Pathetic
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
Blue Like Jazz, Part Deux
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?
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
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
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
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…
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