Heidi and the kids (and Rache) are in Michigan tonight. They left this morning and made good time getting there. Sounds like the kids are stoked to be with the cousins again!
I'm staying back to get some work done at church and around the house. I've got tonight, tomorrow, and most of Sunday to be alone. I miss them.
It's also a good time to catch up on movies that Heidi doesn't want to see. Not sure where to begin...I think I'm going to watch X-Men and X-Men 2...can't go see 3 in the theater until I'm up to speed.
Getting some good stuff done in the office. I like getting stuff done.
Will take my first train ride ever on Sunday. Should be nice. But I like driving. Do you think they'll let me drive?
Yeah...I don't either.
See ya'
Matt
Friday, June 30, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
catching up...
Had a busy but nice weekend.
Spent most of Saturday celebrating the wedding of a daughter of some new friends. It was a wonderful afternoon and evening visiting, learning more about friends, and being together. The kids were at home with some of their favorite people (charlotte and the boys...sounds like a gang of some sort). That means it was time for Heidi and me to walk and hold hands, talk about whatever came to our minds, and enjoy some incredible scenery.
Sunday was Father's Day...what a nice day it was. I work on Sundays, but my family made it special for me. Izak woke me up with a tender greeting. Libby just smiles and lights up my day. And Levi...what a guy!
My wife ordered tickets for her and me to enjoy a practice round at the upcoming PGA Championship (one of the 4 majors in professional golf) which will be held near Chicago in August. It's going to be a great time together and to see some of these incredible golfers up close. I've never done that before...should be a blast.
In the evening, we enjoyed the company of most of our small group friends. We played cards, laughed, trash-talked, and laughed some more. That was refreshing...
Yesterday was a nice and full family day. I got some house stuff done and then ran errands with Z and Lib, so Heidi could tackle some of her stuff without interuption. That woman can balance a checkbook like nobody's business! To the penny!!
Today...back in the office. The guys are gone, so it's pretty much just me back here in the building. Should be a good week to study and get my head and heart into the upcoming ministry year.
That's the news here...
Peace,
M@
Spent most of Saturday celebrating the wedding of a daughter of some new friends. It was a wonderful afternoon and evening visiting, learning more about friends, and being together. The kids were at home with some of their favorite people (charlotte and the boys...sounds like a gang of some sort). That means it was time for Heidi and me to walk and hold hands, talk about whatever came to our minds, and enjoy some incredible scenery.
Sunday was Father's Day...what a nice day it was. I work on Sundays, but my family made it special for me. Izak woke me up with a tender greeting. Libby just smiles and lights up my day. And Levi...what a guy!
My wife ordered tickets for her and me to enjoy a practice round at the upcoming PGA Championship (one of the 4 majors in professional golf) which will be held near Chicago in August. It's going to be a great time together and to see some of these incredible golfers up close. I've never done that before...should be a blast.
In the evening, we enjoyed the company of most of our small group friends. We played cards, laughed, trash-talked, and laughed some more. That was refreshing...
Yesterday was a nice and full family day. I got some house stuff done and then ran errands with Z and Lib, so Heidi could tackle some of her stuff without interuption. That woman can balance a checkbook like nobody's business! To the penny!!
Today...back in the office. The guys are gone, so it's pretty much just me back here in the building. Should be a good week to study and get my head and heart into the upcoming ministry year.
That's the news here...
Peace,
M@
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Climate Change...
Al Gore has been getting around lately. He's putting all of his energy and credibility into his recently released movie about the changing climate and the crucial reality that we need to face. He believes strongly in what he's preaching. He's committed to getting the word out that humans (Americans in specific) are bringing about incredible and destructive changes to the earth's climate that will result in catastrophe, making Katrina look like a fresh spring rain.
I've been interested to learn more about this idea. I confess that I haven't spent the kind of time and money on it that Gore has. Nor am I a researcher in this field. So I, like most of us, must rely on the inputs of people who are deemed reliable and credible sources. In learning more, I came across this piece, which is worth the read. You can link to it at: http://www.canadafreepress.com/2006/harris061206.htm
If offers a credible challenge to the theory that Gore is supporting in his movie. Again, it's worth a read.
The take-away for me on this issue is multifaceted. Personally, I want to do my part to care well for creation. That's been a growing edge for me the past 5 or 6 years. We recycle all that we can at home and at the church. Northwest is using mugs that get washed instead of styrofoam cups for coffee. I "lust" a little less over trucks and look more at a future small car that has better fuel economy -- though I make no promises that a Tacoma may not get the best of me in the future!
I also think we have important responses as a local and global worshipping community. The Church ought to be at the front of the line on caring well for creation. The one we are most passionatley in love with created it all. Think about it. If Heidi, the object of my deepest human affection, creates something...I'm pretty defensive about it. I don't let other people mess with it. I don't even want the kids to mess with it. Her "creation" is a reflection of her and I don't want that tainted.
The world around us is a reflection of God. It reflects his creativity, beauty, mercy, wonder, grandure, structure. If He is the object of our deepest affection, then why would we not want to work to protect and care for that in which He invested so much? Humans are the crown of creation, sure. But that doesn't negate the rest of it.
So I'm still growing and learning. And I'm much more inclined to continue that path out of love for the Creator versus fear, guilt, or peer pressure. Check out the article. Experience a little freedom from guilt and fear. And then go hug a tree!
Peace,
M@
I've been interested to learn more about this idea. I confess that I haven't spent the kind of time and money on it that Gore has. Nor am I a researcher in this field. So I, like most of us, must rely on the inputs of people who are deemed reliable and credible sources. In learning more, I came across this piece, which is worth the read. You can link to it at: http://www.canadafreepress.com/2006/harris061206.htm
If offers a credible challenge to the theory that Gore is supporting in his movie. Again, it's worth a read.
The take-away for me on this issue is multifaceted. Personally, I want to do my part to care well for creation. That's been a growing edge for me the past 5 or 6 years. We recycle all that we can at home and at the church. Northwest is using mugs that get washed instead of styrofoam cups for coffee. I "lust" a little less over trucks and look more at a future small car that has better fuel economy -- though I make no promises that a Tacoma may not get the best of me in the future!
I also think we have important responses as a local and global worshipping community. The Church ought to be at the front of the line on caring well for creation. The one we are most passionatley in love with created it all. Think about it. If Heidi, the object of my deepest human affection, creates something...I'm pretty defensive about it. I don't let other people mess with it. I don't even want the kids to mess with it. Her "creation" is a reflection of her and I don't want that tainted.
The world around us is a reflection of God. It reflects his creativity, beauty, mercy, wonder, grandure, structure. If He is the object of our deepest affection, then why would we not want to work to protect and care for that in which He invested so much? Humans are the crown of creation, sure. But that doesn't negate the rest of it.
So I'm still growing and learning. And I'm much more inclined to continue that path out of love for the Creator versus fear, guilt, or peer pressure. Check out the article. Experience a little freedom from guilt and fear. And then go hug a tree!
Peace,
M@
Monday, June 05, 2006
so far...so good...
Heidi is having a great time visiting friends. Sounds like her batteries are getting a much-needed re-charge...which was the point.
The kids are doing well here. We've enjoyed a couple of outings and a couple trips around the block. It's strange not having Levi here, too. I've gotten so used to the little guy being around that I keep listening for him.
Guess what we had for breakfast this morning? POPCORN!!! At least Izak did. Lib's munching on a bagel...a bit more appriate of a breakfast. But he loves it...and it's Daddy Day!!
Peace from the trenches...
M@
The kids are doing well here. We've enjoyed a couple of outings and a couple trips around the block. It's strange not having Levi here, too. I've gotten so used to the little guy being around that I keep listening for him.
Guess what we had for breakfast this morning? POPCORN!!! At least Izak did. Lib's munching on a bagel...a bit more appriate of a breakfast. But he loves it...and it's Daddy Day!!
Peace from the trenches...
M@
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Daddy Weekend...
There have been Daddy Days since Izak was born. Well, we're upgrading this weekend. It's going to be a Daddy Weekend! Heidi and her 8-month-old appendage are heading out of town for 48 hours, beginning Sunday morning.
Yeah, it's a little crazy to think about Sunday am flying solo. But I figure I might as well give it a run sometime, right? If Heidi is ever to be involved in the worship gathering, then I need to learn what it feels like to get the kids there in the morning, since she'd need to be there early, too.
I'm a little nervous about getting to church about 20 minutes prior to it beginning...I'm used to be there a couple hours ahead. That just means I need to get my head and heart ready tonight instead of counting on that time in the morning. I can do it.
Then the rest of the day we will play, nap a bit (maybe) and then slide into bed for a quiet night. And unicorns, Big Foot, and Nessie all exist, too!
It's been quite a week. We're doing interviews at Northwest for a Youth Pastor. Can't tip my hat here since there are no final decisions at this point. Keep posted...we hope to make a decision this week. It's a big deal on many fronts. And it's certainly been an opportunity for God to grow our (the other leaders and me) faith...and that's a good thing.
In this and other situations, I'm learning to trust and walk by faith...even when I don't know what even the next step is supposed to look like. Again, that good. That 's how faith is grown and developed. It's just not comfortable. I guess that's the point.
Heading to bed.
peace,
M@
Yeah, it's a little crazy to think about Sunday am flying solo. But I figure I might as well give it a run sometime, right? If Heidi is ever to be involved in the worship gathering, then I need to learn what it feels like to get the kids there in the morning, since she'd need to be there early, too.
I'm a little nervous about getting to church about 20 minutes prior to it beginning...I'm used to be there a couple hours ahead. That just means I need to get my head and heart ready tonight instead of counting on that time in the morning. I can do it.
Then the rest of the day we will play, nap a bit (maybe) and then slide into bed for a quiet night. And unicorns, Big Foot, and Nessie all exist, too!
It's been quite a week. We're doing interviews at Northwest for a Youth Pastor. Can't tip my hat here since there are no final decisions at this point. Keep posted...we hope to make a decision this week. It's a big deal on many fronts. And it's certainly been an opportunity for God to grow our (the other leaders and me) faith...and that's a good thing.
In this and other situations, I'm learning to trust and walk by faith...even when I don't know what even the next step is supposed to look like. Again, that good. That 's how faith is grown and developed. It's just not comfortable. I guess that's the point.
Heading to bed.
peace,
M@
Thursday, June 01, 2006
still here...
I didn't realize it's been this long since I posted. I guess the words about Heidi are a great way to leave it hanging for a couple weeks.
Life has been pretty intense lately. I'm not exactly sure what I'm supposed to be learning...I think it has to do with trusting God even when it doesn't feel good. I also think I'm supposed to be learning to give thanks for the challenges -- not in spite of them, but for them. That idea scraped across my mind last night and I'm still processing it a bit. Probably worth a post or two in the near future.
I was thinking about blogging the other day. When I began, I was an assistant pastor at a large church...I didn't get many opportunities to speak. Now, I'm the lead pastor at a smaller church and I speak/teach weekly, at least. I don't think it spells the end of blogging, but I may account for some of the longer stretches between posts...I have other outlets for thoughts and ideas. Anyway...
Heidi and I are heading out together tonight. The monkeys are all in bed and (relatively) quiet. Will be nice to have some focused time with her. Ms. B called and asked if she could come over so we could get out -- what an incredible gift! Thanks, Ms. B.
Peace,
M@
Life has been pretty intense lately. I'm not exactly sure what I'm supposed to be learning...I think it has to do with trusting God even when it doesn't feel good. I also think I'm supposed to be learning to give thanks for the challenges -- not in spite of them, but for them. That idea scraped across my mind last night and I'm still processing it a bit. Probably worth a post or two in the near future.
I was thinking about blogging the other day. When I began, I was an assistant pastor at a large church...I didn't get many opportunities to speak. Now, I'm the lead pastor at a smaller church and I speak/teach weekly, at least. I don't think it spells the end of blogging, but I may account for some of the longer stretches between posts...I have other outlets for thoughts and ideas. Anyway...
Heidi and I are heading out together tonight. The monkeys are all in bed and (relatively) quiet. Will be nice to have some focused time with her. Ms. B called and asked if she could come over so we could get out -- what an incredible gift! Thanks, Ms. B.
Peace,
M@
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