's legs.
2. For the drainage issue in the brain fluid.
3. For Nick and Elizabeth for supernatural strength.
Thanks everyone for praying,
Matt
Joey was complaining about pain in his legs, so they removed the IV's that were in his legs. So now he only has 1 IV in his arm for Medications and Emergencies which is a good sign.
All Liquids and Nourishment are happening orally now, which is a good sign.
They removed the bandages and head band today. Joey still has the drainage tube in, and they are concerned about the spinal fluid not draining right and not enough. This is a matter of prayer now.
Also, his right leg is still swollen and they are wanting him to keep moving it and exercising it. This is the leg that was giving Joey trouble when they arrived at the hospital last Sunday night. So this too is a matter of prayer.
They are not doing any radiation today or tomorrow to give Joey a break until Monday.
They are wanting Joey to eat as many calories as he possibly can with food, milkshakes and other high calorie items in an effort to add as much as they can before Chemotherapy.
Nick and Elizabeth are really tired right now. We need to pray for supernatural strength for them right now. They are obviously exhausted and need our prayer.
So to recap, we need to pray for 3 things:
1. For Joey's legs.
2. For the drainage issue in the brain fluid.
3. For Nick and Elizabeth for supernatural strength.
Thanks everyone for praying,
Matt
Friday, November 26, 2010
7:30 pm Update for Joey Keller - Friday, Nov. 26th, 2010
Good news! Joey is out of the ICU which is absolutely huge! They have moved him to the heart center, not the cancer center at this point, because of the Neurological Aspects of his surgery. This will give them the ability to monitor closely all aspects of his case Neurologically.
They are in a private room now that dad (Harold) describes as "Huge." So everyone can be in the room at once. There is a private bed for whomever stays with Joey at night, & it even has a private shower. Dad couldn't say enough about how magnificent and first class everything at Riley Hospital has been! Kudo's to Riley!!!
Today was a slower day with the holiday weekend, other than his daily radiation treatment which he will have again tomorrow morning.
Dad and Nick were able to go out to Nick's house to shower and disconnect for a few minutes, as I understand it, this afternoon.
They are expecting to hear more from the Doctors when they come in tomorrow morning.
Until then, many thanks for praying and believing with us for healing of this cancer.
God bless all of you tonight,
Matt Keller
They are in a private room now that dad (Harold) describes as "Huge." So everyone can be in the room at once. There is a private bed for whomever stays with Joey at night, & it even has a private shower. Dad couldn't say enough about how magnificent and first class everything at Riley Hospital has been! Kudo's to Riley!!!
Today was a slower day with the holiday weekend, other than his daily radiation treatment which he will have again tomorrow morning.
Dad and Nick were able to go out to Nick's house to shower and disconnect for a few minutes, as I understand it, this afternoon.
They are expecting to hear more from the Doctors when they come in tomorrow morning.
Until then, many thanks for praying and believing with us for healing of this cancer.
God bless all of you tonight,
Matt Keller
Noon Update on Joey Keller - Friday, November 26th, 2010
Hey all,
Just got off the phone with dad (Harold) and he said Joey had a great night's sleep, only waking up when they came in to give him his medications at 2 am. Joey didn't need any pain medication all night until 7 am this morning.
It appears that the hospital is wanting Joey to start settling into a routine and begin Physical Therapy on his legs, and other body parts, just to keep things from atrophying.
When the doctor came in this morning and asked Joey about where the pain was, the only place he said was on the back on his head, which is a very good sign. He still has a bit of double vision, but they said it's much better than yesterday and are confident his vision will come back completely soon.
Joey had another round of Radiation this morning at 10 am. They are attacking these tumors on his spine aggressively. We need to continue to pray that they shrink.
Joey's strength is returning. He was able to hold his own glass while drinking his juice this morning. They are also allowing him to move to a full menu for eating today, suplemented by a special boost drink in between meals to further nourish his body.
Finally, they have said that it's time to start stimulating him again, to get his brain working. He's even allowed to watch TV now!
Some of Joey's friends from his homeschool group are coming up to see him now which is good for his spirit and for the stimulation.
As for Nick and Elizabeth, they stayed again at the Ronald McDonald House last night and are able to rest well there. Dad (Harold) stayed in Joey's room.
All in all, it's good to hear all of them settling into a routine. This is amazing forward progress. Thanks to all for your continued prayer and support of Nick and Elizabeth during this time.
God bless you all,
Matt Keller (Nick's brother & Joey's Uncle!!!)
Just got off the phone with dad (Harold) and he said Joey had a great night's sleep, only waking up when they came in to give him his medications at 2 am. Joey didn't need any pain medication all night until 7 am this morning.
It appears that the hospital is wanting Joey to start settling into a routine and begin Physical Therapy on his legs, and other body parts, just to keep things from atrophying.
When the doctor came in this morning and asked Joey about where the pain was, the only place he said was on the back on his head, which is a very good sign. He still has a bit of double vision, but they said it's much better than yesterday and are confident his vision will come back completely soon.
Joey had another round of Radiation this morning at 10 am. They are attacking these tumors on his spine aggressively. We need to continue to pray that they shrink.
Joey's strength is returning. He was able to hold his own glass while drinking his juice this morning. They are also allowing him to move to a full menu for eating today, suplemented by a special boost drink in between meals to further nourish his body.
Finally, they have said that it's time to start stimulating him again, to get his brain working. He's even allowed to watch TV now!
Some of Joey's friends from his homeschool group are coming up to see him now which is good for his spirit and for the stimulation.
As for Nick and Elizabeth, they stayed again at the Ronald McDonald House last night and are able to rest well there. Dad (Harold) stayed in Joey's room.
All in all, it's good to hear all of them settling into a routine. This is amazing forward progress. Thanks to all for your continued prayer and support of Nick and Elizabeth during this time.
God bless you all,
Matt Keller (Nick's brother & Joey's Uncle!!!)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
9:30 PM Update for Joey Keller - Thanksgiving Night, Nov. 25th, 2010
Hey everyone,
I just got off the phone with Nick. You can definitely feel their spirits lifting. They certainly are aware that this is a long battle, and obviously are not out of the woods by a long shot, but all in all they are positive. Nick uploaded a few pictures, but is extremely limited in his ability to get and be online. He definitely wanted to communicate that the best way to stay in contact and updated is through this blog for now. I'm monitoring his Facebook for him at this point still, but the messages, comments, etc. are getting to them. He was blown away by all of your support, love and especially prayer.
We definitely know that it's prayer that is the big key now.
A few positives from today:
A few continuing concerns:
Once again, thanks for all of your kind words, comments, prayers, etc. They are so life-giving and powerful during this difficult season for our family. We hope everyone had a great thanksgiving. Thanks for taking time out of your world to get an update from ours.
Much love from the Kellers
I just got off the phone with Nick. You can definitely feel their spirits lifting. They certainly are aware that this is a long battle, and obviously are not out of the woods by a long shot, but all in all they are positive. Nick uploaded a few pictures, but is extremely limited in his ability to get and be online. He definitely wanted to communicate that the best way to stay in contact and updated is through this blog for now. I'm monitoring his Facebook for him at this point still, but the messages, comments, etc. are getting to them. He was blown away by all of your support, love and especially prayer.
We definitely know that it's prayer that is the big key now.
 | |
| Joey's One & Only smile after coming out of surgery. |
A few positives from today:
- Joey ate Lucky Charms twice and kept most of it down.
- A Breathing Therapist came in and gave Joey Applesauce to watch his swallowing and things are looking good.
- The Breathing Therapist also did some tests to monitor for Pneumonia, which at this point looks clear.
- At this point in the game, the radiation doesn't seem to be having any huge side effects that would bother him right now.
- All in all, today was a slower day and some people from church came by with Turkey and Pie which all the family indicated lifted everyone's spirits. Thanks!
 | |
| Nick said Joey sleeps a lot right now. |
A few continuing concerns:
- The biggest concern right now is his spinal cord. We have to believe for these tumors on his spine to shrink big time. They can effect things like bladder control as well as other organs in the body.
- His eyes aren't tracking too well which is frustrating him alot right now, but the medical professionals are saying this is normal and don't seem to be too concerned at this point.
- As for other details concerning treatment, everything continues to remain day to day.
 | |
| Nick feeding Joey Lucky Charms which is a good sign |
Much love from the Kellers
Noon Update on Joey Keller - Thursday, November 25th, Thanksgiving Day
I spoke with dad (Harold) a few minutes ago and he stayed with Joey last night in his room so Nick and Elizabeth could get a good night's sleep. They stayed at the Ronald McDonald House again and did indeed get a much needed good night's sleep. Dad made mention that the facilities at Riley Hospital are absolutely fantastic, by the way!!!
He said Joey had a good night and is still sleeping alot which is to be expected but when he is awake, he is alert and answering questions and talking a little bit, which is a good thing. He is doing well with moving his legs and making a fist, etc. When asked why he thinks he's in here, Joey said, "I'm here to get rid of the bad stuff in my body."
He had another radiation treatment this morning to continue to aggressively fight the m&m sized cancer spots on his spinal cord. This is huge because this is the cancer that can mess with other organs throughout his body.
They took a fluid sample from his brain today to test it. It is this fluid that passes the cancer down his spinal cord, so we need to pray that this fluid comes back clean.
Joey has been drinking fluids such as apple juice, etc. and when the nurse asked what flavor of juice he wanted Joey responded, "Surprise me." That's Joey isn't it!?! :) Dad actually called back to tell me that Joey just started to eat some Lucky Charms which is good news. We need to pray that they stay down.
They have not received any of the results from the MRI scan yesterday and dad thought they will likely start Chemo next week if his strength returns. At this point, the guess is that he will be moved from ICU to the Cancer Ward on Saturday or Sunday.
_____
Many of you have been asking about Thanksgiving arrangements. Nick and Elizabeth are welcome to have Thanksgiving dinner at 2 pm at the Ronald McDonald House. Dad said the cafeteria is serving Turkey all day and there is also a church in Indy that is bringing in Turkey dinner today as well.
All in all, it sounds like they are in good enough spirits and are beginning to settle into a new reality of the marathon that fighting this cancer is going to be.
We must keep praying that these tumors on Joey's spine will keep shrinking. That is huge right now.
Thanks everyone for praying and checking in.
We will begin trying to post twice a day. Once near the noon hour and once in the evening each day. Emphasis on try. But thanks for continuing to carry the burden with our family and lift them up in prayer. Your comments and messages are huge!
Matt Keller (Joey's Uncle)
He said Joey had a good night and is still sleeping alot which is to be expected but when he is awake, he is alert and answering questions and talking a little bit, which is a good thing. He is doing well with moving his legs and making a fist, etc. When asked why he thinks he's in here, Joey said, "I'm here to get rid of the bad stuff in my body."
He had another radiation treatment this morning to continue to aggressively fight the m&m sized cancer spots on his spinal cord. This is huge because this is the cancer that can mess with other organs throughout his body.
They took a fluid sample from his brain today to test it. It is this fluid that passes the cancer down his spinal cord, so we need to pray that this fluid comes back clean.
Joey has been drinking fluids such as apple juice, etc. and when the nurse asked what flavor of juice he wanted Joey responded, "Surprise me." That's Joey isn't it!?! :) Dad actually called back to tell me that Joey just started to eat some Lucky Charms which is good news. We need to pray that they stay down.
They have not received any of the results from the MRI scan yesterday and dad thought they will likely start Chemo next week if his strength returns. At this point, the guess is that he will be moved from ICU to the Cancer Ward on Saturday or Sunday.
_____
Many of you have been asking about Thanksgiving arrangements. Nick and Elizabeth are welcome to have Thanksgiving dinner at 2 pm at the Ronald McDonald House. Dad said the cafeteria is serving Turkey all day and there is also a church in Indy that is bringing in Turkey dinner today as well.
All in all, it sounds like they are in good enough spirits and are beginning to settle into a new reality of the marathon that fighting this cancer is going to be.
We must keep praying that these tumors on Joey's spine will keep shrinking. That is huge right now.
Thanks everyone for praying and checking in.
We will begin trying to post twice a day. Once near the noon hour and once in the evening each day. Emphasis on try. But thanks for continuing to carry the burden with our family and lift them up in prayer. Your comments and messages are huge!
Matt Keller (Joey's Uncle)
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Update on My Nephew, Joey (8 pm, Wed, Nov. 24, 2010)
After speaking with my Dad, here is the most recent update:
Joey's body is stable from the surgery on the brain tumor. His eyes are re-adjusting and tracking today, which is a good sign. He is still in the ICU and is receiving his nutrients through an IV and his pain is being managed. His legs are moving and it seems that his senses are functioning.
He had another MRI this afternoon, to see how the remaining parts of the tumor in his brain are doing and what the spinal cord looks like.
The largest concern continues to be the small tumors that are on the spinal cord. These tumors are in-operable, so they are treating them with radiation right now. He has had a radiation treatment every day since he was diagnosed (3 days straight). These tumors are the size of M & M's and are putting pressure on his spine and are affecting bodily functions (his bowels in particular).
This needs to be our biggest prayer: That the tumors on his spine would shrink and respond to the radiation quickly.
Joey will start chemotherapy when his body is strong enough to sustain the intensity of chemo. The doctor said that this kind of aggressive cancer has shown to respond well to chemotherapy. After a few more days in the ICU, he will be moved to the cancer ward to continue to fight this fight.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. There is a local church in Indianapolis who is bringing Thanksgiving dinners to the families who are in the hospital. I am thankful to God for his people who will be encouraging my family tomorrow, even though we cannot be there.
Thank you for praying.
Joey's body is stable from the surgery on the brain tumor. His eyes are re-adjusting and tracking today, which is a good sign. He is still in the ICU and is receiving his nutrients through an IV and his pain is being managed. His legs are moving and it seems that his senses are functioning.
He had another MRI this afternoon, to see how the remaining parts of the tumor in his brain are doing and what the spinal cord looks like.
The largest concern continues to be the small tumors that are on the spinal cord. These tumors are in-operable, so they are treating them with radiation right now. He has had a radiation treatment every day since he was diagnosed (3 days straight). These tumors are the size of M & M's and are putting pressure on his spine and are affecting bodily functions (his bowels in particular).
This needs to be our biggest prayer: That the tumors on his spine would shrink and respond to the radiation quickly.
Joey will start chemotherapy when his body is strong enough to sustain the intensity of chemo. The doctor said that this kind of aggressive cancer has shown to respond well to chemotherapy. After a few more days in the ICU, he will be moved to the cancer ward to continue to fight this fight.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. There is a local church in Indianapolis who is bringing Thanksgiving dinners to the families who are in the hospital. I am thankful to God for his people who will be encouraging my family tomorrow, even though we cannot be there.
Thank you for praying.
Yahoo Group set up for Joey Keller for support, meals, etc.
A friend of Nick and Elizabeth has set up a Yahoo Group so many of you in the Indy area can set up meals, offer assistance for the family etc.
If you want to join go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FORJOEY/
Thanks Heather Leary for doing this.
Matt Keller
If you want to join go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FORJOEY/
Thanks Heather Leary for doing this.
Matt Keller
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
10 PM Update for Joey Keller
Hey everyone,
I just talked to dad (Harold) and they were in the car headed back to Nick and Elizabeth's house for the night. He said Nick and Elizabeth are staying at the Ronald McDonald house tonight and will alternate one with Joey in the room and one at the Ronald McDonald House.
The surgeon came in at 9:30 pm tonight and said that Joey is doing well. He was resting well and sleeping which is good. He has 2 IV's and a Drainage Tube which is normal.
Tomorrow another MRI or Cat Scan is scheduled and Joey will probably have another round of Radiation. They will begin to get the plan for how they will proceed in the future tomorrow.
Clearly this is a long road ahead, but today was a big step! Thanks to all who have been praying. Literally hundreds and hundreds of you from across the US and around the world have commented on Facebook, Twitter, Here on the blog or other places as well. I know Nick and Elizabeth appreciate your support more than you'll know.
Continue to pray for them, this is the beginning of a long journey, but we know God is holding them in His hand.
Some of you have asked where to send notes or cards. Here's their home address:
Nick, Elizabeth and Joey Keller
5821 W. Boulder Creek Drive
New Palestine, IN 46163
My wife, Sarah, found a website on medulloblastoma. It will give you a bit more perspective on what Joey's fighting.
http://tiny.cc/7lf1j
We will update as we learn more tomorrow.
Thanks all for your love and care,
The Keller Family
I just talked to dad (Harold) and they were in the car headed back to Nick and Elizabeth's house for the night. He said Nick and Elizabeth are staying at the Ronald McDonald house tonight and will alternate one with Joey in the room and one at the Ronald McDonald House.
The surgeon came in at 9:30 pm tonight and said that Joey is doing well. He was resting well and sleeping which is good. He has 2 IV's and a Drainage Tube which is normal.
Tomorrow another MRI or Cat Scan is scheduled and Joey will probably have another round of Radiation. They will begin to get the plan for how they will proceed in the future tomorrow.
Clearly this is a long road ahead, but today was a big step! Thanks to all who have been praying. Literally hundreds and hundreds of you from across the US and around the world have commented on Facebook, Twitter, Here on the blog or other places as well. I know Nick and Elizabeth appreciate your support more than you'll know.
Continue to pray for them, this is the beginning of a long journey, but we know God is holding them in His hand.
Some of you have asked where to send notes or cards. Here's their home address:
Nick, Elizabeth and Joey Keller
5821 W. Boulder Creek Drive
New Palestine, IN 46163
My wife, Sarah, found a website on medulloblastoma. It will give you a bit more perspective on what Joey's fighting.
http://tiny.cc/7lf1j
We will update as we learn more tomorrow.
Thanks all for your love and care,
The Keller Family
5 PM Update on Joey Keller
I just got a message from Nick updating us on Joey.
After a long day of surgery, Nick said Joey made it through very well. They got 98% of the tumor on the brain. The Doctor felt really good about it, Nick said.
Joey's tumor is called a "Medulloblastoma" which is a rapidly growing form of cancer, but that type of cancer also responds very well to Chemotherapy so that too is a good sign.
Nick said that when Joey woke up, the nurses told him that he was alert and wanting to talk and even asked, "Is it over?" Which again, we're taking as a good sign.
All in all, Nick and Elizabeth are feeling good about it and in Nick's words, "I think we've got a statistical fighting chance on this one."
They are anxious to see Joey and be with him obviously and will report later tonight.
Thanks you all for praying. Let's keep praying for recovery and for the radiation treatments to keep working on the spinal cord.
Thanks,
Matt Keller
After a long day of surgery, Nick said Joey made it through very well. They got 98% of the tumor on the brain. The Doctor felt really good about it, Nick said.
Joey's tumor is called a "Medulloblastoma" which is a rapidly growing form of cancer, but that type of cancer also responds very well to Chemotherapy so that too is a good sign.
Nick said that when Joey woke up, the nurses told him that he was alert and wanting to talk and even asked, "Is it over?" Which again, we're taking as a good sign.
All in all, Nick and Elizabeth are feeling good about it and in Nick's words, "I think we've got a statistical fighting chance on this one."
They are anxious to see Joey and be with him obviously and will report later tonight.
Thanks you all for praying. Let's keep praying for recovery and for the radiation treatments to keep working on the spinal cord.
Thanks,
Matt Keller
3:30 pm Update on Joey Keller's Surgery
As many of you have been tracking throughout the last 36 hours, my 7 year old Nephew, Joey, in Indianapolis has been in surgery most of the day to remove a brain tumor on the base of his brain.
I just spoke with my dad (Harold) and he said that they are still closing up in the surgery and that, "They got most of it." And that the remainder will be treated with Radiation and Chemo. They never did have to do any blood transfusions which again, I think is good news.
I don't have a ton more to share. I know alot of friends from Nick and Elizabeth's church have been up most of the day which is helping, as well as mom and dad & Greg and Roberta Phillips (Elizabeth's parents).
Let's pray for a safe completion to the surgery. I'll update you when I have more information.
Thanks for praying,
Matt Keller
I just spoke with my dad (Harold) and he said that they are still closing up in the surgery and that, "They got most of it." And that the remainder will be treated with Radiation and Chemo. They never did have to do any blood transfusions which again, I think is good news.
I don't have a ton more to share. I know alot of friends from Nick and Elizabeth's church have been up most of the day which is helping, as well as mom and dad & Greg and Roberta Phillips (Elizabeth's parents).
Let's pray for a safe completion to the surgery. I'll update you when I have more information.
Thanks for praying,
Matt Keller
11:30 am Update for Joey Keller
Hey everyone,
I just got off the phone with my dad (Harold) and the latest on Joey is:
- The surgery is going well.
- They have removed the "specimen" or the mass and already sent it off to be analyzed to determine the type of cancer it is.
- There have no blood transfusions which is a good thing.
- All his vital signs are strong.
- & they are ahead of schedule.
All in all, dad seemed positive that this was a good report. The surgery probably has another couple of hours to go, so keep praying everybody.
I also talked personally to Nick a couple of hours ago and he just wanted me to communicate to all of you how much he can feel your support and appreciates your prayers for Joey and he and Elizabeth.
Keep praying,
Matt Keller (Joey's Uncle)
I just got off the phone with my dad (Harold) and the latest on Joey is:
- The surgery is going well.
- They have removed the "specimen" or the mass and already sent it off to be analyzed to determine the type of cancer it is.
- There have no blood transfusions which is a good thing.
- All his vital signs are strong.
- & they are ahead of schedule.
All in all, dad seemed positive that this was a good report. The surgery probably has another couple of hours to go, so keep praying everybody.
I also talked personally to Nick a couple of hours ago and he just wanted me to communicate to all of you how much he can feel your support and appreciates your prayers for Joey and he and Elizabeth.
Keep praying,
Matt Keller (Joey's Uncle)
Update on My Nephew, Joey (6 am, Tue, Nov. 23rd, 2010)
Here is the latest on my nephew Joey, as I understand it. The facts are as right as I know them to be at this moment. I'll keep updating throughout the day. Thanks for praying for him everybody.
For the last month or so, my 7 year old nephew, Joey, who lives in Indianapolis, has been having severe headaches & back aches, which has led to throwing up, weight loss, etc. Even after several trips to the Emergency Room, his condition continued to go down hill.
On Sunday night, November 21st, he took a turn for the worst and was taken to the ER yet again. After running a CAT Scan or MRI on his brain, they discovered that he has a tumor on his brain about 4 centimeters in diameter. They immediately took him to Riley Children's Hospital in downtown Indy where he could be treated.
Monday morning, after more complete testing, they discovered that in addition to the tumor, there were pieces speckled down his spine, so as I understand it, they began radiation last night because the pieces on the spine are inoperable.
The surgery for the brain tumor is scheduled for this morning, Tuesday, November 23rd, at 7:30 am Eastern Time. Please pray for God's healing & precision for the surgeons. Pray the tumor is contained and can be removed efficiently.
Pray for my brother, Nick & his wife Elizabeth during this time as well. They are surrounded by my parents, Elizabeth's parents and friends from their church in Indianapolis.
Again, these are the details as I have them, please have everyone you can be praying for this situation.
Feel free to forward this to anyone who will pray...
Thank you,
Matt Keller
For the last month or so, my 7 year old nephew, Joey, who lives in Indianapolis, has been having severe headaches & back aches, which has led to throwing up, weight loss, etc. Even after several trips to the Emergency Room, his condition continued to go down hill.
On Sunday night, November 21st, he took a turn for the worst and was taken to the ER yet again. After running a CAT Scan or MRI on his brain, they discovered that he has a tumor on his brain about 4 centimeters in diameter. They immediately took him to Riley Children's Hospital in downtown Indy where he could be treated.
Monday morning, after more complete testing, they discovered that in addition to the tumor, there were pieces speckled down his spine, so as I understand it, they began radiation last night because the pieces on the spine are inoperable.
The surgery for the brain tumor is scheduled for this morning, Tuesday, November 23rd, at 7:30 am Eastern Time. Please pray for God's healing & precision for the surgeons. Pray the tumor is contained and can be removed efficiently.
Pray for my brother, Nick & his wife Elizabeth during this time as well. They are surrounded by my parents, Elizabeth's parents and friends from their church in Indianapolis.
Again, these are the details as I have them, please have everyone you can be praying for this situation.
Feel free to forward this to anyone who will pray...
Thank you,
Matt Keller
