new member of the family...

For the past many years, we've been having trouble with our minivan. We've thought that this repair will be the one that fixes the problems. Then two months later, it's another thing that's taking money from the bank account.

It's just been too much. So yesterday, we got rid of the trouble and took advantage of 0% financing on a new Dodge Caravan. It's red and has the basics we were looking for.

We haven't always done car-buying well for one reason or another. But this time, I think we did it right...we sought godly counsel, prayed, researched, walked away a few times, and made a good decision. We've learned from past mistakes and applied them in this situation. I'm pleased with the process, as long as it was.

I wanted to just get it done earlier so we could move on. I also thought about getting a very upgraded one...with all the bells and whistles. But you know what? Those bells and whistles don't make it any more than just a van to drive around in. And they cost us a lot more...the ability to enjoy a few dates a month, the flexibility for Heidi to not work if she needs to call off, saving, and giving. Those costs just aren't worth it so us. So we made a good choice.

Maybe I'll get a picture up sometime here...

M@

catching up...

mostly...It's been a crazy week or so. Here's a rundown with potential commentatry...

- I can't stand the Yankees...but the multiple post is more of a reflection of my own impatience in not waiting for blogger to download before I tell it to try again;-) Though, in case I didn't make my point clearly...I can't stand the Yankees!

- Heidi, the kids, and I traveled to Michigan last Thursday to be with her family and for the the memorial service to honor Grandma Bennett. It went well. The kids did great in the van (with dvd players!).

- The service on Saturday went well. Grandma was honored. The family was comforted. And God was lifted up as the giver of life. I was glad to be a part of it.

- On the drive to Michigan, I got a call that Mrs. Nguyen (pronounced 'win') died. She has been a part of Northwest for several years and has been living with her daughter and son-in-law, who are Northwesters, too. Her funeral would be Sunday afternoon.

- Mrs. Nguyen's and the Doan's small group stepped up during this time. Even though I was not there, they were well cared for. That's community, baby! I love to see that at work.

- After the memorial service in Michigan, I hopped in my mil's yellow VW Beetle and drove to Chicago (hey, it gets great mileage as a diesel 5-speed) in time for the viewing. It was a neat time to connect with the family and plan for the service on Sunday.

- Sunday morning was special, too. Northwest is helping a new Korean church by letting them use our space Sunday afternoons. The congregation was introduced to Pastor Choi and his family during the 1030 worship gathering. People were excited. Rev. Choi and his family gave us a gift in song...they played and sang Nearer My God To Thee. Even though the words were in Korean, the Spirit of unity was present and was a gift to us. Very cool.

- The afternoon funeral went well. Another cultural experience as Mrs. Nguyen and her family are Vietnamese. It was very special.

- After that service and a brief stop at the dinner prepared, I went hopped back into the VW and drove back to Michigan to get my family. I laid down to sleep by 2am and got to sleep until about 7 when I woke up to kiss on the cheek by my oldest son...what a great way to wake up...

- We were on the road by 10am and heading back to Chicago. We beat rush-hour traffic in the city and where playing in our own back yard by 3.

- Since that time, we've been examining the options of getting a new van. Ours has had regular trouble and we're done dealing with it. I think we found something that will work...but we're still praying for wisdom and God's leadership in this process.

So...that's the scoop. It's been a whirlwind for sure...but very good, too. I'm excited about the cross-cultural implications of supporting Good News Church (the Korean congregation) as they reach a group of people in our community that Northwest never will. I love that. We/I will learn much, no doubt.

Thanks for praying for us during the past week.

Peace,

Matt

I hate...

...the Yankees...not personally...but as a team. I hate that they can buy themselves out of a management crisis. I hate that it works just about every year.

I also hate that the Red Sox rolled over and played dead since August. Come on, Theo...what will the costume be this year?

So this post-season, guess who I'm pulling for? Anyone playing those dang Yankees!!

M@

I hate...

...the Yankees...not personally...but as a team. I hate that they can buy themselves out of a management crisis. I hate that it works just about every year.

I also hate that the Red Sox rolled over and played dead since August. Come on, Theo...what will the costume be this year?

So this post-season, guess who I'm pulling for? Anyone playing those dang Yankees!!

M@

I hate...

...the Yankees...not personally...but as a team. I hate that they can buy themselves out of a management crisis. I hate that it works just about every year.

I also hate that the Red Sox rolled over and played dead since August. Come on, Theo...what will the costume be this year?

So this post-season, guess who I'm pulling for? Anyone playing those dang Yankees!!

M@

random thoughts...

I'm not even sure they qualify as thoughts, but here goes...

- what a great time this past weekend! What a gift for me to baptize Dennie during our worship gathering. She's a lady who is turned on in her faith and excited to follow Jesus. Right after she was baptized, her son, Sean, was, too. I love this stuff!!

- After worship, a bunch of Northwesters had a party. We grilled, played, jumped, ate, chased kids, got to know new friends and reconnected with old ones. It was a good day.

- Tomorrow Heidi, the kids, and I will head to Michigan for the memorial for Heidi's grandmother. It will be a special time with family, no doubt.

- Kevin's gone for a month on a sabbatical. It's about 2 years behind schedule for him, but it's well-deserved and (I hope) profitable for him. It will be strange not having him around for the month.

- one fantasy football team is doing quite well (2nd place) and other stinks (last place). I made some roster changes and we should be in good shape for this coming weekend.

After a late night elders' meeting, that's all I got...

Peace,

M@

sacred moment

...and the little immigrant girl was ushered into the presence of the King. And for the first time, she saw His face clearly. She saw His smile. She knew His love without hinderance. And the little girl knew she was Home.

Good-bye, Grandma. It's been a long trip...but you're home.

quickie...

Several thoughts about several things...probably not much actually useful...we'll see...

- Heidi, the kids, and I will be driving to Bay City, MI tomorrow after worship. Grandma rallied a couple weeks ago, but seems to be making her final leg of the journey through this world. There are some things worth saying before that times comes. So we travel...

- Some great stuff is going on at Northwest. God's grace is showing up huge, which is always awesome! We'll be baptizing a couple people next weekend...I love that! There are some things that are a real challenge...but the dirty little secret is that I even love the hard stuff! I guess you'd say I found my niche...

- I've got two fantasy football teams. It happened sort of fast, but I like it and we're doing two. I plan on winning both...with one hand tied behind my back...just in case any of my oponents are check in on me here...be scared.

- I'm frustrated that the Red Sox have laid such a big turd on the end of their season. It was theirs to lose...and they are. And on top of that...I hate the Yankees...arghhh.

- Played nine holes this morning with a neighbor. It was good to get out and swing the club. I swung it a few too many times...but it was still fun. There's a cheap cow pasture down the road from us...good times.

- I'm listening to Levi jumping in his crib. He's nuts! Very charming, but nuts. He's standing...even a little without support. I keep trying to push him down, but he stands up anyway...punk.

- Heidi rocks as a wife. Just thought I'd put that in there. She really does.

- Kevin's a great partner in ministry. I'm glad he's here...and that I'm here, too. We work hard together...I think it's good. Props to you, Mr. Parido...

- I like ice cream. My kids like ice cream. Not sure if it's dna...or that ice cream is just good.

- I'm having a hard time getting over a little hump in my weight goals. Down 29 pounds for 2 weeks now...pushing...hard...for...30. But humps like this are a part of the process. I'm not discouraged, just addicted to meeting my goals! The running is going well. I'm running over 3 miles without passing out! I'm not breaking any land speed records, but hey...I'm still chubby and I'm out there tearing it up.

- I love that it's football season. Colder weather. fun games. My wife is an animal about football...I love that, too. Go Pats! Go State!

I've said my piece. Tomorrow as a part of worship, we will take some time to remember September 11, 2001. We will also pray for those who work hard to protect us daily. Should be a special time. It's not the whole service, but I think it's important for us to remember.

Peace,

M@

...at what cost?

I'm an optimist. It's a disease (thanks, Patty) at times. And I tend to dream big. "Dream big" can mean any number of things depending on the situation, but it usually involved going for something that is "impossible." And on top of that, I believe one of the ways that God has gifted me through His Spirit is with eyes of faith -- I see Him at work even when others might miss it.

I started dreaming big about Northwest before we even hit the ground 19 months ago. I believe that God is desiring to use us to reach our community with the profound message of love, grace, and hope through Jesus. That's my assumption in moving forward.

Shortly after beginning work here, I would daydream (not necessarily Spirit-led) about a different building...something with more visibility (how many conversations I've had with people who had no idea a church was where we are), cooler look/feel, and more room to grow numerically. As I drive home each day, I pass by such a building. It's a big, sqare, brick, box of a building. Perfect. I've fantacized about that building for about 18 of the last 19 months. Someday, it would be great if that put that building up for sale...you know, in a few years when we'll be looking to move or build or something.

Then it happened. I was leaving the office one Saturday afternoon, allowing my fantasy to take hold in my mind. Turning the corner, I shouted outloud to no one in particular, "Oh, NO!!!" There is was. a real estate sign in the front of the building. No, not now...we're not ready. I'm not ready. It's too soon...

I thought more about it. I talked with God about it. My mind often wandered. I called the agent who said they were simply leasing the space...but try making an offer and see what happens. I fantacized some more. Tried to dismiss it. Couldn't.

The other day, I was driving by and the doors were open. It's a sing...go in, Matt. So I did. It was even more perfect than I thought it would be. So many of the ideas I had in my head would work perfectly in that building. Crap!! To the guy with me, I jokingly referred to it as "pastor porn" - something I would fantasize about but only to be distracted, never to be satisfied.

I thought. I prayed. I desired. I came up with a plan as to how we could actually make it work. And I honestly think we could. But then, as clear as day, the Spirit said this...you could do it, but then you'll have to care a lot about stuff that you don't have to care much about right now. Namely, I would have to care a lot about money -- who is giving, where we are tight, how much more we need. I'd start to think of new people in terms of giving. I'd start to cast vision, not to lead people, but to increase giving. I'd teach about money and finances in order to get more, not to lead the people into greater faithfulness and trust in God. I could do it...but at what cost?

Yeah...it's a great building. It would be great for us in many ways. But my dream is so much bigger than a building. It's not what a church looks like, my dreams are about what a church is becoming...who the people are. I care a lot about those things. those are the things I want keeping me up at night.

Doesn't mean we won't ever go for things like a bigger and more useful building. But that's probably a ways off. There's a way that I want us to do life together...and I'm not willing to give that up...that's too much of a cost for me.

Peace,

M@