Austin day 1

Okay, so obviously I made it to Austin...Needless to say, for once mapquest was right and the trip was a little longer than I thought. However, so far it has proven well worth it. Even though I had the opportunity, I honestly couldn't sleep in this morning, I think deep down I was anticipating what would come today.

This year I am not alone at the convention, I brought Scott with me. He and his wife are my true youth sponsors, they will do anything you ask whenever needed and lift Megan and I up daily in prayer. I honestly do not know what I would do without their help, so I am glad he will have the opportunity to be fed this year as well.

I am not going to lie. I have been saying for a while that I would talk about how ministry is going, but I have been putting it off, because I wanted to put on a good front that everything was okay. Honestly for a long while I have felt like I have been dying inside, and the only thing that has kept me going in youth ministry is the encouragement that this convention brings every year,along with the occasional blessing that someone passes on to me at the least expected time. Last year was a life changing experience, but this year to me was going to be make or break. I was ready to give up. I have felt like I have been pushing and pushing without any results and have felt attacked by parents and apathy among the youth ministry students and leaders. So I really had been contemplating whether or not I was cut out for this...Or whether it was even worth it or of I was God's man or was just in God's way. There was a lot of "me" and a lot of sulking and complaining...I truly had developed a "poor me" mentality.

So with all that said, this convention has already been a wake up call. I chose to take Mark Yaconelli's critical concerns course called "Becoming the beloved-healing your identity in Christ." Obviously, the word healing stood out the most to me because I have felt broken for sometime now. I had the chance to take this last year and honestly felt like God wanted me to do the soul care option last year, but I was hesitant because that kind of stuff was just not for me, and I was coming to learn new stuff, not get away and "retreat" to grow spiritually. This year though, I couldn't get past the fact that I needed this aspect of the convention this year and I have not been disappointed. After today I already feel like God is working and showing me more of who He is, who I am through Him, and who He wants me to be.

This convention for me will be a "Sabbath." I am resting, and focusing on nothing but the Lord. I am shutting my phone off (except when I talk to my wife) and I am spending more time with him and learning who I am through me. The biggest thing that the Lord has shown me so far through this "retreat" is that it is not about me...But about Him. He doesn't need me for His work to get done. It is a blessing to me that He has chosen to use me, but He could do it without me. I think I have spent too much time making the ministry mine, and not enough making it His.

I am learning how to step aside and allow the Lord to love me. I get so caught up in what people think about me, that I miss what really matters. He has gifted me, He has made me unique and all He wants is for me to offer myself to Him to be used.

The strangest thing though, that has perhaps challenged me the most is the issue of "suffering." I have done a lot of whining to those who are close to me. I think even though I put on a pretty good mask of being all together I have not been a good example to those around me because I have been negative. Because of my hurt I was trying to hurt others and pretend that my life was so bad and that I was the victim. I was whining and wanted everyone to pat me on the back and say "it's not your fault, it's okay." What really challenged me though was the thought that suffering is a part of ministry. I do not want to put myself on a pedestal, and make myself look like I am God's chosen one, because I am not anyone special...Anyone who is in ministry suffers at some time. These recent times have just been mine and I wanted to be the victim. The interesting thought though is that maybe the Lord wants us to suffer...So He can suffer with us. This was a shocking thought for me...We're not to be the victims, but to rejoice in those times and realize that Jesus suffers with us. Look at the disciples, the closer they got to Jesus, the tougher times got. It is all about trust and surrendering it to Him. I think for too long, I have made this my ministry and not allowed it to be the Lord's. I am doing the best I can, but I need to make it His ministry. Times will be tough, but He has placed me there for a reason and in the midst of trials I need to trust Jesus and not Matt.

This convention has already been life changing to me and will be more and more everyday as I seek to draw closer to Jesus. I'll close with this...During one of the contemplative prayer times we drew a picture and colored it. My picture was of a landscape with a river running through it and a big oak on top of a hill. The river had red running through it to represent the wounds I have felt with broken relationships, harsh words, and more. The tree was barren, but with roots digging deep into the ground and some new life growing on it. There was one lone tombstone on the horizon and the sun was setting in the background. The tombstone was my "self" dying and the new growth represented the growth that has occurred and continues to occur as I try to find less of me and more of Him. I think I am at a crossroads, and am nearing a time of radical growth in my life. My only prayer is that there will be less of me and more of Him on a daily basis.

I am so glad I came...Even though at the beginning I felt like I was crawling, I now feel like I am walking with the Lord as he nurses me back to a spiritual "health" that I have missed. Times have been tough, and may remain that way for some time. BUT, the Lord is faithful, He suffers with me and I know I am not alone. Thanks YS for ministering to me and offering this convention!

More to come as the weekend goes on!

Seeking new life,
-Matt

On the road again...

So the last few days have been interesting...Started out Monday afternoon at our district's Pastors/wives retreat in Panama City Beach, FL (yeah suffering for Jesus) and now I am in happy Austin, TX (DOWN WITH THE HORNS!!!) for the Austin Youth Specialties convention. I'm gonna plan on blogging about the event as I go through it starting tomorrow with my critical concerns course and then more as the week goes on. I'll also try to get back in with my thoughts soon about the other new shows I've checked out, "Ugly Betty," and "Friday Night Lights." Off to YS to recoup and be refreshed!

-Matt

Go see this movie!

If you have not seen the movie "Facing the Giants" yet, I would highly recommend going to see it. It is playing in select theaters and most cities will have at least one theater that shows it. If you are not aware of this movie it received a PG-13 meeting because the ACLU and the MPAA felt that it was too blatantly Christian and offensive to those who are not believers. If you don't know the backstory behind this movie, it was made by a church in Georgia. The main character who also wrote and directed the film is the media pastor at his church. It is a great story that will inspire you to stick it out through tough times and honestly has a decent storyline. Being a movie buff I found that it had a little bit of a slow start, but once it got going it was a great film...And the football footage isn't bad either. This movie was funded entirely by the church itself and was finally picked up by Samuel Goldwyn pictures to be distributed. Take your youth groups to see it and encourage your churches to go see it as well. It didn't quite make the top 10 this weekend, but it was number 12 so it should be around for another week or so. If you want more information about the movie you can find it at www.facingthegiants.com

-Matt

Nothing spiritual here...just tv

Okay so just for the fun of it, I thought I would throw my thoughts out here on all things new for the prime time this fall. I'll have to admit, the lineup seems to be pretty good and there are still some new shows to premier so I can't wait to see how the full season pans out. And the cool thing is, we now have a DVR so I can catch the shows that are on during youth or at the same time as another show I want to see...I love technology! So anyway, here goes nothing...

Survivor: Cook Islands- Everyone who knows me knows that Survivor has been my favorite show since it premiered in 2000. I have stuck with it through all 12 seasons, some of which were just "ok" and I have to admit, this year is shaking up to be a good one! I really liked the idea of a racial division among the tribes and those people who have nothing better than do but complain just need to shut up. IT IS NOT CREATING STEREOTYPES-no more than any other season...of course unfortunately this should cease to be an issue to night as Burnett throws in his next new "twist" and shuffles the tribes again. I say let it play out as it is until the normal merge time and lets see what happens. I think the season is going to be great though...my favorite is Cao Boi, but I doubt he'll make it to the end.

The Amazing Race 10- I love this show, but I'll be honest, it is getting a little tired. You can only go around the world and have so many challenges so many times, but I'll stick with it this time solely for the entertainment of the Coal Miner family from Kentucky...talk about sterotypes, there is your example. They are hysterical though...at least she is. Watch it and you'll see what I am talking about.

The Biggest Loser 3- I liked the idea of starting with 50 people from 50 states, but I am disappointed that they cut it down so quick. I know they sent those people home and they are still competing there, but only 2 will make it back to the ranch. what kind of message does that send to the other 34? I suppose they will all lose the weight, but it still doesn't seem right. I do like this show, I wish they spent a little more time on the people and less on the weigh in, but I think it is okay. This show is losing steam for me, but I will keep watching it because it continues to inspire me to keep fighting my own battle. The only issue I have with it is that obviously these people have an advantage that we don't. They are removed from their "worlds" for three months and excercise for 2 to 3 hours a day with a personal trainer, sure they are going to drop 15-20 lbs a week at first.

Well enough of reality tv though. I am beginning to get a little wary of it, and more keeps coming it seems...so lets look at the new dramas and comedies that I have liked so far.

Heroes- There were teasers all through the summer about this new show and I'll admit, the main reason I checked it out was because of those...however after watching the premier episode I am convinced that this is going to be one of the best shows of the season. Sure it plays on my being a fan of comics, but I think the story set up is really cool...people learning they have secret abilities. I look forward to watching this one pan out throughout the season.

Jericho-After two episodes, I am hooked on this show. I think it will rival Lost in its viewership this fall. The story begins with the return of a prodigal son to a small Kansas town followed by the appearance of a mushroom cloud in the distance. Was it an accident, an attack or what? Now throw the whole town into this with no way of finding out and see how the show develops. My only fear in this is how "close" it is to current events. I am pretty sure nothing like this will happen any time soon and it plays on people's fears, but the story is great. Where has the lost son been, who is the mysterous black man that knows so much? Was it just Denver and Atlanta? Watch and see what happens. I am hooked and will watch this all season.

Studio 60-I'm not a huge fan of Matthew Perry, but I do like Aaron Sorkin and the West Wing so I wanted to check this show out. I'll have to admit I was a little leary of this one at first, but have been hooked. If you ever wondered what it is like backstage at a late night show, check this out. The story revolves around two producers who are hired by the show that fired them 2 1/2 years ago after the current producer makes a live rant on the show and gets fired. You would be amazed though at how "true" some of the things were that were said in the speech. I thought it was great and have been watching ever since...can anyone say SNL? It sure reminds me of it just a little bit (circa when Collin Quinn got fired for using Weekend Update to tell Lorne Michaels what he really thought-insert your favorite "f-bomb" here live on tv). Definitely check this one out.

The Class-The only comedy to really catch my eyes this season (sure My Name is Earl and the office are still winners) is The Class on CBS Monday nights. The concept behind this one revolves around a guy who brings back together characters from his third grade class to celebrate the first time he met his girlfriend. I am a little disappointed in the promotion of some things I don't agree with, but the story catches me because we can all think of someone from our classes who is like the characters from the show. Definitely check it out.

So there is dose of what I have been hooked on so far. Some of the returners are going to be turning up the heat I am sure (Lost, ER-which started good this season, and more), and there are some premiering next week (Friday night lights), so I won't make my final decision until later. The only real disappointment for me was that they cancelled Invasion after one season. That show was really intriguing to me.

So what are your thoughts...are there others I need to see and am missing? Do you agree or disagree with me. Let me know.

Rock the Universe 2006

So as I mentioned on September 8th and 9th we took the teens on our annual trip to Rock the Universe, a two day Christian music festival held at Universal Orlando resort. This is always one of our most popular trips each year...And one of the most tiring for me, but it is always awesome. This year featured the biggest names in Christian music on three stages. Most of the bands were pretty awesome, I got to see two of my favorites, Skillet (who have a new album coming out October 3rd-GO BUY IT!) and MxPx...But one in particular surprised me that he was on the docket...Remember Al Denson? Curiosity caught my attention and I was going to go see part of his show, but I had to take a teen to the hospital for dehydration so I missed almost all of the concerts Saturday night (but I did get to see the Ohio State Texas game since I was in the emergency room and there was a TV-could it have been divine intervention?) I can't add any pictures for some reason for now so I'll have to wait on those, but it was an awesome event and I can't wait until next year.

56.29

Okay, so as many of you know, I ran (walked) my third 5k this weekend. Each time I pull a little more time off the clock even though I still cannot run the full distance. I finished this one (the Marine Corps Aviation charity 5k) in 56 minutes and 29 seconds according to the official timing. This is my best time yet. I tried to jog at first (which is hard not to do when you have 2000 chanting Marines behind you and the race begins with a cannon), but had to walk about a quarter of a mile in because of TERRIBLE shin splints. If anyone knows how to prevent these, please let me know as they are killing my ability to jog a race. I was pleased overall and my time is slowly improving, but the best part is I am down 25 pounds since the beginning of the year. I still have a long way to go, but I'll make it! I did finally get some good running shoes after the race which should help with the shin splints some (thanks Runner's World of Pensacola!). Until next time...
-Matt

Labor Day delayed...Part 2

I've been in youth ministry now for 10 years and Labor day weekend was actually a culmination of the time that I have spent in my previous two churches. As mentioned before, the main reason we went home Labor Day weekend was to visit the first church I ever pastored in, Main St. Wesleyan church in Elwood, IN. I always tell people it was where I learned how not to do youth ministry...For instance, it was where I took my teens to see a rated R movie when our go kart trip got rained out (come on Robin Williams is always good clean fun right? Did I mention the film was the Birdcage?)-the lesson learned there was always have a backup plan. Of course there were also the times when I took teens home after events one on one without another sponsor and the student was occasionally a girl-lesson learned...DUHHH!!! Thankfully the Lord protected me during my naivete and I am still in ministry today. It was good to see everyone at the church, but after five years of not visiting there, only four people knew who I was at first. I like to think it was because I look considerably different now with the bald head, goatee, and earrings. Once everyone figured out it was me though it was good to share old memories and see some of the teens who are now married with kids...Wow that makes me feel old. I don't know how much of an impact I had there, but there are still a few people around that I ministered to and I have to trust that God planted a few seeds in spite of my many mistakes.

After a large carry in dinner and visiting for a while I headed up to Marion to see a much changed campus and visit my old boss from Good Shepherd Wesleyan, who is now the assistant director for the center for life calling and leadership on campus. I tell people if Main St. Is where I learned how NOT to do ministry, Good Shepherd is where I learned how to do ministry. Here is a picture of Rick and I with his son Andrew in the background...I am beginning to think Andrew will never stop growing since he is almost a foot taller since we left Jackson a year and a half go...

Rick was not only a boss, but a mentor to me, and much of what I have learned about ministry, he has had a hand in. One thing I appreciate most about him is that he ALWAYS pushed me. He would never let me settle. Every time I would think I had reached the top he would follow up with "what can you do to make it better next time." This was frustrating at times, but because he challenged me I grew more in those 4 years than I did in all my previous time as a student and in the ministry. Rick has become more than a boss and mentor, he is my pastor, one of my best friends, and a brother. I think I miss him more than I ever thought I would when we left Jackson.

You have to understand something...For the first year and a half I was there, his family was my family and when Megan and I got married, Cheri (his wife) and the kids adopted us even more to their family. For that matter, we are family...As is illustrated by the picture below with Meg, Cheri, and Julia (who is now a senior-which seems unbelievable to me)...

Megan and I have already made a list of things that we have gleaned from this family that we want to pass on to our own. They are closer than any family we have met. I guess years in ministry will do that to you. Here is one last picture of the kids (sans Ricky who is serving in the US Army and is currently stationed at Ft. Hood. I have had the privilege of watching them grow up and they are like my own brothers and sisters and always will be!

So, we don't make it home very often anymore, but it is great to catch up with family and friends when we do. Thanks guys for being our family and for making this trip awesome.

Well obviously we are back here in Pensacola and last weekend meant Rock the Universe...So I'll have some pics and thoughts on that next time.

Thanks for reading!

-Matt

Amusement Parks

A little side note before I post the next batch of Labor Day pictures...We took the teens to Rock the Universe this weekend, which I'll blog about soon, but here is a blog I posted on my weightloss blog about amusement parks...

If there is anything that is tough for me being overweight it is not being able to ride roller coasters like I want to. Since I have gotten bigger I cannot ride some of the newer ones as well as some old favorites. This is really frustrating, at times embarrassing, and can make you want to eat more at times. BUT...This weekend we took the teens to Rock the Universe at Universal Studios Orlando and I am closer than ever to being able to ride again! I still couldn't get the buckle fastened on the Hulk or Dueling Dragons, but Meg and the teens pointed out that I was closer this year than last...Which is a good thing. I am walking my next 5k this weekend and it is a military sponsored one so I will get to hear the cadences to cheer me on! The battle continues, but I will not quit!

Labor Day...Delayed

Well I am a little behind on blogging right now as September has just been a blur with youth activities and more, so let me start getting caught up by sharing a bit from our trip home for Labor Day. The main reason we went home was to celebrate the 100th anniversary at Main St. Wesleyan Church (the first church I worked in), but we got to visit family and friends as well. Our first stop for the weekend, after driving all night Friday night was home in Frankfort. After a couple quick hours of sleep it was off to grandma's to go through stuff (which was VERY tough, but all a part of coping) and then to the International Sunflower festival. Now for those of you that know my home town, Frankfort is a very small town and honestly there isn't anything "international" or "sunflower" about it, but every other little town has a fall festival so Frankfort has to have its as well. It was cool though as my niece was in the baby competition and took home second place (although I think she should have won). Here is a pic of here with dad and the trophy, although she doesn't look really happy in this picture...

She looks a little bit happier here with Meg and mom...She really is growing up quickly and at times it is tough not being able to be around her, but it is so good to see her when we can!

One of the highlights of the sunflower festival for me though was getting to see my first grade teacher. There are only a few teachers who I count with having a significant impact on my life and Mrs. Case is one of them. She was the first teacher to set a Christlike example for all of her students and she was always available even when I got older. I am a bit bigger now than I was in those days, but it was great to see her!

It was a great weekend and this was just the start of it. I'll put up more pictures with the next post.

This is what youth ministry is really all about...

It is so easy to get discouraged in youth ministry because it seems like you don't always get the results you are looking for. It is during times like that when the Lord sends something to get your attention. This video reminds me of why I do what I do. My job is to run the race with the students I minister to and help them to understand that CAN'T and FAILURE are words that need to be deleted from a young Christian's vocabulary. Thanks Lord for reminding me of why I do what I do...may this encourage those of you who are having a tough time as well. Until next time, know that I am praying for all of you who are in the trenches with me!

Anniversary

So today marks three years of being married to the most amazing woman in the world. How cool is that? It is hard to believe that there was actually someone crazy enough out there to spend the rest of their life with someone crazy as me. I honestly don't know what I would do without Megan, she is absolutely amazing. She puts up with every little dumb thing I do and still loves me in spite of it. I always tell people that it took me 7 years to catch her, but I am glad she finally let it happen. So here's to 50 or 60 more awesome years!

Maybe Maurice Clarrett should read Proverbs...

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/5858634?FSO1&ATT=HMA

Well by now if you are a sports fan (especially a Buckeye fan like me), you have probably heard about Maurice Clarrett's latest foray into breaking the law. Let's see, his attorney says he had no intent to hurt someone, yet he had four loaded weapons in his car (including an AK47 style assault rifle) and he was wearing a bulletproof vest. Nahh, he wasn't out to get anyone, he was just on a joyride, wanted to race the cops and was trying to start a new fashion trend....COME ON!!!

What I don't get is how someone with as much talent as Clarrett has (or had-depending on how you look at it) can go so wrong. I mean here is a guy that led the Buckeyes to a national championship, and I am not saying he wasn't good. He was awesome, but I think he got WAY too ahead of himself. He got arrogant and thought he was the best there was and deserved to get what he wanted when he wanted it...NOW. So he bales on the Buckeyes, tries to go into the draft loses the appeal and then when he finally can get into the NFL he is drafted by Denver and then blows it...Come on man you had your shot!

Well we all know it was downhill from there, he holds up someone at a bar in January, goes to jail and then right before the trial pulls this stunt. Here is a man who could have had it all, and now he may well spend a lot of time in jail because of his arrogance.

Maybe Maurice should have read Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Hey Maurice, it's not too late you can still turn your life around and be an example for a generation to come. Turn your heart toward the Lord and listen to Him instead of yourself.

So what about us, most of us don't have what it takes to be a professional athlete, but I think we can all learn from this experience. We can get ahead of ourselves and God when we think we are it. I have been there, done that, and had to live with the scars. Without the Lord we are nothing. He is the source of our talent and gifts and we need to give Him the honor he deserves and let it be known that without Him we are nothing.

It is a shame that a talented young athlete now is behind bars, but we can learn from this, if we will let God lead us.

So what do you think?

Surprised by God

I will never cease to be amazed by the Lord. He always seems to catch us off guard, which is really a "shame on me" for not trusting Him more. Throughout discouragement and frustration, we turn too Him...All too often only as a last resort (again shame on me), but in the midst of all that, He still comes through. I guess it is the "wait" principle that I hate so much. Many of you know the frustrations that Megan and I have had recently with her job. The prayer has always been Lord confirm that she's supposed to be there or provide a way out. I had always operated with the mindset of the bank was where the Lord wanted her to be, but always prayed with her for a way out since I knew she didn't want to be there. Forever though, it seemed that she was going to be at a job that she didn't want to be in, and was just trying to learn to be content with that (I'll let her blog about that-IF she ever gets online).
Well last week we received a phone call out of the blue from a lady with the county school district. She needed to speak with Megan and needed to ASAP. I thought for sure it wouldn't be for a job because school starts next week and surely they wouldn't have still not filled positions. You see Meg had interviewed with this lady for a position earlier in the summer and had been told she was not going to get the positions that were open so we had moved on and accepted the fact that the bank was where she would be for now. Boy were we wrong. Meg called me in tears telling me the lady had offered her a position teaching music three days a week. We called the HR department the next morning to ask about pay and benefits and the HR lady wondered why she was not offered the full time position at another school. Meg said she wasn't sure, but to make a long story short, THEY OFFERED HER A FULL TIME POSITION TEACHING MUSIC! What an answer to prayer...We had been given what we thought was a "no" but God was simply saying "wait." So this next Tuesday amongst excitement and fear my lovely wife begins her teaching career as Mrs. McKee, the music teacher at Navy Point Elementary school-and did I mention the Lord through in better benefits AND a pay increase?
So if you are discouraged and wondering, just remember He hasn't given up and He will provide, it's just his timing and not ours....GOD IS GOOD, even when we are not trusting enough is HIS plan for our lives.
See ya soon...Lots more to blog about this week including our burrito eating contest at Moe's Southwest and the possible soon visit from Tropical Storm Chris
-Matt
(oh and sorry for stealing my wife's thunder, she can blog about this too, but I wanted everyone to know and since she doesn't log on that often, I took the initiative to tell ya'll thanks for your prayers!)

Youth ministry will make you pull your hair out...or shave it off anyway!

Okay, so normally I would only do this for a youth group wager, but honestly the heat just got to me. I decided I couldn't take it anymore, and if I couldn't be cool, at least my head could. So here it is, the look for the time being...I know it's not much, but hey it's fun and it will grow back eventually (hopefully). Hope I don't scare too many of you off! Have a great weekend and we'll be back with more posts next week!
-Matt

Red, White, and BLUES!!!

I am still working on a good post for my thoughts on camp so I'll let you in on Megan and I's weekend, and it was awesome despite the heat. Many of you know that Pensacola is the heart of Naval aviation and home to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team. I never get tired of seeing them since I love flight so much...So contrary to recommendations from people who have lived here longer than us, Meg and I headed to the beach this weekend for the annual Red, White, and Blues weekend at the beach. Needless to say, it was a wee bit crowded (hardly any sand open and shoulder to shoulder in the water) but when the Blues hit the sky it was awesome as always. Here are a few pics from the show. I recommend watching them if you get the chance....

Here are the four formation angels making their first pass over the water tower before moving into the diamond formation (where there is less than 18 inches between each jet)

Here is the diamond formation flying together with two of the angels inverted. This is impressive considering the precision it takes to hold this and still be in diamond formation.
Here is a great shot of the tight formation that they fly, again it is a matter of inches between the wing of the plane and the cockpit of the next plane
Here is a great cloudburst shot that they do when flying in the delta (6 plane) formation. They come across show center with a move into this "explosion" and then they all do a vertical loop followed by a cross where they seem to all come together and miss each other by inches!
Here is one last shot of the diamond formation. I don't know how they hold it without getting caught up in each other's jetwash.

So there you go, despite a little heat and a large crowd it was well worth the show! I tried to get some shots of the opposing solos (where they come at each other and barely miss), but I was always just a second late from show center. If you ever get the chance to see the blues...Make sure you do! It is an awesome experience!

Good morning campers!!!

Well it is officially here, camp starts today and I am sitting here at Laguna Beach Christian retreat (www.christiancamp.com) in Panama City Beach, FL with about every emotion running through my mind. This will be my first time trying to be a camp director so I guess that there is no way to say I did a bad job since I've never done it before. I am excited, nervous, and many other things, but God is good, so HERE GOES NOTHING! Keep me in your prayers this week and I'll try to keep you posted as the week goes on.
-Matt

He has returned!!!

Since there isn't a whole lot to blog about right now, and I am still trying to figure out the best way to put into words how I am feeling right now, I'll blog about this new movie....

THANK YOU BRYAN SINGER FOR AN EXCELLENT FILM!!!

Okay, so I'll have to admit, I was a little reluctant to go see the new movie. I have always been a fan of comic books and love it when a book becomes a movie (even though I prefer the Marvel brands over DC). With that being said I still wasn't sure if I wanted to see this movie. I mean who could fill Christopher Reeves shoes and still make it a good movie...And then they went and got a newbie actor who no one has ever heard of in Brandon Routh. Well, I was pleasantly surprised. I should have known in the fact that Bryan Singer did an excellent job with the X movies, but I was amazed at how good this one was. It flowed with the past films for the most part and boy did Routh do an amazing job in the suit (he looks AND sounds just like him!)! The story was great, although there could have been a little more dialogue with Supes, and even Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor kept the movie true to its roots. I may make some people mad by saying this, but I think that Kevin has the number for the Lex Luthor character...He just plays a good villain, very convincing! I highly recommend seeing it if you haven't and keep your eyes out for some great sermon snippets that I am sure will find their way into a sermon of mine someday. So great job Bryan Singer and make sure you catch this awesome film. Although Christopher Reeve did not live to see the continuing legacy of Superman, I know he would have been proud. GREAT JOB GUYS! I can't wait for the sequel!

30 and counting part deux....

Here are the pics of my family and Paige's first trip to the beach. She wasn't quite sure what to think, but it was cool to watch her. Maybe I'm biased, but she sure is cute!

Paige and "Unna Matt" soakin up the sun together

She really got a kick out of the sand, didn't mind it one bit...Us on the other hand, well our feet were on fire to say the least...

I absolutely love this picture...She's a regular beach bum!

Here is my sis Malea, Paige, and Aunt Megan by the water...Paige wasn't really sure about the water, but the surf was a little rough that day.

After it was all said and done, she was ready for a little snuggle nap time.

It was great to see the fam. It is tough being away from them, but we know that God has us down here for a reason and thankfully we can see them every so often. That is pretty much all hat is going on here with my life, but I'll have more to say later I am sure.

Until next time...

30 and counting....

Hey all, sorry I have been absent from the blogging world for a couple of weeks. It has been crazy here with family and friends visiting and getting ready for youth camp next week. I am the district camp director so the stress level has gone up considerably from last year. Life is good, ministry is tough (which is a blog for another time), and God is the best and it has been awesome to celebrate turning 30 with family and friends. It was awesome, and it all started with a visit from Phil and Lisa Huber. Phil was my college roommate and is like a brother to me. He and the family came into town for a visit after a conference in Orlando. It was great to see him and they got to experience the first of two celebrations at one of my favorite restaurants Okki Japanese Steakhouse. Below are some pics of he and his family from their visit. It was great, and the only bad thing was there was a tropical storm off the coast so we didn't get our deep sea fishing trip in. Cathin' a little fire on the grill...I love hibachi! It is always a fun experience!

Phil and Lisa enjoying their first time at a hibachi grill!

Katie, their youngest is a ham...she always has something to say and is a hoot to be around!

Lilly is a little bit more reserved and like Lisa, but I was amazed at how much she has grown and how mature she acts for her age.

After Phil and Lisa left, we hurried quickly to get the house ready for the guests that "weren't coming." My parents came as well as my sister, her husband, and their new baby. I thought I had it all figured out, but by the end of the night with all the twists and turns, they all did surprise me with a great party where several church families joined us as well. It was great and very memorable. I'll post those pics in another blog entry since evidently I can't post more than five per blog entry.

That time of year again...

Okay, so for most people, June 1st is just another day. However thanks to the little buddy above here named Ivan, people around here including myself begin to get a little nervous. June 1st marks the beginning of Atlantic hurricane season. It marks the beginning of watching the news everynight to get the report on the tropics, making sure you have everything you need just in case, and daily logging onto websites like accuweather, intellicast, and NOAA just in case they announce something is coming your way. There has always been something about hurricanes that have intrigued me...even before we moved here I remember sitting at home watching Ivan hit the area that I now call home. And for the next six months I'll be dilligently watching and waiting to see what happens. Hurricanes still intrigue me, and I am hypnotized by the coverage, and will watch again this year, but I am hoping that we don't have to skip town this year like we did last. We stayed for the tropical storms, left for Dennis and stayed for Katrina. Imagine what it is like here without power during the summer...not fun! I know Katrina was over 200 miles away from us, but the big old oaks in from of our house were still leaning pretty heavily...so I get a little nervous. Now we are probably somewhat okay where we are at. We won't have pics like these where we live...at least we shouldn't...


It's really weird in that I can take you to these exact spots downtown now....hard to imagine what it was like after Ivan hit. However, where we are at (9 miles north of the water line) we have to worry about the tornados that pop up from the side storms. I have never liked bad storms and imagine what it is like when you are under a tornado warning for 6 1/2 hours. That to me is a little strange. In Ohio, if we have a tornado warning, you go hide for the 45 minutes or so that you have it...what am I supposed to do for 6 1/2 hours? We just stayed in the main room and listened to the coverage on the radio.

Well I imagine we'll make it through this year like we did last. It is hard to tell what is to come. We can pretty much be guaranteed of at least one storm hitting the gulf coast. You know I wouldn't wish a hurricane on anyone (and how do you pray for a hurricane not to hit you-you don't want it to hit anyone else do you-except maybe Michigan for you wolverine fans), but I thought hurricanes were supposed to hit the carolinas and the east coast? Why us? I guess the Gulf is a giant magnet for hurricanes with its warm summer water. That is why you go to bed with a cat 1 storm and wake up to a cat 5.

So I'll be off to Wal-Mart to get the rest of our supplies today including bottled water, batteries, and some more needed stuff and we'll "hunker" down if we need to, but it's that time of year again...
Hopin I don't wake up in OZ...

-Matt