all.that.jazz » Reflections

myPhone

Matt — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:24:39 +0000

So...hows it going? As usual, its been a while. It is a bit tough to blog in my free time when I dont have Internet at home, but I have no excuse anymore. Im sitting on the couch in the bus on the way to Angola, Indiana. I have this wonderful contraption called an iPhone with a wonderful app called WordPress, and thats what brings me to you today. I intend to invite you into my world more often with words and hopefully pictures as well. Micah and a friend of his have begun writing a book about growing up as pastors kids, and it made me wonder if Id ever reach a point in my life at which I felt like I had something worth writing (and worth reading). I figured maybe I could stir up the creative writing juices by reviving the ol blog. Ha...I think if you read the past number of posts, youll realize that Im a portrait of good intentions. How many times have I said Id be regular again? Anybody got some creative Metamucil?

11 Months

Matt — Tue, 05 May 2009 04:01:18 +0000

It's been almost 11 months since my last blog post, so I figured maybe it was about time I reappeared from under the cloak of silence. I still haven't graduated from college. I still work at East Side Church of God. I still play in two country bands. So basically, not a whole lot has changed. I do live in a new house with a new roommate, however. Still only a block from campus, though.

Blogging effectively is tough for me. Maybe that's why I haven't attempted it in a while. Honestly, I'm not convinced anyone really cares about the chronicle of my life anyway. Plus, I'd rather experience life with people than tell them about it on my blog. That being said, I would like to come up with a purpose for this blog, rather than it just being a "here's what I did today." I suppose I could review music, but honestly I don't get new stuff very often. I could share pictures, but normally that requires a camera. I could share interesting articles, links, and tidbits that I find on the web, but that sort of thing is better suited to Twitter or Tumblr, both of which I have. Am I at a loss for ideas? So far, yes. Now's where you leave me a comment with your ideas for a purpose for this blog. Go!

Resignation and Reading

Matt — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 21:11:27 +0000

Well, I've pretty much resigned to the thought that I could be a regular blogger. As many times as I've said it, you'd think I'd follow through. I shall henceforth be known as The Occasional Blogger, even if I'm the only one to ever refer to myself as such. I probably could also call myself The Guy Who Complains About Not Blogging Enough Every Time He Does Blog, but that's quite a mouthful, so let's stick with the former, okay?

On to bigger and better things...

I am now once again a reader. Well, that might be a bit of a stretch, but I'm getting there. I remember a time when, if given the choice, I'd choose to read for fun. My imagination was filled with the stories of the Boxcar Children and the Hardy Boys, not to mention Aslan and crew from the Chronicles of Narnia. Unfortunately, those days ended when I started 5th grade at a new school. Suddenly, I learned what homework was and forgot what reading was. Well, now that I am no longer a student of any formal institution, I have the responsibility of making the choice to continue my education on my own. I suppose that's what life is all about, but I feel like I'll probably benefit a bit more by being proactive about it versus just breezing on through. So anyway, I thought I'd share a couple lists with you. The first one is fairly short, a list of books I've been working on recently:

C.S. Lewis - A Grief Observed (completed), The Great Divorce, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (re-reading)
John Eldredge - Wild at Heart (completed)
Mark Batterson - In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day

I set aside The Great Divorce a while back, in favor of Wild at Heart, but now that it's complete, I'll get back to it. I needed a break from deeply thoughtful reading, so I decided to invoke my imagination and re-read The Chronicles of Narnia. I don't have to sort through syntax to get to the meaning; I can just immerse myself in the story, and I love that. Reading those books is like watching a movie to me. Anyway, the second list is my "To read" list. They're just sitting there on my shelf, waiting for me. We'll see how long this takes.

Erwin McManus - The Barbarian Way
Becky Tirabassi - Sacred Obsession (for student ministries next fall)
John Piper - The Passion of Jesus Christ
Steve Brown - A Scandalous Freedom
Gene Edwards - A Tale of Three Kings (re-read)
Ron Owens - Return to Worship
Bill Hybels - Too Busy Not to Pray
Rory Noland - The Heart of the Artist (I've tried to read this a number of times and just never finished)
Robert Ludlum - The Bourne Supremacy (Same story here) and The Bourne Ultimatum
Thom S. Rainer & Eric Geiger - Simple Church
C.S. Lewis - Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, and the rest of The Chronicles of Narnia

I'm sure that list is incomplete, but those are all the books and I can think of at this point. I've also been recommended The Shack, but I don't have it, so I'll have to borrow from someone.

Ok, I think that's enough for today. I need to leave in 20 minutes for Pendleton, and I want to get a chapter or two more done in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

For Narnia and for Aslan!

Motivation

Matt — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:37:13 +0000

Sometimes I have more of it, and sometimes I don't. It's sad really. I want to be a (much) more disciplined person. Discipline is an incredible virtue. Even something as simple as keeping my blog updated seems too much of a chore far too often. I suppose whether the latest post was written within the last few months isn't going to make or break me as a person, but I'd venture to say that it could be a fairly accurate representation of the level of motivation I have for other, more vital, activities, such as, say, finishing my graduation requirements, piano practice, songwriting, working out/eating healthy, and time with God. Now, I now the word "motivation" implies some feeling that promises a positive result, and I realize that discipline has not much to do with feelings. In fact, discipline, more often than not, acts in spite of feelings. Maybe that's where patience comes in. I think I'd feel motivated if I had enough patience to wait for the reward. But sadly, I often settle for "good enough." The funny thing, though, is that this isn't a universal principle for me. Sometimes I find myself so unwilling to settle for "good enough" that I don't even try, either because I realize I'll never achieve in that area or because I convince myself that I can if I wait long enough (i.e. "There's something better out there for me."). I hope that makes sense. I guess that this is sort an exploratory post, a pseudo-psychological expedition into the vast expanse that is the way I think and work. It's probably about time I do this. It would be a shame if I went much longer without figuring myself out.

One thing I do know, however, is that I want to love people and love what I do. Maybe therein lies my motivation.

Psalm 139 (NIV)

Matt — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 17:54:07 +0000

¹ O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

² You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

⁵ You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

¹¹ If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

¹⁸ Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

¹⁹ If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

²² I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

So Just Breathe

Matt — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 06:15:50 +0000

It's funny really. Every time I'm up way too late, I usually end up getting the song "Breathe (2AM)" by Anna Nalick stuck in my head. Then what usually happens is that I look at the clock and find that it is, indeed, just about 2 in the A.M. Weird, I know. You know what else usually happens when I'm up way too late? I start thinking about what little sleep I will be getting even if I were to go to bed immediately, and it makes me feel worse because I know I'll feel exhausted tomorrow. Then when I wake up in the morning, I find that I was right about how I'd feel. It's a pretty vicious cycle, and to be honest, I'm not much of a fan. There's something to be said about staying up late if there's a reason such as work that needs to be done, friends that need to be talked to or hung out with, or an indefinite (but definitely late) wake-up time. Anyway, here I find myself once again in the same situation. If there wasn't Wi-Fi where I'm currently living, I'd have been dead to the world for a few hours by now, but alas, I find myself distracted. I actually wish that was the case. I usually can't seem to pull myself away in a timely manner, and tonight is no different.

Anyway, since I hadn't blogged in a while, I thought I'd stop in and say hi. I am currently living with Pastor Mick (my worship pastor and boss) while I make some life decisions, including one regarding where to live. I've been enjoying a summer of playing country music with Cook and Belle and working at the church. I was recently reminded by a commenter on this blog that I had made a list of everyone I could think of who was engaged (found in my October 15, '06 post). That list had, I believe, 13 people on it, and I do believe most, if not all, of them are now married. Also married are some other people who I did not include in the list either because I didn't know they were engaged at the time or I simply couldn't remember them while writing the list. I could get all emo and cry about how I'm still single and really not content with it, but I won't. You probably are thanking me for not going there, which means we are becoming closer and friendlier. (If that's the case, and you're a single, attractive female, call me.)

That is all. Must...go...to...bed. Night.

Something Disturbing and Something Amazing…

Matt — Sun, 27 May 2007 04:29:08 +0000

First of all, I am appalled by this, but I wanted to share it in case you were unaware people like this exist:

CLICK HERE

These people are from Westboro Baptist Church. I am sad that I even had to type that URL, but I wanted to share it with you. Click around on the site, and you'll find more and more outrageous claims. Man, that saddens me.

On a lighter note, I want to work at Google:

CLICK HERE

That is all.

Reality

Matt — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 07:57:10 +0000

It's funny. No, I'm not referring to the fact that this is my second post of the new year, and it's not even a week in. I didn't even make a resolution... What I am referring to is how things change when one stops and takes inventory. A moment ago, I came upstairs from hanging out with my brother, watching Scrubs, which, by the way, I find quite amusing. Anyway, my e-mail inbox said I had a new wall post on Facebook from a friend of mine whom I knew was going to be gone for the next semester. It turns out he's already gone. Plus, a couple of my other friends will be doing the same thing quite soon. They're all following different musical pursuits now that they've graduated. You'd think that it would be no big deal right? Well, not exactly. You see, these guys have kinda been my musical compadres for the past while, and honestly, (pull out your tissues) I'm going to miss them. Of course, they'll probably be back, and there's a good chance we'll be playing together again as early as this summer, but I guess I'm sad they won't be a part of my last semester of college. In many ways, I've never felt as respected with anyone else as I have with them (which is strange because in many other ways, we are so different and would have never been friends had it not been for music, which speaks to the efficacy of the art), at least in the same way. On some level, we understand each other unlike I feel I've ever been understood.

But to get really honest, that isn't the root issue here. It's the combination of a number of things. Have I accomplished anything? Have I grown and changed? Have I risked and invested? Do I have any friends who will actually care at least a bit when I'm gone? Will my life turn out like it should, or will I screw it up? Was it worth four years of my life and thousands of dollars of my parents' money (and eventually mine once I start paying off loans)? Does my family know I love them and owe them the world but don't really know how to show it? Am I ready to move on into real life? Maybe it's the fact that it's 2:30 in the morning, and I should be sleeping, but I guess you could say I'm in a pensive mood. I just want to make a difference and live without regrets. And more than anything, I'm scared of being alone, which is something I'd much rather share with a friend or a special someone who is more than a friend, but at this point, I don't have the latter, and I question the former. My phone sits silent most of the time, unless someone needs something, and not very often does my computer make that fun whooshing sound, announcing an incoming instant message. Man, it's a good thing no one reads this, or you'd probably consider this an invitation to my pity party and then slap me for being such an idiot. I am being serious, but realize that I don't intend to over-dramatize it. I just think about these things sometimes, and the closer I become to a college graduate, the more they shift to the foreground. It is good to know, or at least to assume, that there are other people who process these same things. And of course, if I could figure out how to surrender control, there is One who can take care of it and me. I guess I'm not alone.

Matt

Pathetic

Matt — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 05:50:45 +0000

Yes, I know I am. I have been quite unfaithful to you, my readers; and it feels like every time I write, I am only coming up with a different and more creative way to express that sentiment. Once again, I humbly come before you with an apologetic heart and a meek spirit to ask your kindest forgiveness for my absence. Anyway, I find myself pretty bored as this Christmas break continues on. I'm hanging out with the fam at our new pad in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Yes friends, I no longer call Holland, Michigan home, although I will still claim it as my hometown since it's where I learned about Jesus, it's where I learned about love, it's where I learned about working hard, and having a little was just enough. For those of you without country roots, that was a reference to "Boondocks" by Little Big Town.

Anywho, next semester is almost here, and not only is it the only thing standing between me and summer break (aka warm weather), it is the only thing standing between me and real life. Yes, folks, that's right. It's my LAST semester of college, and very likely my last semester of school ever. I'm not closed to the thought of going farther in my education if necessary someday, but for now, I think I'll be done.

As I mentioned in my last post, a number of my friends will be marrying soon, and since the writing of said post, I've thought of a number of more friends who find themselves victims of the same fate. Forgive my terminology; maybe I'm just bitter at my state of singleness. Anyway, I'll be playing for a few of these weddings and receptions, and probably attending most or all of them, so that will be one feature of my summer. Also, I hope to be touring and playing music so I don't have to get a real job.

If you get a chance, you should check out my website www.mattulrich.com. If you've ever visited it before, you will probably notice that nothing major has changed. Oh, but that's just what you notice at first glance. If you'll recall, clicking a link would simply take you to the desired website. Well, now you get the pleasure of a new experience. Click a link. It's sweet. You'll like it. I promise.

I'm a nerd...

Lately, I've had a strong desire to start a podcast. You laugh and think that if I don't update my blog, why would I ever update my podcast. You're probably right. Plus, I don't have a ton of hard drive space left, nor do I have very good equipment with which to make a podcast with any semblance of professionalism. Plus, who would care anyway? So on to other pursuits...

I've also had a realization that I might really like to get into scoring films or television shows. I just finished watching the 5th season of 24 on DVD (my Christmas present to myself), and one of the bonus features was a featurette about the guy who does the music and how he does it. I was very intrigued, but also quite sad that apparently you need to be rich to do something like this, because I could never afford the hardware and software with which scores for shows of that magnitude are produced. I suppose I could work my way up. It's another option for "real life" I guess...

Well, I've officially covered topics that allow me to file this post under every category, so I guess that means there's not much left to say. It's getting late, and I need to get out of the habit of sleeping in past noon. My Monday, Wednesday, Friday classes once again start at 9am next semester, and sleeping through them isn't really an option. Friends, thank you for your listening ear (or in the case of this blog, your reading eye). Happy new year, and God bless America!

Matt

BEAUTIFUL DAY

Matt — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 21:08:42 +0000

70s and sunny...why can't every day be just like this one????

Blue Like Jazz, Part Deux

Matt — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 05:39:18 +0000

So I know a while back I plugged chapter 7 of Blue Like Jazz, entitled "Grace." Last week, I read chapter 10, called "Belief" (I'm taking the book at a slow pace). Just as "Grace" was impacting on a personal level, I really felt that "Belief" was impacting on a broader scale. It definitely was convicting personally, but I felt like it pointed a finger not just at me, but at practical Christianity in general. For many, belief has become a trend, the "cool" thing to do. So in reality, we end up not believing at all because there is no real personal conviction behind the belief, a conviction that recognizes and bears the resulting responsibility to do something about it.

Anyway, enough of that. I just wanted to reiterate how much of a must-read this book is...not because it's the trendy thing to do as a Christian, but because it is challenging and thought-provoking, allowing those with an open mind to explore their own Christian experience with a new perspective. I don't necessarily agree with everything Don says in the book (and you might not either), but you should just read it. GO!
Matt

Grrr…santhemum?

Matt — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 15:14:36 +0000

I have a strong distaste for, dislike of, disapproval of, and disconcertion/perterbation with accounting homework. It kept me up way too late last night, and now I'm tired. It is time for a nap.

Merry Christmas

Matt — Sun, 25 Dec 2005 16:59:23 +0000

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!

Blue Like Jazz

Matt — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 23:39:13 +0000

If you haven't read it, you need to. I'm not even kidding. Chapter 7, which is about Grace, hit so home that I probably will never be the same. No matter how this new perspective manifests itself, my world was definitely rocked (meaning "shaken wildly", not in the sense that Steve Perry once rocked Journey fans' worlds). So anyway, I need to get going, but I thought I'd plug this amazing book.

Forever changed,
Matt

Thank God

Matt — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 06:17:01 +0000

Well, with Sanctuary and now the songwriting showcase both behind me, I must say I surprised myself. Actually not so...I believe it was the Lord surprising me. Both events went surprisingly well for me, and all I can say is that it is not of me. I could have never pulled either of those things off had it not been for the hand of God on me. I have nothing else to say except to repeat what I wrote in my last post.

Soli Deo Gloria!

~matt

Finally…

Matt — Sun, 25 Sep 2005 01:55:47 +0000

This has been a really good weekend spiritually. I think I finally know what it's like to be truly used by God, to step away from the controls and let Him take over. I led worship for a men's conference/retreat this evening. It was just me, a piano, a microphone, a water bottle, 45 minutes, 35 men eager for an encounter with God...and God Himself. I'll tell you, I didn't feel very prepared, but I'm convinced that is the place where God works. It's a place where I have to depend on Him because I know I'll fall utterly short, and I would have had it not been for His presence in that place and His grace on this simple vessel of clay. Despite there being no full band, no amazing sound system, no lyrics on the screen, and all those other things that have been what I've known as church for all these years, I can't say I've ever felt so sure I met with God. I went thinking I was helping a group of guys worship, but found myself experiencing God like never before. The men were blessed by the Lord, and I'm humbled that I was used in that. I too was completely blessed.

I've finally figured out that preparation of the heart far surpasses musical preparation in importance, despite how many times I've heard it over the years. I've been longing for an experience like this for quite a while, and now that I know it really happens, I look forward to the next time and pray that it's sooner than I can imagine...hopefully tomorrow morning.

Soli Deo Gloria!

~matt

Chapel

Matt — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 21:06:13 +0000

"Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth." ~Psalm 96:9

"I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus." ~Heart of Worship by Matt Redman

Today was probably my favorite chapel yet. Gloria Gaither was the speaker, and the topic was worship, primarily a concept dubbed the "worship wars." Basically her whole point (and mind you, this is a huge generalization because I don't have enough room to write every way I was impacted) was that people fight over styles and forms of worship when the real issue is the substance. It doesn't matter if we sing hymns or praise songs, use hymnals or Powerpoint slides, utilize an organ and a choir or a worship band and worship team. If you think about it, it would be very hard to think of a problem in this world that is actually the problem. What I mean is that there is usually an underlying issue that is being avoided but should be addressed instead the superficial issues we bicker about. Satan loves to take our focus off what's really important. I'm sure he smiles when people argue about such fickle things as worship style or dress in church. BUT...I'm sure God smiles when we humans realize that we are nothing but ashes in His presence, and our only response is praise, in whatever form we are led to use. I'm also sure God smiles when we get past the petty issues of old verses new and traditional verses contemporary and realize it's a non-issue. Our only requirement is to "worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness," as the verse says.

I also had another revelation today. While Gloria was speaking about us being ashes in His presence, I thought about the verse that says "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow." I began to think about myself, and in my mind I put myself in the Lord's presence and tried to determine what I would be thinking and feeling. I began to think that I might actually have trouble bowing as low as others. This may not make sense, but it was clear to me. I realized that our life here on earth is practice for Heaven in many ways. If I can't abase myself to others without care for whether or not I am able to be as successful as them in this life, wouldn't I be at least a little bit tempted to put my head up and look around to make sure I have one up on everyone else? My only response is that when I do face Jesus someday, I hope to know the ground in front of His feet so well that I'll have no problem hitting it again with complete abandon. I hope that there is absolutely nothing in me that makes me feel even the slightest bit worthy to stand in His presence. Obviously, I'm not there now, and I don't think I will reach that place this side of Heaven, but I hope that stepping out of this life and entering eternal life will be the final step on that journey that all of us are called to.

Let's focus on the real issues and throw ourselves humbly at His feet. I hope you will pursue this with me.

Matt

Self-improvement

Matt — Fri, 01 Jul 2005 03:10:43 +0000

Self-improvement: that's the name of the game. I can think of a few things that I need to work on:

1. I need to make sure my relationship with God is on track
2. I need to make sure to be a godly son, brother, and friend
3. I need to lose weight and get in shape
4. I need to learn to play the guitar
5. I need to commit some time to service (right now, some sort of youth ministry seems to fit...maybe because I'm jealous of my friends who are camp counselors for the summer...I'd like to do that some summer as well as maybe help out the youth group at my church either while home or at school, or both)

Alright, I'm going to be dead tired at work tomorrow. I'd better get to bed now before I make it any worse. One day of work before an elongated July 4 weekend...what's the point? I guess a miniscule check is better than no check at all.

Matt

Hmmm

Matt — Thu, 19 May 2005 04:09:43 +0000

You know, I have two wishes. Here they are in a very specific order:

I wish:

1. For interesting things to blog about and plenty of time to do it.

2. For people to actually read my blog.

As far as I can tell, since I've decided to deviate away from the blogging clichés such as Xanga, LiveJournal, and Blogger, there are an average of 2-4 people that read my blog, and one of them is my Mom (love you, Mom). Of course, as I think about it, maybe people don't read it because I don't update very often. What's the point of checking a website regularly when the updates are very sparse? Hm... I guess that's something for me to consider. My other option is that noone cares. And honestly, I don't blame them. What's new and exciting in my life doesn't have to be exciting to others...and probably isn't. Plus, I must confess that it's somewhat rare that I read other people's blogs. Why would I expect them to read mine?

No, I'm not depressed, nor am I looking for some sort of affirmation of your love for me. Not in the least. These are just thoughts and questions I'm pondering. I sometimes think, "I should post a blog entry," but then wonder if it's a good use of my time and mental energy. Usually, I opt to do other things like sleep or eat or hang out with a friend...or work. So for now, I will update when something worthwhile crosses my mind, and I happen to have access to the internet. Who knows how often that will be.

Stop using 's to make words plural. I hate that. Oh, and while you're at it, use your/you're and there/their/they're correctly. Thanks!

Matt

Good Friday? More like Great Friday!

Matt — Sat, 26 Mar 2005 17:25:58 +0000

Yesterday was a monumental day in my life. I experienced two major life firsts. Last night, I was privileged to experience the movie "The Passion of the Christ" for the first time ever. I regret not having seen it previously, but what better day is there than Good Friday? What an impacting experience. I really can't describe how I felt other than to say as I was watching the horrific acts of torture and scorn, all I could feel was utter unworthiness for the sacrifice that my Lord made for my sins. Unfortunately, the Bible isn't very descriptive in discussing the events of the last few hours of Jesus' life, so it is very difficult to understand what Jesus went through. On one hand, it's unfortunate that many of us need a Hollywood movie to understand, but on the other hand, I think it's amazing that a story taken directly from Scripture and made into a movie can have such widespread acceptance and popularity, even a life-transforming impact on those that have seen it. We know Scripture is sufficient for the lost to find Salvation, but what an amazing way for people to better understand, even visualize, Christ's love for them poured out in His death.

I'll tell about my other life-first in a later post as it doesn't fit with this post.

Utterly thankful for the sacrifice and wholly indebted to the sacrificial Lamb,

Matt

So Much To Do, So Little Time

Matt — Tue, 22 Mar 2005 04:53:31 +0000

Wow...the end is in sight. In approximately seven weeks, I will be on summer "break." You may be wondering why I put quotes around the word break. Well, I do that because it is very likely that my summer job will be starting before any breaking could happen. I can see the tears of pity wellling up in your eyes already, and for that I thank you. Honestly, I really just hate working in a factory. Not only is it no-brain, semi-brawn work, it's ten hours a day, five days a week. The worst part is the risk to my piano-playing hands that this job poses. I almost lost a part of my left thumb last summer, and I prefer to not scare myself again, let alone actually lose something. It may sound kind of corny that my greatest concern is for the safety of my arms and hands, but honestly, music is my life and one of the two career fields I have a passion for (the other being information technology, a.k.a. computers). But I couldn't do the other without hands either, at least not very well. Now, I suppose I could just stick to singing and/or using voice-recognition technology for computer work, but I prefer to play the piano and enjoy tactile interaction with the computer keyboard and mouse. Ok, enough of that. I shouldn't really even be complaining about the job. It is a job, which is more than some people have. I guess my point is that I would prefer a different job, but I'll be thankful for what I can get.

Here's to an eventful (but hopefully not too stressful) conclusion of the semester and a great summer of work with occasional opportunities for relaxation.

Cheers!

Matt

RIP: A Dear Friend

Matt — Sat, 22 Jan 2005 03:49:20 +0000

It finally happened. It's over. I guess I'll have to move on, although I don't see how that will happen. You're probably wondering, "Matt, what the heck are you talking about?" Well, where do I start? I guess I'll put it plain and simple. I lost a dear friend today. Although we've only known each other for about a year and a half, we've grown really close. Sometimes we'd go to class together (mainly when it's warm...my friend never liked going outside in the cold). We've been shower buddies practically every time I've taken a shower since I started college. When we first met, we bonded instantly. I'd been waiting for a friend like that. And now my friend is gone forever. It is especially sad that it happened today because my roommate is gone for the weekend, so I will have to mourn in solitude with no one to comfort me.

That's right, it's my pair of black Ocean Pacific sandals. They broke after my shower today. You will forever be in my heart...

On the bright side, I can start wearing my new Old Navy sandals that I've had for months, waiting for my OPs to break.

Matt

Break Is Over

Matt — Mon, 10 Jan 2005 04:52:24 +0000

Wow, I can't believe it's true. I'm going to have to go back to the life of a responsible college student. Ok, so I can believe it. I've been in college for 3 semesters now, so I've grown to accept it (and even enjoy it). With this new semester comes some challenges as well as opportunities for me. The challenges: keeping my grades up, continuing to build and develop relationships, developing my musical skills, and balancing everything. The opportunities: building and developing relationships (truly both a challenge and an opportunity), taking advantage of as many musical gigs/shows/church services/etc. as possible to use my musical talent. Oh, and another opportunity: unveiling my new blog design. I'll be doing that sometime in the next few days. It's almost finished. Just a little extra tweaking to do yet.

Well, it's time for bed. I need to get some good shut-eye before the 4-hour trip back to Anderson. Falling asleep on the ride back is not acceptable, especially since I'm driving and there's no passenger to keep me awake. Only David Phelps and a few others in my cd player.

See you in Anderson.

Matt

Why would I go back to Anderson over break?

Matt — Mon, 03 Jan 2005 23:27:48 +0000

Good question. And I assure you there's a good answer to it. My family is close friends with the Fridley family, most of which currently reside in Anderson. The patriarch of the family, Reverend Verle Fridley, who was my parents' pastor when they lived in Milwaukee (around the time I was born), just passed away after living a long life committed wholly to the Lord. I was asked to play some background music for the visitation last night which was held at East Side Church of God in Anderson. It, of course, was my honor to do so. The funeral service was this morning. So yesterday after church, my parents and I packed up and headed down to Anderson to show our support and love to the family. Unfortunately, my brother Michael couldn't come along because school started back up for him today.

This was the pastor who dedicated both my brother and myself when we were babies, so you can see this man has meant quite a bit to my family.

Over the past few years, Pastor Fridley had been suffering from Parkinson's disease, which was sad to see. I didn't know him as well as I would have liked because we moved from Milwaukee to Holland, Michigan not long after I was born. After hearing the testimonies at the funeral and doing some thinking about the things I do remember about him, I realize how committed he really was to the Lord. Despite the disease, his heart of love kept pounding. When I'd see him, the few words I could understand amidst his feeble speech were either prayers, Scripture, or words of encouragement and genuine concern for the people around him. That could only be because it's what he knew best. That was his life. This lead me to think. If I were to develop a similar disease with which my thoughts and speech would be severely limited, what would be the few things that would still be understood? What would be so engrained in me that not even a debilitating disease could take away? I sure hope it's something quite similar to I've heard from Pastor Fridley. But I know I've got a long way to go.

Something for me, and hopefully you as well, to consider.

Matt

Deep Thoughts in the Wee Morning Hours

Matt — Thu, 18 Nov 2004 08:47:13 +0000

Here it is, almost 4 am, and I'm still awake. What could I be thinking? Well, I've actually been doing a lot of thinking lately, but to be honest, it's too late to try and articulate what that thinking has entailed. I will say, though, that I'm changing in a few ways...good ways of course. I think I'm reaching the point where I'm really going to dedicate myself to what's important. I'm not there yet, and I know I should be already, but I think it'll be soon. When I say important, I'm thinking things like improving my musicality, improving my relationships with people, and improving my relationship with God. Basically, I'm getting really sick of not seeing improvement in any of those areas. Of course, it's easy to say I'm going to get my act together and my butt in gear, but it's just slightly harder to actually do it. It's always been a matter of motivation. I have to see a goal. I have to have a reason, or I feel like it's pointless. Kinda like exercise... For years, I've heard people tell me that I'm a great musician, and they wonder why I even need lessons anymore. Little do they know that I am far from the greatest I can be. That statement also applies quite well to my relationships with others and with God. Anyway, with people saying those types of things to me, it has been very easy to think that I've reached some sort of goal, as false as it actually is. Don't get me wrong; I appreciate a compliment, but it doesn't help me be motivated to improve when people are asking how I could possibly get any better. Basically, it comes down to this: I'm used to immediate gratification and being satisfied with the best I can be with minimal effort. I hope to change that.

I know life won't be handed to me on a silver platter, so I think if I can get this straight now (even though it's already kind of late to be learning this), I'll be much better off in the future...more prepared for real life.

Ok, so I guess I did have the brain power to output at least some of my thoughts.

Matt

Hm….

Matt — Thu, 11 Nov 2004 07:51:01 +0000

I use too many exclamation points at the end of blog titles, don't I? Question marks too, I'll bet. Sorry for any non-pleasure this may have caused. I'll try my best to keep these nuisances to a minimum.

Life…

Matt — Mon, 18 Oct 2004 23:33:02 +0000

Back to normal? Maybe. Guys and Dolls is over, but I have a feeling I'll remain fairly busy. Plus, what's normal anyway? I don't really consider myself "normal," especially if we define "normal" the way our society does. But why would I want to be like everyone else I see? I'm called to be different, "in the world but not of it," as the Bible says. And I'm definitely okay with that...

Ok, this has been one of those posts about which I had no idea what I was going to write when I started. I just kinda started writing and that's what came out. I hope you enjoyed it.

Randomly yours,
Matt

Jon’s Thoughts

Matt — Tue, 07 Sep 2004 03:58:46 +0000

Alright, I whetted your appetite in an earlier post for the deep thoughts of the recesses of the mind of my roommate, Jon Mobley. Well, let me tell you, he's got some more for you. Click the title of this blog entry (you'll notice the background gets lighter when you put your mouse over it) or click here to get the complete anthology. Jon is an interesting guy with interesting thoughts, thoughts that are worth contemplating.

Happy Thinking!
Matt

Am I Weird?

Matt — Fri, 18 Jun 2004 23:06:20 +0000

I've been doing some thinking since, well, about 6:55 this evening. I read over my previous post and realized how weird it must make me sound. Well, let me offer a word of assurance. I'm just a guy with occasional weird thoughts that I find funny. But I understand that others may not see the humor. So there's always the comment box for anyone who wishes to express their solicitude about my personality...

Matthew

Work: Day 2

Matt — Tue, 15 Jun 2004 21:21:13 +0000

Work. What really is the meaning of work? When someone asks you to do some work, does he really mean "Go stand around until your feet hurt," or does he mean "Go staple boards together with a CO2-powered stapler"? Or is it "Go help Pedro flip the pieces of metal over so he can paint the other side, and then put them in the oven to bake them dry"? Well, whatever he means, I worked today. End of story.

Watch out for falling cardboard, flung wood hunks, and staples shot from a CO2-powered stapler.

**Mateo**