I would just like to take a moment here to express my appreciation for the fact that this area has really low humidity (it comes with living near a desert). Instead of sweating instantly when walking out the door like I do in Ohio, it now takes a couple of seconds. The ability to feel dry for even those few moments is very comfortable and gratifying. I am scared for what it will be like when I get back in August and it is 95 degrees and two to three times more humid than it is here.
My sermon went well last week over Ephesians 3:16-19, entitled Gifts from the Father. By went well I mean people seemed to "like" it. I'm going to just leave it at that.
The Young Adult Bible Study has continued to go well. I have been very pleased with attendance as well as discussions that have ensued. An accountability group has also been formed out of this group and is off and running. I am thankful that there are some guys around my age that feel comfortable enough with me and with each other that they are willing to participate in an accountability group.
This past weekend was what is known in the town of Aberdeen as Aberdeen Daze (as in Days). This involves a parade, a fish fry, antique cars and tractors on display and a free breakfast for the whole town and everybody's second cousin. The line was at least a 30 minute wait and well over 2,000 people were served. After all what could be more appealing than sausage links, pancakes (my friend got one shaped like Mickey Mouse) and eggs over easy? Okay I'm sure there are more appealing things but I wouldn't have been a true college student if I had turned down free food. It was neat to see the whole town come out for this event as most businesses ran specials, the local potato plant passed out free bags of french fries like what you would buy at the store just because they had more than they could handle and friends and relatives came from all across the country for the homecoming.
My joy of Aberdeen Daze came with playing golf on Friday night at the local golf course with Josh and Jeremy Schroeder. I won but that is of little consequence :) However, I also got to play "Ultimate Frisbee" on Saturday afternoon. For my Bluffton and Holmes/Tuscarawas County Frisbee mates it is in quotes because, well...it just wasn't quite ultimate. But it was good to be out there with friends and strangers tossing around a Frisbee.
Within a week I will be leaving for Camp Palisades where I will either be a counselor or on kitchen staff. So those of you with camp experience maybe give me a heads up on absolute necessities to pack/tips. I would appreciate that. I know the basics but there are some of you out there who are much more seasoned pros than I am.
It is hard to believe that I only have a month left out here. Things have gone by extremely quickly and will only go faster the rest of the summer. But I am looking forward to seeing my parents, friends (even those who aren't reading my blog) and being back in hot, humid Ohio. Thanks for all your prayers and support so far this summer and I would still appreciate them the rest of the summer.
Today's Shout Outs go to:
-My Mom had a birthday yesterday, So even though I've already told her this, Happy Birthday to the most amazing woman I know.
-And it is my friend Andy Parada's birthday today so Happy Birthday to him as well!!
Shalom,
Matt
P.S. Continue to pray for Dolly Hochstetler and for the Ruby Miller family, my condolences go out to you for she was something special. Thanks.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sinuses, A Sermon and a Stupid Stick
To those of you who enjoy reading this blog and have been eagerly anticipating this latest entry I am sorry it has been such a long time in coming. For those of you who just read the blog because you have nothing better to do, again I am sorry that you have nothing better to do.
This week has been an interesting week to say the least. Bible School ended last Friday where we averaged 105 students a day and had a high of 109. However, when I left Bible School that day my sinuses decided it was time to get some attention with an all out effort resulting in a total headache. I am still dealing with the effects of this a week later.
Sunday night was the first Young Adult Bible Study where seven others showed up (more than I was expecting) and this group truly wanted to be there and delved into discussion in a very respectful way. It was great, plus we threw a Frisbee around on the football field after the study. Note: Sprinklers turn on at 10:00p.m. at the football field :)
However, the Bible Study left me with no voice, which just doesn't suit me well. So I took a trip to City of Rocks on Monday. It was just me and nature for the better part of an absolutely gorgeous day. I hiked up to the top of Graham's Peak which is around 8600 feet high. So for those of you back in Ohio I can officially say I was 10x higher than you were. (I realize you can read that a couple ways so if you want to read it a certain way than I hope you get a good laugh out of it.) It was so nice to enjoy a day of solitude something I rarely get to do.
The rest of the week included me trying to get over my sinuses, some suggest that I have allergies out here which I guess could be a viable option but I want to blame it on being surrounded by a hundred little kids for a week. I have also been trying to prepare the sermon for tomorrow morning, getting another Bible Study ready plus I need to think about getting ready to move to another house in the next couple of days. I will be moving closer to home, by five blocks. I guess it's progress but at the rate it will take me a really long time to get back to Ohio.
Today was camp cleanup day at Camp Palisades. I got to work on the fence. Loads of fun. Not really, if you couldn't catch the sarcasm. Carrying fence post, a stake driver and barbed wire up a mountain side is not really my idea of fun, especially when the ground isn't very stable because of all the down trees and sticks. Also not that when you are trying to yank a branch away from a fence and it is caught don't always pull harder, especially when your own eye is in the path when it lets loose. There's my tip for the day. Oh, but I did get square ice cream today. That's right the scoops produce cubes of ice cream not spheres. I know mind blowing isn't it. I think it makes the ice cream taste better but maybe not :)
Okay, so this has gotten to be long enough but first a couple of shout outs:
--Congratulations Chad and Sara Hochstetler, I really wish I could have been there. Praying for the two of you.
--Happy Father's Day Dad!! Thanks for your support and love over the years. I love you!
Shalom,
Matt
P.S. I am sorry but I haven't had time to upload any pictures from City of Rocks yet. Maybe next time.
This week has been an interesting week to say the least. Bible School ended last Friday where we averaged 105 students a day and had a high of 109. However, when I left Bible School that day my sinuses decided it was time to get some attention with an all out effort resulting in a total headache. I am still dealing with the effects of this a week later.
Sunday night was the first Young Adult Bible Study where seven others showed up (more than I was expecting) and this group truly wanted to be there and delved into discussion in a very respectful way. It was great, plus we threw a Frisbee around on the football field after the study. Note: Sprinklers turn on at 10:00p.m. at the football field :)
However, the Bible Study left me with no voice, which just doesn't suit me well. So I took a trip to City of Rocks on Monday. It was just me and nature for the better part of an absolutely gorgeous day. I hiked up to the top of Graham's Peak which is around 8600 feet high. So for those of you back in Ohio I can officially say I was 10x higher than you were. (I realize you can read that a couple ways so if you want to read it a certain way than I hope you get a good laugh out of it.) It was so nice to enjoy a day of solitude something I rarely get to do.
The rest of the week included me trying to get over my sinuses, some suggest that I have allergies out here which I guess could be a viable option but I want to blame it on being surrounded by a hundred little kids for a week. I have also been trying to prepare the sermon for tomorrow morning, getting another Bible Study ready plus I need to think about getting ready to move to another house in the next couple of days. I will be moving closer to home, by five blocks. I guess it's progress but at the rate it will take me a really long time to get back to Ohio.
Today was camp cleanup day at Camp Palisades. I got to work on the fence. Loads of fun. Not really, if you couldn't catch the sarcasm. Carrying fence post, a stake driver and barbed wire up a mountain side is not really my idea of fun, especially when the ground isn't very stable because of all the down trees and sticks. Also not that when you are trying to yank a branch away from a fence and it is caught don't always pull harder, especially when your own eye is in the path when it lets loose. There's my tip for the day. Oh, but I did get square ice cream today. That's right the scoops produce cubes of ice cream not spheres. I know mind blowing isn't it. I think it makes the ice cream taste better but maybe not :)
Okay, so this has gotten to be long enough but first a couple of shout outs:
--Congratulations Chad and Sara Hochstetler, I really wish I could have been there. Praying for the two of you.
--Happy Father's Day Dad!! Thanks for your support and love over the years. I love you!
Shalom,
Matt
P.S. I am sorry but I haven't had time to upload any pictures from City of Rocks yet. Maybe next time.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Oh My Savior I Give You Glory
Today I would like to give you the lyrics to a song I would like you to reflect on for a while. After your reflection if you feel comfortable leave a comment about your thoughts to the song.
Please reflect for a while. Thank you :)
In other news, I have gone from being by myself at home to a full house. Jerry and Marty are back and their twin grandchildren Jared and Gabby are here for Bible School. Needless to say there was quite a shift from my quiet house and routine that I had gotten accustomed to, but I think things are working out alright. By that I mean Jared and Gabby seem to like me. After all, I did teach them how to do Sudokus :)
Speaking of Bible School things are going well, some classes have over twenty kids in them and others are pushing that. I am happy with my six to eight 6th graders. We have had fun the past couple of days. We are now by far the loudest class when it comes to singing time, especially during the shouting sections. So far we have learned about the parable of the Sower, Lost Sheep and the Good Samaritan and will also learn about the Friend in Need (Luke 11:1-13) and the parable of the Talents. It has been a very tiring week to say the least, which Bible School always has been but is still fun and meaningful.
The other day while helping to "baby sit" Jared and Gabby we went to the park and enjoyed the company of numerous little ones. I rescued this one little guy from the top of the jungle gym because he was scared and couldn't get down. Boy did he want to play with me and the others the rest of the time we were there. It was interesting to see the little kids flock to us as "adults" who would actually give them the time of day and have fun with them. Some of these kids come from some pretty broken homes like abusive parents, divorce and really didn't feel all that loved it seemed and just begged for attention. Just pushing people on the swings, helping them on the teeter-totter, playing tag, or spinning the Merry-Go round (lightning speed seemed to be the favorite there), and the smiles on their faces was something my soul needed. It was a blast!!
I hope you all are doing alright from the latest round of storms I heard about. I think it is going to warm up out here next week. After a week of that I will be begging for this weather again.
Thanks for your prayers and support, I truly appreciate it.
Shalom,
Matt
Oh my savior I give you glory, my Redeemer my God and King.
There is no one, Oh so holy, like the one who sets me free.
I can't think of anywhere, anywhere I would want to be more than with you.
I can't think of anything, anything I would rather do than to give you glory.
Come my Savior, on the clouds, Holy Spirit speed the hour.
I will shout out loud the message, "freedom is coming and the kingdom is now."
Let Your rain come down all around, let the thunder sound shake the ground.
Let the waterfall pound breaking down, all the lies you found under me.
Let the sightless see, let 'em see, set the bound ones free set 'em free.Water fall on me water fall, I have sought your heart hear me call.
Oh my savior I give you glory, my Redeemer my God and King.
There is no one, Oh so holy, like the one who sets me free.
I am here to speak a message, tell the truth that will set you free.
I proclaim freedom to the captives, freedom to you in Jesus name.
You can bow, before the master, find your shelter under his blood.You can come and be forgiven carried along in the crimson flood.
Let Your rain come down all around, let the thunder sound shake the ground.
Let the waterfall pound breaking down, all the lies you found under me.
Let the sightless see, let 'em see, set the bound ones free set 'em free.
Water fall on me water fall, I have sought your heart hear me call.
Oh my savior I give you glory, my Redeemer my God and King.
There is no one, Oh so holy, like the one who sets me free.
There is no one, Oh so holy, like the one who sets me free.
I can't think of anywhere, anywhere I would want to be more than with you.
I can't think of anything, anything I would rather do than to give you glory.
Come my Savior, on the clouds, Holy Spirit speed the hour.
I will shout out loud the message, "freedom is coming and the kingdom is now."
Let Your rain come down all around, let the thunder sound shake the ground.
Let the waterfall pound breaking down, all the lies you found under me.
Let the sightless see, let 'em see, set the bound ones free set 'em free.Water fall on me water fall, I have sought your heart hear me call.
Oh my savior I give you glory, my Redeemer my God and King.
There is no one, Oh so holy, like the one who sets me free.
I am here to speak a message, tell the truth that will set you free.
I proclaim freedom to the captives, freedom to you in Jesus name.
You can bow, before the master, find your shelter under his blood.You can come and be forgiven carried along in the crimson flood.
Let Your rain come down all around, let the thunder sound shake the ground.
Let the waterfall pound breaking down, all the lies you found under me.
Let the sightless see, let 'em see, set the bound ones free set 'em free.
Water fall on me water fall, I have sought your heart hear me call.
Oh my savior I give you glory, my Redeemer my God and King.
There is no one, Oh so holy, like the one who sets me free.
Please reflect for a while. Thank you :)
In other news, I have gone from being by myself at home to a full house. Jerry and Marty are back and their twin grandchildren Jared and Gabby are here for Bible School. Needless to say there was quite a shift from my quiet house and routine that I had gotten accustomed to, but I think things are working out alright. By that I mean Jared and Gabby seem to like me. After all, I did teach them how to do Sudokus :)
Speaking of Bible School things are going well, some classes have over twenty kids in them and others are pushing that. I am happy with my six to eight 6th graders. We have had fun the past couple of days. We are now by far the loudest class when it comes to singing time, especially during the shouting sections. So far we have learned about the parable of the Sower, Lost Sheep and the Good Samaritan and will also learn about the Friend in Need (Luke 11:1-13) and the parable of the Talents. It has been a very tiring week to say the least, which Bible School always has been but is still fun and meaningful.
The other day while helping to "baby sit" Jared and Gabby we went to the park and enjoyed the company of numerous little ones. I rescued this one little guy from the top of the jungle gym because he was scared and couldn't get down. Boy did he want to play with me and the others the rest of the time we were there. It was interesting to see the little kids flock to us as "adults" who would actually give them the time of day and have fun with them. Some of these kids come from some pretty broken homes like abusive parents, divorce and really didn't feel all that loved it seemed and just begged for attention. Just pushing people on the swings, helping them on the teeter-totter, playing tag, or spinning the Merry-Go round (lightning speed seemed to be the favorite there), and the smiles on their faces was something my soul needed. It was a blast!!
I hope you all are doing alright from the latest round of storms I heard about. I think it is going to warm up out here next week. After a week of that I will be begging for this weather again.
Thanks for your prayers and support, I truly appreciate it.
Shalom,
Matt
Thursday, June 3, 2010
What's Taters? Potatoes! Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew.
For those of you who are Lord of the Rings fans I felt like Frodo and Sam on Memorial Day. This past Monday I traipsed around in the Wapi Lava Flows with some fellow church members. It was unique. I really don't know how to explain this area other than it reminded me of Mordor. Our quest was to eat lunch at the top of a little butte, quite literally in the middle of nowhere, there isn't a thing for miles. It was enjoyable because of the fact that I have never seen terrain like this before.
Things seem to be going well at the church it has been a joy to be able to use my gifts in numerous ways like teaching, music, drama and speaking. Sunday is Communion Sunday and I am on the schedule for special music. This week I am in the midst of preparing for Bible School which is next week. I will be teaching 6th grade. Please be praying for Bible School. They have an attendance of 80+ kids and only a handful, if that, come from within the church. This is their big outreach. I am also in the process of forming a Bible Study for the people close to my age (give or take 10 years).
I was promised that things would warm up and be more summer like once Memorial Day weekend was over but alas Mother Nature has decided not to cooperate at this point. Tonight, Thursday, is Graduation for a couple members in the church for me it seems a bit awkward to have Graduation on a week night but that's how things are done out here. My hosts are finally coming home on Friday as well, I have been home alone for the past two weeks doing all my own cooking, dishes, laundry etc. It will be nice to see them again but I feel I will miss having the house to myself. I'm hoping to get to Shoshone Falls (Niagara of the West) on Saturday and enjoy what the greater Twin Falls area has to offer.
Hope things in Ohio and other places are going well,
Shalom,
Matt
P.S. Unlike Gollum I do know what a Tater is, especially now. Sam might be in heaven.
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