9.04.2008

Can I really blog from my phone?

Oh technology...I miss the simple days of pagers and AIM...ok not really.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

9.01.2008

I Can't Sleep

I feel like I have so much to say, yet I can't even think of a place to start. And the fact that it's 4:10am makes me think I shouldn't start.
I just can't sleep. My mind is wide awake and I can't stop thinking about how rad today was. There was nothing super "outside the norm" that happened...It was just a good day.

Here are some of my early bird thoughts...(And PS...I don't see any stinkin worm. It's all a big lie!) Anyways...

Over and over again I'm reminded of how blessed I am.

Blessed to belong to such an incredible spiritual family here at Seacoast.
Blessed to marry my best friend in a month!!!
Blessed to have friends and spiritual mentors that teach me so much and are committed to not letting me fail.
So blessed to have the job I have that allows me to get to know some of the coolest people around.

God has really been so good! It saddens me to think that I've spent the majority of my life complaining about what I don't have...when all along I've always had what I've needed. Today was another day where that truth was clear to me. And it's crazy...the more time I spend being thankful for what God has provided, the less time I have to complain! (I know that sounds complex)

Oh how I wish I would live my life in continuous gratitude! Sure, it might keep me up all night, but pulling the grave yard shift with God is well worth it!

8.19.2008

Free Music From JJ Heller!!!




I like free music and I like JJ's music. This is perfect.

Click on the picture or go to JJ's website and download her latest album, "Painted Red"....for FREE!!! Do it.

8.17.2008

Gonna Miss Zach, Seiji, and Weston

I've accepted the fact that saying goodbye will always be an active ingredient in my life. It's just the nature of ministry. That doesn't mean I like it though.
Today was one of those days...Another farewell. Another goodbye...which has left me feeling sad and misplaced, like a baby who's "Binky" has been stolen or ripped from his hands!
Today I said goodbye to Zach, Seiji, and Weston. They're off to college to receive higher education and to unveil the meaning of life. Yes, I'll see them again soon, and actually very soon at a pretty special event...a certain wedding. But I'm gonna miss seeing them around so much. They've become such rad friends. It's hard to see them go.

Today, we played our final set, had a group hug, and said our goodbyes. I loved having lunch with Weston and getting one final chance to play with Zach+Seiji as we all focused our hearts on our Amazing God who, by His grace, has allowed us to enjoy this season of life together. It's been a supreme blessing. Thank you Jesus!

The final set list...

The band minus Weston (our media maestro)

8.12.2008

I Don't Need Your Prayer

A friend of mine is working through a tough situation right now and shared it with me. Honestly, it made me angry, frustrated, annoyed, perturbed, and just plain mad as I listened to what is taking place!
Unfortunately, it's a pretty common issue and can be extremely hurtful. I've been through this but never got the chance to blog about it. So, here's my chance...while I'm all worked up!

Ok, so here's the deal:

The next time you hear someone talking behind my back, questioning my integrity, or speaking poorly of my character...PLEASE DON'T TELL ME! I don't need to hear it from you, especially if it's wrapped in the, "I heard a few things...and...well, I'm praying for you Matt." package!
You may feel like you're helping me by saying that, but you're not. You're actually spreading a disgusting virus and poisoning me when you say you heard someone gossiping about me! I DON'T NEED TO KNOW THAT! If you care so much and really want to pray for me, start by praying for YOURSELF!!! Pray for the boldness to SPEAK UP and tell the person with the problem to come directly to me!

Truth is, I don't want your PRAYER...I want your PROTECTION!

Words are powerful. They can build. They can destroy. Scripture teaches that over and over. The most secular, left-winged liberal would agree with that!

Stop poisoning. Start protecting.