Christmas was amazing this year! Heidi did an incredible job brining fun tradition into our home. The kids made tree ornaments. Heidi and Izak made hard candy and cookies. I learned that when making cookies with Izak, you don't want to hear "There..." and see sprinkles of salt next to the mixer of dough. What a great time.
I also loved that we did different kinds of gifts for most family this year. We gave special gifts to World Vision - things like clean water for a year for a whole school, lama, nets for protection against malaria...things that can save lives for people in other parts of the world. Thanks, family, for going along with us.
A special Christmas treat was having Aunt Lo with us. She stayed in Chi-town for this holiday and spend Christmas Eve with us and then the next few days. I loved having her here to share the special day.
Day after Christmas, I got my gift - a drive to Buffalo to hang with my guys, Rick and Larry. It was a quick trip, but it went well and my soul was nourished by the time spent with these men. I came back late Wednesday night. I love the long drive - great time with God alone...
Now, we are about to head into the final day of 2006. I'll reflect more on the year in another post. What a year...!
Saturday is coming to a close...good night.
M@
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Happy Holidays?
Christmas is a great season. I love it for so many reasons.
One of the dynamics of this season, one that seems to be growing every year, is the offence taken at being greeted by "Happy Holidays" at stores. I read blogs and hear Christians talking about how important it is to identify this season as Christmas.
But Christmas isn't the only holiday being celebrated by people this time of year. Some people have very meaningful celebrations of Hanuka or Kwanza. I've even gone to a Winter Solestice party!
Part of respecting other people is to invite them to enjoy whatever holiday they are celebrating, not just if it's ours. Though not a "biblical" holiday (in the sene that it's originated in the Bible), it does reflect a reality that is a the core of God's redemptive plan in the world - the celebration of Christ's birth. I'm all about that and am so thankful for the gift of life we have in Him.
But wishing someone a happy Hanuka doesn't take away my joy in Christmas. Sending some friends a Happy Kwanza card didn't in the least steal my joy or thankfulness.
The other day, I was in the store and heard the cashier saying the requisite, "Happy Holidays." to her customers. That's cool...
As I approached and was giving her my money, I stopped and asked, "What holiday to celebrate this time of year?" She stopped and looked at me a little strange...and then smiled broadly. "Hanuka...and Christmas!"
I simply said, "Then Happy Hanuka and Merry Christmas!"
It wasn't that big of a deal. But it was brief encounte where I chose to value her instead of myself.
And that's what ordinary attempts are all about.
What "ordinary attempts" at loving people have you tried lately? Share with us!
Peace...and Merry Christmas!
Matt
One of the dynamics of this season, one that seems to be growing every year, is the offence taken at being greeted by "Happy Holidays" at stores. I read blogs and hear Christians talking about how important it is to identify this season as Christmas.
But Christmas isn't the only holiday being celebrated by people this time of year. Some people have very meaningful celebrations of Hanuka or Kwanza. I've even gone to a Winter Solestice party!
Part of respecting other people is to invite them to enjoy whatever holiday they are celebrating, not just if it's ours. Though not a "biblical" holiday (in the sene that it's originated in the Bible), it does reflect a reality that is a the core of God's redemptive plan in the world - the celebration of Christ's birth. I'm all about that and am so thankful for the gift of life we have in Him.
But wishing someone a happy Hanuka doesn't take away my joy in Christmas. Sending some friends a Happy Kwanza card didn't in the least steal my joy or thankfulness.
The other day, I was in the store and heard the cashier saying the requisite, "Happy Holidays." to her customers. That's cool...
As I approached and was giving her my money, I stopped and asked, "What holiday to celebrate this time of year?" She stopped and looked at me a little strange...and then smiled broadly. "Hanuka...and Christmas!"
I simply said, "Then Happy Hanuka and Merry Christmas!"
It wasn't that big of a deal. But it was brief encounte where I chose to value her instead of myself.
And that's what ordinary attempts are all about.
What "ordinary attempts" at loving people have you tried lately? Share with us!
Peace...and Merry Christmas!
Matt
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
random thoughts...
It's been awhile since I've posted. That's partly because I've been doing a lot of writing and reflecting in other areas, so don't get to write here as often. So here are some random things to catch you up a bit...
- After the snow day, we took off for Bay City, MI to visit Heidi's family. Christmas celebration there is always a big deal. It's been several years since we've been there all together for it. So this year was special. The kids did great traveling...which helps Mom and Dad to better traveling, too;-)
- I had a couple weeks off from preaching. It was a nice break. Northwest-ers have been listening to my voice every Sunday since July...that's too long for them! Kevin stepped in and did a good job. I still worked, but was able to put my attention in other places.
- This is a pretty crazy week. Heidi oriented at a new hospital as a part of her agency resume. She's not able to expand her options, which will be nice. That was Monday. Tuesday was Elders meeting. Tonight, she's working. Thursday, I have a team meeting for Northwest. Friday night we're heading to the city with our Small Group to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in Chicago - this will be Heidi's and my first time in the city together. Saturday evening is the annual staff/elder Christmas dinner - a time to celebrate and remember together. Yup...that's a crazy week...
- As I mentioned, we're heading to the city Friday. I'm excited about this on many levels. Can't wait to be there with Heidi. Excited about sharing this season with this group that is so special to us. It's a huge part of making this area "home" for me.
- The kids are awesome! I loved being at home with them on Monday. I'm home every Monday, but this week was special because it was just me. Sure, I missed Heidi, but I loved being able to give her that time away (to work, of course) and to have that time with the kids. I generally don't get whole days alone with them...I like my kids. And I am so thankful for Heidi, who is with them all day most days of the week...she's an incredible mother and wife...thanks, Babe.
- I won the first round of playoffs in one of my fantasy football leagues. This week will be tougher. And in the other league, I went into the playoffs in first place! The playoff game this week should work out fine...then next week will be a stretch. It's been fun...mostly because I win most of the games.
Well, that's the news from Lake Villa these days.
Merry Christmas!
M@
- After the snow day, we took off for Bay City, MI to visit Heidi's family. Christmas celebration there is always a big deal. It's been several years since we've been there all together for it. So this year was special. The kids did great traveling...which helps Mom and Dad to better traveling, too;-)
- I had a couple weeks off from preaching. It was a nice break. Northwest-ers have been listening to my voice every Sunday since July...that's too long for them! Kevin stepped in and did a good job. I still worked, but was able to put my attention in other places.
- This is a pretty crazy week. Heidi oriented at a new hospital as a part of her agency resume. She's not able to expand her options, which will be nice. That was Monday. Tuesday was Elders meeting. Tonight, she's working. Thursday, I have a team meeting for Northwest. Friday night we're heading to the city with our Small Group to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in Chicago - this will be Heidi's and my first time in the city together. Saturday evening is the annual staff/elder Christmas dinner - a time to celebrate and remember together. Yup...that's a crazy week...
- As I mentioned, we're heading to the city Friday. I'm excited about this on many levels. Can't wait to be there with Heidi. Excited about sharing this season with this group that is so special to us. It's a huge part of making this area "home" for me.
- The kids are awesome! I loved being at home with them on Monday. I'm home every Monday, but this week was special because it was just me. Sure, I missed Heidi, but I loved being able to give her that time away (to work, of course) and to have that time with the kids. I generally don't get whole days alone with them...I like my kids. And I am so thankful for Heidi, who is with them all day most days of the week...she's an incredible mother and wife...thanks, Babe.
- I won the first round of playoffs in one of my fantasy football leagues. This week will be tougher. And in the other league, I went into the playoffs in first place! The playoff game this week should work out fine...then next week will be a stretch. It's been fun...mostly because I win most of the games.
Well, that's the news from Lake Villa these days.
Merry Christmas!
M@
Friday, December 01, 2006
snow day...
Since moving to Chicago-land, I've got to say that I'm pretty unimpressed with the snowfall. If I'm going to be cold (which winter is), then I'd prefer to have a bunch of the white stuff. Call me sick, but I like it.
And they talk a good snow game around here...but really haven't delivered much.
Until today. The forcasters called for a huge storm. I was skeptical.
So when I woke up to a healthy dose of snow, I was pleasantly surprised.
I waited out the storm at home, hanging with Heidi and the kids. I shoveled a few times to keep ahead of the snow (it was heavy so I wanted to lift as little at a time as possible). Izak even helped me shovel a bit.
I was, admittedly a little stir-crazy...I had plans in my head that were being put on hold. As much as I love my family, I was also ready and raring to go. So I had to put my ideas on hold for a few hours...not the end of the world. And instead, I got to watch my kids play outside in the snow.
"Daddy, is it winter now?"
"Yup, buddy, it's officially winter. Have fun!"
And he did...so did I.
We're heading to Michigan tomorrow to spend a couple days celebrating Christmas with Heidi's family. Should be a great time to connect with them and change the scenery a bit.
peace,
M@
And they talk a good snow game around here...but really haven't delivered much.
Until today. The forcasters called for a huge storm. I was skeptical.
So when I woke up to a healthy dose of snow, I was pleasantly surprised.
I waited out the storm at home, hanging with Heidi and the kids. I shoveled a few times to keep ahead of the snow (it was heavy so I wanted to lift as little at a time as possible). Izak even helped me shovel a bit.
I was, admittedly a little stir-crazy...I had plans in my head that were being put on hold. As much as I love my family, I was also ready and raring to go. So I had to put my ideas on hold for a few hours...not the end of the world. And instead, I got to watch my kids play outside in the snow.
"Daddy, is it winter now?"
"Yup, buddy, it's officially winter. Have fun!"
And he did...so did I.
We're heading to Michigan tomorrow to spend a couple days celebrating Christmas with Heidi's family. Should be a great time to connect with them and change the scenery a bit.
peace,
M@
snow day...
Since moving to Chicago-land, I've got to say that I'm pretty unimpressed with the snowfall. If I'm going to be cold (which winter is), then I'd prefer to have a bunch of the white stuff. Call me sick, but I like it.
And they talk a good snow game around here...but really haven't delivered much.
Until today. The forcasters called for a huge storm. I was skeptical.
So when I woke up to a healthy dose of snow, I was pleasantly surprised.
I waited out the storm at home, hanging with Heidi and the kids. I shoveled a few times to keep ahead of the snow (it was heavy so I wanted to lift as little at a time as possible). Izak even helped me shovel a bit.
I was, admittedly a little stir-crazy...I had plans in my head that were being put on hold. As much as I love my family, I was also ready and raring to go. So I had to put my ideas on hold for a few hours...not the end of the world. And instead, I got to watch my kids play outside in the snow.
"Daddy, is it winter now?"
"Yup, buddy, it's officially winter. Have fun!"
And he did...so did I.
We're heading to Michigan tomorrow to spend a couple days celebrating Christmas with Heidi's family. Should be a great time to connect with them and change the scenery a bit.
peace,
M@
And they talk a good snow game around here...but really haven't delivered much.
Until today. The forcasters called for a huge storm. I was skeptical.
So when I woke up to a healthy dose of snow, I was pleasantly surprised.
I waited out the storm at home, hanging with Heidi and the kids. I shoveled a few times to keep ahead of the snow (it was heavy so I wanted to lift as little at a time as possible). Izak even helped me shovel a bit.
I was, admittedly a little stir-crazy...I had plans in my head that were being put on hold. As much as I love my family, I was also ready and raring to go. So I had to put my ideas on hold for a few hours...not the end of the world. And instead, I got to watch my kids play outside in the snow.
"Daddy, is it winter now?"
"Yup, buddy, it's officially winter. Have fun!"
And he did...so did I.
We're heading to Michigan tomorrow to spend a couple days celebrating Christmas with Heidi's family. Should be a great time to connect with them and change the scenery a bit.
peace,
M@
snow day...
Since moving to Chicago-land, I've got to say that I'm pretty unimpressed with the snowfall. If I'm going to be cold (which winter is), then I'd prefer to have a bunch of the white stuff. Call me sick, but I like it.
And they talk a good snow game around here...but really haven't delivered much.
Until today. The forcasters called for a huge storm. I was skeptical.
So when I woke up to a healthy dose of snow, I was pleasantly surprised.
I waited out the storm at home, hanging with Heidi and the kids. I shoveled a few times to keep ahead of the snow (it was heavy so I wanted to lift as little at a time as possible). Izak even helped me shovel a bit.
I was, admittedly a little stir-crazy...I had plans in my head that were being put on hold. As much as I love my family, I was also ready and raring to go. So I had to put my ideas on hold for a few hours...not the end of the world. And instead, I got to watch my kids play outside in the snow.
"Daddy, is it winter now?"
"Yup, buddy, it's officially winter. Have fun!"
And he did...so did I.
We're heading to Michigan tomorrow to spend a couple days celebrating Christmas with Heidi's family. Should be a great time to connect with them and change the scenery a bit.
peace,
M@
And they talk a good snow game around here...but really haven't delivered much.
Until today. The forcasters called for a huge storm. I was skeptical.
So when I woke up to a healthy dose of snow, I was pleasantly surprised.
I waited out the storm at home, hanging with Heidi and the kids. I shoveled a few times to keep ahead of the snow (it was heavy so I wanted to lift as little at a time as possible). Izak even helped me shovel a bit.
I was, admittedly a little stir-crazy...I had plans in my head that were being put on hold. As much as I love my family, I was also ready and raring to go. So I had to put my ideas on hold for a few hours...not the end of the world. And instead, I got to watch my kids play outside in the snow.
"Daddy, is it winter now?"
"Yup, buddy, it's officially winter. Have fun!"
And he did...so did I.
We're heading to Michigan tomorrow to spend a couple days celebrating Christmas with Heidi's family. Should be a great time to connect with them and change the scenery a bit.
peace,
M@
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