When we first came to Minnesota back in August of 2006 I saw an advertisement on tv. Every Monday night there is an open gym adult basketball at the Community Center. We moved here on a Sunday and since that first Monday I have been a regular at Monday night basketball. Tonight I played my last Monday night with the guys. I have always been thankful for this time. Every Monday on my way to and from I pray about the night and I always tell God thank you for this time. I also pray that we have plenty of guys to play; that no one gets hurt (i have a few scars but that’s cool); that I can use this as a time to burn off stressful energy and simple stay in shape. I do not take if for granted because not every city offers adult open gym with a good group of guys. Tonight after basketball I was reminded of how many times I have been so stressed or bummed out about the church or life but when I walk into the gym and we start playing all those things seem to fade to the back of my mind. I am not sure what I would have been like through this situation if I did not have Monday night basketball and the community I joined. Do you have “community” like this in your life? I know the simple answer is Sunday morning church, but if you are married hopefully you go as a family so that doesn’t count. I am talking about a community (other than church) that exists for you to simply be you alone …not mom or dad or employee…but an avenue for God to use to propel you through potentially tough times.
I’ve got to tell you that over the course of my life I have come across some very talented people. Some people use their talents to their fullest while others take them for granted. Which category do you fall under?
Purpose has always been a driving force in my life. I remember quitting McDonald’s in my early years because to me I knew that serving hamburgers and fries was not my calling in life. I am not condemning those who work at McD’s if they are fullfilling their purpose. To me…I was not. I remember standing in the front of the store looking out at the lobby and thinking that my stress revolved around someone complaining about a small fry when they ordered a medium fry. Big freaken’ deal! Um…seriously! This is not what I was created for.
I remember years later setting at my desk and examining the plastic moldings that the company I worked for had supplied colorant for. A stirring began and I asked myself the same question…is this really what I was created for? Um…seriously? No! Not a bad job and I worked with some great people who supported me in my decision to follow Christ and enter into ministry. I am very thankful for my job there.
If I look around at the people I have come into contact with I can’t help but wonder what if? What if they used all of their potential for the purpose they were created for? I know…not everyone is into the who church Jesus thing. I get it. But what if? I recall the moment that I knew I was in it to win it! I have never been more scared, excited, embarrassed or fulfilled. Dude! I was so jacked up like a teenager on Mountain Dew! Why? Because I found my purpose and I was committing to be a part of something bigger than myself.
So the question remains what about the average Joe or the average Joanne? Many people have locked themselves into a lifestyle that does not allow a change. Many have spent thousands of dollars on an education for a specific field of work. I know…it is hard to walk away from that. But…no one is asking you to do that. The question to wrestle with is this what I was created for?
Not everyone is called to full-time ministry, but here is what I do believe. God did ordain our days for a purpose. He did know us while we were yet in the womb. He does have a purpose and a plan for us. And here’s the thing…His purpose and plan for us does not revolve around the mundane. God intentionally created us and we are all part of His story. What is within us, those things that drive us to want more out of life will never be full filled if we are afraid to take a risk and ask the question…is this what I was created for? Maybe we don’t change careers, but maybe we change our motivations. No longer do we have to work to pay the bills but maybe we can work to honor our boss or to serve others. You know what I mean. Give the man a large fry next time…no wait that is stealing, but you get what I mean.
So all of this rambling because I know of a few people who are reading this that need to be reminded that they are part of a much bigger plan and they can play a huge role on the winning team!
Over the past few days my emails have increased with potential opportunities and the phone rings three or four times a day. Yesterday I spoke with a guy in Dallas, Texas area who asked me what I bring to a team. I told him that I am a passionate person about the mission of God, that I want to be a part of a momentum that takes over a city for God. I don’t want to just exist within the culture (yes the church has to exist within the culture and not outside of it) but I want to help shape the culture and capitalize on it. Today’s culture provides new and exciting ways to approach the mission of God. We have more resources and tools at our fingertips than ever before. Match those resources with a patience waiting on God to speak and fuel that with a passion that longs to see others experience the spiritual awakening I have encountered and I think taking over a city is just the beginning.
Hey all who may be checking in on me! I notice that the traffic on this blog has been increasing which leads me to provide an update for you. At this point we are still living in Minnesota. We are eagerly waiting for the right opportunity. There have been so many things I am learning through this process but one thing remains the same…I LACK PATIENCE! I try…I really do, but no matter what I find myself begging God for a quick response. Here are some really cool moments where God (again) proves He is wiser than I am (duh)!
Back in November I began praying that God would provide an opportunity that would pull me away from The Path. The reason wasn’t because I wanted to leave you, but to be a help as I contributed to the decisions regarding The Path’s future. Honestly, I was looking for an easy way out. I figured that if God provided a great opportunity somewhere else than that would be a sign from God that it was time to move on. GUESS WHAT? There were no such opportunities in November. As I look back I realize that I would not have been willing to see anything else at that point. While I wanted an easy answer from God I would have missed it because during that time my focus was narrowed in on The Path and the people I was serving even though it was clear that financially we could not go on. I don’ think I could have been able to walk away.
So after knowing that we were going to close (around mid-January) I began praying that God would provide an opportunity that would allow a seamless transition from The Path to the next ministry. I sent out a few resumes and spread the word through my networks. While there were opportunities out there nothing seemed like a perfect fit. Looking back…Carrie was not willing to look anywhere other than Richmond, Indiana during this time. What if God would have provided “THE” opportunity then? We would have missed it because Carrie was not willing/ready to go anywhere other than home.
Not only was Carrie not ready, I really wasn’t ready either. The time that I have been spending with God has been the most spiritual rewarding time I have ever had. Every day I get about an hour of complete silence/prayer/study time where God has been shaping me to become the man He wants me to be. Having started this church I can’t help but be shaped by this experience. I needed time to grow through this and process all that we have went through. While this financially could be trouble, I would not trade the time I have been having with God (as a result of being “idle”) for anything. I am going crazy being “mr. mom” but God knew I needed this time. He has been preparing me for my future during this time and I am blessed for having this transition time.
Carrie and I are united in heart and mind. We have both grown so much through the ministry of The Path and the transition afterwards. Now we clearly see that God knew what He was doing and our prayers were answered long ago when we began this process.
Will the right opportunity come quickly? I don’t know, but I hope so. But…what if not? Agh! God will still be God! I will still struggle with patience! And God will lead us in His perfect time!
I have often thanked God for the ministry we were able to do while serving The Path. There are people and stories that we will never forget. What I am coming to understand is that perhaps we were the ones who were ministered to the most.
Thanks for the calls and emails checking in on me. As you can see I do not use this blog very much. I have been sucked into facebook lately. Sign up and be my friend (doesn’t that sound pathetic)! I will hopefully hear something very soon and will provide another update as soon as I do.
When I first entered into ministry I did not have a large networking circle. In fact, my networking influence looked more like a dot than a circle. Having spent eight years in ministry I am now enjoying the benefits of my networking circle. Here are a few benefits I have found by having a network of like-minded people across the country in my corner:
1. The world becomes much larger – it can become to easy to get caught up in our own environment that we forget there is life outside our bubble. We can begin to feel isolated or trapped by our circumstances. I know it is good to hear from my friends down south who are experiencing warm weather and sunshine. I am not a fan of winter so conversations of springtime and warm weather are encouraging. When times seem discouraging it is great to hear a story of how someone is overcoming. Sometimes it helps to hear what others are going through. We can often learn not only from our misfortunes, but others as well. When we have networks of people across the country our world becomes much larger.
2. I can vent without causing harm to my family or intimate community - if you are normal there are times when you need to relieve yourself of some frustration just by getting it off your chest. I have had the joy of being that listening ear for many over the past couple of years. For some of my friends they are going through things I recently experienced. I can not only listen, but I can really hear and understand their frustration. I am thankful that they return the favor as I have needed to just let loose and verbally share my frustrations as well.
3. I can sense a level of accountability - since our transition I want to talk about our next step in ministry while all of my friends focus on my family. They know I am not moving ahead without them, but there is a level of accountability by answering to them about my time with my family. I love my family and would never want to do anything that would hurt them…on purpose or accidentally. I am also able to share things of faith with them and talk openly knowing they won’t criticize or judge me. It is great to have a phone call from a friend who is following up on a weakness. It reminds me that I am not alone in this walk of faith and that others truly care. I have become a better father, husband, friend and pastor as a result of those who help hold me accountable.
4. I got people - Just like H&R Block I have people who are looking out for my best interest. All across the country men and women are keeping their eyes open for our next ministry opportunity. It is great to know that my future is not limited to what is in my vision. I have eyes and ears everywhere. I feel like Tom Cruise in “The Firm”…except this is a good thing not a mafia thing. I have been turned onto potential ministry opportunities that I would have no idea were available if not for networking.
5. There is no lid to my leadership - if we continue to rely on ourselves to supply all that we need to lead others we are in trouble. We place a lid on our ability to lead. Having a network of people allows me to learn their stories and how they have lead during them. I can learn alot without having to go through the experience. All I have to do is listen. It is amazing how just at the right time God will send me someone on the phone or email or through a blog that has experienced something I am currently going through. I can take their experience and learn the lessons they learned and then more effectively lead those entrusted to me.
6. I got people - I know this is redundant but having others looking out for me is great. Knowing that others are keeping their eyes open for me keeps me optimistic, but there is nothing like having a friend call me up to pray for me or just knowing that someone else is praying for me. I know their is power in prayer and I feel like I am part of an army.
7. It breeds competition/creativity – I am very competitive. I know I can’t always compare myself to others I have to be content. But I don’t think there is anything wrong with seeing/hearing of others success for the kingdom and using that as another motivation to try harder, serve deeper and love more meaningful. Sure, I have to pray for forgiveness when I become envious of others and wish for what they have, so worse case scenario this competition leads me pray to God. Praying isn’t a bad thing. I am now at the point where I can start to take away challenges from others success stories without feeling defeated myself. I get even more motivated when I hear from others and the good works they are involved in.
I am sure there are more benefits to networking than I have listed. These were on my mind so I decided to share them you. Any thoughts or other benefits you experience through networking?
On Sunday the family went to The Science Museum of Minnesota.
Today Jackson and I went to Burnsville Mall and he got his first pair of Jordans. We also ate and played at the play area. I am thankful for the extra time I have with the family. I know this is a time that I will look back at and appreciate.
Also today in my time with God a very powerful scripture came stood out.
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
WOW…as a leader within the church I have often said that the church is to be the closest thing to the Kingdom of God here on earth. I wonder how many times the church is viewed as a place of talk rather than a place of power. We spend a lot of time strategically talking about ways to do ministry. While those conversations can be invigorating…talk is talk not power. I can remember many times feeling good about our strategy, visions and values. They sounded good…actually great. But now looking back I get to personally examine their power. In some areas I feel we honored God and in others we talked a lot. I have many other thoughts but honestly don’t feel like righting them all out now, but this is just a glimpse of what I do in my spare time. Any thoughts???
Today was an amazing day. I have learned to be thankful even when life only offers the basics, but today there are three things that happened that are really amazing:
1. I couldn’t find my receipt for the 50inch plazma that died so I went to Sam’s Club to have an order history printed. I thought I had purchased an extended warranty through Sam’s Club. Guess what??? I did. So today we took our TV that we bought over a year ago to Sam’s Club and exchanged it for a brand new one. Here’s what’s really good! Not only did we trade our broken TV in for a brand new one but we also received over $300 cash back because the TV that was equal to what we had was actually cheaper than what we paid for the one that broke. Now if you read my post about spending time with God can actually save your life you can now understand that not only can it save your life but it also put money in my pocket.
2. Today I played basketball with Brayden. He is only 10 put he is a pretty good ball player. I have been waiting until he gets old enough so that during pick-up games he and I can play together (competatively). Today we went to the community center and there was a group of guys on one court playing 5 on 5. The competetion didn’t look to great. These guys were not that best ball players and were also not in shape. BUT they were grown men. So they ask if I will play and I told them only if they need 2 players so that my son could play as well. They agreed and Brayden and I played 5 on 5 full court with grown men (out of shape and lacking in skills…but yet grown men). It was so cool to watch him really stretch himself and compete. On the second play of the game he gave a shot fake and dribbled left and made a three pointer. He was really playing well and hard. Early in the game I would set him up for a shot and he was on fire. The other team played serious against him but it didn’t matter. Later in the game he drove the middle of the lane drawing my defender. He then stopped and passed to me for a three pointer. I have to admit this was the most fun I have EVER had playing basketball.
3. After playing basketball one of our previous supporters for The Path Christian Community called and told me that they wanted to keep prayerfully and financially supporting my family and I through this transition. I am so thankful for their help. This is my home church that I left to enter into full-time ministry. Thanks Steve from Centerville Christian Church.
What an amazing day!
Usually I have my time with God after lunch. Yesterday the kids were out of school and home with me. Brayden had a friend spend the night so I had a house full of kids. I knew that I could not have uninterupted time with God while everyone was awake so I said to myself, “self, let’s do this God time later tonight after everyone goes to sleep!” And self said, “O.K. but don’t get distracted and forget!” And I thought…”Like I would ever do that 
!” The day passed by with great drama. Our 50inch plasma decided to save the planet by refusing to operate. OUCH! So American Idol and Survivor were watched on the 19inch in the comfort of my big bed. Carrie decides it is time to go to sleep and as I prepare to roll over and sleep it hits me…”MY TIME WITH GOD!” I get up out of bed and head toward the living room when a burning smell reaches my nose. At first we thought it was something in the dishwasher melting. After further review it was an outlet that had malfunctioned and caught on fire. (The same outlet that once housed the plug in for my 50inch plasma TV) It had melted all the way through and the wall around it was hot to the touch. We cut the power and waited it out. While waiting I had my time with God and about 12:30 am the wall had cooled and I could now rest in peace.
Needless to say, had I not got out of bed to spend time with God my house may have been a thing of the past. WOW
I am glad you found me. Typepad was costing me $$$ and this site is free so I made the switch. With the money I am saving I get 3 more extra value meals from McDonald’s each month!
So I figured that I should update an “About Me” page. You can check this out at the top of the blog on the link titled…”About Matt Reece”. I hate doing these because I have no idea what anyone would want to know about me. So I give you the basics and will probably update this again once we move to wherever it is that we will be moving.
In the meantime feel free to leave a comment or just say hi! I might even post something of substance later today.
So this will become my new blog site for those interested in anything I have to say…
