quick post...

Life has been moving pretty quickly here and posting has taken a little back seat. Here's a quickie update...

- Great Easter celebrations around Northwest. Dan and his "angels" did a great job putting together a creative and meaningful Good Friday experience. I heard great feedback on that...

- Easter was fun. It's the biggest day of the year, in my mind. The resurrection of Christ is the source of my hope. That day is also a challenge -- people have a variety of expectations for a worship experience on Easter. We broke the 200 mark on Easter...for the first time since I've been at Northwest. I liked that...

- The kids are doing great! I love my time with them. Izak is growing up to be a big boy on so many levels. Libby is a wonderful fire-cracker and fun. Levi is charming to the hilt. And Heidi...what a gift! She serves us all in so many ways.

- moving fast these days, like I said above. But I'm sensing the nearness of God, which is a source of strength and peace.

That's what I have at this point.

Peace,

Matt

my family...

I just can't shake 'em. I thought I could for a few days. I was given the gift of a trip to another city...alone. I needed it. I desired it. I anticipated it with excitement.

Then the time came for me to head out...and I hated it. I hated saying good-bye to my family. I didn't cry, but there were a few times when I was close to it. I just love my family so much...

My time in Boston was great. It was even more than I expected it to be. But the entire time, there was a nagging "miss-my-family" thing going on in my heart.

I missed Izak's desire to sit in my "yap" and the hugs and stories at bedtime.

I missed Libby's life-filled eyes as she dances in the mirror.

I missed Levi's full-face grin and belly laugh when I put my nose against his.

I missed Heidi's tender touch and the high-five at the end of a long day -- We did it again...

Yeah...I get pretty tired. But I wouldn't trade them for anything. I love my family...they are a gift to me...

Boston...

I couldn't get the smile off my face as I stepped off the plane. I heard the familiar accent of an ancient land...I was back in New England!

The sea didn't smell as strongly as she had in the past. But she was there. And the sites and smells of the city filled my heart. It's hard to explain how the hubbub of thousands of people on a subway and filling city streets can feel a soul...I just know it can.

Boston will always be a special city. From my grad school, I would take the train into the city to spend time alone. I'd drive to the airport to meet friends and family. I got pretty good and driving in Boston...it was always a welcome adventure.

But it was in the city that I met God on several occassions. I remember walking those streets as I explored a calling to start a new church in New England. How could God use me to reach people here? And He showed me.

When I was unsure of my plan, I remember meeting someone who challenged and encouraged me. Through that conversation, God spoke to me.

And here, this trip...amidst the craziness of a city trying to find her spring rhythm, I met God again. I knew He would be there, but I wasn't sure what He wanted to say to me. I just knew that we had an appointment together.

I went. I waited. I listened. And my eyes were opened to Him in ways that I didn't expect. In some ways, I didn't even want it. But He was there. He met me. He taught me. He grew me. I think He laughed at me a bit -- nothing meant to deman me, but a laugh of delight in the world He was opening to me.

Boston...my meeting place with God...

Peace,

Matt

Thank you, My Love...

Heidi gave me an incredible gift last week...the gift of time. And the fruit of that time has proven to be one of the most profound encounters with God that I've had. I could not have stolen away to Boston without the loving encouragement and courage of my wife. Words cannot express my gratitude for her selfless and sacrificial gift.

Thank you, my love...

Uncle Howie, the Daddy...

You can read more about him at www.seemann.com.

(Thank you, Luke, for posting this...)

Uncle Howie...

I was walking down the street in Cambridge the other day. Just came from a great meeting and checked my voicemail. Wasn't prepared for the news my mother gave me...my Uncle Howie had died the night before...

I was shocked, not because he was a specimine of fine health. Far from it in many ways. But I knew that a door had closed. Just the week before, I mulled the idea about flying out there for a quick visit. Wasn't sure when, I knew that I wanted to see him one more time...

There are many profound dynamics to my relationship with my uncle. But I really don't feel like writing them out here at this point. Sometimes, the thoughts just seem too sacred to share with another person...

So I say good-bye to my Uncle. He gave me more than he realized. And I will be forever grateful. And I look forward to telling him that again, someday...

His journey is done.

Ours is not.

Peace on the journey,

Matt