James Matchette

You're Welcome - I Think...

2006-03-02T15:14:00.000-05:00

This is our newest newspaper add. I designed it - in case you wanted to know. Kinda catchy if you ask me...You're more than welcome to come. OK so I know that half of you are pastors of your own churches and the rest of you are friends or family that live across the country, but you can still be welcome can't you? Whether or not you come - you can still be welcome. I think you can. Really.

New Church - New Job

2006-02-28T22:07:00.000-05:00

There is a new and exciting church opening on the East Coast. What is its name you ask? Well this up and coming church is called...

For the past year we have had a fifth service in an elementary school up the road in Waldorf. When we preach we actually drive back and forth between the two campuses each week-end. Well there has been a steady attendance and core leadership group there for over a year now and we decided that it was time for this campus to become a church. In this process God began to work in my heart until I felt called to that church. And so it was time to make a big transition in my life and begin moving from youth ministry to preaching weekly in a church of all ages. I am blessed with a great group of leaders and people who attend and have been excited to work with them as we have been preparing to launch the church.

This is Berry Elementary School where we hold services each week. The school has been great to us and is set up very nicely for what we need as a church. We decided to launch the church with two new service times at 9:00am and 10:30am which was a step of faith, but one we felt God would bless.

This is the half page color add that was in the local newspaper the week before the launch. This Launch Sunday featuring a new service, 2 new service times, and my first day there preaching as the pastor. All of the work seemed to pay off as we had a great day more than doubling the church's regular attendance for the past year as we started with 248 people our first week.

I was a little unsure about all of this at first but I knew that God had called me and I knew that I loved to preach and am now having a blast. I have had some victories and have made some mistakes but I am learning a ton and things are moving forward fast. I think that is what life and ministry are all about. It does help to have the confidence of God's call, the comfort of a great church family, and the support of the woman I love. I am so blessed and so excited to see what God has in store.

Emergency Snow Route

2006-02-28T21:51:00.000-05:00

Katie and I found out that the biggest snow storm in two years was coming so we decided that it was a great time to head to the beach before it got here. Come to find out my parents were going to be in Florida for the week so we decided to stop by - for the entire week.

We left the snow behind us but brought the cold weather. We didn't get much sun the first couple days but we don't let anything keep us from having fun. It heated up later in the week so we were able to get in a good bit of beach time.

Katie and I were able to spend more time together than we ever have (9 Days in a row) and believe it or not at the end of it all we still liked each other! Truth is we left Florida even more in love than when we got there. Sorry about the mushy stuff - it's over.

Looking Good - Real Good

2006-02-28T21:00:00.000-05:00

There were two people I didn't recognize at this year's missions banquet. Look out for these guys - that's all I have to say...

Looks like I caught the attention of this pretty lady. She happened to be the best lookin girl in the room so I asked her out, and she decided to give me a chance. Stay tuned I think we may have a future.

So This Is How It Happened...

2006-01-14T17:32:00.003-05:00

Let me catch you up for a minute before we begin. This is obviously going to be a summary of a much larger and deeper story, but I will try to catch the highlights. Just three months ago I pulled up in the IKEA parking lot (halfway between her and I - she lives outside Balt.) to meet my blind date Katie McCuen. I had been on more blind dates than I can count and say every time that it will be my last. Who knew that this one actually would be my last. When she got out of the car I could tell that she was by far the best looking blind date I'd ever had but I wasn't sold just yet - there had to be something wrong with her. There always is.

We went out to eat and got dessert. We had a great time together talking very openly about all sorts of things. I didn't kiss her goodnight (sorry if that is too much information), but she did wink at me so I think she had a good time :) Our second date was by far the best date that I had ever been on and was the moment I knew that I would never date another. We went everywhere around the Baltimore Harbor but what I remember most was feeling as if I had known this girl her whole life and feeling as if I wouldn't mind knowing her for the rest of mine. Everything was perfect except for me getting my car locking in a parking garage overnight. (sorry no time for that story though it is funny) On my way home I called mom and dad and told them she was the one.

On the third date I asked her to come to Indiana with me for Christmas. A little fast I know but she was honored and excited. All the typical games and rules just never seemed to apply with us. We dated long distance for 2 and a half months - I would drive her way - mostly she would drive mine and then she came to Indiana. I think we were both pretty sure before the Indiana trip but still had some unanswered questions though both of us were excited about our Christmas together.

Once she flew in and we got home we exchanged gifts. I gave her kind of a lame gift (only in comparison to hers really) an I-Pod that she had been wanting, and she gave me a great gift, a trip to New York City because she knew I had always wanted to go. Our time with family and with my friends was unbelievable and I think as I left her at the airport we both knew something had changed, something was different, and we knew the other had felt it too, we knew, we were sure.

Well once I knew - it didn't take me long. I bought the ring while I was home in Indiana with the plans of asking her to marry me in Florida on Valentine's Day, but once I had the ring it was driving me crazy! I couldn't wait! I was afraid I was going to call her and ask her on the phone - so I decided to ask her in a couple weeks during our trip to New York City.

I worked it out with her parents so I could talk to them before she got home from work. She asked a few questions but didn't catch on and then we left for NYC - no turning back now. Here is NYC at night. We got there during the day but you get the picture.

Once we got there we parked in a garage and began walking towards Central Park. We walked down 5th ave. We lit a candle and prayed together at St. Patrick's Cathedral. I got to go into Trump Tower (sweet) and while in there Katie began looking at jewlery and hinted about a ring (funny cause I had one in my pocket) Then we walked by Tiffany's where she hinted about a ring for the second time (If she only knew) and then to Central Park. Katie loves pretzels so we got her a pretzel from the street vendor and then hopped in a carraige for a carraige ride around the park.

I thought this would be a good place to do it but I wasn't really sure I liked the cabby guy enough to want him there all up in my moment so I decided to wait. Once we got off the carraige I asked her to walk through the park with me and so we did. We walked down to the water where I asked her to stop for a second. She said, "Baby it's cold I want to keep walking." While I'm thinking, "Trust me girl if there has ever been a time you wanted to stop it's right now." She stopped and I told her how much she meant to me, got down on my knee (that's where all the girls say ahhhh - trust me I've told this story a few times) and asked her to marry me.

She didn't say yes, well yet, she said, "Are you serious?" My goal was to suprise her - I guess it worked. I said, "Yes I'm serious." I think it is a bad sign if you have to say yes before they do but anyway she then said, "Yes of course." We then hugged and all that stuff but lets keep it clean for the children. She then pulled me off to the bench so she could get the whole story.

I totally suprised her which was great. They were taking a poll at her office as to when I would ask and Katie took April (It's January by the way). The earliest was Valentine's day which I think makes me the winner though I haven't gotten my free lunch yet. She then started calling her family.

She looks happy doens't she - oh and isn't she beautiful by the way. I know, you don't have to tell me - she is better looking than me. How she became my best friend, my partner, and the love of my life in such a short time I have no idea. I think it is magic of some kind that she has I don't know I just hope it never wears off because I am the happiest (and the luckiest) man alive.

I guess when she says yes you still go on with your life so we walked back up 5th avenue and saw the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. Notice that we had to switch sides for pictures now so that the ring is on the outside. She's so cute.

Next we got all dressed up to go out on the town because part of my gift were tickets to the famous Broadway show "The Producers!"

The show was in the St. James theatre which I thought was special for some reason though I can't remember why now. After the show we walked out to Times Square and I was overwhelmed by the site of it all. It was like Disney World for Adults - lights everywhere. I couldn't believe it. About a year ago I felt as if I was tired of seeing things on my own, that I was ready to start sharing things with someone. This was the greatest week-end of my life and I am so glad I got to share it with the greatest girl I've ever met. My fiance' and soon to be my wife - Katie. Man I love that girl!

Guess The Big News

2005-10-24T22:18:00.000-04:00

This post is going to be a little more interactive than the others. We are going to play a game. I am going to give you two hints in the form of pictures and then you are going to try and guess what the big news is. It may be hard to figure it out at first so look very closely at the pictures......ok - you ready.........here they are.

Do you have a guess? Ohhhhh no I'm sorry.....Sarah and I are not going into the T-shirt business though we are rather attractive T-shirt models if I do say so myself. Nice try though we have some great parting gif...Oh sorry back to the news - much better than you thought - a few months ago Sarah and Scott took me to one of my favorite restaurants (Red Lobster) to sit me down to tell me that I am going to be an UNCLE! It was the greatest news ever! I always thought that I would make a great uncle, but I couldn't believe that they would go to such lengths so that I could prove it to the world! OK so maybe it wasn't all about me, maybe they are having the baby for themselves, and maybe they invited the rest of the family there too but hey - who cares - I'm going to be an Uncle!

I know that Sarah is very excited and I am so happy for the both of them! She has wanted this for a long time and it is finally a reality for her. And there is one thing I know for sure and that is that she will make an amazing mom. She is 15 weeks along and besides a cramp here and sick stomach there everything is going great! (sorry sis you gotta watch what you tell me)

The baby doesn't know much about websites yet but I figured I would give it the chance to tell the world what it was thinking - I figure what else does it have to do in there, really? I did get to hear the baby's heartbeat over the phone this past week - or at least that's what mom said it was, just sounded like a lot of swishing around to me. I think the baby is just in there laughing at all of us.

Oh and I'll tell you all this, but try and keep it quiet - I didn't want to tell mom but I thought I heard three heartbeats not just one. I'm rooting for a surprise come April! Don't you think that will be so much more entertaining?! Can't wait to see Scott's face.

Rick and Mick Invade the Schools

2005-10-09T11:14:00.000-04:00

A few months ago, when one of my students attempted suicide I decided that I was tired of the church loosing so much ground each day and wanted to begin fighting back in bigger ways. That's when God led me to these two crazy guys.

Though they themselves are not big - their energy, their mouths, and their ministry are. God led me and my team to Rick and Mick Vigneulle who came in this past week to do school assemblies in our public Middle and High Schools with hopes that their high energy comedy would draw the students back to a Pizza Blast later in the week where we could share the exciting good news of Jesus Christ with them. They brought with them Chris Bernall the brother of Cassie Bernall who was killed for standing up for her faith in the Columbine school shootings years before. He shared his and her testimony and was a great guy. The goal of the entire week was to get the message of Christ to places and people we could never reach on our own.

The assemblies were going great and as Thursday night came along I walked into the Clubhouse and saw that Aaron had it set-up perfect for the big event. Seeing everything set up and the 1000 chairs empty prior to the event got me excited about what was to come. I was honored that God would allow us and our team to play a part in what He wanted to do here.

We guess that over 700 students showed up for this event. From what I hear it was the first time anything on this scale had been done in this area. At the end of the service hundreds came forward to make life changing commitments to God - many for the very first time. Though everything did not go smoothly - in the end I believe God had His way on this night and I believe this was the first of many big steps towards reaching this community for Christ.

Because we had so much fun together it was very hard to say good-bye to these guys. As you can tell Josh (sound tech and MC for Rick and Mick) will miss us lots. Doesn't he look so happy! I hate the thought of Josh growing up without our constant influence in his life but all of us face these times in life when we must part ways with those we love so dearly - luckily we were able to do so with smiles on our faces.

You Don't Have To Salute Me

2005-09-17T23:59:00.000-04:00

One of the hardest things about getting older (I'm 26 years old - can you believe it?!) and being a youth pastor is that you have to keep up on what is "IN" and keep up on all the latest fashion statements. Well luckily I am pretty cool (and have kids that love to tell me when I am not) so that I am always up on the latest thing. I wanted to show you two of the latest things that all of the kids are wearing...

This one is a little flashy for my tastes but you know how kids love to stand out - it is a REAL fighter helmet. Just call me Maverick, "Red team GO - Blue team GO - Alpha Delta Voodoo Voodoo" sorry It is easy to get caught up...

This one is very attractive. This is a gas mask to protect someone from chemical weapons or anthrax. I like to see fashion statements that can keep us safe as well. I don't know about you, but I think we will look back on this one and laugh.

These my new friends Matt and Shannon. They invited me over to grill (which you know what I think about that), to try on funny hats, and to play a very competitive game of Monopoly (I heard Shannon takes Monopoly very seriously and that she cheats though I saw no proof). They both have really important jobs. Matt is a pilot in the Air Force. Pretty much if they make a sequel to Top Gun - he's in it. (Why isn't there a sequel to Top Gun?) Shannon is no slacker either. She works in Air Force intelligence (something you have to have a lot of for the job). She's so popular that President Bush waves at her a few times a week. They're tight. This is because her office is 100 yards from Air Force One. She is working on getting me close to it - I'll keep you up to date on the progress...

When someone in the armed forces does something good they can receive a coin. The coin is designed in such a way to represent the important person that gives the coin. Well this is a picture of Matt (important person) giving me (someone who did something good) a coin in recognition of my achievements. What was my achievement you may ask? OK I'll tell you - but only because you asked me cause I'm not one to brag. It was because I won at Monopoly. I know this whole thing doesn't seem like a big deal but I don't think many civilians have coins so this does make me one of the most decorated civilians in the world - I think.

Here's My Ride

2005-09-12T21:07:00.000-04:00

Customizing your car is the newest thing these days so a friend of mine decided to surprise me while I was gone by making some customizations to mine. I got so many looks while driving with the new customizations that the local body shop wanted to buy it off of me so they could sell the new design to interested buyers one piece at a time. Though it was hard for me to do - I decided to let go and share my car with the world...
My car was in such demand that the body shop wanted to sell it as quickly as they could, which left me without a car to drive. Luckily my good friends "The Chambers Family" gave me the best of all their vehicles to drive until I could find another ride. I got even more looks while driving this car around and for awhile I was afraid it might be a little too flashy for a pastor to drive, but I had no choice.

Well I was loving my new ride but The Chambers daughter Brittany, who is soon to get her license, was worried that I was getting too comfortable in her future car so I figured I should go and try to find my own though I wondered wether anything else could compare to the last two cars I had driven. This would surely be a difficult search...

Well this is what I found. This is my new car. I don't get quite as many looks while driving this car as I did with the other two but that's ok - it's probably for the best anyway.

Who Is This Guy?

2005-09-11T23:06:00.000-04:00

You may know, from previous posts, who this is...it's the infamous Aaron Stroman. Well the reviews of his previous posts were so high that we decided to hire him. He now works with me - well in the office right next to me anyway. Look out Southern Maryland Teenagers with these two guys on the loose...

We work pretty well together. Well he's still getting the hang of things. I might have to carry him for awhile until he gets his feet under him...ya know what I mean?

It didn't take him long...the kids (and the girls) love him - he has been a tremendous help to me - and this past week we had 20 teenagers baptized and at our school year kick-off he had 110 at his Middle School Service and I had 135 at the High School service. We are having a lot of fun working together and both feel lucky to be a part of what's happening here.

Time To Tailgate

2005-08-24T23:41:00.000-04:00

Two things that I love in life are grillin and football. So the only thing better than snagging a couple free Club Level tickets to the Redskins game is snagging a couple free Club Level tickets to the Redskins game and going early to tailgate.

We got a great parking space in front of Fed Ex with plenty of room and immediately set up the grill. We cooked chicken wings, sausage, hot dogs, and here we are with our Brats n' Kraut a staple for any pregame tailgate. We cooked a bunch extra and began giving away free food to the parking attendants and people heading into the stadium.

Once inside we were ready to see some football. Like our shirts? We got them at Wal-Mart before the game. We almost look like Redskins fans don't we?

A little bit of work - A little bit of play

2005-08-06T22:11:00.000-04:00

The end of July I was invited to come back home to Indiana to my old church and youth group to speak at their yearly youth week. I gave a message each night from Sunday to Wednesday, hung out with the kids, and participated in all the activities of the week. I had a blast! Being back in the same place I went to youth group - staying at my parents house - being told to pick up my clothes and turn my light out - I felt like I had never left.

After I was done speaking, I was able to stay home for another week of R&R...

While I was at home Dad and I went to a Cubs Game (it was his Father's Day present from Sarah and I). We got there early so we could find a $30.00 parking space, walk around, get some peanuts, and take this picture.

As you can read on the sign the Cubs Win! Aramis Ramirez who sat all game came in to pinch hit in the bottom of the ninth to get the game winning hit. We went nuts! It was the only game they won in the series. Dad and I were obviously good luck for a team with a lot of bad luck. We think it is our responsibility to Cubs fans everywhere to quit our jobs and begin traveling with the team. We are still trying to work out all the details with the team.......and with mom.

Also at home I played golf with my buddies Zack and Mike...

I listened in as Carson tried to help Derado with his upcoming fantasy draft...

I hung out with my wonderful grandparents...
and ate some of the best fresh sweet corn money can buy - except I didn't buy it because it was grown at the one and only Matchette Farms. I have connections there.

Guatemala: Beautiful Scenery - Wonderful People

2005-07-02T22:30:00.000-04:00

See all of my Guatemala pictures by clicking here

Guatemala was BEAUTIFUL!! In this picture you can see some of the volcanos that were surrounding us, the lake that has form at the base of all of them, and the city that we were staying in for the week. The view from our hotel was breathtaking. We would go up on the roof of the hotel or down to the lake for coffee when we had a chance just to take it all in.

The kids that we were hanging out with were awesome. We did Vacation Bible School for over 1000 kids and gave away over 1000 pairs of shoes. It was a great experience. These kids really like me I think - either that or they really like getting their picture taken. You're right, probably the former. I didn't understand what they were saying and I was afraid they were calling me names so I just told them to wave.

We worked really hard all week. This is a picture of me working really hard to prove that it does happen. We built a church for a congregation of around 75 that were meeting in a shed about 10 feet by 10 feet. It was great working side by side with the Guatemalan men who would soon be worshipping in that church - it was also great that they didn't yell at us when we messed things up. Instead they just laughed really hard and shook their heads.

Here is my friend Nancy - at least I thought she was my friend. Well she was my friend until she sold me all of her bread. Chocolate, banana, coconut...yeah she was so nice I bought all she had. I really thought that we had a special connection, but the minute I bought her last loaf of bread she took off. She must of had somewhere to go.

P.S. All in all it was an amazing week. I can't wait to go back...and I will go back. If anyone wants to go with me just let me know - except you Knipfer, sorry you can't go, we don't want to confuse the poor people and there isn't a Damon's there anyway. If you would like to see the rest of my pictures from Guatemala - click here

3 Girls - 3 Kids

2005-07-02T22:03:00.000-04:00

It's not what you think - but you have to admit that is one funny title. I just wanted to get everyone's attention. Anyway, I was back home over Memorial Week-end and so I thought I would pass along some of my photos while at home.

The reason I was back home was to usher in my friend Anne's wedding. Anne and I went to prom together but now she's married to another guy. She must not have had that good a time. I bought her flowers and opened the doors for her - and girls say they want chivalry? JUST KIDDING! The wedding was great and I am happy for them both. You can check out Joe and Anne's site by clicking here or by following their link at the side. Lucky for me I also got to see two other beautiful girls from my past. Anne's sister Susan on the right and my friend Stephanie on the left. It was a nice change of pace for me. Usually when I go home, I just hang out with the guys from college - these girls were much better looking and they smelled better too(sorry guys)

Now for the 3 kids. Here we are - Carson and I playing with the new twins. I know it is hard to tell them apart. Let me help you. On the left I am holding Cowen and on the right is Irie. Good luck to any guy who wants to date Irie. They will have to get by her father Mike, 7 of his friends, Carson, and her brother Cowen. Move along. Anyway, it was great to spend some quality time with them and my buddies (their parents) Mike and Kristen Gray while at home.

Since I have been home - two more of my friends have had babies. Zack and Tif had a boy named Jake and Brita and Matt (Carson's parents) have had a girl named Chloe. I'm sure you will see pictures sooner or later if you stay tuned.

Finishing My Basement - Myself

2005-06-16T22:42:00.000-04:00

Well Kevin one of my youth sponsors is helping me finish my basement. He knows what he is doing and I have no clue so we make a pretty good team. Once the basement is finished it will have a huge bedroom, a full bathroom, and some storage. Look at the walls. They look so nice with the yellow and pink - it is almost a shame to cover them up.

Kevin showed me how to do all the electrical work. Yeah I did all of that. He wanted me to turn off the electricity before I started but I said, "Hey where's the challenge in that?" I don't know if I am now an officially licensed electrician or not - but I'm sure I am pretty close.

This is what the outlet looks like when it is done. I know - I am good. I am writing a book.

In Trouble With The Law

2005-06-03T00:13:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of me driving Pastor Mike's van on my way to drop some people off at the airport. In Maryland they do this nice thing where they take pictures of your car and your license plate and they send them to you in the mail for the small fee of $75.00. Come to find out it wasn't just a nice gesture after all, but a ticket for running a red light. I am going to fight this one because if you look closely you can clearly see that the light is red before I have even entered the intersection. But you see you get a ticket for being IN an intersection while the light is red for which their is clearly no proof of this happening. Now I realize that the odds are that I may have been in the intersection during this very red light after this picture was taken but we can't know for sure and lets be honest, stranger things have happened. Has anyone ever heard of the phrase, "Innocent until PROVEN guilty?" I see no proof. I think you would agree with me that we have easily created reasonable doubt here in this case and I am very confident that the judge will see it my way. I hope after they cancel my ticket I still get to keep the nifty pictures.

My Big Break

2005-06-03T00:03:00.000-04:00

I finally got my big break and made my television debut (cause I don't count being on Happy's Place as a kid). They must have seen something in me, some raw talent, some natural ability and decided to let me tape one of the television commercials for our church that will run on the cable stations across the area. I had to memorize my script and I think it only took me like 15 tries which I thought was pretty good for my first time. The camera guy from the cable company was really nice and I asked him where people were supposed to send their fan mail - to them at the station or directly to me at the church..........

he must not have heard me cause he just walked away.

Summer Intern

2005-06-02T23:57:00.000-04:00

Last week my summer intern arrived. We created this internship so that someone training for the ministry could come out here, learn from me, and glean as much from me and my ministry leadership as they could.................well we pretty much had all that covered by lunch so I decided to just have him do a bunch of my work for me the rest of the summer - SUCKER. The intern is someone that many of you might know - Brandon Brown. Brandon was a former student of mine and is currently a Senior at Indiana Wesleyan University and yes ladies - he is single. You can find out more about Brandon by going to his website by clicking here........or here........or here.

Youth Event Marathon

2005-05-22T12:20:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I took 70 students and parents to King's Dominion, an area theme park for the day to cap off 5 weeks of 6 big youth events. Who is planning this calendar? Oh - yeah I do that. We've been busy. And to all whom I have offended by not staying in touch during this time - I am sorry. I rarely had time to call mom - and she comes first. (brownie points for me) Some people asked me how I keep track of 70 students at a theme park and my answer is, "I don't!" I'm pretty sure there is a fence or something around the property - so they can't get far. It's a controlled environment - they'll be ok. Believe it or not they didn't teach me that in youth pastor school - you only learn stuff like that on your own, from experience.

While we were riding one of the rollarcoasters my camera started to fall out of my pocket and so I grabbed it and figured, "Well since it's out I might as well try and take some pictures with it - I've never taken pictures while riding a rollarcoaster before." While almost losing the camera a couple of times and taking a bunch of blurry pictures of who knows what, one actually turned out. These are two of my girls who were sitting behind me.............catching their breath between screams. They love rollarcoasters.

Carson and the Cubs

2005-05-20T11:26:00.000-04:00

I have heard the cry and agree with all of you that it has been too long since we have received an update on the life of my pal, my buddy, my mentor and teacher in the ways of the "little people," CARSON MILLER. Lucky for you Carson's father, the only man worthy to claim such a title, sent me a photograph today for me to pass along to all of you. Carson is wearing the Cubs T-shirt that I bought him while on a pilgrimage to Wrigley Field to see the Cubs play with Carson's hairy but hilarious uncle Zack Hoover. I gave it to him when he was born and now almost three years later he has grown into it and is sporting it now with pride. There is warmth in my heart to know that I have some influence though so many miles away. One last note - please don't be offended. Carson is not laughing at you - he is laughing at the humor that is found in daily life itself. Carson says, "There is much joy that can be found if only one looks." Thought provoking words from a 2 year old and I agree - we have much to learn from him.

The Cubs Come To DC

2005-05-17T23:11:00.000-04:00

Here is the gang headed to the very first ever Nationals / Cubs game. Now that DC has the Nationals, my Cubs come to town to see me at least once a year. From right to left you have Caleb one of my students who was pulling for the Nationals, Myself - obviously pulling for the Cubs, Scott one of my adult leaders who is also pulling for the Nationals, and Logan another one of my students who is pulling for...well...Logan was pretty much pulling for whoever was winning.

On the way to the game we stopped by the new Thai restaurant in town to give it a shot.

This is my buddy Logan enjoying his plate of my new favorite Thai dish - Pad Thai. Ok so I have only had two Thai dishes and I didn't really care for the other one so this was an easy choice, but really - I was a big fan. We tried to let the Thai food settle quickly cause once I made it to the game I got a bucket of popcorn, a Coke, a jumbo hot dog with onions and peppers, and I went to get nachos but I got lost so I had to call it quits with the food. Believe it or not with all of my trips to the concession stand - I did get to watch most of the game highlighted by Aramis Ramirez's home run to put the Cubs up in the seventh.

The game was a close one but my Cubbies lean on my presence and support and pulled it out 6-3. Great Company - Great Food - Great Team - Great Win. What could be better?

Well I guess better would be the Cubs not losing the next two games and the series...yeah that would be better. Here we go - another year as a Cubs fan.

Rick and Mick!

2005-05-17T22:54:00.000-04:00

Meet Rick and Mick. Our youth ministry brought them out to do their comedy and music routine for our students and parents. We had a packed house 500+ and let me tell you something about these guys - they may be twice my age but I will be the first to tell you that I can not keep up with them. They are like the Energizer Bunny times two. I left them twice at 1 in the morning. I was headed home to sleep - they were headed to exercise. Oh yeah they are twins and yes they are short - but don't worry - they know.

Here are the guys doing their thing. They had us rolling during this skit. We are bringing them back to do school assemblies in the local schools. After the assemblies they will invite the kids back on another night for free pizza where they will talk about Christ. They have hundreds respond wherever they go. I'm really excited about it. They will be coming back in October - so I'm pretty much going to start sleeping now so I will be ready.

Where Eveybody Knows Your Name

2005-05-05T23:45:00.000-04:00

I had the opportunity to head to Boston this past week to prepare for a youth convention we will be holding there in December. I am in charge of Security for the entire convention and for thousands of teens running wild through a hotel, a convention center, and a mall in the middle of downtown Boston. I know - I was thinking the same thing you are - "NO BIG DEAL." so I left the meetings to do a little sightseeing.

I headed first to Fenway Park and after after fearing for my life while getting lost in some of the "not nice" places in Boston while wearing my Cubs hat of all things - I finally found the park. It was stuck right in the middle of a slightly rundown part of town and was slightly rundown itself, but because of that I thought it was awesome because it reminded me a lot of the greatest ballpark there is - Wrigley Field.

Next I figured I would take in some culture so I walked down to Boston Commons, the first official park in American History. I was also able to take pictures of a bunch of beautiful churches along the way. I love cities like Boston, New York, and DC that have such large parks right in the middle of all the larger buildings. It was beautiful, but it was just a park, so it was time to move on to something else.

Right across the street was the Cheers bar that inspired the Cheers TV show. The best thing about reading this post on the internet is that you don't have to hear me singing the Cheers theme song right now. I used to love the TV Show, still love the theme song, and loved seeing the place that inspired it all. I was a little disappointed though because no one knew my name. I was amazed at how much it looked like the real thing. And I figured this was a great way to end the day after a little sports - a little culture - and a little entertainment history. It really is my goal to be a well rounded guy.

I walked back to the hotel and got a drink at the Starbucks in the lobby while doing some homework......oh you want to know what the plans are for security and the kids and stuff. Yeah I'm not real sure - I'll have to ask someone who was in the meeting but I'm sure they will all be fine on their own.

The Mystery of Mother Goose

2005-05-05T23:28:00.000-04:00

I saw this sign outside a church in Boston. I didn't really get it. I went into the church and didn't see Mother Goose either. Is Mother Goose a real person? Is she a Goose? Is she a mother? No seriously - I'm asking cause now I'm not real sure.

Ministry Update

2005-05-05T22:38:00.000-04:00

The youth group has been going well. We recently had an all-night lock-in where around 200 students showed up. It was a great event that I had planned so that I would have an excuse to consume 8 Red Bull energy drinks in a 24 hour period. We all had a great time and I got to talk to all of them for a few moments about what our youth group is about and why someone would want to be a Christian. I was proud of my kids for reaching out to their friends - this event showed that this ministry has a lot of potential.

The front page of the paper today showed a picture of two of my teens working on the home of a local elderly couple who were living in a house that was just plain unlivable. This past Saturday 30 of my teens and 15 of my adult leaders worked on this house as a service project. We hauled off garbage truck loads of trash, cleaned, painted, fixed their bathroom, replaced furniture, appliances, decorations, and much more.

It was a life changing experience for us and for the family we served. Once again I was proud of my students for serving so selflessly without any complaints. They are not just about fun, but showed themselves to be the leaders that they are.

There is no job too big for these guys and yes I know - I look good. Real good. While on the service project one of my adult leaders not only let me ride his tractor giving me a little taste of home - he also let me wear his cool hat.

Good News and Bad News

2005-04-30T22:24:00.000-04:00

About 6 months ago I had a twin bed. Now let's be honest - this is a little embarrassing. No 26 year old should have a twin bed. Kids have twin beds. I think people were talking and laughing. So I was given a double bed and was so excited until I put it up and realized that my legs hung off the bed about 2 feet, but this is how I slept for the next 6 months. How can a man be at his best when he is sleeping like this? But just recently someone offered me a FREE KING SIZE WATERBED. OK so there is good and bad news. BAD NEWS is that there was a hole in the waterbed, I flooded my neighborhood draining it, and I realized that buying new pillows and sheets for a king size bed made it FAR from free. GOOD NEWS is that I can sleep diagonal, long ways, or sideways on this bed if I want to and my feet don't even touch the end and I am experiencing a form of sleep that I never knew was possible. I know I say that a lot of seemingly small and insignificant things like Tivo, Tea, Granola Bars, and Waterbeds have changed my life, but listen if these things weren't so amazing than I wouldn't say that.

26 And Beyond

2005-04-23T21:33:00.000-04:00

Yes I'm afraid it is true. I am now 26 and sliding quickly down the backside of the hill towards 30 not to mention that I hurt my back doing yardwork the day before. ONLY OLD PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THEIR BACKS! So I am now officially old but the day itself was filled with fun. I woke up to cards from my parents and my sister and Scott. Then the staff at church had prepared an entire surprise party for me with gifts and a cake made completely out of Twinkies and chocolate.

Have you ever seen a cake like this? Then after leaving the church building I noticed that someone had a party at my car in my absence (inside and outside) that half the church saw while driving by on their lunch hour.

Then after work my wonderful friend Amanda took me to Solomon's Island and to a great restaurant on the water for Cream of Crab Soup and Crab Cakes (my favorite Maryland delicacy). When we got back her mom had baked me a cake and they had gifts waiting for me. I have never been that big on birthdays especially on this one, but looking back at the end of the day and all that people went through for me - I was literally overwhelmed. I am so lucky to have people in my life who care so much.

2005-04-06T20:38:00.000-04:00

Each year as the Colts lose to the Patriots once again and the NFL season officially ends the only thing that keeps me going is waiting for MLB Opening Day and my Cubbies to begin yet another storybook season - you know like one of those storybooks where you think everyone will end up living happily ever after but in actuality the story ends with everyone's hopes and dreams crushed into dust while they lose everyone and everything that they had ever had. Well for this storybook season I decided to do up April 4th - Opening Day 2005 right. I got some of the best Brats to grill before the game, a huge bag of Kraut, Peanuts, Popcorn, IBC Rootbeer and I sat down to watch the game as if I was there. Well I would like to tell you that my efforts had no effect on the game itself but the passion I exhibited inspired my Cubbie team to an Opening Day record 23 hits and a 16-6 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The good news is that I clearly helped my team win. The bad news is that to keep this going I now have to quit my job so that I can go through the same extensive routine for every game this year. I know that sounds extreme but I feel it is my duty to all those Cubs fans out there to do my best to give this storybook season a happy ending - for the Cubs - for Cubs fans - for the city of Chicago - and for history itself I feel it is a small price to pay.

Work Hard, Play Hard

2005-04-04T19:44:00.000-04:00

This past week-end I finally got the opportunity to speak at all our services, both of our church campuses, and to over 1000 people all in the same week-end. We have 2 church campuses and 5 total services over Saturday and Sunday. Whoever preaches has to drive back and forth between the two campuses speaking at one - hopping in the car - driving - hopping out of the car to preach at the other - hopping in the car - driving - and walking right up on stage to preach at the next. It was a lot of fun for me, exhausting but a lot of fun none the less. I am looking for a chauffer and a nicer car for my next time around so if anyone is interested please let me know. I got a lot of really good feedback after the message, but I pulled a very deep spiritual application from the invention of the Twinkie so that was to be expected. I give all the credit to the Twinkie and not my abilities as a speaker. I have learned a lot and feel I have become a better preacher while here. I am lucky to be at a place where I have these types of opportunities.

Since I figured I would be so tired after my busy morning speaking I asked my good, and still single, buddy Aaron to come and speak at the youth group at night. He declined, but once I gave him a guilt trip about being a bad friend and reminded him that he has absolutely nothing better to do – he accepted. He did a great job and the kids liked him because he used fire in the message which is always a hit. Speaking Tip #1 – If your message is bombing – light something on fire. Well once youth group was done we decided the greatest way to cap off such an exciting and flammable day of ministry was to get some steaks – some IBC Rootbeer – Grill – and watch my favorite show The Contender that my Tivo had so graciously taped for us earlier in the evening. Are these the blessings that God speaks of? I think they must be.

March 21st 2005 - A New Holiday Is Born

2005-03-21T22:16:00.000-05:00

I don't know whether you were aware of it or not but Monday March 21st is now an official 2005 holiday and one of the most exciting for me I must admit. On this very day, the third Monday of March 2005, I James Matchette grilled for the first time of this here grilling season. It was a joyous occasion that was enjoyed by all who attended, myself included. On the menu was Ribeye Steak, Potatoes and Onions, Pears, Diet Cherry Coke, and a White Chocolate Raspberry Yoplait Yogurt cup that I had bought for breakfast the next morning as dessert. It surely lived up to its calling as the meal to begin all meals. And from the depths of my heart to yours I wish you happy grilling. May your charcoal remain hot and may your friendships burn bright. To all a good day and to all a good-night.

A little rough I know, but cut me some slack - I'm new at this.

First Day of Spring and the Last Day of Christmas

2005-03-21T22:05:00.000-05:00

Since the first day of grilling officially means the first day of Spring this also means that the Christmas season is now officially over. So today I took down my Christmas tree and said good-bye to the three month festive Christmas Season. It was sad. I shed a tear.

An Adventure with Short Jack and Old Town at Night

2005-03-14T18:06:00.000-05:00

In the past two weeks I have been the lucky recipient of two visits from 4 of my dearest friends. A week ago it was Cami and Rachel and a couple days ago Rob and Melinda showed up on my doorstep as well. The words you will now read are a brief description of our adventures together...

Old Town Alexandria at night. This is the setting where our adventure begins. After meeting Rachel and Cami at the Metro station we took a tour bus into the heart of Old Town itself. A quaint little town - with more questions than answers - we were to discover. While on the bus a creepy guy kept staring at Rachel and she thought he could read her thoughts. We never found out if he really could or if Rachel was just being a little paranoid. You can think what you want but crazier things did happen...

The bus led us to The Fish Market where we sat to eat. The table was covered with Crab dishes - the likes of which you have never seen. It was a feast made for Kings, or a king and two queens, or a king and a queen and a...well I'm pretty sure I'm the king but not quite sure what they are in this story. At any rate it was good - but it was what was to come that made us wonder if we should have just stayed in the restaurant. Next we grabbed a cup of coffee and began walking the streets when we were stopped by a lady who wanted us to take a tour - a ghost tour to be exact - a Ghost and a Graveyard tour to be exactly exact (scary music begins)...

(scary music continues) The picture you see above was taken during this tour - only when the picture was taken it was only the 4 of us: Cami, the tour guide, Rachel, and myself, but when we looked back at the photo what we saw sent chills up and down our spine...in the picture with us was a man that we had never seen before...but had heard much about on the tour - his name was "Short Jack" and he had been haunting Old Town since the 18th century (thus the goofy hat)...

We never saw Short Jack again, we never saw the creepy man on the bus again, and we are guessing that he couldn't read Rachel thoughts either, but at nights end we were left with one remaining thought, "the crab was good...boy was it good." And so it was time for Cami and Rachel to go, for an adventure can't last forever, for who then would tell of it...

Cami and Rachel say Good-Bye to Old Town, Good-Bye to Short Jack, and Good-Bye to James.

Upon their departure - all of a sudden - Rob and Melinda appear from nowhere on my doorstep - as if they were sent by the powers of good in this world to rescue me from the mysteries of Old Town at night. Their first words, "I've never seen you with hair!" were obviously meant to give me the courage and strength I needed to begin a new adventure - an adventure of truth in the light of a new day...

We could not begin a new adventure without a plan so we went to my favorite restuarant, Red Hot and Blue to make our plans for the day...We ate some great barbecue but made no plans - so we moved to Starbucks to make our plans for the day and it was here over childrens sized hot chocolates, Latte's, and Spiced Chai that this plan was hatched. We would do something that Short Jack and the creepy guy on the bus would never expect. We would return to Old Town - this time without fear.

It was clear that our bravery and our arrival had ushered in a new day in Old Town as the sun appeared for the first time in as long as I could remember and as it did, it vanquished not only the shadows of Old Town, but all the unanswered questions that lurk there. It was surely a new day - a bright new day - but every bright new day must end. And so Rob and Melinda had to go - there job now done it was time to return to their children and put them to sleep with the peace of knowing there was now less in this world for them to fear.

Rob and Melinda say Good-Bye to Old Town, Good-Bye to Short Jack, and Good-Bye to James.

And that is our tale - so if you have the notion some time to see Old Town at night when the shadows return, say hi to Short Jack, he will be waiting there...

What a Wonderful World

2005-03-14T17:49:00.000-05:00

I know that on this website I have claimed that many seemingly insignificant things have changed my life - but what can I say, I take joy in the simpler things. Well once again I have encountered two things that have rocked my world and made it such a better place to live in. First are the new Sweet and Salty Almond granola bars by Nature Valley and second is Green Tea - what I call the "NEW COFFEE." The granola bars JUST PLAIN TASTE GOOD! and the Green Tea is filled with anitoxidants, which I only tell you so that you are aware of how smart and health conscious I am. I can't think of anything better than sitting down with a Tivo taped television program of choice and being refreshed by an adequate serving of Sweet and Salty and a cup of Green Tea. God truly loves us - or He never would have created such things.

Thought I Knew it All - Now I Do

2005-02-22T23:40:00.000-05:00

Those of you who know me - know that I am constantly on the pusuit of knowledge and understanding so in the past two weeks I have watched two instructional documentaries on women and dating. I Tivo'd the movie "What Women Want" and shortly after went to see the movie "Hitch" at the theater with my good friend Aaron, so now I pretty much know everything there is to know about women and dating. For those of you so concerned - it is now just a matter of time. I would be waiting for your wedding invitations in the mail.

New Home Office

2005-02-22T23:26:00.000-05:00

Finally - I give you - My Home Office!! A green office none the less and yes I prove once again that I am a decorating genius. I wish you could see the shelves and the rest of the room but it is a small room and I haven't learned to take pictures in complete circles yet. The main reason for the office is that I have been doing a lot of writing and have found that I can focus better here at home. And here I have a real window not a fake outdoor wallpaper mural. For those of you worried by this picture let me put your minds to rest - the chair is ergonomically designed for lower back support and meets BIFMA standards. Breathe Easy - Safety First.

First Time Thai

2005-02-22T23:12:00.000-05:00

I was invited by two of my students and their family to eat Thai food for the first time this past week! Well they either invited me or I talked about it nonstop until they were more or less forced to take me so I would shut up. This is Green Curry - my introduction to the wonderful world of Thai food. I liked it, to be honest I liked everyone else's plate better, but still I liked it. True it is a bit like Chinese food but at the same time not really. It definitely had a unique taste like I had never had before. I liked some of it A LOT and some NOT SO MUCH, but lets go easy on the Thai people for that's true of McDonald's and every other restaurant as well. It was fun trying something new - they are taking me to a Greek restaurant next. To Be Continued...

NO TIME

2005-02-11T23:07:00.000-05:00

Sorry - no time to post. My Tivo has taped 15 episodes of Dawson's Creek for me to watch. I haven't watched a comercial for a week. I'm still in love.

P.S. Things are working great with the roommate. We get along really well and the home office is coming around very nicely. (I'm actually there right now) Still waiting on some of the finishing touches. I will be posting pictures of the great green office very soon and then all those who scoffed shall be silenced...once again.

Big Changes in my life - NO REALLY

2005-02-04T16:42:00.000-05:00

It is not just me and the plant at the house anymore. I now have a roommate who is renting a room off of me. His name is Mack. It's not really his name but it's what I call him. He seems fine with it. So far it is going great - it is nice having someone around. Since I had to clean up the upstairs to prepare for my new roommate I decided to begin working on my home office that I have been talking about for some time. It is green. I know what you are thinking, but remember, you all doubted when I painted my living room blue and you all had to apologize so be careful what you say. I am a decorating genius. And lastly, I decided to get my roommate cable so that he would never leave and quit paying me money every month. Well while the cable guy was here I decided to get TIVO (just a little gift for myself).

Let me tell you something - it is the greatest invention I have ever encountered. I am going to tell you about it but please understand that words cannot describe this amazing thing that is TIVO. I'm watching one thing and it's taping something else for me to watch (it provides for me). It is not only taping things I ask it to tape (it listens to me) - it is taping things that it thinks I might want to watch (it thinks about me). In fact, while we speak it is taping things for me to watch when I get home (it cares about me).

I have finally come to this realization...WHO NEEDS A GIRL?...I have finally found all that I have been looking for.

Oh and I got a new coffee table too. It's sweet.

District Winter Retreat

2005-01-28T18:13:00.000-05:00

I had a great time speaking at the retreat. The kids were awesome - Oh and yeah that is a Buffalo head behind me.

2005-01-28T17:52:00.000-05:00

We got over 10 inches of snow while we were at the retreat. It was held at a real ranch. I didn't believe that it was a real ranch at first, but...sure enough...they were wearing real boots and cowboy hats. Boy did I feel foolish.

2005-01-28T17:46:00.000-05:00

The GREATEST part of the event was being able to hang out with two of my buddies, Donnie McDougal (He's from Cananada - I know it's suprising - you can't tell by lookin at him) and Aaron Stroman (He's single - by choice - obviously). After looking at this picture I decided that I'm glad I'm not a girl. With choices like this out there - who could ever decide. You can take that however you want - I'm sure you would anyway.

2005-01-28T17:22:00.000-05:00

Since my youth group couldn't get through the snow to meet me at the retreat the dependable and reliable Aaron Stroman (middle) brought me back from the Ranch to my youth group where Brandon Bruce (right) my comrad and compadre, who is on staff with me at New Life, was speaking to the group for me because he is a great speaker and because I was too lazy to do it myself. We thought it was only fitting to take a picture to celebrate such a moment as this.

P.S. you can go to Aaron's and Brandon's web pages by clicking on their names. Cool huh - I'm a genius.

Florida Vacation 2005

2005-01-26T22:08:00.000-05:00

My family took our annual trip to Florida this past week. I was able to do my favorite things: I got some sun (though not as much as usual), spent some time on the beach, and ate some good food. I had my favorite dish, Mahi Mahi, two times.

Good ol Florida. This is a view from the pier about a half mile from our condo. You can see the lighthouse in the distance. I walked to the pier with my dad every morning...well if you count 10:30 AM as morning - I do because that is about when I get to work when I am at home.

2005-01-26T22:01:00.000-05:00

This is the view from the balcony of my bedroom. As a family we have been coming here for years and every time I have had to sleep on some crappy pull out couch. Hows that for vacation? Well this year my parents must have felt bad about all of that and got me a huge room with a bathroom and two beds. I didn't know what to do - so I slept in one the first night and the other the next night and so on. Actually I tried to get ol Derado to come - he usually won't turn down anything free - but he said it wasn't in the best financial interests of himself or his clients for him to leave for a week. That's the real world folks - glad I don't live there.

2005-01-26T21:49:00.000-05:00

ATTENTION! PLEASE DON'T PANIC! THIS IS NOT A REAL SHARK! I know this is a very convincing photograph seeing as how sharks tend to hang out outside malls, but it is actually fake. I took this picture for my upcoming audition for the movie Open Water 2 - based on another true story. If that doesn't work out I'm going to try and get it on the Discovery Channel's Shark Week. If none of that pans out I'll send it to Dan Rather at 60 minutes - he'll fall for it.....Oops did I say that?

2005-01-26T21:41:00.000-05:00

This is a friend that I made while in Florida. I wouldn't consider myself as close to him as some of my other friends even though he has some qualities that my other friends don't - like the fact that he is 12 feet tall, he can pull off that mustache, and he is quite the smooth talker with the ladies..........well.....ok....2 out of 3 ain't bad. (I didn't care much for the mustache either)

2005-01-26T21:27:00.000-05:00

One of the best things about going to Florida was that I was able to spend more time with my sister than I have been able to for years. We used to fight all the time, but that was because I was smarter than her and she didn't realize it. But now that she is smarter than me, a fact which I have accepted, we get along much better.

HEADING TO FLORIDA!!

2005-01-14T20:32:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I step out of the cold and rain of Southern Maryland and into the warmth and sun of Florida, my home for one week each year. As soon as I return, I head straight to a Youth Retreat in Northern Maryland that I have been asked to speak at. God has also presented me with some other exciting ministry possibilities here at New Life. I will have a lot to think about while I am sitting on the beach soaking up the sun. At any rate - I will have pictures and much to write about when I return so stay tuned. Check out the Weekly Poll and vote for what you think I'm looking forward to most about my upcoming trip to Florida.

1 Down - 3 More To Go

2005-01-14T16:59:00.000-05:00

Colts win 49 - 24. Let's be honest...it's not that the other teams are that bad...it's just that we are that good!

Home for the Holidays

2005-01-04T18:02:00.000-05:00

I left the record temperatures in Maryland for the cold and snow of Indiana, but it was nice to have a White Christmas. My church allowed me to go home for Christmas and the New Year, so I flew (Independence Air for $40.00 round trip - an amazing fact I thought I would add) into Indianapolis to hang out with the fellas from college for awhile. I stayed at Matt and Brita Miller's house where they asked me to do something for them. It was a task that they felt that they could only entrust to me and they were counting on me to come through for them. I had no experience in such things and at first it seemed too risky - to dangerous to attempt - but we decided to forge ahead anyway with only courage and faith to guide us...

BABYSITTING CARSON

This was my first time babysitting and honestly I was a little nervous, but after we went through the emergency phone numbers, the rules that I couldn't have any girls over to the house, and the basics of diaper changing - my night began. This is a picture of me feeding Carson his cheese - it was actually a lot easier than I thought because he did all the work. We put together a puzzle, we threw some books on the floor, he helped me with my computer, we threw some more books on the floor and then we watched Baby Genius videos until Matt and Brita came home. In the end...I don't think babysitting is that big of a deal and I think the two of us really formed a bond in that hour and a half.

My next stop was home to see my family. Aren't my parents cute? They hate to be apart, so they have started sitting in the same chair - they have also started dressing alike as you can see, which is a little scary, but still cute none the less. It is the magic that all of us are looking for in a marraige I'm sure. I can't tell you how enjoyable it was to spend time with my parents who are two of my best friends.

As you can see...Sarah my sister and her husband Scott were VERY EXCITED to see me!! Truth be told we did have a good time together. I miss my sis as much as anyone. Sarah totaled her car while I was there (she is alright and we're pretty sure she wasn't drinking...just kidding...she doesn't drink) and Scott and Sarah just closed on their new house much closer to my parents and have just finished moving everything in, so it has been a very eventful couple of weeks for them!

2005-01-04T18:01:00.000-05:00

I went out one night with Ryan and Jason. We spent countless hours together growing up - most of those hours spent on the golf course where we played and worked beginning at age 13 I believe. We went out and got some wings at one of our favorite spots and then headed to Best Buy where I bought a Playstation 2 and Tiger Woods Golf. We immediately went back to my parents house and played for hours. Jason beat us both, but he is married and has three kids so all he does is sit at home and play video games...wait a second...that's all I do.

It was a great trip home to see everyone. I saw families in Indiana and Ohio (hi Aunt Kathy and Cousin Amy) I also hung out with Courtney, Annie, and other friends from my home church - and saw much of the Bluffton crew (my old youth group) at one of Josh Branyan's notorious parties. I am writing this with fond memories and to all of you that I saw on that blessed trip - know that a part of my heart will always remain with you.

My Friends Come To Visit

2005-01-04T17:15:00.000-05:00

One of my best friends, and my financial planner, Matt Derado and his girlfriend Jenna came to visit me and see the sites for a couple days. Matt got stuck in a dorm room with me Freshman year of college and hasn't been able to get rid of me since. He's a great friend and he has a great girlfriend as well (no thanks required Jenna - just don't make me an usher in the wedding)

This is Matt and Jenna in front of the Lincoln Memorial of course. Derado is smiling, but it is fake - he hated the pictures - don't let him fool you. We walked to every monument. I think that I have become a pretty good tour guide. I'm thinking about getting some certification or something. We walked until literally Jenna could not walk any more. We also hit parts of the Smithsonian, ESPN Zone, the National Archives, and the Subway which is always a crowd favorite. Derado wanted to fly a hot air balloon over the White House and wave at the president. Jenna and I told him that you can't do that. He didn't believe us, but it was getting late so we decided to go home and watch a movie instead.

This is a picture of part of the World War II Memorial that opened a few months ago. In the summer there were kids playing in the water and people hanging their feet over the edges. It was kind of neat, but now there are signs that say you can't do that. Derado was going to get in and swim...but it was cold...and he has bad circulation.

It was a great three days of fun. We saw a lot - rested and caught up - and Derado and Jenna learned the ropes of public transportation...which is something no one can put a price tag on. THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF! (I know that doesn't really fit, but I've been wanting to use that line in a post somewhere and just got tired of waiting.)

Time With Parents

2004-11-28T13:47:00.000-05:00

This past week my parents drove in for Thanksgiving to visit. My parents wanted to see Old Town ALexandria because I had talked about it so much so we headed down there for the day and walked by the water, ate lunch at The Fish Market, and walked through the quaint shops along the street. It was good to see them, have them there. We had a great time.

The National Cathedral

2004-11-28T13:45:00.000-05:00

When we left Alexandria we decided to do a little sightseeing, so we headed to the Washington National Cathedral. President Bush attends here on a regular basis and you have probably seen special services in the Cathedral on TV from time to time. I recognized the inside from TV myself.

When we got there and looked up, I was amazed! It was beautiful! I couldn't believe how detailed and ornate the building was on the outside and the inside. Most everything was hand carved in unbelievable detail. I can't even imagine how many people and how many hours it took to complete everything. You are able to go up into the top of the tower and look out the windows. It is an amazing view of the monuments and the city itself.

None of us wanted to leave. I could have spent all day there, but once we did, we tried to make it to a Catholic Church, which is a shrine of the Immaculate Conception. I know this is hard to believe, but driving through DC we got stuck in traffic and didn't get there in time to go in. We did get to see the outside though, which was also beautiful. We will go back and see the inside soon.

My First Wedding!!!!

2004-11-24T09:47:00.000-05:00

This past week-end I was able to perform my first wedding for Brian Lambert and Lacey McCartney who, if I did everything right, are now Mr. and Mrs. Brian Lambert at this time. Brian and Lacey were both in my youth group in Bluffton, Indiana and were dating when I left. When they asked me, I was excited...and a little nervous. It is a lot of pressure trying not to screw up someone's big day. But it was a beautiful service that went as smoothly as any I had seen. I enjoyed it even more than I thought I would. They truly are best friends, great together, and I pray that God will bless the two of them.

I spent as much time with Brian and Lacey as anyone else while I was in Bluffton. We spent countless hours in my apartment (which is now Brian and Lacey's apartment), Brian and I watching football while Lacey did her homework. When I left they even got me a present, a Peyton Manning jersey which I wear on a very regular basis, especially this season. I was so lucky and honored to be there with them and have a part in their service.

2004-11-24T09:42:00.000-05:00

I was so excited to hear that almost the entire wedding party was in my youth group in Bluffton at one time or another. I love them all so much and still feel so close them. We had a lot of fun and shared a lot of laughs in the 24 hours I was there.

2004-11-23T16:39:00.000-05:00

The wedding was a huge success largely because of these two highly trained ushers. Logan Moser on the left was the Executive Usher while Josh Branyan on the right was the Head Usher. Here in this picture they are showing their commitment to Brian and Lacey and to the position that had been bestowed upon them by God and man by picking me up and making sure I made it to the services safely.

Apologies, Travel, and Sickness

2004-11-15T19:10:00.000-05:00

This is my official apology to all of my readers and fans who check up on me on a regular basis, if there are any of you left. I am sorry that I have not posted anything on the web site for a long time and promise to do better in the future. I figured the best way to apologize was to give you as many excuses as possible so...I came back from my travels behind on work, I then caught strep throat which kept me on the couch for over a week and had me fearing for my life. The good thing is that I am back and better than ever and ready to connect with all of you once again.

My New Friend Aaron

2004-11-15T18:57:00.000-05:00

I have missed the youth pastor friends that I left behind in Indiana, but at a conference here recently I met some youth pastors in this area, Donnie MacDougal and Aaron Stroman, and was able to hang out with them at the conference. It was great to meet some guys in the area. Aaron works on the north side of DC about 45 minutes away and we decided to hang out the other night. It was fun until I got lost 3 times and went the wrong way down a one way street on the way back. DC driving at its best!

This is Aaron and myself with the dummy that Aaron had made out of clothes from the thrift store, newspapers, and lots of duct tape. He made the dummy to use in videos for his youth group. I agree, it is a little scary, but other than that he seems to be pretty normal.

Aaron and I are good friends because we understand that one of the most important things in a man's life is a grill, specifically a man's charcoal grill. (is there any other way?) A man just doesn't feel like a man without regular interactions with coals, fire, and meat. I know that I am a pastor and should not be envious, but I must admit that it was a difficult task when I saw his grill. Someday...oh yes...someday.

For all the ladies reading this post who are now interested in Aaron, I convinced him to start a blog of his own and you can check it out by going to www.aaronstroman.blogspot.com

The Vote For A New Season

2004-10-23T20:10:00.000-04:00

The temperature has dropped and the leaves are changing - way too early like always. At this years election I would like to vote that we add a season between summer and fall because the way we do it right now just isn't working. It is a little drastic to go from 90 degrees and summer fun one week to 60 degrees and flu shots the next. I believe at least a month of 70-80 degrees should be required between the two seasons, and honestly I am a little shocked that I am the first to come up with this. This added month will also give them more time to get this flu shot thing prepared and will give each of us a little extra time to decide on our holiday costumes which I think we would all agree tends to sneak up us. I am not seeking any recognition for this idea and do not care for the season to be named after me (unless that is what the people want, for who am I to argue with that) I just want to rid each of us of the unenjoyable seasonal shock that we experience on an annual basis. It is for the good of all mankind that I say these things. Please speak to your local Congressman and let's see what we can get done.

This is the pile of candy that I am giving away at our Costume Contest at The Riot our Sunday Night Youth Program. There is almost 100 pounds of candy in that pile. I really had no reason to pour it all out on my floor...but I wanted to...so I did. The pile was twice that tall but I couldn't keep the church staff out of it. They kept saying they had to try it and make sure it was safe for the youth. Yeah right, I've heard that before.

Back Home Again In Indiana

2004-10-19T21:55:00.000-04:00

This past week I finished my third week of travel by flying to a Denominational Youth Pastor's Conference. Luckily this year it was in Indiana so I had yet another reason to head home for a bit.

At the conference I was able to eat lunch and hang out with the Indiana North Youth Pastor gang and catch up with Jeff(middle) and Rob(right). I didn't put their last names because I still to this day can't spell Jeff's last name. Jeff was my youth pastor and helped me get my start in ministry and Rob is just famous. When I was just getting started these were the guys that I looked up to and learned from.....shoot.....I still do.

While in the big city of Indianapolis I was able to have dinner with my parents and kick back and relax with friends while eating wings and watching The Apprentice. Not Pictured: Brita Miller and Beth Baker. Pictured from left to right: Matt Miller, Aaron Baker (his house, his party), Matt Derado, Myself, and Carson Miller who has now found himself on my website about as much as I have.

Catalyst Conference in Atlanta

2004-10-12T18:00:00.000-04:00

Lately, I have been on the road constantly. Last week I was in Indiana for my Master's orientation. The beginning of this week I headed to Pennsylvania with most of our staff for a District Retreat and headed straight from there to the airport to fly to Atlanta, Georgia for John Maxwell's Catalyst Conference for next generation leaders.

This is us arriving in Atlanta the home of many famous people, none of which more famous than my good friend Allison Hill who I was able to talk to on the phone and who is currently mad at me for not stopping by to see her while I was in town. I also ran into many friends at the conference. A group of buddies from college that attend The Crux, one of the coolest churches I know in Indianapolis, Indiana, and I promised to give a "shout out" as I like to call it, to my fellow youth pastors in Indiana who I was able to sit by throughout the conference: Brian Holland and Jason Denniston.

This is the Passion Worship Band, probably the premier worship band in the country who led us in worship all week. We were able to sit about 10 rows from the stage and heard so many amazing speakers throughout the week, I can't even begin to tell you about it. It was an amazing conference that God definitely used to challenge and speak to me and many others. God is so good and I am so lucky to have a church, staff, and job that allows me to do this kind of traveling. Next week, I am off again to Indianapolis for a Denomination conference. I will be staying with friends so check back for more picks next week!

Soft Shell Crab Sandwich

2004-10-12T17:45:00.000-04:00

One thing everyone keeps asking me about around here is whether I have ever had a soft shell crab sandwich. It seems a little scary because not even all the locals like them. A crab goes through a time where they shed their hard shell and have soft shell. What they do is take the crab when it has it's soft shell and fry it whole (insides and all) place it on a piece of bread and there you have it. Some people think its the best thing in the world and some people won't touch it, so on my way to Pennsylvania for a conference we stopped for lunch and I decided that this was the day a boy becomes a man, so I placed the order, grabbed my camera, and got ready to eat!

Here is the soft shell crab sandwich. You can almost see it looking at you. I was able to handle the legs that were hanging off the side of the bread, but after two bites of the middle I was done. I think this is where I draw the line. I'm all about being a local here, but this is a little much. Well at least I was able to check it off of my list of things to do and claim it as another exciting tale of Authentic Maryland Cuisine.

Iwo Jima Memorial

2004-10-02T21:36:00.000-04:00

On our way back home from the airport, Pastor Mike got us lost. While trying to find our way back we drove by the Iwo Jima Memorial and since Brandon and I had never seen it, we decided to stop. When I walked up to it, it was much bigger than I had pictured it. I was very impressed. Here is a picture I took while I was there.

While looking at the memorial I couldn't help but think about our soldiers protected our freedom and fighting for the freedom of a nation and a people they don't even know. That is what this country is all about and it is no wonder why God chooses to bless America.

Starting my Masters

2004-10-02T21:26:00.000-04:00

It felt good being back on the great campus of Indiana Wesleyan University, seeing professors, seeing friends, remembering the good old times like when I skipped chapel to take a nap on a hot day not knowing that the guys tried to steam me out of my room by leaving the shower running on hot and by turning the heater on full blast for over an hour while I slept. When they returned, I woke up covered in sweat yelling, "WHY IS IT SO HOT IN HERE?!" Those were the days.

On a more serious note, I'm not kidding you here, I really got a phone call before going to class informing me that I had 4 chapel skips from 3 years ago that I needed to make up before I could start class. I have heard they are considering having the government freeze my assets and place my name on the Homeland Security's "no fly list" if my 4 chapels aren't completed within the month.

Luckily, once in class, I was able to quickly remember and lean on old study habits.

The Infamous Carson Miller

2004-10-02T21:01:00.000-04:00

Carson is laughing because he has the remote and is making me watch Baby Genius instead of Sportscenter. When I saw Carson I couldn't believe how grown up he was, man I miss that guy! He is learning very important things like how to signal a touchdown, his football stance, and he already throws better than Derado.

A Day At The Beach

2004-09-20T22:49:00.000-04:00

Work just never seems to end. As usual Brandon and I put in a full day of work yesterday and decided that today (Monday), instead of taking a day off as we usually would, we would put in a few extra hours. So we decided to do some legwork for the church and headed out to scope out some potential sites for future New Life Church plants.

Welcome to Ocean City! I think we might fight over who get's to pastor this one. This was my first trip to Ocean City and was looking forward to walking on the Boardwalk, getting a good whiff of saltwater, getting wet, and taking a nap on the beach. Here are some pictures of the area.

It was a little chilly and we didn't see too many people in the water, but I wasn't about to go to Ocean City and not get in the Ocean. Once we got in, it was time for me to learn how to surf. Now I can barely stand up on a skateboard that's not moving, but I was sure surfing would be a completely different story. Its not - its actually the exact same story, which also has a very similar ending. I had some spills, and spent some time underwater, but I got my feet on the board once. I didn't stand up, but my feet were on the board. I'm currently accepting offers from businesses wanting to sponsor me in my first surfing competition. Once I gave up for the day I figured I'd let Brandon do what he's good at, and I'd do what I'm good at, so for the next 2 hours he surfed and for the next 2 hours I slept...I think we both had a blast.

The sun, the water, and the beach were great, but the highlight of the day had to be finally getting my Boardwalk Fries on the Boradwalk. Boardwalk Fries are fresh cut fries drenched in Vinegar. It is by far the most popular snack on the Boardwalk and a personal favorite.

I feel blessed to be this close to so many exciting places and attractions. This is definitely an exciting time in my life.

Looks Like A Riot To Me!

2004-09-20T22:33:00.000-04:00

This is the group we had at our Riot Kick-Off Sunday night. You are looking at over 140 students! We have come a long way in 8 months (we started with around 20) The night was a huge success with a lot of energy, great music, gross games, and I'm sure some of my notoriously corny jokes. I am so proud of my ministry team and my students for reaching out to their friends. They are really starting to make a difference.

Exciting Ministry!

2004-09-18T16:38:00.000-04:00

I have had an exciting week with the youth. We had See You At The Pole this week and most of my students had never heard of it let alone done anything so public with their faith as to stand at their flagpole in front of all of their friends. But after the challenge was made, over 40 students from our youth group stood in the rain at their flagpoles Wednesday morning before school (One Jr. Higher knelt at his pole by himself - I was so proud of him) I went to the flagpole at 1 of the 8 different High Schools I have students in, and stood with over 10 of of my kids.

I have also been getting ready for the school year Kick-Off of The Riot, our Sunday night youth service. I know my students have been wearing their Riot shirts to school and have been passing out flyers to their friends. These kids don't have it easy at school - I am so proud to see them beginning to step up to make a difference. I'm sure God has so much in store.

I'M GOIN BACK!

2004-09-16T23:43:00.000-04:00

A famous poet once said, "Back to school, back to school, to prove to dad that I'm not a fool. I've got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don't get in a fight. Ooooohhh back to school, back to school." - Billy Madison

I thought I would take his advice and so today I made the decision. I'm going back! Yep, today I applied for the Master's of Ministerial Leadership program at the wonderful Indiana Wesleyan University and I begin class in a week and a half. I will be in class with a few friends and am actually excited to go. I was trying to make my housing arrangments and was requesting the corner three person room in Carmen Hall that I had my freshman year, ya know just for old times sake, but they told me that it is a girls dorm now, that there are already students in that room, and that I'm only going to be there for 2 and 1/2 days so I don't need my own dorm room. I was a little upset...when I was there rooming was based on seniority and I was in that room when those girls were in Jr. High.

The good thing is that everything is online and that I will only be in class for a little over a year and a half. The bad thing is that when they checked my transcript they saw that I skipped 26 chapels my senior year and so I have to listen to 78 chapel tapes before my first class.

Top: Matt Derado, Mike Gray, Matt Miller, James Matchette(me), Casey Pepper, Mike Wolfe Bottom: Zack Hoover, Marty Graverson

As I look forward to my first day of school, I thought it was fitting to look back at my last day of school. Oh the memories. I'm afraid it won't be the same without those guys...maybe I can at least get Derado to come to class with me one time in his hooded sweatshirt, mesh shorts, and those same old shoes.

Here's to OFFICE WORK!

2004-09-14T22:35:00.000-04:00

Because of the daily pressures our jobs have placed upon us, Brandon and I have decided to move our office to an off campus location in hopes of releasing the large amounts of creativity surely trapped inside of each of us.

This is a picture of our new off campus office complex. We felt that we owed it to the people, the people I say, to put ourselves in the best situation possible - to be as productive as we can be.

We have discovered that some crucial keys to productivity include: comfy chairs, overpriced drinks, caffeine, our friendly Starbucks server Robert from New Life Church, and the background music of Ray Charles: Genius Loves Company (I bought the CD, for professional purposes of course) In fact, I'm not sure how I have gotten anything accomplished before now.

I know what you are thinking...but hey...you wouldn't ask Picasso to paint the Mona Lisa without a brush and a canvas would you?

Let's Get It Started!

2004-09-09T16:17:00.000-04:00

The road to Jacksonville begins tonight for the Indianapolis Colts in a game that is fitting as the next Super Bowl Champs take down last years Super Bowl Champs in the first game of the season. My prediction is 31 to 20, Indianapolis of course. The NFL season is finally here which also means that my fantasy football addiction, I mean season, can begin as well. With my responsibilities at work and at home (my plant) I have decided to only enter 2 fantasy football leagues this year. It is a shame that all of us must grow up some time.

I will be watching the game in its entirety tonight since I discovered that I could watch The Apprentice tomorrow night on another cable station. Note: Survivor begins next week.

I am at home today sick, though still working, with what people keep telling me is allergies, though I don't believe them. The students are back at school, I have been attending sporting events, and I am getting ready for three important upcoming youth nights in a row: a See You At The Pole Rally, our Riot Kick-Off 2004-2005, and Who Wants To Be A Hundrednaire? (our spoof on who wants to be a millionaire). These three nights will hopefully give us a lot of momentum moving into the school year.

Adventures in Old Town

2004-09-08T17:19:00.000-04:00

Brandon and I had a day off Tuesday with not much to do so we headed into Old Town Alexandria, Virginia which is only 30 minutes away. We went to find a new Starbucks to go to, but ended up just walking around next to the Potomac River and through shops that seemed interesting.

The main street in Old Town is lined for around 3 miles with narrow 2 story and 3 story shops with everything from Christmas decorations to high priced orginal art. There are also a lot of cafe's, ice cream shops, and neat little restaurants. I sound like I'm writing a tourism pamphlet, but it was a really cool area with a lot to do and a lot to see. (Mental note...great place to take a date...hmmmm) And of course we located TWO Starbucks - the one above was my favorite of the two.

2004-09-08T14:11:00.000-04:00

The greatest accomplishment of the day was when we found a little cafe upstairs and in the back of a bookstore that was quiet and had a nice view of the Potomac River from a large window. It also had wireless internet and a coconut latte worth the drive so Brandon and I decided that we were going to come back and work there on a day we had a lot of writing to do. Though I do enjoy looking at the gray wall in my office as I write, I could handle the river for a change of pace...you know just to mix it up a bit.

Better Safe Than Sorry

2004-09-07T10:02:00.000-04:00

As you could probably guess, security is a big issue in this area of the country. And so our church - willing to pay any price to keep its employees safe - has hired me a full time staff of bodyguards. (seen below)

2004-09-07T09:55:00.000-04:00

My Official Bodyguards. They come pretty cheap - I pay them with advice on girls. (Hey, I know what you're thinking)

I was so excited to get to my first sporting event of the season. High School sporting events are my favorite place for ministry. It means a lot to the students when you are there (whether they admit it or not) - it allows me to connect with so many students (and their friends) all in one place - and there is usually popcorn. I am going to a girls field hockey game today to see 4 of my students play. I have never seen a field hockey game and I don't know anything about the sport, but after talking to the girls I realized that there are some good things and bad things about the sport. Bad thing: they don't have popcorn (though one of the girls offered to pop me some and bring it). Good thing: it sounds a lot like golf in that you have a stick, you swing, you hit a ball off the ground, you aim for something, and you knock people over.

Question to ponder: Is there anything scarier than a tightly packed group of High School girls all swinging wooden sticks at the same time?

Club Level Redskins Tickets!

2004-09-04T01:56:00.000-04:00

Thursday morning I walked into the office and Pastor Mike (my senior pastor and boss) said he wanted to talk to me. Whenever my parents said that to me, that meant I was in trouble. So as I prepared myself for the worst, Pastor Mike said that someone in the congregation had given him tickets to the Redskins game the next night, but he couldn't go, so he gave the tickets to me! I was guessing that this meant I was not in trouble and that I now had plans for Friday night. His plan was to give me the tickets in hopes that I would find a date to take with me. But I've gotten wise to him and I wasn't falling for his tricks so I called my friend David Hayes who is an avid Redskins fan and whose wife allowed him out of the house Friday night (thanks Kim) and asked him to go with me. Ohhhhh...one thing I forgot to mention was that these tickets were Club Level tickets (for those of you who don't know - that's good)

2004-09-04T01:54:00.000-04:00

The story begins with us walking up to FedEx Field where the Redskins play. If we only knew what lie ahead. There were a bunch of people tailgating in the parking lot before the game. Tailgating before a preseason game???? These are some serious fans!

2004-09-04T01:50:00.000-04:00

Once we entered the stadium and showed multiple security guards our tickets we were allowed up to the Club Level and immediately I felt like I was in a mall. It was carpeted and there were shops, restaurants, big screen TV's everywhere, and leather couches and chairs like the one I am sitting in eating my tasty Redskins Jumbo Hot Dog. I'm not sure what heaven is like but I'm sure it involves many of the elements found on the Club Level (NFL, extremely large TVs, team spirit, and jumbo hot dogs in tin foil will all be present I'm sure...at least on the guy side of heaven)

2004-09-04T01:34:00.000-04:00

Once we finished eating and pretending that we were as important as the people we were sitting with in the lounge, we found our Club Level Seats and I quickly realized that I had better enjoy the game from there because I will never be able to afford seats like those again.

2004-09-04T01:29:00.000-04:00

After all the hype and all the excitment the game finally started. It was time for football. I was excited to see three players in particular: Michael Vick, LaVarre Arrington, and Clinton Portis. By the end of the game Clinton Portis had only rushed one time for one yard, and Michael Vick had only completed one pass (to the other team). On the bright side LaVarre laid out Vick twice and the Redskins scored 24 points in the first quarter. In the end it was hard to find the words to describe this obviously overwhelming experience. After much thought, the only words that seemed to fit - GO COLTS!

6 Inches from $10,000

2004-08-28T00:10:00.000-04:00

Today I played in my fifth golf scramble of the summer at Andrews Air Force Base's South Course. Well today they were giving away $10,000 if you could get a hole in one on a 150 yard par 3. So I teed my ball up and hit it...it took off and was heading right at the flag. The ball landed just about a foot past the flag and began to roll back to the hole. It kept rolling, stopping just 6 inches from the hole! Can you believe that today I was 6 inches from getting $10,000. No you're not hearing me...do you know how close 6 inches is?! Well I didn't get the hole in one, but did win my second closest to the pin prize of the summer and got a $50.00 gift certificate to the Pro Shop (at a military base that I can't get back into) so I immediately went and purchased a golf shirt. So looking back and evaluating the day as a whole, I didn't get $10,000...but I got a golf shirt...so it all worked out in the end, right?

2004-08-28T00:09:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of the golf course at Andrews Air Force Base, where I played golf today. The base has 3 different 18 hole courses that are very nice. The coolest thing about the day was just knowing that you were playing golf on the same course where so many of the presidents have played and where President Bush plays on a regular basis.

2004-08-27T23:59:00.000-04:00

While we were playing golf at Andrews, I saw Air Force One take off and fly right over our heads and was able to get a really good look at it's hanger. I wanted to take a picture but my playing partners didn't think that was the best idea and said that if I did, odds are I would get kicked off the base and be arrested. It was very likely that our every move, and possibly even our every word, were being monitored somewhere...I thought about it, though.

All Good Things Must Come To An End

2004-08-27T22:54:00.000-04:00

This post is to officially inform all of you, in case you were waiting on the CD, that my musical career has officially come to to an end. On Wednesday August 25th shortly after my farewell concert I sold my guitar and officially retired to pursue other interests. Life on the road had just become too much and so I decided to put that part of my life behind me so that I could spend more time with my family (me and my plant) and to pursue other interests. We all must grow up sometime. My farewell concert went very well with hundreds of people there to hear me say good-bye (well it was at church, and so it is possible that some of them had come for the services and not for my concert which was not announced or promoted)

I know what some of you are thinking, that the two hours I have played that guitar over these past five years, are now a waste of time. But that's not the way to look at it. We must now think of how I will use those two hours, these next five years, to bring me closer to those I love and make me better at what I do best. The possibilities are now endless. It's an exciting new chapter in my life.

2004-08-27T22:53:00.000-04:00

My Farewell Concert

Weekly Poll - What do you think?

2004-08-25T22:02:00.000-04:00

We all face issues each and every day, issues that cause controversy every time they are thought about or discussed, issues that we would all like some sort of resolution to. And so that is why I have created the weekly poll - to allow everyone's voice to be heard in an orderly manner on a weekly topic that we are all facing. Each week you will find a new poll question on the right sidebar. Cast your vote and check back regularly to find out if you are in the minority or the majority. I figured that I should naturally start with the question that I hear most often, one that I am asked on a daily basis.

Together we can bring peace back to our lives - one sensitive issue at a time.

Summer's Top 5 Pictures

2004-08-23T18:35:00.000-04:00

It has been quite an eventful summer that has provided me with some quality photo opportunities. I decided for the sake of posterity (whatever that means) that it was time for us all to stop in the midst of all the hustle and bustle with our cell phones, blackberry's, to do lists, and alarm clocks, and remember the good times, to remember where we came from, to remember who we are and who we have been. So in that spirit I present to you this summers Top 5 Pictures. I hope you enjoy.

2004-08-23T18:34:00.000-04:00

#1 - The number one picture of the summer was this great action photo of me at camp. I was proud of my youth group for following me into the mud. I remain such a positive influence in their lives. It was a great bonding experience. As you can clearly see, my form is perfect. The splash was a little big, but I think I deserve high scores for this one.

2004-08-23T18:29:00.000-04:00

#2 - They always throw the youth pastor in the dunk tank. This is at our church's annual car show, at which I got to help choose who won the Pastor's Choice Trophy (I'm sure that's the one they came to win). I actually signed up for the dunk tank, because - well - like I really had a choice, this way it at least looked like I volunteered. They actually threw balls at the target the first five times before they just started pushing the lever in for the next hour and a half.

2004-08-23T18:24:00.000-04:00

#3 - The number 3 picture is a picture of me standing in front of Niagra Falls on the American side. I have been on both sides and can appreciate both. The Canadian side has the best view and is very commercialized and the American side has many different very good views and is in a park so it has more of a nature feel to it. I'm trying to do my GQ pose there if you hadn't noticed. I have been working on this at home when no one's watching.

2004-08-23T18:19:00.000-04:00

#4 - This is a picture of me getting my blood drawn for the very first time at my church, while Brandon and other staff watch, laugh, and take pictures. (Please make note that Brandon was too chicken to get it done himself) I went into this saying, "Oh, I won't pass out." As soon as they started pumping I began to feel it coming. They got me a Coke, which helped me right the ship and pulled me out of the tailspin. This was around 4:00 PM and I hadn't eaten anything yet that day. They told me afterward not to do that again.

2004-08-23T18:15:00.000-04:00

#5 - And finally this is a picture of one of my favorite memories of the summer. This is me eating a Buffalo Wing at the Anchor Bar - the place where they made the very first Buffalo Wing, in Buffalo, New York. (some of you just realized that Buffalo Wings are not named after the animal) I went there with the church staff during our staff retreat in May. This is where it all started and I think we all know that our lives and this country have never been the same since that day.

Well that's it! I hoped you enjoyed that brief time-out from life to remember the better times. Now get back to work.

Crazy about Crabs

2004-08-21T16:06:00.000-04:00

Indiana has basketball and I think I've realized that Maryland has crabs. They say, "You can catch them in other states, but we know how to cook them here in Maryland." From the Crab Cakes to the Cream of Crab Soup, I have tried it and I think they're right. I love it! But then came eating the crabs themselves. After being asked to go eat crabs time and time again I discovered that eating them out of the shell was the most popular way to eat Maryland Crabs. So I decided it was time - I wanted to go and give it a try!

2004-08-21T16:00:00.000-04:00

So here I am at Captain Billy's Crabhouse right on The Potomac River only 15 minutes from my house for my first experience with the crabs. I was all excited when I saw that there was paper all over the table because of how messy it is and I was ready to roll up my sleaves and dig in. The way I figured it, I love crab legs but quickly realized after opening up the shell and looking at the inside of that crab that this was no crableg. You can't really compare the two and people around here hate when you try. I'm not sure what part of the crab was what, but I was definitely having flashbacks to disection in science class. I only made it through 4 crabs my first time and must be honest was a little grossed out by it all. I left a little disappointed and not quite sure if I would try it again.

2004-08-21T15:54:00.000-04:00

Well I tried again. Who ever said you should learn your lesson the first time. Live a little - that's what I say. This is what the little buggers look like before you eat them. We ordered a bushel of crabs for around 15 of us on the fourth of July. In Indiana you grill on the fourth of July. Here on the fourth - and on most other holidays - or at any other time when you have more than two people together at the same time - you eat crabs. This time I had a teacher and learned how to eat them (there is a specific way to do it), and I was a little more prepared for what I was getting myself into, which made this experience much more enjoyable.

2004-08-21T15:50:00.000-04:00

This is what the little buggers look like when you're done eating them. I had 7 of them this time around. The pile of of crab pieces is not all mine I must admit. That pile probably represents around 18 crabs...I'm guessing. It is a local tradition that I must admit I am aquiring a taste for, though I still prefer a good Maryland Crab Cake or Cream of Crab Soup myself.

Productive Day!

2004-08-20T15:44:00.000-04:00

I officially named August 20th 2004, today, Productive Day. I had to do this for two reasons. One because I had a lot to do and two because I needed the new national holiday to motivate myself to do it. I don't know if you've ever wondered what a youth pastor does during the day...I'm guessing you have because my students are always asking (they are also suprised that I get paid), but each of us youth pastors went to school to learn about the Bible, Church History, Theology, and we learned to Preach because we were sure that these were the things that we would be doing once we became official youth pastors. Then we got to the office and sat at our desk and realized that college had not prepared us for our jobs at all and so I am now officially suggesting that IWU would add these classes to their curriculum for all youth pastors. Stupid Games 101, Making Flyers 201, Filling Out Reports 301, and the most important--Mailings 401 which might not be able to be covered in a one semester class and might have to broken up into classes on Stuffing, Sorting, Sealing, and Labeling. If you wanted to know what a youth pastor really does - this is it. and now you know. The following picture shows what I did all day today, I did catch lunch with a couple students at a coffee shop today, but finally after many hours this Ministry Display Board (which made me feel like I was doing a science fair project again) was finally completed. I think it looks quite nice. Again IWU did not prepare me for this project and so I was forced once again to learn as I went along. Sometimes I wonder what I paid for?

Note: I do love my job and a lunch with students makes things like science fair projects, mailings, reports, and even planning stupid games worth it.

Also please ignore that I am posting this at 3:44 PM in the middle of Productive Day, for such distractions are certainly not allowed on this special holiday. Considering that I'm the founder - and the need to inform the public - we will make an exception this one time.

2004-08-20T15:42:00.000-04:00

My Science Fair Project!

This Is My Story

2004-08-17T21:30:00.000-04:00

My journey began in Jonesboro, IN where I grew up on a farm with my parents and my sister. After high school, I attended Indiana Wesleyan University near home for four years meeting some of the most notorious men of our era. You would know them as Matt, Casey, Mike, Marty, Matt, Mike, Zack. Leaving most of the clan behind Zack and I set out for Bluffton, Indiana where I started as a youth pastor the day after I graduated from college. I was there for two years learning what it meant to be a youth pastor and ministering to one of the best bunch of students I have ever met, many of whom I believe will change their parts of the world for Christ someday. Some have already begun. Then God called me to something new and not only something but somewhere. I had never even thought of moving away from home and now found myself in a U-Haul on the way to Maryland to begin a new, but exciting phase of my life. The following stories are a mostly true account of the exciting years to follow. And no I'm not married.