I love my husband…. I love that he can do almost anything…. But sometimes I can’t figure out what in the world he is thinking….
He told me that he wanted to try this new work out; but he’s convinced he needs the world’s largest tractor tire to do it…. So yesterday, as the clouds are rolling in, we pull up to this crazy little house; no kidding, a large gust of wind could blow it over any moment now… and Matt gets permission to dig, from their backyard, the biggest tire I’ve ever seen. (might I add that, of the two available tires, he couldn’t have picked the one that was more accessible, because it must have belonged to the “smaller” tractor…) Matt had brought a pick-axe… but we needed a shovel… I make myself useful and retreat to the car, because the wind is freezing and blowing large tumbleweeds all over the place, to call Father Chris (who had no idea what he was getting into… we thought that Matt had already dug most of it up and that we just needed some help getting the tire out of ground and into the truck bed). Chris arrives, and the boys decide to pry the tire from its resting place by roping it to our trailer hitch….. The tire must have been buried for fifteen years or so, because we broke our new tie downs and four different ropes…. Who does this?… It’s not working (the tire was bigger than we thought and half filled with hardened dirt/mud), so Matt and Chris commence digging for another 30minutes in the now RAINY cold (of course I had decided to wear shorts and flip-flops that day). Meanwhile, Zuma (our doggie) is fanatical in the truck-bed, seeing as some cat nearby is wickedly taunting her…. We try again and … yep you guessed it… rope #5 breaks! BLAH… Any girl would have gone to the junk yard, spent 20 bucks and been done… : )! Next, the owner of the property comes out with a 2X4 and has an idea to jury rig the tire to the truck, using rope and the board. He must be a genius… because it works! Leaving a hole twice the size of me in the ground, that we (or rather the boys) spent the next 15 min re-filling…. Mission accomplished!
Oh, and I must say… the tire looks absolutely stunning in the backyard! A lovely addition; totally the look I was going for! Haha!!!
PLAY DAYS ARE THE BEST!!!
My friend Nikki is in cosmetology school and needed some hair and make up shots for her portfolio. So who cares about the dog needing to be walked, bills that need to be paid, and the 346 emails that have to be answered….We had SO much fun! Nikki even made me look good in bright red lipstick!?! And Traci is my favorite photographer; she takes the greatest pictures!!
MYSTERY NIGHT 2009!
Mystery night = Staff dressed up in their alter ego’s, crazy games, kids diving headfirst through car windows for that extremely valuable extra one second, drivers racing teams around town as fast as their mini-vans can go, and students sacrificing their bodies for victory!
(All Royalties have been paid in full to Jon Stead….)
Featuring:
BIG Ben as the tooth-fairy; in disturbingly small, much too pink tights.
Joe as the gleeful, frolicking Cupid
Dan’s suspender action and alarming dance moves
Mark and Kari 20 years younger,--watching Nanno vomit up baby food
Chris in comb-over toupee and Aubrey making sure everyone eats their prunes
Shawn and Traci’s new FDA approved hospital where his car used to be
Matt shooting guns around the children
John in his wetsuit and floatation device, making 6th graders gut fish
Pats safe skateboarding techniques… including, but not limited to, “a cushy for his tushy”
A live appearance by the Beetles--who, still get paid and have stellar interview skills
The best part of the night was celebrating the fact that over 200 students heard the Gospel; we hope that they may see Christ as he truly is!
(All Royalties have been paid in full to Jon Stead….)
Featuring:
BIG Ben as the tooth-fairy; in disturbingly small, much too pink tights.
Joe as the gleeful, frolicking Cupid
Dan’s suspender action and alarming dance moves
Mark and Kari 20 years younger,--watching Nanno vomit up baby food
Chris in comb-over toupee and Aubrey making sure everyone eats their prunes
Shawn and Traci’s new FDA approved hospital where his car used to be
Matt shooting guns around the children
John in his wetsuit and floatation device, making 6th graders gut fish
Pats safe skateboarding techniques… including, but not limited to, “a cushy for his tushy”
A live appearance by the Beetles--who, still get paid and have stellar interview skills
The best part of the night was celebrating the fact that over 200 students heard the Gospel; we hope that they may see Christ as he truly is!
WHISKEYAGOGO’S!
So I’ve lived in SoCal for almost two years now; made the trek to L.A. all of three times… L.A. traffic is just ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS!!! The freeway congestion is so bad that you can almost change a tire on the freeway without losing your place in line….
But we love our dear friends Mike and Lauren; and since they were in town from CO with Mike’s band “The World Romantics” we decided to haul our butts up there. The band was playing at the famous Whiskeyagogo’s! Very cool! I laughed so hard when some crazy cougar went to give the band’s lead singer a guitar pick…. To which small-town Denver boy replies in all seriousness…. “no that’s not ours” J
We grabbed some dinner at The Standard… some swanky hotel, that had a model reading a book in a glass case behind the check in counter (Lauryn got us in of course). Time spent with M&L is always a blast-- its amazing how fast 2 years go by!
After waiting for Matt to help some drunk guy who hit his head falling down a hill, and getting a parking ticket we totally didn’t deserve…. We thought we’d speed home.
Nope at 3a.m. there’s still bumper to bumper traffic in L.A. Why people choose to live here I don’t know….
M&L we love you guys!
But we love our dear friends Mike and Lauren; and since they were in town from CO with Mike’s band “The World Romantics” we decided to haul our butts up there. The band was playing at the famous Whiskeyagogo’s! Very cool! I laughed so hard when some crazy cougar went to give the band’s lead singer a guitar pick…. To which small-town Denver boy replies in all seriousness…. “no that’s not ours” J
We grabbed some dinner at The Standard… some swanky hotel, that had a model reading a book in a glass case behind the check in counter (Lauryn got us in of course). Time spent with M&L is always a blast-- its amazing how fast 2 years go by!
After waiting for Matt to help some drunk guy who hit his head falling down a hill, and getting a parking ticket we totally didn’t deserve…. We thought we’d speed home.
Nope at 3a.m. there’s still bumper to bumper traffic in L.A. Why people choose to live here I don’t know….
M&L we love you guys!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY AWESOME PARENTS!
I wish that I was there to give you a BIG birthday hug, and eat cake with you…. Sigh…. Miss you both SO much. I am incredibly thankful that the Lord blessed me with two parents that love the Lord. Thank you for displaying Christ to me; for making HIM your biggest priority, for valuing HIS body, and for loving each other deeply. I hope that you both have an AWESOME birthday! I love you both SO much.
OH AND THIS ONE IS FOR DAD SINCE HE IS NOW 50!!!!
The Bran Muffins: The couple was 85 years old and had been married for sixty years. Though they were far from rich they managed to get by because they watched their pennies. Though not young they were both in very good health largely due to the wife's insistence on healthy foods and exercise for the last decade. One day, their good health didn't help when they went on a rare vacation and their plane crashed, sending them off to Heaven. They reached the pearly gates and St. Peter escorted them inside. He took them to a beautiful mansion furnished in gold and fine silks, with a fully stocked kitchen and waterfall in the master bath. A maid could be seen hanging their favorite clothes in the closet. They gasped in astonishment when he said "Welcome to Heaven. This will be your home now." The old man asked Peter how much all this was going to cost. "Why, nothing, remember, this is your reward in Heaven". The old man looked out the window and right there he saw a championship golf course, finer and more beautiful than any ever built on Earth. "What are the green fees?" grumbled the old man. "This is heaven, St. Peter replied. You can play for free every day." Next they went to the Club House and saw the lavish buffet lunch laid out before them, from seafood to steak to exotic deserts, and free flowing beverages. "Don't even ask," said St. Peter to the man. “This is all free for you to enjoy." The old man looked around and glanced nervously at his wife. "Well, where are the low fat, low cholesterol foods and decaffeinated tea?" he asked. "That's the best part" St. Peter replied. "You can eat as much as you like of whatever you like and you will never get fat or sick. This is Heaven!" The old man pushed "No gym to work out at?" "Not unless you want to" was the answer. "No testing my sugar or blood pressure or..." "Never again. All you do here is enjoy yourself". The old man glared at his wife and said, "You and your Bran Muffins. We could have been here ten years ago.”
OH AND THIS ONE IS FOR DAD SINCE HE IS NOW 50!!!!
The Bran Muffins: The couple was 85 years old and had been married for sixty years. Though they were far from rich they managed to get by because they watched their pennies. Though not young they were both in very good health largely due to the wife's insistence on healthy foods and exercise for the last decade. One day, their good health didn't help when they went on a rare vacation and their plane crashed, sending them off to Heaven. They reached the pearly gates and St. Peter escorted them inside. He took them to a beautiful mansion furnished in gold and fine silks, with a fully stocked kitchen and waterfall in the master bath. A maid could be seen hanging their favorite clothes in the closet. They gasped in astonishment when he said "Welcome to Heaven. This will be your home now." The old man asked Peter how much all this was going to cost. "Why, nothing, remember, this is your reward in Heaven". The old man looked out the window and right there he saw a championship golf course, finer and more beautiful than any ever built on Earth. "What are the green fees?" grumbled the old man. "This is heaven, St. Peter replied. You can play for free every day." Next they went to the Club House and saw the lavish buffet lunch laid out before them, from seafood to steak to exotic deserts, and free flowing beverages. "Don't even ask," said St. Peter to the man. “This is all free for you to enjoy." The old man looked around and glanced nervously at his wife. "Well, where are the low fat, low cholesterol foods and decaffeinated tea?" he asked. "That's the best part" St. Peter replied. "You can eat as much as you like of whatever you like and you will never get fat or sick. This is Heaven!" The old man pushed "No gym to work out at?" "Not unless you want to" was the answer. "No testing my sugar or blood pressure or..." "Never again. All you do here is enjoy yourself". The old man glared at his wife and said, "You and your Bran Muffins. We could have been here ten years ago.”
BRIAN HEAD SKI TRIP WITH SOME OF OUR FAVORITE PEPS!
SO ready for Friday.... the past two weeks had been utterly exhausting with our many projects, Matt’s accident, taxes, and an even busier than usual life. Hard to stop mid-project, leaving our house a wreck, but a most definite needed reprieve.The drive up was… well Kyle, J.T., Reid, Matt and I… plus luggage, food, chains, book bags, snow gear, etc. were all crammed into Matt’s spacious Cavalier… translation = breathing room only. But 7 hours later I must say…
Brain Head is incredibly beautiful! It’s tucked away 11,000 ft about sea level (hello altitude sickness) with breathtaking views. I just couldn’t get enough of the quiet, peaceful, friendly and relaxed atmosphere! Here are some of the day’s favorite memories:
DAY ONE: Everyone woke up excited to hit the slopes! We hit up Georg’s (yes Jon we know it’s spelt wrong) where Matt just had to rent the shiny red performance skis… We couldn’t have asked for better weather; it was incredibly warm and sunny. The boys built a jump and I snapped a few good pictures of them in action. Jill and I got stuck on a triple black diamond--who knew there’d be that many moguls; we decided we should start off slower next time… After picking up Joey and Jack from ski school we all retreated back to the cabin with sunburned faces. Jill made some of the best tasting enchiladas ever, and the game nights began. It was all about the Hearts and Mexican Dominos… I laughed so hard my sides hurt.
DAY TWO: Joey and Jack woke up at 6 ready to get back on the mountain…. Everyone else rolled out of bed but didn’t wake up till they had downed their huge plate of pancakes and waffles with extra peanut butter (well except for Kyle who had a tongue injury). We suited up and enjoyed a second full day of skiing. Matt even got me on the tree trails. Little Jack was a blast to watch because he would just take off down the mountain with no fear…. eek! We lost Joey for part of the day, and needed a Starbucks at the lodge to recuperate. Ready to sit by the fireplace we all trooped back to the cabin. After, yoga and spaghetti it was back to the game table. Jon’s one-liners were… priceless. And no one can figure out how Kyle won the Mexican domino game…. He didn’t even know what he was doing!?!
DAY THREE: Jon’s “transitory” winds came in and made for our coldest day yet. Tawny, Jill, and I spent the first half of the day on the “other” mountain and found a great trick park, where Tawny impressively nailed a rail slide on top of a car. You go girl! Despite the frigid winds, we also took a scary lift ride to the top, but didn’t enjoy the amazing views for long as our toes began to freeze. After de-thawing at lunch, we were back at it again, well except for old Matt and lil Jack. We all enjoyed our last runs up and down “Wildflower,” before calling it a day. After more stretching and yummy taco’s, we needed a reigning Domino champ. Twelve rounds later, I can’t remember who won, only that J.T. didn’t have to take a shower this time…. Lol
Our extended weekend flew by way too fast. But those ringing cell phones, unreturned emails, and a massive unfinished flooring project are calling us back… so long beautiful cabin, we will miss you!
EXCITED FOR THE NEW CHANGES IN HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRIES
We had a great week of ministry! It was our first week of student d-groups on Tuesday night. There were over 30 students that came. We examined the topic of discipleship and answered the question “what is a disciple?” I, personally, am SO excited to see this takeoff, because discipleship has played a huge role in my own life. I am so thankful for the older godly women that the Lord has placed in my life to encourage me in my relationship with Christ. I love watching them walk with the Lord and learning from them. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank a few women that have greatly impacted my life.
MOM – Thank you for displaying Christ to me day in and day out. You were my first “discipler” and I continue to learn a great many things from watching you live out your love for the Lord. Thank you for loving me when I was difficult to love, and for never ceasing to lovingly preach truth to me. Thank you for your prayers for me. Thank you for modeling a home focused on the Lord; one that impacted many of my friends. You are an amazing example of a godly wife and mother.
SUE MAUGHN- I just love you. You were the first lady to take me under her wing in Arizona. I am so thankful for the countless hours at Starbucks. You had such an incredible impact on my life. I had only been saved a few weeks before moving to AZ and you took me by the hand and showed me the way. I learned from you how to lead a HS d group, you kept me accountable as a dated my husband, you worked through several difficult issues with me. I miss you all the time.
MOMMA JEAN- I could not have asked for a more godly mother-in-law. You have so many godly characteristics that I want. I love the way you love your family. I wish I had an ounce of your patience and trust in the Lord. Thank you for loving me no matter what. I am so thankful and consider myself blessed to have you so close by.
JILL STEAD- You are my greatest friend in CA. I love learning from you, processing things with you, and running with you. Your influence in my life turned my marriage around and I am forever grateful. I love your passion, and heart for student ministries. Thank you for always having an open door.
TRACI DODSON- You have challenged me over and over again in the way that I think; about kids, being sensible, intimacy, my words… I love your home; it exudes love. I love the way you parent, and the way you love your own husband. You are incredibly purposeful and I learn so much by simply watching the way you do life.
I am already looking forward to our next HS discipleship. Our goal is to come together with student’s who love Jesus and are committed to Him, and to instruct and train them in godliness. I am so thankful that discipleship is a core priority of our church and also of our student ministry. It is so important for every true believer to be involved in this process.
MOM – Thank you for displaying Christ to me day in and day out. You were my first “discipler” and I continue to learn a great many things from watching you live out your love for the Lord. Thank you for loving me when I was difficult to love, and for never ceasing to lovingly preach truth to me. Thank you for your prayers for me. Thank you for modeling a home focused on the Lord; one that impacted many of my friends. You are an amazing example of a godly wife and mother.
SUE MAUGHN- I just love you. You were the first lady to take me under her wing in Arizona. I am so thankful for the countless hours at Starbucks. You had such an incredible impact on my life. I had only been saved a few weeks before moving to AZ and you took me by the hand and showed me the way. I learned from you how to lead a HS d group, you kept me accountable as a dated my husband, you worked through several difficult issues with me. I miss you all the time.
MOMMA JEAN- I could not have asked for a more godly mother-in-law. You have so many godly characteristics that I want. I love the way you love your family. I wish I had an ounce of your patience and trust in the Lord. Thank you for loving me no matter what. I am so thankful and consider myself blessed to have you so close by.
JILL STEAD- You are my greatest friend in CA. I love learning from you, processing things with you, and running with you. Your influence in my life turned my marriage around and I am forever grateful. I love your passion, and heart for student ministries. Thank you for always having an open door.
TRACI DODSON- You have challenged me over and over again in the way that I think; about kids, being sensible, intimacy, my words… I love your home; it exudes love. I love the way you parent, and the way you love your own husband. You are incredibly purposeful and I learn so much by simply watching the way you do life.
I am already looking forward to our next HS discipleship. Our goal is to come together with student’s who love Jesus and are committed to Him, and to instruct and train them in godliness. I am so thankful that discipleship is a core priority of our church and also of our student ministry. It is so important for every true believer to be involved in this process.
“We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.” Col 1:28-29
REJOICING IN GOD'S MERCIES
I am so incredibly thankful that the Lord spared my husband’s life. I could not imagine my life without him in it. Matt I love you J
Here is the email Father Chris sent out re-capping Matt’s terrible auto accident.
Family and Friends of the Mueller's
Jean and I are rejoicing tonight in God's mercies – our oldest son Matthew was involved in a very serious auto accident on the 91 freeway just west of the 215. Matthew walked away from the car, and though he has experienced some soreness, with a bruised side and a bloody bump on the head, he is doing fine.
He had borrowed Jean's car, 'bubbles', because his car was in the shop and while finishing up his work for the day, he hit a patch of water on the freeway in the right lane due to the pouring rain and the car hydroplaned out of control – he was in the slow lane going slow – the car spun and smashed up against the cement barrier, spun some more and ended up blocking two lanes of the freeway and another lane from debris.
The CHP arrived, after checking to make sure Matt was not injured, the officer pushed the car off the freeway and stuck around until a tow truck could come and I arrived to pick Matt up. The car looked really bad [REALLY BAD] and I believe it will be totaled – the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be HIS name – but MATT is going to be fine and for this we are rejoicing tonight.
We wanted to tell you so that you could hear it from us – I took pictures of the car, but they are not developed yet. We are thankful for Christ’s mercy and grace in Salvation and His daily hand of guidance and protection. We are thankful to the Sovereign Lord for protecting our first born son.
Thanks for rejoicing with us…
Chris, for the family
Here is the email Father Chris sent out re-capping Matt’s terrible auto accident.
Family and Friends of the Mueller's
Jean and I are rejoicing tonight in God's mercies – our oldest son Matthew was involved in a very serious auto accident on the 91 freeway just west of the 215. Matthew walked away from the car, and though he has experienced some soreness, with a bruised side and a bloody bump on the head, he is doing fine.
He had borrowed Jean's car, 'bubbles', because his car was in the shop and while finishing up his work for the day, he hit a patch of water on the freeway in the right lane due to the pouring rain and the car hydroplaned out of control – he was in the slow lane going slow – the car spun and smashed up against the cement barrier, spun some more and ended up blocking two lanes of the freeway and another lane from debris.
The CHP arrived, after checking to make sure Matt was not injured, the officer pushed the car off the freeway and stuck around until a tow truck could come and I arrived to pick Matt up. The car looked really bad [REALLY BAD] and I believe it will be totaled – the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be HIS name – but MATT is going to be fine and for this we are rejoicing tonight.
We wanted to tell you so that you could hear it from us – I took pictures of the car, but they are not developed yet. We are thankful for Christ’s mercy and grace in Salvation and His daily hand of guidance and protection. We are thankful to the Sovereign Lord for protecting our first born son.
Thanks for rejoicing with us…
Chris, for the family
PROJECTS AND MORE PROJECTS....
Who randomly starts ripping out their brand new carpet at ten o’ clock on a Wednesday night…??? Not sure what we were thinking, but the idea was that we would get rid of the carpet to remedy my clean freak NEED for perfect carpet lines, and do something spiffy to the concrete. What we failed to do was any prior research… apparently finishing concrete is a very lengthy and arduous process. It was time for a new plan, so we agree to put in a mid-grade laminate floor to hold me over for a few years. This time, I call my father to find out who has the best prices in town, do a lil’ RESEARCH on the computer and send Matt to do the “preliminary browse.” On Friday we drive, in the pouring rain, up to Ontario to check out some of Matt’s favorites. Sadly, the only floors I seem to like cost around $10 a sq/ft…. (Matt just looks at me like he knew this was going to happen and rolls his eyes….) But after much deliberation, I find that floor I’ve always wanted… and, of course, it’s only marked down to $8 a sq/ft. (Matt is chuckling and shaking his head now). Thankfully my dad taught me some skills, and before you know it we’re down to $2 a sq/ft. WWOOO HOOO!!! I get my beautiful, “beachy” hardwood floor and Matt gets less vacuuming and a very happy wife J
Now one thing everyone knows about hardwood floors, is that water is the enemy, but Matt’s convinced that the rain (which has mostly stopped) will hold off as we truck home our overloaded Titan. So at 11pm that night we unload box upon box of flooring…What a mess!!!! I also must say, much to Matt’s dismay, I’ve been living in this mess for almost 3 weeks. Matt is becoming a pro-installer! HE REALLY CAN DO ANYTHING! And it looks SO, SO beautiful!!
But we don’t stop here… amid the table-saw screeching on the front porch, I paint the master bathroom… Oh and we decided to rip out all the plants in the front planter IN THE RAIN… while deep cleaning the garage…
Told you Matt does it all! I am SO blessed by my amazing hubby!
Now one thing everyone knows about hardwood floors, is that water is the enemy, but Matt’s convinced that the rain (which has mostly stopped) will hold off as we truck home our overloaded Titan. So at 11pm that night we unload box upon box of flooring…What a mess!!!! I also must say, much to Matt’s dismay, I’ve been living in this mess for almost 3 weeks. Matt is becoming a pro-installer! HE REALLY CAN DO ANYTHING! And it looks SO, SO beautiful!!
But we don’t stop here… amid the table-saw screeching on the front porch, I paint the master bathroom… Oh and we decided to rip out all the plants in the front planter IN THE RAIN… while deep cleaning the garage…
Told you Matt does it all! I am SO blessed by my amazing hubby!
MATTS MARRIAGE RETREAT THOUGHTS
Although this was my very first marriage retreat, this had to be one of the best. There was a fantastic blend of phenomenal teaching, time with my wife, fellowship with other couples, and amazing weather with lots to do close-by. Just being with my lovely wife was an encouragement, as our schedules sometimes are so crazy we only see each other in passing. An entire weekend together was, in my mind, priceless!
Things I took away….
Schedule date nights: This is critical for us! Our lives are filled to the brim with great blessings, but we must make time for each other (yes, even if we have to schedule blocks of time to eat and hang out). Who knew that making time for each other gets harder AFTER you get married????
Don’t be lazy: Deferring is good…. (You know the conversation; “what do you want to do?” “I dunno what do you want to do” “I want to do whatever you want to do..” etc. etc…) but my wife was designed to want leadership. I can prefer to her by leading her! I thought I was doing the right thing, as I truly did want to do whatever she wanted to do, but I was going about it the wrong way…. The lazy way. I say lazy, because I wanted her to feed me the answer, instead of think of her and come up with a plan. I have really been working at this since the retreat, and have found out for myself how true this really is.
Put God First: This doesn’t require much explanation… When God is at the center of your life, everything else does, indeed, fall into place. Having the proper perspective of God, oneself, sin, and the punishment we deserve… well it makes the important things important and the petty things petty.
Things I took away….
Schedule date nights: This is critical for us! Our lives are filled to the brim with great blessings, but we must make time for each other (yes, even if we have to schedule blocks of time to eat and hang out). Who knew that making time for each other gets harder AFTER you get married????
Don’t be lazy: Deferring is good…. (You know the conversation; “what do you want to do?” “I dunno what do you want to do” “I want to do whatever you want to do..” etc. etc…) but my wife was designed to want leadership. I can prefer to her by leading her! I thought I was doing the right thing, as I truly did want to do whatever she wanted to do, but I was going about it the wrong way…. The lazy way. I say lazy, because I wanted her to feed me the answer, instead of think of her and come up with a plan. I have really been working at this since the retreat, and have found out for myself how true this really is.
Put God First: This doesn’t require much explanation… When God is at the center of your life, everything else does, indeed, fall into place. Having the proper perspective of God, oneself, sin, and the punishment we deserve… well it makes the important things important and the petty things petty.
OUR FIRST EVER MARRIAGE RETREAT!
What an incredible time! The weekend’s activities included: lots of time with my wonderful hubby, great fellowship, a 16 mile run, fantastic teaching from God’s Word, lunch at Sharkys, renting beach cruisers for a beautiful ride along Newport beach with friends, a silly red tandem bike, crazy pictures, the newlywed game, bingo, delicious desert at the Cheesecake Factory, amazing weather, lots of Starbucks, Dr. Mike Fabarez, the picturesque Hyatt, wonderful conversations, and much, much more….I was both reminded and encouraged by many truths found in God’s perfect Word. I was taken back to Kurt at winter camp, as Mike exhorted us to individually be committed to spiritual growth. Not casually, but rather as 2 Cor 12:15 says, I should “gladly spend and be spent.” in my pursuit of Christ. HE is the thing! Indeed, when this is neglected, my marriage is neglected, and we become like 2 ticks with no dog—trying to feed off of each other with no source. I was also reminded that the goal of my marriage is God’s great glory, not my own pleasure. Marriage is about pleasing Christ because THE GLORY OF CHRIST IS WHY WE LIVE! At the same time, marriage can reflect something mysterious and beautiful (namely the amazing fellowship of the Trinity, or the incredible love Christ has for his bride, the church) and as 1 Corinthians 10:31 states “all is for the glory of God.”
I truly valued how each message was saturated with the Gospel. Allow me to share a brief snippet…
The Gospel in 8 Words:
THOUGHTLESS TRANSGRESSION
Jer3:21 “they have perverted their ways and have forgotten the Lord their God.”
We have an incorrect view of God and sin happens…. Sin doesn’t happen when we have a correct view of God.
REAL DAMAGE
Isaiah 59:2 “but your iniquities have separated you from your God…”
A Holy God cannot overlook sin, and our sin makes us enemies of God.
INDOMINITABLE LOVE
Romans 5:6 “when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”
Our heavenly Father compassionately draws us to Himself, giving life to our dead and helpless soul. God’s only son paid our debt and conquered sin at Calvary.
COMPLETE FORGIVENESS
Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
In Christ we are completely forgiven. Because of Christ’s atoning death, our sin no longer separates us from God and we can enjoy sweet, intimate fellowship with Him.
Our marriages can bring glory to the Gospel as we live out the reality of the Gospel each day. Marriages are filled with thoughtless transgression (as we sin against them and they against us) that will cause real damage (like broken trust, intimacy issues, and strained fellowship). But in Christ we can have indominitable love for those who have wronged us. (Read 1 John 4:7-21… it will rock your world) It is here that transgressions becomes an opportunity to show God’s love; to have love conquer that transgression. We can certainly bring glory to the Gospel with our unmerited, complete forgiveness! And that DOES mean forgive and forget…. I know, SO counter-culture, but 1 Corinthians 13 says love keeps no record of wrongs. Divine forgiveness is only of Christ and it follows His example of remembering our sins no more.
It was incredibly eye opening to ponder the impact of living out the reality of the Gospel in marriage. I must confess that I’ve never thanked the Lord that I married a sinner…. :)… nor does my flesh want view my husband’s thoughtless transgressions as opportunities to bring glory to the gospel. I am surely a work in progress, and, though I fail often, it is my desire to purposefully work to express grace and mercy to my spouse ALL of the time, in any circumstance. I ardently pray that Christ is accurately displayed in my marriage to Matthew.
BLOG BEGINNINGS AND MATT'S POST WINTER CAMP THOUGHTS
Yes… we are going to try this blog thing…. I said TRY….
Maybe I will figure out how to do this via my phone because then I could post blogs via ACL procedures (well as long as Rod never reads this).
My beautiful wife and I just returned from our high school winter camp where we both have the privilege to serve as staff. I went eager to serve students, but God had much more in store for me as He tore down my pretense and addressed my heart.
I remember sitting in the second session and Kurt Gebhard was speaking on what it means to be a Christian. I was sitting there, intently focused, when I heard a phrase that left me frozen in my chair. The question struck something deep inside me and my mind kept replaying five words over and over; “DO YOU STRIVE AFTER CHRIST?!” I put an exclamation point there because Kurt was passionately pleading (ok yelling), with us to wholeheartedly serve Christ. It was as if time had stopped and I was alone with God and my thoughts; everyone else around me melted away. “Do I strive after Christ?” I asked myself. “Are my actions ones that indicate a person striving after Christ?” To “strive” is defined as:
1. To exert much effort or energy; endeavor.
2. To struggle or fight forcefully; contend
For the first time in a long time I grew incredibly uncomfortable in that chair… in that room… at that camp… on that mountain. “Striving”, is something I am no stranger to; being driven seems almost a part of my DNA. God made me a striver, someone passionate, who only knows two speeds: ON and OFF, 100% and 0%. I have never been, and most likely, will never be great at doing things 30%; that’s such an ugly number anyway. J I was uncomfortable because I realized that my relationship with Christ wasn’t something that I was consistently striving towards, and Kurt’s words brought that stinging realization to light. As God grabbed a hold of my attention I knew the uneasiness I felt was God’s way of saying, “You’re uncomfortable because I want you to be uncomfortable. I want you to hear and to listen and most importantly…. TO ACT!” (I guess this blog is a very miniscule part of that action) I love Jesus and I know that he loves me, and I desperately want my life to be one that is defined by striving after him. To struggle and fight forcefully for Him. Granted, there will be times where I stumble, times I fight the wrong battles and my energy is mis-directed; but I never want to be in that chair again, feeling the same uneasiness as there at camp. Below you will find something I wrote almost immediately after that message from Kurt. It was from the heart and was literally my thoughts and prayers put onto paper. Maybe you can identify with my struggles as my hope is to encourage you!
Coming Home
Our slavery was once to sin, yet God, in all His graciousness and mercy, saw fit to free us from all bonds that we once bore and welcome us into His divine and perfect family…. And it took the death of His only perfect Son to do it.
So why is it then, that though I am free from the shackles of this dark decaying and condemned world, daily I choose to walk back to the darkness and re-chain myself to the very bonds that Christ’s blood has sufficiently freed me from? Why is it that my tongue still lies, my body rots and my mind is a haze of blackness? Why is it that at my very best, in the moment when I think goodness is about me, and I actually do something that I believe is good enough, it is in fact worthless and futile? Why is it, that when I could have more than I could ever hope or dream, fulfill my purpose on this world and receive the full blessing of walking with Christ daily… I don’t?
The answer should shake everyone enough to question our eternal destiny and what, on that awesome or terrible day, our God will say to us. The answer is that I am in love with myself and this world and not with my savior, who bled and hung for me. Instead of loving the one true God who is the only one worthy of praise, who is the eternal, who is the one that can give my soul the peace that surpasses all understanding, a love that knows no bounds and a rest that lasts forever… I settle for the passing pleasures of this barren wasteland, painted and scented to entice all who pass through it.
I am unwilling to look into the sewers of my soul, and remember who I truly am. I think to highly of myself, and I don’t think enough of Jesus, yet (and I am so grateful and thankful and joyful, that there is indeed a yet!) in spite of everything I ought not to be… He still loves me. And with open loving arms He welcomes the prodigal son home again… and again… and again. Each time my head hangs lower and each time He runs faster and harder to throw his arms around me.
--Matt
Maybe I will figure out how to do this via my phone because then I could post blogs via ACL procedures (well as long as Rod never reads this).
My beautiful wife and I just returned from our high school winter camp where we both have the privilege to serve as staff. I went eager to serve students, but God had much more in store for me as He tore down my pretense and addressed my heart.
I remember sitting in the second session and Kurt Gebhard was speaking on what it means to be a Christian. I was sitting there, intently focused, when I heard a phrase that left me frozen in my chair. The question struck something deep inside me and my mind kept replaying five words over and over; “DO YOU STRIVE AFTER CHRIST?!” I put an exclamation point there because Kurt was passionately pleading (ok yelling), with us to wholeheartedly serve Christ. It was as if time had stopped and I was alone with God and my thoughts; everyone else around me melted away. “Do I strive after Christ?” I asked myself. “Are my actions ones that indicate a person striving after Christ?” To “strive” is defined as:
1. To exert much effort or energy; endeavor.
2. To struggle or fight forcefully; contend
For the first time in a long time I grew incredibly uncomfortable in that chair… in that room… at that camp… on that mountain. “Striving”, is something I am no stranger to; being driven seems almost a part of my DNA. God made me a striver, someone passionate, who only knows two speeds: ON and OFF, 100% and 0%. I have never been, and most likely, will never be great at doing things 30%; that’s such an ugly number anyway. J I was uncomfortable because I realized that my relationship with Christ wasn’t something that I was consistently striving towards, and Kurt’s words brought that stinging realization to light. As God grabbed a hold of my attention I knew the uneasiness I felt was God’s way of saying, “You’re uncomfortable because I want you to be uncomfortable. I want you to hear and to listen and most importantly…. TO ACT!” (I guess this blog is a very miniscule part of that action) I love Jesus and I know that he loves me, and I desperately want my life to be one that is defined by striving after him. To struggle and fight forcefully for Him. Granted, there will be times where I stumble, times I fight the wrong battles and my energy is mis-directed; but I never want to be in that chair again, feeling the same uneasiness as there at camp. Below you will find something I wrote almost immediately after that message from Kurt. It was from the heart and was literally my thoughts and prayers put onto paper. Maybe you can identify with my struggles as my hope is to encourage you!
Coming Home
Our slavery was once to sin, yet God, in all His graciousness and mercy, saw fit to free us from all bonds that we once bore and welcome us into His divine and perfect family…. And it took the death of His only perfect Son to do it.
So why is it then, that though I am free from the shackles of this dark decaying and condemned world, daily I choose to walk back to the darkness and re-chain myself to the very bonds that Christ’s blood has sufficiently freed me from? Why is it that my tongue still lies, my body rots and my mind is a haze of blackness? Why is it that at my very best, in the moment when I think goodness is about me, and I actually do something that I believe is good enough, it is in fact worthless and futile? Why is it, that when I could have more than I could ever hope or dream, fulfill my purpose on this world and receive the full blessing of walking with Christ daily… I don’t?
The answer should shake everyone enough to question our eternal destiny and what, on that awesome or terrible day, our God will say to us. The answer is that I am in love with myself and this world and not with my savior, who bled and hung for me. Instead of loving the one true God who is the only one worthy of praise, who is the eternal, who is the one that can give my soul the peace that surpasses all understanding, a love that knows no bounds and a rest that lasts forever… I settle for the passing pleasures of this barren wasteland, painted and scented to entice all who pass through it.
I am unwilling to look into the sewers of my soul, and remember who I truly am. I think to highly of myself, and I don’t think enough of Jesus, yet (and I am so grateful and thankful and joyful, that there is indeed a yet!) in spite of everything I ought not to be… He still loves me. And with open loving arms He welcomes the prodigal son home again… and again… and again. Each time my head hangs lower and each time He runs faster and harder to throw his arms around me.
--Matt
WINTER CAMP 2009!
I LOVE the snow! But combine 4 ft of snow, close friends, M.O.W., Kurt Gebhard lovingly yelling at you, weird Jewish food, late nights, “who-sir-I-sir”, blown circuits leaving ladies without their precious blow-dryers, mucho candy, crazy games, Matt and Dan wearing tight snow bibs, awesome music, watery-eyed heartfelt conversations with big man Kurt, two broken ankles, sledding, snowball fights, pies to the face, the one step beyond show, cabin time, Jon’s documentary, pterodactyl (lol you don’t want to know), new faces, black ice, lots of coffee, Patrick’s marvelous acting career, winter coats, beanies, staff meetings, four days away from all the beeping, ringing, scheduling and responsibilities of life, add uninterrupted time to dwell on the amazing grace of the cross………and you get the “goldilicious” W.C. of 2009!
Those four days in the mountain were such bliss; we had SO much fun! Yet the greatest part of any camp is watching God change lives. There is certainly nothing more thrilling than the work our Savior does within hearts; in the lives of students and in my own heart. The question winter camp forced me to ask of myself is “Do I really STRIVE in my pursuit of Christ?” Am I pursuing Christ with all out exertion? Indeed, the church today is filled with astounding indifference and apathy. We do not see our sin as we should, with Christ and His purity as our point of reference. We do not abhor iniquity; rather, we accept that our hearts love wicked things. Instead of running from sin we choose to liken sin “as to sport,” and we “drink sin like water.” Undeniably, we are like dogs that return to their vomit. We do not see our friendship with the world as hatred towards God.
I luved Kurt’s illustration of repentance:
Picture a room beautiful and bright, completely surrounded by darkness. The darkness naturally represents our slavery to sin. In darkness we experience the never-ending, unsatisfying, cruel, brutal, unproductive, ensnaring sin of our own appetites. The light, however, a representation of the life that Christ longs to give us; one filled with peace, fulfillment, freedom, productivity, and joy. What is my response to Christ? Do I run from the darkness? Am I standing at the entrance of the room filled with light, peering into the darkness? Am I like the moth circling the light bulb? Am I the cockroach scurrying for the cover of darkness? Or, do I run into the light, close the door behind me, deadbolt it, throw the key away, and push every piece of furniture I can find in front of the entrance barricading myself from the darkness?
My desire is that I will be SO in love with Christ that the sins which so easily entangle me begin to just fall off. That I will be so focused on Christ darkness will fade from my sight. That I will pursue Christ with such zeal that there will be no time for lesser things. My desire is that Jesus will take over my entire life. I want to live IN CHRIST, to pursue HIM and live for heaven.
ROM 6:2 “How shall we who died to sin still live in it?”
ICKY GROWN UP STUFF
Sometimes being grown up and its’ responsibilities really stink! While we were in K.C. soaking up the time with my marvelous family, a situation involving our rental property in Arizona was brought to our attention. In just two weeks time, and four contract breaches later, it was clear that “person C” wasn’t going to work out. For us, that meant getting off the plane from Kansas, sleeping a few hours, then jumping into the car early the next a.m. to drive to PHX and back (all the while trying not to think about repacking and leaving for winter camp the very next day). We were dreading the inevitable so much that I just had to stop at Cabazon for some last minute snow gear… LOL. Needless to say, we were expecting the worst; screaming, anger, finger-pointing and noncompliance, but the Lord graciously answered our prayers (and many of yours). It wasn’t a fight. Person C agreed they were wrong and said they would leave…. ppphhheeewww!
Matthew and I are tremendously thankful that we can claim Phil 4:6-8 which says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Certainly there is always something going awry in this life; but what a comforting truth is it that we can trust Christ to work out the details. The all-sufficient and sustaining power of God is the only true source that meets our every need. As Paul promises us, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19) our heavenly father will meet all our essential needs in His own way, according to His sovereign schedule. Realizing that everything hinges on God, His Word, and His sovereign plan definitely makes all the icky grown up stuff not so bad!
Matthew and I are tremendously thankful that we can claim Phil 4:6-8 which says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Certainly there is always something going awry in this life; but what a comforting truth is it that we can trust Christ to work out the details. The all-sufficient and sustaining power of God is the only true source that meets our every need. As Paul promises us, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19) our heavenly father will meet all our essential needs in His own way, according to His sovereign schedule. Realizing that everything hinges on God, His Word, and His sovereign plan definitely makes all the icky grown up stuff not so bad!
CHRISTMAS IN KC!
What I remember about Christmas 2008:
1. get the family together at your own risk!!! 2. calling mom to tell her I was getting to come EARLY! 3. the Lord provision (by means of a rainy California) in allowing me to travel with my sexy husband AND arrive two days earlier in K.C. 4. mom’s cooking never tasted so good… YUM!!!! 5. and then there was, you guessed it… MORE food… 6. oh and DESSERT too (cherry pie anyone?) 7. scrabble tournaments 8. wrapping Christmas presents in Wedding gift bags LOL 9. driving through a blizzard 10. Matt and mom’s Chinese fire drill in the blizzard 11. airsoft wars and wounds 12. dad finally got the most presents 13. arctic mornings spent walking with mom followed by Quicktrip runs… just like the good old days 14. Matt leading us through the Christmas devotional 15. the sound of Megan’s phone beeping every two seconds 16. hanging out with old friends 17. a HUGE nighttime thunderstorm, good for cuddling 18. my winter coat expeditions 19. three boys playing video games in their matching boxers… ooh la la… 20. dad getting an extremely contagious, nasty, flu-like, but worse, virus 21. finding out AGAIN that I am the best Clue player ever… 22. Mandy is still crazy!?! 23. Gates BBQ is a definite must! 24. getting lost in “the nice part of town” looking for a Macy’s that carried Matt’s bomber jacket 25. movie nights galore, but next year I want happy movies ok? 26. sweeping out dad’s new building while dreaming about roller-skating through it 27. taking gma to see Valkyrie 28. jewelry box indecision 29. trying unsuccessfully to find snow-boots 30. a sinful amount of presents 31. interesting late night conversations with Derek 32. an unpleasant email from our renters 33. fight night at side pockets 34. mom’s new… furniture, office, flooring, tub… all beautiful updates! 35. min-golf? power and light district? ice skating? theater1? theater2? ok we’ll just go home… 36. M16’s don’t ship well 37. trying to repack everything and needing a THIRD suitcase 38. Orbitz forgetting that we not only needed to get from DEN to ONT but from KCI to DEN!! 39. mom still makes it all happen… even getting us home on flights that don’t exist 40. rushing through a happy birthday lunch with Derek at Chili’s… poor waiter 41. Matt getting sick on the last day 42. DELORES is recalculating… HAHA! 43. matt needs his sleep space 44. Biscuits and gravy done right 45. gma’s helping hands and final touches 46. dad’s heartfelt prayers reflecting his intense love for the Lord 47. mom’s joy in loving her family being together 48. Matt’s perfect fit into this family 49. Derek just doesn’t get up before noon 50. Meg bravely following the Lord 51. Brett’s heart is his biggest muscle! 52. Last year was “PUT IT ON,” this year turned out to be “GAME ON!” 53. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY FAMILY
Aloha from Cali :)
We created this blog to keep in touch with family and friends all over. We actually started it four months ago, but, as you can see, are already behind.... I love comments and hearing from you all. Thanks for reading! :)
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