Missio Vita

talky talky talky talky talk.......

2011-09-20T14:31:00.002-07:00

I never realized that once you get a child to talk.....you then have to also start working on getting them to stop. Ryland, my child who decided to not talk for awhile, by far makes the most noise in the house. And this noise is his constant talking about what he sees and what he thinks and all the questions he has along the way. The boy has so much to share and wants to always be the center of attention, talking to everyone.

Smaller

2011-09-15T13:51:00.003-07:00

What I love so far about downsizing our living situation and losing almost 1000 square feet.....
1. It feels more like our home
2. It is so stinkin cute
3. It is an old house and has so much character
4. The kids rooms are right next to our room
5. Less space to clean
6. Creativity in storage
7. Purging all of the stuff (crap) we do not really need
8. Still close to our church community
9. Time to redecorate but not feeling overwhelmed because of all the open space
10. It saves us a ton of money each month that we can save or spend on family fun times or myself :)

Tangled Grief

2011-04-10T15:13:00.003-07:00

The newest Disney movie to hit DVD is Tangled. I felt it was a pretty non-violent, non-emotional movie that my children would enjoy so we have rented it this week. It has turned into quite an emotional movie for me. I do not want to spoil the movie for anyone so without saying too much....there is a scene towards the end where the town's people and the King and Queen once a year let loose flying paper lanterns to signify their loss...it overwhelmed my heart to think of a community joined in grief. It was not their personal loss but it affected all of them and once a year they all joined to honor and remember their loss. Many times when we have people around us affected by trauma or grief we long for the day when things will be "normal" again. That is not the way grief really works. The people or person personally affected never goes back to normal, their lives change and adjust into the new normal. There is something hopeful and significant in this town joining together to hurt and grieve with this couple who has had loss. It is not forgotten, how powerful it must be and how helpful is must be for the ones most affected to be able to communally be able to "remember" and hurt together. We do not live in a bubble or vacuum. We live with people we hurt with people. I LOVE seeing this example and for some reason it gets to me every time.

Crazy 3's

2011-03-14T14:09:00.002-07:00

My mom 2 mom group

2011-03-03T13:30:00.011-07:00

Our Mom group went to the McCormick Railroad park today in Scottsdale. The weather right now is absolutely perfect. The kids had a blast playing on the playground, riding the choo choo and the carousel.

I am also loving these moments I have just with her without big brother (who was at school today). It had been great for the two of us to have time together.

London ended up NOT being a fan today of the carousel. She tried to get off many times while we were spinning around.

London

2011-02-28T15:58:00.003-07:00

When did she decide to grow up?????

Medical Update

2011-02-16T13:13:00.002-07:00

I met with an Epileptic Specialist on Monday January 31st at Barrow Neurological Centers.....kind of an amazing place. They (I got to see two specialists) both agreed that overall my EEG was normal. They saw the slight spikes and understood why my neurologist might have thought it was slightly abnormal, but to them it was a pretty average one. With that said, it is inconclusive whether I had a seizure or not. So I will not be treated medically for them. IF it was...I have a 40% chance of having another one in the next two years. If I do have another one, then it will be epilepsy and I will go on anti-seizure meds. So that is where it stands. No movement or worry unless I have another one. It is good news and I feel good even with there no being any answers on the Sept. 15th accident. It could have been just that, an accident. :)

My baby

2010-12-29T00:44:00.006-07:00

2010-12-15T22:15:00.002-07:00

Health Update

2010-11-25T20:32:00.002-07:00

I was in a car accident September 15th at 7:30pm. I was charged with running a red light, I was hit by cross traffic traveling at about 45 to 50mph....end of story for about a week. I decided to see my PCP because I was really unsettled about the fact that my memory of the incident ends about 30 seconds before I reached the intersection and then I have bits and flashes of getting my phone and knowing I needed to call people, to getting on a stretcher, then my memory picks right back up when I was in the ambulance. Doctor did not like the sound of it since there was one eye witness who claimed I did not just proceed through the intersection, this man wrote that I came to a stop and then slowly rolled into the intersection. Was referred to a neurologist. Neurologist stated that he believed I lost consciousness before the accident so tests were suggested. So far I have had a CT, an MRI and an EEG. CT and MRI looked great! EEG had some abnormalities and it looks like a seizure is a possibility. My neurologist asked if I would be willing to see an epileptic specialist before deciding to go on anti-seizure medication. I agreed very willingly. I am not that interested in taking a medication that I might not actually need. So that is where we are. There are only a few epileptic specialists in the valley so I am now on a waiting list that might take a few months. Oh....and I have to see a cardiologist to also make sure my heart is in tip top shape as well.
Prayer is my stronghold. I would like to know why I did something that does not fit anything about me. But I also worry about getting answers of course. I have been told that if it is determined that it was a seizure, my license will be suspended for 90 days while I start medication. That will be a huge upset for the Gibson family to deal with but of course in the long run very manageable.
Prayer is my stronghold. God is my refuge.

Fall....FINALLY

2010-11-23T14:24:00.007-07:00

CHEESE :)

Enjoying his cookie at his classes Pie Fest before Thanksgiving

London visiting Ryland at school

Playing on the playground after Pie Fest at school

Playing in mommy and daddy's bed

Such a BIG GIRL

Luke 6:46-49

2010-11-20T11:07:00.002-07:00

"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."

The Lord is taking me deeper as I submit myself to His foundation, not my own understanding. Praise Him!

grace and peace,

matt

Halloween Parade

2010-10-28T15:55:00.006-07:00

Ryland Walking in the School Parade:
He was suppose to be Mickey Mouse but there was an accident before the parade so he ended up wearing the soccer outfit he went to school in......oh well

School Festival

Rylands Class all Dressed up

My Pick at the Pumpkin Patch

One Great Photo of my Little Guy

Technology, it's not all bad

2010-08-13T17:37:00.003-07:00

I always go back and forth on the use of modern technology in our home. Sometimes I think it's the most amazing thing ever and the next moment I believe it to be the devil incarnate ;-)

For instance, we haven't had television in our house for over a year. It has been so great for our family, but today we used technology in the most incredible way. We video skyped with one of Adrienne's girls she mentors in The Netherlands. Allison, has been traveling and serving in ministry for the last 3 months and will be gone for 4 more months returning to Mesa in December. When Allison gets home, she will have served in the Czech Republic, Uganda, Kenya, Latvia, and a few other places. Today, we spoke face to face. Shared stories about what God has been doing in our lives and prayed together. It was a worshipful and fun time. All because of technology.

Later this weekend, we're going to video skype with one of our dearest friends and his wife in the czech republic. Not bad.

grace and peace,

matt

1st Day of School

2010-08-12T13:45:00.010-07:00

Today was Ryland's first day of school. I am amazed that I am already posting pictures but I wanted the family to see how well it all went.

Most Recent Read

2010-08-02T15:25:00.003-07:00

reminder. that. the. gospel. is. EVERYTHING!

Brother Joins Circus

2010-07-13T10:32:00.006-07:00

Many know....but for the few of you out there that do not....or for those of you who are interested in seeing pictures, my younger brother moved out to San Diego in May to start his new job at Sea World San Diego. The new dolphin show, Blue Horizons, includes platform divers in part of the show. My brother dove competitively in High School for Horizon High School and Calvidistas Del Sol. He recently decided to get back in shape and work on his dive list, I think at first for fun. Well it totally panned out for him. He was asked to audition and was offered the job. So he lives in beautiful San Diego and dives five days a week for a living. No, he does not dive WITH the dolphins. I get asked that all the time. There are dolphin and Pilot whales in the show but they are not in the pool when the divers are.
The show is amazing and is worth a little six hour drive to go see it! And Chris, I am sorry. I am officially posting pictures of you in your "bird costume."

He is one of the divers in the video. He is the first one who does a handstand on the platform before diving in.

The Very Words Of Jesus

2010-07-12T21:52:00.003-07:00

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

so grateful that God loves me. so grateful God chose me.

humbled.

My Beautiful Baby Girl

2010-06-30T21:16:00.002-07:00

***photo by our friend Candace***

I like me some reading!!!

2010-06-24T16:29:00.004-07:00

Below is a picture of my summer reading. If you're thinking how does he have time for that? My answer is, it's 112 degrees outside. The only thing to do in Arizona for me in the summer is read, play music, or swim. Say hello to July and August!

Sounds

2010-06-13T21:25:00.002-07:00

I get asked often what I'm listening to. To be honest it usually is always a different answer, but for the last year or so all I have been listening to is the guy in this picture. His name is William Fitzsimmons and to be really honest, I'm just smitten with his sound.

grace and peace,

matt

Mommy Is Out Of Town

2010-05-28T16:13:00.004-07:00

My beautiful bride, Adrienne went this week to see her little brother dive in the new show, Blue Horizons at Sea World in San Diego. So, while she was gone for 2 days, the kids and I had a chance to have some fun just the 3 of us. Below are a couple of videos of us this week. Thursday, we went to our favorite place for breakfast, LGO in Phoenix, and then went to Kachina park near by and ran around...I love being a dad, and I love the chance to bless my wife with time away...Husbands, love your wives in this way. Get her some time away. They need to have some freedom to rest and be themselves and your kids need real time to be with their daddies.

The videos are from my phone, so the quality is rough, but listen closely for Ryland in the bath when he says "mommy is on the boat." One of my all time favorite moments considering I told him mommy would be riding in pappa and grammy's boat in San Diego.

grace and peace,

matt

Truth

2010-05-10T23:09:00.003-07:00

I was reading today and came across a beautiful phrase from Thomas a' Kempis, a 14th century catholic monk. He wrote a book called "The Imitation of Christ".

He said this:

"It is great wisdom to keep silent when damaging words are spoken to you. Turn your attention and don't worry about rumor or slander. Don't look for support from the mouths of others. You are who you are regardless of what they say. And you shall know much peace if you neither try to please them or care if you displease them."

This really reminded me of a phrase I always have running around in my head..."Character is way more important than reputation". People, even family sometimes say the most hurtful things and sometimes it's literally not true....but at the end of the day, my family, that is Adrienne and I are living for Jesus Christ, the true Messiah and He knows. He knows the truth and if I'm living for Him and His kingdom, than my significance, character, worth, and the Truth is TOTALLY found in Him.

God, you are so faithful, so true, and I can't believe you loved me enough to save me.

grace and peace,

Matt

Time for Surgery

2010-04-26T13:04:00.003-07:00

I am actually quite relieved.

The ups and downs of a child not feeling well and the helplessness feeling that goes a long with it. We were first referred to Az Early Intervention because I brought Ryland to the Dr because he was not sleeping well...always had a runny nose and deep lung cough and somewhat hallucinating because of lack of good sleep. Instead of getting any medical help or advice we were given developmental help and advice. I do appreciate the help because Ryland has come a long way. But the medical stuff was pushed to the side and ignored. It amazes me that we were never advised to take Ryland into a Ear Nose and Throat specialist even though he was diagnosed with a severe speech delay. I finally got Ryland in to see one because London was given a referral and at her appointment I asked if I could make an appointment for my son. When he heard that Ryland had a severe speech delay he wanted to see him asap. After two evals, our ENT Dr. has decided that Ryland has too much pressure in his ears and his adenoids need to be removed and tubes put in his ears. The Dr is not sure if it is causing some of his speech delay but told me today that if Ryland did not have a speech delay he would probably just monitor the pressure to see if it disappeared in a few months. Since there is the delay, he wants to go ahead with surgery as quickly as we can.
Again, I am so relieved. Mothers intuition I guess. My child is now talking and picking up new words every week so why the delay? He has had croup three times this winter. He has had a cough since he was about 18 months and his nose is always runny.
Unfortunately this takes me back to that first Dr appointment where we needed some medical help but were only given developmental advice. It has been a long road but hopefully....hopefully this is the start of the end.

I just pray this eases some of his discomfort and clears things up for him.

Easter

2010-04-13T14:53:00.009-07:00

Therapy and Cooking

2010-04-11T21:16:00.006-07:00

Today after church I came home and spent time with my bride before she decided to take a nap. While the kids were sleeping, I decided to watch the movie, "Julie & Julia", starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams....It's a cute movie about the famous Julia Child and this women, Julie Powell, living in Queens, N.Y. who decides to cook her way through Julia Child's famous cook book in a year. 524 recipes in 365 days.....

Long story short, I liked it and it got me thinking about how therapeutic cooking has been for me over the years. When the kids and Adrienne woke up, I asked Adrienne if she wanted me to make my dad's famous pizza for dinner (famous in the Gibson family.)

So, I did. I haven't made his pizza recipe in years and for an hour I just thought about my dad. It was great therapy for me and a great time with my family.

Adrienne took some pictures.

Jonsi's Go Record

2010-04-06T20:37:00.003-07:00

I'm saying it now, in April...I think this might be the best record of the year. Bright, melodic, interesting, moving, and incredible production...

A Life of Worship

2010-03-28T15:23:00.002-07:00

I opened the services this morning with this video. I've become less and less of a video guy during church service over the years, but I loved the point it brought home....

grace and peace,

Matt

New Records, Songwriting, Vulnerability, and Life Lessons

2010-03-17T22:05:00.004-07:00

Recently, I have felt a lift in my songwriting block. I've had a writing block for sometime now...

I don't ever talk about this part of my life, because to be honest, it's one of the most vulnerable things to me. Writing your heart down on paper, then recording it. What if I change the way I feel in 10 years? 10 months? 10 minutes? or Why do I even write and feel the need to record in the first place? These are questions and thoughts that constantly go through my mind. God has blessed me to be able to write...It doesn't mean the songs or melodies are any good :-), but the fact that I can write and make melodies is a blessing; That the Creator allows the created to create is humbling to say the least...I'm blessed that some of my songs have cause people to worship, feel encouraged, or to think differently about God.

Over the last 6 to 7 years I've been blessed to write with several different artists...from female to male artists and from Christian to mainstream pop music. But, the more I have written with other artists over the years, the more I have chosen to not focus on my own personal writing. Well, I think that season has changed. Some of you know I recorded my first worship record in 2005. A long story, as short as possible...for that record, "Needed Confession" I was given a large sum of money to make a debut record that most artists would dream of. I took the money with the idea that I was going to pursue traveling full time on the road and have the ability to pay the money back as a label backed artist. During the mixing of the record, I felt the Lord tell me that my role was in the local church...this was a hard one for me, but I listened. I stop talking with labels and friends who had connections in Nashville and just prayed the record would sell as an independent.

Flash forward 5 years into the future. Adrienne and I are still unfortunately making monthly payments on that first record. Ouch, I know. It has been an incredible lesson. A painful one. Now that I produce and engineer records, I could probably make the same record for about half of what we spent....the point is though, that God is always teaching us. He is so good. So faithful. I had to learn some very hard lessons about life with my first record that I might not have learned any other way.

With these new songs a few themes have come into focus recently. I'm not sure when, but in the next few months or years (probably years) I will be collecting songs for 2 new records. One record will be my 2nd worship record. Themes about God's faithfulness through pain and songs about the great story of life and redemption He is telling through us.....And the other record will be kind of different for me. This will be a "side project" for a lack of a better word. This record is already shaping as I have written 3 songs this last few weeks. The themes are my dad's death (never written about), a broken but hopeful marriage, loss, and hope. This 2nd record will not be a "worship" record. Obviously, I believe that EVERYTHING I am and do is a reflection of my worship of God, but this will not be a congregational worship record. This will be a record about pain and suffering.

In my last paragraph, I would ask you to pray. My conviction is to not record another record of my own until my debt is paid on the first record, but this is difficult for me. I want to move forward with my new vision for my art, but feel a wall in front of me. Also, pray for the vision of these next few records. Adrienne and I believe our monthly finances have been taken care of through our amazing community where I serve, so we believe that the profit from all records I sell should go to others. My vision is to partner with a couple of non-profits and that EVERY penny would go to support those in need. I would basically represent these organizations and when people would buy my record, they would get info on what their 10 dollars just went to support (food for the hungry, charity water, etc.)...Pray for wisdom on what organizations to partner with. Pray for wisdom on if that means I need to seek becoming a non-profit and all that entails. Ok, I need to be done writing now. Sorry for the long post. It's been a while since I've blogged and it felt good. Thank you.

Thank you to those who actually read all the way down. :-)

grace and peace,

Matt

She just might be a Hippie

2010-03-10T14:51:00.003-07:00

Today marks my first day of cloth diapers....YIKES!
I make my own baby food, have a 10 month old that is still nursing and we are now cloth diapering our cute baby bottom. I just might be......

Lately

2010-02-09T21:55:00.002-07:00

It has been up and down lately with Ryland....and I have heard that is just how it is with a two-year old. Speech delay or no speech delay. Interestingly enough we have a really bad week last week. I realized that when we had run out of juice and I was just too tired to drag two kids to the store, I instead gave him very watered down Kool-Aid. He calls it "da's juice" since that is what it is...Daddy's juice. After a few days of the Kool-Aid I realized it might be affecting him. He was terribly clingy and unhappy and very whiney. Both of his therapist commented on the change. They said it reminded them of what he was like before he started therapy, which of course just freaked me out, until I realized the diet change. Kool-Aid has white sugar and it has red food dye. My little guy (and girl actually) are so sensitive to what is in their stomach. The Kool-Aid was stopped on Wednesday and when he woke up on Sunday morning....He was my little guy again.
At least 10 times every day I worry that he will never learn to talk. At least 10 times a day I worry that he will never be in a normal classroom. At least 10 times a day I worry that he has a more severe developmental delay then we realize...and then I pray. I pray, I pray, I pray. I love my little guy. I will love him even if he ends up being labeled. I love him.
Tonight he did the most amazing thing. Matt and I were sitting at the kitchen table and Ryland looked at us and pointed at Matt and said "Dada" and pointed and me and said "ma" then went back to Matt then back to me. He did this 4 or 5 times. He was so proud of himself that he was able to point out who was who and be able to verbally tell us that he knew. Of course, I cried through the whole thing. Again, I love him.

Absent

2010-01-17T11:10:00.004-07:00

I've been gone for a while...I don't think I've blogged in a few months. Not much new other than God's grace every morning.....below is my attempt at an update or random facts from the last few months.

Update:

-praying for and giving to Haiti

-listening to William Fitzsimmons pretty much non stop (for the last year)

-love Adrienne more today than last time I blogged

-love my kids ALOT

-the church is the only institution God promises to bless

-Jesus and His church are sure things, and that's about it

-reading is my 3rd favorite thing

-I don't day dream about moving to another city any more

-the church has to BE the mission of God

-when not listening to William Fitzsimmons, I'm listening to other sad folk music

-I love pizza ALOT (not as much as my kids, but ALOT)

-I'm wiser today at 30 than I was at 29 and pretty sure this pattern will continue

-God freaking loves me and He freaking loves you, so talk to Him

-beer is proof God loves us. :)

-I like music

-I have fallen in love all over again with reading the scriptures.

-I miss my brother

-I miss my sister

-I miss my mom

-I miss my dad (Sept 13th, 1999)

-even though I don't day dream about moving anymore, I still think about New York ALOT

-I've learned that character is way more important than reputation

-even my closest friends and I have a hard time getting together on a regular basis, which is sad

-I want to be a good dad. somedays I am, and somedays I'm not

well, that's it for now. I know those thoughts were random, but it was good for me to get them out.

grace and peace,

matt

Some Christmas Pictures :-)

2010-01-12T11:05:00.008-07:00

Therapy

2009-12-09T14:47:00.002-07:00

What Ryland and I do every week now :-)
I shared earlier that Ryland was assessed after his second birthday because he was not speaking very much. It was determined that he had a severe speech and social delay. The speech made sense and I was not shocked to hear because my two year old said about 8 to 10 words and not very consistently.
Every week Ryland, London and I get a visit from Tori, our developmental specialist and Cara our speech therapist. We have had three weeks of appointments now and Ryland has added about 8-10 more words and now says two words together. He started saying "no da" when dad is not around and today he actually said "dump truck." Socially, Ryland has started to interact with me a lot more. There is a lot of smiling and eye contact in our play and we spend much more time in our day playing interactive games together where we both have to be involved. With other children it still takes him awhile to warm up and want to be involved with other children. He is still very content playing by himself which also might be a sign just how our little guy likes to play. He does not ignore the other children like they don't exist. He sees them, smiles at them, sometimes babbles but just loves to do his own thing.
We are also being more consistent with play dates with children closer to his age who can talk....so let me know if you want to play!!!

It's Over

2009-11-30T22:03:00.002-07:00

Well technically there are two hours left but I am off to bed so I do not think I will have any spending money issues. So who wants to bet that I blow all of Matt's paycheck tomorrow in one day? Naaaaaaaa..... :-)

There is a Light

2009-11-25T21:18:00.003-07:00

Kinda weird that there are only five days left to our 90 day spending fast. Of course I cheated to go see New Moon this last Friday (and so did my husband...hee hee). The past 85 days started out sooooo slow....it seemed like I would never be able to spend money again. Now I don't even think about it. The other day I walked into Target, picked up my prescription and walked out. It wasn't till I was back in the car that I realized how my shopping mentality has thankfully changed. I have learned what to do with two little kids that does not mean going out and spending money. I have learned that I should go pick up dinner when it has been a tired, exhausting, hard day. Not just because I am craving something different and want to get out of the house. I have missed getting out with my friends and meeting up to eat or get coffee but also found that it was easy to get around the money issue. Matt and I's date nights are about spending time together and seeing friends...not about eating out.
These last 85 days have been some of the best and hardest of my life....seriously...and it had NOTHING to do with money but God knew I was waiting on Him and listening to Him so He worked in me since He had my undivided attention. I was approached with the opportunity to open my own business!!!! Thats AMAZING and still the whole process in which it happened blows me away...Ryland was evaluated and was diagnosed with a severe speech and social delay and is now receiving services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Three letters I have used in my line of work that I never wanted to hear in my own home. God held my hand and helped me cry out to safe, loving, strong people who have just listened and come along side me through this. These have been some of the best and worst 85 days. Thanks for coming on this journey with us.

My loves growing up

2009-11-21T17:20:00.008-07:00

My kids are growing up so fast. Above is a picture of Adrienne and I dedicating London in front of our church family and the other I just took with my computer camera of my boy, Ryland, sitting pretending to read and drinking from a big boy cup. Man, time moves so fast!!! But let me just say, God is so good. We feel so blessed to parent these two. They have changed our lives. I love you both.

from your dad.

Special Needs

2009-11-16T14:03:00.003-07:00

My heart is sad but hopeful

-and thankfully-

My God is huge, powerful, aware, and strong just for me

"But As For You, Pursue Gentleness"

2009-11-03T10:51:00.003-07:00

1 Timothy 6:11

"but as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness."

This morning an old friend texted me and asked if I had an email in my sent files from like two and half years ago and if I could send it to him. As I pulled up my yahoo account and sent him the email, I was so caught off guard as I read some of my sent emails for years past. My heart sank and I began to tear up because of the lack of gentleness in my responses and posture with friends, family, and fellow believers.

After awhile, I stopped reading, and feeling utterly defeated, I opened my bible, started to read and I thanked God for all of the painful and broken moments over the last few years He has taken me through, in order to break me. He has birthed in me a more gentle spirit, a more Christ-centered approach to how I interact and serve others.

It was a catch 22. I hated reading a few of those old emails, but I love seeing God's faithfulness in my life over time. It's hard to see sometimes, but today I had a glimpse into my old self...

Lord, let me continue to pursue living a life of a servant and help me tomorrow to put on the new self.

grace and peace,

matt

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T13:35:00.006-07:00

Matt and I's first Trick-or-Treating experience as parents. We got Ryland all decked out with some stuff from one of his favorite movies right now - Cars! We went out in my parent's neighborhood. We made it to about 4 or 5 houses then Ryland decided to lay down on the sidewalk. It was obvious at this point Trick-or-Treating was over but we had a lot of fun for our first adventure. Next year we will definitely have both children in costumes :-)

Checking Out the candy at grammie and papa's house...contemplating this Halloween thing!

The full Lighting McQueen Pit Crew Outfit

Ryland at his first house wanting to take more candy!!!

P.S. We were excited that Ryland still does not know what candy is...so when my parents ran out of candy, we started handing out Rylands. Maybe he will actually get to try some next year.

Perfection

2009-10-19T14:37:00.002-07:00

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14

This challenge has reminded me that I am not perfect. Also that the goal of this challenge was to not be perfect. There is a side of me, a deep, dark, ugly side I try not to show that wanted to be perfect in this. I wanted to get done with this 90 day challenge and say...Look at me! Look at how good I did. I was able to not spend any discretionary money for 90 days. God is moving me and changing me to realize that was not the true intent. I have seen God, felt God, been blessed by God, been challenged in life more in these 90 days than I ever would have thought. And I now realize I would have probably missed it all. I would not have been focusing on God's hand in my life as much as I am right now because of this "silly" money challenge. This has made me focus my life completely around my God. I am very grateful to be able to witness Gods hand in my life, my husbands life, my children's lives as it happens instead of always looking back on things and later realizing God was at work. This has been one of those hidden blessings that I am happy to have experienced.

New Beginnings

2009-10-13T15:33:00.002-07:00

I resigned last Thursday from Phoenix Christian Counseling Associates. My big news is that around January 2010 I will be opening my own counseling business. I am going into private practice. I am so stoked and so unbelievably amazed that I even have this opportunity. A woman I work with at PCCA, her husband is a Dr. who has his own practice in the Arcadia area, off of 48th Street and Indian School. He has vacant offices right now and heard that I was thinking of leaving PCCA. This space has been offered to me and his wife so we have decided to go into business together. I am so excited to be working closer to home and to be able to see more clients without having to drive across town to do that. I have worked a total of 3 and a half years at PCCA so leaving is not easy but Matt and I have been praying about me going out on my own for months now and cannot ignore that God is moving me in this direction....YEAH!!!!

???? Down and way too many days to go :-)

2009-10-07T14:01:00.002-07:00

I have made a few more poor decisions in the last two weeks. First I got sick, then I got both of my kids sick....so the last two weeks have been pretty unbearable. I found that to make things easier or to brighten up my day I got some fast food. I think in the last two weeks I grabbed food three times. Oh...and with my "new" dairy allergy, that was added to the mix in the last two weeks. Life has just been hard and I felt like quite a bit had been thrown at me. I am definitely not trying to justify anything, it has just been a few hard weeks :-)
It is strange to me that I keep cheating with food. I have been so tempted to go to the store and go shopping....shopping for ANYTHING and yet I resist that. The hardest thing to follow is not adding to our grocery bill. I have to constantly remind myself there is no need to grab food when there is plenty of food at home.

A Taste of Fellowship

2009-10-02T13:50:00.002-07:00

Last night a few of us gathered to eat, fellowship, laugh, play catan, and most importantly hold Keane for the first time. I watched as each of his kingdom aunts and uncles held him and stared into his eyes. It was a worshipful evening....

I continue to learn everyday what true fellowship looks like. God, thank you for your deep love for us, so that we might know how to give love to all who need it. Let us be moving closer to your heart.

grace and peace,

matt

Food Allergies??

2009-09-28T08:37:00.003-07:00

This post is a shout out to all of you out there who have already had to brave the world of a food allergy. I personally do not have a food allergy and have never had to think much about what I eat and how it might affect me. That was until I started nursing. For the past three months I have been off dairy. I have been avoiding "obvious" dairy. Like milk and all cheeses. London has been doing better because of this but this past weekend was a nightmare. Her tummy seems to hurt all the time. So I was advised to take the next step and actually eliminate all dairy. After doing my homework I realized that dairy is in almost everything we eat. They hide it in words like whey, casein, lactose, recaldent. Did you know that even lunch meat has dairy in it? I went food shopping last night so I could start stocking my shelves with dairy free friendly food so I would not cheat because of lack of options. It is overwhelming to read all the labels...it was a very long food shopping trip for four bags of food. The other thing I realized, because I have a friend with a legume (soy) allergy....THERE IS SOY IN EVERYTHING ALSO. I also found it interesting that you would find a food not containing milk or soy or gluten, but then at the bottom of the container they advise you that the food you are about to eat was packaged at a plant that also packages food that contains soy, or nuts, or gluten...so it would be in your food. Very challenging!

27 down, 63 to go

2009-09-27T11:19:00.029-07:00

We're 27 days into our 90 day spending fast. It has been filled with challenging moments...Some we've failed in and some we've met head on. We have spent money 3 times. One time it was my slip up and the other two were both of us convincing each other it was ok.

During this whole experience, I have really sensed the Lord, continuing to whisper to me. Thoughts and questions that have really come to the surface:

Is that really a need or is it a want?

Can you live without it?

Why is this so hard?

I have been blessed in some incredible ways this last 4 weeks. Not so much financially, but in much more spiritual ways. I'm finding my times with the Lord throughout my day are much sweeter, much more intimate....Not sure why not spending money on needless things has done this, but I'm sure it has something to do with God saying, "I am your portion, and I am ALL you need."

We will continue to share our journey through this and hope it calls us deeper into His story and encourages the body of Christ.

grace and peace,

matt

p.s. on a side note, one of the times we cheated and ate out for 15 dollars happen to be the worst chinese food we've ever had...go figure. :)

My Girls

2009-09-19T13:57:00.003-07:00

Our friend Tobi took this....

15 down, 75 to go

2009-09-15T12:50:00.002-07:00

I am at day 15 of our 90 day spending fast. So what has it been like so far? For me, it has been quite a challenge. I had a friend ask me the first weekend, if I have always enjoyed spending money and if I have always found pleasure in it? The question caught me completely off guard because I am so FRUGAL!!! I have used that word to describe myself so many times in my life. So her next questions was, when did it change for you? I am so glad God used her to ask me that question because I dont know if I would have realized there had been a drastic change, I started enjoying spending money and going out and buying useful stuff two to three times a week.....WHEN I BECAME A STAY-AT-HOME-MOM. I think it is because I am bored. So I decide to take the kids to the mall or run an errand at Target, or go grab lunch just to get out of the house. These first two weeks have been very introspective for me.

Struggles:
Not being able to get lunch when I am bored
Staying away from Target
My brothers birthday was last week, so I made him cookies instead of buying a gift

New Things:
I went to the Library and got a Library card. I can now read new books without having to buy them at the bookstore. I am also going to go and check out free children's activities they have to offer.

Sunday Surprise

2009-09-09T16:17:00.002-07:00

Adrienne and I were letting Ryland play on the stage Sunday like usual and all of the sudden we both look over and this is what we saw....

We both starting laughing hysterically. He was singing right into the microphone just like his daddy. As we talked it was so funny to us because we've never showed him that.....He just had seen me lead worship and picked it up. It was a fun moment for our family.

grace and peace,

Matt

Reminder To You And Me

2009-09-08T19:28:00.005-07:00

I have friends both near and far going nuts over the health reform debate. It's a serious topic, so I understand why....Over the years, I've learned on these kinds of sensitive topics to try and not debate until both parties have researched....but even then when the research is cnn or fox only, it gets kinda funny and sad debating. This is a reminder to me and to my friends as I did during the elections back in 08...Check your facts before you speak with such passion and your ready to call the other person an idiot. This stuff is splitting friendships and even families......

Let's also remember Jesus has called us to love one another. Speak truth, but make sure it's truth before your willing to die on a hill for it.

Hear my heart. Both conservatives and liberals are literally nuts right now. This is a pursuit of gathering the best information possible and then forming a passionate response, not the other way around.

Below is a post from the AARP, debunking many rumors about the actual reform trying to be passed and below that are some non-partisan websites that pursue the accurate story debunking both Republicans and Democrats...

http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/policy/articles/health_care_reform2.1.html

www.FactCheck.org

www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/

grace and peace,

Matt

The Next 90 Days

2009-09-04T15:02:00.003-07:00

Technically, this post should have been written on September 1st.... :)

Matt and I are embarking on a 90 day spending fast. I'm not quite sure if that is the right term for it, but let me explain what we are doing. We've both realized that it gets so easy to spend money without even giving it much thought and we both sense the Lord challenging us to live with a more Kingdom perspective especially with our money. In the past few months there have been a few moments of need in our friends around us where we wished/hoped we could have helped more with that need. God placed this desire in us to bless others but because of our lack of stewardship with our money we weren't able to bless those around us fully. Money will only be spent on:

1. monthly bills

2. giving/tithing

3. groceries

4. gas

In essence, we've taken away our ability for discretionary spending. Our hope is to listen more closely to what God wants for us in ALL areas of our life, so that we might be more Kingdom minded.

Please pray for us. We say this with a smile because at times this will be a challenge for us....We will be blogging once a week about our journey through this.

grace and peace,

Matt and Adrienne (written together)

BIG GUY

2009-08-26T14:30:00.008-07:00

Ryland's Second Birthday - "Cars Themed"
August 21, 2009

Keane Malachi Bergmen

2009-08-21T15:30:00.001-07:00

Welcome Keane. You will be loved.

Les Paul

2009-08-13T12:58:00.002-07:00

An innovator in the music and recording world died today at 94. Les Paul was an incredible guitar player and inventor. He developed and introduced multi track recording, delay effects, and overdubbing to the recording world in the 1940's and 50's and changed how we record and listen to music forever. He was also a pioneer in the development of the solid body electric guitar, changing rock music forever. Even at 94 years of age he played guitar with his jazz trio every monday night in New York city at the famed Iridium Jazz club on broadway. He was an incredible example of a man who worked hard his entire life. He will be missed.

Jesus, may I pursue you and my life with that much passion and intensity.

grace and peace,

Matt

Top Ten of 2009

2009-08-07T10:58:00.002-07:00

William Fitzsimmons is one of my favorite new artists. His record, "The Sparrow and The Crow," has been on constant rotation since I picked it up earlier this year. He tackles some really heavy issues on this record. Divorce and the death of his dad.

Even with the weight of these topics, there is an underlining hope in the record. I suggest you pick it up here.

grace and peace,

Matt

10 Years

2009-08-05T18:13:00.002-07:00

Adrienne and I celebrated 10 years of marriage last week and 14 years of dating. True love, true work, true commitment.

to my lovely bride and my best friend, oh, how I love thee.

CJ and Renee' Bergmen

2009-07-20T11:11:00.003-07:00

Our dear friends C.J. and Renee' Bergmen have a recent blog post I would like you to read here. If you feel led to join in the story He is telling through their lives, please do. If you cannot give financially, please join us in prayer and tell their story to a friend.

grace and peace,

Matt

Date Night

2009-07-17T12:42:00.004-07:00

I had another great date night with my wife this week. Dinner and then The Fray, Jacks Mannequin, and Meese show at Dodge. I love being married to my best friend and am blessed to celebrate 10 years of marriage with her this month. Love you babe!

My summer so far :-)

2009-07-02T14:48:00.009-07:00

Here are some pictures of the kids and what they have been up to this last month.

Ryland and one of his many many towers

I tried to get creative and made a water area for Ryland on our patio

Sitting in his water bucket

Ryland wanting to play with London's Toys

Matt and London

Vacation

2009-06-24T09:23:00.002-07:00

We're actually on a vacation. We're in Austin for a week, eating, laughing, and loving on my family. Adrienne, Ryland, London, and I are spending some much needed time away with my brother, sister, mom, and all of their families. I love them all and I LOVE Austin.

grace and peace,

Matt

London Pictures

2009-06-16T15:00:00.005-07:00

My Week, Not Bad.

2009-05-24T21:35:00.004-07:00

Kings of Leon, Paramore, and No Doubt all in one week. Man, I have been on cloud 9.

grace and peace,

Matt

Friends that Bless

2009-05-09T15:46:00.005-07:00

Yesterday our good friends Sean and Cate Johnson, and their 3 adorable daughters stopped by the house to bring us dinner. Sean and I have been friends for over a decade and have been through plenty together. He's a man who challenges me to always look deeper and Adrienne and I have known Cate since high school. Cate is an incredible women who loves the Lord and her family. She also has a great eye for photography (she took the above photos.)

Sean and Cate are friends who bless. They go out of their way to serve people in need. Yesterday, we we're bless by a simple gesture of making us dinner and spending sometime laughing and living life together. For years we prayed for their girls to come home and now each time we get to spend with the Johnson's is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His provision.

To the Johnson's. Thank you for being friends who bless.

grace and peace,

Matt

London Ellyn Gibson

2009-05-07T14:23:00.016-07:00

      Adrienne meeting London

    Daddy and his baby girl!

    So much love

Ryland and London meeting for the first time

     My Family

London is here. She arrived Tuesday, May 5th at 9:55am. My baby girl was 6lbs 6oz and she was 17 and 3/4 inches in length. Adrienne did end up having a V-BAC (Vaginal Birth After Ceserian) and did incredible. Thank you everybody for your prayers. They were felt.

grace and peace,

matt

Baby Baby Baby

2009-05-04T14:56:00.002-07:00

I have been so torn as to how to have this baby. Now I know many people do not even get an "option" when it comes to delivery but at this point I do. I say at this point I do because when it is all said and done, the Dr's really decide for you when everything is going down. Ryland was an unscheduled c-section because when he decided to join us at 32 weeks he was seriously breached so they took him out. No harm, no foul...I cannot complain, recovery was very simple and there were no complications. So this time around, it was assumed by my Dr that I would be having a repeat C-section since most women do. I on the other hand, started doing research and I was a great candidate to try for a V-BAC (Vaginal Birth After Ceserian). So I told my Dr I would like to just see how things pan out and not plan for one or the other. Now that I am over due...there is a part of me that is kicking myself because Matt and I could have met London as early as April 23rd, almost two weeks ago!!! But there is the other part of me that is so excited to see what other women experience. The uncertainty and not knowing when or where it is all going to start. It is hard to plan to be unplanned...there is something that pulls me to the familiar and "safe." I thought I would write about this now because I have started having contractions this morning and am already excited that I have experienced something new. They hurt and make life really uncomfortable right now but it is still so exciting to not know what is going to happen next. So I get excited and then I get scared but I have already begun this new birthing journey so we will see what pans out in the next few hours or days!!!!

Ryland

2009-04-30T18:46:00.003-07:00

I love my son.

Almost Done

2009-04-22T12:16:00.003-07:00

I thought I would post real quick about this pregnancy since it could end any day now :-) I am so glad to say that I am 38 weeks and 5 days pregnant. This has been such a miracle and blessing that I have been able to go full term this time around. It is funny that I wanted to go full term because now that I am as huge as I am....this is really uncomfortable. I think a pregnnacy that ends at 32 weeks with a healthy baby is actually a pretty good way to go.
I have been able to work up until my decided date of maternity leave. I was able to complete the spring semester women's bible study at church. I signed up for it thinking I would probably miss the last month! I actually had maternity pictures taken this time around and had a baby shower before the baby was born!
I have not had any labor pains yet and am still kinda excited to see what that is all about...I am sure that excitment will last about five minutes into the first contraction and then I will be back to wishing I did not know what they felt like. We will see what this weekend brings :-) That is my uneventful and unexciting pregnancy update at this point....which is kinda nice!

Branded Phoenix

2009-04-21T12:28:00.004-07:00

Educate Yourself. Think. Feel. Move to Action

www.Brandedphx.com

Lead Me To The Cross

2009-04-11T10:21:00.004-07:00

"everything I once held dear, I count it all as loss.

Lead me to the cross, where Your love poured out

Bring me to my knees Lord, I lay me down

Rid me of myself, I belong to you

oh lead me, lead me to the cross."

Philippians 3:7-11 "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead."

Last night was a powerful evening as my church community gathered to remember the cross, and to partake in the bread and wine (His body and blood.) As our time together began we sang the above song, Lead Me To The Cross. This song has special meaning for me, especially the line, "everything I once held dear, I count it all as loss." I was so deeply reminded of Paul's words in Philippians about this journey we're called to.....To die to self. To live for the cross. To love one another, To pursue the heart of Jesus, because HE IS OUR ONLY SOURCE OF HOPE. Without Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God's sacrifice on the cross for our sins and Him conquering death on the 3 day by raising from the dead, we would have NO hope in this life. But HE did! He did rise on the third day and He has invited us to join Him in THE story of His life.

John 3:16 "For God so LOVED the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life."

My Mission (missio vita)

2009-03-28T15:53:00.009-07:00

Below is something I wrote about 6 years ago with my mentor and friend, Ken Curry. Ken and I have a pretty incredible relationship and we gave and give each other freedom to speak truth into each others lives. We actually pursued living the statement below for sometime as Adrienne and I lived in Denver. As I have weeped, prayed, cried out to my Lord the last few weeks for our dear friends CJ and Renee, I have realized, that I have been lacking something in my life for some time. Community.

"Imagine a gathering of sojourning and rescued people on a quest to deepen their love of God and others. They are a family centered on one person, Jesus Christ. They are captivated by the idea that the story is not about them, but all about Jesus. His story has interrupted their lives and they cannot escape His deep love and His hold on their hearts. They are comforters, and forgivers, sowers and reapers, radicals and resolute doing small and extravagant things with great love. They embrace Christ’s mission to live among, to listen to, to love, and to fight for the hearts of people in this turbulent world. They are willing to risk life itself for the freedom of others, so they enter the fray linking arms with anyone who tells the story of Jesus.”

All I Can Say

2009-03-23T10:52:00.002-07:00

Lord I'm tired
So tired from walking
And Lord I'm so alone
And Lord the dark
Is creeping in
Creeping up
To swallow me
I think I'll stop
Rest here a while

And this is all that I can say right now
And this is all that I can give

And didn't You see me cry'n?
And didn't You hear me call Your name?
Wasn't it You I gave my heart to?
I wish You'd remember
Where you sat it down

And this is all that I can say right now
And this is all that I can give

I didn't notice You were standing here
I didn't know that
That was You holding me
I didn't notice You were cry'n too
I didn't know that
That was You washing my feet

And this is all that I can say right now
And this is all that I can give

I think this sums up Matt and I's day today and actually many people who we know and love are probably having this kind of day. Tonight at 6:30 we will go cry and grieve for the Bergmens' and rejoice and praise God that Titus is with Him.... and that is all that I can say right now

Rylands Dedication

2009-03-14T19:26:00.006-07:00

Learning To Trust

2009-03-10T20:10:00.001-07:00

"All I have seen teaches me to trust the creator for all I have not seen."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Show me the Belly!!!

2009-03-04T22:38:00.008-07:00

Thank you to my wonderful friend Renee' who took these amazing photos the day after almost having her first baby...what a trooper. They were well worth the wait!!!

Baby Shower

2009-02-27T22:43:00.006-07:00

Last weekend I had the most AMAZING baby shower. Now, people had told me that opening presents for a little girl would be way better than for a little boy and I just didnt believe them! But oh were they right!!! All the pink was amazing. I had so many friends stop by and my close friends and family that threw it...they did such an amazing job! I felt very special that day. And it was nice to do it "the right way" this time...baby shower and then deliver the baby :-)

The Belly bump at 30 weeks

Opening presents

The best part of the shower...my mom gave me a box of baby clothes that she had saved that were mine when i was oh so little...my face does not do the picture justice, I LOVE THE CLOTHES and cannot wait for my little girl to wear them :-)

Pregnancy Again

2009-02-14T21:03:00.003-07:00

The following is a post that I had on my original blog. It was posted Thursday, August 16, 2007 and Ryland was born August 21st.....only five days later, hard to believe.
This pregnancy has been so different from the get-go. Morning sickness, smaller weight gain, less headaches, no swelling at this point. I am 29 weeks and really trying to not get nervous. I pray about this everyday and it continues to be so hard to let go. I am excited for what the next few weeks bring and hopefully see what going 40 weeks is like :-)

(POST FROM AUGUST 16, 2007 - ENJOY!)

Being pregnant is scary. It's funny that you never think about that when you are trying to get pregnant. I have been to the hospital twice this week. I went in Tuesday at 1am because of a horrible headache. They tell you that if anything is above and beyond normal, call the doctor. So while I was there, the headache was no big deal but the contractions I was having were. Unfortunately, I could not feel the contractions. Tuesday, I decided to go to work and got a call from my doctor and was told to go back to the hospital so they could monitor the contractions that I was not feeling. Things seem ok and they are a little worried about my blood pressure and hypertension problems. Its just scary that this was all happening and I didnt even know it and would not have known it had it not been for the very unimportant headache I was having.
Ultimately, the hard part is not being in control. I have very little control on what is happening inside me. I can control what I eat, working out, taking it easy, taking vitamins and that's about it! Everything else, God is doing inside of me. There is nothing I can do beyond that. I am seeing the doctor again today and I am a little worried about bed rest. It is hard to not stress when all I do is listen to people's stressors. So we'll see :-)

Current Inspiration On My Ipod

2009-02-10T13:58:00.004-07:00

Kings of Leon Only By The Night

The Fray The Fray (Sophomore release)

Jon Foreman Spring and Summer EP

Elida Young 2009 demos

Across The Universe Soundtrack (Beatles Tribute Movie)

Sufjan Stevens Illinoise

Thom Yorke The Eraser

Glen and Marketa Once Soundtrack

Anneliese Untitled EP

Radiohead In Rainbows

Jaime Mulhern

2009-02-06T11:33:00.002-07:00

I have a friend and her name is Jaime. She drives a vespa and is married to a great guy named David. Jaime loves people. She's an artist and I like that. She strives to be a person who cares and honors ALL people in every walk of life. She's an inspiring person. Ok, that's it. Just wanted people in my life who don't know Jaime to get to know her a little.

You can go here for her site.

grace and peace,

Matt

Perspective

2009-01-30T14:06:00.004-07:00

I have been following globalrichlist.com going on 6 years now. It always reminds me how blessed Adrienne and I really are. The perspective I've gained over the years from this site and others like it, has changed the way we live, spend, and talk about wealth. We (americans) have a very distorted view of wealth. For some reason we think we need more.

For example, let me show you how rich I am ;). I am a music and arts pastor at a church and a part-time recording engineer/producer. Not really careers that are typically associated with being wealthy, but I think you would be surprised to learn that my wife and I are well into the top 1% money makers in the ENTIRE world. There are roughly 6 billion people less fortunate than my family when it comes to income.

My purpose in this post is to share some perspective. Please hear my heart. I'm not saying don't buy a nice house or a nice car. All I am encouraging you to do is think, "do i need this much?" or "can I do with less?" when considering where you spend your money. The beauty is we can do with less and with what is left over you can give to those less fortunate than you. Be reminded, those who are reading this post, yes, even you college student, are rich beyond most peoples wildest dreams. Let us pray that God would bring us perspective in this time in our history.

grace and peace,

Matt

Breathe Deeply

2009-01-27T13:23:00.006-07:00

Below is a Thomas Merton prayer a friend sent me while I was going through an interesting time in my life. I encourage you to try it. It has ministered to me many times and I trust it has blessed my Father's heart. Be blessed! Grace and peace to you.

My Lord God,

I have no idea where I am going
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.

Nor do I really know myself,
And the fact that I think I am following
your will does not mean that I am
actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please
you does in fact please you.
And I hope that I have that desire in all
that I am doing.
And I know that if I do this, you
will lead me by the right road
though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore I will trust you always
though I may seem to be lost
and in the shadow of death, I will
not fear, for you are ever with me
and you will never leave me
to face my perils alone.

Close Proximity

2009-01-24T14:27:00.004-07:00

Living in Condo's definately has it's ups, like not having to take care of a yard...not being responsible if the roof leaks...not paying a water bill...things like that. Right now I am stuck focusing on all the negatives. Matt and I have been having some issues with some renters that live right across the sidewalk from us. They happen to be related to another family that lives two doors down from us so these two families pretty much live life outside between the two units. They yell at each other, not mad yelling but more like, hey!!!! Is Jake over there? No??? Have you seen him? What do you mean I left the TV on? Ge the idea? We get to listen to their lives. And the most noise tends to happen with them between 5pm and midnight. In the last month we have called the police twice on them, yes I have turned into that person. At 2am I would really rather be asleep than listening to them yell at each other. What gets me the most is that I wonder about these people and how they can live in such a way as to not take into consideration any of the people living around them. Do they think we cannot hear them? Do they think it doesn't bother us? It is a cultural thing? Unfortunately no one else around makes this much noise so they dont have anyone around that they have to listen to. I am just at a loss!

Kings of Leon

2009-01-23T00:11:00.003-07:00

Do yourself a favor and go get this record. It might melt your entire face right off. Kings of Leon, "Only By The Night." It's my number one pick for 2008.

Inspiration

2009-01-18T15:35:00.003-07:00

My friend Aubrey is an incredible painter, photographer, and Christ-follower. She lives in Portland, which makes me sad because I want her to give art lessons to Ryland, but makes me happy for her, because Portland is my favorite city. Anyway, I was looking at her art today on her blog and was again inspired by her eye for color and her ability to find redemption themes in all places. If you have a moment, take a look here for some samples of her paintings and photos and be reminded of God's unbelievable gift of creativity.

much love,

matt

Patience

2009-01-17T14:35:00.002-07:00

I've been praying recently for a more patient heart. I've always considered myself a pretty patient man, but with having a son brings great joy and great frustration at times.

I've said as long as I can remember that I believe that God shapes our character most through marriage and through being a parent. Now that I'm a parent, I can say from experience the latter is true as well.

Abba, continue to remind me of your deep love and patience with me, so that I might show Ryland the patience and love he needs to grow into a man who seeks after You... Let me be a true sacrifice for my family.

Good-bye Golden Arches

2009-01-12T12:15:00.004-07:00

I have decided to blog about this mostly for accountability purposes. I am a big advocate of eating healthy...many of my "new" east mesa friends do not know that I have had a major weight problem in my life and after deciding to get rid of the excess weight, I learned how much to eat and what to eat and what I really needed to stay away from. I have kept the weight off for almost seven years now because I decided that my weight loss was a lifestyle change. Getting pregnant changed a lot of that!!!! I definately splurge a lot, which I know is to be expected but I am eating a lot of crap now. I am not happy with that. So I have decided for the rest of the pregnancy I am going to put a few places off limits for me. I think it will make me feel better and it will also keep me from gaining 70 plus pounds!!!
1. McDonalds
2. Burger King
3. Taco Bell
4. In-n-Out
5. Arby's
6. Wendy's
7. Dominoes
8. Pizza Hut
9. Papa John's

Chik-fil-A is on the cutting back list :-)

Boys Weekend.

2009-01-11T14:24:00.002-07:00

Ryland and I had the whole house to ourselves this weekend. It was awesome. Adrienne was in San Diego with her best friend for some much needed rest. Ryland and I ate pizza, left the toilet seat up and drank beer.....wait, nope, none of that happen.... ;)

But we did have an incredible weekend laughing and bonding as father and son. I love my little boy. He is a true joy.

grace and peace,

Matt

My Current Reality

2009-01-05T17:47:00.002-07:00

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are"

e.e. cummings

Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1956

2009-01-03T21:05:00.002-07:00

I've only met one person in my life who watches as much film as I do and his name is Joel Mayward. I love Joel. He's the Jr High Pastor at my church. Although I love Joel, that is not the point of my little rant....
To my point: I've just finished the original 1956 version of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers in black and white. It was quite good. I would recommend it highly. At the time in the 50's, most movies surrounded concepts like War and Westerns, but this was what I consider our modern day Matrix. If I recall when Matrix came out it was quite different from anything out at the time and whether you liked it or not, it seemed to be a dramatic change from our normal choices in film...
Anyway, as I talked to my father-in-law today, he remembered Invasions kind of being like that. It was mind blowing at the time....Still is a great film and worth 90 mins.
grace and peace,
matt

First "Joint" Post

2009-01-01T13:48:00.004-07:00

It is very bizarre to have a new blog and to be letting go of my old one. I am so not good at change sometimes but am very excited to have a family blog and do this with my husband. I am excited to see what this will look like for Matt and I so welcome to the Gibson Blog!!!!