**Mustard Seed Distributed**

I never knew I had an Uncle Wesley until today. You know how I found out? I listened to God's push through the Holy Spirit. I got an email from my aunt saying my uncle was doing great. So I responded that that was good, but I didn't know why. He had hip replacement on Tuesday, unbeknownst to me. So I felt God urging me to go visit him, so I did. I learned his name is really Wesley. I learned about his dad. I saw his heart in our conversation, and he asked me about NY. Not many family members ask me details, but he did. So we talked for a while on NY, life, God. He told me things I didn't know. God taught me that if I listen to him, I will learn things. Not just about myself, but about the people I care about, about the world around me that I haven't payed attention to. Uncle Wesley said he would pray for me, and I told him I would pray for him. If I hadn't listened, we wouldn't be praying for each other.

So I have been encouraged by the amount of response I have gotten in the job search process. Surprised is perhaps a better word. I mean, I work hard at what I do, but T$ from Rtown in MI applies for things in NYC, greatest city on earth. What are the odds. I told superstar that God is large because every single call that I've gotten, I have been excited about. Not one has come in where I thought-oh, I wouldn't want to do that-or-I would do this out of service to you, God, but I don't want it. Every single one has been exciting and inviting. But yesterday, I did a phone interview with let's call it V. An organization. I applied big, and I can tell you it was the warmest phone call that I have gotten out of all of them. I could hear in the woman's voice the sense of invitation and sense of caring and desire to have me work for their organization. I am not being negative about the other calls, the people have been nice, I'm just making an observation. S...

Lately, I have been in the old testament with my new set of eyes. Interesting, oh, and boring too. But Pastor suggested that the launch team get into Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to really make sure we know what Jesus lived like when he was missional in his teaching life. So I asked him: "What should I do, read one or the other?" He said the OT is important, but we really need to remind ourselves of what we are getting into. So I am reading both each day. I know, what is going on? But I have been getting so much out of soaking up the Word, I can't believe I've been living without it. So I commit to doing that each day this week-awesome. But each night for some reason I have been pondering what if none of these interviews pan out? What if we don't sell our house? Not being anxious or discouraged about it, but just pondering the then what. So Friday I get another call to set up a phone interview. Superstar emails me that we have a showing on Saturday. ...

Since the NYC thing began, I have learned and grown so much. You know why? Because I am actually looking to God for the answers to my questions, not my wife, my friends, my family, or my culture. I can't even explain the trans4mation that has taken place in my heart and my soul, and even my physical body(I haven't had a cigarette in 44 days!). Reading the bible, taking time for prayer, and taking time to listen to God has been the growth factor. A lot of people now know that superstar and I feel that God is calling us to be part of communitas in NYC. A lot of those people know us from Kensington, or have been to Kensington. So when people ask about the church in NYC, they apply the Kensington lens to look at our church in NYC. However, that lens is already broken, and we are in the process of building a brand new lens. It will be a missional incarnational model. Um...............what? That's what I said at first, but the rest of this post will probably help to exp...

Superstar and the girls went to Fla for a break, and they came back last night. I don't know that I missed my wife that much in previous years. I love her so much it makes me sick of myself when I look at her. Of course, I missed all the giggling that usually goes on in my house. It was also a good time for me to do some reflection, etc. Life is grand. Who cares if we're going to live in a small apartment, as long as I can hug my wife and my girls, and we can giggle, life will continue to be grand. My new found friendships are deepening. It's as if my old freindships need to change in order for me to work on the new ones. That is a hard position to be in, as I long to build my new friendships, yet I don't want to give up my old friendships, not making any old jokes here. Sick Pete is helping me with all of my happenings. What if they had not listened-I think it would be tougher-they being the P family. Sick Pete, Sick Mother, sick k1, sickk2, sickk3, etc. Met...

The Daytona 500 is today. I am SO excited for the season to start. I can't explain why I enjoy NASCAR so much. Adrenaline. Horsepower. Teamwork. Excitement. Not sure what it all does, but I do enjoy it so. But we have an NYC meeting today, so it will have to be on tape delay. I've been home alone all week as the chicas are visiting the in-laws in Florida. As I sit here and watch the sleet come down. Exciting. The older I get, the more I enjoy quiet time alone. Strange, as I was younger, I tried to be the center of attention, but now I'd rather just sit by myself. Went to HSG's on Friday night with the sick family and mucker. Great chili, and we got to watch the truck race. Nothing like a truck race on a Friday night to start your weekend off right. I suppose I didnt' win the big game lottery either. Oh well, on to trying to do what is right even thought I want to do what is wrong knowing what is wrong is not right, and wanting to do what is right bu...

So I'm reading a book on Every Man's Battle-great book for a man to read. I'm struggling with something I read last night. (I'm paraphrasing here) God wants you to not be excellent, but perfect. So how is that possible when we are all sinners? Not sure on how to go after something that I am certain could never happen because I am selfish, self-serving, and did I mention that it's all about me? On a more positive note, NASCAR begins this week. I'm not sure what it is that I really, really enjoy about it, but just watching the Duels yesterday made my heart pitter patter.

So I get the call on Saturday that mattsy and t's baby is on the way. I pray then for health and wellness, and a safe birth. From what I understand, t had to work hard, but all is well. When I got the picture, tears abound. God created this little boy for all to enjoy, so that we might see His hand at work in the world. God's beauty. Say no more. I haven't talked to mattsy yet, but I have been praying for him and t. That God would reveal Himself and His plan for their lives through Collin. I pray for mattsy to become a Godly man, and teach his son what life is about, be a demonstration of humility, always communicate openly and honestly with his son, demonstrate love for his wife in a Godly way, teach his son about the way, the truth, and the life. I pray that God will use me to be a part of that life, and that I will be available to help mattsy and collin each day. Mattsy sent me a text message after I sent one to say congratulations: "Thanks, he is awesome,...

So I had to drive to Lansing for a board meeting for MAMSE today, and it was a snowy morning to start the drive. It was very pretty with the fresh snow on the trees, particularly the pines. It helped me to apply my learning from our men's group of appreciating God's creation. The beauty of the snow, the trees that will come back to life in the spring, the idiots that don't know how to drive when there is a dusting of snow....oh, wait a minute, thank you God for reminding me that you love that guy that was in front of me just as much if not more than you love me! I didn't even turn the radio on the entire way there. I tried to spend some time with God and listen to Him. I don't think that driving is a good time to REALLY listen to God, but I did enjoy the time. In my time of travel, God continuously told me that I need to Read his word. I am currently in the book of Exodus, and I reiterate, it is great to read the Bible with new eyes. Yesterday, we had a sno...

So I get a call last night from my cousin (not the nugget) Mattsy T. Wattsy. His wife t is pregnant with their first child, and it has been really neat to watch Mattsy grow up. He and the nugget are bro and sis, and grew up next door to us out in the Creek. We're all creekers. If you're not from the southern thumb in Michigan, that means nothing to you, but if you are, that means everything to you. Back to the story-so Mattsy calls and asks me to be their first child's Godfather. What an honor. Someone thinks that I could possibly instill Godly values in a child? Like I said, it is an honor, and I vow to make my best effort to help Mattsy and t raise a child that follows God. Even if they don't name him J'matthew J'matthew.

So I continue my search for a position in NYC. I am assuming that there is some position in Education out there that God has a plan to use me in. What, where, how, when? Not so sure on those answers. But if you consider my job search a website, I'm starting to get hits. I have two phone interviews this week with excellent opportunities. Either of which I would love to have, one of which is an executive national position. I just can't wait to see which doors God opens for me. I have always loved the process of searching for a job on a national basis, but it was always just for fun. I never applied for any of them in the past. Now, I'm actually looking and applying, and getting calls. I also have an interview in NY at the end of March for a first round for another position. God is on the move, I can tell you that once again. The only way I'm moving to NY to work is if he opens the doors. Thank you for being my Doorman.

A huge thank you to my nugget cousin for the nice fun weekend. Superstar went off with her girls for the weekend to get a winter coat, and nugget took the girls so I could go up to the cabin. Read her blog about the weekend here. I know the girls loved every minute of it, and it is so cool to have the nugget just love on them all weekend. Thanks, Nugget.

Superbowl weekend was a lot of fun. We've been going up to my Uncle John's Cabin for many years. I haven't been in on it every year, but they said nine years now. Good times, lots of laughs, whether there is running water in the cabin, or you are fixing something to try to get running water in the cabin. And I take back all the bad things I said about guitar hero, because it was a lot of fun playing it. (I'm scared to put that in this blog, but I think I can handle the fallout) SO happy the GIANTS won. Nobody believed the Yankee, but I did. Anyway-There will be giants in the land of NYC. I know this. But I am not scared. I am happy that God is on the move, and is going to take care of ALL my needs. That is pretty comforting. Pastor said today that the giants are there, but going through what we're going through now is training so that the giants don't seem so big. Makes sense to me. But I do wonder if I'll be at the cabin for Superbowl next year...