It's been a crazy ride around here lately! this past weekend was a nice visit with Heidi's sister and brother-in-law. I also officiated at three weddings in three days - fun but crazy.
Rick and I went to "heaven" to play golf on Monday. There's a course which requires quite a drive but is totally worth it. Great course. 24 bucks for 18 with a cart! It's in the hills, so the scenery is incredible. We go there a few times a year and can't stop smiling for days before and after...
Tuesday was my first full day back at work since Libby joined the family three weeks ago. I feel like I'm about to burst with ideas and thoughts on things I'm wanting to get done this coming ministry year. It was a great day back. My head still feels a bit goffy...foggy...but that will clear...in the next 18 years...
Last night I got to pull some duty with Libby. She plays a pretty great game called "hide the nuk"...and she's good at it, too. The game begins when I put the nuk in her mouth and she seems content. Then, once I'm about the sleep, she spits it out and hides it in her blankets...then hollers for me to come find it...all the while laughing at me. It's a great game.
I called a halt to the game about 330a and just had her sleep on my chest - that way I could stay in a horizontal position and still find the nuk. That's what she was aiming for because she did eventually sleep. Of course, a father's heart melts when his baby girl is sleeping on the sofa with him...not much sleep...but still a great night!
My Palm started freaking out on me yesterday...like I need that to happen right now...anyway...
Peace,
M@
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Saturday, June 26, 2004
ho-hum...
Not too much to reflect on today. This weekend, I'm performing three weddings (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)! It's fun to be a part of this special day for these couples - and to see the variety of personalities reflected in the ceremonies and families. I enjoy doing them.
Heid's mom, sister, and brother-in-law are here for a visit. Kat and Dave (sister and brother-in-law) are here until tomorrow. Linda (Mom) will be staying all week to help us transition my return to work. Izak loves her (I think she's pretty ok, too) and enjoys playing with her when she visits.
Heidi is doing great with Libby. She's such a great mom!
I can't wait to jump back into work again. On Tuesday, it will be three weeks that I've been largely absent from the office. There are so many things going on that I'm excited to get back at it. How terrible it must be to hate your work and have to go back after welcoming a new baby into the family.
That's it for now...
Peace,
M@
Heid's mom, sister, and brother-in-law are here for a visit. Kat and Dave (sister and brother-in-law) are here until tomorrow. Linda (Mom) will be staying all week to help us transition my return to work. Izak loves her (I think she's pretty ok, too) and enjoys playing with her when she visits.
Heidi is doing great with Libby. She's such a great mom!
I can't wait to jump back into work again. On Tuesday, it will be three weeks that I've been largely absent from the office. There are so many things going on that I'm excited to get back at it. How terrible it must be to hate your work and have to go back after welcoming a new baby into the family.
That's it for now...
Peace,
M@
Thursday, June 24, 2004
big dog convergence...
I may have told you a little about the church plant project that I'm working on. Last summer, the church board of Hamburg Wesleyan (my church) empowered me to form a team to explore what it might look like to develop a worshipping community in the city of Buffalo (which is about 15 miles north of Hamburg and in dire need of healthy worshipping communities). Since that time, I've been meeting with a team to explore the possibilities. It's been an exciting journey as we have worked through some substantial issues.
A couple months ago, I connected with a guy names Eric, who is planting a church on the West Side of Buffalo with an "emerging church" paradigm. His team's strategy actually brought together the primary elements of what Hamburg's team was working on. Here's the kicker...Eric is on staff at a Presbyterian church north of the city. Wesleyan and Presbyterian church don't have much of a history of working together on much of anything.
But that's about to change (probably) in Buffalo. Today, I met with Eric and his Senior Pastor along with several from my team and Greg, my Senior Pastor, and Bill, my Associate Pastor. It was a convergence of the "big dogs."
And the meeting went well! Knox Church, the "mother" for the new church (Bethlehem), is reflecting such an amazing heart in this. They haev already made great progress without us, but are eager to have us at the table of planning and leading the new church. They are so into forging partnerships, that they are holding their plans with an open hand. You don't see that so much in the church these days (sad, I know).
This project is so huge that it will only come to pass if God is leading it. That's what I want to be a part of...something so big there is now way I could get my hands around it!
I don't know if the Hamburg church board will sign up for a partnership like this. I pray that they will. There are many hurdles, but I think God's up to something here...and I want to be a part of it.
I'll keep you posted.
This weekend should be a trip. I'm doing three weddings...holy matrimony, Batman! Heidi's mother, sister, and brother-in-law are all coming for a visit. Mom will be here for the week to help out with Izak so that I can get back to work. Kat and Dave are here only the weekend to hang out with the new niece. Should be fun...if not a little crazy.
Peace,
M@
A couple months ago, I connected with a guy names Eric, who is planting a church on the West Side of Buffalo with an "emerging church" paradigm. His team's strategy actually brought together the primary elements of what Hamburg's team was working on. Here's the kicker...Eric is on staff at a Presbyterian church north of the city. Wesleyan and Presbyterian church don't have much of a history of working together on much of anything.
But that's about to change (probably) in Buffalo. Today, I met with Eric and his Senior Pastor along with several from my team and Greg, my Senior Pastor, and Bill, my Associate Pastor. It was a convergence of the "big dogs."
And the meeting went well! Knox Church, the "mother" for the new church (Bethlehem), is reflecting such an amazing heart in this. They haev already made great progress without us, but are eager to have us at the table of planning and leading the new church. They are so into forging partnerships, that they are holding their plans with an open hand. You don't see that so much in the church these days (sad, I know).
This project is so huge that it will only come to pass if God is leading it. That's what I want to be a part of...something so big there is now way I could get my hands around it!
I don't know if the Hamburg church board will sign up for a partnership like this. I pray that they will. There are many hurdles, but I think God's up to something here...and I want to be a part of it.
I'll keep you posted.
This weekend should be a trip. I'm doing three weddings...holy matrimony, Batman! Heidi's mother, sister, and brother-in-law are all coming for a visit. Mom will be here for the week to help out with Izak so that I can get back to work. Kat and Dave are here only the weekend to hang out with the new niece. Should be fun...if not a little crazy.
Peace,
M@
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Monthly Mother's Day...
I'm going to recommend (and I'll bet Hallmark will be all over this) that we celebrate Mother's Day once every month...
I've been home from work for two weeks now (today is Libby's two week birthday!) caring for Izak so that Heidi and Libby can get to know each other better. I love my son, daughter, and wife...but I'm learning that I was not created to be a stay-at-home father. Izak is drilling me into the ground like my tee shot on hole one at the local country club (that's a whole nother story!!)! He's so fast and curious these days. On one hand, it's fun to see him experiment. On the other hand, I'm not mentally equipped enough to stay the necessary one step ahead of him. I suppose everyone should spend a couple weeks doing something that makes them feel inept...in the presence of someone who is so good at it.
Heidi rocks as a mother! It's like she's in Izak's head or something. She's say, go look to see if he's...XYZ...and sure enough, he's xyz-ing all over the kitchen! She has special powers or something! Incredible!
Like I said earlier...I love my family. I can't believe that God has entrusted me with them like He has. I'm both grateful beyond words and humbled. Every moment, as tiring as some might be, is a gift that I will treasure into eternity.
I live for moments like the one when Izak, my 20-month old scientist, reaches up to hold my hand and walks with me to the field behind our home. In that moment, we are Daddy and Son...
I suppose there's a lesson here about me and God...how many times do I dump the proverbial cranberry juice all over the coffee table - just to see if it really will make cool splashy noises. And He just patiently explains that dumping a glass makes a mess. And then there's something in the back field that I want to explore...with Him. So I take His hand and walk...talking all the way...but mostly just enjoying the fact that my Father is with me. And for those moments (to be determined only by the length of time that I'm willing to hold His hand and walk)it's Daddy and Son...
To the back field we go...
M@
I've been home from work for two weeks now (today is Libby's two week birthday!) caring for Izak so that Heidi and Libby can get to know each other better. I love my son, daughter, and wife...but I'm learning that I was not created to be a stay-at-home father. Izak is drilling me into the ground like my tee shot on hole one at the local country club (that's a whole nother story!!)! He's so fast and curious these days. On one hand, it's fun to see him experiment. On the other hand, I'm not mentally equipped enough to stay the necessary one step ahead of him. I suppose everyone should spend a couple weeks doing something that makes them feel inept...in the presence of someone who is so good at it.
Heidi rocks as a mother! It's like she's in Izak's head or something. She's say, go look to see if he's...XYZ...and sure enough, he's xyz-ing all over the kitchen! She has special powers or something! Incredible!
Like I said earlier...I love my family. I can't believe that God has entrusted me with them like He has. I'm both grateful beyond words and humbled. Every moment, as tiring as some might be, is a gift that I will treasure into eternity.
I live for moments like the one when Izak, my 20-month old scientist, reaches up to hold my hand and walks with me to the field behind our home. In that moment, we are Daddy and Son...
I suppose there's a lesson here about me and God...how many times do I dump the proverbial cranberry juice all over the coffee table - just to see if it really will make cool splashy noises. And He just patiently explains that dumping a glass makes a mess. And then there's something in the back field that I want to explore...with Him. So I take His hand and walk...talking all the way...but mostly just enjoying the fact that my Father is with me. And for those moments (to be determined only by the length of time that I'm willing to hold His hand and walk)it's Daddy and Son...
To the back field we go...
M@
Sunday, June 20, 2004
new blogger...Heidi
Heidi Furr, my lovely and brilliant wife has just joined the blogging world. You can click on her blog via the link to the right. She is a gifted writer and has so many profound thoughts as she processes motherhood, marriage, ministry, and life. Welcome, Heidi!
M@
M@
Friday, June 18, 2004
Juneteenth...
I haven't really paid much attention to this holiday...I'm not even sure it's a holiday anywhere else outside of New York. Juneteenth is the celebration of the end of slavery.
That seems like a pretty great thing to celebrate...for everyone, not just those who are decended from slaves. The end of chattle slavery in the United States was a victory for all human beings because all human beings have incredible worth in God's eyes. Yet almost 150 years after the end of slavery by presidential proclamation, many people still don't live in the profound reality of the worth of every human.
What was the name of the lady who drove 15 miles per hour UNDER the speed limit today?
What was that thought that I had about the homeless man I drove by last week?
What was the first thing that popped into my mind when I talked with someone about their addiction to drugs?
Oh...yeah...well...I guess I still haven't arrived at the point where placing value on EVERYONE comes without intentionally thinking about it...
That's why I'm grateful for holidays like Juneteenth, MLK Jr Day, Black History Month, and any other day that makes me remember that God is delighted in the people He created and that my posture should always be one of humility and gratefulness to God for the variety of cultures, levels of intelligence, gender, political bent, economic position, etc.
No matter what you'll be doing this weekend, remember...and have a happy Juneteenth!
M@
That seems like a pretty great thing to celebrate...for everyone, not just those who are decended from slaves. The end of chattle slavery in the United States was a victory for all human beings because all human beings have incredible worth in God's eyes. Yet almost 150 years after the end of slavery by presidential proclamation, many people still don't live in the profound reality of the worth of every human.
What was the name of the lady who drove 15 miles per hour UNDER the speed limit today?
What was that thought that I had about the homeless man I drove by last week?
What was the first thing that popped into my mind when I talked with someone about their addiction to drugs?
Oh...yeah...well...I guess I still haven't arrived at the point where placing value on EVERYONE comes without intentionally thinking about it...
That's why I'm grateful for holidays like Juneteenth, MLK Jr Day, Black History Month, and any other day that makes me remember that God is delighted in the people He created and that my posture should always be one of humility and gratefulness to God for the variety of cultures, levels of intelligence, gender, political bent, economic position, etc.
No matter what you'll be doing this weekend, remember...and have a happy Juneteenth!
M@
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
the difference a week makes...
The worship gathering this past weekend was great! I've been going into the services with a mindset toward honoring God, which is what makes all the difference. This particulat mindset isn't a new one, but it's just easy to go into a service without preparing my own heart to honor God in worship - thinking about all the atmospheric elements that go into a corporate worship time.
It was also a fun weekend because I got to share the news about Libby's arrival...which was one week ago today! Right now, as 1:45 pm est, we were settled into the delivery room, Heidi was still talking and even laughing (slightly) with me. Within the 2.5 hours, Libby will be born!
Yesterday, I golfed in a tournament to raise funds for Young Life (a "parachurch" ministry that works to connect teens with Jesus in relevant and relational ways). The church is a solid supporter, so they invited me to bring several guests to the event with me. It was a great day. I got to golf with a couple guys from church (Pete and Mark) and also my neighbor, Eric. Eric is such a great neighbor and I've been looking for ways to connect and get to know him better.
Today, I'm on Izzy duty...trying to keep him busy so that he's out of mommy's hair while she gets to know Libby better. It's nice being around my family like this. I'll be mostly away from the office for a couple weeks. I'll sneak in now and then, but will try to focus on home for a bit. I'm sure I'll be chomping at the bit in a couple weeks - not because I don't like my family, but because I also love my work. It's hard for me to be away for so long - good for me, but hard.
Nap time...
M@
It was also a fun weekend because I got to share the news about Libby's arrival...which was one week ago today! Right now, as 1:45 pm est, we were settled into the delivery room, Heidi was still talking and even laughing (slightly) with me. Within the 2.5 hours, Libby will be born!
Yesterday, I golfed in a tournament to raise funds for Young Life (a "parachurch" ministry that works to connect teens with Jesus in relevant and relational ways). The church is a solid supporter, so they invited me to bring several guests to the event with me. It was a great day. I got to golf with a couple guys from church (Pete and Mark) and also my neighbor, Eric. Eric is such a great neighbor and I've been looking for ways to connect and get to know him better.
Today, I'm on Izzy duty...trying to keep him busy so that he's out of mommy's hair while she gets to know Libby better. It's nice being around my family like this. I'll be mostly away from the office for a couple weeks. I'll sneak in now and then, but will try to focus on home for a bit. I'm sure I'll be chomping at the bit in a couple weeks - not because I don't like my family, but because I also love my work. It's hard for me to be away for so long - good for me, but hard.
Nap time...
M@
Saturday, June 12, 2004
sleep...what sleep?
Actually, it's not that bad. We're a few pints low (of sleep, that is), but we're all doing pretty well. Heidi's taking the biggest hit...she has the required nutritional factors that I just don't...and Libby loves to partake!
It's amazing that this little baby changes every day. Her face looks different today than yesterday.
When a new baby comes home for the first time, the rest of the world takes on a sort of fuzzy haze - I know it's out there, but it doesn't matter all that much. So much energy and focus goes into acclimating the new resident.
I know that there are so many kids out there who don't have the kind of love and attention that Heidi and I give Izak and Libby. They are brought home and fed once in a while and then they have to fend for themselves as soon as they can. It's just not right.
I'm working with an organization in the city called Peace of the City. It's a ministry that reaches families through programs for kids. It's been a powerful force in helping the kinds of kids I mentioned above find hope, peace, and love in a relationship with someone who loves Jesus and then with Jesus, himself. Jesus is so loving and kind...even when we don't deserve it. He shows these kids what true love is...and changes the tragectory of their lives forever. And I get to be a part of it! (if you want to learn more about Peace of the City, let me know...).
I officiated a wedding today. It's one of about 15 that I have between May and September. It's so much fun to walk through the process with couples who are learning to find love and freedom in Jesus - and then expressing that in their love for each other. Wedding are fun!
Tonight, as the worship gathering, I'll be announcing Libby's birth...what a blast! The people here are so loving and exciting about sharing life with each other. What a gift to serve at a church like this.
Peace,
Matt
It's amazing that this little baby changes every day. Her face looks different today than yesterday.
When a new baby comes home for the first time, the rest of the world takes on a sort of fuzzy haze - I know it's out there, but it doesn't matter all that much. So much energy and focus goes into acclimating the new resident.
I know that there are so many kids out there who don't have the kind of love and attention that Heidi and I give Izak and Libby. They are brought home and fed once in a while and then they have to fend for themselves as soon as they can. It's just not right.
I'm working with an organization in the city called Peace of the City. It's a ministry that reaches families through programs for kids. It's been a powerful force in helping the kinds of kids I mentioned above find hope, peace, and love in a relationship with someone who loves Jesus and then with Jesus, himself. Jesus is so loving and kind...even when we don't deserve it. He shows these kids what true love is...and changes the tragectory of their lives forever. And I get to be a part of it! (if you want to learn more about Peace of the City, let me know...).
I officiated a wedding today. It's one of about 15 that I have between May and September. It's so much fun to walk through the process with couples who are learning to find love and freedom in Jesus - and then expressing that in their love for each other. Wedding are fun!
Tonight, as the worship gathering, I'll be announcing Libby's birth...what a blast! The people here are so loving and exciting about sharing life with each other. What a gift to serve at a church like this.
Peace,
Matt
sleep...what sleep?
Actually, it's not that bad. We're a few pints low (of sleep, that is), but we're all doing pretty well. Heidi's taking the biggest hit...she has the required nutritional factors that I just don't...and Libby loves to partake!
It's amazing that this little baby changes every day. Her face looks different today than yesterday.
When a new baby comes home for the first time, the rest of the world takes on a sort of fuzzy haze - I know it's out there, but it doesn't matter all that much. So much energy and focus goes into acclimating the new resident.
I know that there are so many kids out there who don't have the kind of love and attention that Heidi and I give Izak and Libby. They are brought home and fed once in a while and then they have to fend for themselves as soon as they can. It's just not right.
I'm working with an organization in the city called Peace of the City. It's a ministry that reaches families through programs for kids. It's been a powerful force in helping the kinds of kids I mentioned above find hope, peace, and love in a relationship with someone who loves Jesus and then with Jesus, himself. Jesus is so loving and kind...even when we don't deserve it. He shows these kids what true love is...and changes the tragectory of their lives forever. And I get to be a part of it! (if you want to learn more about Peace of the City, let me know...).
I officiated a wedding today. It's one of about 15 that I have between May and September. It's so much fun to walk through the process with couples who are learning to find love and freedom in Jesus - and then expressing that in their love for each other. Wedding are fun!
Tonight, as the worship gathering, I'll be announcing Libby's birth...what a blast! The people here are so loving and exciting about sharing life with each other. What a gift to serve at a church like this.
Peace,
Matt
It's amazing that this little baby changes every day. Her face looks different today than yesterday.
When a new baby comes home for the first time, the rest of the world takes on a sort of fuzzy haze - I know it's out there, but it doesn't matter all that much. So much energy and focus goes into acclimating the new resident.
I know that there are so many kids out there who don't have the kind of love and attention that Heidi and I give Izak and Libby. They are brought home and fed once in a while and then they have to fend for themselves as soon as they can. It's just not right.
I'm working with an organization in the city called Peace of the City. It's a ministry that reaches families through programs for kids. It's been a powerful force in helping the kinds of kids I mentioned above find hope, peace, and love in a relationship with someone who loves Jesus and then with Jesus, himself. Jesus is so loving and kind...even when we don't deserve it. He shows these kids what true love is...and changes the tragectory of their lives forever. And I get to be a part of it! (if you want to learn more about Peace of the City, let me know...).
I officiated a wedding today. It's one of about 15 that I have between May and September. It's so much fun to walk through the process with couples who are learning to find love and freedom in Jesus - and then expressing that in their love for each other. Wedding are fun!
Tonight, as the worship gathering, I'll be announcing Libby's birth...what a blast! The people here are so loving and exciting about sharing life with each other. What a gift to serve at a church like this.
Peace,
Matt
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Libby's home...
Izak was napping when we finally got Libby home today. But when he woke up, he was very curious that something was in his car seat! He's darn cute! He wasn't too impressed after that.
We're heading into our first night with her at home...should be fun! Maybe she'll sleep through the night - lol!!!!
It's a quiet night. Just finished watching CSI. Now C-Span is on showing the coffin of Ronald Reagan in the Capital Rotunda. The man was highly regarded by so many. Even those who hated his policies have to admit that he made a mark on the world that will be profound for decades, if not centuries.
Heidi's mom, Linda, as been here since Sunday afternoon. She wasn't supposed to be here until the end of the month, but Lou, Heidi's dad, took a week off of work so that Linda could be here. He's got a huge heart for his family. Linda came out mainly to help with Izak, who was beginning to get sick at the same time that Heidi was feeling very low with the whole labor/not-labor thing. What a gift from God that she got to be here for Libby's birth! It was such a comfort to know that Izak was at home with her - he loves his grandma big-time. She'll be going back to Bay City tomorrow...and then back at the end of the month as planned.
I'm out of the office for the next couple weeks. People seem to think it's pretty great the baby is here...but they get cranky when that means they have to re-schedule an appointment...fun...But I'm going to be spending my time getting to know this new little girl and helping occupy Izak's time - I love being a daddy!!
That's the news for now. I may write again through the night when Libby chooses to be up...actually, probably not...
Peace,
Matt
We're heading into our first night with her at home...should be fun! Maybe she'll sleep through the night - lol!!!!
It's a quiet night. Just finished watching CSI. Now C-Span is on showing the coffin of Ronald Reagan in the Capital Rotunda. The man was highly regarded by so many. Even those who hated his policies have to admit that he made a mark on the world that will be profound for decades, if not centuries.
Heidi's mom, Linda, as been here since Sunday afternoon. She wasn't supposed to be here until the end of the month, but Lou, Heidi's dad, took a week off of work so that Linda could be here. He's got a huge heart for his family. Linda came out mainly to help with Izak, who was beginning to get sick at the same time that Heidi was feeling very low with the whole labor/not-labor thing. What a gift from God that she got to be here for Libby's birth! It was such a comfort to know that Izak was at home with her - he loves his grandma big-time. She'll be going back to Bay City tomorrow...and then back at the end of the month as planned.
I'm out of the office for the next couple weeks. People seem to think it's pretty great the baby is here...but they get cranky when that means they have to re-schedule an appointment...fun...But I'm going to be spending my time getting to know this new little girl and helping occupy Izak's time - I love being a daddy!!
That's the news for now. I may write again through the night when Libby chooses to be up...actually, probably not...
Peace,
Matt
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
still beautiful...
I spent the morning with my new daughter...she's still beautiful...just in case you were wondering.
I guess I can't download pictures onto this blog site...sorry. If you want one e-mailed to you, let me know.
Izak hasn't met her yet...don't think he'll care too much.
I'm going back to spend time with Libby and mommy.
Matt
I guess I can't download pictures onto this blog site...sorry. If you want one e-mailed to you, let me know.
Izak hasn't met her yet...don't think he'll care too much.
I'm going back to spend time with Libby and mommy.
Matt
I had a dream...
A couple weeks ago, I had a very vivid dream that I was talking with my new baby - I called my baby by name. Before that dream, I thought for sure that our new baby would be another boy. On Tuesday, June 8th at 4:04 pm EST, that dream became a reality as I welcomed Liberty Kathryn Furr into the world! She's here and she'd beautiful! (8pounds 14 ounces, 22.25 inches long for stats-keepers).
Heidi was incredible as the labor intensified! I can't be more proud of her. She delivered without any drugs, which was the case with Izak and the plan this time, too. Once Liberty decided to come, she came fast and furious - it was much more intense this time (according to Heidi).
What a gift!
Peace,
Libby's dad
ps - will get a picture posted later today...hopefully
Heidi was incredible as the labor intensified! I can't be more proud of her. She delivered without any drugs, which was the case with Izak and the plan this time, too. Once Liberty decided to come, she came fast and furious - it was much more intense this time (according to Heidi).
What a gift!
Peace,
Libby's dad
ps - will get a picture posted later today...hopefully
Sunday, June 06, 2004
Dr. Glenn Martin
Dr. Martin was a professor of political science at Indiana Wesleyan University (my alma mater) until he died last week, ending a 3 year battle with cancer. I suspect that his passing is as or more profound for many as the passing of the United States' 40th President, Ronald W. Reagan.
Dr. Martin played a significant role in my life. Heading into college, I was trying to "run" from a call to leadership in the church. I wasn't doing anything as dramatic as Jonah (see his story in the Old Testament book which carries his name) - at least not outwardly. I had been told early on that if I could be happy doing anything else, do it...I would be very happy (I thought) pursuing political science/pre-law. But God kept pursuing me. Dr. Martin helped me to process that reality in my life. Though I was enjoying my preparation for public service and law, he helped me see that my true love was/is the Bride of Christ, the Church. After our conversation, I went to the administration building to drop my political science/pre-law major and focused on my preparation for christian leadership in the church.
He was one man in a long line of people who impacted the trajectory of my life because of the time they took to invest in me (and many others, I'm sure). God has spoken so loudly to me through the lives of others. May he do the same through me.
Godspeed, Glenn Martin. You attained much on earth - titles, position, respect. But now nothing is more profound than your position as a child of the Almighty. May you rest in His presence and care as you await the arrival of those into whose lives you have poured yourself. That which you saw only dimly as in a mirror, you now see clearly - your Master's face (1 Corinthians 13.12). Worship Him with joy into all eternity.
Matt
Dr. Martin played a significant role in my life. Heading into college, I was trying to "run" from a call to leadership in the church. I wasn't doing anything as dramatic as Jonah (see his story in the Old Testament book which carries his name) - at least not outwardly. I had been told early on that if I could be happy doing anything else, do it...I would be very happy (I thought) pursuing political science/pre-law. But God kept pursuing me. Dr. Martin helped me to process that reality in my life. Though I was enjoying my preparation for public service and law, he helped me see that my true love was/is the Bride of Christ, the Church. After our conversation, I went to the administration building to drop my political science/pre-law major and focused on my preparation for christian leadership in the church.
He was one man in a long line of people who impacted the trajectory of my life because of the time they took to invest in me (and many others, I'm sure). God has spoken so loudly to me through the lives of others. May he do the same through me.
Godspeed, Glenn Martin. You attained much on earth - titles, position, respect. But now nothing is more profound than your position as a child of the Almighty. May you rest in His presence and care as you await the arrival of those into whose lives you have poured yourself. That which you saw only dimly as in a mirror, you now see clearly - your Master's face (1 Corinthians 13.12). Worship Him with joy into all eternity.
Matt
Saturday, June 05, 2004
dragon boots...
Grandma Hilson brought some dragon boots (rubber rain boots with little eyes, ears, and tail) with her when she visted last month...Izak absolutely loves them! He always wants to wear them outside. He begins each day with a trip to the shoe pile to retrieve teh boots and then hollers at you "'SIDE!!" until you relent and take him outside...it's pretty hillarious!
These are quiet days. No news on the baby front. Heidi's a trooper...
I start to get a bit stir crazy at times like this. I shouldn't travel too far from the house incase "the moment" comes...but I get antsy and need to "get the run out" as Heidi says.
Last night, I ventured down to Lake Chataqua to spend the evening with some friends. It was a great time. Heidi stayed at home but sent me on my way...it was good. It is an hour's drive, so I felt alright about the timing of things...mostly.
Enjoying the sun,
Matt
These are quiet days. No news on the baby front. Heidi's a trooper...
I start to get a bit stir crazy at times like this. I shouldn't travel too far from the house incase "the moment" comes...but I get antsy and need to "get the run out" as Heidi says.
Last night, I ventured down to Lake Chataqua to spend the evening with some friends. It was a great time. Heidi stayed at home but sent me on my way...it was good. It is an hour's drive, so I felt alright about the timing of things...mostly.
Enjoying the sun,
Matt
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Big News...
No, not that big news...still waiting on baby #2. Visited the midwife yesterday for a check-up...Heidi continues to progress, but not quite enough to go into "active labor" - easy for me to say...
This last stretch has been a real journey of trust for us. When Izak was born, we were ready. Her water broke, labor started...we were off. Even with pitocin, we were ready for the intensity. That played to our strengths as individuals and a couple.
Waiting is not a stregnth for either of us...so God is allowing us to be tested. Thank you, God, for opportunities to grow in trust and patience...sometimes easier said than done...
Last night I met with the church board to talk about some incredible directions for our church. First, they voted to allocate some of my time to lead the 20-something minsitry here. This is the first step toward developing an "emerging church" within this church - one step at a time. As a part of this proposal, they also agreed to hire a part-time Ministry Assistant, who will parter with me in charting a course for young adults. I'm excited about this next step for several reasons...
1) it gets us, as a church, talking about great things - how to continue to be relevant in a changing culture...
2) it will allow me to grow as a communicator, since I'll be the primary teacher for Catalyst (the worship gathering for young adults). The best way to grow as a communicator is to do it...here we go...
The board also affirmed the direction that I'm going in planting a church (actually, planting churchES) in the city of Buffao. Right now, I'm working with a team of people to explore the best ways for Hamburg Wesleyan to take those next steps.
A recent development on that front is a potential partnership with a group who is also planting on the westside of the city. Bethlehem Church (link to a blog by pastor Eric Amundson) actually "died" a few months ago and will be "resurrected" as a new worshipping community. It's pretty exciting. We'll see what God is up to in bringing us both to the table with similar visions.
Well, if I write much more, I'll lose my blogging license for boring you to death. Some pretty cool stuff is coming together.
Peace,
Matt
This last stretch has been a real journey of trust for us. When Izak was born, we were ready. Her water broke, labor started...we were off. Even with pitocin, we were ready for the intensity. That played to our strengths as individuals and a couple.
Waiting is not a stregnth for either of us...so God is allowing us to be tested. Thank you, God, for opportunities to grow in trust and patience...sometimes easier said than done...
Last night I met with the church board to talk about some incredible directions for our church. First, they voted to allocate some of my time to lead the 20-something minsitry here. This is the first step toward developing an "emerging church" within this church - one step at a time. As a part of this proposal, they also agreed to hire a part-time Ministry Assistant, who will parter with me in charting a course for young adults. I'm excited about this next step for several reasons...
1) it gets us, as a church, talking about great things - how to continue to be relevant in a changing culture...
2) it will allow me to grow as a communicator, since I'll be the primary teacher for Catalyst (the worship gathering for young adults). The best way to grow as a communicator is to do it...here we go...
The board also affirmed the direction that I'm going in planting a church (actually, planting churchES) in the city of Buffao. Right now, I'm working with a team of people to explore the best ways for Hamburg Wesleyan to take those next steps.
A recent development on that front is a potential partnership with a group who is also planting on the westside of the city. Bethlehem Church (link to a blog by pastor Eric Amundson) actually "died" a few months ago and will be "resurrected" as a new worshipping community. It's pretty exciting. We'll see what God is up to in bringing us both to the table with similar visions.
Well, if I write much more, I'll lose my blogging license for boring you to death. Some pretty cool stuff is coming together.
Peace,
Matt
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